hagerteresa

You just reminded me that I need to get started on Lisa's too. I have been volunteering 3 days a week with a 6th grade math and science class for the last month or so. I love it!!! It is exactly what I want to do for a career. I have so much fun in the classroom. I still get on this forum daily but always feel like I am catching up. I do post but we must keep missing each other. I WILL get that pattern for you very soon. Teresa

Hi Penni! I am so glad you liked it! I got the pattern from the owner of the B&B I work at last year. I made one for all my friends and family last year for christmas. I was crocheting till my fingers were falling off. LOL. Once you get used to making them, it only takes a couple of days to pop one out but I found it really reduced me spare snacking time. I will dig out my pattern or try to get a new copy of it by next weekend. I would love to see a pic of it on you though. Glad to hear from you and KC says hello too. Teresa

Hi Elbell, Nice to meet you. I have not posted on this thread for awhile because I have not lost anything for awhile. Not since the Vegas trip... Bummer... Haven't gained either but staying steady at the same. I am getting my first fill on the 8th which happens to coincide with my 6 month bandiversary. Hopefully that will kick start things. Teresa

Congratulations on your new band!!! Your doing great! Teresa

Good luck Blossom!!! I'll be thinking about you all week! Teresa

Michelle, How is your son doing???

Best of luck Avery. Hope you feel better. What was your fill level before the latest fill? Teresa

I have been teased and/or criticized about my weight most of my life. Fortunately in my adult life I have faced it less than in my school days but I know it can be painful. Anymore, I just shrug and consider who the comment is coming from. Sticks and stones.... I wouldn't worry about what she thinks. Remember opinions are like ***holes and everybody has one. Keep the chin up and sending you my best wishes, Teresa

It should stop. I know it took me a while to get used to everything as well. You won't regret this all later on though when your on normal foods. Trust me, everything will get back to normal and you will be able to eat "real" food. The first several weeks aren't for weight loss but for healing. You will get hungrier before your first fill and may even gain a few pounds back. Don't worry, that is all normal!!! Good luck and best wishes, Teresa

Creamy cheese soups would have protein. Cottage cheese and eggs will have protein as well. Betty, I tried to stick to my doc's schedule too but I also went by how I felt. I tried to be very careful. I was more than ready for the mushy phase but was very nervous of the solid food stage so I added solids back in more gradually and made sure to chew a lot. Your doing fine and I wouldn't worry about the ounce an hour thing. Best wishes, Teresa

You both are doing wonderfully and I'm proud of both of you! You'll both make it just fine. I know the liquids are tough and I liked to push my boundaries a little but you both are sticking to it just great. Keep up the good work, Teresa

Hello, Sorry it has been so difficult for you. I have noticed how easily junk type foods go down as well but I have learned to replace them with healthier versions. There are some REALLY good baked cheese puffs that have much fewer calories and less fat that taste wonderful. I think one serving was something like 2 cups. If you like candy try some of the smaller weight watcher candy bars and limit it to one. Healthy choice makes wonderful ice cream. However most importantly you MUST get Protein down as your staple. chicken can be hard for any of us if we choose pieces that are too dry. I find legs work best for me. Also try chicken roasted in sauces or with a can of Soup. You must get creative! I enjoy stews too. I agree with marie and megan though that it would be pointless to have it removed. Who knows... maybe at some time down the road the rules will be easier for you to follow. Best wishes to you, Teresa

Kathy, I am so glad I keep getting such glowing responses about him. I can't wait to meet him. I have been in the dead zone with my weight loss too. I just can't quit putting food in my mouth in the evenings. My water slacked off during vacation and now I am trying to get back on track with it. Switched to that crystal light mix and its going much easier. I'm hoping that might make the difference for this weigh week but I really need to get back on track with my eating too. When I used to track calories I would notice 2-3 days a week where I ate more than normal and a few days that I ate less than the average. I haven't tracked calories lately but I think that I am eating more days of the higher average than before. Slightly bigger meals and more snacking. I try to make healthy choices but it doesn't always seem to help. Anyway thanks again for trying him out and I'm glad we will have an excellent fill doctor within a reasonable distance. Keep me posted with your fill sensations. Teresa

Hi Kathy, Glad to hear it all went so well. I have an appt. on the 8th and can't wait to meet him. Best wishes to you, Teresa

Hi Kathy, Hope you have a happy birthday and let me know how your fill goes today. I have an appointment with Dr. Eubanks on the 8th. Best wishes, Teresa

Great job, Kyleigh!!! You should be proud!

Cute avatar Betty!!!

A couple of years ago my mom got a sinus infection and completely lost her sense of smell. The only thing she does occassionally smell is chemically smells once in awhile. She nearly had a house fire and couldn't even smell the smoke. Sometimes she thinks her smell is improving but it never really has. I don't know if it is anything like your problem Alex but your thread reminded me of my moms situation. Hope it improves, Teresa

Hi Betty, Glad to see you back safe and sound. We missed you around here. Hope everything is going smoothly. Teresa

Glad to hear your more upbeat about it. Your surgery is almost here!!! Teresa

Hi Mellissa, I love this sight as well. It is a really fun group of people. I just wanted to say hello and congrat. you on your banding. I started off at a similar weight and have loved the banding experience. There are times of frustration but overall I am thrilled with mine. I hope you end up being equally as happy with yours. Best wishes, Teresa

Kim, Follow the pre-op diet as best as possible. I was one of the lucky ones and my doctor didn't require a pre-band diet even though I was really heavy. I don't think it will be the end of the world if you flub up once or twice. Try a different shake if that one tastes so bad. There are plenty of fairly good ones out there. The liquid diet doesn't seem quite so terrible after surgery but I am sure the pre-band one is worse feeling. Best wishes and hope you don't give up. No, I do not have any second thoughts. I am down 68 lbs and thrilled every day. Teresa

My newest wintertime type of food is acorn squash with a little butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg melted into it. SOOOO Good! I also have been in a stew mood and made one last week. I like to make split pea/ lentil soup all winter long too with a big smoked ham bone. I am a ranch dressing nut too and find I avoid salads to avoid ranch calories. Sometimes I will have them and I have tried many other dressings but I guess I just prefer the ranch. I ussually do the mix my own variety and can make it with lowfat mayo and lowfat buttermilk. Teresa

Hi Cateringqueen, I had sushi about 2 weeks into my solid food stage and it went fine. Just take small bites, eat slowly and chew. I have been restricted enough to not need a fill yet but I can also eat small amounts of rice, Pasta and some breads. I don't have any of those foods very often but they are doable. Just be extra cautious when trying something new. Teresa

Carmen, I missed you too and feel bad about your husbands health. It is hard to be a caregiver. I had to take care of my dying blind mother in law last year while my father in law recovered from 5 strokes and an ascending aortic anyuerism. It felt good being able to help them but it was also very scary for me having to deal with all kinds of medical emergencies, decisions and moving into their home temporarily. Now things are back to normal but I know how difficult this all must be for you. I can't even imagine the taking care of 4 kids thing. Best wishes and we'll see you at the next event. Teresa