Sunshyne068

Yup the groupon ones were like $34 or something. The Body Fortress shots are yucky to me. But I drink them bc I bought like 2 dozen of them and they are quick to drink.

I'm locked in too. I am doing "Warrior Dash" in 3 wks and counting ... so let's use this thread (or create a new one) to check in. Im on my fitness pal too as sunnyhoney11

Congrats!!!! Great before/after pic you look GREAT

LMBO at all the responses!!! I waws always heavy, and I lost 80lbs with Atkins and I noticed a difference. I think I felt differently about myself too so I acted differently. But I gained 30lbs back so I am working to get that off plus some extra. I know that people act differently at resturants, at the gym, at work, not so much while Im out shopping though. B-52 I too find myself analyzing people who have issues with weight when I see them out and about, and Im sure I see myself in some of them too.

I have to force myself not to eat until satisfied .... I have to stop eating when I feel pressure in my band and my breathing gets heavy during my meal. If I eat past that point, I start to get acid reflux starting and Im miserable for hours with tightness in my chest. But even during all of that ... I dont feel "satisfied" ... I just feel like my chest is tight. Listen very carefully for the signs that you have eaten enough. Your body will send them. Also maybe try the "5 Day Pouch Test" - google it - to maybe "reset" your band so that you go back to when you were havign success before.

Creamed spinach, or spinach soufle works for me. Or blend your veggies in a morning shake. Or mash up some cooked peas. Steam your brocoli soft

I do have to chew romaine a LOT to feel comfortable with swallowing it. My bariatric nutritionist said that after 3 mons we shouldnt have problems with letttuce, as it "slides" thru the band. I also like butter lettuce, its easier to chew as well.

Im 7 wks post op and I can eat lettuce as long as its cut up very very very small.

I agree, go get a 2nd fill. My 1st 3.5cc fill didnt do the trick for me either.

I ordered the protein to go shots form groupon last week. Havent received them in the mail yet though

Does BCBS cover plication? I have Fed BCBS and its not covered (or it wasnt covered 6 months ago)

Great news!!! Can you post some same menus because I think I need guidance in my meal planning

My band is feeling super tight this week, and Im having sinus issues ... I never connected the 2 .... interesting

I heard that certain hormone levels in the 1st trimester of pregnancy make you lose weight .... not sure how true it is though. HCG or HCC or something to that effect

I sometimes get the weird tasting burps when I have eaten too much and the acid reflux starts to kick it ... I havent experienced the BP smells ... maybe its the brand of protein shake youre using?

Well when I wake up at 7am, I cant really eat anything of substance until 1030 or 11am. So I may do Protein shake or yogurt. Then I eat lunch at 1230, something light. I'll get a snack at around 3 or 4 and when I get home at like 6 im STARVING .. ugg. Doc told me to drink half a Protein Shake as soon as I get home and wait and see if that helps out at all. He said that the band is tight when I wake up because the stomach collapses when we lay down .... Im thinking maybe I should lay down for an hour when I get home from work and see if that helps me control my portions in the evening. Im willing to try anything.

its hard, trust me I know. but its for your health. your stomach has gnoe through something traumatizing and it needs time to heal without trying to digest foods. stick to the liquids to avoid injury and it will get better with time.

I think some doctor's/after care lacks a lot, so people come here with what seem like "basic questions" and just need help. Some people just need their hands held throughout the whole ordeal so they turn to the online community to be there every step of the way, with each and every single question. Some people learn by repition, some people learn by seeing and researching, some people learn by doing - all of that leads to different posting styles on the boards as well I can only HOPE that my journey is a cut and dry as #s 1 though 5 like you posted .... but I'll be honest and say that I'm only partially optimistic As I find myself in pursuit to find the green zone, I'll be looking for tips and tricks and support, and I'll probably post at least 2 stupid questions (I apologize in advance B-52) :wub:

Im gonna conduct an experiment. I'll wear the shapewear all day .... and all night. I'll see if I take in fewer calories, bc i swear last night I feel like I ate soooooo much. I ate when I got home from work (5pm) then again at like 7pm. I literally ate 2 dinners .... I mean they were under 300 calories each but still .... who needs 2 dinners when I had both Breakfast and lunch??? AND i had the nerve to have a milkshake. So I hope the shapewear makes it more uncomfortable for me to eat and forces me to eat less later in the day <fingers crossed> ... I'll keep you updated on my progress.

I think we need to remember to most important thing with our bands is maintenance. So i think its great that you are tracking your progress and the red flag went up when you saw an increase on the scale. Just make sure to get your water, track your calories, and get your fills. Keep your doctor in the loop especially because he/she would know better than I do

I thought 2 lbs per week was Ideal .... 2lbs x 7wks = 14 lbs ...

did you drink at least 64 oz of water daily while you were hiking? the body retains fluid when you dont get enough water in

Thanks for all of your votes guys! In band-related news ... I got my 1st fill 2 wks ago ... lost like 4 lbs very quickly. THEN the swellnig wore off and now Im super hungry from 3pm on into the night. So Ive scheduled my 2nd fill for this Thursday. Im nowhere near green, but Im excited that I working toward it. I had a low carb banana protein smoothie this morning, and just had garden salad (only lettuce) as a snack. I bought the weight watchers prepared meals, and Im having the high protein beef lasagna for lunch. Happy MONDAY!

hey march buddies .... this is off topic but I need your support on this - Hi all. I got my Realize band on 3/9/12 and I have been big all of my life. I tried to make the best of it and pursue plus sized modeling. I've been nominated as Plus Model of the YEAR!!! (I hope this is the last yr I'll be a plus model) I need your votes to win this thing. Please go to http://fashionawardsmd.surveydaddy.com/s/fashion-awards-md-2012-official-voting-ballot-730pm and vote for me (questions 13 and 14)!!! Email address is optional. LOVE YOU GUYS!

I think "sliders" are like milkshakes, mashed potatoes, sugary puddings and ice creams ... stuff like that. Chicken salad and tuna salad dont really fal into that category.