kity

Thanks Sarah, I appreciate you "filling me in". It sounded yummy! I am still on puree'd food, so I not quite ready for meat like that. He said, "tuna, chicken, but blended and very moist." But I like your menu better. I am supposed to eat 3-5 small meals a day, but after about 4-5 small bites I am full, then hungry again in about 2-3 hours. What is hard is Mon and Tues I have these long days, and I have to pack all of the food, really it is breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. That is a pain in the butt for sure. Still looking for others at this stage...WHAT ARE YOU EATING?

Well, I went back to work today...wow, 8th graders w/ only 8 weeks left of school...NEED I SAY MORE. They were rough on me, but after a vacation and a sub the week before, I guess it could've been worse. EVERYONE said I looked great...which felt soo good to hear. I had a 12 and a half hour day today, am exhausted, but actually...with the weight loss so far, I still feel better than ever. I can't figure out the ticker thingy and am tired of trying so every so often, I will post here. 280start/269surgery/259current/175ish(give or take 10)goal DO NOT READ IF YOUR STARVING ON YOUR PREOP DIET...SORRY I have a question for my band sisters that were banded around my time (or before that too). What are you eating on the puree stage. Today I had (all of the following were measured) 1/4 c. chix salad (blended) 1/2 c. cott cheese 1/2 c. egg salad 1/2 c. mashed pot. I also had a protein shake for breakfast, protein coffee, and protein tea. What do you all think. Is this too much? All of the above were eaten every 2-3 hours, and the 1/2 cups were eaten in 2 different sittings. I honestly want to know what your eating. I am gonna have 2 artichoke hearts now!

Fear of losing the weightloss battle - author unknown You won't lose the battle if you are willing to work with the band and do your part. But I can almost guarantee: You will have plateaus when you first switch to solids until your body gets used to being fed instead of starved (most likely one-two weeks but could be three like mine.) During many plateaus you will lose inches not pounds and then finally a larger loss. Your loss in the first 30-40 days is a "never to be repeated" experience so enjoy it. Then you begin the long slow journey downward. You will learn the fine art of "PBs" and what causes them for you, it is swallowing air when you eat. Eating too fast....NOT chewing well or too big of a bite. Eating the wrong food for you...and not recognizing the "no longer hungry" after 1/2 cup (satiation) versus an "I WANT TO EAT MORE CAUSE I CAN or IT TASTES GOOD" or I crave it [head hunger]. You will watch your body shrink and will walk a bit taller-literally- and figuratively...start slipping into booths in restaurants. Sit in chairs with arms, stop worrying about how strong the chairs are, not having to ask for an extender belt on airlines. Finding it easier to, and you have more energy to walk/go up stairs. Clean house and do a million other day to day activities. Slip in and out of bath tubs where the water goes all the way around you instead of damming up and it doesn't kill you to stand up from sitting on the floor. Watch the years fall off your face and drivers license picture...got to a restaurant and order an appetizer and still end up with leftovers to take home. Go through doubts and several fills/unfills until you hit the "sweet spot" fill level for you. You will have to stop several times along the way to reassess your eating habits (I could eat certain foods and get away with some cheating a bit quantity wise at 359 and still lose...that had to go at 250). I have also found that I have to keep reminding myself 1/2 cup of solids three times a day--only--and drink my water (1 hour after meals until the next meal but not with meals). Eat protein first...fruit and veggies second, and non-complex carbs last. (Keep the fats, sugars, and non-complex carbs low...still have them but keep them low). And believe it or NOT a plateau that indicates that you need a fill is: 1. No weight loss for four weeks. 2. You are following all the band rules (8 out of 10 of us want to be able to break the rules and still lose figuring if we get a fill it will miraculously start us losing without us having to do our parts). 3. You are hungry an hour after eating (really hungry not cravings) and the 1/2 cup doesn't stay in the band for 2 1/2 to 4 hours. 4. You are drinking 60+ ounces of water a day and not drinking with your meal or for at least an hour after. 5. Once you move from mushy to solids--as much as possible get your nourishment from food that is solid. If you have problems with it sticking in your stoma, try it again chewing it well. Cut it up finer or chew it with other foods to keep it from recombining in your pouch and forming a plug (i.e. potatoes). 6. Try to avoid soups and/or protein drinks if possible (if you are able to eat your protein you will be full longer--some people have tight bands in the morning and can't eat so have a protein drink). 7. Whenever you hit a plateau, keep a diary and log everything, including water, which goes in and measure your 1/2 cup of solids. (Mine grew twice from 1/2 a cup to almost a full cup without noticing). 8. Try weighing in once a week to begin with, not daily. Later move to once every two weeks or once a month. When you are losing slowly, weight fluctuates daily with hydration levels, etc. At least this way you normally will see a loss and not a fluctuation or gain. Yes the loss is smaller but they are down not up. 9. Measure yourself monthly, often you lose inches before you lose pounds. 10. Don't compare yourself to others. We all lose at different rates based on age/metabolism/food choices/activity level...but we can all lose.

