KHolmes

I love this thread. I have two cats; Baby and Simon and 3 female pit bulls; Mya, Misha, and Kyra. Baby is 14 years old. She is allergic to fish. Simon was a ferrell kitten that my DB found. He was raised with the litter of puppies that Misha came from. Mya is mom; Misha came from the first litter. There were a total of 12 puppies in that litter, plus Simon. Kyra was the second litter. She was the only one. At one time we had Mya, Tank (father), all 12 of the puppies, and my sisters Chow-SharPei at my house. We sold most of the puppies. We had kept two of them…Misha and Milo. Milo was my little boy. At 6 months he weighed over 100lbs. One day Misha, Mya, and Milo got out of the gate; Milo was hit by a car that didn’t stop. So now we just have the females and the cats. I am including a few pics.

Wow!!! I guess I should have played with some of the features of this forum. I didnt realize that we had a journal feature. I am so happy. I have kept a journal since I was old enough to write. I am glad that I can have one seperate just for my Lap Band Journey. Will post more later!!!

Denise, I am sorry to hear that you are not feeling 100%. I hope that you get better soon. I use my food scale, measuring cups and spoons religiously. I try to make my breakfast and lunch the night before when I know I am not going to have time.

I have just updated my journal with this past week’s menu. Here is the link for it:<o></o> http://www.lapbandtalk.com/journal.php?do=showjournal&j=611

Here is what my menu was this past week: Monday 3/5: Breakfast: ¾ of egg salad made with 2 eggs & 1 ½ tbsp Mayo Break: 12 oz cup of tea with Splenda Lunch: 3 oz of chicken breast and 2 oz of peas Dinner: 3 oz of chicken breast and 2 oz of homemade coleslaw Tuesday 3/6: Breakfast: Egg salad made with 1 eggs & 1 tbsp Mayo Lunch: 2 oz of chicken breast, 1 oz of peas, and 1 oz of coleslaw Dinner: 3 slices of roast beef, 2 slices of salami, 2 slices of cheese Wednesday 3/7: Breakfast: 3 oz of applesauce with ¾ of a package of oatmeal Lunch: 6 slices of roast beef, 2 slices of salami, and 2 slices of cheese Dinner: 3 oz of chicken salad and 1 oz of cheddar cheese Snack: 4 cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp of ranch dip Thursday 3/8: Breakfast: 4 slices of roast beef, 1 slice of salami, 1 slice of pepperoni, 1 oz of cheese Break: 8 oz of Sugar Free Hot Chocolate Lunch: Egg salad made with 1 eggs & 1 tbsp Mayo Dinner: 1 slice of salami and 1 slice of cheese Friday 3/9: Breakfast: Protein Shake with ¼ cup of frozen strawberries Break: 11.5 oz of orange juice Lunch: 4 slices of roast beef, 1 slice of pepperoni, 1 slice of salami, and 3 slices of cheese Dinner: 2 oz of chicken, ½ leaf of romaine lettuce, ½ tbsp of Caesar dressing Snack: 1 slice of pizza, ONLY cheese and pepperoni topping and 16 oz of milk

Here is what my menu was this past week: Monday 3/5: Breakfast: ¾ of egg salad made with 2 eggs & 1 ½ tbsp Mayo Break: 12 oz cup of tea with Splenda Lunch: 3 oz of chicken breast and 2 oz of peas Dinner: 3 oz of chicken breast and 2 oz of homemade coleslaw Tuesday 3/6: Breakfast: Egg salad made with 1 eggs & 1 tbsp Mayo Lunch: 2 oz of chicken breast, 1 oz of peas, and 1 oz of coleslaw Dinner: 3 slices of roast beef, 2 slices of salami, 2 slices of cheese Wednesday 3/7: Breakfast: 3 oz of applesauce with ¾ of a package of oatmeal Lunch: 6 slices of roast beef, 2 slices of salami, and 2 slices of cheese Dinner: 3 oz of chicken salad and 1 oz of cheddar cheese Snack: 4 cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp of ranch dip Thursday 3/8: Breakfast: 4 slices of roast beef, 1 slice of salami, 1 slice of pepperoni, 1 oz of cheese Break: 8 oz of Sugar Free Hot Chocolate Lunch: Egg salad made with 1 eggs & 1 tbsp Mayo Dinner: 1 slice of salami and 1 slice of cheese Friday 3/9: Breakfast: Protein Shake with ¼ cup of frozen strawberries Break: 11.5 oz of orange juice Lunch: 4 slices of roast beef, 1 slice of pepperoni, 1 slice of salami, and 3 slices of cheese Dinner: 2 oz of chicken, ½ leaf of romaine lettuce, ½ tbsp of Caesar dressing Snack: 1 slice of pizza, ONLY cheese and pepperoni topping and 16 oz of milk

All right my fellow South Beachers…There has not been any updates...where is everyone? Hopefully everyone is doing good and is on track!!! My Dr’s appointment on Thursday went great. I found out that I am not taking in enough calories. My Dr would like me to have an average of 1200 a day. Yesterday I cheated and ate some cheese and toppings off of a slice of pizza, with this I barely made 1200. I have to find a way to eat more. (Wow I never thought I would ever say that.) I have noticed that my concentration is way off lately though. I am having a problem with my attention span. I have also noticed that my temper has a shorter fuse, too. I am sure this will go back to normal once I am getting the correct intake of nutrients. I am going to go see a Dr about my anxiety, though. Since just before the surgery, it has gotten way worse. I am going to start a LBT journal with my daily menus. Everyone will be welcome to take a look at it once I get it started. Till later…:biggrin1: <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> <!--[endif]-->

I had my follow up appointment on this past Thursday. I found out that I am not getting enough calories. The Dr wants me to consume an average of 1200 a day. I am only consuming on average 700 calories a day. I am just not that hungry yet. I have started to add some things to my protein drink to add calories. I am starting with strawberries, cherries and now that the stores have untainted peanut butter, I am going to try that as well. Yesterday I allowed myself to splurge a tiny bit…I had some cheese and toppings off of a slice of the pizza the guys got. With that I made my 1200 calories. I am just now starting to physically see some of the weight loss, even though the scales have shown it since the surgery. The Dr said that the swelling is starting to go down. I have my appointment for my first fill. It will be on May 9^th. A coworker has just received her last fill. She is soooo close to goal. She is has given me so much motivation.

It still amazes me today the things that people feel we need to hear. I have been overweight pretty much my whole life. There was a time that I was a size 8, during my Metabolife period. My immediate family has always been big. My sister is skinny now though, she has eating issues… My uncle was the worst. Of course people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. He died when I was 7 or 8 of complications with his diabetes and alcohol, he was in bad condition. But anyways, he always had a fat joke to say when I was around. His sons were not skinny now mind you. In fact one had diabetes too. What gets me to this day is when I hear any form of this rhyme or song. It makes me cringe…Kelly Kelly Bo Belly, banana Fanna Fo Felly Fe, <st1:place><st1:City>Fi</st1:City>, <st1:State>Mo</st1:State></st1:place> Melly, Kelly. I am sure anyone with names that rhyme with Belly Full of Jelly, or any other weigh induces child’s rhyme can understand. There were two guys that I remember from middle school that really stick with me. One was a tall shinny guy names Cory. Cory loved his “fat jokes”, I am sure we all remember them: You are so fat that you use a VCR for a pager, You are so fat that when you are at the beach people yell beached whale or How do you have sex with a fat girl? …. I am not finishing that one. He was good too. He make everyone in class laugh at our comedy routine. Some days he got me to cry. Thanks to scheduling and being in a small town we had half of our classes together. We performed often….People love to laugh at the fat chick. The other person was Dean. Dean was the brother of a guy I was “seeing”. We were all hanging out talking trying to figure out what we wanted to do. It was prob about a group of about 8 kids. Dean was a mean spirited person to begin with. For no reason that I can think of this day, he walks over to me and announces for everyone to hear “If I was as fat as you I would just kill myself.” I was about 12 at the time. People don’t understand that most everything that they say to a person, stays with that person. Especially if it was a negative remark.

This seems to be an issue with the people that are not supportive. Dont get me wrong I an lucky to have a great support group of friends and family. But the others that "look down" on the surgery feel that we are getting off easy with having the band. Last time I checked we could still eat lots of baaad stuff with the band, It is our will power and determination that keeps the weight coming off. My father was supportive, but it was the word surgery that made him not want me to do it. Laurend, you have to want to do this for yourself and yourself only. If your family doesnt understand or not supportive it may be just that they are scared or on the other end, jelouse. Just remember that you have us to lean on. :biggrin1:

Wow!!! I guess I should have played with some of the features of this forum. I didnt realize that we had a journal feature. I am so happy. I have kept a journal since I was old enough to write. I am glad that I can have one seperate just for my Lap Band Journey. Will post more later!!!

