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Apples, she lives in Florida - you're going to Florida -- I "see" a new black lab puppy in your future. . .you can have your doggie pick out the one he wants. LOL. That'll get DH -- maybe he'll want a couple. Thanks for the advice -- I agree I think I'll be fine, it's just that I don't understand why my body refuses to let go of the weight -- and I'm so stalled - I just wanted your advice cause I've hear that theory about eating more, but I'm not sure I buy into that -- I worry about gaining -- I think I might try what Apples suggested -- and Janet, I already didn't exercise for two days this past week, so don't think that's the problem. I just don't get why my weight refuses to budge. If I don't lose in the next few weeks I'll call my surgeon's office and talk to the nutritionist. I already don't eat many carbs -- only fruit and a very small amount - I eat very little really and I eat the same food pretty much every day -- breakfast ff yogurt with 1/2 c strawberries/blueberries and 1/2 banana, lunch is usually a egg beater omelette made iwth ff cheese and some times 2 oz of additional protein like chicken or fish, dinner is either chicken or fish -- with usually green beans or squash. I eat one 100 calorie popcorn a day and usually a sf fudgesicle or pudding. Only once in a blue moon will I have part of a baked potato or rice or bread. Not even once a week. Anyway, thanks for your help, I think I just need to continue on and just be more patient. Still at work, cbl. Linda

OK I must have miss some post - didn't know Melissa was struggleing or that Laura K had a date.. Melissa hugs - what is holding you back Well thats a dumb question janet - if she knew she could fix it.. Laura good luck on your date - who is he... I got some message from some guy on fb - I think he's strolling fb to fiind a date - good looking - but looks younger than me - said bud - I live over 100 miles from you .. Plus I'm just not there... I like my singlehood.. Hope it goes well - let us know.. Joyce - I only counted protein (60 grms a day) and calories - I usually only had what I call carbs/starches for 1 meal - I usually saved that for dinner (rice) - I don't count carbs per se - like yogurt (I eat the splenda sweeten stuff) I don't count the carbs in that - fruit - I don't count the carbs - to me carbs = starch bread potato rice pasta - I would eat oatmeal sometimes - but not often - and I may have some granola in my yogurt - but 1/4 cup wasn't enough for me to bother with. In my weight loss phase I kept my calories between 800-1200 and varied them daily - Great - Well I bet the b1 is expensive too and with all you got going on right now - I can truly understand being eradick and now consisentcy Well gf left - I'm headed to the couch talk to you all tomorrow

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.

Sharon - Glad to hear that you are getting on the exercise routine - Ya if I rode a MC I would be in a body cast :smile2: just from bikes when I was a kid I have 2 scars on my head - forehead and then chin - and 2 more one on my wrist and the knee... Becky - Ok I was wondering where you were but figured you were taking care of that lady. As to being of track... #1 if I remember right you do have restriction - I remember being concerned that you were too tight cuz you were mostly eating soft/mushies foods and having problems with hard proteins - so I don't think a fill is called for if you are eating soft foods - IMHO you just got to get back on track in the eating healthy department - When is your kitchen going to be done. What can you do in the meant time - #1 plan plan plan - make sure you have stuff for your meals - I hate saying this cuz I am not a big advocate of frozen meals - but since you don't have anywhere to cook - then you need to have lean cuisienes or ww meals on hand -lite bread - lite lunch meats fruits - yogurts - Is it still too cold there to BBQ?? That's another option - also do you have an electric frying pan?? or a crock pot that you can throw stuff in to cook healthy meals. Are you done taking care of the lady?? There you have a kitchen to cook in so you can prepard good meals. ok 6 lbs - that's still a loss (sorry but don't remember if your fill was early feb or late feb or in the middle) if it was mid to late feb then 6 lbs is not bad for say 6 weeks - that's 1 lbs a week and that's good. So don't be so hard on yourself .. even if it was 1st of feb - that 3 lbs in Feb and 3 in March (you gotta average) that's 3/4 lbs a week and that's not bad either - all in all it's a loss and due to the challenges that you have had lately I think that's very good loss.. Rose - So glad you posted - I have been concerned since w havent heard from you lately..... Yes you to have had alot going on - but now things are back on track and so will you Everyone - remember this is a lifetime thingie - we have to adjust our thinking - we have to concentrate on eating healthy 98% of the time and leaving 2% for treats - this is how we have to live the rest of our lives if we don't want to gain the weight back - So no matter what the sistuation is you just gotta think healthy and stay away for the old habits of having a bit of this or that too often... I think it was PJtax who said that the reason that I didn't over do it while on my cruise was that I was so aware of what happend those 3 days at my Aunts in Feb.. Well that's sorta true - but again everynight I did have a little dessert with my meal - didn't always finish it - sometimes I did and I did have 2 cookies most days - but my other meals where very lite and lots of exercise (stairs) Julie - Hugs on being too tight - That's just awful.. I was tight once but not that kind of pain - just couldn't eat more than 1/4 cup of food and could barely drink.. Sorry that I really don't have too many words to help since I haven't been in your shoes - all I can say - is while you are unfilled - you are going to have to make a determined effort to eat very healthy and get that exercise in - don't start feeling sorry for yourself and start feeding those feelings - it will get better with time.

