New Hope

Congratulations, Becki! Please follow your surgeon's post-op orders about what to eat and when. It's very important to let your stomach heal and that band to anchor before running food through! Be sure that you are getting your waterload in, to avoid lightheadedness and dehydration. Have you tried blending a very small amount of fruit into your shake? Be sure that it's very well pureed. Atkins "Advantage" Shakes (premixed in a can) taste good and have 20 grams of protein. You only need 60 grams a day. Losing any weight before your first fill is a bonus. Some people actually gain. Please focus on healing and getting your proper fluids in. Best of luck to you!

Okay, tomorrow is THE day!!! We can check into the condo at 2 p.m. If you haven't received the directions (by pm), please let me know. Weather is showing: Saturday 67*/61*, Sunday 73*/63*. Bring a jacket. Everyone have a safe trip and see you very soon! P.S. Please bring a pre-band picture of yourself. Thanks!

Your LAST weekend as an "Unbanded Man"! You're already on your journey and it just keeps getting better!

I feel happier and more alive since getting my band and losing some weight! I have emotions and that's good! I don't want to be stuck on "auto-pilot" any more! There's a whole world out there to enjoy without focusing totally on food. I did go through a brief "grieving" stage right after banding, but it passed. And we've all thought "If I could do this, I wouldn't need help." But we couldn't, and the band gives us that extra boost that we need to keep trying every day. Sometimes we mess up, but it's temporary, and we get back on track.

Patty, I'm so sorry about your friend! I know that your dr. will check you out thoroughly before he/she will schedule any surgery. Please try to get as much info. as you can BEFORE you get a band! Best of luck to you!

Christina, good luck to you! I'm pm'ing my dr's website to you. There's a good pre-questionaire on it that can give you some good info.

Yea, Lethalwoman, you don't even have to turn it on. Just do a calendar pose for us! Please!!!!

If you love to cook, that's a perk. Because you'll be able to control what you're eating, how it's seasoned, what cut of meat to use. I'm able to eat pretty much anything I want. I try to avoid the empty calories, like tortilla chips. I can order a more expensive meal (grilled shrimp, steak, chicken, etc.) and split it with my husband. It's plenty big. Most restaurants don't use plates, they use platters! If you're eating for one, then get a take out box right up front, and put that extra out of sight for your lunch the next day. I think we all struggle with "if I could do this, I wouldn't need to do that to lose weight". But we've fought it and what we're doing isn't working. So we are lucky enough to get a "tool", the band, to help us succeed. We still have to do our part, it's just a possibility now! Best of luck to you!

Katie, great 12 lb. loss and congrats. on the fill! Now that turkey dinner won't be so tempting! LOL

I'm just trying to envision this little 5' 4" woman (Betty) handling a 695 pound Harley! What a woman! And you've been doing it for a couple of years!

That's great, Babs! Now you can use those Foley's coupons!

Jen, Best of luck to you! Please come here often. We love to yak! Congratulations on getting a new lease on your life! So happy for you!

Your success depends on your mental ability to make the proper changes, eating wisely, drinking tons of water, but not with meals. You have the physical hunger, but probably worst is the head hunger. That's the one that needs the most work. You can do this! You have everything to gain and only pounds to lose! Best of luck to you!!1

Leatha, we'll just get Betty to take us for a ride!

I couldn't even afford the insurance on that thing!!

Ha! Ha! Ha! I just want a more cushy bicycle.

Betty, I am still in a state of shock and admiration over here!! How long have you been riding solo?

Excuse me, Betty! 695 Pounds! Are you serious? How in the world do you balance something like that? The way you're dropping weight, how will you be able to handle that? I am VERY impressed!

Betty, really, what size is your Harley? I know it's a big one.

Baloney, Betty! You can balance a Harley!!!!

Wow, Leatha, there's no stopping you now, girl! You're doing great! Yes, I do have a problem with balance and coordination. But then I always have! LOL Leg lifts? What's that? LOL I bought a couple of Yoga for Dummies dvds and didn't even make it through one time! Thought I'd have the big one!

Great news, Vera!

I am thankful for: -an everloving God - my freedom - to do anything, go anywhere -without fear -the ability to walk, talk, laugh, cry, hug -my husband and two sons, and all my family -my health -my "four legged" creatures -my friends, including all of you -a comfortable home -a dependable car -a pantry that's never bare -plenty of clothes and shoes -the sunshine and the rain -change left over after paying the bills -my Lapband

Congratulations, Lauri! I know that's a tremendous relief! Now put that on your "Good Things" List!

Portion control. It's easier at home, than when eating out. Because I'll tend to "graze", when I am with someone else and just sitting there "visiting" after the meal. Water. Getting enough in throughout the day (without meals). I always come up short. Water with meals makes me feel like I'll pb, so I'm doing o.k. nixing that one. Taking small enough bites and chewing well enough. Why is it so hard to break that "hurry, hurry" habit? Gum. I still chew it some, especially when I'm in the car for a long time. I keep a handful of paper napkins handy, so I don't swallow it.