Thank You Louise!!! Kathy, we were also the same exact weight at surgery!!! Kelsy, Congrats!! My appointment is tomorrow too. I can’t wait to get on that scale. Who ever thought that I would say that!!! <o:p> </o:p> I also have no regrets about having the surgery. My family and co-workers have been very supportive. This was my first surgery so I didn’t exactly know what to expect. All the information I had going in to the surgery came from my doctor and you guys. I know we all are very blessed to have been able to have the surgery done. I know a few people that have been declined because of a few different reasons. Even though we vent, it doesn’t mean we are not happy. I know I felt better today. Not just physically, but mentally. Once I got those guilty thoughts out of my head, it cleared. I hope my other party people are doing better. Don’t worry I am still singing:music:!!

Hello Everyone!!! Denise it sounds like you are eating right. Have you spoken to a personal trainer? Maybe the exercise that you are doing is not getting your heart beat in that burning fat range. By doing the weights you are also building muscle. Are your clothes fitting different? Have you tried to vary your calories? I have heard that if you switch up your calorie intake every two days or so that may help. <o:p> </o:p> For anyone with questions about the food that can be eaten, the web site that I use is… http://www.southbeach-diet-plan.com/food_list.html I am keeping track of my calories, carbs, fat and protein along with trying to only eat foods on this list. Today this was my menu: Breakfast – 1 egg with mayo and mustard Lunch – 2 oz of chicken, 1 oz of peas, 1 oz of homemade coleslaw Snacks – 1.5 oz of tuna, 1 slice of cheese, and 1 oz of coleslaw Dinner – 3 slices of roast beef, 2 slices of salami, and 1 slice of cheese <o:p> </o:p> Total: Calories: 916, Carbs: 43, Fat: 66.7, Protein: 46.2 I am going to the Doctors on Thursday for the "Official" weight in. :whoo: (I do love my digital scale at home.) Who thought we would ever being saying that...

Teacher - Include me at that slumber party!!! LOL!! Since the surgery the only gas pain I have had is in my left shoulder, at the neck. It is still there!!! And it makes me want to cry; at work today was the worst and now it is back again. My belly is itchy. Yes I know that means I am healing, but I was also allergic to the steri-strips. Now my port feels like it wants to jump right out of my body. I wouldn’t mind right now maybe I would be able to sleep on my stomach or left side. I still get that swallowed a bunch of balloons feeling, especially at night. I am not able to burp. I am so uncomfortable……Ok I think that I am done. I know that everything will get better. We all should be happier in a few months when the weight is coming off and we don’t feel like someone beat the crap out of our tummys.

My doctor said the average was about 4 to 6 oz a meal. I have been eating approx 3 oz of protein and 2 oz of veggies for lunch and dinner. I am pretty restricted in the mornings. I dont have to sip water either. I drink about a gallon of water a day.<o:p></o:p>

Welcome!!! I was just banded on 2/20. Our weather here has been somewhat nice so I have gotten a few miles in last week (I am in Texas). To add a ticker you must edit create one thru the many sites. I use TickerFactory.com. You can add it to your signature or just post it when you would like to. :welcome2:

I am just checking in. I haven’t exercised since Friday. I am putting together a walking group at work. We are going to walk on our lunch. I have been very good with my food intake. I don’t feel that I have a lot of restriction except in the morning. I am able to introduce regular foods to soft foods. This is what I have today: Breakfast – ¾ of an egg salad, made with 2 eggs and 1 ½ tbls of mayo Break – 1 12 oz cup of tea with Splenda Lunch – 3 oz of Baked Chicken, encrusted with parm cheese, 2 oz of peas Dinner – 3 oz of Baked Chicken, 2 oz of Coleslaw (Homemade) I am about to finish 64 oz of water with a light flavoring of Crystal Light. This is what I will be having tomorrow too. I have already made everything today so I can get some exercise in the morning. I am “Making” time to exercise. It is not fun..LOL!!!

