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Debra G

LAP-BAND Patients
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Blog Entries posted by Debra G

  1. Debra G

    "How Sweet It Is!"

    By Debra G,

    In the immortal words of Jackie Gleason, "How sweet it is!"
    These are some of the things I've noticed since I've lost some weight.
    Going into a doctor's office and not having the Medical Assistant sizing you up to see if you need an extra-large gown. How sweet it is to put on a regular-size gown, and still be able to tie it! How sweet it is to be able to tell your weight with pride, and without saying "mumble mumble mumble"!
     
    Going into a restaurant, and noticing the tables are so close together -automatically what would run through my head is -oh, dear - will I be able to walk through the chairs without having my derriere bump into someone's head or shoulders - after my meal, will I be able to get up without clearing off the table next to me with my derriere? How sweet it is that I don't have to think about this any more!
     
    How sweet it is, going into a diner, knowing I can fit in a booth!
     
    How sweet it is, being on a train or a bus and finding a seat without having to size it up to see if I can fit in it without spilling over into the next seat, or expelling someone from their seat when I stand up LOL!
     
    How sweet it is, being able to get into a kayak, knowing that you can get out of it without having to pry it off LOL!
     
    How sweet it is, in a crowd, to be able to say excuse me, and not having to knock people over to get through!
     
    How sweet it is, knowing that on my next airplane ride, I can put on my seat belt without having to ask the attendant for a seat belt extension!
     
    How sweet it is to be able to wear heels again after loosing weight in my feet!
     
    How sweet it is to be able to cross my legs again!
     
    How sweet it is to be able to look at myself in the mirror at home without having to cover all the mirrors with a black veil.
     
    How sweet it is, not having to take a
    bunch of medications daily, like I was 80 years old!
     
    How sweet it is to get complemented on my appearance again!
     
    How sweet it is knowing I have only 25 more pound to go to reach my goal weight!
     
    How sweet it is knowing I have this wonderful tool, the LAP-BAND®®, that has helped me to change my life! So if anyone out there is not sure if the LAP-BAND®® is not for them, or considering the LAP-BAND®®, keep reading the wonderful stories on this site and gain a wonderful support system, and possibly a new friend.
     
    This was the best choice for me to make in my life - HOW SWEET IT IS!
  2. Debra G
    This is my first 4th of July, with my new look 93 pounds new. I have been active the whole month of June with all the warm weather we have had here in New York. For a while my weight has stop going down and was going up by a few pounds. So am back at my 93 pounds lose.
     
    I got my fill yesterday and am back on track am tight enough again. Now feeling full once again, yeaa.. It's was my band, that was just to loose and I new it. There was know way I was going into the 4th of July with not having my band tight, I have worked to heard to lose this weight..
     
    So now I can go into INDEPENDENCE DAY Feeling great and ready for the rest of my summer activies. This weekend we are going boating to see the fireworks on the Hudson River and what ever els comes up with my friends and family for this weekend. There is know stoping me now so look out New York City here I come!
  3. Debra G
    I had my 1/2 cc fill on Thursday and
    I'm feeling tight. This is the amount I get all the time - it has worked for me, until now. I have been sick for a few days now, not 100% myself. And I have not eaten anything since Wednesday night. All I have been able to eat was Jell-O, and my low-cal ice pops. Even my boost is not going down well.
     
    I lost 5 pounds from Thursday, down to 201 now. I try to take my 3 mile walk on Friday but I had to cut it short, because I felt like I was going to throw up. So I went back home.
     
    In the past when I had this feeling it would take a few days before I would be ok again. This is takeing a little longer to get back to my 100% self. So if I'm still feeling this way on Monday I think I will need to go back to my Doctor's office and get my frist unfill.:frown:
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ABOUT MY JOURNEY AND MY RECIPES OF THE DAY.
     
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  4. Debra G

    Almost a Year!

    By Debra G,

    One month from today will be ONE YEAR since I had my lap band surgery!
    WOW.
     
    What a difference! I have lost 116 pounds, and only 14 pounds to go to meet my goal! I am at the high end of the recommended range of weight for my height! I have not been this weight in so many years, and yes, it does feel so good!
     
    When I look in the mirror, I see a whole new me.
     
    I have been at my sweet spot since June, and have not had a fill for three months - and I'm still loosing weight. During those three months, I have hit a couple of plateaus, but each time, after a few weeks, the weight began to drop again. Although it was a little discouraging, I never lost sight of my goal, and I continued my daily routine of proper eating and exercising.
     
