Sharpie

I never had any restriction on caffeine.. just soda not coffee.. I know all Dr's are different but I drank coffee throughout my pre-op and post op diets.. I have my coffee In the morning with a little heavy cream... and truvia... Cuban coffee is really good... I told my Dr. that I didn't smoke, I don't drink and sex at my age ain't that great so I wasn't giving up my coffee... he laughed...

wonderful... I know it feels good to get to another milestone.. I finally made it to 158 and I can't believe it. keep up the good work.

so far I have donated a lot of larger size clothes.. I am planning to keep one pair of jeans or capri's to remind myself that I must keep my eye on the ball. I am looking forward to getting to goal . My daughter and I will go shopping for a new wardrobe as my reward...I have had to buy a few things at walmart to get me to the next phase.

That is good to know.. I am going to Colorado in Aug to a dude ranch and they have a hot tub and a pool.. I hadn't thought about the effect on my band.

Checked my BMI today.. I am very close to just being overweight and not Obese.. I hate that darn chart in the Dr.'s office and he tells me not to look at it but I can't help it.. can't wait til I go to him on the 17th and show him my new category... now I gotta get to normal weight.. 35 lbs to go... I went to the gym today and did 20 min on treadmill.. even took my hands off the handles and walked with my arms swinging.. woo hoo...

Happy Anniversary CG... You look like a totally different person.. Keep on your path and thank you for inspiring the rest of us...

Congratulations.. excellent accomplishment.. I hope I find that person inside of me too. after losing 40 lbs I have started doing things I hadn't done in years.. Best of Luck to you.

I would be happy with a training bra... tired of having my shoulders hurting from boobs lugging on the straps of my bra.. tired of wires , really just tired of heavy boobs... I know at my age they will look like two torpedoes but I will take it any day compared to having to buy special bras....

What if you lose the weight you want? what if you don't re-gain? What if you don't have any problems? I think we all have doubts and worry about disappointing other people.. But, it's your health and your happiness.. You will feel differently once you start eating healthier and realize you aren't going to starve to death... Good Luck

If you are at the regular food stage, there are tons of places to eat out... as long as you stay with fish, chicken or even beef in your small portion and stay away from pasta, rice and bread you will do fine. I have eaten at Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, Ruby Tuesdays and Red Robins since being banded and I did fine... My husband can eat anything and everything , he never gains weight in fact his Dr wants him to gain so I just have to ignore what he eats and not worry about him.. You can do it...You may have to remind him that you are getting healthier and happier and I am sure he will be supportive.

It's normal to feel mad at yourself but don't let it consume you... I was mad and tired of dieting and regai ng so now you have decided to fix it... good for you... those size 10's will be ready when you are.. I had my surgery Jan 15 and I have lost 40 lbs .. at 5' and 198 lbs I couldn't wear clothes I liked at all.. I'm finally getting into clothes that are normal sizes.. I was headed to the 1x sizes... good luck tomorrow. we are here for you.

the band is not going to result in rapid weight loss like the bypass or sleeve.. however the norm is 1.5 to 2 lbs per week (per my surgeon) sometimes I lose the normal, sometimes it's less.. I also think the less you have to lose overall the slower.. I have another 35 lbs to lose but it will come off and stay off I am confident.. I eat like I am supposed to and hope I am going to be successful... keep on your path it looks like you are right on track.

McAlpin, Florida , 1 1/2 hour east of Tallahassee, 45 min North of Gainesville (Go Gators)

Ruby Tuesdays has some good selections.. grilled salmon, tilapia, etc. creamy cauliflower and their portions are not enormous.. I also actually at at Red Robin recently. the tortilla soup is really good, they also have wraps , chicken ceaser and others.. I just ate the insides.. I had to had a take out container..I told the waiter I couldn't eat all of my food because I had WLS, he said no way? I had it too and I have lost 150 lbs..

I weighed all the options.. didn't like the idea of bypass.. had several friends who had it and did not do well.. didn't know enough about the sleeve but it looked drastic,, didn't want to staple my stomach.. also heard of dumping issues with the sleeve.. My surgeon actually said I was a good candidate for the band and he had done them for many years and had a excellent record.. needed to lose weight due to diabetes, blood pressure, etc. Not the easy way out for sure but the least invasive surgery..Really glad I did it and hopefully I will have good health as a result.

omg that is too funny.. I recently discovered I had some clavicles.. hadn't seen those in years.. I hope I feel my ribs soon...

Congratulations on your successful weight loss... Its great to hear how your surgery was a positive experience... keep it going...

My nutritionist said no pills larger than a baby aspirin.. so, I take chewable vitamins, and vitamin d, also I take sublingual b12.. they also make vitamins in gummies.. and Vitamin D also.. I might try those next time, the chewables are a little chalky... I never thought vitamins made much difference but if I miss mine now I feel a little tired..

Linda I had diabetes and high cholesterol, was on medication for diabetes but since my surgery on Jan 15, I have been able to eliminate the medication.. The lapband will be a tremendous way for you to get your health issues under control. Best of luck and the lapbanders on this site are a great source of information and support.

I believe GNC 's Lean Shakes are milk free.. they are good and muscle milk also..

Lucky for me I have never been a big soda drinker.. but my Dr. says no soda, ever , no straws and no gum... (don't start with me about gum) it's if you ACCIDENTALY SWALLOW IT..it requires surgery to remove it from your stoma... so I drink crystal light, water and that's about it.. Like I told someone before if my Dr. said stand on your head and spit wooden nickels.. I'm in.. I have lost 40 lbs following his orders and that is what I paid for was his expertise..

How fantastic for you... it makes all the work and worry worth it... I am amazed at how much better I feel with just 40 lbs off.. flying is difficult enough without worrying about fitting in the seat, etc. Great Job...

fantastic weight lost...I was banded Jan15 and have lost 40 lbs .. I know this was the best thing for me.. I know I will healthier and happier for the years to come... I can't believe I have not had any weight gain since starting this... not that I have tried but usually by now on any other weight loss deal I would have gained weight back...

wonder if they sell it in Fla. sounds like a good snack..I like most of the greek yogurts but some don't have the calorie/protein ratio I need. and some have a good amt of sugar which I try to avoid.. My nutritionist says I need to stay 5 gms or less..

sorry for the above post.. I bought a new laptop with windows 8 touch screen takes some getting used to..Anyway what I wanted to say is.. I have cooked birthday and other celebration dinners since being banded.. our family loves bbq.. I simply eat a small portion.. usually one small rib , a spoon of vegetables and I make sure we have salad and fruit on the menu... I cannot eat a lot of food anyway so it's hardly worth worrying about.. My family and friends don't pay any attention to me.. they love that I am still cooking for them.. lol