PattyGirl66

I like NSV's like this ... (hugs)

Yaaa for the Bandsters!!!!

If you are not over eating, taking small bites, chewing really good, then more than likely you are too tight and need a small unfill. Don't wait, take care of it now, a tight band around the stomache is only going to cause major problems (including slips) down the road..... Best wishes,

OHHHHH my god! Samoas are my favorite girl scout cookies! I feel ya TMF, I would of bought a box of those too if they came to the door. Now, give the wife back the other half of the box and tell her to hide them, LOLOLOLOL

whooohoooo!!!

Hard work pays off! You did it! very proud of ya Dee!!! (Hugs)

BTW, I forgot to mention if you didn't already know there are is some pretty great apps out there to track your foods, etc. Loseit and myfitnesspal.

You look GREAT! Keep up the good work!!!!

I am a carb addict, always have been so I can relate. I turned my eating habits around in full swing. I told myself I am going to make this work, my life depended on it. Being this heavy is crippling enough, I won't let my weight take control of me anymore. I took the control back. What worked for me- I track every single food/drink I put into my mouth. I feel accountable for this, it helps me to see what I am eating, how much, and if I need less or more. I keep an extra special eye out on my calories, proteins, fats, and carbs. I work out every single day 45 minutes on my edge gazelle and I do upper body workouts with dumbells. There is really no magic to this honestly there isnt'. Its discipline! If you are able to see a Nutrionist I suggest doing so that you can sit down and discuss a food plan that will fit right into your lifestyle. You have to change your eating habits, proteins always first, then work your way down - NO more than a cup of food (8 oz) per meal. You can do this! Believe in yourself! Best wishes,

Okay, I experimented with fresh Strawberries to make this tasty low calorie/low fat delish treat! Perfect for Valentine's Day - Enjoy! Ingredients: 1lb. Fresh Strawberries (large) and firm 4 oz. cream cheese (1/3 less fat) *softned* 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract 2 full sheets of low fat graham cracker (crushed fine) I whirled mine in a mini food processor. Directions: Wash/air dry the strawberries - cut the tops off of each strawberry (disgard tops), using a paring knife "carefully' remove the insides/guts of strawberries. - In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Fill each strawberry (I used a baby spoon), or you can use a butter knife, or pipe it in). Dip each 'filled' strawberry cheesecake 'side down' into the graham cracker crumbs to coat the tips - Refridgerate/serve chilled - Best if eaten the same day! Calories: 35 (for one stuffed) Fat: 2 grams Carbs: 5 grams Protein: 1 gram **you can find this recipe and many other @ www.emilybites.com

Thank you so much for sharing! You are doing a magnificiant job! (hugs)

Found these at Walmart I wanted to share.... First is NEW from Kellogg's" Fiber Plus Antioxidnts Protein Bars. This is a MUST have! Packed with flavor, satisfying, Fiber, and super delish! (I had this when I was out around lunch time) Hit the spot! Nutritional Facts: Calories: 170 Fat: 8 Fiber: 7 <----whopping amount of fiber in a Protein Bar, yeeeaaaaa! Carbs: 18 Protein: 10 Sugar: 9 Next Item I found at Walmart is also NEW, From Minute Maid - Peach Calories: 15 per serving Carbs: 4 Sugar:3

Oh, I loved creamed spinach during mushy stages. I would add them to Soups , ricotta cheese, or put it in my eggs....

Cottage cheese, tomato Soup with a dollop of ricotta cheese (part skim), applesauce (unsweetened), strawberry & banana smoothie with Protein Powder, Ricotta cheese with a spoonful of marinara sauce and sprinkle grated cheese (nuke in microwave for 30 seconds). You can have pretty much any of these for breakfast, just because is not considered breakfast foods

You are doing fantastic!

Ask your surgeon did he 'pre' fill your band during surgery. Like Missy said, if they did you may need to have the Fluid removed. Hang in there and don't give up. There has to be a reason this is happening, talk to the surgeon about it and find out what is going on and don't give up until you do! Best of luck, keep us posted

Hi Adrian, I hope you stick around on this site and keep reading. Its very useful information and everyone on here is friendly and can be of motivation to you. You should be proud of yourself that you will take care of things now, before it does get out of hand "healthwise". You are very young and you have your entire life of ahead of you. There is so much more for you to do in this life, you have to live! Like Destynee said, self paid you will not have to wait that long. I have heard some people even getting the band done within a month. Keep us all informed and best of luck to you! (hugs)

Hi Everyone! Today I cooked a wonderful super easy and deeeeelish, low fat healthy chicken and Spinach Cacsserole Dish. I always like to bake and taste my dishes first before posting. This is a hit, one you and your entire family will enjoy! Who has to know its low fat and healthy, shhhhh its our little secret.... Recipe Ingredients: 1/2 cup Light Mayonnaise 1/2 cup fat-free sour cream 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder pinch of black pepper 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese 1/4 cup reduced fat shredded mozzarella 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast 10 0z. Frozen spinach, thawed and drained well Non-Stick Cooking Spray-Original Recipe Steps: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9” x 9” baking dish with Non-Stick Cooking Spray. Combine Light Mayonnaise Dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, pepper, and Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella in a medium bowl. In another bowl, toss 1/3 of the sauce with the chicken and spinach and spread in the casserole dish. Pour the rest of the sauce mixture over the chicken and spinach. Bake, uncovered, 35-40 minutes or until top is golden brown. (Serves 6) Nutritional Facts: Fat: 11g Protein: 21g Carbs: 9g Note, as a huge fan of "Smart Balance" Products, I found this recipe and many others at: www.smartbalance.com Enjoy

Karen, looking at your pictures of your arms is just amazing with the short time you are out getting this surgery done! You are healing super nicely, your scars are almost transparent to your skin! Your surgeon did a wonderful job! I am so happy for you

<---- Cheerios didn't get me fat, just sayin'......

I am agreeing with MiniMi on this one! The challenge should be a 'full' month, not short a day, two, three etc.. (this month still has 3 more full days) and we all know we could lose up to a pound or more in these last days. Hate to be the stick in the mud here, LOL I would like a full month to do the challenge Now, February is a short month (28 days)....

Cheerios (reg) are an excellent source of fiber/oats. 1 cup is calories: 110 Fiber: 3 Fat:1 Carbs: 22 Sugar: 1

I think you answered your own guestion. If you are asking us, and you already have a bad gut feeling, I suggest you go with it. First question a patient should find out about a surgeon is "mortality" rates. There are tonsssss of bariatric surgeons "good' ones that are out there, do your research.... Best of luck,