    I went to my niece's wedding dinner a couple of weeks ago and I wore a HOT red dress - It was great to see how my family reacted to my "new" appearance! Everyone was amazed, and everyone told me how beautiful I looked - ok, yes, that made me smile inside and out - lol.
     
    Some people have asked me if I could have the lap band removed, and maintain my weight simply by continuing to eat properly and work out. For me the answer is NO WAY. I am a FOODIE, and the weight would just go back on. And I'm also hearing from a few friends, that I look great now, and that I should not loose any more weight - that I would look too skinny! Can you believe that - Me, TOO skinny? Those words do not compute!
     
    One more thing - I was in the supermarket the other day, and a woman came up to me and said "you have a rockin body". OMG! That's me, my new look!
     
    Wow, almost a year - I love it!:smile::thumbup:
  5. Debra G
    What a beautiful day today in New Jersey! The sun is coming out - the weather is going to be nice, with a chance of rain later. Rain or no rain, warm weather or not, I am in a happy place. I have not felt this great in a long time.
     
    I am down to 197 pounds, from 288 when I had my surgery. There could be thunderstorms, hailstorms, 10 below, freezing rain -nothing will bring me down today!
     
    I have done a lot of hard work with this LAP-BAND® to stay on track - meaning exercising on a daily basis, eating healthier, watching every calorie that goes in my mouth. As we all know, this takes a lot of work. As I told those who said I took the easy way out - I said BAH - HUMBUG! There is nothing easy about this. I think lap banders are some of the strongest people. This is a life, body and mind change, just like with all the diets out there, you have to make a major change in your life, and this is no different.
     
    Everybody chooses the path that works for them, and I chose this one. With all diets and weight loss, we have to still do the work. I made the best choice in my life by doing this. I have so much more energy - I am so much happier, personable, confident, and I have so much more self-esteem.
     
    Last year at this time I was miserable - so sad. What a difference a year makes!
     
    My husband and I are going out today to celebrate my day. I am so giddy and happy, I feel like a kid going on a school outing to the circus (we actually ARE going to the circus today!).
     
    To all my friends out there, have a wonderful day, and thanks so much for your ongoing support! :tt1:
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG TO SEE ANY OF MY RECIPES OF THE DAY AND EXERCISE TIPS OF THE DAY ALONG WITH SO MUCH MORE.
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  6. Debra G
    Well, the first anniversary of my LAP-BAND is almost here. It was on October 26, 2009 that I had the LAP-BAND put in - and what a year it has been.
     
    So as we all know, at the end if your first year, we need to have an esophogram and blood work done, and mine is due next Thursday. I got the prescription for my blood work and took it to my physician to have my blood drawn. After a few days, when the results were in I asked the doctor for a copy of my results.
     
    So now I'm waiting for the results in his office - which was full of patients. Within a few minutes the receptionist told me that the doctor needed to talk to me, and he called me into his office ahead of the other patients. :smile2:
     
    When I walked into his office, I could see he had on that face that doctors have when there is something wrong. He closed the door and told me to have a seat. Now I'm nervous - thinking there is something really wrong here - I was waiting for some serious bad news like the LAP-BAND has to come out - which for me will never happen even if it kills me - at least I'll die thin! LOL:tongue_smilie:
     
    Then he proceeded to say I was vitamin D deficient and also iron deficient. I look at him and smiled and say "is that all" LOL. So he says it is not that good. I said this is nothing - can vitamin supplements help(which honestly, I have not been taking like I should have been doing)? The answer was yes, so I'm taking vitamin pills now.
     
    Someone posted today about a vitamin D deficiency and passed out a link and I looked at it. I learned that vitamin D deficiency is common with obesity and also common with weight loss.
     
    Boy, doctors sure know how to scare a person! LOL:sneaky:
     
    Now I'm looking forward to the esophogram next week and I'm sure the results will be fine. I just hope my surgeon has his usual smile on his his face when he calls me in to tell me the results in his sexy Aussie voice!
    I will keep you all posted. I hope you are all doing well!:smile2:
  7. Debra G

    Feeling Great!

    By Debra G,

    I lost 80 pounds so far. I have alot more energy walking 3 miles every day now. H:thumbup:aving fish tonight for dinner, one of my own recipies of the day from my blog called "Life After Lap Band" Here is the link if you like some great food tips. http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  8. Debra G
    Almost one year in - wow what a journey!
     
