JOANNE M HOLL

I bought the zero calorie Peanut Butter and is awful. I thought I would use it up in energy bars. Copied a recipe out here for "No Bake Energy Bars" (Chewy Bars) 1 C dry oatmeal 1/2 C chocolate chips 1/2 C peanut butter 1/2 C ground flaxseed 1/3 C honey 1 T vanilla Mix well & roll into ballsi

So you really hit the nail on my head! "When no one is around," it does come on like gangbusters! Have company, eat graciously, and when they leave eat everything they left! Go to a meeting, control myself at coffee break, but when I get home, go to the refrigerator to graze. . . . . I think to myself, I've been doing this ever since my husband died over to yy years ago. . . . part of why I'm on the internet so much. . . . . . . . . . I'm alone again. . . . now I see what I'm doing. . . I wake up in the middle of the night. . . alone. . not really hungry. . . . but go get a munchie! Maybe I should advertise for a roomer (or a watchdog?) I was to a therapist (after cancer surgery) and I'm thinking of maybe finding someone else, but I'm of such an age where I can't find one too far away. . it is awful winter here. . just thinkin'. . . .

I want to put my 2 cents worth out here for those just beginning here on site. . . . . . . . please enter the Location (State) & Date Banded on your set-up Profile. That is the first & second thing I review before replying or posting. I am an older bander and I don't want to repeat something you already know, I am a rejoinder (as I was lost with Cancer for a year) and I think I am in "Rejoinder Hell" at the present time. . . so I need your thoughts too. Wanting us all to find our "Zone" to health soon!. . .

We are all on another general site I guess. My lap band was placed September 8, 2006 at Abbott NW in Minneapolis and I am a Senior with B.C.B.S. insurance. I had the choice of 3 locations in the State that my insurance would cover (accept). They requested Bariatric Center & Surgeon who had a large track record. . . .maybe over 100 a year. . I don't recall the exact quantity . . My computer is acting up . . . so I'm signing off. . .

We are all on another general site I guess. My lap band was placed September 8, 2006 at Abbott NW in Minneapolis and I am a Senior with B.C.B.S. insurance. I had the choice of 3 locations in the State that my insurance would cover (accept). They requested Bariatric Center & Surgeon who had a large track record. . . .maybe over 100 a year. . I don't recall the exact quantity . . My computer is acting up . . . so I'm signing off. . .

You made the first step in getting banded. You have lost well and evidently have been using your lap band tool. Did you visit a nutritionist before or at the time you were banded? Can you check in by phone with her? When portion control became a problem for me I got a regular serving & then halved it removing that in take-out container (even at home or senior centre at lunch). A few days of shrinking my tummy and my "zone" came back . . . . . walk, walk & walk, get out of the kitchen. . . . don't have junk food in the house. . . Check back with your doctor's nurse, my insurance company requires them to do good follow-ups on weight loss surgery . . . . it's cheaper for them to have excellent results than to have future health claims. . . . keep in touch with BariatricPal.com and maybe use a nutrition/calorie tracker. . . I did this for 6 months and it was really an eye-opener to see why my weight loss was stalled. . . , , , wish you a healthy happy future!

Hi, I live west of Alexandria on Hwy 27. I started a Minnesota site but have no action so far. I'm a 7 year Lap Bander and I would not part with my great little tool. Let me know how you are doing. I'm actually looking for a Bariatric Doctor, mine is in Abbott NW, Minneapolis, and I want to transfer to someone who really takes time with you & has a pleasant personality. I have had Cancer & Breast Removal in 2012 and Minneapolis is pretty far to drive to just be hurried through when I have a Lap Band ckup appointment. Would you have a recommendation? I am an internet Lap Band Forum Fan. Folks here are so helpful.

Welcome to our Lap Band World! Keep us tuned to how it goes. . .

Think positive thoughts, remember to walk, walk & walk, read & study nutrition & keep tuned to BariatricPal.com. You will become healthy & happy. . .

I have the Book and this is a reminder to finish reading it! I got interrupted after several chapters and put it in the bedroom bookcase when cleaning. . . . thanks for the flashback.

Congratulations! Yes I know where you are coming from. I was formerly self-employed and did many interviews. Sorry to say that influenced me somewhat. We had a professional office and I hated sloppy appearances, and now that I am overweight myself, I don't look too great at times. . . . . . maybe heavy folks are harder on their clothes & larger sizes are certainly more expensive. . . . . . . But you give the lap banders another reason to keep on livin' in our "zone"! Keep us informed on how it going . . . .

This is a great post! Super inspiration to start my day. . . .

