tonya66

My meals vary. I usually have a low fat/no sugar yogurt with a spoonful of granola for bfast. lunch, lately its been a chicken tender and mixed veggies, or a small frozen WW meal, I usually cannot finish it. Today its a small container of tuna (2.9 oz.) with some FF mayo - just a little, and a few multi-grain crackers to go with it. I will probably wait a few hours and have a pealed apple too. dinner, I can eat more, I have to watch my portion control for dinner. I usually have whatever we are having for dinner but put it on a small plate and force myself to eat very slow. This helps me not overeat. The one thing I have noticed, I could always eat more even with great restriction, but I try and listen to my body. When I'm no longer hungry, I stop, I try to see how little I can eat vs. how much I can eat. The key I've also found is Protein FIRST!!!!!! Also, when you first get banded, you will only be able to eat a few tablespoons, enjoy it.....that will end. Try and get your fluids in too. I try and sip Water all day, this helps my pouch stay busy.

I always try and eat at least 3 hours before bed, then rinse my pouch out with some water about 30 to 45 min before bed.

Well, I've had my share of surgeries - In the past 4 years, I've had a total of 8 surgeries. Four on my arms alone, I have some major nerve damage in there. This guy I work with calls me "HH". Stands for Hospital Ho - he said I've done been in every hospital bed there is. lol. I take it with a grain of salt and I'm hoping losing weight and getting into shape will keep my body from falling apart any further. I believe its around 3.9cc, my band is a 4cc band. It might be a tad over 3.9, but I'm pretty sure thats where it is. I've come to the realization that the band will never be consistant for me, the restriction level that is. Mine changes on a meal to meal basis. In the evening, I'm a lot looser, so I really have to watch my portion control, and i'm perfect during the day. I've also noticed that about 1 week or 10 days out of the month, I'm very loose. I think this is when I would be having my monthly, however, I had a hysterectomy and don't have those any more. I still have my ovaries, so I still have the hormonal thing, so I think thats why I still have the same symtoms. I think when I'm loose, is when I would be having my monthly cycle and even though I don't get them any more, my hormones still go thru the cycle. I think that I really need to focus on me making better choices, and exercise. The band will keep me from going too crazy, but its not going to take me to goal. I'm going to have to do that by eating right and exercising.

Well, i'm back at work today and recovering from my sickness. Busy busy busy..... Still, did not make it to they gym! Nor did I get up this morning, will try and make it tonight! I have to do some grocery shopping and a big purchase at Sams tonight for a wedding I'm catering on Saturday, so working out is on my list, but not sure I will get to it. I know, I know, I need to make it a priority. On a good note, this fill sure is feeling good! Eating a lot less, and getting full a lot quicker. I am having to slow down while eating, which is a good thing for me. So far, I think this might be the sweet spot I've been trying for over 2 years to get to. I think I might have finally found it! I sure hope it doesn't leave me. I think this could get me to goal if it stays this tight. Menu today: Bfast protein shake made with soy milk lunch WW meal - ate about 1/2 of it, and threw the rest out. Couldn't finish it all snack string cheese dinner: grilled chicken tender spinach salad

Well, i'm back at work today and recovering from my sickness. Busy busy busy..... Still, did not make it to they gym! Nor did I get up this morning, will try and make it tonight! I have to do some grocery shopping and a big purchase at Sams tonight for a wedding I'm catering on Saturday, so working out is on my list, but not sure I will get to it. I know, I know, I need to make it a priority. On a good note, this fill sure is feeling good! Eating a lot less, and getting full a lot quicker. I am having to slow down while eating, which is a good thing for me. So far, I think this might be the sweet spot I've been trying for over 2 years to get to. I think I might have finally found it! I sure hope it doesn't leave me. I think this could get me to goal if it stays this tight. Menu today: Bfast protein shake made with soy milk lunch WW meal - ate about 1/2 of it, and threw the rest out. Couldn't finish it all snack string cheese dinner: grilled chicken tender spinach salad

Deb - that is pretty good price. I am going to start going to some consultations in January. I will see what they say. I have a quote from a doc in Mexico, and it was $5100 for TT and lipo in my thighs. And I would have to pay for airfare to Cali. Confused - yes, take it easy. You don't want to injur yourself further, I know its hard, I was on crutches for 6 weeks after my knee surgery and couldnt do any exercise for 3 months. Now ive torn my rotary cuff and and its been 6 months and it still hasn't healed completly.

