GR8

Hi Everyone! I am back, LBT said my last visit was 4/2009. How is everyone doing? I am frustrated right now - feeling like a failure. I haven't had a fill in years - I think it was Jan 08 -- and have plenty of restriction -- I can eat about 1/2 a sandwich/sub of what I use to before LB. I have gained back all my weight... banded in April 07 - lowest weight Oct 07. My husband is frustrated too... he sees me struggle with eating and food daily --- he is pushing for me to go have the band removed -- I feel if I do that I will balloon up - so he thinks I should go have gastric bypass.... How have you all fared the years with your weight? Anyone feeling like me? :thumbup: Gina

Congrat's -- that is wonderful for you!

Oh I forgot also = Walmart carries them -- I don't know their price...

These are for your husband Michelle -- just a little later in the day.

My Sam's Club carries the Davinci SF Kahlua -- it is just under $5 bottle. I don't know if you have one there - it might be worth the try!

TracyK -German Shephards are great -- Here is Heidi Marie, and her new little sis -- Peyton Louise. She is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Me and Little Me!

HERO is gorgeuos -- looks so sweet. It does make it hard to take your "I'LL KICK YOUR A$$" comments seriously - looking at a sweet - kind - loving boy like him sitting there.:scared2:

Update - I am back on track. Getting off the carbs was hard the first 2 days of the pouch test - but well worth it. I am back to 1/2 cup -1 cup max!!!!!!!! The Band is working AGAIN!~

I am so sorry -- I do not mean to scare anyone. I am a special case (no no not a head case - lol) The thingy at the top of the stomach that says - okay I am full -- well mine is broke - there is a small % of us that is the case -- so we don't get the satisfied felling. When I eat - stomach get's full then the esophogus then STUCK, PAIN, etc.... So I stop when I start to feel uncomfortable. It takes good old fashion will power. BUT --if I didn't have the band - I would have gained back 100lbs plus maybe 20 more. So I am still thankful!!!!!! And being almost 2 years out (april anniversary) and to say I kept 50-60 lbs off is amazing! I just need to stay focused and not think just because I have a band I can eat as I want as much as I want. Please -- NO FEAR -- it is a wonderful TOOL.

Some people add Beer - hiccup. Opps excuse me.

Good Morning everyone! Completed the 5dpt last week and stayed focused this week. It did help stop the madness of the snacking, cravings, and portion size. I have kept the inital 5 pounds off (water weight) but surprized that I have not lost any real additional weight. Now it is time to EXERCISE! I started yesterday walking a mile - Friday we went to the Auto Show - so I did quite a bit of walking there also. Just got keep it up now. It was beautiful yesterday here as well -- 60 degrees and sunny - thank goodness. DH and I decided to (at last minute) take a ride to see his aunt and uncle (to take them their Christmas gift) that is 1.5 hours away (Outbanks North Carolina). It was great! Have a great Sunday everyone!

Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test And the journal is helpful - great outline of the program: http://www.5daypouchtest.com/tools/PouchTestJournal.pdf Days 1 & 2 - Liquid Proteins: The first two days are all liquids. You can have as many low-carb protein shakes as you like to satisfy hunger or cravings. In addition drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of water each day. The purpose of all liquids is to break any snacking, grazing or processed carbohydrate habits. In addition the liquids will work to cleanse your system and prepare you for the following three days. Try to reduce your caffeine intake as well, but do not stop caffeine cold turkey or you will feel sick and frustrated potentially losing the desire to continue with the pouch test. Day 3- Soft Proteins: Protein Recommendations: canned fish (tuna or salmon) mixed with lemon and seasoned with salt and pepper, eggs cooked as desired seasoned with salt pepper and/or salsa, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy), baked or grilled, and lightly seasoned. This starts your program with "soft" protein. Measure your portion (1 cup volume or 4-6 ounces weight) and eat only until you feel full, not overfull. Remember, no water for 30 minutes before or after you meal, and no fluids with your meal. We are going back to the beginning and fluids will prevent you from feeling the pouch. If you need to add a bit of Miracle Whip or mayonnaise to the canned fish I understand, but keep it to a minimum so the meat is not too moist. One reason we lose the sense of tightness in our pouch is that we eat "slider foods" - foods that are too moist and do not stay in the pouch very long, they slide right through the stoma. Day 4- Firm Proteins: Protein Recommendations: ground meat (beef, turkey, lamb) cooked dry and lightly seasoned, shellfish, scallops, lobster steamed and seasoned only with lemon, salmon or halibut steaks, grilled and lightly seasoned. By now you should be experiencing that familiar tightness that will reassure you that your pouch is working. Remember to drink plenty of water between meals. Take some time to meditate and rediscover the wonder of your pouch. Often we don't like that uncomfortable tightness of the pouch, which is why we gradually move toward slider foods that don't make us uncomfortable. It is always my preference to eat moist protein so I don't get uncomfortable, but this allows me to consume more than I should. Rediscovering the pouch with this 5-day plan reminds me of how the tool really works. I hope by now you are rediscovering your tool and enjoying the hope and excitement because your pouch still works.. Day 5- Solid Proteins: Protein Recommendations: white meat poultry cooked dry and lightly seasoned, beef steak (if tolerated) grilled or broiled. Remember to chew, chew, chew. Measure your portion (4-6 ounces) and eat only until you feel your pouch tighten. Remember, only 15 minutes per meal, so you'll have to work fast to chew your food completely. By now you should be out of any carb cycle you were in and perhaps you have lost a pound or two. You will have new confidence in your pouch and your ability to work the tool for your health and emotional well being.

I live now in Chesapeake - still just off Rt17 - about 6 miles from the North Carolina line. I haven't lost anything since Oct of 07 -- actually I have gained 50 lbs. I just started the 5 day pouch test to get back on track and so far so good! It is good to hear you are doing well!

Good Evening Girls -- Thanks for understanding and being so supportive! Tracy - good job on your blog video's. I reviewed the pictures again from last years Shrinking Violet's gathering - everyone looks so happy and energized. Today was day 3 of my pouch test. I did okay -- I have had: Carnation Instant Breakfast drinks (3) two with PB in them mmmmm.. 1/2 bowl of Brocolli Cheese soup from Jason's Deli Some homemade egg salad. As of this morning - total 4.8 loss (I gained .2 lbs due to BAD BAD day 2 which include 1/2 hagan daaz ice cream - 2 pc of pizza - and cold coffee -- I suck what else can I say.) Have a great evening.

tharris - welcome! I used to live in Gloucester. North end -- almost to woodscross roads right off 17. :thumbup: Gina

Okay - today is my first day of "The 5 day Pouch Test" - Here is the link: Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test Here is the outline - in journal form: 5 Day Pouch Test Journal Hugs everyone!

I am in! I will start tomorrow.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree -- me too! :biggrin:

Hi Everyone! Yes - I was missing for a little while. Sorry.... My dh has been having episodes of sharp stabbing pain in his upper left thigh - deep at the bone like but in front not the back. It started last Tuesday - maybe 1x a day then Friday he had 4 - last at 10:15pm. So we went to emergency room Saturday - spent the day there. No Blood clot - most likely nerve?? Okay - tomorrow I will have to get back on the wagon -- I am scared to get on the scales. Have a good evening everyone!

I wish I couldn't --- I can eat a slice of buttered bread - toasted or not!

Bridgette - don't worry -- I know all the research say you won't be able to eat this and that -- well that is not true -- you will have opportunties to eat a biscuit again! So -- please avoid the last meal syndrom. :sad_smile: Gina

not to exceed 1200 calories and 135 carbs at least 105 gr of Protein and try to get 25 gr of Fiber minimal 64 oz Water - goal is 96 oz This is what "I" use -- but definetly ask your doctor or nutritionist. (let me know what they say!) :biggrin: