TerriDoodle

Most likely it is dust on the lens...but it IS funny!

Jennifur - I'm 99% sure the pain you're feeling in your left shoulder is a result of gas...I know that sounds weird and I can't explain why it's referred up to your shoulder. Mine was in the front right at the top of my left shoulder and it sometimes felt like I was being stabbed with a screwdriver....a very sharp localized pain. But MAN, did it hurt! Are you still feeling 'pregnant' with the gas? Then that's probably what it is. Just do what you can to get rid of that gas. I'm sorry you're having a hard time today but I PROMISE you it will get so much better when you move to mushies. I never thought mashed potatoes or refried beans could taste so damn good. Like Teach said...suddenly we're very content with very small things. Just have patience. I know it's hard.

Sara, you might want to take it easy for now. I called my doctor and his office said ONLY walking or elliptical for 4 weeks. I wanted to swim and at least do some light weights but they said no. I cheat a little and do some cycling too.

Jullee, I didn't have the problems with water that many of you are...but PAIN doesn't seem like something you should be experiencing at this point. If you haven't called your doctor about this, I highly suggest it. Are you taking your pain meds? Maybe that would help you get the water down. Excess gas might be the problem as well, so get on a regular dose (4x/day) of Gas-X for 2-3 days and walk at least a little bit very often during the day. I don't have to tell you how important it is to stay hydrated...if nothing else it will help speed your healing and prevent complications. Keep us posted, ok? I have found that the band has really served as a constant reminder that I am on a NEW path now and will require NEW behavoirs. This is by far the coolest thing ever. I'm not very restricted right now at all....could probably eat anything I wanted...but I'm not. I guess my stomach has "shrunk" though because I am stuffed on such little food now. Last night I had about 1/4 c. refried beans and 1/4 c guacamole salad and I was so full....for at least 3 hours!! If I'm not restricted, how do you account for that?? Anyway, the experience so far has been incredible and I'm looking forward to a long, healthy relationship with my band. Sara, be patient with yourself right now! Sounds like you have a LOT of stuff going on. You're lucky with all of that thatyou haven't gained 6#!! Sounds like you're doing great to me. Re: your thoughs about "I just can't fail, not this time...", I'm sure all of us can relate to that. I'm reading a great book right now that explains in detail how the brain works to create new habits and discard old ones. One thing it says makes really good sense: You should not focus on your past failures and behaviours, but focus (religiously) on what it is you want to become. Keep the visual in your mind of the slim & fit you, the one wearing a size 10, feeling good and strong. This engages the emotional part of your brain that is essential in allowing new behaviours to take hold. Try it for a day or two and I think you'll find a new level of excitement and confidence creep into your thinking. We're all behind you 150%.

Jenn - yeah, that should be just great! ...and you can add some crystal light powder for flavor or some Davinci syrup. Here's a hint (if you don't already know) put the ice in a baggie and hammer it a bit before putting it in the bullet so it won't get quite so 'frothy' getting the ice chopped.

American accent? Americans don't have accents!!

Powdered Peanut Butter??? Somehow I doubt that would taste as good spread on my Wasa cracker. LOL! Must be good in a smoothie though!

Of all the protein drinks I tried (and I tried plenty!) I liked chocolate EAS Carb Control the best. DH says they're too water-y for him so he adds a little milk to his and loves it. 17g protein. I vote for "April Blossoms"! OH! I almost forgot!!!!! I went out earlier to buy some new spring clothes and guess what???!!! I have dropped a size already! :humble:From 2x down to XL, and 18W to 16W!!!! I'm getting closer to the "Ladies" department!!!

OH MAN! I can't WAIT to make a post like this someday!! Exercise is going great, I'm happy to report...and it looks like I will exceed my first month's goals. I am chomping at the bit to start weights and swimming but have to wait 2 more weeks. :tired Thanks for your constant inspiration!!

Well, she's right about the "sufficient for the first month"... 1 month at this level won't harm you. So all I can say is just be patient and really try not to worry about the scale. Weight loss doesn't happen in a steady line downwards....never....it's 2 steps forward one step back....all the way down that path. The sooner you get used to that idea and get comfortable with it, the less crazy you'll be!!!

By the way, I was a moderator on a low-carb forum for over a year and counseled lots and lots (and lots!) of people... so I have hundreds of people's experience to compare ours to. So that's where my 'authority' comes from ....for lack of a better word! I'm no authority, for sure, but I've hung out with a bunch o' dieters!! I know Tracy did, too.

