enjoythetime

@@s_suther Thank you! I could just jump through the screen and ((hug)) you right now! You have such a great perspective and attitude about things. You're positivity and your dedication is admirable. @@JustWatchMe girl, you've come soooo far! I remember when you first joined, I have seen first hand how far you've come and you're just a super star! Good for you for pampering yourself with a manicure it's much deserved, I need one too I'm a nail biter and mine look horrific! I hope your knees start feeling better and that the stress levels reduce greatly! Thinking of you! @@ParaGirl and @@2babutterfly I'm there with you in the despise for exercise! I like physical activity as long as it's not so routine I guess....LOL meaning the same thing over and over again. I need variety I think the word exercise for me has just always had a negative vibe for me maybe I should come up with a new name for it:-) @@bacon sounds like you're doing great on the exercise. I'm jealous because I want Chipotle, maybe I'll do that over the weekend when it hits 60 here in KC....:-) Ready for spring!

The best tips I have: Take it easy on yourself, set realistic expectations and goals. You didn't gain the weight over night so don't expect to lose it over night. Stay off the scales and only weigh when you go in for a checkup with your doctor. If you get into the habit of weighing at home you will see all the little ups and downs and "stalls" which could derail you BUT if you wait for your monthly check-ups you won't see all of that all you'll see is your hard work and efforts paying off. Plan, plan, plan. Never let yourself be in a situation where you're not prepared, I know easier said then done but this really is a very important key to success. Take the first several months to learn and listen to your band not your head. This won't come over night, heck it's been 2 years almost for me and I still have moments where I listen to my head and not my band and this is when we find ourselves veering. Follow the plan your Dr. gives you to the T. If you have any questions or concerns don't wait call them that's what they're there for, this is why you pay them!! Protein, Protein. Protein, All Dr.'s are different so stick to the plan yours gives you but my doctor told me when I was ready for the solid stage my plate should always contain 3-4oz of protein, 1/2 cup veggies, and 1 starch (if I still had room, which I hardly ever do). Eat In that order, Protein first, then veggies, then starch. I was told my protein goal for each day should be between 60-80g. Finish your meal within 20 min and stop when you filled satisfied, not full, satisfied. Never drink with your meals. Allow yourself 30min-1 hour (again depending on your dr's orders) before resuming drinking liquids after eating. Always get your Water in, 80 oz per day. Look for those soft stop signals. Again this is something that will come in time and you have to watch carefully some times not to miss them. They're different for everyone. Mine is a burp, for some its a sneeze, others a runny nose etc. Basically it's a sign that you'll get nearly every time your band says you've had enough. The most important thing, STAY POSITIVE! Believe in yourself, never give up!! You can do this! Remember this is NOT A DIET this is a new lifestyle, it's not about bad or good,(unless it's something your band can't tolerate or if it's a trigger food for you) it's about balance and finding something that you can stick with for a life time of success. Best wishes for your upcoming surgery! Please keep us posted on how you're doing! Hi Guys, I am due my op in less then 2 weeks and the time seems to be coming up fast!!! I already regard the op date (14th March 2015) as my new birthday... the date my new life will start. Along with the main changes that come along with the surgery I am anxious to make this new start a healthy and happy one. Does anyone have any tips to ensure I start my life in the best way possible, I don't want to fall into old/bad habits and so I'd love to hear from people who have managed to create a new and healthy structure to their new lives. one of my worries is healthy choices for my 6 meals a day, especially whilst at work or out and about where I don't have the same options available to me. Don't be a stranger, please get in touch. Many thanks Dannii

Goood morning everyone! Yesterday was an emotional day for me, many "breaks" were needed to regain composure BUT I made it with a lot of love and support from my husband, kiddos, family and friends. You are all such an amazing group of people!!! Yesterday was a good day in regards to staying with my plan, I had some variations to what I posted basically eating 6 small meals throughout the day, the last one being at 9pm because that's when we got home from Disney on Ice and I was STARVING. Other than that I stayed under my target calorie count of 1338 and consumed 1290. Water was on point, no exercise, NO TREATS! This not weighing thing is a double edged sword. I felt so free this morning knowing that I wasn't going to step on that thing and let it determine my day, but I'm also going crazy wondering what's happening and heck it's only day 2 not much could've possible happened:-) Taking it in stride though! Today's plan will go SOMETHING like this. It's going to be another busy day so it may vary but I will stay on plan. Today is Grandparents Day at my daughters pre-school so they're having a little program, I can't tell you how much I love these! Any way back to my plan: Again variations so wanting to stay at 1200 or under for the day. B: Yogurt & Trail Mix 250 cal 17P L: Not sure to be honest will aim to keep it around 300 cal S: If needed Protein Bar 160 cal 20p D: Skinny chicken Casserole: 250 cal approx. 29 p S: Skinny Cow Ice Cream- 160 cal 80 oz of water. I will try to get some form of movement in. Cal 1120 Approx. 81 P Talk about holding someone accountable, my son said hey mommy were not doing a very good job at doing that exercise video every night like you said you wanted to....wawawa. Let's DO THIS!:-)

Syntrax nectar chocolate truffle is my favorite. You can find it at the Vitamin Shoppe.

@@2babutterfly your words mean more than you'll ever know! THANK YOU!

Great thanks! Yep its the same feeling. I just started panicing I guess it's normal. I have some muciniex at home that I will give a try today! Thanks again for the advice prayers and support! @@enjoythetime - it's in my throat, like I need to clear it, but it's down too low somehow.

@@s_suther thanks great advice. I will see how today plays out and if that feeling is still there then tomorrow I will go on Clear liquids and then progress as you suggested. When you say tightness are you referring to a tightness in your band or a tightness in the back of your throat? Thanks again!

Oh Oh I have a question. So I'm having some serious drainage issues, I'm not sick I don't have a cold just a lot of drainage, anyway my question has anyone else experienced this changing things with your band? It seems like when it's really bad (towards the end of the day) that some times when I eat food feels like it's setting in the back of my throat, not sure if it really is or if it's just the feeling because of all the other gunk. Also some times I will notice a tightness in the back of my throat, nothing gets stuck and things are moving through good, no pb'ing, I do think I experienced sliming for the first time the other day, that was lovely. Sorry for all the details, I've just not experienced this before and the only change I can think of is the sinus's. Any advice or experience with this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all!

Today is going to be a great day because I'm going to make it one! Taking the kiddos tonight to see Disney on Ice, not sure who's more excited them or me:-) Probably will grab a quick dinner on the way there, probably Wendy's so no problem I will just work it into my "plan" for today (which as you can see below is really under-developed). My goal is not to go over 1338 cal. for today. 88 oz of Water and I will try for those darn stairs again. Yesterday I got pulled into a meeting that went a lot longer than expected so the stairs didn't happen. However, today, I think the stairs and moving around as much as possible will help me get through this day with a smile. Today's plan B: Yogurt & trail mix- 250 cal 17p L: Not sure something light and low cal- try not to exceed 250 cal- maybe another jimmy johns unwich for 170 cal 22p (although yesterday the lettuce didn't seem to go down as normal.) D: Wendy's 4pc spicy chicken nuggets 170 cal 10p S: For Disney on Ice- Protein Bar 160 cal 20p I'm going to try and "save" some of my calories in case something unexpected comes along so I don't blow it out of the water and if nothing unexpected comes along well then I'll just add that as a win and hopefully this will assist in my weigh-in next Friday:-) Let's continue moving forward, no looking back, full speed ahead with our heads held high, shoulders back, smile on, working it! We should all remember how awesome we are and that just because we hit a bump now and then, that doesn't change a thing, we all get up and we're back at it today and that's ALL that matters! We don't have to be perfect to be successful! What is perfection any way?? I don't know because I've never seen it! 1-2-3 BREAK!

@@bacon I'm with @@s_suther lets make a plan meal by meal if thats what it takes. You're not giving up, you care, you want this or else you wouldn't be on here telling us about the good, bad and the ugly!! As far as the jerk that left you that letter, really who does that??? Ill tell you, an a*****e that has some serious misery in their own life. Trust me no one who's happy with themselves goes out of their way to make someone else feel like crap. Forget them, move on, they're not worth your time! What is worth your time??? Your health!!! Im going to be veeeery blunt with you right now(because I want to help) You know you can't binge like that followed by throwing up, you know what the effects of that can be on your body, your band. You're a husband and a Dad and I know those are the ones who mean the most to you, those are the ones you need to be around for!!! Put that damn scale away!!!! You know what? I'll do it with you I need to stop too!! Here's the plan for weighing. We both weighed today so neither one of us can weigh again until next Friday!!! From there we weigh once a week, period, no cheating!! We have to start believing we're more than just a # on the scale. Our worth is so much greater!! Ill share something with you, tonight I was feeling extremely sorry for myself because tomorrow would've been my dads 71st bday. He passed away 12 years ago at the age of 59 from cancer. This man was my rock. I know most everyone looks at their dad that way but he honesty was an amazing man who taught me that nothing in life is handed to you and that nothing worth having comes easy. He worked his ass off for his family, he had a "hard" exterior with a heart of gold that would do anything for anyone BUT he never allowed anyone to walk on him in fact he would be the first to put you in your place. He never knew a stranger, he was a man of his word, a fighter like no other Ive ever seen, he always had a good attitude, not much could bring him down, most importantly he loved God and he wasnt ashamed of that he would tell everyone he met his story, which was amazing. Even when he was going through chemo he still had a smile and would always say I'm going to kick this cowards ass even when he knew there was no chance. Anyway, sorry for that ramble but this is why I found myself setting on the couch tonight crying, feeling sorry for myself and I could literally hear him yelling what the hell are you doing, stop sitting around snotting over me I'm great, I'm in heaven pain free. I had a treat myself tonight and I started down that road and STOPPED why because I know he wouldn't want that for me. He would be so mad at me if I used him as an excuse for my bad choices and then beat myself up about it the next day! See when my Dad became ill is when I REALLY started putting on weight. At one point I had lost 48lbs and he told me I'm so proud of you. He never saw me at my heaviest but he's where I get my fight, he's the reason why I try to have a positive outlook on life, he's the reason I am who I am today and I just hope he's proud!! @@bacon we are here to hold each other accountable right? I really am just trying to help, are you in???

My plan for today: B: Yogurt & trail mix- 250 cal 17p L: Turkey Unwich from Jimmy John's (lettuce wrap with turkey and provolone) 170 cal. 22 P S: Protein Bar (if Needed) 160 cal 20 p D: 4oz BBQ Pork with a side salad and homemade ranch dressing- Approx. 400 cal and 30 P S: Skinny Cow Ice Cream- 160 cal Total 1140 89 P 2nd day of Water flush 96oz I MUST WALK THE STAIRS AFTER LUNCH!!!!

@@lisacaron Right now you're going through one of life's most unimaginable storms and it takes A LOT to put it all out there like you did! Your head on collision may have slowed you down a little but in no way has it totaled you out! You have the commitment and the fight it takes to get up and come back stronger than ever. We're all here to help one another out and kick some ass we shall! Glad to hear you're going to the Dr. to check on yourself! Keep us posted on what you find out!

I completely agree with @bikrchk. This isn't a diet this a way of living for me now. I like that you've given yourself a range. If I deviate from my plan and step on the scale to see I've gone up a couple of lbs. I freak out and beat myself up about it, so I like that you've set yourself a healthy range and once you go over that it's back to basics.

You look amazing! I'm almost 2-years post op and have been looking into a TT for the last year. My family is very supportive of my decision especially my husband so I'm very fortunate in that regard!!! I'm doing this for myself and after all of the hard work and commitment it took to get to this place we DESERVE it! Best wishes!

Thank you @@JustWatchMe for reminding me to take it one day at a time! Today my plan is: B: Yogurt with trail mix- 250 cal 17p L: Protein bar- 160 cal 20 p S: 2 cheese sticks- 180 cal 14 p D: Roast and Salad- 400 cal. approx. 30 S: Skinny Cow Ice Cream????- 160 cal Total Calories 1150 Protein 81 Water- 1st day of Water flush 88oz Exercise- 30 Day Shred Video

Oh yeah @@s_suther I also add lemon to my water and if its really bad I will take a shot of apple cider vinegar. Which is what I will do tonight.

Well Friday and today were on point Saturday well not so much. Got on the scale this morning which I shouldve known better and 6lbs up. What!?@?! 6lbs. Yes I know its Water weight there's no way to gain 6 actual lbs in one day UNLESS you eat bacon's fake out post,) Man, Im so mad at myself. So this morning I prepped and planned my meals for the week. Roast carrots and onions Homeade ranch dressing Skinny chix casserole salad Ready to go for the week. Waterflush will begin @@s_suther mine goes 88 96 88. I'm so swelled from all of the sodium I consumed it hurts to make a fist. Back on track and I keep telling myself yhats all that matters but what makes me so mad at myself is I work hard and do good all week and then the weekend comes and I blow it out of the water and I start where I was at the beginning of the week before. Ugggh. Oh well pulling it together, going to knock it out this week!!! Pray that tomorrow the scale is a little kinder on me.

@@s_suther thats awesome!!! Glad that worked!! Question for everyone. Do you find that when youre hungry and you wait too long to eat that once you do you're not able to eat your normal portion because you're full? I was starving on my way home. Got home fixed dinner for the kids and decided I couldnt wait to cook mine so I grabbed another yogurt with trail mix for dinner and struggled to finish. I wasn't sure if I should stop so I did finish no issues but definitely feel more than just satisfied. Anyone else notice this? I have once or twice before but didn't think much about it. I'm on plan even turned down lunch brought in at work and stuck with what I brought. I'm at 62oz of Water no prob hitting 80 by the end of the night.

@@bacon LOL, I know right!!! It's a once in a blue moon kind of deal for sure!!!

Haaaaaapy Friday everyone!!! So happy the weekend is upon us! Although the weekend seems to be the most challenging time for me, I'm really going to try and be more mindful of what I put in my mouth (and what comes out of it) hahah nah, that's no fun:-) The hubby and I have date night tomorrow which if I know him means eating at our favorite steakhouse which is great because they have a ton of different options on the menu that fit within my plan so that shouldn't create any pitfalls. Yesterday, let's just say I veered to the left a smidge, no stressing, it's all about balance right. I went over my planned calorie target by 230 so I consumed 1410 (silly things in the freezer). Finished the last day of my Water flush with 85oz, no exercise @@2babutterfly, I'm with you this is the hardest thing for me!!! Today the plan is pretty simple and I will be disciplined to stay with it!!! B: Yogurt & trail mix 250 cal 17p L: Protein bar and 1 cheese stick 270cal 27p D: 2 eggs with 2 slices of low sodium bacon and 1oz of cheese- 320 cal 21p S: Skinny Cow Ice Cream- 160 cal 80 oz water 1,000 cal 65p Being honest exercise probably won't happen today I have meetings at work and things going on this evening. I know excuses, excuses @@JustWatchMe your weekend sounds like so much fun! Italian is my favorite and that menu sounds to die for, send me some:-) I'm sure your friend is extremely thankful!!! Also what a wonderful NSV!! Life is great! @@s_suther I think splitting your shake in half is a great idea especially if it takes 1-2 hours to finish the entire thing, this will not only help your body consume all of the Protein and process it like you want it to but it will also help you fit it within that 30min window. My only question is if you do that will it satisfy you the same way? Since this is a first try maybe you should have a thought out snack on standby just in case so that you're not starving?? Just a thought. @@2babutterfly @@bacon sounds you have great food plans in place! I do believe we're rocking and rolling! We should all be very proud of our accomplishments!! Have a wonderful day everyone!

whoa girl looking great!!!!

What sacrifice did/do you need to make in order to claim the ultimate reward? Soda Candy pizza Bread Ice Cream The feeling of not being worthy of success The fear of failure The fear of success The perception of what others might have if they knew you had WLS What's your reward? How badly do you want it? Are you willing to make the necessary sacrifices to get there? Are you just half-hearted at your attempt? When the road gets too tough do you just give up, or instead when you find yourself getting off course do you pick yourself up and come back fighting harder than ever? I'm a fighter. I always have been and always will be. I was raised that nothing in life is easy and you have to fight for everything worth having. Boy isn't that the truth! I wasn't handed the skinny jean, I'm not able to eat whatever I want and not worry about it permanently attaching to my stomach. That's ok though because 21 months ago I gave myself the best gift ever, the start of a new healthy beginning. Far from easy are the sacrifices I was and am willing to make every day in order to succeed but because of these sacrifices my ultimate reward has been reclaiming my life at the age of 35, being a healthy mom and wife able to enjoy life to the fullest with no restrictions, no shame and no feelings of inadequacy! Words can't describe how different I am today inside and out then I was 21 months ago. When I signed up and fully committed myself to this surgery I had my mind made up on what life long "sacrifices" I was wiling to make for the rest of my life. Yes I get off course, yes at times I throw myself a pity party but I always pick myself up and come back fighting harder than ever. Why???? Because I want to keep the ultimate reward that I've worked so hard to achieve. What are some of the things you need to sacrifice to obtain your ultimate reward?

YAY! Reading posts like this is so awesome, I'm so happy for you! This is what it's all about! Never stop believing in yourself or the power of your band. They're both worth of every ounce of energy you have!!!

@@Keeper you keep doing what you're doing and you'll be here before you know it. It's awesome that you know what triggers you and that you're keeping them out of sight! I had to do the same thing. I gave up pizza, burgers, soda etc. That doesn't mean at times I don't still don't crave them because I do. I used to go through spells of cheeseburger and fry withdrawl for a week at a time BUT as the weight continually came off, it became easier for me to walk away because I knew the reason was because I wasn't putting that junk in my body and eventually the cravings became less frequent and less powerful and being able to turn down that craving actually gave me more power because for once I was actually in control and not the food and my results showed it. I still have cravings, I always will and some times it's ok to allow myself a treat like Ice cream it's not something I will ever give up entirely BUT I don't have to I've made substitutions like skinny cows that get me through and then on occasion I will get the real deal. I definitely don't believe in deprivation UNLESS you know it's a trigger that will throw you into a spiral you can't break out of like cereal, yeah leave it, there's nothing good in there except for the toy at the bottom of the box anyway:-) I'll buy you some at the $1 Tree!!!:-)

Oh heck yeah. I started as an 8 1/2 and now depending on if it's a tennis shoe or dress shoe I'm in a 6 1/2-7. Mine is more about the width, I guess there's not as much weight pushing down on them to squish them out now:-)