How many calories do YOU need? How much protein do YOU need? Protein Whey cool! Hydration calculator! Getting enough water? I thought this was very cool! Here is a link to her page: http://www.kimswlsjourney.com/6901.html

How many calories do YOU need? How much protein do YOU need? Protein Whey cool! Hydration calculator! Getting enough water? I thought this was very cool! Here is a link to her page: http://www.kimswlsjourney.com/6901.html

Fear of losing the weightloss battle - author unknown You won't lose the battle if you are willing to work with the band and do your part. But I can almost guarantee: You will have plateaus when you first switch to solids until your body gets used to being fed instead of starved (most likely one-two weeks but could be three like mine.) During many plateaus you will lose inches not pounds and then finally a larger loss. Your loss in the first 30-40 days is a "never to be repeated" experience so enjoy it. Then you begin the long slow journey downward. You will learn the fine art of "PBs" and what causes them for you, it is swallowing air when you eat. Eating too fast....NOT chewing well or too big of a bite. Eating the wrong food for you...and not recognizing the "no longer hungry" after 1/2 cup (satiation) versus an "I WANT TO EAT MORE CAUSE I CAN or IT TASTES GOOD" or I crave it [head hunger]. You will watch your body shrink and will walk a bit taller-literally- and figuratively...start slipping into booths in restaurants. Sit in chairs with arms, stop worrying about how strong the chairs are, not having to ask for an extender belt on airlines. Finding it easier to, and you have more energy to walk/go up stairs. Clean house and do a million other day to day activities. Slip in and out of bath tubs where the water goes all the way around you instead of damming up and it doesn't kill you to stand up from sitting on the floor. Watch the years fall off your face and drivers license picture...got to a restaurant and order an appetizer and still end up with leftovers to take home. Go through doubts and several fills/unfills until you hit the "sweet spot" fill level for you. You will have to stop several times along the way to reassess your eating habits (I could eat certain foods and get away with some cheating a bit quantity wise at 359 and still lose...that had to go at 250). I have also found that I have to keep reminding myself 1/2 cup of solids three times a day--only--and drink my water (1 hour after meals until the next meal but not with meals). Eat protein first...fruit and veggies second, and non-complex carbs last. (Keep the fats, sugars, and non-complex carbs low...still have them but keep them low). And believe it or NOT a plateau that indicates that you need a fill is: 1. No weight loss for four weeks. 2. You are following all the band rules (8 out of 10 of us want to be able to break the rules and still lose figuring if we get a fill it will miraculously start us losing without us having to do our parts). 3. You are hungry an hour after eating (really hungry not cravings) and the 1/2 cup doesn't stay in the band for 2 1/2 to 4 hours. 4. You are drinking 60+ ounces of water a day and not drinking with your meal or for at least an hour after. 5. Once you move from mushy to solids--as much as possible get your nourishment from food that is solid. If you have problems with it sticking in your stoma, try it again chewing it well. Cut it up finer or chew it with other foods to keep it from recombining in your pouch and forming a plug (i.e. potatoes). 6. Try to avoid soups and/or protein drinks if possible (if you are able to eat your protein you will be full longer--some people have tight bands in the morning and can't eat so have a protein drink). 7. Whenever you hit a plateau, keep a diary and log everything, including water, which goes in and measure your 1/2 cup of solids. (Mine grew twice from 1/2 a cup to almost a full cup without noticing). 8. Try weighing in once a week to begin with, not daily. Later move to once every two weeks or once a month. When you are losing slowly, weight fluctuates daily with hydration levels, etc. At least this way you normally will see a loss and not a fluctuation or gain. Yes the loss is smaller but they are down not up. 9. Measure yourself monthly, often you lose inches before you lose pounds. 10. Don't compare yourself to others. We all lose at different rates based on age/metabolism/food choices/activity level...but we can all lose.

