FarmerE

I know this might sound really gross but for whatever reason, I had been craving a hot dog since I had started the pre-op liquids. Soooo, after I switched to mushies, I threw a hot dog in the Magic Bullet with chili, onions, cheese, ketchup, and mustard. Sounds gross but it actually tasted great. Gross was when my mom wanted to get creative and do the above mixture with the hot dog bun also mixed it...

I bought unflavored protein mix and shoved it in many soups or blended in the magic bullet with various things.

I'm fine with both lettuce and red meat...if I chew the meat really slowly. Bread is out and I just plain do not try anymore. chicken can be out if it's too dry. And New2tch...that's very similar to the feeling I get when something doesn't agree with me. It just plain hurts.

I've found that if I ask them in the beginning to bring a take home box (whether I really want to take it home or not) and put half of the meal in it, it doesn't seem like there is as much left. That seems to get them to stop asking me when I'm full but still have a lot on my plate. And honestly, the portions here are huge so I'm not going to eat all of that in one sitting anyway. Have fun coming here!

Thank you Suzzzie!

I just recently started telling people at work that I had been banded. I've been there almost eight years and they've all seen my weight fluctuate from dieting. Among many comments.... "You don't need it" ......... uh yeah, cause I like being 80 lbs overweight and worried about developing diabetes? "There's no way you should be that thin! (and then makes faces)".....in response to their questions of how much the doctor/I feel I need to lose. Gee, it's not like I'm telling them I'm going to weigh only 80 lbs. My goal is 120-130....normal for someone who is 5'3. "But you've done fine on Weight Watchers" Yeah but I've lost and gained the same frigging 50 lbs at least four times over. And then the many questions about having it removed when I hit goal, or not being able to get pregnant, etc. Usually the ones that are more open, I can explain things to or even pull up a website. The other ones, I just don't bother with. You are right Insub...Only one of my best friends has said, "Gee that's so great. You are going to do awesome on this! I'll help ya out and we'll go shopping for new clothes when the time comes!" (she's my best friend though, she's required to say this. :confused:

hey vcompton...I was also done by Dr. Pinnar. Are you going to go to any of the support meetings? Hope you are feeling much better. I was actually off the hydrocodene a couple days after the surgery, although I found sleeping on my back with an ice pack helped. PM me if you'd like to get together or if you are going to any of the meetings.

I don't think this means that you are not ready for the band. Trust me, I've done a gazillion diets prior to this and although, admittedly, I have lost pounds, I have never been able to keep it off. I think the pre-op diets are to show that you are willing to stick with something and try to adjust your eating habits because, obviously, if we were able to keep up with the diets, we wouldn't have to be candidates for the surgery. Some of the changes, I would suggest (although might not be in line with your diet program but would help for after the surgery) would be to chew slower and take more time while eating. The biggest change though...don't drink with meals! That seems to be that hardest behavior to change. I started doing it about a month before surgery and it wasn't as hard to deal with afterwards. Good luck to you though and I'm sure you are doing just find. Find one of the groups that is having the surgery about the same time as yours and you will get loads of info, as well as people going through the same thing you are.

When I was first banded, I refused to tell anyone but my parents and two friends. I think it had something to do with the embarrasement of being fat enough to be banded or to go through with this. Recently, I started talking about it to a couple of coworkers and everyone has been so supportive. Kinda helps when I've had a fill, I'm not quite used to it, and then I have to run off and pb. They've also been really curious and no one has judged me. I'm acutally kinda glad now that I've started talking about it.

This is an awesome thread! Green: I tried humming too one time but it was really bad song, so bad that I blocked it out but it was something like "Mary had a little lamb" because I couldn't come up with anything better. However, I have never been told I was bad a BJs. Hmmm...what's interesting that I could add.... Well, if I follow the lines of the previous, I've always wanted to be tied up. Does that count? Other than that, I grind the hell out of my teeth at night. SO bad that the dentist wants me to wear a bite guard during the day. I secretly listen to Christian rock while I'm driving because it helps me not road rage while sitting in traffic. (But it doesn't help that they are already playing Christmas music!) I love filling out myspace surveys. Ok, enough of that. I gotta keep some of the goofiness to myself.

I have one so far. It's a tramp stamp...which I didn't know it was called that when I got it. Anyway, it's an angel/devil baby. Basically a baby with a halo, horns, wings, tail, sitting on one cloud that is dark and one cloud that is light. Symbolizes my inner child. I have plans for a second one though. I just haven't had it drawn out yet. It's going to be a charm bracelet anklet. I like to travel so for each country I've been to, there is going to be a charm representing a memory of that country. For example, the hand of Fatima for Morocco, the blue eye for Turkey, the double headed eagle for Russia....and so on. That's going to be my goal reward.

Hmmm.... By Thanksgiving....I'd like to be in the 170's. Maybe time for new jeans at that point. I haven't really set any mini goals, which I know I should do. Long term though, a friend of mine and I are going to train for the Army 10 miler and the Marine Corps Marathon. I figured I have a year out so it should be reasonable. I've always wanted to run them. Also found a plan online that spells out what you need to be running each week. I think if I accomplish both of them, I'm going to treat myself to one of those $500 spa day things.

The one out of focus (sorry but you can still see the big cheeks) and with long hair was taken in March 07. The short haired one was Oct 20 07. (Hopefully the pictures attached...) Russia -recropped.bmp NYC 4 Girls - me.bmp

Hey all, I know I've been in hiding for a while but now I'm back. I'm still in for a trip...don't care when....what you guys have so far sounds great to me. I'm also willing to room with someone if anyone needs it. I'm clean, nice, etc, in otherwords, I don't bite.

Name....Goal in Minutes...Completed....To Go Huntersmom.........540............................ .....................30........................... 510 FarmerE.........480................................0.................480

I'm baaaaacccckkk! Hey all, I'm just popping in to say hi. I kinda dropped out of posting and checking the site but now I'm outta my funk and back. Just wanted to say you guys are doing great and damn, I've got a lot of posts to read to catch up!

Well for starters, I applaud you for attempting to refocus your energy by working out and by shopping. I'm also proud of you for taking care of yourself after sliming. Have you thought of just being able to cry? It's no shame in letting that out. I have friends that have struggled with infirtility and I see how hard they have to cope with the news of someone else becoming pregnant. If you haven't, go for it. It seems to help. Also, a nap may help you with the restlessness or a walk outside in the air. I know it sucks and I do feel for you. I'm not going to give you the whole, "it'll happen for you in time..." and blah speech, cause I know it sucks and it's not going to help. Sooooooo, here's a big hug and know that it does help to vent. Also know that everyone else in here is proud of you for recognizing the strength that you are exercising over not eating...

I used to work midnights as well (part of my huge weight gain was from it). Is 1am a time that works slows down and you have more free time? I figured out that I was snacking out of sheer boredom. Between 1am and 2am the night started really dragging on. Can you try taking a quick walk around the boat, the bldg, something? Maybe just to clear your head? Or can you take a 10 minute break and read a chapter in a book? Working mids is really rough on the body. You've been doing really well though, keep up the good work!

Never heard of it. Only allowed milk? What are the rules?...maybe we can help.

Sofia: The point of not drinking with the band (according to my doc, as we all know, everyone is different) is because it mushes your food down and you lose the sense of fullness that you had when you ate. It'll push it through your pouch faster and empty out your stomach. I'm not sure that it's a worry of stretching your pouch or slipping the band as it is more for the concern of sabatoging your weight loss.

I agree with everyone else with the calories. I know they are a lot but as a treat, it's not so bad. I was told prior to surgery to lay off the caffeine and I did. I'm the goofball that now orders everything in decaf and everyone looks at with the "why the heck are you getting coffee then?" look in their face.

Welcome back MM! How was your trip? Put me down for a total of 400 minutes. This has been great to know that I'm being slightly held accountable for doing some exercise. I'm also feeling good too!

Check out the section on Lap Band Complications or Life After Lap Band Removal. Some of those folks have gone through the same thing.

You could put together a lotion/bath basket. Get a few things from Bath and Body Works.

You could send her a virtual cake to acknowledge her birthday until you figure out something else. At least let her know you haven't forgotten. eSentiments.Com Best of all....no calories!