    So many things have changed in my life that still amaze me to this day. My health is 100% better. I have stopped taking at least 8 out of 10 meds. I have so much more energy - I go out so much more, walk and exercise. I feel great about my looks, and I can shop for regular-size clothing!
     
    When I go clothes shopping it makes me smile when I try on clothes that are too big for me! This is a mind set that will take some time to change - I've been so big for so long.
     
    When I take public transportation and see a seat on the bus or train, my heart does not have to beat fast, realizing that I don't have to size it up to see if I can fit into it. I just sit down with room to spare! This is something else it will take time to get used to.
     
    I have 12 more pounds to go before I reach my goal. I have not lost any weight since my last posting - I've hit another plateau that I have spoken so much about. I wanted to be at my goal weight by October 26 - the first anniversary of my LAP-BAND surgery. I'm not going to make it exactly, but, hey, a year ago I weighed 288 pounds! I know I came a long way and I will surely lose the 12 pounds soon.
     
    I still work out daily. Now I even have a few women who ask me to help them the with their workout regimen on the weekends. We go the the pier and look at the New York skyline from the Jersey side - makes for a great background for walking and exercising. Two of the women have lost 8-10 pounds each and are so excited about it! Can you believe I'm helping others to loose weight?
     
    So I guess it is going to take some time to get used to the new me! I'm extremely happy and excited, and I've been amazed on my one-year journey that has transformed me. Now I'm looking forward to the rest of my life as the new me.
     
    I want to thank everyone on this site for all the wonderful support and encouragement that has been so important to me. And I know that this support is so important to all of us who are in the process of changing our lives in such a big way!
     
    For more about my journey and to see my Recipes of the Day, please visit my blog at
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
     
    :ohmy: :frown:
  9. Debra G
    Looking forward to today - I'm getting my 6th fill - 1/2 cc, which works for me. This has been a very slow month for me losing weight, the scale has not moved much - I know I lost at least 4 pounds - maybe more than that, I'll find out when I get to the doctor today.
     
    But on the upside, I'm very grateful and happy for all the weight I have lost, and I view the scale as my friend, not my enemy.
     
    I'm still cooking my delicious meals - I so love my cooking, lol. I've been a cook for a long time, and I'm so happy I'm still able to do it - and to share my passion of cooking with all my friends and family and all my blogger friends.
     
    So untill I come back, that's all for now.
     
    :eek:
  10. Debra G

    Had My Fill Today!

    By Debra G,

    I did lose more weight then I thought. I thought it was 4 pounds, truned out it was 6.5 pounds from the last Doctor's appointment. Not to bad. I get a fill of 1/2 cc when needed each time, that's enough for me. I had wanted to lose enought weight to break that 200 pound mark, by my birthday June 16th. Not going to happen:sad:, but on the up side, I'm down 82 pounds in all from last year's brithday.:bored:
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON ME AND MY GREAT RECIPES OF THE DAY AND SO MUCH MORE.
     
    http://life-after-lap-band®.blogspot.com/
  11. Debra G
    BOO Licious Jello Shots
     
    Jello shots served at Halloween Parties are a tradition. Jello shots are probably one of the easiest type of shot to make, delicious way to pump up the fun. And Gulit Free, have fun. SCARY GOOD!!
     
    Servings Per Recipe: 18
     
    91 Calories: Per Serving
     
    Ingredients:
     
    2 boxes of Black Cherry Gelatin (use sugar-free)
     
    1 c. High Proof Spiced Rum (I used 94 proof Krakken Black Rum)
     
    18 Body Parts Gummies (Wal-Mart)
     
    Directions:
     
    1. Make Jello as directed subbing 1 cup of Rum for 1 of the 2 cups of cold water. Pour into lined muffin tins. Add a body part gummy to each shot. Chill overnight.
     
    2. To serve: Peel the jello from the paper and flip over to reveal the encased body part. When these are set up, the gummies become very chewy, like flesh. Muahahahaha!
     
    Happy Halloween!
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE HALLOWEEN RECIPE OR FOR MY RECIPE OF THE DAY!:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  12. Debra G
    BOO LICIOUS Spider Cupcakes
     
    These are a huge hit with kids!
    I made these cute little cupcakes for my Church's Halloween party. Everyone loved them and gobbled them up. So much fun to make my adult friends loved it. SCARY GOOD!
     