I am also a Cali Bandster, and wanted to introduce myself! Dr. Bobby Basker-Rau is wonderful and very knowledgable and skilled in both WLS. Anyway...hollar to my cali peeps!

Hi all, I was banded 4-3 and am soooo happy w/ it. I am 20# down w/ pre and post op liquids...and feeling great. This is the best decision I've ever made for myself. Just wanted to introduce myself, nice to meet you all;)

George Bush: Worst American president in history Yes, it's true. This was stated on the first post of the thread, and I couldn't agree more. More than that, I am ashamed of him and that he was elected 2x...wow. If you disagree, that is fine, but travel outside of the USA once in a while and you get a different perspective! I don't want to argue or debate, just wanted to state my opinion.

I am a lesbian public school teacher. Can't get any more left than that!

Hey all, I have a tattoo on my butt, it is the Eye of Horus, Egyptian. I love it! It is used as an amulent against injury, so I've always considered it my good luck charm. I want another, but my DP is totally against it. Anyway, I've had it since I was 24, (waited 4 years to get it, just to make sure)! Can't wait to see yours!

Hi Jay- I teach 6th, 7th and 8th grade ELD (English Language Development) and ESL (English as a Second Language) at the local junior college 2 nights a week. I taught preschool years ago, had 18 three year olds...loved it! It might be hard for you tomorrow because you lifting the kids...be careful. I did tell my bosses and anyone else for that matter about my surgery. My principal had Bypass surgery, but has yet to admit it to many. He has lost 120 pounds and looks great, and was pretty understanding about my surgery. I did have to take 4 days off work (plus I had spring break which made it 2 weeks off!), but he was nice about it. I was scared because we have state testing in 2 weeks...yuck, and thought he would be pissed, but he wasn't! Nice to meet you Jay!!! Keep up the good work, and remember, we have about 8 weeks until summer break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:clap2: Good luck to all my friends returning to work tomorrow!!!

The charm bracelet is a way we are going to reward ourselves for scale victories! Some are doing it every 5,7, or 10 pounds we lose! There are many suggestions on this thread, but however you get your 'charm on' works. I googled charms, and got plenty to choose from, since it is easier for me to shop online. Anyway, that is our charm thing. Gonna go check my PO Box now...maybe my first one is there! Pamela

Tracy- I think you should champion the group and turn them all around. You have a great deal of information and positivness to get them all on board! I too know that if it weren't for LBT, I would not be a bandster. This site and my friends on this site have not only given me the knowledge and information I needed, but also the confidence to 'OWN' my band process. I really feel that LBT is responsible for me going through with it. I've told anyone who would listen about LBT! They are trying to reschedule the LB support groups because it is on a night I teach and many others can't go either. So, I've only been to the prerequisite support group where EVERYONE was a bypass person...with great success, but bypass all the same. I look forward to going, schedule permitting, and talking to others face to face!!! Especially telling them about LBT! Yesterday I started mushies...and boy did I ever. I went to a friends party where Mexican food was the theme! Man, that is my favorite. So while everyone ate chips, salsa, guacamole, carne asada, and tortillas (sorry to all my preop diet friends), I had some bean dip with guacamole. Now, I am not complaining, actually the opposite. I felt great about it, because I could be social w/ some Mexican food like everyone else! It was my first time where I could be participatory w/ everyone, just following my own guidelines! It felt great! Love my band! I go back to work tomorrow too:cry ! I am excited to see my students, but Monday and Tuesday are 12 hour days, and I am scared that is gonna be a bit much. But oh well, gotta jump back into life right. I just wanted to thank everyone one LBT, especially this thread, for all the love, support, information, and confidence over the last few weeks. Words alone can never express how much you all mean to me, but I think you all know what it is I am trying to say, and probably feel as I do anyway. Good luck to those to be banded this week, and continued recovery and health to those of us who have gone before!

Krystal, Thanks for sharing your story. That was honest, and I am sure, spoke to many people here. If you need motivation, encouragement, and support, LBT is the place for it. And since you are REBANDING in April 07, I invite you to join our group. I have made many friendships there, and know you will feel the support you need. Whether you join us or not, keep using LBT...this is a powerful format that has helped so many. Keep up the good work and thanks for posting!

Teachlady- I love those charms! They are cute. My bracelet and first charm should arrive any day now! This is a great idea, I am so glad I am doing this!!! Tracy- I got the car today!!! Wow, what a nightmare, and I am glad I am not in that business. It is a 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid!! It is green and sooo cute! Food Update- I joined the land of mushies today! It feels great. I had a 1/4 c of cottage cheese for breakfast, 1/4 c. of blended peaches for lunch (soooo good), and the best is my chicken salad. In the isle at the store where tuna is sold in the packets, they have salmon and chicken breasts. I put the breast in the magic bullet, some minced onion, a tablespoon of light mayo (generous to make meat really wet)...and whaalaa...puree'd chix salad. There is 24 proteins for one breast!!! So easy, mess free, and convienent. Just thought I would share! Have a great day everyone. LIVE LOVE LAUGH

I was on Optifast from doctor 2 shakes, 2 bars and a special soup for dinner. I never cheated...not once and lost 11 pounds. I felt great. Now, since March 21, I've lost 20 pounds (it was 19.6 yesterday, rounded up). I tried on a pair of pants today that I haven't fit into since last summer (and they were very snug) and they sliped right on...couldn't believe it. THAT MADE IT ALL WORTH IT:)

