sandradee0124

Nice! That is wonderful! And what is this about "just 50 lbs"? You look AMAZING. You deserve the accolades, just not the "hit over the head with a 2x4"! Hopefully you'll see your opportunities more clearly sooner (or buy a helmet lol). Congrats again!!!

Yep, cranky, been there! Chewing is something you miss a little. Don't worry, it all comes back to you when you are on to "real food" again! "chew" a popsicle or sugar free jello. I know how weird that sounds, but moving your teeth helps create the sensation. I also got a salt craving in there and sucked on olives. Just don't lose one lol. Congratulations on getting to this point and best of luck to you in the future...........

I do Slim Fast Low Carb, but it does have its side effects. Yesterday several protein recipes were blogged, you could try those too? Good luck!

1 cup regular (with fat free, sugar free creamer) early early in the morning and it takes about an hour to drink it down.

Thank you so much to all of you for your wonderful posts! Two things: 1. I've lost 60 lbs since January 1. I've lost 40 since banding, or something like that :-). 2. Shoe size went from 8 1/2 to 7 1/2, and its all because my width of my feet shrank and I don't spread in my shoes so much (if that makes sense). Hugs to all!!!

Talk to the nutritionist. You are still on mushies so getting in enough calories may not be the focus where the protein is. When you get to solids I'm sure 500 is too low but again I'd check with the nutritionist. Don't you love that site for logging food???!!

Big day today. Three months ago today I was banded. I don't even remember some of the specifics anymore. I don't know whether that is old age or just focusing on new things like eating healthier and exercise. I've come a LONG WAY since my decision to pursue LAP-BAND® in late December. I've lost 60 lbs, many sizes, shoe sizes, feel a ton better in terms of energy and self esteem. I have a LONG way to go, but I can see the tunnel (not yet the light much less the light at the end). It was a struggle sometimes, but mostly I feel incredibly blessed every day. My 24-year old daughter Ashley is flying in from Omaha today for a long weekend with her mommy. I haven't seen her since Christmas. I might just hug her all night until she finally says "ok I need sleep!". We have a fun weekend of shopping, pampering and family dinners at my house. I'm not worried about eating -- I can't eat that much anyways and I don't really crave or miss anything. I've inspired her (so she says) to work out and she has lost 18 lbs (she wasn't really heavy to begin with), and she wants to go to the gym with me. We will be doing a lot of walking and swimming so I think I'm covered exercise-wise. She leaves Sunday night. I still have her message to me on 5/26 on my voicemail. I re-save it all the time and will never delete it. That voicemail, all your support, and a strength I didn't know I possessed got me to this point, and will get me to goal on 5/26/11. God's peace......... Sandy

I went back in my blogs to two weeks post op and said a lot of the same things (well not the sex part -- not married or boyfriend so that one doesn't count). But the rest is pretty standard. My responses were that in a way you are mourning the loss of the lifestyle you had. A lifestyle that was not healthy. Sex is only a couple weeks away. Weight loss will come -- exercise, drink water and eat according to plan. Patience is the key (I know lots of days I don't have patience, but I'm learning it!). Your wounds will feel better day after day. Have you seen the surgeon for your post op? They will check them to make sure they are ok, but you'll be fine. Soon enough you'll be enjoying life a little more and as you lose inches and your clothes don't fit you'll be really excited! It doesn't take long.

Great job! You are doing fantastic and your attitude will get you far. Best of luck to you..........

Running 2.2 miles is fantastic! I am not a runner, so I am in awe. I'm glad you had fun with your friend. I had my tonsils out at 3 so unfortunately I can't really help with that, but I'll be there for you any way I can. Think popsicles and ice cream (the good kind).

You are always so helpful and supportive on this site; I'm so sorry you have to deal with that. The way you deal with it, however, is very inspiring. I wish I could offer you a job, but then your commute (to LA) would be an issue. I'll keep you in my prayers for something better.

I am sooooo happy for you! Someday I'll play on that playground with you! You absolutely have to weigh on one of those doctor's scales where you can put the bottom indicator on 150 now!!! Go Suthrn!!!!

My choice was made for me by insurance. I've heard good things about the sleeve, but my experience will be based on the band. The fills? Not hard to deal with. But if you are paying for each one than I'd account for 3-4 year 1 (if you are looking at total cost analysis). The burping? Not a big issue. The stuck episodes? My fault. Pooping? You are making a major change in your food intake. This will be impacted no matter what WLS surgery you select. I had a tendency toward IBS before the band, and as I've improved my eating patterns it has become much better. Gas? Not so much better lol. But after buying stock in GasX I'm in a much better place with that.... Also I attribute a lot of that to eating more vegetables. In my opinion, most of what you read on this site is people looking for advice and information, not necessarily complaining. As I look back over the last 3 months I can honestly say I have no regrets at all, and I think the band is a great option for me. I did a lot of online (and book) research. I'd recommend taking those steps before making a decision. Best wishes in your process!

Fantastic, thank you! I'm 3 months in and I'm always looking for great protein shake alternatives!

How is your restriction? Do you get hungry in between the 3-4 hours? Are you still hungry after eating a cup of food? If answers are yes I'd consider getting a fill first. My next suggestion would be to read up on the program -- read through the forum and blogs here a little There are a lot of great suggestions on eating, exercise, motivation and support. The program might have changed somewhat. Finally, its great you are "coming back" to bandland! Give yourself credit for making that decision and, as we know, the biggest tool in the shed is there already --- the band itself. Take care and good luck.........

I told too many people and I wish I hadn't. I feel like I have 100 people staring at me, expecting me to just be skinny tomorrow. Suggestion? Wait until you've spent a month on the band and see how you feel? Tell your closest friends/spouse etc just so you can get surgical support, but wait on the rest for awhile?

I never had a belly before I turned 40. Even morbidly obese at 35 I had like a 25 inch waist. Wierd. This time around? Quite the opposite. My belly/ab area isn't going down as fast as my legs, face and the proverbial boobies. I do 1000 situps on a balance ball throughout the day, and although I see changes there is a long way to go. I have a trainer too, and he agrees with your trainer. Core/abs are tougher.

I am proud, happy and jealous at the same time! You are doing fantastic, keep it up! :-)

Not laughing at you, but with you :-). Can't eat when starving, angry, depressed or tired. Bad things happen!!!

Are you eating enough calories? I talked to the nutritionist yesterday who told me that if I work out more than twice a week high impact (45 minutes of cardio or more) I should have a small 150-200 cal snack like a protein bar or cottage cheese and fruit. A lot of people responded the same thing to my blog the other day -- 1000-1200 cals/day or your body will be in starvation mode. Hugs! It will get better. It will because we will make it get better!

My surgeon has a Physician's Assistant. I haven't seen him since my first follow up (2 weeks post surgery). I heard they hired a second Physician's Assistant as well. I probably won't see him again, and I'm ok with that. If you want to see the surgeon, ask when you make your appointment and find out what their protocol is.

What a great decision! In terms of our bands we need to feel that sense of empowerment -- that we have some control over that band. You took that control -- way to go!

Good for you! You are doing so much! And congratulations on the new grandbaby! Your reflections are inspiring and yes, your plate looks full, but you are very happy being who you are and you seem very comfortable in your own skin. Take care and best wishes on your journey(s)!

LOL @ the grouchy. I think its definitely a chemical/emotional bond thing with food and attitude. But I like your boyfriend's idea of working out hard -- that will help! Best of luck to you -- you sound like you have a great support system which is a big part of the solution :-)

Check on the main forum -- there are lots of people that have gone to one of two doctors in TJ that are very happy with results. Best of luck to you!