sandradee0124

Salt. Retain water Goes away. At least that used to be my experience. Haven't eaten Chinese since April. But I love sushi (well sashimi) and I don't eat any sauce or soy at all. Check out a nutritional label on some restaurant Chinese and see. You are a workout maven!!!

Try to focus on the benefits of having the band as a tool in your efforts to lose weight and get healthy. I remember somebody telling me to create a picture in your head of how you will look and feel and then focus on that. Best of luck to you!

Reading your blog made me think about my own loss and where I am. It seems to slow down about the halfway point, I totally agree! But it is so fantastic to feel so much better! Congratulations on your success!!!

There are also great recipe sites online: sparkpeople.com, recipeczar.com, 400caloriemeals.com, and weightwatchers.com. I try to explore a new recipe every week at least once. I live by myself so once a week is probably enough when you consider portions! Thanks for the update!!!

I fell asleep after LA. I didn't mean to; I was just exhausted. I DVRd it though and I'm going to watch it today (working from home). I love the fall -- TV to record and watch when I'm working out!!!

I want a picture of the shoes! I got a couple pairs of new shoes and they have sequins and sparklies -- must be the thing? I think you did fantastically, and I'm happy you feel better! Good luck on your goals this week!

Call Care Credit and find another doctor. Is that your insurance? And talk to the doctor's financing department. Maybe there is a retroactive way? Good luck, Dixie. God's Peace :-)

I think I used the same phrase at the same time after my surgery. Your stomach is healing; but it is swollen and there was a lot of pushing and pulling in there to get the band and port in. It takes a couple days. Protein shots, isopure (like Bklyn said), slim fast will help you get protein. There are some good clear broths -- chicken, vegetable -- out there. Small sips frequently and walk as much as you are able. Rest. Hugs!!!!!

Oh I am so happy for you! If you can, take a few quiet minutes and don't stress out. The hardest part (in my mind insurance approval) is over! You are on your way! Take care; keep in touch..........

You are doing fantastic! I agree with you on the feeling better -- it seems like I have more energy and it gets easier every day! Congrats and keep up the great work!!!

My mouth is watering....... Its lunch time so I'm good with that. I have a couple suggestions. Can you get your husband more on board with eating healthier? He seems to be a trigger -- popcorn, resteraunt, pizza etc. It will help you a lot if he doesn't make the purchases/suggestions he did. Just an idea. Secondly, if you know you are going out to dinner, look up resteraunts ahead of time, check out their nutrition guides and pick what you are going to order before you go. Like QT said (above) Applebees actually has some great options that are high protein, low calorie, low carb. And the last suggestion -- when you go out to dinner tell the waitress to 1) take away bread and 2) bring you a doggie bag container right away. Eye your meal to make sure it doesn't fill more than a small plate (1C), and put the rest in the doggie bag and cover it up. We are all with you on this process. Best wishes to you :-)

I'm no where close to where you are, but I'm stuck for weight loss right now. I researched plateaus on this site and how to overcome them and I think exercise seems to be the key if the fills aren't the ticket. Maybe add a day of exercise? That would be my recommendation....... Congratulations on all your wonderful success and best wishes..........

Thanks for checking in! I am so glad the visit went well and that you are feeling better band-wise. I won't address the Colts thing as its a non-band issue lol. Congrats on the new clothes, shoes and furniture! It sounds like a great weekend! Welcome back!

Nice work with the new doctor! I'm glad you feel better about it all, and yourself now! Maybe you could figure out how to start a group in Greenville? Or closer? My mom lives in Plano. What about McKinney? Just ideas. I went to a support group meeting this week and it helps with a boost so much!!!

Your posts are always educational and inspirational. I wish you all the best on your future recovery and look forward to future posts.

Two things: 1. I think I've always been pretty opinionated, but it seems like its getting worse the older I get (or more frustrated or busy or something?). I will try to keep my opinions to myself. Nobody needs to hear what I think and I've noticed I'm telling people what I think isn't really a good thing. I'm going to try to (LoseIt's term) Close Thy Mouth a little more whether its in a conversation at work, church, or even on this site. 2. I had my surgery almost 4 months ago. People don't really want to hear about lap band (outside of bandsters). People I haven't seen for more than 4 months don't really want to hear HOW I lost weight they just want me to say "thank you" for the compliment and move on. I've struggled with this one and I'm working on making this better. I'm just so excited about how my life is going I get a little giddy and talkative. Its my nature and this old dog is working on new tricks. Until then, thank you all for listening and understanding :-). :thumbup:

Definitely talk to your doctor. It is a valid concern. Good luck..........

I used to work for a company that sold blood thinners and had a lot of clinical data on it. If you have a tendency to clot, or take medications or have taken blood clotting medications in the past you may be more prone to developing clots after surgery. Blood thinners prohibit the blood from clotting. After surgery, if you don't walk every couple hours your body has a tendency to move those clots through your system, causing potentially serious issues. Therefore thinning the blood will reduce the ability for the blood to clot in the first place. From a clinical standpoint, make sure you are giving or getting the right dosage, and take care with your skin and avoid bumping and bruising -- blood thinners will make you bleed and bruise a little easier for a period of time. There are also pressure garments they may put on your legs for after surgery. These are little squeezers that prevent clots from forming in your legs after surgery. Same purpose just immediate post op. Heparin is the most common anti coagulent (clotter) in the US. It is highly regulated and used by millions. I've put a link to the site below for you to look at: (kind of technical but you will get a lot out of it) Celsus Laboratories You will do great! Thank goodness for thorough surgeons, huh? Best of luck to you.....

Make a list of three reasons you got banded. Put them on a sheet of paper and copy it and put it in places where you see it all the time -- refrigerator, car, mirror, wallet. Self talk yourself into the eating piece -- remembering the reasons --. Good luck to you. I'm pretty hard headed (you think guys?!), and I told myself I was never going to eat around the band and I can't now. My mind just takes me away from it. I've just told myself something so many times it becomes second nature. Best of luck to you!

Somewhere I thought I read to try and give it about a week, if you aren't throwing up or as long as you can get liquids and protein in. I agree with finally -- a tiny bit out can make all the difference.

Its hard but try to find a couple minutes for some peace. Stress seems to really tighten the band. I know scientifically that doesn't make sense, but I get really, really tight when I get stressed. The other thing is -- have you called your surgeon yet? I just am not liking your comments about how the pain feels and hoping you feel better. Maybe they can make a suggestion? Take care of you............

Good: you will feel better than you ever have. Maybe in your whole life. Bad: you will regret not doing it sooner Ugly: Before pictures I can honestly say it was the best decision I have ever made in my life. There are so many positives; some of which you can't "see" or "feel" they just exist: plane seats, crossing your legs, shopping in stores you couldn't before...... Best of luck to you! Be at peace with your decision and take care!

Lazy-Boy?? Ashley Furniture? Living Spaces? (not sure if you have those, but try!). Your visit sounds like so much fun! I'm sure you'll feel less of an issue in a couple days and get back to at least semi-solids. I can't judge. I don't like creme brulee (I know, right?). I'm really into jello pudding and today I had a (whispering) peanut butter cupcake. Now why, when I can't eat bread AT ALL, did that cupcake, including peanut butter frosting, slide down? I do not know, my sister. I hope you enjoyed your dessert/meal/visit and that you feel better soon!! :::: HUGS ::::