beckiet

Suzzzie, I know what you mean! I keep looking at your posts and you are doing so well and I think, "that's my band-twin". You are doing wonderful! I don't think it's anything Dr. Ellison or the center have done, just the luck of the draw. I tried to be very careful after surgery and not lift the kids, but I know I wasn't perfect on that, so I'm sure that didn't help. Sades, thanks for the well wishes. I did get some good news on Friday...I've been approved (a call from my care coordinator with my insurance) and then my surgeon's office called and good news...I've met my Out Of Pocket for the year!!! Insubordination, each person's different. My docs thought my sideways positioning was normal for me. I asked them what I could do to help get it back to the right way of facing and they suggested exercising. When I went in Wednesday I took one look and thought "I did it!"...until we discovered the tink of metal. I will keep you all posted. I hope to hear more today.

Thanks, FarmerE. The surgeon who looked at the fluro yesterday for second says they use four stitches around theirs as well. I am hoping to hear some news today or tomorrow. Will keep everyone posted to what I find out.

Wombat, Zumba is a Latin-dance exercise class, www.zumba.com. I love it! My local instructors are with Casa De Fitness and they are wonderful!! It combines Latin dancing with a little bit of belly dancing even. Works the hips and arms very well.

Thanks, Wombat, I appreciate the prayers. It definitely has been a long journey, but at least I am losing and I'm hoping that if my insurance approves before 1/1 and I get it done before 1/1 that it doesn't happen again. I've been looking online to find out what causes the flipping...and I haven't found much. I've searched this site and that's helped.

I'm breaking through a little..plus I go to doc tomorrow, hopefully for a long-overdue fill. I also start a second day of Zumba this week! Dakota1984 ..... 246 ....... 242 ....... 234 ..... 8 MJSafari ....... 237 ....... 231 ....... 227 ..... 4 Wombat712 ...... 162 ....... 159.6...... 150 ..... 9.6 SueMagoo ....... 243 ....... 237 ....... 230 ..... 7 Missrhondalynn.. 255 ....... 255 ....... 235 ..... 20 MM ............. 213.4...... 211.2...... 208 ..... 3.2 BeckieT ........ 248.8 ..... 247.8 ..... 240 ..... 7.8 Suzzzie. ....... 312.1 ..... 307.3 ..... 299 ..... 8.3 HUNTERSMOM...... 170 ....... 170 ....... 165 ..... 5 LULUC .......... 182 ....... 182 ....... 170 ..... 12 SWEETY ......... 188 ....... 182.6 ..... 180 ..... 2.6 Joeygirl........ 226 ....... 223....... 220 ..... 3 FarmerE......... 182 ....... 182 ....... 172 ..... 10 Finallythin..... 235 ....... 235 ....... 220 ..... 15 Holliwagz........386.........297.........286...... 11

Good for you, Janine! My experience was similar. I put small amounts of nearly everything (the stuff I thought would be worth eating, the items I knew I could do without I left to my brothers, lol) and slowly ate. I learned my mom's homemade stuffing, which I previously could not get enough of, would be one of my enemies as it got a little stuck. But I did have a small bit of ham, turkey, mashed potatoes and bit o'gravy, green bean casserole and a bit of mac & 3 cheese casserole. Mind you, none of my portions were anywhere near where they were before...all total just about 1 - 1 1/2 c. I even had a half-slice of pumpkin pie with some Free Whipped Cream. That was at noon-1pm. I wasn't even really hungry for dinner, so I only had a bit of cottage cheese and two small potato patties made from mom's leftover mashed potatoes, and a bite of turkey. Normally, I too would have snacked constantly after the meal...but was full and knew better than to try it. Should I consider running through the store this morning as exercise? I went to Kohl's and Walmart...woke up at 2:45 to make it to Kohl's to get the Vtech Vsmile Gift Set for my 3 1/2 year old daughter and also picked up the Thomas The Tank Sodor Carnival set for my 2 year old son. Happy Thanksgiving, all!!

I'm in. I'm still averaging 1.59 a week and I hope to get my first fill in 2 months after Thanksgiving. My 8.8 isn't as ambitious as others, but at 1.5 for 5 weeks that's 7 1/2 pounds so I'm hoping for a little more...and the 240 will definitely put me at a lower weight than my hubby has known me at. Name........Challenge start wgt.......current wgt.....chall. goal.....To go. Dakota1984....... 246......................246...................... 226................20 MJSafari............237.......................237. .....................227................10 Wombat712.........162.......................162... .....................150.................12 SueMagoo............243.......................243. ......................230................13 Missrhondalynn 255.....................255....................... ..235................20 MM.........................213.4.................. .213.4......................203..............10.4 BeckieT................248.8..................248.8.......................240..............8.8

Way to go MM and Suzzzie!!! You did it!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and everyone!

but the past month and a half plus I've been battling the MRSA staff infection at my main incision site and haven't been able to do any more fills until it's well over and done with. But I have broken a plateau I've been facing this past month, so that's a bonus and I am averaging 1.59 pound loss each week, so I'm happy. Huntersmom...... 174........... 170....... 159............ 11 SWEETY.......... 202........... 188....... 180............ 8 MJsafari........ 268........... 237....... 238............ -1 captdanbo....... 211........... 177....... 185............ -8 PaulaD.......... 216........... 216....... 199............ 17 Stefanie42467... 206........... 200....... 175............ 25 Suzzzie......... 349........... 317.6..... 320.......... -2.4 glindab......... 277........... 260....... 250............ 10 MM.............. 242........... 214.8..... 218...........-3.2 finallythin..... 254........... 254....... 225............ 29 BeckieT......... 259........... 248.8..... 239............ 9.8 Miscontext...... 303........... 303....... 275............ 28 ja9va........... 207........... 199....... 182............ 20 wombat712....... 180........... 162....... 165............ -3 Waters.......... 214........... 213....... 190............ 24 lessnless....... 206........... 181.5..... 179............ 2.5 MissDarlene..... 223........... 223....... 195............ 28 o2bthin......... 238........... 225....... 215............ 10 insubordination. 300........... 285....... 283............ 02 Holliwagz....... 325........... 302....... 295............ 07 cc.............. 202........... 194....... 190............ 04 Grace........... 173........... 169....... 165............ 04 Sheila...........220........... 211....... 200............ 11 Texasmom5573.... 252........... 239....... 230............ 9

Finally...I think I've beaten this dang staph infection that was at my main incision site. It's taken basically two bouts with this since Oct. 6 and two types of antibiotics, but I think it's gone for good. I'd been up/down the same 4 pounds during all of this, even though I wasn't eating any differently...couldn't get below 250. I'm not 248.8 and happy. I think the scale's finally back to normal. Steph, great pics! You look awesome and it looks like you had a blast!!

Anyone want to share your mini-goals and if you do incentives? For instance: My birthday was last week. I have a friend who was banded in February and her birthday was last month. We took $1 for every pound we'd lost and went shopping at a thrift store for new clothes. (I spent $3 over and got $35 worth.) Here are some of my mini goals: By Thanksgiving: Original goal was to be at 239. I'm needing to adjust this. I'd be happy at being at 245 by Thanksgiving. That's just about 6.2 pounds in 4 weeks. With a total of 38 pounds lost. By Christmas: I'd like to be 45 down, which would be 238. Here are my incentives: 40 pound loss: spa pedicure 50 pound loss: $50 clothes shopping spree 60 pound loss: I've never had a facial before...why not? 75 pound loss: mini-me night...dinner/movie with hubby or friends? 85 pound loss: $35 clothes shopping spree 100 pound loss: 1/2 day at the spa Goal: Trip...where? haven't decided yet... I need to reconsider my main goal weight...the BMI is still considered Overweight...but I don't know whether I can get lower. I was 150 in High School. (Size 12 at least)

Suzzzie...you look amazing!!! I can definitely see a difference. Way to go!!

Shows: Wayne Brady April 7 @ Venetian $83.00 Penn & Teller April 7-9 @ Rio $85.80 Legends April 7-9 @ Imperial Palace $49.95 Plus more...these are just some that I saw....

Rhonda, Sorry to hear about that! Today's economy is tough on all of us. Unfortunately, I'm carrying two households right now...just bought a house, but ours didn't sell, step-sons are "renting" it from us right now but it's not covering all of its bills. Does anyone have a count of who/how many people are wanting to go? I just looked at lasvegas.com and: Circus Circus Standard Tower Rooms $64.94/night/room Travelodge (S. Strip) Standard Double Double $79.00/night/room Imperial Palace Deluxe $69.87/night/room Riviera Standard $91.76/night/room Harrah's Standard $118.07/night/room Luxor Pyramid $150.00/night/room Luxor Tower $170.00/night/room Flamingo Standard $150.00/night/room Prices pretty much go up from there... How many are able to go April 7-9th? I'd be happy to help coordinate...but I know I can't do it all...I'm too scatterbrained lately.