Judy - You definitely need to be eating more than that. 500 cals a day is not healthy. Didn't your doctor make a calorie recommendation for you? Mine is 1000-1200/day and I've finally hit that the last two days. Are you keeping track of your protein? You definitely will hit a little plateau at first...it may even last up to a month or so. This is definitely not unusual. I have had the same experience as you. I gained 2# (to 204) and the scale hasn't budged in 3 days. But I was prepared for that and will just keep on doing what I'm doing...except trying to up my calories a bit more. I'll be glad to get on solid foods to help get my protein up to 80g/day. EAT!!!

Welcome to the forum! You've found a wonderful place for support. There's a 'sticky' in the technical questions area that explains the ticker. Look towards the bottom of the list on the home page.

Pamela -- Sorry, I can't help you girl. I have never had that "problem" in my entire life, much less in the recent past. But I certainly do appreciate your sharing with us!!! :confused: Made my morning just thinking about it! Jenn -- So glad you have turned the corner. You may find that you are feeling great in the morning, but sore in the evenings. So take it easy!! I can't believe you haven't been needing your pain meds...I took them for at least 4 days as I recall...at night mostly. Is your gas getting better too? Did you ever have the dreaded shoulder pain? Crazy how intense that can get! Sara - Hungover?

LOL No, it's not ridiculous....'cause when it happened to me I was so happy that I wanted to post about it too....but I thought, "I'm sure NOBODY CARES!!" Apparently you would have! LOL Jenn & Laura - Just hang in there...a day or two longer and the difference will be dramatic. No matter what, keep on tryin'. Have you been eating popsicles too? Sara - You are hilarious!!! So glad you can still get your wine in!! I had some too the other night...about 1/2 what I normally do. Yeah, I'm pretty amazed as well that I"m surviving on 800-1000 cals/day. It's downright wierd! Bubbles - I had just a hint of the flaming golf ball the first time I had some fish and mashed potatoes. Probably just ate a little too much...but I can imagine what a real golf ball feels like!! YEOWWW! ...and No, I haven't had a fill yet, but i was still swollen at the time. My doc is pretty insistent that Pasta, bread and rice are not allowed...too many people have problems with them.

Amen to that!

Pamela - I wouldn't chance it....but that's me. Have you experienced the flaming golf ball from hell in your sternum yet? If you had, I don't think you'd chance it either... BUT! ....maybe since you're not restricted yet, it will be alright.:ermm

Hmmm. How about a yummy quiche and/or some lobster bisque? :hungry: (Sorry, Pre-Opsters ... I'll stop now)

mazie - it's www.jamesavery.com Hey, it could have very well been the noodles that got you stuck, not the broccoli. ...or maybe the broccoli wasn't cooked enough. Avoid the stems, too!

....to be satisfied ...not FULL. I've been banded 2 weeks today ...and I had a lightbulb moment this evening after my 3rd meal of the day. I realized that I now officially eat to be satisfied and not full. As a matter of habit, this is definitely a first for me. At first I kinda missed that feeling of being FULL after a meal. But now I'm in the groove of eating sensible portions which satisfy me for a few hours...and I'm absolutely, completely 100% OK with that. I'm supposedly in 'bandster hell' at this stage, don't feel much restriction, but I think I've already gotten used to the smaller portions and about 800-1000 cals a day. I don't know exactly how to put into words what I'm trying to say...I guess I'm just saying I feel confident and comfortable with this new way of eating...and it's something I should have been doing my whole life! I dunno...maybe it wasn't possible before because there were no immediate, painful consequences of overeating. I would say the biggest help has been knowing that if I eat more than a cup of food (mushies) I will be in trouble. In this way alone the lap band is truly a wonderful tool. I have no desire to be in trouble. The desire to avoid trouble far outweighs any desire to stuff my face. I can only imagine that when I get filled it will be even better...that any hunger I am experiencing now will be better controlled with restriction and more solid food. I AM PUMPED, I TELL YA!! PUMPED!!

Just want to let you all know that I have been going to the gym every day since I joined...and lovin' it!! Right now all I can do is treadmill, cycling and elliptical but I'm workin' up a sweat!!

I seem to recall that my doc said to call if my temp went over 100 for 2 days. Maybe you should go ahead and call your doc, just to be on the safe side.

Carlene - I'm sorry for your problem Can you tell me, what will you be doing differently next time? I don't really see how this could have been avoided, can you?

Good God, Woman!! Don't you ever watch college football?? Ever heard of the University of Texas Longhorns??? That's my alma mater!! bevo.bmp

Here's another one that's cropped with just you in it, in case you want to save it for your progress file...