Tracy- I don't know how you remember everything going on on here. Yes, I went to get my car today, but learned quickly that my Champagne tastes didn't match my Koolaid budget. Actually, they wanted me to pay $754 a month...YEAH RIGHT. My brother and I left, and got a call back 1/2 hour later, and they saw the light...but what total bullshit. I don't know how people do sales and negotiating...it just pissed me off and made me tired. Long story short, I pick up the car tomorrow, I am paying monthly pymts that won't kill me (although it is double+ what I pay now), and I got the color I want (they are bringing it up from San Diego as I type). But thanks so much for remembering, I am impressed. After I read the posts, I've forgotten what everyone has said by the time I type, lol. Sara- I am still on full liquids. You asked if I'd had any trouble, and because I haven't eaten anything yet, I haven't. I was wondering what your doctor said you could eat. Tomorrow I get cottage cheese!!!! Never been more excited about anything ever. I too worry if I have a "spell" like you did today at work. I am nervous about that. I hope your feeling better. I will have mushies for 2 weeks, but some tuna in the Magic Bullet sounds like a treat...can't wait. I actually brought 2 shakes to the Toyota dealership today, and as my brother ate a HUGE cheeseburger and fries, I sipped on some iced tea! I am so proud of myself, and it didn't even bother me. Congrats on completing your project. I am so far from finishing...but I bet you feel so good! Enjoy your weekend! Terry- glad to hear work wasn't TOO bad. I will be in your shoes (and Sara's too) on Monday. It has been so nice to be off, but I am looking forward to seeing my kids...don't tell 'em, but I kinda missed 'em. To all the recently banded sisters (and bros)- WELCOME! We look forward to your posts the next few weeks!!! Heal well. Have a great night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sara- Thanks for the props on my weight loss...I can't believe it, and can already feel it. Congrats to you too, 14 pounds is amazing!!! Do I see more charms in our future??? I have not worked out since Tues, but plan on doing it tomorrow am, then get a pedicure and eyebrows waxed. I feel bad that I took a few days off, but what I am learning in this journey is that we have to be forgiving and tough on ourselves. Forgiving when we falter (munch out or not exercise) and tough on ourselves so that we stay on track. I am advanced to puree stage tomorrow (been on full liquids since home from hospital). I am very glad, can't wait to have 1/4 cup of refried beans!!! Terri posted yesterday about increased hunger and I am sooooo there. At first I'd get hungry every 5-6 hours, now it is about 2 hours or less! I close my eyes when the commercials come on, I'd kill for a cheeseburger. My fill date is May 31...so it is gonna be a long month and a half. My doctor said 6 weeks.:think On the subject of stress and eating, I am writing my dissertation right now...I too know stress. Actually, I have been flaking out more than writing the last few weeks, which just makes me more stressed. On Sunday when DP left and for the first time in my life I could not eat to comfort myself I exercised. Then this week, I had the munchies, and since I am still on full liquids and don't have the option to eat, I got up and went into the extra room and cleaned out my dead mothers desk, a task I had put off for 2 years. I actually was shredding stuff from 1976...mom saved everything. It took me 3 hours, and I didn't think about eating at all...and now the desk task is done. I have so many of these little projects still to do, and it is relaxing and feels good to finally be doing some of these jobs that are always on my to do list. Sorry for the long post...this thread goes so fast and it is hard to keep up, but I wanted to wish everyone good luck and speedy recovery getting banded today! We are all in there w/ you! Have a great day! PS-Terri, how was going back to work? I go back Monday and am a bit nervous.

Mrs...you are so lucky. I work in a school (old building) and I HAVE NO WINDOWS. I do have an 8 and 1/2 by 11 inch window on the door, which I have to keep covered up because students will walk by and flip off the class. SAD BUT TRUE. Anyway, enjoy, and think of me the next breath taking scene!

Kat, Maybe I will be sexy enough after I "drop a few"(like 100 pounds) to be considered for something of that nature. LOL, just kidding!!! I am sexy now, right? Yes, you spelled Gato right (hablo espanol pequito). I've been meaning to ask you if you have a cousin in Palm Springs named Joanie? It is a long story, but she said her cousin is on LBT and a success from the Band, and her name is Kathy? I was just wondering?

Hey everyone, I just wanted to say I like this thread. Have a great week, check back in for country week!

My dr.'s off ice gave me 4: www.vistavitamins.com www.bbvitamins.com www.vitalady.com www.bariatricadvantage.com I get mine from www.dpsnutrition.com on the left side go down the IDS then look for IDS New Whey Liquid Protein! I love the Blue Raspberry (only 25 g. protein and both the Orange and Grape 42 g protein. I have usually add them to a bottle of propel water but have just drank them by themselves. __________________

My dr.'s off ice gave me 4: www.vistavitamins.com www.bbvitamins.com www.vitalady.com www.bariatricadvantage.com I get mine from www.dpsnutrition.com on the left side go down the IDS then look for IDS New Whey Liquid Protein! I love the Blue Raspberry (only 25 g. protein and both the Orange and Grape 42 g protein. I have usually add them to a bottle of propel water but have just drank them by themselves. __________________

Congrats Michelle!!!! Now you know that THIS IS MEANT TO BE!!! What a wonderful feeling!!! I just got back from my 2nd post op diet and I've lost 19.6 POUNDS!!! I am shocked...so much so I started to cry. I've never lost, just gained gained gained since my undergraduate days. I am so proud of myself, and really owe so much to my friends and support system at LBT!!!! Getting ready to pick out my next charm!!!:clap2: