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Thanks everyone!!! I have been trying to keep a food journal the last month. Today so far I have eaten: 1/2 toasted english muffin w/PB 1 cup coffee w/1/2 cup 2% milk (dont like skim in coffee not strong enough) lunch at 11:45 Plain Turkey Burger no bun 2 tblspn Ketchup, 1 tblspn mustard, onion, 1/2 tomato, and pickle I am hungry now so I might go buy a piece of cheese and some skim milk to hold me over till dinner. Oh and i have had about 40 ounces of Water so far today. Of course not everyday is like this sometimes I slip and have thin crust pizza or a muffin but I feel that I am eating so much less than before I had the band. My dad thinks I am lying to myself about portion size but I have really tried to look at that as well which is why I got the last fill. I think I may need another tweaking so get me really restricted but we'll see. I did get my period and lost the craving for sweets and the 3 pounds of water weight I always seem to gain before :-).

You've been on my mind today. As I stated in my private message, I've been there. Hope today is better. Stay positive girl. This to shall pass. And before you know it, surgery day will be here, and then one month out and then 6 months out and bam, you will look back and say I did it, and look at all the weight you will have lost and will feel better. You are worth it!

Just wanted to share because it made me soooo happy. My DBF lives about an hour from me so we generally only see each other on the weekends. And you know how it is when someone doesn't see u for a week they can really tell the difference. So anywayyyy....we are driving and he keeps looking at me, with this silly little grin on his face, finally I'm like "What, why are you staring at me?" And he says "Well I was just thinking to myself, Wow she looks great and she's my girl":wub: Did I mention that I think I have the greatest guy EVER!!! That comment was better then ANY number the scale would have given me. He went to grab for some boobage later and he says "Uh-oh my assets are dwindling" :rolleyes2: Like the chick in that Slimquick commercial where her husband loses weight all over and the only thing that happens to her are her boobs shrivel up. Hehe--he also has a silly sense of humor.

Lost 2.4 lbs this week putting my total loss at 22.4 lbs. I am losing at approximately 3 lbs per week after surgery (I lost 10 lbs before surgery). Happy with my weight loss even though at times I wish I could lose a more impressive amount (i.e. 7-10 pounds per week). I was the same way when I was dieting prior to the sleeve so I know that is unrealistic (but it doesn’t stop me from dreaming my weight loss fantasy!). The last time I when I lost a significant amount of weight – 30 lbs – I basically stopped and gained it all back and then some. I don’t feel like that will happen this time with the sleeve (so for that I am grateful). I’m still not exercising regularly. I am doing a Flash Mob performance with the local YMCA on May 5th and went to practice last week and that kicked my butt (I looked like a sweaty drowned rat after practice…but I felt good). I know serious exercise isn’t supposed to be introduced until week 6 but I don’t consider Zumba too serious (at least not the way I do it) and I kept my impact low during practice (less jumping more fake jumping). My problem is that I wanted to chug water like no tomorrow and it was really hard to slow myself down. I am finding the same problem with eating. I was technically allowed to start adding mushies this week but I had pretty much been eating mushies since my DC trip. The problem is I haven’t really got the slow eating down yet (working on it). To give you an idea of what I am eating (and I am not hungry, just trying to get into a routine)… Early AM – 8 oz of water and my gummy vitamins (fiber, regular, and dissolvable Biotin tablet) Breakfast – Generally is a protein drink. Something with 15 to 20 grams of protein. Midmorning – more water Lunch – Soup (although today I am trying some tuna and crackers thing I purchased at Walmart) Midafternoon – Water Snack – Peanut butter portable cup that I got at Walmart More water or another protein drink (I like OJ with vanilla protein powder) Dinner – Not sure what I am having tonight but the last night two nights I had a Taco Bell fresco chicken soft shell taco (just took the filling out and ate it..GOOD!) and refried beans (not the whole cup but pretty much the top layer with the cheese and beans). Water after dinner Yesterday I had an Atkins chocolate/peanut butter bar with 19 grams of protein to see how I would tolerate it (it is 2.4 oz) and it was fine so I might be adding those into my meal/snack roation. I am suffering from really bad dry mouth during the night so I keep a water bottle by the bed (seems to be a side effect of surgery for me). The “bad” things I have had this week (lest anyone think I am some giant role model J. Saturday I had a class where they had a bunch of muffins and donuts. I took a Boston cream donut and ate the chocolate off the top and then ate the cream in the middle (none of the breading part). Saturday after class I went to a hibatchi grill with a girlfriend and I ordered miso soup, edamame (which we split) and an order of gyozas. I did ok with the soup (I had about ¼ of a cup). The half order of edamame was good. I probably should have stopped at 2 gyozas and taken the remaining four home instead of forcing all six gyozas (I felt HORRIBLE and had the burpies). Sunday went to my SIL’s house for dinner (which was fine – fish and steamed squash) it was the raspberry cream cupcake that made me a bit ill (again I would have been ok with just half instead of the full cupcake). Monday went out to lunch and had half a small cup of tomato basil soup (good), half a tuna salad sandwich (just eating the tuna out of it – no bread) and then I got a child’s cup of lemon custard ice cream (which didn’t make me sick or ill but probably wasn’t the best choice…thank good there was a lot of walking afterward to move it through) Tuesday was picture day at school and our photographer brought a ton of donuts. Did the chocolate and cream thing again but tried to eat the breading part. Got about a ¼ of it down and I could feel it sitting in my chest so I stopped. I’m not too worried about the bad things. I think a lot of it was a learning lesson for me and it was WAY less than what I would have eaten prior to the sleeve (normally I could have a full hibachi meal, four donuts and a waffle cone of ice cream…so I am considering this progress J). Friday I have Relay for Life with my school so I plan to be trekking around that track quite a few times. Sunday I have my Zumba practice. Looking forward to both for the exercise. People are noticing the weight loss in my face (my weight loss usually starts showing in the face, then boobs, stomach, and finally thighs). Nobody knows about the surgery. I am a solid 20W in clothes size now. My 22’s feel/look baggie. I nearly bought a pair of white capris at Dillards the other day ONLY because I fit into the 16W (they were cut pretty big) but I had to buy a pair of jeans (Levis size 20 and a bit snug but figure they will stretch out normally) and both were around $40 so I opted for the jeans only (which I needed). I think that is pretty much my week-in-review. Until next week….

