carbgrl

You can buy them at the pharmacy. They usually cost about $10-$15 for about 50 test strips. They're usually near the diabetic section. Diabetics use them but, low carb dieters do too. I used to work at a weightloss clinic (ha, ha) years ago and they used them there and I think it may have been mentioned in Atkins book(s). The strip changes colors when you're burning fat for energy.

Y'all are doing great!!! I'm impressed! I'm the caboose!

They can use the excuse of higher insurance premiums to had the discrimination. I agree with Amanda. It happens all the time.

I felt the same exact way. They kept telling me if you didn't feel that way you wouldn't be normal.

My doctor told me it was ok to continue taking when I was discharged from the hospital.

Thank you all. The dreadful uncomfortable feeling/ pain went away. It did stay down. I won't be trying that again for another month or so.

How soon did you try steak? I just had some. I'm about 6.5 weeks out. I thought it was ok, it was tender but now it feels uncomfortable. Did I screw up?

I guess I should've asked before I ate it. Oh my gosh, it's really uncomfortable. I hope I didn't do any damage.

I think I finally broke my stall after 3 weeks of going back & forth between 187-189. Today I was 186! Yay! My clothes are loser but, not quite down a full size yet. Soon I hope. Y'all are doing great!

Had surgery on 2/9/12. How y'all doing? Pretty slow for me.

I bet it was the vitamin getting "stuck".

I'm a slow loser too so you're nor alone.

I'm a slow loser too. Maybe we won't lose as much hair.

Want2bhealthy, can you at least drink a protein shake in the morning? EAS has carb control one that's about 6 oz, 110 cals, 17 g protein. It's not bad.

Well, the doctor says I'm doing great. She's like you've lost a 1/3 of your excess weight. What are you talking about? Well, I guess if you put it that way. She definitely counts the 10 lb lost on the pre-op diet. (That's the same 10 lbs I gained when she took the Fluid out of the band). Well, OK. What else can I say? The surgery is done. Gotta make it work.

Not including pre-op diet, I've lost 12 lbs since surgery in 6wks. I understand I started at lower BMI than some and don't have as much to lose but come on.

I'm sorry you went through that. I'm glad you're doing better and recovering. Thanks for sharing and the reminder just how precious life is.

It does look good! Too funny.

I had revision band to sleeve last month. I think the actual surgery took about 1 1/2 hour -2 hours. I was sore but, wasn't in a great deal of pain. I was given morphine on a regular basis and I had the "On Q pain ball". I think that's what really made the big difference in the pain. I recommend asking your doctor about it. I was discharged on the second day. I think pain was about the same as when I initially got the band. I didn't take anything for pain after I got home. Initially I lost alot of weight with the band 80 lbs but then gained almost all of it back. I vomited almost daily and I couldn't eat chicken, turkey, salad, veggies, you know all the healthy stuff.

Straight Lavender or are you supposed to mix it with an oil like almond oil. Most essential oils like lavender, cedarwood, peppermint...have to be added to a carrier oil. I'll try anything. I've read Cypress "may help with hair growth" but I've never tried it.

It's one of my fears. I'm a gum freak (ex-smoker). Have you had any trouble eating or driniking after? I accidently sallowed gum within a week after getting the band and I didn't have any problems. Let us know how you're doing.

Wow MeeMee! That's awesome! I'm jealous.

That's great!!! The gift of health is the gift that keeps on giving! Good for you!

H THANK YOU so much for posting this. This really helps me. I'm about 6wks out and I often question my foods and this really helps give me a range and guide that I've desperately been searching for. I have been hitting between 500-800. I think that comes naturally when you follow the "rules" of protein first. I was also told by the hospital to eat 2 oz meat and 2 oz of veggiesor fruit and if any room left to have carbs. I try to avoid all simple carbs because it helps cut down my cravings. I've really been wondering about carb ranges and fat ranges. Tiff how many fat grams did you range per day???? This is a great topic. I don't think I'm in starvation mode but, I do think after so many years of yo-yo dieting that my metabolism is messed up. Since most days I get closer to 500/600 cals when I do get close to 800 cals then I usually gain. I try not to let it bother me and keep waiting for my body kick in. It has to eventually. It's a mathematical certainty.