TheBandedPeach

I like that nice positive way of thinking about it, thanks <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - Free <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Calorie Counter</a></small></p>

hmmm...maybe just a tiny piece of something? If you can get any food through at all, maybe it's only partially blocked... just a thought. Hope the docs can give you some answers. <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Free Calorie Counter</a></small></p>

Thanks allicap I'm glad you like them. The Peanut Butter is higher in fat and depending on the brand you use it can be bad fats. You want to try to go for a pure, raw peanut butter from a health food store, instead of a generic brand that uses hydrogenated oils, which are the bad fats. Banana's are a higher density fruit. They have a tiny amount of fat in them as well as a lot of calories, so adding 2 things to your shake will make it higher in calories. The more ingredients you add to your shake, the higher calorie it will become, so watch what your putting in and how much. The great thing is that the bana and peanut butter help to add more protein! I like the peanut butter and banana ones for Breakfast because they sustain me for hours and I am able to leave the house for a while knowing that I won't need to "eat" again until I get home. Careful with the ones with peanut butter in them because they are SUPER, SUPER heavy and can create the shoulder and chest pain if you drink too much. I was satisfied with just 2oz of the peanut butter ones and gradually went up to 6oz later on. Another person on this thread says the same thing about the shakes being heavy, so just do what feels ok for you. I am not a licensed doctor or nutritionist, so if your worried about anything with the recipes, talk with your doc & nutritionist about it and they should be able to help you out further I'm just another bandster like you who happens to have fun experimenting! The calories in a raw banana according to the banana’s size are roughly as follows: Go to this link to see the calories, fat, Protein, etc...in a banana BANANAS <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Free Calorie Counter</a></small></p>

That makes a TON of sense, because I totally forgot to mention that hot coffee (the longer it sits out, the better) is supposed to help a lot with respiratory issues like asthma! So I can totally see how it could be helping you! Just a test if you want to try it...Make a pot of real coffee and let it sit for a day or two, then warm yourself up a mug and see how that feels as well! <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Free Calorie Counter</a></small></p>

Hi Sarah, Every person has a different experience with the band. Some people LOVE it and it works great for them and some people dislike it very much. Right now I am in a stage of regret and wishing I had gone with the other surgery instead. I am about 3 months post op and at this point because of complications I would suggest to anyone now the gastric (where they cut your stomach to the size of a small pouch)instead of the band for those who are looking to lose more aggressively. If you have no problem losing extremelyyy slowly, then I would recommend the band instead, because it's long term effects seem to be better, which is why I chose it in the first place. You will be maintained for the rest of your life with the band and that is a good thing for sure. It's easier to gain weight back with the gastric if you stretch your pouch out too much, but you lose much, much faster and easier. Since you have pcos it means it's twice as hard for you to lose weight on your own, right? The band may not be for you then, because it is MUCH more difficult to lose weight on. The beginning is a slow, grueling process that takes a lot of will power and determination. Your doing more work then the band is at first DEPENDING on the doc you get and how much and how soon your band gets filled. I hear it gets easier and easier as you get more fills and finally find your "sweet spot". Some people find theirs right away, and some it takes 3-5 months. I haven't found mine yet and sooo dissapointed at my lack of weight loss after all the hell I have been thru. As you keep reading posts on this forum, you will see just how different every person's experience is. Most are positive, and most see real & true success in the end. Keep reading more posts and you will get your answers, trust me. These guys are totally great and have been helping me BIG time get through my personal issues with it. When it comes to smoking I solved the problem real quick. I started smoking electric cigarettes instead (which are AMAZING and have different flavors) and the docs never seems to mind it and never asked me to stop! I showed it to them and everything. I used to sell them, and totally wish I was selling them again. Here is where me and my Fiance' order from because they seem to be the best quality and have a lifetime warranty---> Greensmoke.com I'll let you and others know if I decide to sell them again in the future. That way people who have had the surgery can just go through me if they want. Hope that helps, and sorry I couldn't be a more positive candidate for you! <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Free Calorie Counter</a></small></p>

