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Debra G

LAP-BAND Patients
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Blog Entries posted by Debra G

  1. Debra G
    This tasty low calorie dessert is guilt free, and easy to make. Your kids will ask for this dessert over and over again. ENJOY!
     
    Makes 8 servings
     
    Active Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
     
    124 Calories Per Serving
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  2. Debra G
    This mouth watering dish has some bold flavors that you, your family and friends will love.
    Shrimp Cocktail Chipotle Bites hors d'oeuvre will be a hit at any dinner party. ENJOY!
     
    Makes 36 cocktail bites
    Servings 12
     
    Active Time: 8 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
     
    160 Calories Per Serving
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  3. 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!
  4. Debra G
    This recipe is wonderful for all Lap-Banders. If you are just starting your journey or well into it, this recipes fits everyone. This low calorie and delicious fresh home made soup has a taste that will make you and your taste bubs happy. ENJOY!
     
    Makes 6 cups
     
    Active Time: 35 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
     
    76 Calories Per Serving
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  5. Debra G
    Leg of Lamb is a wonderful meat when it's tender and not over cooked. This recipe is my mother's. I memory eating this delicious roast as a child. You can server it with potatoes and vegetables. This is a great all year round dish. ENJOY!
     
    Active Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour and 40 mins
     
    266 Calories Per Serving
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  6. Debra G

    Makeover For Me!

    By Debra G,

    With my recent loss of 98 pounds, nothing fits me anymore - hooray, this is a good thing! So I went out and bought all new clothes, 10 sizes smaller in pants and dresses. I am down to a medium-large top. So my husband and I went out shopping, and the first place I went to was the plus-size department -that is where I went for so many years, so naturally I went there. So I began to take clothes off the rack and hold them up to me - and I had this weird expression on my face. My husband asked what's wrong? With a tear running down my cheek, I said everything is too big here! When I held the clothes up to me, I was lost behind them - you could not see me!
     
    My husband said you are in the plus sizes - this is not your department any more. So I went over to the regular size department and I pulled out a size 14 pants and a medium top and went to the dressing room to try them on. My husband and everyone around the dressing room heard this loud thump - that was me falling against the wall with sheer amazement about what I saw in the mirror. "Is that really me?" I walked out of the dressing room parading my new look to my husband, who was smiling and laughing and said "way to go!" I left the store with my new clothes, and for several hours I was smiling in disbelief that I was in a size 14.
     
    Yesterday, I decided it was time for a new look - a makeover to go with my new body, so I went to the hairdresser. I had my hair lightened - I am now a light auburn - and I had a major cut and style. I wanted my hair cut to frame my face instead of hiding it. I had my eyebrows shaped and lightened. I wore no makeup to the hairdresser so it would not run from the heat and the hair dye. So when I first sat down in the chair, my face looked a little drawn and tired looking. When I was finished with my makeover, It had taken at least 10 years off of my face - my face had a more perky look -I could not stop looking at myself - LOL! My husband told me I look like a million dollars!
     
    For those of you don't think the LAP-BAND works - think again! For those of you who had LAP-BAND surgery and are at a plateau and are not seeing the scale move much lately - hang in there! Yes there where times when I felt that I could not do this, or looking at all the total weight I needed to lose. And even seeing the scale stop moving for a while. I just hung in there and never gave up hope. So this is why I say- please hang in there..
     
    So this makeover for me has done wonders - I'm feeling better and looking better. Even other people can see the difference in the way I walk and in the way I interact with others - its a brand new me! I'm getting a lot more stares now - but in a good way. No longer do they say, "look at the fat girl" or "she has a pretty face"- and we all know what that means LOL.
     
    I still have 30 pounds to go to reach my goal weight, and I'm sure I'll do that by October 26 - which is one year in.:smile2:
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE ABOUT MY JOURNEY.
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  7. Debra G
    Cassoulet (from Occitan caçolet) is a rich, slow-cooked bean stew or casserole originating in the south of France, containing meat (typically pork sausages, pork, goose, duck ... Full of robust flavors, surprise your friends and family with this Delicious Cassoulet. ENJOY!
     
    Makes 8 servings
    Active Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
     
    316 Calories Per Serving
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  8. Debra G
    This healthy low calorie easy to make dish is so full of so many wonderful flavors. Here is a great way to make your taste buds happy. This Vegetable and tilapia Packet has every thing to do that, I love this dish. Am sure you will too... ENJOY!
     
    Makes 4 packets
    Active Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
     
    284 Calories Per Serving
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  9. Debra G
    Hummus is a great low calorie side dish or makes a nice dip. When I have dinner party's my friends and family always ask me to make Veggies with Edamame Hummus. A healthy appetizer that many will want the recipe to. ENJOY!
     
    Makes 2 cups
    Servings 2
     
    Active Time: 8 minutes
    Total Time: 8 minutes
    31 Calories Per Serving
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  10. Debra G
    Apricots are rich in Potassium, and very good for our daily intake of Potassium. I love this sauce, I use this at Thanksgiving time a lot. And all year round great for dipping and over a lot of meats. ENJOY!
     