I had my surgery in late june im down 45 pounds but have hit a plattue Igot back on track only having 3 meals a day and no snacking and ive been hitting the gym 3/4 times a week in the first week since my adjustment I still havent lost any weight and im feeling very sad and discouraged can anyone give me any advice on what to do

That's definitely a NSV and by the way... CONGRATULATIONS - LOL! Seems like all of the "Bs" disappear with the weight loss... booty, boobs, bumps, and bulges. :biggrin2:

I chose this surgery so I would not fall off the wagon. Falling off for me wasn't just a meal or a day, it was a month and wasn't just a few pounds but 10-15. I was so tired of the yo-yo dieting and weight gain/weight loss. No matter what restrictive surgery you choose, you will still have to watch what you eat (more quality than quantity) and exercise.

Wow - you've really lost a lot in your pre-op phase! That's fantastic. And twenty years of taking meds - what a wonderful feeling it must have been to be told no more! Congratulations!! You body is really responding to the weight loss. Eating slowly and sipping are my toughest things too. That's not how I've done it for 40+ years. It's going to take some real presence of mind to remember. Started my pre-op diet today. This was a good post to read to keep me positive, because I'm HUNGRY.

I am trying to find some unbiased reviews of lap band procedure. I live in Ontario Canada and find my GP completely non commital. I currently weight 350 pds, my BMI is over 60, I have developed Diabetes, sleep apne, high blood pressure and high chlorestoral. All he keeps saying is exercise and eat less. Easy for an asian man who is 6ft tall and problably weighs 150pds soaking wet. He had his secretary quickly check to see if procedure was covered by OHIP (which as I have read here, is not) and left me to find my own way. I am now in touch with Barix Clinic and hope to have procedure in the new year. Back to my initial question --- Everywhere I look on the internet brings me to sites that are infommercials for the various clinics. Can anyone recommend an unbiased site.

I would get a small un-fill. It doesn't necessarily mean you will gain weight. This journey is not about feeling bad, it is about losing weight and being able to live a full life with the band.

Have lost 50 since 04/22/10...50 more to go. But, I'll admit it's been real slow losing for me. On medical scooter...so can't exercise much. Since my 3rd fill...have .5cc in 10cc band, have had terrible reflux. Been sleeping upright position in my recliner every night...which doesn't rest your body & back as well as my bed. I'm also diabetic (on 2 insulines) but have cut doses in half...and off half my maintenance meds was on before. I like my band most days...I feel & look alot better....but it's been a huge learning curve for me. What's bothering me so bad right now is the GERD. On Nexium & have tried Prilosec, Pepcid AC & Rantidine. I have gastroparesis (nerve damage in stomach) due to 25+ yrs diabetes...so that slows down the food digestion alot. Nurse thinks I should get an unfill...but soooo afraid of gaining weight back...since it's come off so slow anyway. What do ya'll think? :sneaky: I see the doc again in 2 weeks.