I have to add this..... in the beginning I found the idea of eating off small plates and using tiny spoons, eating tiny baby sandwiches, and playing with the idea so much fun that it REALLY helped me keep on track with portions.... I had stopped thinking about it and having fun with it recently and realized that I slowly started going back up again to larger and larger plates (stopped losing weight and feeling discouraged)... Thanks to these posts, I think I'll start having fun with it again. <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Free Calorie Counter</a></small></p>

;)

Your very welcome rozie I am the same about my hair. I never thought it would happen to me because of all the Protein I was getting and how thick (and typically healthy) it is, but it did anyways..I am just super relieved that it will grow back! Fo sho on the GENESIS!... I have ridiculously bad nails that tear, break and peel without it... Once I get on it again, I can ditch the nail salons! <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Free Calorie Counter</a></small></p>

Thanks so much ..the sweet pea looks gross coming out of the box (lol) but it tastes PHENOM! They are super healthy... ditch those oily Cambell's soups with all the artificial ingredients and switch to the good stuff

OH YES I AGREE!! Pacific is way better then Imagine, and the roasted red pepper (with some added onion powder & a little powdered Parmesan cheese) and the carrot/ginger/cashew ( AS IS! ) is absolutelyyyyy my fave!!!!

Great job, really gives me hope My band is not where it should be yet and have been getting discouraged on a daily basis. I plan on making an appointment tomorrow to talk with my doc and hopefully get my 3rd fill soon. Crossing my fingers that this will be the one! I get married in 5 months and counting!!! <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Free Calorie Counter</a></small></p>

Also, there is an amazing supplement called Genesis by Concious Planet. I am looking into details on how to order it again (its been a year or two since I needed it) for fellow Bandsters. It is a PHENOMINAL clear liquid mineral that you just add a capfull every day to your Water or juice (you don't even taste it) and completely balances you out so that your hair and nails grow amazingly!!! I stopped buying it during some financial struggles because it can be a little pricey, but at this point it's sooo worth it!!! I am buying it ASAP! Watch for a post by me in the near future called GENESIS SUPPLEMENT for hair loss! <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Free Calorie Counter</a></small></p>

Hi There, This was a VERY helpful article posted by another Bandster on here yesterday. It started happening to me 2 weeks ago and I am 3 months post op. <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Free Calorie Counter</a></small></p> See this article for a full explanation... Everyone experiences hair loss on a daily basis. Normal hair loss is barely noticeable, amounting to less than 100 hairs per day. However, the stress of a major surgery can cause hair loss to accelerate up to three times as much in both men and women. It's the body's way of reacting to the trauma of the operation. The Facts During a normal hair growth cycle, hair grows, then enters into a resting or "telogen" period and eventually sheds. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, "telogen effluvium" is a term used to describe hair that has been rushed into the resting state after the body suffers a shock due to major surgery. As resources are redirected to help heal the affected surgical area, the body temporarily shuts down hair production because it is not necessary for survival. Identification Telogen effluvium related to surgery can be distinguished from other forms of hair loss in several ways. Individuals typically begin to notice the increasing hair loss two to three months after the surgery. Hair loss after surgery is uniform, noticeable on the scalp but never excessive enough to cause a patchy appearance or complete baldness. In addition, the shed hairs all exhibit a specific pattern at the root, which resembles a white bulb. Time Frame Hair usually resides in the telogen phase for a period of two to four months before growth resumes. Individuals don't begin to notice the increase in hair loss when showering or brushing the hair until about three months post-surgery. Although the resting hair is being pushed out of the scalp by new hair that is already growing, it can take anywhere from about six months to a year for the hair to return to its normal fullness. Gastric Bypass Surgery Individuals who have undergone gastric bypass or other operations of the digestive tract designed to reduce obesity are more prone to hair loss post-surgery. This is due to the reduced intake of food in the weeks and months immediately following these procedures. The body needs an adequate amount of Proteins and Vitamins to maintain hair production. Protein-enhanced shakes are often recommended for these patients as a substitute until solid food can be better tolerated. Proper Diet Hair loss related to surgery typically reverses itself without any medicinal intervention or the need for over-the-counter hair loss tonics or treatments. However, maintaining a diet rich in Protein and Iron is believed to help promote and speed up healthy hair growth. Suggested foods include salmon, Beans, eggs, spinach, broccoli, nuts and whole-grain cereals. Avoid foods that can inhibit hair growth, such as those that contain high levels of caffeine and fat. Read more: Losing Hair After Surgery | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/...l#ixzz1QtFeANl3

You may have something stuck and be "slime-ing". "Slime-ing" is when food gets stuck in the stoma and you automatically start slowly spitting up slimy saliva. I heard that warm/hot water helps open up your band and cold stuff can tighten it. I would get some hot tea or coffee right away and immediately call your doctor. Especially if you think the band may have slipped. You may chew properly, but if you have chugged water instead of sipped, it can be hard on the band too. <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Nutrition Facts</a> For Foods</small></p>

Check out some of the recipes I created while on my 6 week full liquids. Ignoring the peanut butter ones, of course. I also got chest pains with the heaviness of some things like peanut butter if I was not careful and had too much. Once I started doing this I was getting more than my recommended 60grams a day. Some of them are pushing the limits a bit, but most of them were a true life saver, as I never found myself getting desperate for real food! <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Free Weight Loss</a> Tools</small></p> J’s High Protein Full liquid Recipes PHASE 2: Full liquid diet This starts 1 day after surgery NOTE: On the Full Liquid Diet, up to 6-8oz per meal is OK for 3-6 meals a day with lots of water and mini 2-4oz Snacks in between (snacks are optional, but can create slower weight loss). Make sure to drink LOTS of water. The bulk of your fullness should be water. Stop before feeling full. I am consistently losing weight with these measurements. Remember to drink or eat very slowly. You can train yourself by using tiny baby spoons. The point of this 6 week plan, I am told is partly to shrink your stomach and get you prepared for the first band tightening where you will be limited to very tiny amounts. The doc wants you to get bored of these foods, because after the 6 weeks, you go strictly to solids and water. No more mushy or liquids. All of my recipes include ingredients that can be found at most Whole Foods Markets, Trader Joes or Meijers Grocery. Organic products are all optional, but I (from recent experience) highly recommend for those wanting a more rapid weight loss or healthier system in general. Using skim milk over cream or any other dairy milk will speed it up as well. The nut milks are a great way to sneak in even more nutrients. Most grocery stores carry these organic products now, but you have to look for them. *All my high fat recipes include only healthy or beneficial fats that have not been processed and do not include any hydrogenated oils. Please check the nutrition labels before purchasing any ingredients.* My Personal Tips for More Rapid Weight Loss Using the Liquid Recipes: 1. Use my snack recipes only once a day 2. Choose only my low fat options from my recipe list 3. Stay under 1000 calories. 4. Minimize the amount of sweetener used 5. Choose a Superfoods recipe at least once per day 6. Take liquid multi Vitamins from Whole Foods Market once a day 7. DRINK MORE WATER J’s Favorite Sugar Substitutes Liquid Stevia (Whole Foods Market) Xylitol (Whole Foods Market) Looks like sugar & great for decaf coffee, baking (during Phase 3: Solids) etc… J’s Daily food Goals 60g Protein per day (split up into six 2oz meals or three 4oz meals) 5g or less of sugar per meal 3-6oz per day of liquid multi vitamins from health food stores As many drinks of water between meals as possible 800 Calories a day Full Liquid Recipes (MY FAVE) Decaf Mocha Protein 4oz organic decaf coffee of choice 2 oz skim (lowfat option) or Real Organic Whipping Cream (high fat option) 1 serving organic whey Protein powder (any flavor) 1/2 tsp real organic vanilla extract 1 ½ tsp real organic chocolate extract 2 tsp Xylitol (or to taste) ~blend well~ Egg Nog 6g protein 6g sugar (from milk) (drink only half at one sitting) Blend All: 1 raw, organic and cage free egg 4 oz organic skim milk 8 drops liquid Stevia Extract Dash real sea salt 2 dash organic nutmeg 1/4 tsp real organic vanilla extract 1/4 tsp rum extract (optional) Healthy Cocoa Mint Protein Shake 1 cup organic skim milk Real organic mint leaves or real organic mint extract 2 tsp real, raw & organic cocoa powder 2 tsp raw, organic Maca Powder (This is a Super Food from Whole Foods Market or online. This is used often with real cocoa because it tastes great together and the minerals in both works together to balance the Calcium and magnesium found in them.) 1 serving organic weigh protein powder 6 drops Liquid Stevia Option 1: Boil 1 cup skim on stove top with ¼ cup of real organic mint leaves. Strain, then add other ingredients to milk. Blend & let cool. Drink ONLY HALF and save other half for another meal~ Option 2: For COLD & FAST shake, take 1 cup skim, add 2-4 drops mint leaf extract, add the rest of ingredients and blend. Drink HALF right away and save rest for later~ Almond Coco Joy Protein Shake 6oz skim (or almond milk) 2 tsp coconut extract (or 2 oz real organic coconut milk to add creaminess) 1 tsp Almond extract 3 tsp Real Organic Cocoa Powder 1 tsp real organic chocolate extract 2 tsp Organic Maca Powder (Super Food from Whole Foods Grocery or online. This is used often with real cocoa because it tastes great together and the minerals in both work together when combined.) 1 serving Organic Vanilla Whey Protein Powder 6 drops Liquid Stevia (if using almond milk instead, use only 4 drops) ~ blend well. Drink HALF right away and save rest for later~ Rice pudding Shake 6oz organic skim milk (or organic vanilla rice milk) 1 serving Organic Vanilla Whey or Organic Rice Protein Powder 2 tsp Organic Cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla extract 6 drops liquid Stevia (unless using organic rice milk) ~Blend & enjoy!~ Vanilla or Maple Protein Greek Yogurt 4oz Plain, full fat Organic Greek Yogurt Plain or Vanilla Organic Whey Protein Powder 5 drops Liquid Stevia 1/8 tsp Vanilla or Maple Extract ~Mix all ingredients together with a spoon until thin with no lumps~ Peanut Protein Power (high fat recipe) (Drink only HALF at one sitting. This is an extremely filling shake and you may get uncomfortable if you drink too much) 1 tbs creamy, raw, organic with no salt added peanut butter 4oz Organic Skim Milk 1 tbs real organic & raw cocoa powder (optional) 1 serving organic whey protein powder ¼ tsp almond extract ¼ tsp real organic vanilla extract 10 drops liquid Stevia or 2 tsp Xylitol ~blend all ingredients together VERY WELL~ Vanilla Orange Dream 6oz organic skim milk 1 serving organic plain or vanilla whey powder 1/8 tsp orange extract 1/8 tsp vanilla extract 8 drops Liquid Stevia ~shake or blend all~ Coconut Milk Protein Shake (high fat) 1/3 cup pure organic coconut milk 2/3 cup organic skim milk or rice milk ½ tsp vanilla extract 5 drops of liquid Stevia (or to taste) 1 serving organic whey protein powder 1 tsp almond extract (optional) 1 tbs raw, organic cocoa powder (optional) ~Shake or blend all together~ DOUBLE CHO-COCOA COVERED banana 1 scoop vanilla or chocolate whey protein powder 2 1/2 tbs cocoa powder 3 tsp chocolate extract or 1 tbs organic chocolate syrup (contains pure cane sugar) 8 drops Stevia extract or Truvia replacement sweetener (same as stevia only in a crystallized form) 1 cup organic skim milk 1/4 very ripe banana 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional) 1 tbs creamy organic peanut butter (optional) ~blend well and enjoy!~ Simply Nanners! 1/2 very ripe banana 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 8 drops Stevia extract or Truvia replacement sweetener (same as Stevia only in a crystallized form) 1 cup organic skim milk ~blend well and enjoy!~ Banutty 1/2 very ripe banana 1 tbs organic creamy peanut butter 1 scoop organic vanilla or plain whey protein powder 1/4 tsp real organic vanilla extract 1/4 tsp almond extract 1/3 cup organic skim milk 1/3 cup organic almond milk (adds sweetness and nutrients) 1/3 cup organic hazelnut milk (adds sweetness and nutrients) 4-8 drops liquid Stevia ~ Mixing milks is optional, but will add a much richer and sweeter flavor. Blend well and enjoy!~ Full Liquid SNACKS Note: Have these ONLY after you have gotten your required amount of protein in for the day and are still hungry. These will fill you and add extra nutrients to your daily diet. These contain higher fat and may slow down weight loss. Mix cream Soups with water for better results. Cream Soups Meijers Grocery & Whole Foods Market carry an AMAZING Organic Cream Soups collection, Imagine & Pacific brand, where you can poor it right out of the carton! Most of the soups have no chunks in them (chunks have to be strained). You can also choose the LOW SODIUM flavors which are very good and (optional) add real sea salt from Whole Foods Market to them later if you want. Choose any flavor and enjoy! My Faves: Organic Creamy Tomato Organic Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Organic Creamy Sweet Potato Organic Creamy Acorn Squish with Mango ( I like it as is) Organic Creamy Cashew, Ginger & Carrot Organic Creamy Sweet Pea Organic Creamed Tomato Soup (Whole Foods & Meijers Grocery)<br style="mso-special-character: line-break"> <br style="mso-special-character:line-break"> Poor 4oz of soup in mug and heat for 1 min in microwave. For turning this into pizza SOUP add: 1 sprinkle oregano 2 tsp grated Parmesan cheese (stir in well after soup has cooled for 1 min. DO NOT MELT in soup) 1 sprinkle garlic powder 1 sprinkle onion powder 1 sprinkle real sea salt Organic Creamed Red Pepper Soup (Whole Foods & Meijers Grocery) Poor 4oz of soup in mug and heat for 1 min in microwave. 2 tsp grated Parmesan cheese (stir in well after soup has cooled for 1 min. DO NOT MELT in soup) (This is high in Vitamin C) Organic Creamed Sweet Potato Soup (Whole Foods & Meijers Grocery) Poor 4oz of soup in mug and heat for 1 min in microwave. Sprinkle real sea salt Add ½ tab REAL ORGANIC butter Egg or Avocado salad 1 Hard Boiled Egg Yolks (no white, since it is unable to blend smoothly) = 3-5grms protein (This recipe CAN BE SUBSTITUTED WITH AVACODO for other daily nutrients. Use the equivalent of one egg yolk. Just remember that it is higher fat and lower protein. BUT, not to fear!... it’s GOOD FAT. Avocado contains monounsaturated fats and oleic acid which helps lower cholesterol! ONLY eat this as a snack if you have gotten all your protein in for the day.) 1/2 TBS Kraft Olive Oil Mayo (or organic options from Whole Foods Market) 1 Tsp Mustard (look for brands with no added sugar) 1/2oz water Sprinkle of Paprika Sprinkle Garlic Powder (Optional) Sprinkle Opinion Powder (Optional) Sprinkle Dill (Optional) ½ Sprinkle Celery Salt (Optional) ~Blend EXTRA, EXTRA SMOOTH until the consistence of fat free yogurt to make a thin creamy paste, eat slowly with baby spoon and enjoy!~ Greek Yogurt Full fat or fat free PLAIN 2 oz = 2 gm protein ~Eat 2oz. plain, or add 2 drops almond extract & 4 drops of liquid Stevia to give it a “honey nut” flavor. Eat slowly with baby spoon~ V8 or Organic Tomato juice 2-4oz ~Add salt, pepper, onion powder & garlic powder to taste (optional). Eat slowly with baby spoon~ Organic Apple Sauce 2oz. plain or cinnamon (to help you “go” if you get constipated.) Chai Tea 2oz water 2oz Skim Milk 8 drops Liquid Stevia 3 shakes cinnamon 3 shakes cardamom 1 shake clove ½ shake cayenne 2 shakes ginger 1/2 shake black pepper ~Can sip this all day when you’re in desperate need of flavor!~ RECIPES #2 DOUBLE CHO-COCOA COVERED BANANA (High Fat & Calorie) 1 scoop vanilla or chocolate whey protein powder 2 ½ tbs cocoa powder 3 tsp chocolate extract or 1 tbs organic chocolate syrup (contains pure cane sugar) 8 drops Stevia extract 1 cup organic skim milk ¼ very ripe banana ¼ tsp almond extract (optional) 1 tbs creamy organic peanut butter (optional) ~blend well and enjoy!~ Simply Nanners! (High Calorie) ½ very ripe banana 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder ½ tsp vanilla extract 8 drops Stevia extract or Truvia replacement sweetener (same as Stevia only in a crystallized form) 1 cup organic skim milk ~blend well and enjoy!~ Banutty (High Fat & Calorie) ½ very ripe banana 1 tbs organic creamy peanut butter 1 scoop organic vanilla or plain whey protein powder ¼ tsp real organic vanilla extract ¼ tsp almond extract 1/3 cup organic skim milk 1/3 cup organic almond milk (adds sweetness and nutrients) 1/3 cup organic hazelnut milk (adds sweetness and nutrients) 4-8 drops liquid Stevia ~ Mixing milks is optional, but will add a much richer and sweeter flavor. Blend well and enjoy!~ BERY, BERY SUPER FRUITY (Low Fat) 1 tsp Raw, Organic Acai berry Powder (Superfood) 1 tsp Raw, Organic Lucama Powder (Superfood) 1 tsp Raw, Organic Pomegranate Powder 1 ½ TBS Strait Pure Organic Goji Berry Juice (Superfood) 1 ½ TBS Strait Pure Organic Cranberry Juice 10-12 drops Liquid Stevia 1 serving organic Vanilla Whey Powder 1 tsp Pure Raspberry extract 1 cup skim milk ~Blend well and enjoy!~ strawberry CREAM DESSERT #1 1 TBS strawberry extract (Bonus if you find a natural version of this) Or 2 ripe organic strawberries (must strain shake of chunks and seeds after blending well) ½ tsp real organic vanilla extract 8 drops Stevia extract or 1 tbs Xylitol 1/2 cup Organic Skim Milk 1/2 scoop organic vanilla whey powder 1 tsp Real Organic Whipping Cream (optional) ~blend well (Strain) and enjoy!~ Chocolate Cover Strawberry 2-4 ripe organic strawberries (must strain shake of chunks and seeds after blending well) 2 TBS real organic cocoa powder 1 tsp organic Maca powder 1 TBS organic chocolate extract 1 scoop organic whey vanilla whey powder 1 TBS Xylitol sweetener 5 oz organic skim milk ~blend well strain and enjoy!~ Cinnamon Covered Almond 4 oz Organic Almond Milk 2 oz Organic Skim Milk 2 TBS Real, Raw & Organic Honey 1 TBS Real, Organic Cinnamon 1 Scoop Organic Vanilla Whey Powder ~Shake very well and enjoy!~

I regretfully had my first productive burp a few days ago when I was eating in a way I shouldn't have been. I was mindlessly snacking on these really thick veggie chips while messing around on the computer and ate too many too fast. I suddenly felt a really bad painful stretching of my pouch above the band as I realized that I needed to let it come back up. It came out painfully, thick and slow like a paste. I had to keep going until almost all was out. Very gross experience that nobody wants to have, so take it from me...Eat slowwwwww!!! <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - Free <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Calorie Counter</a></small></p>

Ok, so I have become a LBT addict since discovering this site, and trully enjoyed being there for other banders and helping them with their questions, as I feel it has also been helping me... I am sad to post anything negative... but I guess now I need some extra help.... I'm 3 months post OP and have been stuck at the same weight for 2 out of the 3 months. I have only lost 22lbs since my surgery. THIRTEEN of those pounds were actually lost in the 5 day clear liquid fast pre-surgery. I'm eating only 1-1.5 cups of food MAX (from 2-4) and have switched to a lot of low fat options that I would not have done in the past. Just these 2 changes alone I would think would make me lose weight. I CONSTANTLY feel hungry and find it to be all will power and absolutely nothing to do with the actual band itself. I have to force myself to stop eating/picking and REMIND myself physically with a slap of the hand not to snack. I actually have to remember not to. I stuck a sticky note on the fridge! Also, before I go on, I have to say that I am mildly disabled physically and I am restricted from most kinds of exercise, including walking unless taking pain meds, which I only like to take on desperate occasions...BUT, taking that out of the equation, I have spent more time on my stationary bike at home in the last month.... and STILL--NO--CHANGE. I've been up and down 2 lbs in 6 weeks totaling the 22lbs lost after weighting myself today. I feel the band is not doing what they say it should do and now in a panic since I am getting married in 5 months and not even close to my goal for the wedding. Even another 30 would make me happy as a clam! ...If anything I feel as if the band slowed me down due to some complications... FYI they thought I needed my gall bladder removed (due to drastic diet change -- because of the surgery) and I have had severe abdominal pains ever since my first fill, so spent a total of 4 times in the ER since the surgery. Turns out I was able to actually HEAL my gall bladder with a special diet and the tests cleared in 3 weeks. After that diet I would have thought that I would have lost weight just from that... but not a budge on the scale... Whats the point of the band again....? <a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wK1fDVE/"> <img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/wK1fDVE/weight.png"></a>