Charlene - That's the kind of talk I love to hear :banghead: Congrat on joining curves.. Lori Congrats on your Coach purse - I got my 1st when at Mall of America - I did have on Brama (or something like that) that cost $$$ and then when I got it home and tried to use it found it too small - so this time I made sure that it would be big enough and that I would use it all the time if I was spending that kind of $$$ My 2nd fill took about week or so to settle in... So yes it can take a while. I went to Costco Friday night for the steak -baked bagel chips & spinch dip to die for - but the spinach dip had 100 cal for 2 tblsp - too much for but yes - we can now have a meal at costco... Charlene - I take sf angle food cake and spoon dannon lite & fit yogurt (blackberry) over it and add some strawberries - yummy.. Ok I am confused you had a fill on Thursday but had 1/2 taken out.. Even with proper restriction I have been hungry all day - but know it has something to do with going out last night and having a few drinks :hurray: Thank God for my band cuz days like this I could eat - gs just got pizza I had about 3 bites - I think I will have something else for dinner.. Becky You are eating soft foods for the most part -you really aren't goint to notice any diff in your restriction - What I was saying is that you need to try meat to see how your restriction is - egg salad is a slider food and for the most part so would be the eggplant - I too eat till I fill comfy and stop... -------------------- Ok gang just cking in - I was watched tv last night and gf & her dh called an wanted me to come tothe Rock Garden outside music at one of our local casino's last night was "Doors" the band was good better than Janis Joplin who I saw a few weeks back - So had a coupld tequlia tonics - and did nap a bit today... So that's why I am just now checking in... We Back to the couch - work tomorrow... CBL:tongue:

