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Okay so this week has taken a lot of adjustment for me. Although I still haven't felt restriction, I definitely am feeling SOMETHING when I'm eating. A tightness in the chest area. I've posted about this on the board, so this may be a bit repetitive to those of you who have read that. Anyways, I've decided to let it go for now. It's not painful, it's just uncomfortable. If I still feel it at my next appointment, I'll let my doctor know. For now, it's bearable and I've lost 3 pounds since Tuesday so I'm good with that! lol. As far as hunger goes...very little. I felt my stomach growl for the first time since Tuesday at 11PM last night while I was laying in bed. It was not pleasant but I just ignored it and went to sleep. Yesterday I had a SF Carnation Instant Breakfast, my refried beans recipe for lunch (about 1/2 cup) and for dinner, about an ounce of halibut which I chopped up real good and it took me about an hour to eat lol. I would think that would have been enough but I guess not!! I also want to give kudos to myfitnesspal! I am in LOVE with that app and I truley believe it's part of the reason I've lost so much weight without restriction. It helps keep me accountable for everything I put in my mouth. Also, seeing my progress is encouraging. If any of you would like to add me on there, my sn is legnarevocrednu. The picture I'm attaching is a body shot of me in my bridesmaids dress (wedding is a week from today). Again, crappy quality, but I think the dress looks well on me! I'm 35 pounds down as of today and couldn't be happier!

I enjoy reading the different entries. It so gives us all a chance to ask questions, vent, share, etc. This section has been a Godsend to me many times over the past 6 months. I am realitively newly banded (August 2011), and I am very proud to say I have lost 70+ pounds to date. I want to share my best advice with those who may need it. #1 find a doctor/surgeon you have confidence in - one that will take their time with you, answer all your questions, and give you the truth. #2 remember that having the lapband procedure (or any WLS) is a personal choice, and no one can make it for you. #3 if you decide to go ahead an have the lapband surgery done, you will need to work to make it a success. Remember, the band is not a cure all for weight loss. Along with the band comes hard word. #4 you will have to follow the rules given you by your doctor. #5 no matter how how you try to avoid it, you will have to exercise. No excuses will be tolerated. #6 you are going to have to say good bye to the bad foods if you really want to be successful. That means saying no to chips, candy, popcorn, bread, cookies, cake, ice cream and a whole host of other foods that have caused us to become overweight. #7 reconfirm your convictions. #8 find family and friends who will support you throughout your journey. #9 be proud if you made the decision to have wls. Anyone who says you could have done it without surgery has probably never been overweight. Me??? I was obese, I weighed 299 at my heaviest point, and decided then and there I had to do something so I would be around to dance at my granddaughter's wedding (she's only 9). #10 after care is a must. I started getting fills 1 month after surgery and have received one every 2 weeks since then, 8 total. I have finally reached the green zone after 4 1/2 months. Be sure to drink you water, eat your protein first, and then fiber, fuits and veggies. Most of all, have faith in yourself and your decision. It took me 10 years to have wls, and I am a self-pay. It was the best money I have ever spent. I am now more than 1/2 way to my goal, and once I reach that, tummy tuck here I come. I LOVE MY BAND, AND I BELIEVE YOU WILL TOO.

This is my first entry as I just found this wonderful site! It is three weeks to the day that I had my lap-band surgery. I am feeling great (can finally roll over in bed without pain!) but I feel my appetite creeping back! My first adjustment is on Monday 1/16 - I am a little nervous about it, but excited at the same time. I have only lost 18 pounds and that plays tricks with my mind. I am eating less than 500 calories a day.... doesn't compute. I started walked about 20 minutes a day about 3 days ago and I am starting to feel better. I have a long road ahead of me, but looking forward to the once in a lifetime journey. 18 down 155 to go! Have a blessed day! Leslie

I've always loved breakfast casserole, but most of them are more bread than protein. Not this one! One serving (and I could only eat 1/2 a serving) has 140 calories, 12g of protein and only 3g of carbs. 1 1/2 cups ham (cubed or shredded) 6 oz plain Greek yogurt 1/4 cup crushed crackers (saltines/Ritz) 1/4 cup shredded cheese 2 tablespoons margarine 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion (I used onion flakes) 6 eggs Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray an 8x8 pan. Melt the margarine in a large bowl. Add the ham, yogurt, crackers, cheese and onion. Stir. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then stir into the first mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until center is firm. Let stand before serving. 9 servings. Source: Breakfast Casserole: High protein, low carb!