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eggs 90 yogurt 100 - pt drink 100 (min)?? Jello 20 - fish (well what size) 200 - Veggies 50 = ya about 600 You are a guy and you get to eat more than us girls ;0) I never counted carbs - just stayed away from to many starches - Were you hungry??? Have 2 eggs - in morning.. lunch you could add a some meat - have pt shake as after noon snack - but over all the way you are eating is healthy.. That's what matters - we need to learn to eat when we are truly hungry - not what the clock says ;0) - if you weren't hungry that's a good thing - a How long is your pre-op - (when's surgery).. Good Morning Gang Happy Thursday - Dinner last night - salmon patty - squash - 1/4 (if that) of Pasta - sf ice cream & popcorn I need to by stock in popcorn ;0).. No exercise tonite ;0) - tons of work to do - and it's time to hit the showers - cbl

Apples Sound like you had a good time dispite the weather dinner sounds good - I'm hungry :0) Don't know if I will have my fish or the rest of my steak from last nite Sunday Popcorn - 4 oz steak - rice - veggies - sf pudding - I know I ate something else - but can't think of it. Today bf - dannon lite & fit vanilla yogurt w/1/4 c banana cheeros and then ate the other 1/2 c alone 3/4 c cheero 100 - so total bf 180 lunch BBQ chicken thigh & veggies

Good Morning Gang! Julie, I feel for you today. I watched your weather report up there. BRRRR!! No wonder you are hurting so bad. Have you tried muscle relaxers and xanax instead of vicodin? It may be your muscles and nerves causing you so much pain with the weather change. HUGS!!!! Meredith .....What are you studying for? Did you say Pa? Cheri......have fun at your party tonight. I love having parties, but I hate having to clean for them. Apples.....saw your weather report too.....be careful up there.....Stay off the roads if you can. Janet......lol! I babysat. My little one was really good, but my back is paying the price today coupled with the weather changing my IBS is kicking. I was on the way to my other DGD's soccer game and the IBS kicked in.....had to turn around and come home. UGH! Just makes me so mad. This was her last game too. Yep, my stamp book is full.....was all ready to unload on her and she didn't show. My DH got in a little inheritance money left over from her parents estate....203 bucks to be exact. He told her to come get her 203......she text him yesterday and said she was coming.......no show. You see, she had called me about 18 mos ago and asked us to help her daughter out financially .......she kept calling......we loaned her several thousand dollars. because the A$$ SIL lives with wouldn't help her out. Now she tells my DH that her DD is a loser and hit everyone up for money because her DH won't work. Anyway, she failed to tell my DH that she was the one asking for the money. She is such a LIAR. I am done! Let her come for her $203......she will get her money's worth. lol. I love her, but sometimes you have to put a hold on those toxic relationships......in my words......CASH OUT! I wish I would have learned that in VEGAS! lol lol lol EVA......so glad you got a new TV. You may not even need to wear glasses anymore.......Congrats!! I ate turkery sausage and yogurt this morning. Lunch.....gotta plan the day. I want to try a new chicken recipe. If it turns out good I will share it. CBL!

Good morning girls! I had a tough morning today. Took Nels to his first day of camp! (It's a sea life camp at the beach- sharks and stingrays today!!!) I was more anxious (by a mile) than he was. He went to camp the last couple summers but it was at his Montessori school (so it was the same place/same teachers). This is is first year going to a big kid camp- where he is one of the youngest kids (starts at age 6). Just getting out of wet/sandy clothes, changing, getting lunch, packing up all their stuff (without intervention). There are camp counselors but they have to be able to do everything on their own. I KNOW he will be fine- I just worry about him. Nothing worse than if you are hot/sweaty/wet and your underwear and shorts get rolled and tangled- trying to get them up. Heat index is near 100 and just worry about him drinking Water. I know... I know... he will be fine. I feel like I need a glass of wine or something! Well, I had said I was proud of my NOT gaining weight while I was in NC... well, I LOST 3 lbs!!! Perhaps it was all the stress... and I did eat pretty healthy. Will see check in a couple days before i change my ticker. I have soooo much to do today (cleaning, unpacking, shopping, etc) so probably won't get to the gym today and just too late to walk outside now. (but I vow to go tomorrow after I drop him off at camp!) I didn't get much done this weekend as I spent most of it trying to give DH some "down time" the last two days of his vacation after the stressful week in NC. We had a great Fathers Day. The boys had an early morning swim and then cooked two of DH's favorite meals. Lunch: Grilled ground lamb kebabs, hummus, grilled pita, greek salad, stuffed grape leaves. Dinner: Grilled chicken, sliced homegrown tomatoes, Pasta with garlic/parsley/yogurt. I didn't have bread and had 1/4 cup of the pasta and just that little bit bothered me! Felt full/stuck/pain for 2 hrs after. No PB but was not comfortable (I guess it just swelled up after I ate). I looked at some of the places you mentioned for Vegas. Nice! I like the ones that have the kitchen, etc. It works out nice to have fridge for water/yogurt,etc. I am working on it- hope I can make it. :thumbup: Phyl~sorry to hear that puppy didn't work out. From what I hear, it is best that you stuck to your gut instinct. The right one will come along. Janet~ I hear ya on the shopping! I can't wait to be at a place where no more clothes to give away- and have what you need. : ) I am sooo proud of you! Eva~ safe travels! Arlene~ Sorry to hear about the reaction to carbs. Switch it up and should balance out. Linda!~ wow, the sales sounded fabulous! WTG! Apples~ Are you back yet?! hugs. LauraK~ Happy travels! ok guys, going to get my work done! I will CBL tonight. peasout... Laura

Ellen - Glad to see the Ticker is working. We were banded the same day but I can start mushies on Sunday - Can't wait! Last night I had to take my elderly dad to the hospital (he's ok). After six hours I was so hungry I went to the cafeteria and the only liquid option was the gravy from the fried chicken meal. I almost ordered a cup of gravy (l0l). But, I didn't and ended up finding some yogurt instead. Janet - it is so heartwarming to see that the people you connected with last year have become friends. What a great way to have a reunion! Kathy

Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement. Today I went to the Dietitian. She gave me my pre-op and post-op diet plans. Mine starts on the 12th. This is how it is supposed to go: Breakfast: Boost High Protein Lunch: Boost High Protein Snack: Light Yogurt Dinner: Boost High Protein Light Yogurt Snack: Boost High Protein I'm ready. I understand that this is a life style change and I am so excited and after the meeting, I was pumped. It made me feel even better that it was a group style meeting. There were 4 others there getting the band and there were 2 that are getting the sleeve. It wasn't until I got out of the meeting until I got upset. My dad has been iffy about this whole idea of me having surgery since the beginning. So he called me to tell me that he talked to his best friend (I call him uncle) and he told my dad that his buddy had the lap band done and died a few weeks later. Oh great! Just what he needed to hear before his first born child goes under the knife! I am so upset now because he called me and told me about this and said that he doesn't want me to get it at all! Great. Then I got so angry and just furious and hung up on him! I don't need to hear this at all. I just need to try to keep positive. I know that he is just nervous, but geez, he needs to keep this to himself! Sorry about my venting. I'm just upset. Thanks for reading. ~Meredith

Good morning everyone. No, Janet, computer thermometer says it's 9 degrees (above zero) right now. But, I didn't sit around afterall yesterday. Have a clothing store in our little mall that had a 75% off sale that I had stopped in one night and got a few things. So after I got my house cleaned yesterday I decided to check it out. Well, parking was full and I had to park by Penny's so went in through Penny's and was stopped dead by signs of $2.97 shirts -- and 80% off sale signs. Never did make it out of that store!! They had long sleeved thin cotton tee (my favorites) for $2.97 -- originally $38.00 -- so guess who bought a ton of those? Then they had some sweaters at 80% off, I got 4 at $6.95 I think. Then I went over to the Jr. dept. and found a pair of size 11 junior black denim for $7.50!!! Tried them on -- fit perfectly -- I haven't lost weight, but have lost inches this year and that's my proof!! My receipt showed I saved $440 and only spent $120. I ended up with 3 pairs of jeans, 4 sweaters and 8 tees. Even my DH said he wouldn't have passed up those bargains either. So that's my NSV for this month -- being able to take advantage of those types of sales. So I was soooo glad I ventured out in the cold -- I arrived there shortly after they opened, and they had just put everything out, so I had a great selection of colors, etc. Katie returned home yesterday -- she said they released her which I don't believe -- I think she probably signed herself out -- she claims she's had no "food" for a week -- only intravenous Fluid -- so why would they ever let her out? Anyway, her brother was staying with her and Aylah so we took advantage of that and ended up driving to our casino for crab/prime rib dinner. DH needed his cigarettes too. So I ate crab and a few bites of prime rib. Played quarter poker machines and I hit 4 of a kind twice and DH hit four 2's so we ended up coming home with all the money we took plus a few extra bucks after paying for dinner, gas and 4 cartons of DH's cigarettes. We got there at 3:30 -- gambled until 4:15 -- had dinner and drove the hour and 10 mins. home and were back by 7:30 -- that's the secret to gambling -- just play until you hit and then walk away with $$. LOL. It works for us. With my lapband card my meal was only $8 -- DH paid $20 so I'm also a cheap date. Laura, good going on throwing away the cupcakes -- it's tough with a little one around. Of course you don't want to deny him - so that's a great plan. Do they still sell Jiffy cake mixes? They would make a lot fewer cupcakes I think - I remember they used to be like 39 cents. LOL. Haven't priced them recently. I saw a woman on Paula Deen one day who owns a cupcake bakery in Savannah -- and she made some cupcakes and then scooped out the middle and filled it with whipped cream and topped with berries. Those looked good -- we could make those for a special "treat" and that way we wouldn't have as much "cake" to eat. We could use greek yogurt/cream cheese pudding to fill ours - yum. Never did work out yesterday - -between the house cleaning and shopping I figured it was enough. Getting ready to go to the gym now. Sandy, I tend to agree with the ones telling you to wait until you lose the rest of your weight because I think if you have it done and then lose 20 more pounds it will sag again. Maybe not - see what the expert says -- will be interesting to hear. I'm going to work on that this week too -- I need to go get a consult - someone referred some names to me so I need to check them out. I didn't do it the first time I lost 100 pounds (over 20 years ago) and I truly feel like if I had done it I might not have gained the weight back. I think like our bands, if we are desparate enough to undergo a knife I think it makes a big impact on our minds. Yesterday as I was zipping around that store grabbing all these cheap clothes I kept hearing myself saying "I LOVE being skinny" lol, seriously, it was like my brain was sending me independent thoughts to inspire me. Cheri, the article will be hard to write, but I know it will also be quite theraputic for you -- it may be helpful for you as well as way to help your healing process. It will also help everyone who reads it. It's wonderful for you to volunteer to do that -- it's a tough job. Eva hugs on the drains and doggie illness issues -- hope it's all better by now. Apples, so happy you are in good weather and enjoying yourself -- if anyone deserves it you do!!! I'm sure your FIL is very happy to have you so close -- especially if you are cooking him food and sending it home with him!! He probably hopes you never leave!! Janet, can't wait to see the pics on FB - sounds like you had a great evening with Jodi, Dassi, Phyl and Earl - bet the doggies enjoyed having someone paying attention to them also! Well, gotta get moving -- need to go do a good workout this morning. We will probably get Aylah this afternoon -- as Katie is probably not going to be well enough to care for her and get her off to school in the morning. Julie, hugs on the pain. Arlene, you are a fabulous daughter -- your DM is so lucky!! Tell your sister she can't have the stuff -- she doesn't need it. LOL. Sell it and give the $$ to your mom instead. Or better yet, use it to buy her something she does need. Later, Linda Have a great day everyone!

