Nyt

` Thank you for this thread and the above advice. I can have real fruit instead of none now! It's funny at how you crave things when they are not allowed. I want fruit but was not very sure of what I could eat. My advice on soft foods comes from my nutritionist: if you press a fork to it and it comes up through the tines, it's a soft food.

I think you should evaluate how much sodium you consumed. If you stayed under your calories but gained weight, (that doesn't make much sense to me sorry) I think the salt content has caused some Water retention. I also agree with what the others have stated, don't beat yourself up about it. Make choices to eat better tomorrow. Plan out your meals/snacks. Go do something physical that makes you happy. it could be as small as just cranking up the radio or some good music and dancing around your living room/house.

Consider the haircut a change. I change my hairstyle almost as often as I change my underwear (okay so I'm exagerating by a lot). I've gone from long to short, short to medium, medium to long, brunette to blonde, blonde to black, black to red, multicolored, etc. I have tortured my hair but I look at it this way, I do what I can to choose a style that works for me. I learned when looking at styles that there is almost a science to getting a good cut. On the internet there are so many sites that have advice on different types of styles for the different styles of faces. I think the key for bigger women to look good and feel confident with a hair style it should accentuate one of your favorite facial features. Face framing pieces can help the bigger ladies look slimmer without too much work. I've been toying with the idea of going to cosmetology school lately. I like hair. I like messing with hair. I have some awesome ideas for styles and know I would make it work for someone. Problem is, my husband has asked me to finish my bachelor's in business first. Once I've done that, if I still want to do hair, then he will support me in going to cosmetology school. One goal at a time right?

Yay for ignorant folks. Woo hoo for you in being nice. Not everyone is going to understand why you are going through this. The ones that matter care and will be there to support you and get you through it. My friends and some of my family know that I've done this and most of my friends are encouraging and supportive. If you have to answer for your actions, then you don't need them. You'll get through this with the help of the site, friends, and your own sheer will. You will make it through this.

Okay most of the things I'm seeing are about running, weights, zumba, insanity, etc. blah blah blah. I like things that are not so... (for lack of a better term) normal. Is there anyone out there that does bellydance, hooping, fire-hooping, dancing, or Water things (swimming, polo, volleyball, aerobics, etc.)?

Do activities in Water is by far the best for folks that aren't ready to run on land. It's less impact on the joints. I took 2 water aerobics courses in college and I loved them. The water kept me cooler so I didn't overheat. The resistance of the water on my muscles helped me tone up quicker than with being on land. As others have stated, alternating is key to losing. If you do cardio one day, do weights the next. If you like to do both on the same day, do weights first then do your cardio. Good luck!

agreed. What about some other forms of MA? There's all types. I've thought of kung fu, capoiera (brazilian ju jitsu), aikido, hapkido, tang su do, kendo, wu shu, and others. There's also tai chi if you aren't insterested in sparring. I agree with the others that have responded thus far, having something happen to the port is not a good thing. In my school we didn't use a hogu. If you go to a school where they don't wear one, I recommend asking the master if they felt you should get one. I know when I return to my martial arts for my bb that I will have one. If I have to wear it under my uniform, then so be it. Good luck to you and let us know how it goes.

I have been doing what I am supposed to do for my foods. I'm not able to sit and drink my foods. I can only stand and drink my foods. I feel pressure after I drink anything too. Doesn't matter if it's water, juice, protein shake, or anything. Still kind of hungry too. I am bothered about all this. Does this ever go away?

I don't really have a short term goal. I was banded on July 12th so I'm still fresh. I'm already down 6 pounds from pre-op diet. So... I think I want to measure my goals in exercise. I want to go from walking to running on an elliptical for 30 minutes. Not real sure where I want to be in a month.

I was so excited I slept on my right side last night, all night! Body pillows are awesome! I lay against that so I have some support and to keep me from moving too much. Thanks for the advice.

I was banded on July 12th and I usually sleep on my side and stomach. I can't lay on either side now and I'm scared to try to lay on my stomach. I know I'm still fresh out of surgery and that I shouldn't be too worried but I am. I'm able to drink and get through things but only slowly. Protein shakes, broth, etc. I just have a bit of trouble with Water. Can't drink it too fast or else I get sick. Any advice is appreciated.

I call you lucky. Mine I'm pretty sure is on the left, which I'm sure is why I can't sleep on the left right now.

it depends on how the protein shake is prepared. I make my own. Mine are made with 6-8 oz of fat-free milk and 1 scoop powder. I have a Blender Bottle so I just put on the lid and shake, shake, shake. Once I get it all mixed up it's like drinking flavored milk.

I feel the same way you do to a point. I beat myself up every time I eat something I'm not supposed to but you know what... I get over it and keep trying. All of the responses you have gotten so far have been saying the same thing. You must stop being so hard on yourself. No one is perfect and anyone that says they are... I'm pretty sure they are lying. I am a great cook (and a lazy one [the crockpot/slow cooker is your friend; and a food processor... oh baby!]) I have friends over for dinner all the time. They understand that I'm doing something that I need to do and they are supportive of me. They try to help me stay on track and do what needs to be done. back to you, I think the hardest lesson we bigger folks have to learn is to not reward ourselves with food. Think about it, you worked so hard to learn those 5 pounds and you are going to reward yourself with a burger, fries, and milkshake (for example). That's counter-productive. Doing something nice for yourself on the other hand... getting a mani/pedi, going to a movie (if you can have fruit, sneak some in like a cut up apple, baby carrots, something healthy that you CAN'T get at the theater.), buying new shoes, whatever it is that makes you feel better and rewarded. For me I love going dancing. I don't have to drink to have a good time and I know that. You have a ton of support here on this site from those of us going through this. So smile and enjoy yourself. Make good choices. if you "cheat" so what? you feel bad about it, accept you made a mistake, make better choices and realize it's in the past.

I get banded tomorrow too. I feel the same way you do. We can do this. If we have gone through all the disappointments of past efforts with no real results, we can do this and get the results we want. Good luck to you. =)

do something bold and confidence provoking... like cut it all off. When I cut my medium length hair off for a super short cut... I almost cried with the first snip of the scissors. With some work and effort, my new hair style looked amazing. I got compliments on it for weeks. I learned something about that experience. It takes a strong woman to be willing to cut most of her hair off. You have to exude confidence at that point. I still kind of like my hair short but I'm in the process of growing it back out. I kept it short for over a year.

Flat out... I feel like I've blown it already and I haven't even had surgery yet. I've followed the Atkins diet to the letter for a week... I've been eating small amounts of the stuff I'm not supposed to have the past few days. I didn't eat any breads, pastas, starches, rice, etc. The past few days, I've had moderate amounts of carbs. Like a sandwich here or there but no starches. I quit my job last week. I'm not upset about it (I think). I was in a very stressful work environment and to be honest, I'm happier now that I'm not there. I have been looking for another job and trying to stay busy so I don't get overwhelmed with the feeling of loss. I have not been working out every day like I wanted to. I'm fearful of going to the gym or just going for a walk. I have no excuse for not doing something. Of course, I could just be trying to be too perfect and I'm blowing the little things out of proportion. I'm pretty fit for my size. It's like I have a "fat suit" on over my muscles. I don't mind exercise but just have a hard time going to "the gym". Always feel like I'm being judged by all the fit people there. *sigh* I just have to get over that. I get banded Thursday. I'm nervous about the surgery. I'm worried that it won't work compared to all the other methods I've done (that didn't work either). I know that once I lose some weight I'll be more motivated to exercise. I don't know what to say now... Any words of wisdom and support are appreciated.

be careful about shaving though. If you happen to get an ingrown hair... it hurts... I get my husband to help me out with that since I do shave down there. If I feel/find an ingrown hair I ask him to help me get rid of it. Pair of tweezers and then done.

My nutritionist said that I could have as much caffeine as I wanted. HOWEVER this all depends on your doc. I love making an iced coffee at home. It saves money (bonus!) and you can make it how you are supposed to have it, with artificial sweeteners and sugar-free creamer. I make mine in a pitcher (about a gallon) and store it in the fridge. I make it once a week and get a cup in the morning. I have found that I LOVE a particular blend of coffee that has some bits of coconut in the grounds with some other things and quite frankly I prefer making my own stuff at home. The drinks from Starbucks and restaurants are more like milkshakes with added coffee. Think of them in this manner and you will end up thinking "that's not good for me." The best things for you are what you make at home. You are in control of what you put in your body and what/how it's made. My nutritionist said diet sodas are okay but that's in moderation too. Bonus tip: If you consume a lot of sodas a day, start trying to balance it out with some Water. For every soda have a glass of water. It will help you ween yourself off of so many sodas. Or you could do my method, have caffeine once a day (in the morning) and drink water the rest of the day. Good for the kidneys, skin, and everything else.

I'm starving right now. My nutritionist has me on the Atkins diet Phase 1 until I go in for surgery. I'm on day 3 and well I'm starving. I've had salads in the past couple days that were mostly romaine lettuce and a little salad dressing. I've had meat and been eating beef Jerky or pork rinds as Snacks. I've been drinking Water, sugar-free drinks, and overall just trying to behave myself. The problem: it's "that time" of the month and I desperately want sugar. I'm trying to stay firm and stay away from it. I also don't understand why I'm so hungry. Today: I've had 2 scarmbled eggs with pepper and 1 slice of cheddar cheese. Grape Tomatoes (maybe 8), Fresh ground pepper. little bit of salt. Salad: Romaine Lettuce, 3 slices pickles, banana pepper slices, salad dressing. Yup still hungry and I've only been up since 9:30am. I need some help and guidance with this mess. Please advise. THank you.

woo hoo! SUgar free, chocolatey goodness! That's all I needed to know! :wub:

Thanks y'all. I think what's killing me is that I want sugar and I want starches. I don't want to not do this so I'm trying to be steadfast in what I'm doing. Protein shakes huh... hmmm..... will have to check that out. I hate feeling like all I'm doing is eating. It's got me worried. Did anyone else feel like this? Is this just part of the withdrawals?

At the time, yes. I still think I will be perceived as a cop-out. At the same time, no one will know that I don't want to know, right? I know now that I have tried and that I need some help. That's why I see this more as a tool than as a quick fix.

I am Nyt. I'm getting banded on the 12th of July. I'm nervous and excited. I've tried to lose weight the "right" way and all that happened was that I wound up tired, sore, hungry, and heavier than when I started. I worked at eating right and exercising, I hit the gym every week and didn't lose a single pound. I would lose inches though. I look at my body and under all the fat is muscle tone. It was quite frustrating. I've gone through the pre-op stuff twice before and changed my mind both times thinking, I've got this. I can do this. I don't need that. Well, I'm not changing my mind this time. I know that I have tried to do what is recommended and what we all are supposed to do and found that it didn't work for me. So I've decided to stop being stubborn and to let myself get this aide to help me be healthier. I see this as a tool and something to help me, not something to do it for me. Anyway, nice to meet you all. Good luck to you all.

The nutritionist visit is different from each place is my guess. I've been seeing that most people for pre-op are on a liquid diet, mine has me on Atkins Phase 1. The nutritionist isn't that bad. So don't worry. If you are paying attention to what you eat and if it's good for you, you should be fine. There's some learning that goes with each new thing we do.