Yes, you called it, Manatee, you had her number from the beginning didn't you! As I was watching the show, I was thinking about your post and you stating you didn't like her, I thought you are so right! I hadn't formed an opinion until tonight. I'm with you Manatee - I am not a Tracy fan. I was hoping she would go below the yellow line, when she does, she will be gone. Sean, the youth pastor lives in my city - Tulsa, OK. I was wondering where he works out at. I'm going to ask around and see if he works out at my gym. I thought him and Antoin looked really good, and looks like there is a love connection too for Antoin.

hey Debbie, glad to see you online. I agree, its so easy for the old eating habits to start creeping back on us, I know its happened to me more than once. Especially my emotional eating, I really have to watch that. Too bad the band doesn't fix our thinking. What PS did you have? I am really wanting a tummy tuck next year, or my arms done, or my thighs, I can only have one I think because of the cost. But we'll see what needs it more. lol.

I've read that somewhere too, not sure where. But I have plateau at every weight I stayed out for any period of time. For instance, for years I was at 195, so when I got down to 195 I just stayed there for about 2 months. I kept pushing and finally broke it, I flew past the 180's and then got stuck in the 170's, which was a weight I was at for a time too. I'm currently stuck in the 160's which is where I was at 20 years ago for a time. This is my longest plateau yet! Of course, I keep not making the best choices too. I know once I can break out of the 160's, the 150's will be a peace of cake. My weight before I got married and I was maintaing was in the 140's so I expect to get there and stay there. I don't think I will ever be smaller than that, and I'm okay with that.

Sounds like you are inflamed, irritated. I would stick to mushy, soft foods. You are a tighter now because of a fill, how big are your bites? Make sure thay are no bigger than a dime, put your fork down between bites. What did you get stuck on? Now is the time you need to make notes of foods that you get stuck when you eat. These foods might become off limits to you, if you eat the again and you get stuck, then you have to make note that you won't be able to eat them. If you are still having issues and the PB episodes become more frequent, you will need to go see your doc. PB episodes are not good, so you don't want to be too tight that you are getting stuck with every meal. But really make sure you are taking small bites, that your chewing and you are waiting a little bit between bites. With each fill you get, your eating will need to change, so remember that, that was hard for me to remember.

Well, eating has been going good, my restriction level seems to be good. I do have to slow down a bit, and I just don't eat as much. I've trying to make good choices on my eating, making sure I eat my protein first and that does make a big difference. I grilled some chicken last night on my george Foreman grill, and I had 1 1/2 tenders and I was done! That was about 2 oz of meat, I had a sliver of cantelope with it as well. My acid reflux is gone, no more waking up in the middle of the night coughing, so things seem to be good with this fill. I don't get too excited because this has happened to me before, then all of a sudden the restriction leaves, but we'll see how this one goes. Exercise - well I need to be more consistant. I have been sick all weekend, but feeling a little better today. I'm going to go to the gym today and get some cardio in! For me, its all or nothing, and lately if I can't do it all, I do nothing. I'm trying to change my mindset, one of the suggestions that Dr. Vuong's book made was to take some baby steps, just incorporate some type of exercise in each day, whether its taking the stairs, or parking further away at the store. I am going to have that attitude instead of "I blew it today, didn't make it to gym". Weight - I go thru spurts, most of the time I'm a total scale whore, I have to weigh every day, every evening, and sometimes in between. I'm going thru a phase where I just don't want to see the number. I am just not interested in that damn scale controlling my mood today, so I've stayed off it. I am just focussing on eating right and hoping when I do weigh, I will be pleasantly surprised and happy. I did wear a size 8 dress this weekend to my assembly and did I get a lot compliments, made me feel good. The dress was a little tight, but it wasn't too tight that I couldn't wear it. So maybe the scales are bouncing up and down, or maybe I haven't made it to the gym on a consistant basis lately - but what I can say is my size 8 dress is long way from my size 18 dress I used to wear. I've made a lot of changes in my life since getting the band, and a lot has changed on the inside of me. I still feel like a fat cow, and have a hard time thinking "I'm skinny", but then sometimes when I slip into a dress that I can look at and think "there is no way I'm fitting into that", and I do, wow.....it makes me realize how far I've come. I seem to focus on that ending number, that goal weight but today I'm going to pat myself on the back and say, Good Job Tonya, you've come a long way baby! No negative talk today....