    Makes 22 ounces
    Servings 22
     
    Active Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
     
    94 Calories Amount Per Serving
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  11. Debra G
    After finding out that my Potassium levels where very low, I will be doing a few Potassium rich Foods this week. And I have been doing a lot of reading on this, and potatoes are one of the high potassium rich foods. This recipe is delicious and so full of flavors. ENJOY!
     
    Makes 6 servings
     
    Twice-Baked Potatoes
    Active Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
     
    255 Calories Per Serving
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  12. Debra G
    In my last blog today I mention that I had a very low level of Potassium and was put into the hospital thinking I was having a heart attack. Come to find out it was Potassium Deficiency. So I did some reading on this and this is what I found out about it.
     
    What is Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia)?
     
    A medical condition in which our body fails to retain minimum necessary amount of Potassium required for its day to day functioning is called as Potassium deficiency or hypokalemia. Potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) can be fatal at times if not taken care of. A person may also develop Potassium deficiency due to extra excretion of Potassium or lower quantity of Potassium in daily diet.
     
    Here is a link to find out what foods has some or a lot of Potassium in them.
     
    High Potassium Foods Summary Table
    From the USDA Nutrient Database
    http://www.vaughns-1-pagers.com/food/potassium-foods.htm
     
    To read more about this subject, go to my earlier blog today entitled "Low Potassium Danger!"
     
    or see my blog called "Life After LAP-BAND" http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
     

  13. Debra G
    I have been doing very well with my weight loss - lost 102 pounds so far. I am working out - exercising so I can decrease the amount of extra skin sagging - so I try very hard to stay on track. However, for a few days, now I have been feeling a little weak and not quite myself.
     
    Friday morning, I was into my usual routine - I had just gotten dressed for the day, and I was going to walk my dog.Then I began to get some pains in my chest - at first I did not think much about it, until it started radiating down my left arm - my arm and fingers began to get numb. I sat down to relax, but the pain stayed with me for 10-15 minutes. After the pain passed, I took my dog out for a walk, but I still did not feel quite like myself so I came back home.
     
    About an hour later I went to the store, but the pain started again and I drove myself to the hospital emergency room - I thought I was having a heart attack. I was examined, and they admitted me to the hospital for tests. They found that my potassium level was way too low. It should have been 3.5 - mine was 2.5. So they gave me some potassium - I could not take the pills, of course, because they were too big for my LAP-BAND® to permit. The other choice was by IV, but I was told by both the doctors and the nurses that this would be very uncomfortable because it would burn. So I asked them if there were a 3rd choice, liquid, and they said yes.
     
    So I started taking this liquid potassium, which also burned going down and tasted terrible. I asked my doctor why the potassium level was so low, and what caused the problem that brought me into the hospital. He does not believe I had a heart attack, and he began telling me why potassium levels go down. As he was talking, a light bulb went off, and I realized what was happening. He mentioned that not enough food as well as vomiting could cause this potassium deficiency and numbness in the arm.
     
    I have been throwing up when I eat something that does not agree with my band, so this seems to be the problem. Also, I'm not eating enough food. All the tests I took in the hospital came back negative for a heart problem, fortunately. The answer for me is to increase my potassium intake - unfortunately, I hate bananas and orange juice does not agree with me because of the acid. So, I started my first banana in the hospital - making that face that children make when eating something they hate, and I ate 1/2! YEA! LOL. I ate 1/2 not because that was all I could eat, but because it was all I could stand! YUK.
     
    So what I am trying to say here is if anyone out there is throwing up a lot, and also not eating enough, have your potassium level checked. Potassium is called Natural Diuretic as it easily gets absorbed by our body and almost 85-90% of it is excreted from our bowels and kidneys (urine). Because of its alkaline property, it is a very important mineral which helps our body system to maintain of pH level balanced and also to maintain proper level of water inside body. The most important function of Potassium in human body is to keep blood pressure under control and help in intra-cellular nutrient transfer. It also helps in keeping acne, some type of allergies, fatigue, kidney stones etc. problems at bay.
     
    It is very important to take healthy and Potassium rich diet everyday in order to keep our body functioning properly and feel healthy.
     
    I'm ok - this is something I will have to deal with - I will start eating yucky banannas and drink diluted orange juice. Maybe one day bananas will grow on me and I will be able to tell you I love them.
  14. Debra G
    Want a new way to have a BLT. This healthy salad has it all, taste, flavor, and low in calories and easy to make. ENJOY!
     
     
    Makes 4 servings
    Active Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
     
    218 Calories Per Serving
     
    CHECK OUT MY BOLG FOR THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  15. Debra G
    I made this for a pot luck party this weekend. All my friends gobbled it up and asked for the recipe! Instead of using chicken, I used turkey sausage. You can use both chicken and sausage if you like. I also doubled the Cayenne pepper and the tabasco sauce depends on your family's taste. So easy to make and easy to throw together... PERFECTO! ENJOY!
     