     
    1 Hr Prep Time:
     
    cook time 30 min:
     
    1 Hr 30 Min Total time:
     
    Yield 24 cupcakes
     
     
    Ingredients:
     
    1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
     
    1 pound black shoestring licorice
     
    1 (16 ounce) can white frosting
     
    48 pieces candy corn
     
    48 cinnamon red hot candies
     
    1/4 cup orange decorator sugar
     
    Directions:
     
    1. Prepare cupcakes according to package directions. Let cool completely.
     
    2. Cut licorice into 3 inch sections. Working with one or two cupcakes at a time, so the frosting doesn't set before decorating, frost the cupcakes with the white frosting. Insert licorice pieces into the outer edges of the cupcakes to make the legs of the spider, 3 legs on each side (4 takes up too much space).
     
    3. Place two pieces of candy corn on the front of the cupcake for fangs and use two red hots as eyes. Sprinkle with decorator sugar. Repeat with remaining cupcakes.
     
    260 Calories: Per Serving
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLGO FOR MORE HALLOWEEN RECIPES AND MY RECIPE OF THE DAY:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  13. Debra G
    Leading up to Halloween I will post a Halloween recipe along with my Recipe of the day!
     
    BOO LICIOUS Pumpkin Seeds. Here is an easy recipe for roasting fresh pumpkin seeds from your carvings of your pumpkin. Scary Good!
     
    Recipe Yield 1 1/2 cups
    83 Calories: Per 1/4 cup Serving
     
    Ingredients:
     
    1 1/2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds
     
    2 teaspoons butter, melted
     
    1 pinch salt
     
    Directions:
     
    1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
     
    2. Toss seeds in a bowl with the melted butter and salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown; stir occasionally.
     
    I Found this story I though it was so interesting!
     
    Why Carve Pumpkins?
     
    The story of the Jack o'Lantern comes from Irish folklore. Jack was a crafty farmer who tricked the Devil into climbing a tall tree. When the Devil reached the highest branch, Jack carved a large cross in the trunk, making it impossible for the Devil to climb down.
     
    In exchange for help getting out of the tree, the Devil promised never to tempt Jack with evil again. When Jack died, he was turned away from Heaven for his sins and turned away from Hell because of his trickery. Condemned to wander the earth without rest, Jack carved out one of his turnips, took an ember from the devil, and used it for a lantern to light his way. He became known as "Jack of the Lantern."
     
    Check out my blog if you want to fine my recipe of the day or just a little more about me.
     
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  14. Debra G
    Halloween pumpkin spice raisin muffins.
     
    BOO LICIOUS!
     
    Better than cupcakes but just as cute! This is an adaptation of the Pumpkin Muffins recipe that is also super tasty! I also made these with walnuts on top for the non candy corn lovers;) Pumpkin muffins are perfect Halloween party fare and are always welcome on the autumn breakfast table or the Thanksgiving bread basket.
    This festive recipe is fun for all. SCARY GOOD!
     
    Servings Per Recipe: 21
     
    117 Calories: Per 1 Muffin Serving
     
    30 Minutes to Prepare and Cook
     
    Ingredients:
     
    1 box spice cake mix
     
    1 15oz. can pure pumpkin
     
    1/3c raisins, packed
     
    1/3c water
     
    20 pieces candy corn
     
    3 Tbsp light cream cheese
     
    5 Tbsp Splenda with fiber
     
    1/4 tsp vanilla
     
    Directions:
     
    1. Mix the pumpkin, water, spice cake mix powder, and cinnamon together. Mix in raisins.
     
    2. Drop by tablespoons into greased muffin cups, making sure the tops are flat and not lumpy.
     
    3. Soften cream cheese while they bake and mix in Splenda and vanilla for icing.
     
    4. Bake at 350 18-22 minutes or until a knife comes out clean. After muffins have completely cooled, add 1/2 tsp (enough to stick the candy to) to center of muffin and top with candy corn.
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE FUN FOODS OR JUST TO SEE MY RECIPES OF THE DAY:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  15. Debra G
    Boo Licious:
     
    Halloween Cupcakes:
     
    No tricks, just treats for ghosts and ghouls of all ages Quick and Simple. To set the mood for your holiday party, turn plain cupcakes into ghostly goodies. Scary Good!
     
     
    Tip:
     
    Stenciled Halloween design. Just place stencil over icing and sprinkle on colored sugars. Add an icing decoration or two if you plan to “boo” who!
     
