TerriDoodle

Uh, go to the top, click on User CP. Then go to "edit profile". Second box down is "optional information"....and there's a box there where you can put custom info under your name.

Ok, somebody needs to pat me on the back! Since joining the gym a couple of weeks ago, I have not missed one single scheduled workout...not even today when I was hungover from wine last night!! AND...I've met my goal for April. :humble:

I already am a Shrinking Violet!! ...look under my user name! Teach - that scar that still hurts...between ur boobies might very well be where your port is. That's where mine is and is the only one that is still tender.

(((KAT)))) I am so very sorry to hear about your husband! You both are in my prayers. Please let us know how he's doing whenever you can.

A three week stall, especially at your low BMI, is not unusual. Just be patient. I remember being stalled for two months (on a different diet a few years ago)...then suddenly in one week I lost 6#!! After you get your fill you probably won't be able to eat bagels and breads anymore....I've heard a lot of people have problems with that.

Oh, good for you Flax!!! Nice to have that behind you now!! Best wishes for a smooth recovery! Get lots of good rest this weekend! Mary and Michelle - OF COURSE you can hang out with us guys! I'd be ticked off if you left us now!!

Probably just about every single one of us!!! Try not to worry....really....I know that's easier said than done, but try. Discuss your 'nerves' with the staff and they will take very good care of you. Before you know it, it's all over!! They give you some nice drugs in your IV and, believe me, you won't care WHAT they do!!

We missed you, Tracy!!! WELCOME BACK!! Can you believe it? After ALL that anticipation, you're finally DONE!!! ....well, sorta. Now you have a bit of post-op stuff to deal with but maybe you'll be like Teachlady and sail right through!! I'm happy for you! Ditto what others have said....since you're going back to work so quickly, you'll definitely want to get as much rest as possible. You'll be glad you did! PS - my first fill is May 4th (a week from today!). Am I the first one??

Jenn, I really enjoyed the cream of wheat as one of my first foods....but I doctored it up with butter, splenda and cinnamon. I've also used Davinci syrups in Praline and Caramel. Delish!!! You won't believe how flavors you used to take for granted will now have a whole new dimension and meaning for you. tonight I had scrambled eggs with cheese and salsa. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. In the 'old days' I would have been SOOO BORED with that....but NOT NOW!! Gourmet, baby...gourmet!!

It's reversible and has far fewer complications!! Those two right there would be enough for me!

Well, the cow avatar, aside from the obvious metaphor, is up because I love cows! When I was a little girl I spent summers on my grandpa's farm and I used to love to just watch the cows chew. They always looked so peaceful and serene and have the most beautiful eyes. Of course, here in Texas, I see cows ALL the time....they're everywhere! I just think they're sweet. And they TASTE GOOD TOO! :hungry: Grrrrrrrrr No, I'm not in "Onederland" -- Oh no.... of course not!! The scale came to a screeching halt at 201-202 and seems to be stuck there but good!!! Isn't that always the way?? :tired

Jenn - you are 100% correct in your thinking!! You are so right about the rules thing....I'm right there with ya! That's how I have to be also. I don't *think* I've broken any rules ....yet! :ermm:

Yep, me too....woke up thinking about Tracy and sent her a little "HOORAY!! GO TRACY - GO TRACY - GO TRACY!!" You are loved, dear. and we're obviously all thinking about you!! With all those good vibes you should sail right through surgery and recovery! All those keystrokes are paying off now!! Jenn - thinking about you, too. You're hitting quite a rough patch now, arent you? I do hope that the job works out -- that would be a big boost!! Take a big breath and just keep moving and looking forward. Things are gonna be getting better. Sara - I tried your pineapple and cottage cheese yesterday!! OMG! I went right out and bought 8 more cans of pineapple!! I normally eat it with blueberries, strawberries or canned pears...but pineapple is over the top! YUM. My scale is being stubborn, too....so all of you coming up on 3 weeks, be prepared....looks like it's pretty normal for some of us!

Ran across this...one of my favorites....