I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom & hunger. I had 6 years of great work with my 10cc Band and then Cancer showed on the mammogram. That was like a bomb to my everyday emotions and the way I brought myself out of the pit was pleasurable living by eating gooooood food. One year later I'm told the Cancer is gone after the surgeries and my Bariatric Center & surgeon just smile and say, "we'll see you in a year!". No mental help there. (My insurance pays for annual Lap Band checkups!) I live way out here in the boondocks and don't know where to go next. I've had an appointment with my Nutritionist, but most of our conversation was on things I already knew. The days after spending time here on BP are beginning to put me closer to satiety. . . . I've quit my late evening snacking and have resumed my food tracker. . . . any ideas on what I can do for happier healthier days. . . (it's 19 below zero and I'm housebound . . . no traffic on our road today!).

I would try a little warm tea.(or hot). I was erping a little after too large meal & I sipped green tea with a slice of orange in it. Add just a tad of sugar or Splenda. Good . . . & it soothes the stoma. I'd rather try a warm drink than take pills. . .

Think positive thoughts, cut your meals in half, walk, walk & walk, read & study nutrition and keep tuned to BariatricPal.com. P.S. Welcome home! Let us know how it goes. .

What is plication? I'm thinking it is sewing besides the lap band???

You have already taken the first step. . . . . you have admitted that you have a problem. . . . . . did you do any journaling the first time? . . . . . .maybe re-read your notes. . . . . did you have a family member or friend in confidence during your decision to have the lap band placed? . . . . . can you quietly & honestly share with them?. . . . would they help. . sort of like AA where they assist each other? . . . . . . these are just my immediate thoughts, as you don't want to go to your doctor or your bariatric center. . . . . . . though these people have seen it all . . . . . . . and what do you care what they think? . . . . . .you did this for you and not for them originally! This site has some really knowledgeable folks and they will put their thoughts out here too . . . . . . . . . but my best wishes go out to you that you find your way to a cleansing and a successful re-start.

Best wishes to you as you join us in our World of the Banded! I have never been sorry I opted for my Lap Band. Keep your mind in a happy positive zone & you will do well. Our band is only a tool and we must listen to our body, chew slowly, and I would suggest logging what you eat to watch portion control. Your bariatric center & your doctor will answer medical questions, but we cheer you and you cheer us on these forums. . . . . . let us hear from you in 2014. . .

I have been thru this. I had the band placed in 2006 and lost 70 lbs. Life was good! In May of 2012 I they found breast cancer and I had my left breast removed in June at Abbott NW Cancer Center In Minneapolis. Before that surgery I went next door to their Bariatric Center & they removed the saline. ( I think this was necessary as my port is located below the left breast.) After about 3 months of drainage & healing I was transferred to a local Oncology Dept where later I was told I'm cancer free at the present time. This fall I had some saline put in my port again. I love my Lap-Band, and am here on this site for inspiration & to find my way back to the comfort of my "tool" (Lap-Band). Peace be with you as you do what must be done for the cancer. Try to limit the stress and take care of you. This site has many who will pray for your healing, & I wish you Merry Christmas & a Happy Healthy New Year! Joanne

New Deb, You are at a point where it is very important to eat slowly. . . . . chew every bite and really listen to your body (or I should say your band). . . . . . . .I can really relate to what you are saying. . . . . . . . it will only be a few days. . . . eat only what you know your body really needs. . . . . . .not just what you really like. . . . . . . cut the quantity so your new pouch doesn't stay stretched. . . . . . . . and tough it out. . . . . . . this hunger feel will pass and you will be in glory land. With the holiday food. . . . . I intend to only eat 1/2 of anything I take. . . . . . don't know what I'll do with the other half . . . maybe take some zip-loc baggies along and place the other half it in the refrigerator for take-out. Ha! (I will be eating at my son & daughter's homes so I can take that home for future meals at home. . . . . . or I can feed my neighbor's big dog.) Merry Christmas & a Happy Healthy New Year

My course right now is travelling to the twin cities for Christmas with my kids. Just talked to them on Skype. They will pick me up at the airport at 12 noon on Monday. They asked me what I wanted they should have on hand. My mind went blank. I'll take my earl grey tea bags & spenda pkts with, so I'll stay out of the holiday beverages. Then. . . try. . . to cut in one-half all the holiday food. I've been sleeping so much lately, when this year is over I need to check in with my GP. The dark cold short days and living alone is the cause I'm sure. Seeing my family and with my grandson home from Afghanistan it will be a special time. CG I think you should get a salary from the powers that own this site. Your responses on these forums are a magnet to our membership! I thank you for your inspiration & help. Wishing you & Yours, A Merry Christmas & Happy Healthy New Year!

Congratulations! Please pass on your excitement to inspire others. . . . . as that is the way our banding world works. . . . have a Happy Healthy New Year