:drool:Hi All: These have been posted before and I think it is a great way to try a great-tasting Protein drink. It has a high protein to weight ratio. That means that the 26g serving size will yield you 23 grams of protein. Other Protein drinks I have tried have a 30g serving sixe and 15 grams of protein. The rest of the 15 g is sweetener or filler or whatever else they put in those protein supplements. YOU CAN ONLY ORDER THESE BY PHONE. THEY ARE LIMITING ONE PER PERSON. IF YOU HAVE NUMEROUS PEOPLE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD, YOU CAN PUT IN AN ORDER UNDER THEIR NAME AND CREDIT CARD. SYNTRAX'S PHONE NUMBER IS 1-866-333-7403. ASK FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE (THEY CLOSE AT 5P.M. CENTRAL TIME, I THINK) and place your order for 10 samples for $9.99 UPS GROUND shipping. Bodybuilding.com has all the flavors available. Search "Syntrax nectrar" 2.2 pounds 36 servings is around $28 and their grabngo packs are $24 for 21 individually-wrapped servings of one flavor. Bodybuilding.com has a good price on click coffee protein but melting mama is the best one to contact for all the click protein promotions! Question: the max protein the eggface uses in her recipes is quite expensive at GNC. does anyone know a website that carries this protein for a reasonable price? what flavors do you all like of the max protein?i know even if i don't like the protein, i can always make protein ice cream. i am soo sick of sugar free popsicles and crystal light pops. i wish grocery stores carried healthy protein ice cream. I like the herbalife unflavored Protein powder and their shakes. i go through reputable sellers t hrough ebay (always fresh products--great service) because i don't want to go through a local distributor that wants to recruit me into the herbalife organization. Herbalife chai latte ranks up there along with click and my syntrax nectars. i buy the powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury once a year. i like all the flavors but i prefer the syntrax. The unjury Soup is okay. If i had to do preop again, i would do unjury for two weeks instead of the expensive and bleh tasting medifast and Optifast for 2 or more weeks. UNJURY HAS SAMPLES--ABOUT TWO BUCKS FOR EACH FLAVOR. you have to check with your doc, of course. for those that are mandated to do the optifast/medifast "hell" you might be able to find affordable products at dietdirect.com--they have a lot of protein-enriched liquids that are less than a buck a serving. when i go on a roadtrip vacation., i like the smartforlife.com. Yup, those are the gimmicky cookie diet folks! Their Cookies are okay and prevent my convenience store snacking that i do mostly on weekends (choc chip is the best IMO) but what i love are the shakes--the powder is premixed in a little bottle. you have to add Water voila! i love their shakes--it's cheaper to go through costco.com and search "smart for life" or through their website. The SMARTFORLIFE.COM company sometimes lower the price of items if you ask. Here are my favorite Syntrax Nectars: fuzzy navel, twisted cheffy, chocolate truffle and capuccino. They mix well in a shaker bottle and not in a magic bullet. As people have mentioned. they have a "foam" bot a not-so-heavy protein taste. i mix them with skim milk, soy milk, filtered water, g4 gatorade, Vitamin water zero, Powerade zero, crystal light, coffee, orange juice (i love the tropicana 50--coupon on tropicana.com--it has 50 perecent less sugar than regular oj). I HOPE EVERYONE GETS TO TRY THE SYNTRAX nectar SAMPLES! Please post where you get your wls samples, what you paid and what you got in the sample pack! Cheers, Angel in Phoenix

I have heard of this on this, Several times, on BP. And if I remember correctly, it was around the 2 year mark. Personally, I have not experienced it. Maybe get hold of your nutrionist from your bariatric team for suggestions. I specifically remember at least one person coming back and mentioning the issue had resolved, but can't recall how. On another note, it's great you have maintained your weight, relatively well. I never got down to my goal weight and have regained about 11 pounds! It's a real struggle to get it off.

Thanks to EVERYONE who gave me their input on my post surgical issues!!!! I called my surgeon today cuz I just couldn't take it anymore.. And he automatically admitted me back into the hospital with a regular IV, nausea meds, and meds for the heartburn!!!!! I'm so glad I called!!!!!! Not too thrilled about being away from my girls, but they need a healthy mommy!!!!! I also wanted to give you guys my stats for anyone who needs some motivation!!!! Starting weight: 246 Date of surgery: 237 Current weight: 218 Can you believe it???? Soooo thrilled!!!!!!

Hi there everyone I am meeting with my surgeon July 14th. I have a BMI of 40 and am a busy working mom with two boys. I need to loose weight, and to change my eating habits, so my MD reccomended this as a solution. I tried Jenny Craig for a year and lost a little. I am just a little concerned about the stories I have heard regarding the difficulties of eating post-surgery. Can you eat normal foods again? Is steak really out of the question? I want to succeed, and I have heard so many positive things about this surgery! Knowing what to expect makes it easier to accept the changes ahead. Anyway it's good to be here with you all.

for the first time since, well, ever, my weight now is BELOW what my license says! hurray! how great is that? it expires in january so i will just wait until then to get it corrected.

Yes it's like if you would've known then what you know now. Actually I first had a lap band first and did well at first but of course eventually went back to my old ways and gained 50lbs. But even know with the sleeve I say why couldn't I just right from the beginning instead of putting myself through this

Are you getting enough protein? 60 grams a day should be about normal. If not enough protein is consumed, the body goes into survival mode and no weight loss occurs. Talk to your dietician.

Hi! I understand your frustrations! I am 6 weeks out. Went to my 6 week check up today. At their office I've lost 20lbs since surgery. I keep forgetting to weigh at home with clothes and shoes, 4lbs difference. My doctor seemed pleased. I'm frustrated! I have been getting about 70gr Protein. He told me eat 5-6 times a day, and get 80gr protein. My instructions had 3 times and 2 Snacks. He wants me to sort of make them all equal. Hopefully that will work better. I do tend to lose about 6lbs at once and then none for a couple of weeks. We didn't gain over weight and can't expect to lose like that. Good luck losers!!!=) Sent from my iPad using VST

First off, congratulations on your three blessings and I'm sorry for the loss of your firstborn. Secondly, this is NOT a failure, it's a bump on the road that you are meeting head on and taking care of. I wish, so many years ago , that I had faced my weight issue before it became the huge problem it ended up being . You are doing that! You see the problem and are addressing it now before it becomes worse! That is awesome! Take this day by day and you will succeed. I tell myself all the time, we are all human and make mistakes along the way, but that doesn't mean we fail. It means we get up the next day and strive for better! You got this!

Just had to share something funny. The great news is that I've lost 60 lbs of the 200 lbs I need to lose. The BAD news is that 30 of it seems to have been lost from my boobs! What the heck is that? I have a large butt, large belly, and thighs that have their own zip codes, but NOOOOO. I lose half of my boobs. Seriously, I can now put my fist in my bra with plenty of room left over. Cracks me up! Guess I may have to have implants when I'm all done. I invite you to share something funny about your weight loss that you never thought was going to happen. Happy Halloween Everyone! Cherlita Loveland, Colorado 379/319/179 pre-op/current/goal 11.27.07: Banded

I went from 262 to about 175 in less than 1 year, gained 10 back and stayed planted there for years. Now I barely diet (and my band is quite loose) and maintain. I would love to get from where I am now (185) to 162. I probably look best at 150/155 but I am 44 so a little weight looks better now AND I just like the fact I would be 100 pounds less. Such a beautiful, round number! Should I get the band tightened again? I am so hesitant as I feel like I went through that already and my surgery was years ago. Has anyone done this years after the surgery?

I just had my second pre op appt. Im nervous about getting thw surgery. I took four months off from weight checks to see if i could loose on my own and i only lost a lb a month I only weigh 215 lbs im worried about how much i will.loose and sagging skin.. as well as a liquid diet. Im also worried that i will go thru all six visits and then be denied by my insurance due to co morbidities. I dont have pre diabetes or high bp.. i havnt gotton my sleep study yet.. Just looking for some encouragement, maybe someone my weight who has gone through it..

HI. Hope your Easter was a good one. Here are some simple things to remember. 1. You are becoming healthier, who cares about extra skin. I would rather have the skin, then be 6 feet under the ground. 2. Drink lots/lots/lots of Water. This keeps your skin hydrated and healthy. If your mom has/had healthy skin, you will follow in her footsteps. My mom's skin was beautiful. I will be 50 and seriously do not look older than 40. 3. Yes, exercise. But be care to only TONE not weight lifting as this gives you muscle mass and weighs more. I have the skin under my arms. But I cannot afford $5,000 for an arm lift, and insurance will nto pay for this. I have loose skin on my legs, I just have to get use to it because, again, no way I can afford to have it removed. As for my stomach, I really didn't have a stomach so there is not much there. Mine was mostly in my Ass and Thighs. But again, I am healtheri and can run and play with my grand-daughter.

Donna, I thought the same thing!! One of those cream donuts would just fly into my mouth without any effort on my part. I don't think I could ever step foot in a Dunkin' Donuts without gaining 10 lbs. Krispy Kremes are 10 times worse!!!