I have got to learn to respect my band. Yesterday I could not keep anything down. I mean nothing (not even water!!!) well I was able to keep a Butterfinger candy bar down:blushing:, but dammit I was hungry!!! The night before I threw up and I think it was because I didn’t properly chew up a few brussel sprouts. When it can back up there were a few whole leaves in there. I should have known at that point that I would need to take it easy for a day, but not me. Sometimes I’m a pig – but this is why I needed the band in the first place. Apparently I have not learned. I tried to eat a piece of cake for breakfast – yes I said that… I am ashamed, but I figured it would go down and stay since most things that we aren’t supposed to eat do just that. Well it did go down, but I stopped after about four spoonfuls. It wasn’t going down smoothly and heck I don’t need to eat cake for breakfast anyway. Maybe I’ll do liquids for the rest of the day – my stomach needs a break. Besides, I’ve been on spring break – and I have gained about two pounds – so much for that…. I need to get those 2 pounds off. When I go to weigh in on Monday I do NOT want to see 250 – anything. I need to see 249 or lower!!!!:scared2:

Well saying that means nothing without the right actions to get me there. So my new goal is to truly respect the fact that I have this band. It was my decision. Nobody forced me to do it, in fact of the few people who knew I was contemplating getting it, most tried to discourage me. I am down 64 pounds, but I was banded over a year ago (March 24, 2008). I’ve got to do better. I’ve got to exercise. The band cannot do all the work. I have to do my share. I need my hip replaced and have arthritis and bone spurs in both knees, but I can still do something. I have basically done nothing. I’ve used my joint problems as an excuse, a crutch. But I can move… I can walk, I can move my arms. I can even do Leslie Sansone 1 mile walk DVD at my own pace – which I am sure would pick up if I just did it on a consistent basis:bananapowerslide:. NO MORE EXCUSES AND EMPTY PROMISES!!!!! I’m trying for hip replacement this summer. I want to drop 25 lbs between now (Saturday, April 18, 2009) and June 18, 2009. I know it’s a lofty goal. I will settle for 20 pounds. Look out Wii Fit:boxing_smiley:… We’re about to embark on a serious quest!!!!!!

Congratulations on your new goals! Being honest with ourselves is sometimes the hardest thing to do; I am inspired by your willingness to be so honest and share your struggles with us. Good luck—you can do it!

I am totally with you. My fill is perfect for me right now. I am able to eat mostly anything I want (of course not too much- thanks to my bandy!) but I have found certain things that irritate the little devil (i.e. Alcohol, spicy foods, rice, etc...). When I make the decision to eat these things, I have a hard time keeping things down the following day. I try to drink thin protein shakes (EAS are good) and water. There are days that I cannot even keep those down. But I am currently taking Juice Plus+ which is a supplement that contains pure fruits and veggies- it is super! It keeps me going on those days that I cannot get any nutrients and keeps my body from freaking out! You should check it out- www.juicepluscindy.com (this lady knows her stuff about Juice Plus+ and has even talked to LB doctors about it). I think we both need to respect our band a little more... however, I did eat a little cake and ice cream for dinner last night :-/

ValJeean and New&Improved,

Thank you so much for your support. I am always saying that one of the things I love most about this site is the honesty that you find here. It is helpful to read another person's trials and it is cathartic to write about your experiences. It’s a Win - Win!

A friend's mother was just (and I mean just - she babysat for me last night) telling me about a liquid supplement that she’s taking that sounds a lot like the one the you’ve recommended N & Improved. She said it also comes in pill form – the kind that I can twist open and shake into my food. I’m going to check this Web site out… Who knows, maybe I can actually get something for me…that would be an awesome event. –

I am having my surgery next week any last helpful words?