    Makes 6 servings
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Total Time: 6 HOURS
     
    325 Calories Per Serving
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  16. Debra G
    This juicy and tender Chili-Orange Drumsticks dish is full of robust flavors, and low in calories. A great meal all year round. ENJOY!
     
    Makes 4 servings
    Active Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 6 minutes
     
    318 Calories Per Serving
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  17. Debra G
    Looking for a side dish, this is the one. Are you in the mushy stage of your band, or just want a great taste for your potatoes, you can get that with this 142 calorie dish.. ENJOY!
     
    Makes 5 cups
    Active Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
     
    142 Calories Per Serving
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band®.blogspot.com/
  18. Debra G
    What a great low calorie dessert. This will fill all the chocolate needs you may have. ENJOY! Guilt Free
     
    Makes 1 Pan
    Active Time: 18 minutes
    Total Time: 4 hours
     
    84 Calories Per Serving
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  19. Debra G
    A Saturday evening out in Manhattan with friends after seeing a Broadway show - we decided to go to Carmine's, an Italian restaurant, to eat. I told them to choose the restaurant - no matter where I went I would not be able to eat much anyway.
     
    Carmine's is a family-style restaurant with large portions that feed about four people. We got a cold antipasto, which came on a huge platter, and I was able to pick a few things off of there to eat - smoked salmon, yellow tomato, eggplant, red peppers, spinach and cheese, which was lovely for me. For the main dish, we had veal parmigiana with pasta, of which I had a little bit. I also remembered not to drink my raspberry lemonade until I had finished my solid food. I waited 15-20 minutes before drinking. Boy this felt so good, not making myself sick.
     
    What was nice about this family style was that I was able to taste a little of everything, without having to order entire portions for myself, most of which I could not finish. So this worked out just great for me.
     
    I think what I'm saying here is that I'm learning how to eat out with my lap band and still enjoy the dining experience. This only took me 9 months to figure out - LOL. So this was a new step for me and it really felt good - a Saturday evening out in Manhattan.:rolleyes2:
  20. Debra G
    Ratatouille is a traditional French Provincial dish. Ratatouille is usually served as a side dish, but also may be served as a meal on its own accompanied by pasta or rice. It was originally an everyday dish prepared in the summer with fresh summer vegetables. The original Ratatolha de Niça or Ratatouia Nizzarda used only zucchini, tomatoes, green and red peppers (bell peppers), onion, and garlic. The dish known today as ratatouille adds eggplant (aubergine) to that mixture.
    The word ratatouille comes from Occitan ratatolha and the recipe comes from Occitan cuisine. ENJOY! BON APPETITE!!
     
    Makes 6 servings
    Active Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 5 hours
    241 Calories Per Serving
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  21. Debra G
    I use the following fish in this recipe because it's the flakiest fish and has a great flavor and taste. Look at the ingredients part of this recipe for the ones I recommend. Fish cakes give me the feeling of being at a New England seaport. ENJOY!
     
    Makes 12 fish cakes
    Active Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
     
    304 Calories Per Serving
     
    CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup:
    http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
  22. 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/
  24. 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!
  25. Debra G
    :scared2:My Band is not tight enough. When I went in 2 weeks ago to get my unfill, my doctor was not there so I had another doctor do it. I was so sick I did not care who did it, but I told her to only take out 1/2 cc - that was what was put in me by my doctor on my last fill date appointment. But I think she wanted to be safe and just took out more then the 1/2 cc. I'm not restricted enough and I can feel the difference.
     
    I can drink liquids right after I eat, and there is nothing telling me that am full. I FEEL LIKE THAT OIL SPILL IN THE GULF - NEVER ENDING - I KEEP GOING AND GOING AND GOING, eating that is. I have gone up a few pounds and that is scaring the heck out of me. The things I am eating are healthy things, fruit, low cal snacks, and fish, the same as I was eating before. But I'm going up in weight, not down. For the life of me I do not know why. The only thing I can think of is that my band is just not tight enough. It may be that I am also retaining water, but I do not see any particular reason for that because I am continuing to limit my salt intake. So I have a appointment on 7/7 with my surgeon. But I am not waiting that long. I am scared that I will gain to much weight back by then. Let me put a stop to this weight gain now, I told myself.
     
    So I called them and they gave me an appointment for 6/30. The thing that is getting me is this - I am eating all the same foods, doing all the same things as when I was loosing weight, eating right and exercising. This is starting to make me very depressed. The last time I felt this depressed was before my surgery.
     
    So, now I am trying to keep a stiff upper lip about everything that is going on now. I was at my sweet spot before, and I know I will get back there again, hopefully on Wednesday, 6/30. I'm still doing my Recipes of The Day that I share with you all on a daily basis, and continuing to exercise. I'm looking at this as a small bump in the road.

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