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

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 -

Apples - Oh sorry about the fire - no it's not an omen - just a bit of bad luck and something to be thankful about on thanksgiving that it wasn't too bad (well hopefully) I am doing the positive thinking about it - hope it work.. I love rich stuff In fact nothing is to rich for me :tongue2:- brownie batter all time fav :smile2:- so I won't ask for the recipe Right now I would love a piece...:biggrin: Ok gang I am going off memory here - so please excuse me if I miss some one.. Linda - LOVE YOUR PIC'S GD is such a CUTIE !!! and girl look at your legs !!! Yep I think we all have twins too.. I chewed the gum when I quit for those 10 days - I still have it - don't know if it goes bad - I take it on airplaine rides if I am going to be in the air a long time :0) - My stepmom died of lung cancer and so did a gf - but I still haven't quit.. Proud of you on ignoring the candy your dh has - I can't - my drug of choice - I am happy with my alternatives - sf/yogurt fruit granola - sherbet - sf fudgesicles - sf puddings There's a soft serve yogurt place call Island - they have a yogurt that's only 70 cal for 4 oz - I love it - in fact so much I would love to open up one of those yogurt shops - but am not a big risk taker - I dream about it - and I bet when things get better someone will open on in our neighbohood and I will kick myself for not taking the risk Hope your DD get's better.. Hugs & prayers on your surgery - you know we will be thinking of you - a gf at work had her's done last yr - she did fine... Melissa - You will do fine with the turkey - but I still fret sometimes about mine and I have made them for 30+ yrs - so don't fret - even us experience cookers worry about how our thanksgiving dinner is going to turn out :laugh: Julie - glad you got to the doc and don't wait til the pain gets bad to take the pills - cuz they don't work if you wait til it gets bad... Hugs hope it gets better and 12/7 is better than 1/19.. Meredith - WTG on regular clothes shopping and your 16's Great - Safe driving and have a wonderful time - you and Apples - better take pic's and post them and when you guys hug for the 1st time give each other a big hugs from us too.. Phyl - Your chili sounds good - Thanks again for my earrings & necklace - going to where them tomorrow where I am out and about,. Noticed you had your lucky #7 earrings on Sat Nite.. Had a great time with Eva (well Phyl too) I look pg in that picture :biggrin: Took Sheba to the vet - she didn't like the pet carrier - came home to wait for Eva - she said she would be here around 2 -well she got an early start and was here by 11 !!! Well we got to talking - and I forgot all about Sheba - all morning I had fretting about her - but we were going to leave to Phyl's and I called to see if she was home yet and she said no not yet - but what about Sheba - I said omg I forgot - it was 1:30 so at 2 - Eva and I went and got her and then it was time to get Phyl - Dinner was great at Phyl's fish place - and yes the Bath Junkie was great - we smelled so many diff scents that after awhile you couldn't smell anything or they all smelled the same. - I even got fu fu spray for the dogs !!! The same scent that I got for me - powder puff & clean - I got a body oil in that scent and then the dogs fufu scent the same - so we all smell clean - I took a shower tonite used the oil then brushed the dogs and sprayed them :biggrin: Eva was so sweet she brought us home made jerky - I haven't had any yet - but will be munchie on it tomorrow while I am running around. As Apples & Great are going to learn on Saturday - That meeting each other in person is fantatic but what is really impressive is that even though it's the 1st time you are actually meeting - you know the person already and there will be no awkardness - It's like seeing a very good old friend that you haven't seen in a long time .. Eva and I sat up till about 12:30 and talked - she said she slept well which is a good sign that the person is comfortable and she and I were both aware about 6:30 this morning - we chatted all morning then she said I have to get going if I am going to make it home tonite - The time went by too fast - She left I think it was 10:30 -11 and after she got all setttled she went to start the car - THE BATTERY GHOST APPEARED... Her car didn't start - thankfully I have jumper cables so we got it going - hope that once she got going that it charged up enough for a pit stop - but thankfully she does have AAA but then you have to wait for them... She should be home around now - she's suppose to call or text or post when she get's home.. Had a great time - I so enjoyed our time together Ok like I said this is all from memory - so if I missed anyone - it wasn't on purpose.. Laura & LauraK hugs to you girls... Cheri - congrats on your 2 lbs.. Well - gotta ck on dinner - CBL :wub::wub::wub::wub::wub::wub::wub::wub::wub: Eve just emailed - she's home safe and sound - but did have to call AAA to give her a jump then went and had to buy a new battery

Hi y'all~ During the first few months did any of you get ditsy? (more ditsy in some of your cases..LOL) I am finding myself forgetting things... or missing appointments that I would normally never do! I think it is the low calories and my body needs all the calories to just get through the day and doesn't share any with the brain! ; ) I completed my 12 sessions with my YMCA trainer and now have decided to switch it up a bit. The hospital where I had my surgery has a wellness center... and part of the "deal" of having bariatric surgery there is you get 3 months free at the gym. I decided to go check it out yesterday. I had NO idea it meant 3 months of 3 times a week of personal training by an EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST! OMG I am so excited! That's like $1500 gift that fell into my lap. (Or for the ditsy me.. $1500 that I found while cleaning my house... and just didn't know where I put it!) I have to drive 25 min to get there but it's a nice time to listen to some good music or catch up on the phone. It's just a bit more ME time. I also find that I get in a bottle of Water going and coming home! win/win! I will let you guys know how it goes. I was sooooooooooo hungry yesterday. Had the HIGHEST calories since my surgery! 1300! BF: Healthwise Cereal (15g prot/90 cal) Milk 1% 4oz (50cal) banana (1/2 med, 50) Snack: Muscle Milk 14 oz. (160cal/20gm prot) Lunch: Black Bean salad with 1/2 avocado, olive oil, tomatoes, onions, 1/2 c blackbeans Snack: Yoplait yogurt (100cal) Dinner: Amy's Veggie Shepherd's pie (150cal) Snack: Healthwise Protein bar (170cal) Breaskstone's Cottage cheese 90 cal Yoplait yogurt 100 cal ***Notice I still cannot get in hard Proteins. Perhaps that is why I am so hungry??? I realize what I did. (get it.. realize, i have a realize band!) anyway.. I had TWO Meal Replacement protein supplements... and didn't replace any MEALS! I was just so hungry and had a big workout and just felt that protein would "hold" me better than eating "junk". It just sucks how much it all adds up! And I was up late last night... hubby on call... and American Idol and Dancing finales. I need to start going to bed early and stop watching tv and have my DH quit taking call. We can move out of our house and camp! : ) Nelson came home early yesterday with low fever and had vomited at school. He was FINE yesterday and last night. This morning before sending him he has a 99.8. He is a little punky and don't have the heart to send him to school. Feeling guilty though because I have a workout scheduled and I am NOT taking myself off the list today.. since DH is postcall and OFF today. (albeit sleepy).