Hello all! Went to a friends surprise birthday party today. It was really fun! I had to bring my "lunch box" with yogurt and boost in it. I mixed half a banana in with my yogurt in a bowl so I felt more comfortable while everyone else was eating. I got sunburned! Even though I really tried to stay in the shade. My skin is so fair, I always burn. On the way home I made Andrew stop and pick me up some more crushed lentil soup. So good. Still sticking to one cup. Seems to be working out pretty well, but I really have no restriction anymore. Will power alone is getting me through. Laura~ Oh, I did get the MM light. In chocolate. Phew! Don't want to be drinking anything that tastes like baby formula! Have a great time on your vacay! Julie~ Congrats on the 100 lbs lost!!!!! Awesome job. It sounds like you are feeling much better also. Keep up the good work! Joanne~ Have a wonderful time! There is nothing like a grandma, thats for sure. I am so lucky that at almost 27 years old I still have both of my grandmas! It is just the best. Long~ This year will be so exciting for you. Now you can enjoy dress shopping and everything with your DD. All you really have to worry about is what color to wear!!! What a great feeling that has got to be. Ladies....I really am worried about apples too. Strange not to hear from her. Now the bf is even asking where she is. I always tell him about all of you and what a wonderful help all of you are to me. It's so nice to know that I can come here and everyone understands what the other is going through in regards to the band journey. I feel so fortunate to have found all of you. I will check in tomorrow after school. I have to go to the grocery store tomorrow also. I'm going to probably spend a lot of time there and find healthy mushy things for me. I always liked grocery shopping! ~Meredith

HI to all... My name is Amanda im 29 and i joined lapbandtalk..ohh over a year ago, but i rarely get to come here so im sure noone knows me. Ok so I was banded june 10th. 2008. Ok so at first it was great....after surgeyr i was feeling full after a yogurt, i was like no way a ltile yogurt has me feeling good...this way cool Ok so months go by and i lost near 70 lbs with in say 7 months.. i was on a roll. THEN a brick wall I HIT. Back in January i saw myslef not losing. Somehow between working 12 hr days I let 5 months go by with no restriction....i never gained but sadly never lost either. So in june I got my first fill.YES i said first feel...so backing up my story a bit for first 6 months i nefver needed fill because i was losing like 10 lbs month...anywhoo Going back to brick wall....aafter fill in June...STILL no freaken restriction....Being that it was my first fill im sure maybe its normal...BUT I am so dispoitned in myself and the band...Not a poor me party or to say the lapband sucks....its all my fault.. I didnt take care of the problem ASAP...Time flies and I let NOW 7 months go by without losing. I feel so wayyyy behind. (still havent gained). i get filled tomorrow YAY!. I need input advice Last fill in june she put 2cc ( i think i have 10cc band?) anyway...Questions - will i ever fill that full feeling like after surgery again? - Will the Brick wall finally crumble down or i jump over it? - any suggestions on how i can catxh up on my weight loss? I feel like i should have lost 100lbs in a year..so i need to lose 30+. - am i over shooting the 100lbs in ayear? Ill stop asking questions for now. i owuld appreciate your responses... if i need a kickn the butt dont be nice be straight forward with your answers.. PS yes i know this site offers lots of answers but there are so many post I just havent founf time to scroll through millions to get help....agaon thanks for you input Amanda banded June 10th 2008 September 2009...havent lost in 7 months was 272..now 208

Hey Gang As you know jury duty this morning - have to go back next monday - it's a muder trial - haven't been picked yet - today they just talked to pple who could legally be excused. Meredith - I was like Apples full liquids as day after surgery - Protein shakes - creamed Soups, sf pudding - sf popsicles - sf pudding - dannon lite & fit yogurt - My doc sells Protein stuff - I love the brand proti15 I think it's called they are a clear liquid Protein drinks (like crystal lite) 70 calores & 15 grams protein Mushies - refried Beans, instant mash tatoes made with skim milk to boost the protein, egg beater - oatmeal - i think I even had spag sauce with ricotta cheese . I usually got most of my protien from pt shakes & the clear protien in the beginning - they make an unflavored protein that I would add to stuff but had to be warm curdle @ 130 degrees. Your doc should be giving you a list - My doc gave me a binder full of what to eat at each stage and there is a food thread on the main page that has tons of ideas. Bariatric Advantage is a good website too to get stuff - you can get the clear protein drinks there.. I am all about the homemade food too - it's more satisfying. I would make a pot of beans - pinto or navy beans - scoop out the beans and puree them add back to bean juice - cream of bean Soup Laura - a tweak may help - I am a big nite time eater still - I can manage my hunger during the day but nites are hard - I budget my calories to compensate/feed my hunger at night when I don't have as much will power Charlene - What is making the diverticulis act up and ya you sound tight - I have been having tmi problems but that's cuz I haven't been drinking like I should. Keep us posted Hugs.. Blklab - Ya you gotta chop up those big pills - I ate mine in pudding - but a plus is now I no longer need that pb med.. Barb - I wish I could break the night eating - it's better - it's controlled - but it's still there... Linda - I like fruit too but don't tend to eat it at home - but have it at work for bf or those times that I just can't ignore my hunger Ok gang - sorry this was short but got on the computer at 6 it's now 8 - I had a call from a lady who's going to be banded next month she lives in NY area - and then DIL called to tell me they are home safe and sound.. I need to go cook - so will talk to you all in the morning... Hugs