I have just reached the soft foods stage. My doctor insists on the South Beach Diet when his patients are able to eat real food. I have already started watching what I eat. I do have a little composition book that I keep track of what I eat. Then I keep a spread sheet on my pc that I keep track of the calories, carbs, fat and protein that I consume. This way I can keep track of my overall and if I notice a trend I can correct it by going over exactly what I ate and making corrections. I originally started keeping track to make sure that I am getting enough protein. Honestly I believe everyone should keep a running journal of what they consume. It would help a lot of people that are not loosing weight or are loosing weight too slow for their taste. You guys are doing great!!! I will log my exercise: 2/27: 45 min walk 2/28: 45 min walk 3/1: 2 mile walk – 45 min 3/2: 2.5 miles walk – 50 min

This is also a good site to use..http://www.calorieking.com

I don’t think that you are consuming too much. I was told to drink at least a gallon a day for the first few days. I would watch the calories, carbs, fat, and protein that you are getting. From day one I was tracking that information. I was doing it to make sure that I was getting enough protein. For the first couple weeks my doctor told me not to worry about loosing weight. My Dr said to just make sure I heal from the surgery and get enough protein. Now this is a good time to start dealing head hunger, then try to find something to occupy your mind. I would walk around the house a few times and the “hunger” would pass. I also found this was a good time to start that list of things that needed to be done or stuff that I had wanted to get done…filing, cleaning, sewing and/or starting a hobby. I also started my daily walking to avoid eating. I walk a few miles. It takes me about an hour or so. When I am done I am more motivated to not eat.

Just wanted to give an update…. :update: I have been banded 9 days. I have lost 13 pounds since the day of the surgery. I am currently eating mushies and have been for about 5 days. As of tomorrow I can add certain soft foods such as eggs and soft vegetables. I am still eating under 1000 calories a day. I am being very careful about what I am eating. I am keeping track of my intake of calories, carbs, fat and protein. I have a little book that I am writing down everything I eat. I then record the results into a spread sheet. I have found a great web site for getting all the information…http://www.calorieking.com/foods. For exercise I started with walking around my front living room and bar area. I was walking just 30 minutes a day, then went to walking 45 minutes a day. Today I went down to the <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Fish</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType>Creek</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceName>Linear</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType>Park</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. I walked two miles in an hour. I am going to start going there in the mornings before I have to be at work. I am also going to walk on my lunch hour. I am having weird sharp pains under the biggest incision. The gas pain can still get pretty bad at times, too. Walking has helped with the gas pains a little. I am going back to work on Monday. I cant wait to get back and see everyone.<o:p></o:p>

Synicalchick - Congrats!!!! I would say the gas pain was the worst by the 3rd day. I still have gas pains and I was banded on the 20th. The first couple of days the gas pain is why I stayed in bed. It wasnt the surgery pain. I am kinda able to sleep on my port side now. It requires a bunch of pillows. I am only taking the pain medication before I go to sleep at night. I wish I was given liquid loritab!!! I am on Toradol, a pill that I have to cut in half and it is not that good. Today was the first day I had to deal with hunger. And commercials are getting on my nerves. I am not a big pizza eater but the dominoes commercial was driving me crazy today. I can "smell" the garlic and I want to "taste" the cheese!!! ARGGGGG!!! I walked for 45 minutes today. I am increasing the time that I am walking every week. I cant wait to work out!!! I am not able to for 5 more weeks. I can do as much walking as I want, but no lifting or strenuous work for a total of 6 weeks. I am happy with the results so far!!! I am willing to wait that long to start any real working out. I am happy with my cardio for now.

Congrats:clap2::clap2::clap2:!!!!

My dr requires a protein drink a day. Since my surgery I have had shakes on 4 out of 6 days. I wasnt able to drink them the day of surgery and the day after. I am keeping a food journal that includes Calories, Carbs, Fat and Protein. I have been eating average of 400 Calories a day, 30-35 g of protein, and 10g of fat. Yesterday I started mushies so I will be getting more calories and stuff. I am drinking approx a gal of water a day. :update: I am not having that much pain anymore. It is still there though. I have been up and around a lot though. I have a problem with lying in bed all the time. I have been doing light duty of course. Plus I have been doing a lot of walking around. I have a path thru my house and I walk it often. It helps me think. Yesterday I was out pricing elliptical and treadmills. I cant wait to get back to regular duty.

I am in Texas. My particular dr (Dr Carter) does not require a pre-op diet but he is pretty strict about the post-op diet. Today I had some potatoe soup that I turned into Mashed Potatoe soup. This was the first thing I have had since surgery with substance, if you consider mushies substance. I have some apple sauce that I cant wait to try tomorrow. I am loosing an average of 2lbs a day since the surgery. I am also starting to loose my hair. Tomorrow I am going to GNC to see what they have...Is anyone else having this issue with their hair, any recomendations on what to use to stop it?