IndioGirl55

Steph Kettle Korn Business - OK :0) - a way to meet pple... I don't know the calories - cuz I like my popcorn w/butter not sugar - well I don't use butter anymore - but you know what I mean Glad to hear that you ate :0) So Popcorn's not a slider for you? Yep since you were with us at our very first reunion - you totally understand how much fun you are going to miss - I could not imagine not being at one of our reunions.. I can't wait til next yr - New Orleans & Denise !!!! and getting to meet Karla... I know Karri said that she would try and come to that one cuz she would like to try a cruise and for those who haven't done it before - I think the 3 dayer ones are the best way to ck it out to see if you like them.. My broker (he's a kid late 20's or maybe 30 now) just went on one over the 4th - he loved it... He called just to tell me about it since he knows how much I love cruising -- Plus got me into something thats making 6% tax free - YEA !!! Linda Ya it's HOT here - my car said 117 yesterday - last night leaving target the wind was blowing and it felt like a frickin furnance - What is the most tiring about the heat is that at midnite it's 100 - 5 a.m. 90 we get no releif at all.... So ya I will enjoy the cooler weather - but the problem is when it's 115 you can't even think about how to pack for 75/60 degree weather - Can you see me leaving Palm Springs airport with a leather jacket on my arm when it's 115 outside.. lol With the weather the way it is - I don't remember what 75 feels like - but do know that's winter weather for me :0) So as of right now maybe one pair of capri's in the suitcase - but will be bringing long pant and tennis shoes instead of just sandals :0) Well, I must me in my manic phase - didn't get off the computer last night til 10 - hadn't eaten made a salad and know what was so funny about that - when it was done (lettuce turkey avocado onion shredded carrots & bolthouse ranch) I looked at it and SMILED !!! I was looking at it and smiled thinking oh that looks so good I can't wait to dive into it.... OMG what a transformation !!!!! That I really looked at a salad as my dinner and was going to enjoy it !!! I didn't get to sleep til after midnite - then Angel woke me up at 5 - so here I am up on the computer drinking coffee washing clothes - need to get hair colored before I go to hair dresser this morning - plus I need to get to the gym too... I love my manic phase... it's better than the blah phase... Well, dryer just went off - CBL :cursing:

It's soup so no I don't think you have hurt anything - I was on full liquids and I would eat about 1 cup..

Candice I am on American Airlines Flight #488 arrives 5:39 p.m -So right after Linda - Same Terminal !!!! Linda - Hugs on the issues you have had with your band - too bad we didn't know about the sleeve when we had our surgeries - I gotta say I have been lucky (knock wood) that I haven't had any problems. Ya I like the little pills too - I loved the energy- but then that whole cycle - I might not eat all day - but then when they wore off - I would make up for it.. And I'm with you girl on I miss my eating binges and the good feelings it gave me to be able to eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, and as much as I wanted. But gotta say I feel to damn good to go back there - I really do - and I don't want to go back... One day at a time - we are all addicts ... Our Lucky #7 Gang is our NA/AA :cursing:) Karla - WTF happen to your restriction ??? Bf - Oatmeal - yogurt & granola - egg beater omelets with just a tad of cheese with green onions - fiberone bar or pt bar - or if I feel like it a sandwich or meat from the night before.. Lunch - today I had a WW meal cuz I wasn't hungry this morning and didn't feel like making lunch.. Lately my lunch has been a salad romaine - red onion - avocado - sliced turkey and my bolthouse yogurt ranch dressing - or it can be left overs from the night before - fish or meat 4 ozs and veggies or a sandwich made with lite whole wheat bread 80 cal 2 slices - 6 slice turkey with lite mayo or ham and 2% cheese & mustard - or my one pot wonders.. I eat real food Chicken - pork chops - steak - hamburger patty (without the bun :0) fish - scallops - shrimp - lamb Veggies and a little rice pasta or tatos with my dinner When you cook dinner make enough so you have left overs for lunch.. I don't eat starches/cheese/sugar/fats like I use to - I will still have a tacos every now and then but they aren't dripping in grease anymore and its only 2 with a little 2% cheese - no 8 or 10 with 1/2 lbs of cheese.. Got back a few pages - Karri gave some great receipts What did you eat prior to banding??? You just have to make it healthier that's all - you are suppose to be eating real food One Pot Wonders Any kind of meat that you like - (ground turkey - chicken - pork etc) sauted in a little evoo with onions & bell peppers - salt pepper garlic add some zuchinne or cabbage and a can of tomato sauce - cook til done.. I have done kelbas (turkey) with red potatoes - onion bell peppers and cabbage.. Spagh sauce made with ground turkey instead of hamburger over green beans (phyl does this) Turkey meat loaf - veggies & 1/2 cup mashed tatos (that aren't loaded with butter) - for lunch skip the tatoes and just have the meat loaf and veggies... 1/2 Chicken BBQ breast & veggies 4 oz turkey or hamburger patty and veggies 4 oz of any meat and veggies You are bummed about $$ right now and your problems are front and center for you - you could careless if someone stubbed their toe - We all understand.. This thought just popped in my head - since your DD is mostly taking classes on line - are there any part time jobs that she could look for to help with expenses.. Don't know if it possible or what kind of school load she is carrying.. Just an idea... Andrew is 18 now and we have sat down and had some discussion on $$ -

Bugs - I have 1 cup bowls that I got from Target and I also have a scale to weigh my food - it also tells me the calories Protein etc - it was $100 - but you can get a scale that just tells you the weight of the food 4 oz etc for like $20.. 1 med (do you medical) cup?? What are your post op instructions - are you on full liquids or Clear Liquids after surgery?? Thanks Phyl - Your's is Monday isn't it ??? Welcome Young Congrats on your 8/6 date !! My insurance also required that I go to a center of excellences too - but lucky its' only 20 miles away.. My insurance also required that I say 1 nite in the hospital They will give you med to help with the nausea - after they took me for my barium swallow - the stupid tech had me drinking from a straw and I told him I'm not suppose to he said do it - so i did - by the time I got back to my room I felt like I was going to throw up - the nurse gave me a shot right away and the nausea went right away - all I know is that tech got in trouble - I think I remember them saying he had me drink too much of the barium- I'm not sure - but am sure that someone got in trouble.. The right home the next day shouldn't be bad, but again I didn't have have that far to ride - just make sure they give you a pain shot before you leave and recline you seat and you will be fine.. Thanks !! For me it does help keep me on track - plus I have a big mouth ) and I am so happy at the way I feel now - I want ever other obese person out there to understand that we don't have to be that way - with the help of our tool we can become healthier pple and have so much more energy and a better quality of life... Hi Nicole You are doing great - 20 lbs in 2 months that 2 lbs a week - and yes GF you gotta average it all out. Some weeks you may lose 2 or 3 lbs - then others only 1/2 lbs - but its all a loss and remember we didn't gain it over night - it's not going to come off over night ;0) You are right you could be not eating enough - Are you logging your food - how much do you eat per meal - whats your calories for a day During my weight loss phase - I kept mine between 800-1200 and varied them - plus went to the gym 4 or 5 days a week and just walked on the treadmill for the 1st 8 months - then March 08 got a trainer and started working out with weights. Laura - I didn't stop breathing either 02 just got low when I was in a deep sleep - I quit using mine after surgery... Thanks for the props... I gotta say I feel pretty damn good today - and you all who are just starting your jounery - just keep plugging along - the weight does come off if you follow the rules - it may be slower for some and faster for others - but this isn't a race - and remember who did win the race - the turtle !!! 7/17/07 250 size 18/20 pants 7/17/08 148 size 6 pants 7/17/09 138 size 4 pants - with two size 2's in the closet Secret - none really - don't diet!!! Eat healthy 98% of the time allow for treats 2% of the time - Keep a food diary and move your butt... It will come off !!! I am no diff than anyone else here !!! I love food just as much as anyone else - I have had drama and stress in these last 2 yrs - but I didn't turn to food during those times - I turned to all my friends here on LBT instead And I will attest to this 110% You all are a part of my life - I share in your joys - and cry with you in your sad time and am here for each and everyone - just like you are here for me. I want you all to know - it can be done - it's work - but you are worth the work - and once you find your groove - it's really not that hard.. Julie - GF you are one heck of a trooper !! .4 to your 100 OMW THAT'S JUST SO FANTASTIC - Especially all that you have been thru these past few months I am so happy for you - You are doing so good - I'm so proud of you !!! Yea Meredith - Mushies - you go girl - yep they are the best and you have done so well !!! Proud of you too !!! Well gang - it's 9 and I haven't eaten yet - went to Marshalls & Target after work - answered a few emails - fed the dogs and now I got to feed me :0).. Tomorrow - gym - hair cut - nails/toe and try to figure out what to pack for my trip to Canada on Thursday.. So will ck with you all in the morning.. Sweet Dreams !!! I am going to go look for apples email - I am getting concerned - Also - Joann where are you ???

Yep isn't it awesome on how well we have done in our 2 yrs. Ya everyone might not be at their goal - but we all have lost weight and that's what is the most important thing... We are all lighter than we were 2 yrs ago.. We all feel better physically - mentally - and we do think (well most of the time) before we stick stuff in our mouths We all are eating healthier and exercising - We are a GREAT BUNCH I know Phyl's date is 7/20 or 21 can't remember - Linda - what's your date - Kari yours - Denise yours OMW Phyl - Linda - Candice - Kari - Denise - Me We are the only Original Lucky #7's left... That's another big plus - look at the freindships that we have today - we all have new Sisters (daughters & nieces too) and to our testament - we have 3 adopted Lucky #7 - Karri - Steph and Karla Candice - Ya I gotta make sure Andrew feeds my dogs/cat and just ck in period - 18 yrs alone in the house for 4 days I gotta say I am pretty lucky I can trust him not to have a major rave party while I'm gone... Phyl - I loved your hair - I wish I could go that short.. I get my nails/toes and hair tomorrow - Lucky I don't have to share that info (cost) with anyone :0) and little shopping for trip - and load up on food for Andrew and animals

My DS & DIL are considering WLS (but they gotta find out if it's covered by their insurance) they were asking my opinion and I suggested the sleeve - My DS is a meat/potatoe eater - he doesn't like salads or veggies - My DIL is a big carb/starch eater - She doesn't want the band due to the maintenance involved and she's pushing 300 - I think sleeve would be a good fit for them - but gotta see what their insurance will cover... I know if I lost my band and couldn't keep the weight off - I would go to your doc and get the sleeve :0) I am lucky - sweet spot in 2 fills and never (knock wood) have had any problems with mine band - haven't had a fill since 1/08. Today is my 2yr year anniversary 7/17/07 250 lbs - Size 18/20 pants 7/17/08 148 lbs - Size 6 pants 7/17/09 137 lbs - Size 4 pants

GOOD MORNING GANG - TGIF !!!! Today is my 2 yr band anniversary !!! OMW I can't beleive 2 yrs has gone by - but gotta say I am enjoying life so much more these days with the weight gone... I am really proud of myself that for the last year I have kept the weight off - that was always my fear (not getting it off but keeping it off). Well it's still a fear - cuz I know I am an food addict - for me it's one day at a time - making the lifestyle change - allowing treats occaisionally and the exercise and the help of the band. Well, I gotta get my butt in gear - I only have 4 working days till I leave for Canada - and my desk it a total mess. CBL :scared2: Omg - I better ck to see what AT&T is going to charge - I have to ck in with Andrew to make sure he's feeding my dogs and cat.. Darling did you eat the bun or just the hamburger patty?? Yep I will agree that it's work to eat healthy - not last night but the night before by the time I was ready to eat it was like 8:30 - I didn't feel like cooking - in the past it would have been a bowl of instant mashed tatoes and stick of butter or 2 cups pasta not so much butter - cuz they were quick and fast meals... But I know that I can't do that any more - that I have to make wise food choices - especially at home - like I have said - it's my healthy food haven - anyway - I ended up having 2 scrambled eggs & a lite english muffin. Was physically full - but as usual still head hungry - so had some popcorn too - for me it's the hand mouth one piece at a time - I wasn't hungry - but i needed to feed my head - like I said - I still do it - I just do it within my budget Your lunch was a slider chicken salad - cottage cheese are sliders... the hamburger wasn't. And as I have said a million times - head hunger manifest it's self into physical hunger. Well, I gotta get my butt in gear - I only have 4 working days till I leave for Canada - and my desk it a total mess. CBL :wink2:

GOOD MORNING GANG - TGIF !!!! Today is my 2 yr band anniversary !!! OMW I can't beleive 2 yrs has gone by - but gotta say I am enjoying life so much more these days with the weight gone... I am really proud of myself that for the last year I have kept the weight off - that was always my fear (not getting it off but keeping it off). Well it's still a fear - cuz I know I am an food addict - for me it's one day at a time - making the lifestyle change - allowing treats occaisionally and the exercise and the help of the band. Well, I gotta get my butt in gear - I only have 4 working days till I leave for Canada - and my desk it a total mess. CBL :scared2:

I'll Look for you on FB :0) That's a great idea on your Dad's house EE no intrusion - for me between lbt and work and my life I don't always get to FB - And again if I do - the farming can take up too much time and I don't get anything done - I go thru spurts - sometime I have nothing to do - and other times I have too much to do - Lately cuz of vacation time - and not being at work - I have to work extra hard to keep my desk up - so no time - between my Mentor thread - my #7 thread and occaissionally the 50 thread - that's alot of posting - it take time you think oh I'll ck in for 5 minute but by the time you read and post 45 mins is gone.. Restless If I eat a good meal I do stay full for a long time - I guess I made this poll cuz pple expect their bands to take away all their hunger - I don't find that mine does (mostly due to the head hunger issues) it does keep me full on longer though - but it doesn't take away the hunger..

Oh Long you didn't make it sound that way - I know that alot do gain or don't lose - it's fairly common - I think I am one of the few who didn't just like I never hit a plateau ... If I remember correctly it was like 8 weeks til my 1st fill and by then I was eating my 4 oz of fish - 1/4 c rice and like 1.5 cups squash - but my squash is a total slider... IMHO if you stick with healthy stuff you do have a very good chance of not gaining... I did - well expect for the time I came home and was beat - and started to make white gravy to go over my mashed potatoes - that was unheatlhy but again that was my ah ha moment too - Janet did you just have major fricken surgery to keep on eating like you use to.. Nope and I threw it away...

Charlene HAPPY BAND-ANNIVERSARY !!!!! 70 LBS WTG !!!

No club soda - no carbonation period. Eat slowly chew very well and take small bite and stop when you are pouch full... Most bping if from eating too fast and not chewing ... No drinking it will make it worse -

Well I guess this is only going to apply to me - but I just ck'd 10 day weather in Toronto 76 high 60 lows - Yes I will be bring a jacket - maybe my leather one !!!! and a chance of rain - Jul 23 Scattered T-Storms 78° 61° 40% 78°F Check Flight Delays Fri Jul 24 Showers 76° 61° 30% 76°F Sat Jul 25 Showers 76° 61° 60% 76°F I think I am bring sweats !!!! and tennis shoes for sure for the evening time... Candice what town do you live in??? I have your's, phyl & linda's cell #'s and I think you all have mine...

Candice LMAO on the spanx - yep I don't go anywhere without them :0) I am flying in on American Airlines - so whatever terminal that is in and then coming home it's United/air canada... Looks like American Airlines is in Terminal 3 and United is in Terminal 1 Got this from their website (pearson airport) Meeting Passengers “No Parking” Areas When dropping off or picking up passengers at Toronto Pearson, you may stop momentarily on the curbside of the Arrivals and Departures levels. Please note that you may not park along the terminal curbs for any length of time, or leave your vehicle unattended. Toronto Pearson has designated Traffic Officers who will ensure there is no parking curbside. In addition, no parking is permitted along the airport roadways leading to the terminals. This helps to ensure safety for drivers using the roadways. Cell Phone Lot If you have arranged to pick up passengers by car and are waiting for them to arrive at the airport, we invite you to park at the GTAA’s new Cell Phone Lot. This short-term parking area provides motorists with a safe and legal location to stop their vehicles while waiting for passengers to call for a ride. The Cell Phone Lot has parking spaces for 50 vehicles, and allows a maximum wait time of 60 minutes. The Cell Phone Lot is located just north of the airport on Network Drive, between Highway 409 and American Drive (see map). Note: Vehicles must be turned off and attended at all times. The lot is monitored and violators will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. Other Parking Options Additional long- and short-term parking is available at the terminals and at the GTAA’s Reduced Rate Parking Lot. Parking in these locations will allow you to accompany passengers to the check-in counters, or wait for friends and family in the airport. Click here for locations and fees. Greeting Areas When greeting passengers arriving at Toronto Pearson, we recommend making arrangements to meet in the arrivals level of both terminals, just outside of the baggage claim area for domestic or international passengers. Kari - I am so glad you are coming...

Laura - Hugs on the bping - I have never had a bad one - I know if it's going down or if I have to bring it back up and I usually can with no problem... Ya I hear ya on the pools - they are beautiful but to hot during our summer months - they are like getting in a bath tub. Congrats on the 2 lbs and weighing less than dh - I understand that one too ;0) Bugs - here's a link that should help answer all your questions You have a date! Preparation for surgery - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum (copy & paste it) I know I printed the list - plus your doc should be giving you one too - cuz you want to be prepared once you get home Linda - my doc didn't give me a goal to begin with either - I asked him once along the way he said 145 - I thought to myself at the time - ya right - I'll never see that # (my original goal was 170 - then moved it to 160 and was afraid to move it to 150 so left it at 160) Well, got to 160 - then wanted that 10 lbs to be able to say that I lost 100 lbs - then I wanted a normal bmi - and got there too - and all I did was keep eating healthy and exercising - you body will find it's happy weight all by itself as long as you keep up your new lifestyle :0) You will get there I promise you that - I'm fluctuate between 136 - 140 and have done this for almost 1 yr now. Hugs again on the GF being sick - I lost my stepmom to lung cancer and my BFF to it too.. God will help you thru it - and the way I look at these things is that we have a lesson to be learned somewhere, just be there for her - she need you .. Charlene - LMAO on your driving gave him anxiety too fun Glad he's home and doing well - Tell him we send our best Meredith Refired Beans were my 1st mushies I think and not everyone stops losing weight during the mushies stage - I didn't - I only had 1 week in my 1st year that I didn't lose anything.. Just keep your mushies as healthy as you can - and I was lucky enough to have some restriction and I also used a lot of will power and I ate very heathly and kept the calories around 800 - 1000 There is a thread on the main page that gives you ideas for mushies - zuchinne and yellow crooked neck squash I ate tons of that (still do;0) Long - I can't and don't go anywhere without my readers :0) Since I had to stay overnight - I had them packed so that I could read the book I took with me..

I went to target last night after the gym (that's why I didn't post) looked at some hoodies that were light weight - but figured what the heck - if I need it I will get it there.. You will be an ideal patient !!!! Ya so you are coming !!!!!! Oh Protein powder interesting :0) - I eat popcorn when my head is still hungry !!! Well my lips are sealed - I promised no more bitching about you not taking care of you - but I do wish Karla would kidnap you that is an excellent idea.... Oh ya the next thing you know Halloween decorations will be out by august.. It seems most schools are starting earlier this yr - our schools here don't start until After labor day this year they are starting 8/31... and before we all know it the will be advertizing for Xmas. Darling did your feeding frenzy include alot of carbs - vary the calorie low one day high the next low one day high the next (800 - 1200_

Bugs What are they being crappy about The staff??- you need to give a little more info - Why would you let that stop you - what's the real reason for cancelling are you afraid that this is going to be another failed try at getting the weight off. Our bands (or any wls) are just tools - I will tell you I have done 75 % of the work and my band did the other 25% I know that if these pple have been doing this for a long time they might get tired of the same questions from pple over and over again and especially if they have no empathy for the obese and just think we are lazy. I have a saying no one understands a fat chick like another fat chick does - a skinny person doesn't get us.. They never will. Why would you let a negative person stop you from getting the tool that you want to help you get healthy.. So the way I read your note - you are back on for surgery on 7/20??? You go girl dance you heart out - I love black church it's so up lifting with all the gospel music !!! Laura Congrats on your loss - I am a firm firm beleiver in keeping a food long - I did it for the 1st year. When I looked in the mirror prior to losing the weight I saw a fat chick - but not as fat as I really was.. This whole thing that fat pple can be healthy - well - I just don't know about that - ya when pple are younger their obesity doesn't stop them as much cuz they are younger - but like Cheri said for us older ones it does start gettting in the way of our lives physically... I know that you don't see the diff right now - but you will There is no magic # where you look and see a skinny chick But one day you will wake up and say - Oh I see it now - it may take a few more lbs for that to happen - but once the stomach goes - you will - I don't think I am explaining it correctly - Im not fully awake - but the realization will come. But I have days that I say oh i'm fat - but I know I'm not We Can see the diff and the closer your get to your goal you will to. That's the whole secert to the band - no more dieting - it helped me understand the phrase "lifetime lifestyle change in our eating" I hear that in so many of the programs that I did before - and ya I lost on them - but would go back to eating normal (my normal) and guess what happens - the weight came back on..... so the light bulb finally went of in my head - my normal eating is what made me fat in the first place Good morning gang - don't know how much sense the above post have made - I am still drinking my coffee and not fully awake - I had gym last night then went to Target didn't get home til after 7 so never got back on the computer and I have a busy day today so figure I would check in early.. Apples where are you - you haven't posted all week - is everything ok !!! Well gotta jump in the shower - I will cbl Hugs

I am bringing makeup :0) and curling iron - but that's about it.. Linda - they (wagsaga beach) had forecast for rain today and tomorrow - if I remember correctly - will check this weekend to see the weather forecast - but it was only 75 for day !!! Didn't see what it dips down to at night - I think if I need a sweater I will just get it there cuz I really only have my leather jacket and I sure in the heck am not packing that when its 114 here in the desert Phyl - how long will you have to be in the hospital??? You are taking your laptop right !!! I need Earl's cell # so I can call and get a report so I can post it on your threads... Well gotta go to the gym - cbl

Sweetie I don't care how tight you are sugar is going to slip right on thru :0).... I like my sweets too - the only time I really allow them is on vacation or going out of town on a weekend but at home - they are off limits - I only keep sf stuff in the house - Everynow and then at the checkout stand I will look at the reesepb cups and say - ok you can buy one but that's it - and this is only if I have been eating very healthy.. I could never ever again have a bag of them in the house - cuz the would be gone in one night !!!!! Sugar well food in general is our drug of choice - and for some of us just a little will set is off on a binge - so like you said just don't start... I find this mostly true with sugar myself - so I eat my sf stuff or fruit and I gotta say for the most part I am very happy with that... Do I feel deprived at times ya - I want to sit down with a bag of Cookies - a thingie of brownies - or a bag of candy and eat to my hearts content.. I could do it - I choose not to cuz I feel just to damn good right no in my life - I don't want to go back to where I was. This is one of the reason I will have treats away from home but my home now is healthy food haven - cuz if I allowed to many treats at home - I would weigh 250 again even with the band.. My doc does blind fills to - and on lbt all you read about it fill fill fills - there are alot of pple who want to only eat 1/2 c of food - but imho that's diet mentally - and I am not dieting I like you want to eat real food (meaning healthy) just not a lot of it. I am lucky as my band had the same restriction morning noon and night - the only thing I can say is that stress will make me tight and some days I do seem looser than others but for the most I have good restriction - I would never want to be any tighter than I am.. Let us know how you do after having some taken out.. Hugs

Cheri - even morbity obese - I still went on vacation and wore a bathing suit - infact went to Mexico with a group of friends who are all skinny - I didn't care - I was fat - they all knew it I knew it - I still tanned - went swiming (with out a t-shirt) ya I had cover ups when not in the Water and walking around - but I can't say I ever let my fat control what I did (well except for what I could or couldn't do physically because of it) and not 112 light - at a size 4 - now it's not about the fat but the saggy skin that's the result of age and years of being streached out.. But again I don't let that stop me - Yes I cover up when it's appropreatie but I do still put on a bathing suit and swim in front of others. It is what it is - I can't change it and if pple don't like it tough luck - don't look. But what I dislike most is the post from pple who don't want to lose the weight due to the saggy skin issues - well the fat will kill you but the skin won't and for some they can get it (PS) covered under their insurance as medically necessary - too bad my bat wings don't qualify :0) WTG LAURA GREAT WORK OUT !!!!

Guess how many days I have been to the gym in 2 yrs !!! 309 !!! I asked yesterday - last yr is was 179 - so this past year (july to july) 130 days at the gym !!!! Pretty darn good for an x-slug bug... Phyl - I make my own cocktail sauce - horseradish & castup cuz I like it spicier - that's what I served you when you and Earl came for dinner that night :0) Enjoy your visit... Heck when DD was here for her visit - I left the ironing board up in the guess room :0)...

It worked for me - this is how I lost my weight and have been able to maintain it.. I feel that each one of us has to find what works for them cuz this is a lifetime lifestyle change - this isn't a diet. I can't do pure Protein - I have to have some carb - starches as I call them - I don't eat many during the day but every night with dinner I have rice or Pasta or tatos. Prior to banding I ate very high fat (went thru a tub of butter in a week now it last a month and I use I can't beleive it's not butter spray) and sugar and way too much food period and was a total slug bug. Now I eat low fat - limited sugar (mostly sf) and limited carbs/starches and in 2 yrs I have recorded 306 days at the gym !!!! Like my signature say - Eating healthy + Exercise + band = sucess...

I am a nite time eat to - always have been - always will be... I have a calorie budget/food budget and I eat within that budget - I was told 3 meals and 2 healthy Snacks which I would save for night time. During my weight loss phase - my calorie budget was 800 - 1200 cal a day BF would be around 150 to 200 lunch - 200 dinner - 250 -300 Snacks 200 to 400 The diff is now I am eating things like sf fudgsicle - sf choc puddings 100 cal snack pack popcorn - 80 cal yogurts I feed my hunger - but within my budget IMHO I think you gotta make this work for you - this is a lifetime change in our eating - we need to eat healthier - lower fat - lower sugar and lower starches. I know in my heart that I am not going to be able not to snack at night - so I bend the rules to work for me...

Karla I agree from birth til about 11 yrs old are the good years - then from then on til around 20 - OMG and even after that age there still trials with our kids - and I have had my GS from birth til 3 then 11 til now - Will my child rearing days ever be over :0) - Nope that's Motherhood - we will always love and care about them and never stop worrying about them :0)

Well Glam - when I was morbitly obese I could have been a dietitian - heck I knew what I should be doing - but just didn't do it.. There are a lot of doc's who wont take another doc's patient - I know mine won't and if he does a fill cost like $1000 I haven't had a fill since 1/08 and don't need one - I was lucky that I got to my sweet spot in 2 fills (had 3 but the last one in Jan 08 all but .01 of that fill had to be removed cuz i was way too tight and I rather use self control than being too tight it's awful) Let us know how it goes...