Hey Girls! I had a Janet moment at the grocery store today too! I was in the dairy aisle after I picked up my fat free yogurt and was walking past the cheese. You see, cheese is my absolute downfall. There were these containers of cheese spread and cheese dip. I love all of that crap. Well, NOT TODAY!!!!! I looked at it for a longing few seconds and said to myself "Self, it is not worth it! You do not want that, and it is going to make you fat!" Then I felt like I wanted to stick my tongue out at it. I didn't, but man, was it tempting. I won that battle. I am envious of all of your travels!!! Have a wonderful time Apples and Great. Be safe but have soooo much fun. The both of you deserve it. Lori~ Any news on your daughter and the baby? Did the test results come back yet? Did I miss something? I try to keep track of each post, but somtimes I am trying to multi-task. Also, WTG on your exercise!!! Jodi~ That party sounds like something!!!! Wow. She is a lucky girl. I will try to get back on for more later, but I am going to spend some time with Andrew now. food for the day: Breakfast~ Slim Fast Lunch~ 1/2 of Protein drink, 4 cubes of cheese, 4 "party tray" sized slices of salami Dinner~ 4-5 oz chicken Breast (poached in Balsamic Vinegar, low sodium chicken broth, water), mixed veg, 1/2 redskin potato Haven't calculated calories, yet, but around 800.

drive by... sooo busy today. read the posts but cannot really write much. No school tomorrow so I have to get all my work/errands done. Nelson goes to the hand ortho tomorrow. Doing better today with food. breakfast: coffee cream & spenda: 40 cal Protein Bar 200 lunch: yogurt 100 cal Protein granola 100 cal 1/4 banana 40 hi to everyone! apples glad you made your first stop and tanker did great! peasout

I'm Back - took GD to gf house then went to wallgreens - have to spend the $$ on my flex card before 12/31 - then went to target - looked around got some sf coffee mate - juice and that was it - came home made dinner - read and responded to some emails - and I am back - Ok PJ - I found this that I sent to someone a while back I follow a modified weight watchers eating plan (I don't count points or exchanges)- I do eat carbs not alot but do have some daily - I can not do Atkins - I gotta have my starches - Here is a variety of what I may eat for each meal Breakfast Weight Control oatmeal 1/2 c eggbeater omelet with a little cheese & maybe ham - add onions, bell peppers, jalapenos (Weekends) Dannon Light & Fit yogurt - with 1/4 cup granola or banana 1/2 PBJ sandwich made on light bread or ham sandwich or 3 oz of tuna out of the can 2 hard boiled eggs - or eggsalad Protein drink (rarely but every now and then - had one this morning) 1/2 c raisin bran. lunch Left over from the night before or my One Pot Wonders One Pot Wonders - I make these up but usually has the following stuff in it - you can throw together what ever you want ground turkey or cut up pork chop - chicken - hamburger (lean) it usually consist of - onion, bell pepper, garlic, zuchinee or cabbage, 1/4 cup uncooked rice, , jalapeno, - I make this on Sunday night and have lunch for the week I go out to eat once a week or maybe every 2 weeks - might go to Togos - will have 1 cup Soup - or a salad - if we do mexican - I have a taco (usually eat about 1/2 to 3/4 of it) and some Beans - Chinese - 1/4 cup rice - orange chicken or mushsu pork. - El pollo loco chicken with beans and maybe 1 tortilla Dinner 4 oz fish (catfish usually 90% of the time) baked in olive oil - garlic salt & pepper may vary toppings - sometimes add a little parmesans cheese - or el pato mexican tomato sauce - or dip it in eggbeater and roll it in corn meal spray with pam and bake - I do have salmon sometimes. Turkey meat loaf 1/4 - 1/2 cup rice 1/2 c mashed potatoes - Veggies - spinach - zucchini yellow crooked neck- brussle sprouts - french style green beans - green beans, cauliflower refried beans & cheese steak 4 oz Or bbq hamburger patty rare 1/2 baked potatoes chicken - bbq or just baked or cooked in red sauce (chili colorado sauce) and serve over rice ground beef or ground turkey -with onion bell pepper garlic corn cook with tomato sauce - serve over mashed potatoes or rice. One Pot Wonder - another one - turkey kelbash (sp) bell pepper onion garlic red tatoes cabbage... Snacks - Normally saved for the evenings don't eat them during the day.. 100 c popcorn packs South Beach Protein Bar strawberries fresh - watermelon - or whatever is in season Healthy Choice sugar free fudge cicle Jello double choc sugar free puddings Dry roasted edamanmes Light string cheese with 3 crackers I keep a food diary - I log calories and protein grams (i am still doing this am I will be 8 months out on the 17th)- I bought a scales that gave me calories and other facts - but now am good at eyeballing my servings - I eat off a sandwich/dessert plate - have a little bowl that's 1 cup - I keep my calories around 1000 - 1200 max. I exercise 3 -4 times a week 3.5 miles on the treadmill speed 3.5 to 4.0 and do some hills. average anywhere form 40 - 50 miles walked in 1 month.. The highlighted blue items are what i normally eat 95% of the time. I eat very healthy 98% of the time and allow myself 2% eating out or something higher in calories (might have 10 chips and 1/4 c sour cream once every 2 months) - for me this is a lifetime lifestyle change in my eating - I have found that I crave my veggies I use to eat very high fat - would graze all night long (still am a night time eater but budget my calories to compensate for it) You don't eat fish - so that's out but sounds like you are making pretty good choices when out.. Tonights dinner is a one pot wonder - onion, bell pepper, jalapeno - garlic - hamburger - zuchinee - rice - tomato sauce Water and some el pato Becky is usually good about reporting what she eats - So Ladies - Give PJ examples of what you are eating - she needs some ideas... The fat issue just made sense to me since gf who isn't banded lost her hair on medifast - so you think you get enough fat - oh ya you are a Texas Girl .... You most likely do - My Mom was from TX - and southern food is all fried - I use olive oil on my fish - I use a little I can't believe it's butter marg & spray on my rice and veggie - I use butter pam on my popcorn.. I understoon - taking your mom to the movies & dinner - I am always dropping words or typing now for no - or here for hear - and you all still understand what I am saying :Banane20: ------------------ Lori - I think you have me beat in the shopping department - I use to shop almost every weekend !!! ---------------------------------------------------- Becky - yep I sometimes will eat veggies first cuz they look so good - and then i have to wait a bit to eat my meat - Oh I am glady you didn't bp for an hour - I have heard that some pple do... Glad you got ride of those 3 lbs - 55 lost is SUPER... I seriously doubt you need the 5 day pouch test - you are very good about what you eat on a normal basis - holidays just don't count Ok dinners done = I am hungry - will talk to ya'll in the morning - Sweet Dreams...

Welcome Jacobsmommy !!! We are here for you... Ok you say you have restriction so that's not the issue the issue sounds like it's about your food choices & are you exercising?? #1 this isn't a diet - so don't think of it that way - think of this as your new lifetime lifestyle change in eating healthy that's it - you eat healthy 98% of the time and allow treats 2% of the time and exercise. Angela - Welcome - When were you banded ?? Are you on normal food yet - Being hungry well ya you are suppose to be - that's normal - skinny pple get hungry too :huh2: There really aren't that many rules - Well my doc's rules and everyone's is diff - but basic rules - low fat - limited sugars & carb - exercise 60 grms of pt a day - eat Protein 1st then veggies then carbs - 2 healthy Snacks a day. Eat slowly, tiny bites, chew - no drinking 30 min before or after meal.. Ok for both of you... Again this isn't a diet - don't look at it as one. Our bands are only a tool to help us lose the weight - it doesn't make our food choices (as you both most likely know you can eat around your band with slider foods ie ice cream candy Cookies chips) and it doesn't exercise for us... What are you each eating - I am attaching a sample menu. Are you guys exercising - IMHO it is very important to get in some physical activity - to lose weight it's all about calories in vs cal out... In my weight lost phase I ate between 800-1200 calories a day - zig zaggin them and I exercised min 4 days a week.. I replaced sugar foods with sf foods - at night - my hungry time - I would have a sf fudgecicle (healthy choice 80 calories) or a couple sf dark choc pudding - or sf yogurt I bake my fish - I no longer fry stuff - I also use the I can't beleive it's not butter spray on my foods... I still eat some carbs - usually a 1/2 c rice for dinner every night. I have cut my fat intake & sugar intake. I still go out to eat - instead of eating a taco - enchillada rice and Beans - I eat 1/2 taco - a bite or 2 of bean - and a bite or 2 of enchillada - I am full. I also didn't and still don't keep stuff in the house that calls my name... Advoidance is key - food is our drug of choice - would a drug addict keep drugs on the counter or in the cupboard if they were trying to quit.. Nope - so we shouldn't keep foods in the house that we can't say no to. If your DH or Kids just have to have them - then have them keep them in their rooms out of your sight... Also - I keep a food diary for the 1st year - I weighted & measured my food for about the first 3-4 months until I learned what a serving size really looked like and knew how many calories where in what I was eating You don't have to do this forever - just use them as learning tools - as fat chick's we think that a pint of ice cream is a serving size - when it's really 1/2 c.. Both Apple & I are at goal - Long - Charlene - Phyl - Beckyo & Ellen are doing great - and JoannMarie was just banded 12/4. So even though I am the mentor on this thread - we have a great group of women who - will also give you their take on how to be successful -

I have some questions about the full liquid week - can you mix one of the ready made EAS protien drinks with anything like yogurt or extracts or peanut butter? I have only one more day of clear liquids and am looking forward to some variety with the full liquids. Any suggestions? I have lost about 10 lbs. Is that too much too fast?

Thanks so much. I will get to eat liquids, raw veggies, cottage cheese, yogurt--it isn't so bad--it is just there seems to always be some dinner invitation or social event to have to deal with--I guess I need to learn how to deal with these kind of events now rather than later. Jill

Hi Everyone - I got home at 3am I had a great time. I drank some wicked Margarita's it was so good. My husband had one drink and then drank soda the rest of the night, so I could drink. I was so tired I fell asleep in the car on the back home from the party. I had a wonderful time thanks to all for pushing me to go. I got up at 9am could not sleep no headache either yeah for me!!! I will be pushing my Water and crystal light today. Thanks to everyones suggestions on the little bowels and where to get them. I should be looking for 1/2 cup serving sizes correct? Janet - I actually already had little baby spoons. But I have never bought baby forks do you use those as well? So can I have greek yogurt? I mean I see my Dr for a fill on the 4th and will be back on the Protein train and trying to get all the junk out of my system. I forgot who suggested it but I pick up the magazine with Dr Oz on the front it talks about his green drink. It actually sounds pretty good. Do any of you do a detoxing green drink?

Charlene - Girl - quit dieting please please please - I know you all were talking about some diet book a few weeks ago ... DIETS DON'T WORK... Eating healthy does - I really beleive if you deny yourself the things you like then you are dieting - I like sweets - I subsitute real stuf w/sf stuff - I like Starches - again I eat then but only once a day - I don't deprive myself - I just ask myself before I eat is it heatlhy or not - I made ck soup on Sunday - omg it had so much fat - and this is coming from a chick who LOVES fat - but you know what my taste has changed - I had to skim it off - it was just way too greasy.. Plan you meals- sit down tonite - plan a weeks menu and allow for bday parties or what ever you got going on - give yourself a calorie budget - and keep to that budget - follow lbt rules pt 1st then veggies .. Quit saying that you aren't going to eat carbs cuz you know that only last about 1 hr - then you are reporting - I'm off the wagon... Going off the wagon is eating a bowl of mashed potatoes for bf - lunch and dinner and toping it off with 1/2 gallon of ice cream and 2 liter of coke or pespi.. You gotta exercise your gray matter too... I still plan my meals for the most part - meat & veggies for dinner 99.9% - left overs for lunch or a green salad & pt for lunch - Breakfast - some kind of Protein for the most part - sometimes a starch - yogurt & berries too.. and almost every nite either a bag of 100 cal popcorn - 1 cup sf ice cream - or sf pudding Right now I am bbqing steak - steaming cauliflower - even snacking on a piece w/yogurt ranch dressing - craving it not bread not cheese - if you would just get in the habit of eating healthy the you won't crave the junk so much - hell when my #7 where here we ate out a couple of time - and a couple of nights we ate ravolies w/chicken but I can tell you by Friday I was so ready for my normal dinners - the food that I eat regularally - Girl you can freaking do this - quit looking for some quick fix - it all about what you eat # of caloires and what you burn - so if you want to get healthy - then you can't eat your cake & ice cream too - one or the other not both and only occassionally.. You will live - life doens't elvove around - it revolves around the pple in our lives... Janet, Thanks for the kick in the Arse! I know diets don't work. I am doing this do just get the sweet tooth out of my system. I have been counting calories. The only sweet I have in the house right now is fruit. I am loving the lemon in my Water and tea. And the boiled egg thing is working too. I have been boiling six eggs every other day. My pup is loving eating the yolk. Awesome for DIL going with the Sleeve. Dr Davis thinks that is the best surgery. He was going to do a revision on me, but at the time insurance was not covering it. I think Aetna covers it now. Melissa, I am so sorry for you losing your insurance. I wish you could find a policy at least for your medicines. Do you get a discount on your drugs at Sam's? Maybe you could talk to them about your problem. Okay, my pup will not go out of the doggy door because there are June bugs swarming on the porch light and patio. Yes, I said June bugs! They aren't supposed to start swarming till May and JUNE. OOPs! Yikes! there is one in the house by my computer! I must have let it in when I took Charlie out to potty. Ugh!