Thanks so much for the positive information and inspiration Your right that I need to remind myself what it would have been like if I had not gotten it. I think I just need one more fill... I feel like I am ALMOST to my sweet spot, but not quite yet. Some days are harder than others. Sometimes I feel I just eat all day long and not stop and other days I feel like I eat like a skinny person and dont even think about it! Thanks for the luck and congrats on your success! <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - Free <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Calorie Counter</a></small></p>

Thanks! Yes, ice cold coconut milk is amazing!

Your very welcome. I too find that tomato bothers my band very much, along with orange juice (BIG TIME!) and lemonade (not as bad). BTW Whole Foods Market and Meijers sell the most AMAZINGGGGGGG tasting Organic cream soups which are IMAGINE & PACIFIC brand . I'm sure that Jewel Grocery and a few others carry them now too. They were soooo good and so super healthy compared to the Campbell's (or any other brands that docs seem to recommend) that once I discovered them, I was happy as a clam!!! IMAGINEFOODS.COM PACIFICFOODS.COM <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - Free <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Calorie Counter</a></small></p>

Thanks, I LOVE myfitnesspal! I originally found it to get a new ticker until I realized that it was a PHENOM sight that did all my calculating for me! I used to do it all myself. I completely forgot how much drinking more water is supposed to help and have been really slacking lately. Thanks for the reminder! <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - Free <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Calorie Counter</a></small></p>

I will find out details about how to order Genesis and what kind for everyone ASAP. For now, here is some info about it... Genesis™is a concentrated source of nano size and electrically enhanced Mannatomic platinum group and other trace minerals, zeolite and Fulvic acid: nature's most complex molecule known as a chelater and a foremost organic co-enzyme, antioxidant and electrolyte - the key to organic life. Genesis™ is made by proprietary process without hydroxides or chemicals from pristine source Humic Shale (ancient plant matter) made with alchemical understanding. Genesis™ helps nourish us, remove waste and repair DNA. It has innate intelligence accumulated in its complex structure to protect and support life and is one of the key factors of enzyme reactions within all living cells supporting longevity, optimum health and all life as we know it. Genesis™ is a truly unique proprietary blend that provides extraordinary support for our energetic and physical bodies, our endocrine system (especially the pineal gland) to raise consciousness and create happy chemicals in the brain and the safe removal of inorganic heavy metals and chemical toxins in the body, thus reducing the oxidative process (free radical damage). We believe Genesis™ contains the highest light quotient of any food that is commercially available and creates the perfect terrain for well being and a conscious life. Ingredients: Monatomic activated Fulvic Acid from humic shale with added trace minerals: Cobalt, Copper, Manganese, Magnesium, Silica, Iron, Platinum Group Metals, Calcium, Molybdenum, Ruthenium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Chromium, Germanium, Taurine, Nutritional Oxygen, FOS.

Your very welcome! Yeah, peanut butter is SUPER heavy, and I found that if I did only 4oz of one of my peanut butter shakes for Breakfast it would sustain me alllll day, SO I ONLY used it on days where I knew I would be away from home for hours. Now that I am on solids, I still use the recipes for days where I feel like I need the extra Protein. <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - Free <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Calorie Counter</a></small></p>

BTW all...Today I got full off of 3/4 cup protein shake and 5 strawberries, with absolutely no appetite to go any further with my meal, as well as last night being presented with one of my fave comfort foods, taking 2 bites and deciding I had absolutely no interest in it....Maybe it's finally starting! :D