blondegal_

I've tried it. It's ok for processed cheese. I actually gave the bag to my sister though as most of the time I couldn't justify the calories. She will mix some into Mac-n-cheese and such things to boost the Protein her little granddaughter is getting in. She's three and just doesn't like meat.

I bought a fitbit one online and love it. I'm actually sad if I forget it. I don't get 10,000 steps in but it does motivate me.

I'm hoping someone can relate and give me ways to deal.... So I have a getaway weekend planned with friends and find myself getting anxious over being "normal". I still need to lose weight so I'm very dedicated to counting calories. It just helps me be accountable and it's not like preband when I would count calories and would be so hungry that I would eat every last one and be sad if I had none left. Now I rarely go over my set amount and am not ever hungry. The anxiety comes into play when I think about going out this weekend with friends. I want to enjoy a glass or two of wine, a few bites of a cheese laden appetizer, and a meal covered in a rich sauce. I don't want to analyze the menu looking for my best calorie options. So how do I relax and just let the band be in control at least for the weekend. I know I'll still log the calories (I've signed into MFP over 270 days lol) but I want to be able to deal with being over my calorie range and not feel bad about it. Any advice??

I've noticed TMF is a bit rotten at times but he also gives good advice.

Thanks everyone. I was really surprised at how I was feeling. I've been out to dinner before but maybe the fact I'll be away from home the whole weekend was getting to me. It's funny how thoughts can creep in and become the focus of your day.

Depending on the brand, I was a size 22 or 24 80lbs ago. I'm now a 16W. I have a FULL closet of clothes I'm trying to get organized as they no longer fit. I've just now had to buy some pants. Trying to make due with just a few things as I still need to lose over 50 lbs.

I eat an ounce for an afternoon snack sometimes. I don't worry about the sodium as I track my calories and that also tracks my daily sodium amounts. The Jack's Links brand has some that is 15g of Protein per ounce but its harder to find.

I cannot chug but can get down some big gulps of water and will even find myself holding some in my mouth and then swallowing. But honestly I couldn't chug before. I think you'll be fine. It may just take you a bit longer after exercising to drink water.

GasX strips. So much easier than worrying about taking a pill. Also Chapstick. I'm a Chapstick fiend but I bought extras do I could just leave them lying around.

I rarely have a shake yet I get in over 60g of protein everyday. Eating you protein/calories will keep you fuller longer than drinking them. Remember to eat your protein first.

Please follow your doctor's guidelines. While I won't pretend to know exactly why your doctor say no to one thing and yes to another, I'll make the guess that your body actually has to do some work to digest milk. And you just had major surgery and it's best not to use those digestive tract muscles before your doctor says. It can be hard to stick to the rules but they exist for your safety. You need to heal and that will take some time.

Thanks. I hate to randomly buy something and its just awful.

Have you done an OTC pregnancy test? That would be one place to start. But usually if you haven't had a period for 90 days, you should go see your obgyn. Loosing weight can affect you but it's better to be safe and get checked out.

It is discouraging. But the band has really helped. Loosing weight gave me energy to exercise which gave me more energy. Everyday is not a great day but I do manage to string together some good ones. Stay with it until you feel better. You'll be glad you did.

Please make an appointment with your PCP to discuss this. There could be many reasons but there's no need to feel this way. You've decided to become physically healthy. Your mental health is just as important, please seek some expert help. Many have a range of emotions right after surgery. This is a life changing event. Also it seems the pain and anesthesia can cause depression. But for most this goes away once they start feeling better and resuming "normal" life. Best of luck to you. Tara

I've had hypothyroidism for years. I go in every four months for check up and to get my meds adjusted. Had surgery in Dec '12 and have lost 80 lbs. I think if you're properly medicated then you should be able to lose weight. When doing blood work have them checking vitamins too. I know if my Vitamin D gets low that will also zap my energy.

As long as I stay within my calorie limit, I lose weight. I don't have a treat if it's going to make me go over.

Healthy Choice frozen Greek yogurt cups. I think they're 100 calories each. Not overly sweet and have some protein.

It was over a week before I felt strong enough to drive. I had Lapband with plication and a hernia repaired. I drive a manual shift mustang. I just couldn't imagine holding the clutch in for very long. But I do live in a city with lots if traffic so just running to the store can be an adventure.

I've lost 80 lbs do far (with more to go) and my collar bones are already noticeable. And they were pretty prominent when I was young and skinny. That being said I just don't have much above my boobs and I think a port there would be very noticeable. As a woman looking forward to a new sexy shape a bulging port would be very discouraging to me personally.

You can feel dry-mouthed or a little dehydrated and normal response is to lick your lips. Chapstick really helps.

I had surgery on Dec 19, 2012 and 8 months later I'm down 80 pounds! I reached onederland about a week ago. I've lost more than 50% of my excess weight. Overall it's been a great experience. Just wanted to share this with people that would understand. Very glad I found this forum.