sandradee0124

Much love and prayers to you my friend! Keep in touch. Hugs to you, hubby, daughter and parents!............

I'm sorry you aren't feeling well. I hope the shakes, the vitamins and the overall feeling of knowing your band is still there; working away for you (and with you) will help. I am sending you a virtual hug and lots of prayers...........

You are doing so fantastic, congratulations! Your posts are so inspiring and motivational!

First plane ride - check First full week away from home - check Had a moment of tears filling eyes when I got in my very own seat with its very own armrest down and FIT. Snapped the belt shut with about 6 inches remaining. Tray table went down with room to spare! Stood at a trade show 8 hours a day. So not tired we walked from the hotel to the Exhibition Hall each way each day in the 95 degree Phoenix heat. Worked out twice on top of all that (still on C25K program), carried boxes, cleaned booths, went to events and still not tired and no swollen ankles. Thank you Dr. Oliak. Thank you Blue Cross, Thank you friends and family, Thank you me for doing this. Thank God for the blessing of health recovery and peace of mind. I am a different person than I was 6 months ago. Could NEVER have done it without the surgery, the support, the information and the motivation. Love you all!!! :thumbup:

You LOOK FANTASTIC!!! I just saw the new profile picture! I'm doing the C25K program and I'm basically running 3 miles 3 days a week so I'm ready! My first run will be the Turkey Trot in Dallas Texas :-). Congratulations on your success, thank you for all your support, Debra, and best wishes for the race and life!

Congratulations my friend. You have done fantastic from the start in terms of weight loss, clothes sizes, motivation and enthusiasm. Best wishes for continued success!

Many of us probably have stories similar to this. I sucked on olives. Its the flavor I guess? Just be careful not to take a bite! Not that one bite will send you on a path to not being compliant; it might not feel so good going down and end up coming back up :-). Take care of you!

Congratulations, way to go! You are doing fantastic; keep up the great effort.

I had them when I used to fly (about 10 years ago now). I had to go see a doctor because I couldn't deal. He told me to write down 3 things on a sticky that I would tell myself when the attacks happened, and carry the sticky with me. It helped! I'm so sorry you are going through this. Hoping you are doing better!

I'm glad you are feeling better, keep resting and following the plan your doctor gave you. This becomes second nature at some point, but we are all together on this "bandwagon" to help each other!

I had a meeting with the nutritionist that went over what to eat -- combinations of protein, fat, carbs. Did you get anything like that? As Fool4Dance said (above), we were instructed to eat approximately 1 C of food 3x a day. The 1C consisted of 50% protein, 25% carbs and 25% veggies. There were other specifics as well but that was the high end. Also, that was my surgeon's office and other people might be different.

Too cute! I love the idea of the Yahoo group. Its nice to be able to "hang out" with fellow bandsters and yes, you notice things like portion sizes a lot! Have fun on your mini-vacation.......

Walmart has protein shots. They aren't all bad :-). Try to walk whenever you can -- it seems to generate more energy. And rest! Sleep helps your body heal. I'm glad you are doing well; take care!

Next time don't "practically" flirt -- just do it! I love reading your posts -- I totally relate and get inspired at the same time!

Stress affects us all. First, as you did on your blog, focus on the positive -- your friend and groom's mother will be with you all in spirit. Second, you are doing so many great things for your daughter's beautiful wedding. Enjoy the time. Finally, you are a constant source of inspiration and support to so many in your life. Give yourself 15 minutes of reflection and down time and it will help. And like Im said -- figure out a serving, put it on a plate and look at it. Throw the rest of the bag DEEP in the garbage. Best of luck to you in all this. God's Peace........

Printed it out and put it on the fridge. I love it!

Way to go! You worked hard to get here and you deserve this success! I'm so glad you moved on -- you made a great decision for yourself, your health and your future! Congratulations :-)

I feel full after eating approximately 3/4 - 1C of food (mostly protein, some veggies or a little fruit). My first meal is around 8 am. I eat slowly and chew well and I start to feel "full" at that 3/4C mark. Lunch is around 12 and I have just started to get a little hungry. I eat 3/4 C of mostly protein here. I get a little hungry around 5 and eat 1/2 protein bar (driving). Around 7 I eat about 3/4 C of protein and veggies. I really take care to get the protein in as I struggle with hair loss. I eat slow and steady and I don't get stuck or anything else very often. I am not hungry otherwise. I never snack or eat between meals anymore as I'm just not hungry for anything which is helping a lot. I used to move into the "high caloric intake" danger zone between October 15th and January 1st (holidays) so I'm excited about this year!

Absolutely great pictures and fantastic post! I've been using your posts as some extra motivation: clothes, running, trips. You are an amazing support; I cannot thank you enough!!!

You are in my prayers! I hope at least you can get some rest and eat something! Let us know when they run your GI! No matter what, we'll all be there for you :-). Hugs :::::::::::

Did you guys every play that game in the car? I was thinking about it driving home tonight. Random thoughts: I have changed so much in the past nine months. A lot on the outside, to be sure, but just as much inside. Setting and working toward healthy goals has helped me in SO MANY WAYS. My energy and self confidence have enabled me to make some changes in my behavior -- reactions, enthusiasm, ability to work harder and smarter -- that mean my professional and personal lives are on a happier track than they were before. I wore a size LARGE shirt today. Me. 3X Woman in a misses large! And I walked by a mirror this afternoon and happened to see a side view. Wow! I have a figure! I'm not Jabba the Hut anymore! I have cheekbones?! A neck! And ONE chin?! In traffic, I just thought about this and said a prayer, thanking God for the many blessings I've had since making the decision to have LAP-BAND® in late December. I am so blessed. I know who I am: a Christian bandster looking forward to decades of health, peace and happiness!

No worries on venting -- I feel you on this one 1000%. I was banded 4.5 months ago and I've re-hidden the scale twice. It is hard not to weigh and even harder not to let the fluctuations affect your mindset. Hiding is the best thing possible. I recommend it! Best of luck to you!

I'm glad you had a good time! Like Janet said -- you were enjoying LIFE! You go girl! :-)

You totally deserve that, Janet! I am so blessed to have "met" you!