If~ Do you have access to a microwave? If not buy a small FUNTAINER thermos (at Target or Walmart) They hold 10 oz.. I make a stew or bean soup and take it with me if I am going to be out and about. (or a one pot wonder the girls are always talking about). Another travel thing I enjoy are the tuna SUNKIST- Lunch to go. They are 2.6 oz. or can buy the little 3 oz packets. I mix it with vinegar instead of mayo or LF yogurt and spices. Another idea would be the individual cottage cheese. And there are several of the Healthy Choice that have more protein. I found the amount of protein is perfect and throw the carb out. I think someone should market some frozen entrees for the band/bypass patient. If I have other ideas I will let you know.

Hi guys, Hey my facebook is Denise French (Nashville network). I'd like to play some of those games. I didn't realize you could play games. I've reconnected with so many people from high school. It's funny. Coconut rum, yum. I think I'll have one tonight. How many calories in rum? It taste good w/ Light Orange Tropicana drink. Speaking of calories: 929 for the day + 1 rum drink. B-protein bar 150; L-sauage patty 200, 1/2 c chili 97; D-chicken breat w/ cheese & squash 332; S-frozen granola yogurt-150. It that good? A great place to get recipes is allrecipes.com, I think all our favorites recipes come from there. you can select your ingredients, do a search and voila! Both of my SILs had their bands 5-6 years ago and no problems at all. Wii dance dance revolution is good for exercise. I do that with my girls and you can build up a pretty good sweat and it's so much fun. Make sure you wear your socks though LOL. Well that is about it and Julie I'm so glad to hear you are going home. A good nights sleep will do wonders because Lord knows hospital beds suck!! Denise

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

I just emailed you. I thought I'd post it here too. I don't know your real name to address you properly! =) I am so sorry about that. Thank you so much for replying to my post. I have had so much anxiety about my food because all I received from my nutritionist was a list of suggested foods (canned tuna, eggs, yogurt...) and suggested measurements. When I found out I couldn't tolerate much meat other than ground turkey, ground beef, and chicken, I about died. A girl can only manage so many ground meat recipes! Fruits give me a lot of trouble but veggies go down pretty nicely. The problemis finding decent veggies this time of year. I have been eating canned/frozed green beans, cauliflower and broccoli...but can't wait for fresh summer veggies...and the grill!

Well, I am back from my mother's. Got her eyelashes removed. Her eye dr wants her to go back to the neurologist-opthomalogist (sp) . There is no physical reason her vision should have become worse. It could be her heart medicine too. Hopefully that will get changed. The medicine she takes for her heart can cause blindness. I am too tired to take the kids to Santa. We are going to do it tomorrow. Apples, you don't have to be blood kin to be a grandma. Your "mom" was closer to you than your mother. Those kids love you. Own it......Grandma!!!! My DS's new girlfriend has two kids. I bought them the same thing I bought my g-kids. Hey, if they are not here next year they know I loved them. Lori, it is Desert Rose......the pinkish pattern you saw. That was the other pattern that was popular. I heard that costco has more upscale merchandise than Sam's. We have a couple of them, but they are not close by.....meaning they are over 20 miles away. I want to check one out. Kelly, congrats on the lb! Snacks......hmmmm.....low carb yogurt..... Mozzarella sticks...... Boiled eggs.....sf pudding......protein shake. Oh yes, 100 calorie popcorn.

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

Hi Lcwils01 - and Welcome Yes I had a pre-op but only for 1 week and 2 days of that were Clear liquids as I had my colonoscopy 7/13 and then surgery 7/17. My pre-op consisted of - Optifast oatmeal for Breakfast - optifast great Protein bars for Snacks 2 - lunch a shake and dinner salmon and salad or veggies. My doc provided the food (well except for the fish & salads) After surgery 10 days full liquids (incl creamed Soups sf pudding sf yogurt sf fudgecicles) 10 days mushies - 10 days soft and then on to regular food.. It was a little tough (pre-op as my son's bd was 7/15) but I made it thru.. I was lucky - it took me only 6 weeks to get surgery - I didn't have to do the 6 month diet - But I had tons of test - sleep, breathing, heart - had to do a nuclear stress test - mamo - pap - blood 14 vials - shrink - nutristionst.. Hugs Janet

Judy...I was really wondering about that piece of fist...LOL. Darn fridge...hate it when that happens. Jodi, being stuck is not fun, it is supposed to help you remember to chew enough. Doesn't always work with me, but I am trying much harder lately. Julie, love the red walls. How vibrant that is. I love red and in a kitchen, it really pops. So interesting about your doctor, you may never find out why, but it must be what you need to do, find a new doctor. New eyes may be the ticket. And I love your synopsis, you did a great job. Janet, how's the new puppy? Phyl, thanks for posting for Joyce. Laura, glad you are back and the tooth issue is over. Sounds like you really did have a nice anniversary dinner. It's who you spend it with that's important. Hope you start feeling better soon. Too many sick people on planes. Lori, you are quite the travel bug. I haven't done the Riverwalk either but would like to. It may be in my future especially if I drive to Florida sometime. Gwen, I hate to exercise too and won't join another gym. But, I do like to work in my yard and walk. It's too hot here (Southern Arizona) now and I make excuses too. I'll be in my friends pool tomorrow night unless my in-laws make other plans for me. Cheri, sounds like you have a fun day planned. Sing well! Charlene, stay dry if you are in that storm. Your dessert sounds wonderful. I do FF vanilla yogurt with fresh fruit sometimes. I guess I get enough vitamin D here. I love being outside although not always in the heat. Jodi, so you are joining us in Vegas? How cool is that!! Sorry to those of you I missed, hope all is well! The in-laws are in Sierra Vista, they left yesterday and will be back tomorrow, then they go home on Tuesday. I have to go to Sierra Vista this afternoon for the evening and then get back really late and go to work tomorrow. Yeah! What I accomplished yesterday and today is buying my replacement tree, unloading it and planting (75% planted) it by myself. It was a 24" box tree (pretty heavy) and is quite a bit taller than me. I got it home last night and dropped it into it's hole yesterday and started putting dirt around it today. I still need some more good soil, but have the roots covered with burlap and I am dumping 140 gallons of water on it right now, so it should be okay for the next few days until I can finish filling up the hole. This is the sort of exercise I like. I also reset some of the flagstone that was torn up when we pulled out the old tree, so all in all, life is good. I'm tired and sore, but it feels good. I need to get a couple of more chores done before I head out of here. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Eva

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...

Janet, okay, I read the first day of Beck. I need to go get some index cards. I want to lose weight to feel healthy and not depend on my family when I get old. That is my first affirmation/reminder. plan Breakfast, shake 110 cal, toast 150 cal cream for coffee 20 cal Walked 30 min Lunch chicken 150cal yogurt 80cal Thinking positive today! I will let you know tomorrow how it goes. I start my weight loss support at church tonight. We are reading Battlefield for the Mind. I think it is similar to the Beck thing only scriptures. Should help me too. The fitness coaches are coming to give us a talk on nutrition and exercise. I hope all of you have a prosperous day!