Well, eating has been going good, my restriction level seems to be good. I do have to slow down a bit, and I just don't eat as much. I've trying to make good choices on my eating, making sure I eat my protein first and that does make a big difference. I grilled some chicken last night on my george Foreman grill, and I had 1 1/2 tenders and I was done! That was about 2 oz of meat, I had a sliver of cantelope with it as well. My acid reflux is gone, no more waking up in the middle of the night coughing, so things seem to be good with this fill. I don't get too excited because this has happened to me before, then all of a sudden the restriction leaves, but we'll see how this one goes. Exercise - well I need to be more consistant. I have been sick all weekend, but feeling a little better today. I'm going to go to the gym today and get some cardio in! For me, its all or nothing, and lately if I can't do it all, I do nothing. I'm trying to change my mindset, one of the suggestions that Dr. Vuong's book made was to take some baby steps, just incorporate some type of exercise in each day, whether its taking the stairs, or parking further away at the store. I am going to have that attitude instead of "I blew it today, didn't make it to gym". Weight - I go thru spurts, most of the time I'm a total scale whore, I have to weigh every day, every evening, and sometimes in between. I'm going thru a phase where I just don't want to see the number. I am just not interested in that damn scale controlling my mood today, so I've stayed off it. I am just focussing on eating right and hoping when I do weigh, I will be pleasantly surprised and happy. I did wear a size 8 dress this weekend to my assembly and did I get a lot compliments, made me feel good. The dress was a little tight, but it wasn't too tight that I couldn't wear it. So maybe the scales are bouncing up and down, or maybe I haven't made it to the gym on a consistant basis lately - but what I can say is my size 8 dress is long way from my size 18 dress I used to wear. I've made a lot of changes in my life since getting the band, and a lot has changed on the inside of me. I still feel like a fat cow, and have a hard time thinking "I'm skinny", but then sometimes when I slip into a dress that I can look at and think "there is no way I'm fitting into that", and I do, wow.....it makes me realize how far I've come. I seem to focus on that ending number, that goal weight but today I'm going to pat myself on the back and say, Good Job Tonya, you've come a long way baby! No negative talk today....

Hi Sandie, a fill is an adjustment to the band, to make it a little tighter so you have more restriction. I think I felt a little sick because the band just got a little tighter around my stomach, I usually feel that way for a day or two after my adjustmens/fills, but I never throw up, just feel a little quesy for a day or two then it leaves. I hope this answered your question.

Well, my fill is back to normal now. No problems, so far I don't think I need another one, so I'm going to just monitor it and hopefully this one will help me get to goal! JUNO - CONGRATULATIONS ON HAVING A BABY BOY!!!! Thats cool you will have one of each, I have a boy and a girl and so happy it worked out that way. You have done great on your pregnancy, did you get a complete unfill? I can't remember? I am still working on getting my exercise in, a miss and a hit here and there, I know I need to be more consistant. Eating has been pretty good. I just finished reading Mahamad Ali's daughter's book, "Fighting Weight", she had the lapband. It was a good book. She looks great and hit her goal, it took her 3 years, so I was kinda glad that I wasn't alone. lol. I also read Dr. Duc Vuong's book, Ultimate Lap-Band Success. It was also good and informative, made me realize I am not a failure and the band will work if you use it, the band doesn't fail you, you fail the band. Anyhow, I need to eat my Protein more and make sure I eat it first!

Your right, not as much interest when there is no drama. lol. I agree, sometimes I just wish they would just eliminate the lowest loser, but then again, its a game, so they have to make it interesting. I really haven't formed an opinion about any one individual yet, so I can't say I don't like her yet, but I can say she is not my favorite either. I am liking Abby, just because I can relate to her and I like Daniel, but I'm sure as time goes on, my mind could change. I remember last season, I was not that big of Tara fan, but then I saw her determination and her will and it made me become a big fan. So, its still early for me to make any decisions yet, but this season looks like there are going to be some dramatic changes, since they are so big. Can't wait for the finale so I can see how much everyone has changed. Thats always my favorite part!:scared2:

Hey, thanks for the link, I've been dying to know who she had a crush on. They used to have Biggest Loser on fancast.com, however, now they have taken it off. Weird. I have to dvr it every Tuesday because I have a standig meeting I attend on Tuesdays, but as soon as I get home, gotta watch it! Tuesday nights, I'm up too late watching the biggest Loser, but I just can't wait until Wednesday to watch it. lol.

My DH is leaving for Canada Friday - going geese hunting....He'll be there for about a week. Have fun! :thumbdown:

My band has settled down quite a bit now. I stayed on liquids/mushy foods all day yesterday, didn't eat past 6pm and exercised last night, I had NO ACID REFLUX. I got to sleep a full 7 hours!!!! I woke up feeling great! I still am a bit tight, but not too tight at all, this might be perfect.....we'll see if it continues to get looser. Now, I just need to keep my exercising up - not to get side tracked - and continue watching my portion sizes.

My band has settled down quite a bit now. I stayed on liquids/mushy foods all day yesterday, didn't eat past 6pm and exercised last night, I had NO ACID REFLUX. I got to sleep a full 7 hours!!!! I woke up feeling great! I still am a bit tight, but not too tight at all, this might be perfect.....we'll see if it continues to get looser. Now, I just need to keep my exercising up - not to get side tracked - and continue watching my portion sizes.

My band has settled down quite a bit now. I stayed on liquids/mushy foods all day yesterday, didn't eat past 6pm and exercised last night, I had NO ACID REFLUX. I got to sleep a full 7 hours!!!! I woke up feeling great! I still am a bit tight, but not too tight at all, this might be perfect.....we'll see if it continues to get looser. Now, I just need to keep my exercising up - not to get side tracked - and continue watching my portion sizes.

Well, things have definetly gotten worse with my band being too tight. I'm going to stay on liquids for the next few days and see if that doesn't calm my irritation down, I've had this happen before. If it doesn't, I might have to go in for a slight unfill. I didn't know Ambien makes you eat? I dont take it often, I have the Ambien cr, I think my perscription is like a year old, I've maybe taken it 3 times, maybe 4. But so far, haven't seen a difference in my hunger. How is everyone else doing? Anyone out there lurking?

Okay, this last fill I've had is really playing some tricks on me. First I was perfect, then I was too lose, and now I'm extremely tight. grrrrr............. I am staying on liquids for a few days and see if that can calm my irritation down. I couldn't eat anything last night and went to bed and was up all night with acid reflux. My throat is so sore from caughing. I am going to give it a few days because I've had this happen before, it sometimes takes a few weeks for my band fill to really settle in. But if it doesn't loosen up a bit, I might have to go in for an unfill. I can't live on liquids alone. Sucks because the fill was great - perfect, then got a little too lose. I'm so frustrated with trying to get to the sweet spot. Another thing I might have to do is finally start taking small bites. You know, I've never had to do that, I've always eaten regular. Maybe I need to actually learn how to eat "The Bandster" way. I'm going to pull out my little rules and make sure I'm following them before I get an unfill. I think I might be taking too big of bites. I bought two new books that I can't wait to read, one is from Khaliah Ali - she talks about her wonderful experience with the band. I also bought Dr. Duc C Vuong book, he's on this forum alot and I thing his book is more for people who have already had the band vs the people who are trying to get it. Which I like that, seems like most of the books on the market focus on explaining what the band is and how it works. I want to read a book that talks about the long term success with the band etc. One thing I have really never thought about is the PROTEIN FIRST rule. Well, I always try and eat it first, but if we go to a restraunt and my salad comes, I eat it first, Dr. Vuong says you have to for go that, I need to work on that. Anyhow, life is a struggle right now, my alergies are causing all kinds of drainage, which could be the reason my band is so tight, who knows. I will just play it out for a few days and see what happens.