I think that is so great of you to want to help others on this struggle to be slim and healthy! I was just banded last week, 9/24/08, so I am so excited to be able to have yogurt and oatmeal today! I have a long way to go, but feel that I have just begun my start of a "new life"! I would appreciate any help and encouragement I could get, especially with what food to add and when. Also, is it true we can never use a straw again? I have an appointment with the nutritionist in 2 weeks, but it would be nice to have someone who has experienced this surgery and can give advice on what works and what doesn't. I'm so glad to have found this website!! Have a great day!

Hi everyone, I'm so excited that I finally caught up today and am able to post a little. Have had a busy couple of weeks -- had my DGD until this morning as DSD was back in hospital. The results from her gastraparesis test came back negative so they did some further tests on her gall bladder, everything negative, is looking more and more like she just needs to take better care of her diabetes in order to get well. Just like obesity, there is no "miracle pill" that is going to fix her up. She was in hospital this time for 8 days -- and was only home 2 days last week but to sick to have GD with her. Also had a "surprise" a couple of weeks ago. My step son took a bus and moved back from Oregon. He is 20 and had been a problem and he had gone to Oregon because frankly, we just couldn't trust him in our home any longer (his mother's side of the family all live in Oregon). Well, so far he seems to be doing okay -- he told us he learned a lot while he was gone and asked for our forgiveness. He's been taking care of some business (doctor and dentist appts. and looking hard for a job) so all seems to be okay for now. We were supposed to be going to Branson Missouri for Thanksgiving but decided to cancel since SD has been so sick and he is now home. Anyway, I have news myself -- I'll be having hip replacement surgery on Dec. 8. I've had trouble for 3 years -- last time I went to orthopedic surgeon two years ago he didn't even x-ray it -- all he said was "lose weight and it'll get better" -- well, as you all know, that didn't help, so I went to my GP for a physical on 11-13 - this is the first doctor's appt. I've had since losing weight. How differently I was treated -- OMW -- unbelievable. It's how we should have all been treated all the time. I noticed a huge difference -- starting with the doctor apologizing for the exam room being "cold" and asking the nurse to turn up the thermostat. LOL. He was very complimentary on my weight loss and said, "you are the first patient I've had who's had this surgery, do you recommend it?" I told him it was the smartest decision I ever made (he even tried to talk me out of it in January when he did my pre-surgical visit). Anyway, he decided to x-ray my hip and said it was very bad and made me an appt. for the ortho surgeon here in our little town. The appt. wasn't until 12-9. That surgeon also wasn't board certified and with ortho surgeons, I insist on having a board certied one. A girl at work recommended one in a town about 30 miles away and wow, he had a cancellation and got me in on Tuesday (11-17) and had a surgical opening on 12-8 so I am thrilled. I am of course, nervous about it, but know I will be much better off afterward, so am trying to be positive. Someone posted here about positive thinking. About 30 years ago I took a class on positive thinking (the Air Force paid for both DH and me to take it). It was a wonderful class -- it was 40 hours -- we did it everyday for one week. I have used the information and knowledge from that class throughout my entire life and I can attest to the fact that there is nothing more powerful than positive thinking. The trick is to really use it and like everyone else, you stop or forget for awhile and then get back to it. Julie, so happy you went to your GP and she is taking control and making affirmative action for you. There is no need in this day and age to live with pain and sleepless nights -- anyone would be depressed -- just glad you have such an understanding GP. You deserve so much - you are such a "doer" for your family -- and you've worked hard at your weight loss -- you deserve to enjoy your life. Laura, hugs, thinking of you - hope all went well with your drive and chemo goes well Monday. Loved all the pics of Nelson. Meredith -- hope the house goes through quickly -- woudl be a nice early Christmas present for you. Janet -- you know how they say everyone has a twin? Well, girlfriend, you and I truly are twins -- even our closets are very similar -- I too am a clothes horse -- and shoes everywhere. I quit smoking about 6 years ago (when my DM was diagnosed and died of lung cancer). However, I was working in downtown LA and it was such a "taboo" thing to do that I would smoke my last cig at home, then brush my teeth and put on my clothes and go to work. I would chew Nicorette gum all day (and they were 10 hour days) until I got home and would smoke all night out on the patio. Then I finally quit altogether, but was addicted to the Nicorette gum (which is even more expensive than cigs cause I chewed a lot of that gum -- much more than they say you should), and I didn't stop chewing that until last summer when I was so ill it made me sick to chew it. LOL. But, I am truly happy and thankful that I no longer smoke - I had lung problems -- had brochitis all the time and was wheezing all the time -- my DM had emphazema and I'm sure I would have ended up with it had I not stopped when I did). It is great to breathe and not wheeze -- however, DH stil smokes in the garage -- and in the car, but it doesn't bother me or make me wheeze or anything. I am very excited about making Thanksgiving dinner -- we usually go away for Thanksgiving and I love stuffing -- can't wait -- hope I can eat it - I am determined -- I also love mine with gravy. Also looking forward to pumpkin pie. Attaching a pic of me and Aylah (DGD) doing my walking tape this a.m. She loves to get up and do it with me. So cute -- now that top I'm wearing used to be too tight for me to wear -- and now of course it's falling off of me, but I like to exercise in it cause I get so hot when I exercise. Still not losing -- I think part of it is cause I am so cold all the time I think my body knows winter is coming and is trying to keep the fat on me to protect me from the cold. Seriously. I have 4 pounds to get to 100 and it's taking forever, but I'm not gaining, just stuck, and it's okay, I'm still following the program and exercising. Someone told me I should increase my calories, but I'm really afraid to do that. I'll see what eating over Thanksgiving does -- if I lose weight at my weekly weigh in after, I might then think about increasing my calories. Eva I am so jealous -- hope the shopping and visit was fun -- I'm sure it was. Great and Apples, I even looked at how far of a drive it was for me to meet you two - over 445 -- so no go . I do hope we can all get together in Feb. in Florida. Apples, sorry you had a bad day the other day. But if you're like me, some times I just need a day like that to cry and get over it and then I'm fine for a long time again -- it sounds like you do the same. Your isolation is very tough -- I don't think I could do what you do -- I know your DH appreciates you and what you do, but I know how tough that is. I have a GF who's DH is a work alholic farmer and she travels ALL the TIME - with friends, other family members, etc. She just can't stand to stay home any longer now that her kids are raised. Her DH refuses to travel, but is glad to let her go do her thing - she is always going -- cruises, Europe, Hawaii, Austrailia, constantly on the go. Great, glad you are getting your other knee done before the end of the year. I also wanted my hip done quick cause of the deductible but also cause this is the slowest time of year at work, so I don't feel so guilty about missing. My surgeon said I'll only be out 4 weeks (we'll see). I can't imagine I'll be ready in 4 weeks, but we'll see. I know I'm missing people, but please forgive me. Cheri, love all your stories about your kids -- hope you have a great time when you visit your sister for Thanksgiving. I hope to be back here everyday or a little more regular. Ive been lurking trying to read, but could never get close to catching up. Arlene, hope you're doing better since your unfill. Oh, all the talk about chocolate, sweets, etc. I have a very small amount (1/2 cup -- and yes, I measure it) of fat free vanilla yogurt with 1 T. sugar free hot fudge and a sprinkling of low fat granola with a few extra raisins EVERY night and have throughout my journey. I don't drink milk so I eat non fat yogurt every morning and have my frozen yogurt every night for my calcium. Of course, I do track all my calories and these are all within my calorie budget. I truly think it keeps me from craving any other sweets as I have no problem turning down candy, cookies, cake, pie throughout every day as I know I'll be having my "treat" every night before bed. And my DH has candy bars, cookies, cake here all the time and I never touch any of it. Just throwing that out there -- we are all different. For you newer bandsters -- I never had much restriction until my last fill (which took me to 6.0) -- like Cheri I lost weight between fills and was losing that fat pad so I would have restriction at first but within a week or two it would disappear. I found my sweet spot at this last fill, but it was 8 months after being banded. Like Janet said, this is a life style change and not a temporary way to eat. I truly like the way I eat now and enjoy my food - I love my band - -I only wish I had done it many years sooner! Well, I've probably filled up an entire page by this post, so will close -- hope to be back more often -- missed you all. Linda:smile2:

Hey Beckyo Happy 4th !!! I am proud of you for not getting on that scale - I know it's hard - some weeks I get on it during the week - but really try not to it's too depressing - too much up and downs - I cranked the exercise cuz I gained 2 lbs while in vegas - wine 2 nites & cheese crackers at the airport since no more food on planes.. Plus I am retaining some water - my eyes are puffy - need to drink more water.. I think I could use a tweak in my fill - but don't go till the end of July - am thinking about calling an moving it up. You really sound like you have restriction - if you are full on 1/2 c to 1 cup of liquid you are doing good - How much longer til you move to mushies?? Take the word hope and and replace with WILL - and the band does some of the work - but imho a lot is up to you and your food choices and phyiscal activity... and you are doing great in both those categories.. Ya I don't like stawberry unjury either - choc (you can add banana &/ or Peanut Butter ) or vanilla or unflavored add dannon light & fit yogurt and any kind fruit for great smoothies - try adding some real strawberries or banana to your strawberry unjurty - mix in blender with ice - it will be alot better.. You really gotta use your imagination to come up with taste Protein drinks - good to the food thread and see if you find anything there and also the unjury website. What part of the country do you live in to be outside so much - heck one of my lucky #7 is in montana and she said it was 100 there today..

Eva~ You figured me out! EEK! Yes, I'm a night owl, usually going to bed around 1 or 1:30. I've been like this my entire life. My dad is like this and so is my grandma. When I was in high school I used to go over to grandmas on school nights and watch the 11 o'clock news with her because #1, we were both awake and liked to chat, and #2, because it was the only place I could go after curfew and not get into trouble! But, I can stay up late and wake up early if I have to. Usually for work or school or whatever. I love that you are in school. I hate to say it, but I miss it already!!!! Enjoy! Linda~ WTG on your exercise too! Yay! So glad I'm back into the groove. If I don't go when I like to go, I will make every excuse in the book not to go at all. I want this weight off badly, so that is just not going to fly! Hugs on SD problems. So sad. Did she tell you why she was going to the ER in the first place? Did I miss something? I'm so happy that little Aylah has you. She is just beautiful. Arlene~ You didn't lose, but you didn't gain! So, thats good! You've had a lot going on the last few weeks with your mom, so you haven't been able to focus on you. Hopefully everything works out ok in that department. Hugs to you too! Apples and Janet~ Cannot stand this site and losing posts! The most annoying thing ever! I love hearing from the two of you, so it stinks for all of us. Laura~ Girl, I hear ya with the bloat and crabbiness and all of the rest! It's been me since Monday. Hopefully it will be over today. Gotta love the BC. Sometimes when I have a dinner, then a sf fudgsicle or whatever later on, that happens to me too. Did the Dr take out a lot last time you went in? My band slipped a little bit and it made the pouch a little bit bigger, but its not dangerous I guess. Last time I had a fill, he only put in .2cc's and I had to have them taken out less than a week later bc of the acid. Now, I don't feel like I can find my "sweet spot". But, do you think that you are at yours? Ok, nothing new, just wanted to pop in and say "hello". Going to get moving and get to the grocery store in a bit to pick up stuff to make dessert. Apparently its a Weight Watchers version of Ambrosia salad. I remember my mom making it years ago and just found it in my cook book that she made me. According to the old school WW points it is 1c.= 1 point I'm going to have to figure out the calories when I get all of the ingredients later. Here is the recipe: - 1 box SF/FF vanilla pudding - 1 15 oz. pineapple Tidbits (drained) - 1 15oz. Mandarin Oranges (drained) - 2 8oz. lite vanilla yogurt - 1 8oz. Cool Whip Lite or Fat free Mix dry pudding with fruit - blend in yogurt and cool whip.

Good Morning Peeps !! Great - I haven't seen body scanners at either Cancun, Phoenix nor Palm Springs just the regular metal detectors -I won't let it stop me from traveling either - but it's such a pain in the ass - especially after you have been traveling a long ways - another big complaint I have is that Airports should have secured area for smokers - I know we are the minority now a days - in fact we are hated - but why can't they have a space for us - we are pple too. After 8 hrs w/no smokes - I was ready to bite someones head off - and it was funny even though we just got off a plane - we still had to go thru security again to get on the plane to go home - that was the most unusual thing. Charlene - Girl you just gotta understand that you gotta budget those calories - I think WW is great - I don't know about the point system as I learned it on the exchange system which limits your starches - but again it's not about dieting - it the way to eat for the rest of your life - that you can't eat the way you want - you really gotta watch the starches. I still allow for treats but again budgetted for even 3.5 yrs out - sf for the most part but I watch starches - if you eat them then you just want more - I can eat bread etc - but usually don't - don't even have any in the house - last night just had fish kept burning up my veggies cuz I was on the computer ;0) had fish then greek yogurt & WW cream cheese w/brown sugar splenda - I was craving it after a week of not having it - it taste just like cheese cake w/o the crust.. I really think about nutrition when I eat - I know that if I eat junk - I will be junk - Not looking forward to Xmas and all the junk in the lunch room - last yr we were on the other side of the office - so I didn't see it much - but now that we have moved - I am exposed to it more often - going to have to practice my F you talk to the junk .. I don't have any parties this yr - so I don't have that nor will I be baking since the girls won't be here.. So I guess I have it easier than most less temptations.. Was going to sleep in this a.m. - but the gardeners got here before 7 this morning - so there went my plans ;0) - I need to go pic up film - hope to have some of our scuba diving - that was the best..

Apples - Happy Anniversary ;0) - What a beautiful bride you were :0) still beautiful now !!! Laura - WTG on throwing that cookie away !!!! So freaking proud of you !!! Yep I am always on your shoulder - you just need to listen more often ;0) but glad I get thru now and then :0) Eva - Girl - Yep ya need to get that food in order - I know you think it's about mostly just about moderation - but it's has alot to do w/food choices - How is your restriction - do you think a trip to Mexico is in order - it's been a while since you had a fill.. You know I am really big on the diary issue - I find it keeps us on tract - it's not that hard - I carried a little 3x3 note book with me - got to work it when by my phone - got home it went on the side table where I watch t.v. - .. Walking is good - it's moving - I did it for the 1st 8 months it's how I got most of all my weight off - the last 30 came off w/ walking and weights - and I keep it off with weights and classes - but modify some so due to knees not always acting right - I don't want to injure them - think it's mostly a little arthritis ;0) it hell getting old.. Food Plan for the day BF - Greek Yogurt & Granola lunch chicken Soup dinner - Fish and acorn squash Snack - I have a red pear on my desk - I love red pears - then my usual tonite popcorn & WW Fudgesicles - I do have 190 cal pb cheese crackers at my desk - may munch on them a couple this morning and then a couple this afternoon.. Charlene - 1/2 lbs each week adds up over a year - 4 lbs a month = 48 lbs in a years time - I had many weeks where I lost 1/2 lbs - I just averaged my weight loss - it helps keep you motivated on the big picture.. Topic today - What did you do to no cave to craving.. LBT - shooting my mouth off :thumbup:) It's why I have like 8200 post - I have more than some of the moderators ;0) - I would cruse the site - giving Indiogirl advice ;0) FB - Farming Weekend - Shopping ;0) But most of all I didn't (still don't) keep trigger foods in the house - and if by chance they made there way there or if I am over eating even sf stuff or something I thought I could control and couldn't - IN THE TRASH IT GOES - BETTER IN THEE THAN IN ME ;0)

Good Afternoon Gang It's sure been quite today !!!! Well today is my off day from the gym - so I have a load of wash in - and that's about it... food today - BF Yogurt & 4 oz of Lamb lunch WW Enchillda dinner - Well it's only 5 I haven't eaten yet but it will be fish rice & veggie Snacks haven't had any yet - but it will most likely be popcorn & healthy choice fudgecicle - or maybe these mini banana muffins I made from firberone mix - but I only use 1 tsp oil - instead of whatever it called for I used applesauce and instead of 2 eggs - I used egg beater... and I made mini ones not regular size - I am good with 2 mini's - 1 reg would be 160 cal so I am guessing my 2 little is about 100