ChicagoRose

I saw a recipe for "Spaghetti Squash Bolognese" and it looked fantastic...I am going to have to try this. Without the squash (or pasta) it's probably a lot like an Italian Chilli?

I have been a big fan of the Atkins Advantage and keep them around when I need a quick meal replacement.

That is quite the story and no one should have to go through what you did. I know that gall bladder removal is very common when there is a significant weight loss is a short amount of time, for any weight loss surgery. That being said, is sounds like you yourself do not know definitively what caused the post gall bladder surgery problems, nor do your doctors. Hopefully you can move forward from this and continue to lose or maintain your way in a safe way. Good luck =)

First it was the 14th, then the 21st, now the 28th and still doesn't work today. Ugh, I know it's a luxury but technology sucks sometimes!!

I eat everything. I was also advised to stay away from corn, peas, and potatoes, and I don't typically eat a lot of those anyways, but when there is corn in something I like, I eat them just fine. Everything in moderation has been what's worked for me!

You really should follow the protocol even if you are feeling frustrated. Most of the Lap Band complications are due to people not following the directions. In my oppinion, two pounds isn't really a "gain" but more of a notice to try and have less salt, carbs, etc. Also, even though you are eating all those healthy things, could be the calories are adding up so be sure to keep track, I use myfitnesspal.com Be kind to yourself, our bodies fluctuate. After a rough day I see the scale and have to remind myself that no it's not possible to really have gained weight in less than a day, it's just my body reacting to what i ate. Good luck =)

Small indulgences here and there won't kill you...or your diet...as long as they are within reason. I try to get at least 1000 cals in good foods a day, and when I have a craving I allow myself some cheetos or doritos on top of that. I do feel guilty too, not gonna lie, but I make sure to make up those calories walking on the track!

I am able to eat all those things....in fact a Mediterranean diet is perfect for the lap band if you are incorporating a lot of fish and healthy salads and cheeses. I'm Sicilian so I love these foods and luckily they agree with my band!

UGH....I hate this time of the month for this very reason. I crave anything salty and crunchy, doritos or cheetos mostly. I do let myself indulge in these items, I just make myself jog a little extra at the gym!!

Walk, walk, walk!! It's the very best exercise you can do. Download a 5KRunner app on your phone and start adding jogging in there too, it's been a god send for me!

I ate a ton of canned chicken and tuna during that phase...really didn't have to be pureed as long as it could be mashed up with a fork. Refried beans with cheese was another staple!

What are some of the funniest, craziest, zaniest things people have told you about your band or your weight loss? I would like to make a list to include in my blog....(NO names will be given!!) Here are a few of mine...I think they are crazy because even though I lost 67 lbs I am still considered obese by the weight charts (Just goes to show PERSPECTIVE is everything. I look great compared to where I have been, but I am still fat people!!) 1. You look like you are melting! 2. Bean pole! 3. You are average sized now! 4. If you just stay like this you will be great. 5. I can tell you feel better about yourself because you are not hiding your hair in a knot anymore. 6. Hot Mama! 7. When does the band come out? 8. You don't want to loose too much more you will look sick. 9. Did you start working out or something? 10. I noticed you look different but I don't like to comment because my aunt lost a lot of weight and was in fact dying. 11. You should Celebrate your [insert milestone weight loss] with a dinner out!

Congrats!! Wonderful job!!

Gaining weight sucks, this is true, but I didn't bother to diet at all before my surgery and started fresh and new for my two week pre-op diet. Be patient. My process took 11 months and it felt like forever but well worth it!!

Take a long hard look at what you are eating. Our rule of thumb is solid protein first then vegetables then healthy carbs. Do you find you have different restriction based on what you eat?

A little mush shouldn't stretch your pouch. The reason you are eating mush right now is that it goes down easy and is good for the healing process. You won't feel "full" again the way you remember it. When you are on solid foods it's more important to watch those portion sizes for pouch reasons but right now it's just up to you to stop eating...the band won't do that for you!

Stones? That's a new one for me...please explain!

My diet looks just like Missy's diet. With my lower BMI I am loosing 1-4 lbs a month and I am okay with that, slow and steady wins the race. The misconception is that the band IS the diet. Unlike the other surgeries, you still have to do the bulk of the work yourself, you should just be less hungry and feel "satisfied" on less food.

Congrats, you have taken your first steps to a great and healthy new life! I have been able to eat everything in moderation. There are a few things that I feel squeamish about swallowing but nothing has been completely off limits. You should still be able to enjoy your favorite things in balance with the lap-band diet prescribed by your nutritionist. I have also been fine swallowing pills and gulping water (I'm thirsty after I jog!!). The key is to be conscious of the signs your body is giving you. Good luck =)

I am an unconventional mom that makes three separate dinners. One for me, one for my daughter who is super picky, and one for my husband and son to share. It just works for us. My kids are both underweight so I do let them eat things like Nutella sandwiches and poptarts, but also try and model a healthy lifestyle for them too. It's a hard balance that's for sure. Also, I felt deprived growing up because I was the only overweight person in my family so I would have to have my brother ask for chips when I wanted some. Because of that I developed what I call entitlement eating. I gained weight because once I was on my own I felt I was entitled to eat whatever I want, and I suffered the consequences. Because of that I want my kids to have a normal assortment of snacks in the house to be eaten in moderation so when I am not there they aren't trying to scarf cookies behind my back. I'm sure you are doing a fine job with both you and your kids. Good luck =)

If hypo is the one where you have an unnaturally slow metabolism that's what I have, and I take medication for it. It didn't interfere at all with my getting banded or my weight loss!

Okay, take a deep breath, it's the biscuits talking (that sounds like you didn't even eat). You look great in this pic =) I know that making yourself believe this is hard but I have actually taken a MEASUREMENT of myself in a picture against other people to see how "fat" I look. As you can clearly see you are not even close to the widest one in this picture....don't be so hard on yourself!!

Yes, the liquid rule only applies when you are on regular food again, not during the liquid diet. It's okay, I wondered the same thing then remembered WHY I couldn't drink right away and that nothing would change after I drank a shake then drank some water. In fact, when you are on all liquid the best thing you can do is keep drinking something all day, it keeps you full and busy and less hungry for food. Good luck =)

I have lost weight on my own several times. In fact I was a new member of weight watchers about twenty times between 13 years old and 34 when I started my LB process. I got the band and 35 and it changed my life. I wish I had the balls to do it much, much sooner. No body but you knows how you feel and no body but you knows what is right for you. I had several trusted supportive family members who did NOT want me to get the band. I know they were just concerned for me and my safety but now that I'm more alive than I ever have been I have proven that I made the right choice. Good luck =)

If you don't feel it, chances are it went through like a piece of food. Try a hot liquid if you are still nervous and of course listen to your body and if you feel like something is wrong contact your surgeon!