BigDennis

A safe and natural way to reduce bad breath is by adding a minimum of 6 ounces of yogurt to your diet each and every day. Studies have shown it not only reduces the levels of odor-causing compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, but also helps to reduce the levels of plaque and the gum disease gingivitis! Recent study results suggest that the active bacteria in yogurt, specificallyStreptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, may have a beneficial effect on odor-causing bacteria in the mouth, so adding this delicious and healthy food to your diet may be a great benefit to you!

Good morning Humming Bird! Having spent a majority of my career as a contractor, trust me, if a house is not maintained with the proper tools and a lot of hard work, it will most certainly fall into a state of disrepair. Our bodies are essentially the same in many ways! As long as we are committed to ourselves and using the right tools, we enjoy much healthier and happier lifestyles. Very much like the house analogy, if we become less committed to ourselves, and don't use the proper tools, we also fall into a state of disrepair (obese, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sugar diabetes, and other issues). I've been asked many times how I am losing my weight and I usually tell them exactly what I am doing and the amount of hard work that goes into it. I also take the opportunity to teach people about obesity, genetics, and the other realities related to our conditions. For the majority of us, losing weight and keeping it off, is a daily battle against life-long habits and genetics, which unfortunately many people simply do not understand!

WOW, Everyone take a moment to check out this young lady's weight loss success! I just got a new inspiration and hero! Congratulations on losing 170 pounds! With that kind of success, you tell 'em what ever you want them to hear, because you are doing awesome! Dennis

SO, if I ask a contractor HOW he built a house and he replied, "With a lot of hard work and effort on my part", this would be a lie? I tend to think not! The contractor used many tools and resources to reach his goals and I would not expect him to explain to me the importance of using a hammer, versus using a nail gun, to accomplish those goals. At the end of the day, you are totally responsible for your weight loss and the band was simply a tool. Tell 'em what you want them to know and simply be proud of your accompishments, because I know we are! Dennis

I have to agree with the majority of the posters, I usually eat most of my proteins and supplement with shakes only when a boost is needed. Keeping track of all your nutrients, and not just protein, through myfitnesspal, mynetdiary, or any other software package will help you tremendously to see where you can make cuts and where to improve. I also agree that the EAS shakes are the best tasting! I picked up two cases of Premium Protein shakes from Sam's Wholesale this past weekend and they are not bad either and contain 30 grams of protein.

Count me in too! No one understands what you have been through more than yourself! I knew the minute my last diet failed that I wanted to be banded. Yes, most of my family tried to fight my decision, but in the end, they all realized I was doing it for ME. The band is only a tool to help us lose weight, but it is a powerful tool and I feel sure you will be super successful! Look how many folks you have supporting you now and that is just the beginning!! Dennis

Kflower84, I am like you, I do my best to tell everyone that I know could benefit from being banded! It is amazing how many people will actually come up and ask about the procedure, once they know you've used it as a tool to lose weight. You are doing awesome, so spread the word! Dennis

Kflower84, Why can't you tell people about the lapband? Now, I am definitely curious!!

I don't blame you one bit! So many people misunderstand obesity and what we go through to lose excess weight. The minute they hear lapband, they immediately think the band was the only thing making you lose the weight. They have absolutely no clue that the band is only a tool and never once think about the effort and commitment it takes to lose the weight! You can choose to either educate them or continue telling them the truth, YOU DID IT!!

I definitely love your attitude girl! LOL I am sure it is different for everyone, but you will know when it is the right time. You are healing inside and out, so you definitely want to take precautions and not hurt yourself. I would recommend running the question by your doctor and then proceed very carefully. Dennis

Awesome! Finding a workout routine you enjoy and able to stick with is definitely the key to success. It sounds like are are doing exceptionally well and will soon exceed your goals too! Seven pounds in under two weeks is amazing! Thank you for sharing your experiences and successes with us! Dennis

Congratulations! I know you are definitely excited and a little nervous too. I am more than confident you will do just fine and be headed towards meeting your goals before you know it! Thank you for sharing your excitement with us and hope to hear about all your successes very soon! Dennis

Great news! I bet you are super excited about your upcoming surgery. There is definitely nothing enjoyable about liquid diets, but you will be through that phase and on your way to a new you in a very short time! Sxyunique, thank you for sharing your excitement with us and I hope to hear about your successes very soon! Dennis

OMG, you had to feel horrible during that time period! I was banded in April and have been doing well without a fill. I've noticed my weight loss slowing a bit, so I feel sure my doctor will want to do a fill on my next visit. I will definitely pay close attention to the changes it brings to my body and hopefully avoid some of the issues you've been experiencing! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us Bella! Dennis

Good morning SueBee! You can definitely learn lots of helpful things on LBT and get tons of support as well! That is absolutely amazing that you were banded in January and already down 101 lbs!! I know you must feel wonderful and much healthier too! I think it is great when doctors are in tune with our weight loss journey and only apply fills when absolutely needed. Our bodies seem to get accustomed to certain foods and conditions, so it's nice to give it a shock occasionally! I've heard a lot of great things about MyFitnessPal and it is awesome you are tracking intake, exercise, and other pertinent information too. Congratulations on your success and it has been awesome meeting you SueBee! Dennis