    185 Calories per 1 cupcake serving
     
    Yields: 22 servings
     
    Total Time: 40 min
    Prep Time: 25 min
    Cook Time: 15 min
     
     
    Cupcakes:
     
    1 package(s) (18.25 ) devil’s food cake mix with pudding
     
    1 cup(s) sour cream
     
    1/2 cup(s) vegetable oil
     
    3 large eggs
     
    1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
     
    Frosting:
     
    2 large egg whites
     
    1 cup(s) sugar
     
    2 teaspoon(s) lemon juice
     
    1 teaspoon(s) (light) corn syrup
     
    1/4 teaspoon(s) cream of tartar
    orange food coloring
     
    decorating sugar crystals, jelly beans, candy corns, (optional)
     
    Directions:
     
    1.Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350ºF. Paper-line 24 muffin cups.
     
    2.In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, 3/4 cup water, sour cream, oil, eggs and vanilla, and blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Stop the mixer, scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, then turn mixer up to medium speed and beat 2 minutes more. The batter should look well combined. Spoon batter into muffin cups, so that each liner is three-quarters full.
     
    3.Bake cupcakes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool on wire rack for 5 minutes, then remove cupcakes from pans and leave them on the rack to cool completely.
     
    4.Meanwhile, make frosting: In top of double boiler, over 1 inch of simmering water, with handheld mixer at medium speed, beat egg whites, sugar, 1/4 cup water, lemon juice, corn syrup and cream of tartar until soft peaks form and temperature reaches 160ºF on candy thermometer, about 7 minutes. Remove top of double boiler from heat; beat 5 to 10 minutes longer, until stiff peaks form. Fold in orange food coloring until evenly distributed.
     
    5.Spread frosting on cupcakes and decorate with sugar crystals, jelly beans or other candies, as desired.
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE HALLOWEEN RECIPE OR FOR MY RECIPE OF THE DAY!:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  16. Debra G
    Oh my! I can't tell you how much I have missed posting on this site and doing my recipe of the day!
     
    Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, and that the family & friends did not drive you nuts. LOL.
     
    I haven't posted here in quite a while, so I'd like to give you an update of what's going on with me.
     
    I made the holiday dinner for everyone and it was a huge success! We had 25 people over and I made so much food! Despite having tons of great food around, I'm proud to say I ate so little of it that I actually lost weight - I was so worried that I would gain some.
     
    I have lost a total of 121 pounds since having the lap-band put in fourteen months ago. I must tell you, I feel SO good (and I look pretty good too!). I had not seen some of my family and friends for quite some time - and they and they were all amazed at the huge difference in me.
     
    So now everyone is around the table, and they are toasting me for the wonderful dinner and for inviting everyone over - I then get up and walk briskly to the other side of the room to get my glass. Well, I don't know how, but I slipped on the marble floor in the kitchen, and I hit the ground. At first, I was stunned and shocked, and I had to lay there for a second. I hurt my knee and hip - not too bad though - just enough to feel it the next morning. So, in the middle of their toast, I now look up from the floor and I can see all my guests holding their glasses up with eyes and mouths wide open - they were as stunned as I was. My daughter was in the bedroom and she heard a thud - she looked down the hall and all she could see my feet! I must have looked like the Wicked Witch of the East after Dorothy had dropped her house on her! LOL.
     
    So my husband, daughter and a few friends ran over to help me up. Well, they did help me to my feet, but it was not hard for them to pick me up. I know that it would have been a disaster if the same thing happened to me before the weight - loss. I would have been hurt a lot worse for sure - and It would have been mortifying to need a whole lot of people struggling to lift me up off the floor. This was just another unexpected benefit of my weight loss! By the way, I'm sure I would never had the strength and stamina to put this dinner together when I was 288 pounds.
     
    So, all-in-all my Thanksgiving Dinner and day was a huge success.
  17. Debra G
    I'm having my 8th doctor's appointment. In my previous 7 appointments, I have had only 5 fills. On one occasion, I turned down a fill because I still felt tight, and I knew I didn't need it. Last month, my doctor said am doing great -I lost 12 pounds from my last fill, so I did not need one. I lost 80 pounds since my surgery on Oct 26, 2009.
    I know I need a fill for June because I am feeling a little hungry at times and drinking a lot more liquids. I'm still doing great, BUT IN MY HEAD I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD HAVE LOST A LOT MORE - 'grrrrrrr'. I lost only 4 pounds from last month to now, so it's time for my 1/2 cc fill - that's what works for me each time I get my fills. It took some playing around to find what works for me. So I'm going in next Wednesday for my tweaking, that's what the Nurse Practitioner and I call it.
    I did not lose as much as I had hoped this month. I normally lose anywhere from 8 pounds to 13 pounds a month. I feel great and I'm looking good to. I work out every day, walk 3 miles a day. YOU CAN FOLLOW ME ON MY BLOG. I have a lot of tips, workout exercises that I do and wonderful recipes. I love to cook, always have. I love to have dinner parties. My friends and family tell me that I should go into catering. I had to find a way to keep doing what I love the most, and that's cooking. Ok, and eating.. lol.
    Seeing how I do not eat as much anymore, I love to watch others enjoy my cooking. I have recipes of the day on my blog and a lot more, so have a look and let me know if it's helpful to you. :smile2:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
     