Quadmom....you are not a failure. My doctors office told me it sometimes takes 3-6 fills for some people to feel restriction. You should really call your doctor. While there, talk to him/her about your feelings as well. Ask them for suggestions. Mine gave me a sheet that says "If you're not losing 1-2 pounds a week, here's what to look at..." and it helps me to keep on track. I've had 3 fills and have 3cc in a 4cc band...and I had good restriction up until a few days ago. I'm getting back in next week.

Oven Fried chicken Tenders 1 pkg. chicken tenders melted I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Mashed Potatoes Flakes Dredge tenders first in butter then in potatoes. Place on baking sheet and bake at 350 for about 25-30 minutes or until juices run clear. Variations:Use Ranch Seasoning. Someone even suggested using NF Ranch Dressing rather than the butter. Chicken Fajitas I won't give the recipe, because I don't measure this one. I usually do it in my Turbo Cooker. And depending on how my band is doing, I either get a whole wheat tortilla or serve over brown rice. You can even turn this into an omelette very easily. I've even taken leftover fillings and turned into Chicken Fajita Soup.

Wow! Some great recipes! Suzzzie, your meatball recipe reminds me of the one I do and then freeze like 4-5 meatballs in a ziplock and reheat for Breakfast. I use: 1 lb. ground pork sausage (or turkey sausage) 1 lb. ground turkey breast 2 eggs (could do just the whites) 1 c. skim shredded cheese 2 Tbsp. dried onion flakes 1/2 tsp. black pepper Mix all together until well blended. Form into balls about 1 - 1 1/2 inch and place on cookie sheet. (I line mine with foil) Bake at 375 for 25 minutes. Once cooled, you can store in ziplock baggies and freeze. About 4 of these have approx. 400 calories, BUT 32.8 g. Protein.

Wonderful!! Yes, those dates are on rewarding days...but it makes it all the more fun! And clothes are a perfect incentive, I think. Way to go!! Wombat, get some clothes!!! : ) But I know how you feel. It feels like I've had so many clothes ready to just fall off...and good advice for the what to suggest for gifts! Suzzzie, awesome incentives and goals! You can do it!! 3 pounds a week is attainable and a healthy goal. Wow! Sounds like a great bike! Clothes, clothes clothes! For me, that's the top incentive...although spa treatments are a very, very close second. Have you been to Wear House of Fashions over in Platte City? It's a second-hand store...but with great clothes! I think I even saw some nurse's uniforms. I forgot to mention that for my birthday my mom took me on a shopping spree at Kohl's. I love their Clearance wracks. She gave me a $40 limit and I was able to get 3 blouses, 2 skirts, and a necklace and earings. I keep teasing my family that when I get down to the weight I should be, they need to nominate me for What Not To Wear so I can get a new wardrobe without making Jody and I go bankrupt.

Sheila and BCrazy7: I use a cookbook called Fix It and Forget It Lightly. I love it! I also utilize sites like Suzzzie mentioned, Recipezaar.com and even convert recipes from Paula Deen and Rachel Ray. Today, I have a Crockpot Alfredo Chicken & Veggies on. Given, it's a jarred Alfredo sauce, but they have a light version and I use whole wheat pasta. It has peas, corn and mushrooms in it as well...so that will help get some veggies in. Other threads have recipes included...would anyone be interested in posting recipes we like, etc.? Or should we just leave that to that specific thread? I know I don't travel much out of our June 07 thread.

Sheila, I've actually had 3 fills. I'm at 3cc in a 4cc band. There are days that I can eat anything...and there are days that nearly everything gets stuck or I feel full all day. I do my best to only eat the three meals, and do so only if hungry and make sure to get in my Protein. Some ideas I stick to: 1.) Keep a 32 oz. cup of water/crystal light nearby at all times and sip/drink often. - Refil at least once a day 2.) Vary my meals: Breakfast may be a banana with Peanut Butter and granola one day, smoothie with protien powder one day, sausage balls, cheese grits and turkey bacon; lunch may be leftovers, Soup and chicken salad (no bread), tuna salad and cottage cheese with pineapple; dinner varies too...this week it's Crockpot Herbed Chicken & Shrimp with whole wheat linquine, Crockpot Ground Beef Stroganoff, Crockpot Chicken & Veggie Alfredo, Cajun Turkey Bugers and Cajun Baked Fries. 3.) Exercise. I've been horrible the last two weeks because of this infection and open area at my incision site. I need to get back on the ball. You're doing great! I often get discouraged, thinking why can't I have lost 50 pounds already?! But I take a step back and realize that I am almost at a lower weight than husband's known me at, I have more energy already for my toddlers, I'm down from a 3x top to a 1x top...I am doing my best to concentrate on the positives. Hope this helps!!!

Sorry about not posting of late, all, and especially Suzzzie. I've been swamped at work and working late each night, plus we moved to the country and we don't have internet service at home yet. I am still game for a trip...late march/early april is fine by me. Just let me know when/where and ideas and I'll put in my requests.

It has been forever since I've posted! Sorry!! Looking at everyone's stats and I'm amazed! WTG, Suzzzie, Rhonda, ja9va, and everyone else! I am going slow, but steady. Averaging around 1.5 a week (which is where they want me). It's a little discouraging because I want to be further along than I am...but am happy to be losing, period. Unfortunately, my staph infection is back, but healing again. Some portion of it had sealed itself off from before and I've been extremely busy with work and moving and let my immune system go down. Suzzzie, looks like at beginning of year I'll have to switch doctors/facilities. I'll be switching insurance and they definitely aren't covered, so I'll be venturing to KU Med.

Name...Challenge Start Wt...Current Wt...Challenge Goal...To Go BeckieT......... 259 .......... 252 ...... 239 ........... 13 captdanbo....... 211 .......... 211 ...... 185 ........... 26 cc...............202 ...........200 .......190 ........... 10 finallythin..... 254 .......... 254 ...... 225 ........... 29 glindab......... 277 .......... 269 ...... 250 ........... 19 Holliwagz........325 .......... 315 ...... 295 ........... 20 Huntersmom...... 174 .......... 172 ...... 159 ........... 13 insubordination..300 .......... 296.5..... 283 ........... 13.5 ja9va........... 207 .......... 199 ...... 182 ........... 20 lessnless....... 206 .......... 191.2..... 179 ........... 12.2 Miscontext...... 303 .......... 303 ...... 275 ........... 28 MissDarlene..... 223 .......... 223 ...... 195 ........... 28 MJsafari........ 268 .......... 252 ...... 238 ........... 14 MM.............. 242 .......... 227.2..... 218 ............ 9.2 o2bthin..........238 .......... 233 ...... 215 ........... 18 PaulaD.......... 216 .......... 216 ...... 199 ........... 17 Stefanie42467... 206 .......... 200 ...... 175 ........... 25 Suzzzie......... 349 .......... 337 ...... 320 ........... 17 SWEETY.......... 202 .......... 195 ...... 180 ........... 15 Texasmom5573.... 252 .......... 252 ...... 230 ........... 22 Waters.......... 214 .......... 213 ...... 190 ........... 24 wombat712....... 180 .......... 172.4..... 165 ............ 7.4 Well I've finally hit 30 officially gone! I'm averaging 1.876 lbs. a week.

Missy: Way to go on the walk! Keep it up and I'm sure you'll enjoy it more. These temps this week are amazing. If I get home at a decent time, busy-busy work week, I'm thinking about taking the kids for a walk in their wagon for the perimeter of our 10 acres...or as close to that as I dare go. Rhonda: Definitely check with your doctor if it's been a few days. Are you still having troubles? How long? I had some problem this weekend, 3 weeks after 2nd fill (2cc in 4cc band)...and had to throw up Skim Chocolate Milk with Splenda (Anderson Erickson). I took it easy the next day, mostly protein shakes and water and by yesterday was back to being able to tolerate. I go in Friday for my 3rd fill. My home scale is looking nice to me...hopefully the office scale will to. My big NSV this week: went shopping at Kohl's on Sunday...bought 1X blouses instead of 3X and they fit wonderfully! : ) At the end of this month a friend of mine, who had LB back in Feb., are celebrating our birthdays with a shopping trip...$1 for every pound we've lost so far on clothes. I can't wait!

LOL...I also talk to a nutritionist/food counselor every other week for my insurance...luckily it's over the phone...but she at least had some experience with Lap-Band or Gastric Banding patients. She has to ask each session: how much read meat this week? how many veggies? how much fruit? etc. She laughs when I tell her I'm lucky to get in 1-3 servings fruit/veggies combined...she completely understands. She even makes sure to tell me "eat your protein first, then your fruit/veg/carb, etc." I made a Chicken/Sausage Jambalya in the crockpot for tonight...with brown rice. It's got some celery, bell pepper and onion in it...so at least I can count that.