sandradee0124

You are a great source of inspiration. Reading your blog, I was there with you, thinking those thoughts. But you kept going and did FANTASTIC!!! Congratulations again, Debra.

I haven't bought my candy yet. I could smell it in the store yesterday, I swear! I'll go over after the football party and buy 2 bags. When they are gone I'm going to have to take it out to the garbage. This is nothing about restriction its totally about no willpower when it comes to chocolate. I just avoid it! Happy Halloween!!

I had a really hard time with chicken for awhile which is unusual. I learned to shred it and it got better. Rice -- I don't ever think I'll be able to eat rice again. But everybody is different. Bread only works toasted. These foods would literally get stuck which is why my brain won't let me eat them. I don't like the stuck feeling very much. Good luck!

Congrats on doing so well, thank you for checking in! I'm sorry about the additional cost you have to absorb, but hopefully that will be the end of the "nickel and diming". WTG on the working out too! Keep in touch......

I don't know that there is a normal for us -- we all have a lot of differences. For me, I was really gassy the first week and really couldn't drink much but water when I could. It gets better -- you will get hungry -- but for now enjoy and rest and walk!

Congratulations I am so proud of you! I just knew you were going to do well. Have a great weekend!

I was afraid of that too. I think it was because I couldn't really wrap my mind around the eating/chewing/exercise thing. THEN I WAS BANDED. I spent 2 weeks on Slim Fast. I lost 18 lbs. I spent 2 more weeks on liquids. I lost 10 lbs. I started eating mushies. I lost 10 lbs. I haven't had a month where I haven't lost less than 5 lbs. I exercise A LOT, I follow the plan and I believe in myself. I'm 5 months out and about 70 lbs down. And I'm 51 and have a very slow metabolic rate. Set goals, research ways to overcome issues. And don't let anyone or yourself tell you you can't or won't succeed!

Anyone reading your posts and questioning the band would not think twice. You have proven the theory we all live by -- can't do it without a tool. Good for you for exploring interim options and best wishes! You are doing fantastic. Take care of yourself.

Congratulations; you are doing fantastic! You and I started right around the same weight at diet and at surgery. I agree with the clothes.......... Best of luck; keep up the fantastic work!!!

I don't believe I could have ate the "Post Op Way" all the time. I feel that what would have happened to me is that I would lose some weight and then over time, gain it all back plus some. I don't think everyone throws up -- but I will leave that to the fellow responders. In my humble opinion the thought of throwing up isn't as scary as having a stroke or heart attack.

Good luck on your run! You will do fantastic, I know.

You will get there! I have a long drive home and sometimes I'm starving before I ever leave work. I grill up a couple extra chicken tenders on Sundays and put pieces in baggies and bring them to work. I bring a baggie home with me in the car and if I get hungry I munch on some chicken for a few minutes. Its probably an ounce or so each. Deli turkey, chicken or ham slices might work too? Best of luck to you!

Yeah for you! I was at a plateau a few weeks ago and I kicked up the exercise a little and like magic (I wish) I started losing weight again. Congrats on the jeans!!! Keep up the awesome work.

What a wonderful story and I'm so happy for you! I agree with the Macy's. Think of it this way -- you are getting healthy and helping the economy all at once! Best of luck to you; keep up the fantastic work!

Everything about me has changed. How I eat, sleep, drink, act, work. I sometimes try a food I used to enjoy and it seems to not work. For example -- an ice cream cone melted on my hand while I was driving. The line at Arby's was 6 cars and I was hungry NOW so I went home. My last name is Devine and I have a strong faith so I call that "devine intervention". I'm far from perfect (have had some carbonated drinks and coffee), but now the fact that I wear misses 16s and 14s from womens 24s and 26s and feel tremendous pretty much drives me (no pun intended) away from bad eating.

I love this post and the responses. If I have minutes of doubt or fear or want to give up on this band I can come to this site, read posts like this and get all the motivation I need to keep going. Thank you and good luck!!!

I want a picture! I think your analysis is good and your goals clear. You always look at the situation in a very positive, analytical way that makes it easy to review for the "what should I change" scenario. Its a busy social time of year. I think most of us will be challenged over the next several weeks through the seasons. At least you are consulting Jax and knowing what your choices and goals are!

Its natural to compare yourself to others, but try to get away from it. Someone said it well the other day -- we all start at different points, have different metabolisms, different doctors with different plans. You have to be happy with YOUR progress, YOUR choice to have the surgery, YOUR progress. My fellow bandsters above said it so well: follow your doctor and follow your heart! You are doing fantastic.

Walk and rest. Seems like those were the biggest things to help. You will do great -- welcome to "the other side"! An exciting time.........

I was where you are on January 2nd, 2010 I was banded May 26th. I took the same approach you did -- time to prepare (mentally, physically, financially). I am so proud of you and wish you all the best moving through your PCP's program!

I have to tell you again how FANTASTIC you look! I'm sure people seeing you for the first time in a year don't recognize you!! Thank you for another great recipe -- you have helped me add variety to my meals.

Great Post!!! I was picturing the happy dance when I saw the tag line. Best of luck to you throughout the process. You are doing fantastic -- congratulations on your weight loss and your positive attitude! Hugs :::::::

You are a creative writer with a lot of insight. Best wishes to you and your family! Continued success and peace........

Congratulations! Hope you feel better today; and good luck on the job hunt.........

Awesome post. You have been a source of support and inspiration to me since the day you started posting. Thank YOU!!!