Jenn, my doc had me on full liquids (not clear) for 2 days and then mushies for 4 weeks. 2 weeks of clear liquids just sounds ridiculous to me. I think you'd be quite safe to add some full liquids (hearty soups, smoothies, etc.) at least every once in a while!! ....especially if you are lightheaded. That just doesn't seem right. I haven't really lost any weight to speak of in a week either even though I've been exercising and averaging about 800 cals/day. Don't worry....things will normalize soon. How's the situation with dbf? :ermm:

Considering I would only have 1/3 to 1/2 of a serving, AT MOST, I would make this and enjoy it!! Thanks, Krystal.

....or will they come back at some point? Thanks, Alex...I appreciate all you do for us. I know it's a lot of work AND money! Why don't you ask for donations...or put a paypal button on the homepage?

Have a great day!

Hi Kathy - I was banded by Dr. Spivak on April 4 and everything is going GREAT!! About the pre-op diet, I would suggest that you just do as they suggest. "getting used to liquids" will translate in reality to "being sick and tired of liquids" before long, trust me. Enjoy eating a healthy low-carb diet because 4 weeks post op of nothing but fluids and mushy food gets real old real fast. I would kill for an Asian chicken salad right now...KILL!!! You go for your first fill at 4 weeks. Mine is scheduled for 5/4. I'm 3 weeks out and for the last week or so have felt very little restriction....but am still easily able to get by on about 800 calories a day without a feeling of deprivation. Last night I was scrounging around looking for something to eat to UP my calories....didn't make it! I know it's hard to wrap your head around these concepts, but trust me, it's the truth. I started exercising about 10 days ago. Joined LA Fitness and started on the treadmill. Quickly moved to the recumbant bike and elliptical for about 45 mins total/day. I work out 5x/week. I am not allowed to work with weights or swim or take aerobic classes until at least 4 weeks post op. I feel like I could easily start regular foods now, but am sticking with the post op diet for my stage: nothing with a heavier consistency than baby food. Let me know if I can answer any more of your questions. I'm here to help! (...and BE helped!) Best of luck to you.

Laura, What does your doctor say?

Book recommendation, people!! [ame=http://www.amazon.com/This-Year-Will-Finally-Resolution/dp/0767920082/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-8884136-1427000?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177345682&sr=1-1]This Year I Will...How to Finally Change a Habit, Keep a Resolution or Make a Dream Come True[/ame] by M.J. Ryan

OMG, that's precisely why I didn't tell anyone at work, even though some are my very best friends. Thank you for confirming my decision!! I just couldn't handle that. Yuck.

Pamela & Laura -- Thanks for posting your pics. It is so wonderful to be able to connect a face with the name!! LIke Sara said, I canNOT wait to see what we all look like in a year! Let's pinkie swear that we'll stay together for at least that long!! Laura - you look like you could be a model...you are stunning! Ah, youth! I had a good mushie meal last night...after being so tired of my usual ones already. Night before I had actually COOKED for my family and had leftover pot roast & mashed potatoes. I was dying for some roast so I chopped it up in the bullet, added that and a little gravy to some mashed potatoes, sprinkled a bit of cheese on top and nuked it. OMG, I was in heaven just having something besides soup!!! Scales - I wish I could hide the darn thing but I've tried that before. I'm just way too compulsive about it and can't do it. I weigh 2x a day, morning and night. Always will. but that's ok..I'm staying right at 202-204 right now, but I'm exercising to the tune of about 300 cals/day and eating about 900. The weight WILL come off eventually. (right?) Have a great day all!

Wow -- lots of progress to report all over the place!! Ya'll are doing great!! I know some of you are getting really tired of the pain, but it will go away very very soon. Jenn! It's so great to see your pretty face! You have a beautiful smile!!! Yep, that beer is a thing of the past, eh? Gonna have to switch to wine now! I fixed your pic for you. If you want to copy it, just move your cursor over the pic and right click, then save as...

Oh, Laura....you don't know how relieved I am to hear you are alright. Thank God. Get lots of rest today. ::hug: The elliptical is designed to take the impact out of walking. I can't describe it...here, why don't you take a look at the wikipedia entry here. They explain it a heck of a lot better than I can. It's quite a workout though because it does provide varying levels of resistance than walking cannot. I like it the best of all the cardio machines (cycle, stairmaster, treadmill, etc.)