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

Quote: Originally Posted by peascorps OK..... I survived! It took way longer than expected. Do you guys remember me complaining about a swelling over my port site? Well it ends up it was a seroma. Seromas are REALLY common after any kind of surgery, especially abdominal, breast and colon. Word of the day: "Seroma is just a gathering of serous Fluid. Serous fluid is the pale yellow straw colored fluid that is produced by lymph vessels and by the tissues that lie beneath the skin. You'll have seen serous fluid if you've ever had a blister on your hand or foot - the fluid that comes out when you puncture a blister is serous fluid." The good news is the seroma didn't open to the outside of my skin. Sometimes they can cause the wound to not heal and actually leak and it becomes an "open" wound that has to be packed and is a wound clinic nightmare. The bad news is it will likely return and have to be drained again. After I was on the exam table... prepped with betadine and a sterile drape placed... my surgeon then palpated the port area. He agreed that my "swelling" wasn't within the normal and decided to see what he would find. (Medical people like to stick needles in things to see what's in it). So, he numbed up the skin first. Then he took a 20cc syringe. Stuck it in and it filled instantly. He asked his nurse for another.. and another and another. He got out 120cc! He said there was probably more but he didn't want to poke too deep. The fluid was clearish yellow (normal) and no sign of infection. Then he went on to find my port. The seroma had actually displaces things a bit. My port ended up being lateral to my belly button a clear 3 inches below my port scar! I got my 3cc and was instructed to be on liquids for 2 days then mush.. then back to normal. I have to return in two weeks for fill #2 and most probably another seroma drainage. It already feels as if it has filled back in some. I will try to post some photos of before and after. He told me very few patients have any restriction with the first fill. 3cc in 10cc realize band. But that they don't do more because of the increase incidence of nausea. So, I spent my morning feeling like a pin cushion. It really wasn't that bad. After about 10 min. my Dr. said, "you might be one of those rare patients that I have to do under fluoro." This guy has done thousands of bands and bypasses. He teaches surgeons all over how to do them. I honestly think he could do them with his eyes closed. My gut (no pun intended) instinct was something ain't right. But... he said he wouldn't have drained it earlier anyway... b/c it just increases risk of infection. I had a shake early this morning (6:30am) made with light soy milk, unjury Protein powder (20g Protein per scoop), 1/2 banana and Divinci raspberry flavor. For lunch I had a Muscle Milk Light (pre-mixed), 160 cal, 20 g protein. For afternoon snack I had a Yoplait light Fat free yogurt, 100 cal, 5 g protein. I haven't had any Water. I am hungry. But this too shall pass. I don't have the energy to exercise today. Guess I will give myself a break today. I'll keep you updated! peas out! Hi Y'all~ Wheewwwwwwwwww! OK... I survived Fill #2! I was able to bump up my fill by 4 days because I was convinced my seroma had gotten bigger & I was having pain and couldn't lie on my stomach. In reality it was more an illusion... my abdomen had gotten smaller and thus the seroma SEEMED bigger, but in fact it was smaller. This time he only was able to drain 35cc of serous fluid (it was a bit blood tinged but ZERO signs of infection). I immediately felt better. Then he put only 1cc more in my band. I was praying for some restriction or a trickle feeling with the H20. Nothing. But that's ok. He said that usually it is fill #3 before we feel much. But he says tomorrow when I can eat solids I should feel some. So now the two week wait for fill #3. I am down 30 lbs in 44 days! He reminded me AGAIN... NOT to expect this every week or month. And that the plateau I had two weeks ago, where I actually gained 2 and then took two weeks to get back down, might happen again. Mon I was 276 and today 272. I am just about to PMS... so I am bracing myself. He also told me to not concentrate too much on calories.... but to limit myself to the 1/2c each meal with a protein supplement in betweeen. He said if I make "healthy choices" I should be ok. The thing is... If I don't keep track of calories and protein and fat... then I do go over. I guess that is the ultimate goal... once we get to our "sweet spot" then we won't have to fret as much because our bodies will tell us when we have had enough. :sneaky: I wore a pair of pants today that I haven't worn in over a year and a half! I remember the day I bought these over priced designer things. I remember even more clear the day these pants didn't fit... and how shitty I felt. Today was a good day. peas out~ Laura Indio~ I feel the same way about FB.