Okay, this last fill I've had is really playing some tricks on me. First I was perfect, then I was too lose, and now I'm extremely tight. grrrrr............. I am staying on liquids for a few days and see if that can calm my irritation down. I couldn't eat anything last night and went to bed and was up all night with acid reflux. My throat is so sore from caughing. I am going to give it a few days because I've had this happen before, it sometimes takes a few weeks for my band fill to really settle in. But if it doesn't loosen up a bit, I might have to go in for an unfill. I can't live on liquids alone. Sucks because the fill was great - perfect, then got a little too lose. I'm so frustrated with trying to get to the sweet spot. Another thing I might have to do is finally start taking small bites. You know, I've never had to do that, I've always eaten regular. Maybe I need to actually learn how to eat "The Bandster" way. I'm going to pull out my little rules and make sure I'm following them before I get an unfill. I think I might be taking too big of bites. I bought two new books that I can't wait to read, one is from Khaliah Ali - she talks about her wonderful experience with the band. I also bought Dr. Duc C Vuong book, he's on this forum alot and I thing his book is more for people who have already had the band vs the people who are trying to get it. Which I like that, seems like most of the books on the market focus on explaining what the band is and how it works. I want to read a book that talks about the long term success with the band etc. One thing I have really never thought about is the PROTEIN FIRST rule. Well, I always try and eat it first, but if we go to a restraunt and my salad comes, I eat it first, Dr. Vuong says you have to for go that, I need to work on that. Anyhow, life is a struggle right now, my alergies are causing all kinds of drainage, which could be the reason my band is so tight, who knows. I will just play it out for a few days and see what happens.

Sala - the good news on your trip is YOU DIDN'T GAIN. I aways gain, no matter how healthy I eat, I think traveling makes me old onto Water. My husband leaves for Canada the 25th, he's so excited. I ended up getting another fill on 8/31/09 - well It was tight, then lose, and today it is tight again. I'm hoping it just took a few weeks to kick in. We'll see how this goes. I'm tired of the scales these days, so going thru a phase where I am not weighing, I can tell I'm up, was out of town last week for a funeral, and well, the food was abundant and I took advantage of it. Didn't eat a whole lot, but ate all the bad bad stuf. The past few nights I have survived off no sleep, was awake every 30 min caughing up fluids - it was coming out my nose, it was horrible. Last night, I went and bought some Zertech D, took an acid reducer pill, and popped an ambien, I really needed my sleep! Well, glad to say, I slepted until around 4:30 before I needed to caugh some stuff up. It was wonderful to sleep that long. Usually it starts by 11:30 and last every 30 min, I get no sleep. I'm thinking I have so much drainage going on when I lie down, and I get tighter, there is no where for it to go. Everything that comes up is clear, there is no food in it, so thats why I decided to try a drying alergy medicine, and it worked, for the most part. I can handle sleeping until around 4:30, I get up at 5 anyhow. Waking up at 4:30 will help me get to the gym! Anyhow, I hope it works again tonight, I'm going to do it again tonight and see how it works. Okay, goals today, GET BACK ON TRACK!

I missed my goal last week, had a death in the family, had to travel out of town, blah blah blah, ate too much of the wrong stuff, haven't stepped on the scale, but I can tell I've gained. My feet are swollen, holding a lot of water. I usually do when I travel. Anyhow, I've used the death in the family as an excuse, time to get back on track. Will weigh in the morning to get a true picture of where I am, I know its not going to be pretty, but time to face the music! Need to up my water, and get back to the gym, consistantly! No more excuses!