  18. Debra G
    I'm having my 8th doctor's appointment. In my previous 7 appointments, I have had only 5 fills. On one occasion, I turned down a fill because I still felt tight, and I knew I didn't need it. Last month, my doctor said am doing great -I lost 12 pounds from my last fill, so I did not need one. I lost 80 pounds since my surgery on Oct 26, 2009.
     
    I know I need a fill for June because I am feeling a little hungry at times and drinking a lot more liquids. I'm still doing great, BUT IN MY HEAD I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD HAVE LOST A LOT MORE - 'grrrrrrr'. I lost only 4 pounds from last month to now, so it's time for my 1/2 cc fill - that's what works for me each time I get my fills. It took some playing around to find what works for me. So I'm going in next Wednesday for my tweaking, that's what the Nurse Practitioner and I call it.
     
    I did not lose as much as I had hoped this month. I normally lose anywhere from 8 pounds to 13 pounds a month. I feel great and I'm looking good to. I work out every day, walk 3 miles a day. YOU CAN FOLLOW ME ON MY BLOG. I have a lot of tips, workout exercises that I do and wonderful recipes. I love to cook, always have. I love to have dinner parties. My friends and family tell me that I should go into catering. I had to find a way to keep doing what I love the most, and that's cooking. Ok, and eating.. lol.
     
    Seeing how I do not eat as much anymore, I love to watch others enjoy my cooking. I have recipes of the day on my blog and a lot more, so have a look and let me know if it's helpful to you. :smile2:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  19. Debra G
    RING IN THE HOLIDAYS GUILT FREE
     
    The holiday season provides use the opportunity to catch up with old friends and family and to partake in the holiday meals and holiday drinking.
    This does not have to be an anxiety provoking time. Good Food and A Nice Drink are to be enjoyed without not making you feel so guilty about it.
     
    The holidays are here once again, and I'm always coming up with new ideas to help the holidays along.
     
    I started doing guilt free drinks with part-1 when I started celebrating, my new weight loss this past summer. And I did not want to blow all the heard work I have done. And did not want to give up all the celebrations with my family and friends. So here is a great way to do it all and not feel guilt while doing it. So drink up, have fun and not worried about the scale with these 100% GUILT FREE DRINKS. I kept them all under 200 calories so you can have more then one if you like. I have 24 drink recipes for you. I will give them to you -6- at a time for the whole month of December. ~ HAPPY HOLIDAYS ~ AND ENJOY!!!!
     
     
    CHAMPAGNE DRINKS OF ALL TYPES ~ Happy Chanukah ~ Merry Christmas ~ Happy New Year ~
     
     
    "A Goodnight Kiss"
     
    4 oz Champagne
    1 splash Campari bitters
    1 sugar cube
    1 drop Angostura bitters
    Place a drop of angostura bitters on a sugar cube and drop into a champagne flute. Add champagne and splash of campari.
    (per 4.1 oz serving)
    Calories: 90
     
     
     
    "American Glory"
     
    3 oz Champagne
    2 oz orange juice
    2 oz lemonade
    Add ingredients to a frosted ice-filled highball glass.
    (per 7 oz serving)
    Calories:111
     
     
     
    "Aztec"
     
    3 oz Champagne
    3/4 oz watermelon schnapps
    1/2 oz gold tequila
    Pour ingredients into a champagne flute and serve.
    (per 4.3 oz serving)
    Calories:148
     
     
     
    "Two Lovers Black Tie"
     
    3 oz cold Pineau des Charentes white wine
    1 1/2 oz Champagne
    Pour into a wine glass and garnish with a black grape.
    (per 4.5 oz serving)
    Calories:90
     
     
     
    "A Very Merry Champagne"
     
    3/4 oz Kirschwasser cherry brandy
    1/4 oz cherry heering
    4 oz Champagne
    Stir kirschwasser and cherry liqueur together in a mixing glass filled with ice cubes. Strain into a champagne flute, fill with champagne, and serve.
    (per 5 oz serving)
    Calories:160
     
     
     
    "Champagne Ambon"
     
    4 oz Champagne
    1/2 oz Pisang Ambon liqueur
    Pour into a champagne flute, and serve.
    (per 4.5 oz serving)
    Calories:131
     
    FOR MORE OF MY GUILT FREE DRINKS PART 1 AND 2 OR FOR MY RECIPE OF THE DAY! VIST MY BLOG AT
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
     
    OR CHECK THEM OUT HERE AT LAP-BAND-TALKS
  20. Debra G
    What a difference a year makes.
     
    I'm able to get into that great holiday dress or that great outfit. I'm now that skinny girl in the room that I used to feel envious of. I used to be a size 10-12. I'm back to that size now - almost a size 10, smaller then a 12 but not quit a 10 yet. In the immortal words of Jackie Gleason - How sweet it is!
     
    I am 5'11" and used to weigh 288 pounds. I dropped 121 pounds, and my doctor now calls me "skinny". I went from morbidly obese to obese, to normal, and I'm now being called skinny. How sweet it is!
     
    I thank god and my doctor every day for my band. I am the happiest I have been in so many years. My depression about my weight, and many many medical problems, went away too. How sweet it is!
     
    Last year this time I was 2 months into my lap-band and lost a little more then 25 pounds. I would not go to any of the holiday parties I was invited to, I would not dare to go, still so ashamed of my body and my looks.
     
    Holiday time and feeling good!
  21. Debra G
    I had been feeling ill from my last fill on Thursday. Today am feeling so much better, am almost back to my 100% self again. Taking it slow today am only going to eat mushy foods and my Jell-O with my boost and some of my low cal ice pops, and some broth that will fill me up for the day. Do not want to eat solid foods just yet. The last time I ete solid food was on Wednesday. Yes I want it so badly but slow is the best way. Tomorrow I will have solids again. I so wanted to break my 200 mark by my birthday June 16th, the scale was moving very slowly for me last month but I did it, I BROKE MY 200 MARK!! As of today I got on the scale and I was amazed to see what I saw. I'm 198 as of today. I'm down 90 pounds. YEAAAA:biggrin:. So I cried for a while and had a long look at myself in my mirror and I loved what I saw, for the first time in a long time I did not mind looking at myself in that mirror. Wow what a huge difference. I CRIED FROM PURE JOY!!:thumbup:
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ABOUT MY JOURNEY AND SOME GREAT RECIPES.
    http://life-after-lap-band®.blogspot.com/
  22. Debra G
    Still struggling with pacing my food intake. I find myself quite often making several mistakes. I sometimes I forget to pay attention to the lab band eating rules, and this always ends up causing me distress. I sometimes eat to much, or too fast, not waiting 60 seconds between each bite, or failing to chew my food 30 - 40 times before swallowing.
    Sometimes I do not wait 30 - 60 minutes after eating before I drink liquids. When I do not follow these rules, I end up in distress - I feel tightness in my chest, I start belching and sometimes I have to throw up.
    I am lucky - my husband and family are my biggest supporters. I must say my husband is a gem - he has made a point of knowing the rules, and tries to diplomatically (LOL) let me know when I am eating too fast or breaking any of the other rules. When he brings this to my attention, It helps me pay attention to what I should be doing.
    I went out yesterday to a family event, where there was tons of food. I began nibbling on the appetizers, and I got excited about the fact I was able to eat, and that is when I should have stopped. But I did not stop eating, and that's when I began to experience that tightness in the chest, and I ended up running to the ladies room to throw up.
    So, although I have been doing very well for the past seven months since the surgery (I have lost 80 pounds so far), it has been a challenge for me to change the eating habits of a lifetime. They say it takes about a year to develop the new eating habits, and I am continuing to work on this very important aspect.
    So let's all work on remembering to follow the LAP-BAND rules!
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MY JOURNEY.:thumbup:
     
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  23. Debra G
    I decided I needed a challenge in my exercising. I heard about a 5K run on October 30th, so I signed up for the event! On October 28th, I will pick up my runner's tag, number, T-shirt - and the "goodie bag" - whatever that is, LOL.
     
    They asked for my T-shirt size, and I hesitated because I didn't know if I needed a Large or Medium (OMG - no longer need an extra-large!). So I ordered a Large just to be sure, but when I get there to pick up the items, I will see if the Large is too big for me, and I'll get a Medium. What a dilemma - LOL.
     
    The funny thing is, I'm not a runner LOL. I am a walker - I walk three miles every day and I decided I wanted to push myself, so I signed up for the race. My husband and daughter asked me if I expected to come in first, second or third - I told them I just wanted to come in alive! The average time to run 5K is about 1/2 hour - I told my family that if they don't see me at the finish line in 1 1/2 hours - come looking for me - I'll be out there somewhere! GRIN.:thumbup:
     
    So between now and, when I go for my walk every day, I'll step up the pace and run! Pray for me!
  24. Debra G
    This morning I got up and I decided to take on of my nemeses, the measuring tape. I call it my nemesis, because we have been at war for so long, and up till now, it has always won. So I decided to challenge it today.
     
    We both stood in front of the mirror, the measuring tape and I, and for the first time in years it was I who was the kryptonite! Wrapping my nemesis around various parts of my body, this is what I found. The "girls", previously 44DDD are now 40D!!!!!!!!! My waist is now 36" - down from 46"; hips are now 42" - down from 48"; thighs are now 24" - down from 32"; upper arms (or, as I call them, Turkey Wings") are now 13" - down from 18"; Neck size is now 13" - down from 17".
     
    These are great numbers for me, and it was wonderful to know that I am finally able to win this Battle of the Bulge. So after this, my measuring tape is no longer my nemesis - my nemesis has been vanquished!
     
    This is what I did to keep everything from sagging after loosing so much weight. I EXERCISED! I bought an exercise stool years ago, called "Red", but I stopped using it. I started using it again after the LAP-BAND on a daily basis - it is great for the waist. I bought an inexpensive resistance band and used it for my legs and arms.
     
    I walk 3 miles every day (wearing my new pedometer!). The pedometer is a great walking companion because it measures steps, distance and calories burned. The walking is great cardiovascular exercise, and is good for the hips and thighs.
    So I have reached another new level on my journey - INCHES LOST!
     
    You can learn more about the things that I do and a few tips by going to my blog.
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  25. Debra G
    FEELING GOOD AND EXCITED!
     
    I was Banded on October 26th, 2009.
     
    Yeaaa for me! I have been at my goal weight for months now. Before posting about this, I wanted to see if I could stay at this weight and I have! That's my new profile picture. I lost a total of 140 pounds and I'm a size 9 now, I'm 150" pounds now. I'm 5' 11", and when I look at myself now I smile --- soooo very happy. The mirror is a dear friend of mine, now! LOL
     
    I worked so hard at this -- I work out almost every day, and I did most of it at home. When the weather was nice I would walk 3 to 4 miles daily. I do some kind of workout on a daily basis. I watched everything that I ate and drank.
     
    I just saw my Doctor. whom I love -- he changed my life. I now see Dr. George Felding, a surgical god to me, every 3 to 4 months, and I was told he is so proud of how much I have lost. He asked me to be a part of his seminars to share my story of how I got to where I am at today, and to share my before-and-after pictures. I have not had a fill for over 7 months now, and in that time I still lost 30 pounds.
     
    I have a new look now I have been called a fashionista. I shop all the time and I do not have to try on clothes. I can look at them and tell if it will fit or not. I just pick up a size 9 or a medium in a top and I'm done! What a great feeling that is.
     
    My family and friends are so happy for me also, and they see the change in me as well. I have become very health-conscious in the way I eat, and I have become very active. Life is so much better now -- 95% of my health issues are gone. I ran in a 5K race recently and finished in fifth place (well, fifth from the end, LOL, but I DID finish the race and I did not cheat - what a great feeling). I'm, also dancing again, have music back in my life, going out and enjoying my new life.
     
    So for all of you out there hang in there, do the hard work - it will pay off. One day you will be looking back and writing your goal story for all to see. The Lap-Band is only a tool, it takes a lot of hard work to get there and to maintain. It's a lifestyle for me now. I have to work at it every day to keep it.
     
    When it starts to look bad or you think it's not working, hang in there. When frustration sets in, hang in there. When the weight seems to be coming off too slowly, hang in there. When you think you can not eat again or you start to think that your band is not tight enough or that it is too tight, hang in there. When your friends or family tell you that you took the easy way out (bullshit), hang in there. I have felt all of these things and more, but I hung in there!
     
    TO ALL OF MY BANDED FRIENDS HANG IN THERE!
     
    150 POUNDS LIGHTER, LOOK OUT WORLD HERE I COME!
     
    FEELING GOOD AND EXCITED!

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