Good Evening Gang... Melissa - Good ju ju being sent your way - Ice instead of heat or alternate - Ice reduces the inflamation.. Eva - I need the down time - looking to see when I can take a week just for me - not go any where - not do anything - I need to recharge the batteries.. OMG you are a work horse aren't you.. Great - Don't have any idea about your throat issues - sound like they don't either - but who know's I am not a licensed dr - maybe they know more than me - but we know when we have heart burn.. Glad DGD is doing well - Kaitlin really couldn't nurse either - so they switched to bottle - Seems like yesterday and she's going to the Prom this Saturday... They grow up so fast.. Charlene - Got my Wen today - the only problem is you can't tell the hair stuff from the body stuff - I don't wear my reading glasses in the shower LOL Not much to report - work was work - had good arm work out tonite - dinner is done (made bbq ck yesterday) so going to go crochet for a while... food - BF - Dannon lite & fit Pear Yogurt (good) Jerky - lunch -Beans - dinner chicken & veggies - Snacks who knows maybe a pt shake..

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!

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!

E60 - Welcome !!! Being pouch full and statisfied are 2 different things - If you have read any of my post - I talk about this all the time !!! I will eat my dinner and will be physically full - but still want to eat - mentally I am not full - this is head hunger and it does manifest it's self in to you thinking you are really physically hungry - but you really aren't cuz if you eat any more you will bp. Your doc is asking if you are pouch full - and yes slider foods (yogurt, ice cream, thin oatmeal, soft veggies anything super soft - for me popcorn is a slider and so are Cookies & chips and cake) are foods that you can eat 24/7 and tons of without restriction as they slide right thru the band.. There is a reason for the band rules - Protein 1st - then veggies and if any room starches - the reason is that you will be pouch full after about 4 oz of meat - you then may get to eat 1/4 c of veggies... Yep Bonnie - tracking forces you to be honest :biggrin: and ya I bet you fell down those stairs on purpose (just kidding - really hope you are OK) A while back I was sitting at the computer with my legs crossed got up to go to bed - well my foot had fallen asleep - and I fell hard on it and hear this snap crackle pop - thankfully I didn't break anything - but I did sprain it... Holly - Thanks !!! You are doing good on your calories & exercise - Keep it up -:rose: and sweetheart - cornbread is bread :smile: and as stated above I think your doctor wants to know if you are pouch full - not satisfied - hell thats why we were fat in the first place - we ate to darn much food - and just like a drug addict or an alcoholic - the amount of food we ate to feel satisfied keep getting to be more and more... Remember the day when you ate 1 candy bar and were fine - I remember I would make a box of rice a roni and I would eat on it all weekend - but prior to banding - that box was gone in one setting :smile: . As to the weakness are you getting your Vitamins ??? that's very important along with your water - I would discuss it with your doctor again - cuz you shouldn't be feeling weak.. Becky - Sounds like good restriction to me - cuz I will get stuck on pudding too if I eat too fast... Yes life seems to revolve around food - all the holidays the birthdays etc and you will also notice how much pple eat and how fast they eat and the whole eating out thing - it's so hard to make good choices - but with proper restriction it's ok to eat that enchilada cuz you won't be able to eat it all- you will box up the left overs and have a few meal out of what use to be 1 meal.. Missing being able to pig out - yep - I hear ya girl on that one - I still miss it and most likely always will - but it's in our heads as you said and as each day passes it does get a little easier as with each pound that is lost you feel so much better and that feeling is better than the taste of the food (well most of the time :biggrin:) Well, gang - I have been to the gym twice today - 4 miles this morning and weights tonite - am charging my Ipod as I type so that it will be ready for tomorrow (NO EXCUSES) so that I can do another 4 miles after work tomorrow - I gotta get these 3 lbs off and fast... I am making soup for dinner - oxtail - cabbage zucchini carrots mini corn on the cob and oxtail's- will be eating soup for lunch the rest of the week and getting in ALL if not Extra exercise - dessert tonite will be strawberries & black berries with some lite whip cream... No more candy or Oreo cookies or real ice cream... Til tomorrow - Sweet Dreams !!! :tongue2: