Apples2

Drive by post...............Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend. We did. Friends, campfires, picnics, little children in Auntie's cabin watching movies and baking muffins, quality time with DH, great shopping deals on size 2 capris and tanks, graduations parties and some good sleep (not sure when we fit that in)! Just got home this morning and heading out again tomorrow. Volunteer job today till 6pm and then laundry, cooking for the guys b/4 I head out in the morning. That's what my DH gets for choosing an independent farm wife! Hope you all have a great week.

Yep Allie...keep an eye on too much of a loss. That's what happened to me. I was not even close to being too filled though. Metabolism just really kicked in without me realizing it. You're doing great but you gotta eat. Eventually things will catch up with you and don't want to see you feeling crappy down the road a bit. Just make sure you take all your vitamins and that you get sit down to good, healthy meals. I guess I can say that even with the added weightloss, I never did feel icky cuz I never missed a meal. Off to the lake till Tuesday. Have a great weekend everyone!

Oops...I lied. I did try a piece of dry garlic toast once. I mean DRY all the way through. Just made my doc a promise in the beginning that bread and pasta would not be on my menu. Yep..life of leisure. I usually hit the floor running on Monday morning about 4:30am and fit everything in that I can so I can head back to the lake on Wed. Just finished my work for the day and it's 10pm here. Have a few hours in the morning of work and heading out. hair appt stop on the way. Going to get younger! Have a great weekend everyone.

OMG Iteach...I did something similar a few months ago. Woke at 3am to pee and when got back to bed decided to do my exam. Kept feeling and feeling and fretting and fretting. Had DH feel in the morning and it was the tip of a rib or something. Anyway, it was a boner. I think I laid awake till morning and my head was racing and was positive I had breast cancer. Self-diognosed all within a three hour period. DH had always said that I missed my true career. Says I should put ads in newpapers and worry for hire. What a great guy your doc is for giving you back your co-pay. What a guy and what a silly girl you are!

It would be really nice to see a lot of the orginal Junies post on our thread for their bandiversarys. Maybe they lurk?????? and will post. It would be great. Allie...not quite sure how to take the DH being a "bone" man! Congrats on enjoying feeling your own bones. I know that I every once in awhile will find myself feeling my hip bones. Let's see if we can find a way in the next couple of weeks to get some of the Junies back to this thread. Anyone have a good list of some of the regulars from back then. We could mayb PM some of them?

1Day....I have had ovarian cysts burst three times in my life. First when I was 22. I actually passed out two of the times it happened. Painful. You should feel better in a couple of days. Hang in there! Long...congrats on being asked to head up your group. You can do it. It would be like being a Pampered Chef consultant. The first few parties you might be nervous but then you would adjust. PJ....our bands are certainly fickle, aren't they? Mine seems to go in two week cycles. I'm not hungry for two weeks and then I have two weeks of evenings where I am starving. I just really try to stay strong and plan well. Try to have fruits and veggies cut up and ready to eat for those times when things feel out of control. I know that a warm drink always helps me control hunger. I have NEVER tried Pasta or bread since being banded. In fact, I gave it all up in Nov, 2007 to prepare myself for being banded. Just not worth it and my doc insists that his patients give it up.

Orea...sorry to hear of your troubles. Hang in there, girl! Oregon...How are you doing? How's the hunger issues? Congrats on the 10lbs lost. You just have to feel so much better after what you have been through. Just thinking about you and wanted to check. Hey, JoAnne....you will get back into the "food" routine and hopefully see a loss soon. It's tough when that routine gets interupted. Hope everyone has a great evening. I'm not around much. 2 days at home and 5 at the lake from end of April till end of Oct. No wireless up there yet. Hopefully this summer so I can stay caught up with everyone.

Hi to all my fellow Junies. Great photo, Iteach. You are a very beautiful woman and should be soooooooo proud of your accomplishments. You all should be. Allie and Long...congrats on your losses also. Hard to believe it will be a year for all of us. I was banded on June 17 also. As far as doing something special on Bandiversary....I am just so darned happy that I really don't need anything. But, do think that I will have DH take me out to dinner and a couple of drinks. Been missing him lately with the farming. Up at 4:30am and some nights not back in till 1am. That is all behind us now since he finished up at 6pm this evening. Yeah!!!!!!!! We finally get some time together. Cathy....hope you golf better than I do. I golf like I bowl...in the gutter! But, love both games and not ashamed of my scores. Just home two days this week. DH and I are leaving for the lake on Wed until Tuesday. Bunch of friends will be up there and cannot wait to just veg out with DH, attend the nightly campfire, BBQ and visit with friends. Hope everyone has a good week!

Meredith...Take a deep breath, Sweety, and then be ready to take on that doc's office. Two weeks is quite a long time for them to sit on your chart. I, too, was put off by the office manager of my surgeon's office the first two times I called to sign up for the initial seminar. I gave her my stats the first call I made and she very bluntly told me that I would not qualify so I couldn't sign up for the seminar. I walked away from it for a year. I had already called to make sure my ins. company included bariatric procedures, weighed 249lbs at the time, had sleep problems, heart palpatations every time I laid down, high BP, open sores on my legs for a year that did not heal (due to poor circulation), trouble with both knees and hips. I felt sooooooooooo discouraged. Second time I called I got the same answer out of her. This time I went over her head, went to the seminar and was told by my surgeon at the seminar that I was definately a good canditate and he got the ball rolling. He was not impressed when I told him of the turn-downs by his little assistant. After that she was sweet as pie to me when I needed to make calls to their office! Do whatever you need to do to get your answers out of them and to get your papers submitted. Keep us posted. Laura...your telling me about your father still flying at his age reminds me of a call we got from our son about a month ago. One of his students (80 yrs old) wanted to buy himself a bday gift and asked my son to take the trip with him to get it. An airplane. Just brought tears to my eyes.

I have heard the "chew to liquid" statement from my doc and also from his nurse in our support group. But, it's actually directed at new post-op patients that are in the beginning stages. Anyone of us learns early on that NOT chewing our food good enough will cause problems. The thought of "chewing till liquid" makes me gag. I only lurked on the anti-salad thread. WTH? Not living without them. A well-rounded, nutritional meal all on one plate. Doesn't get any better than that!

Laura...give things some time. You are making the right choice by going back to soft foods for awhile. I had a stick about two months ago (ate chix breast too fast). It was two weeks b/4 I could eat solids again. Just knew that I shouldn't. You could still be swollen from your fill or you might not have chewed well enough. Be patient, try solids when you feel you are ready and go back to you doc if this doesn't clear up. Hey....I could travel every day of my life, Laura. I love being on the go and am pretty sure this is where my youngest (25) gets his nickname "The Happy Wanderer". He went to National Guard basic training at barely 18, moved to Alaska with two duffels on his back directly from basic. Lived there two years...worked for an aviation company and got the bug to fly. Moved to Santa Barbara for a year and went to SBU and on the side worked on getting his commercial license by the time he was 20. Moved to Daytona and flew through Embry-Riddle in 3 yrs with 2 degrees and 2 minors plus held a job as a flight instructor 40 hours a week. Now lives in Atlanta since Dec and is starting up his own flight school. Whew...he makes my head spin. I do admire him but every once in awhile thank my 28 yr old for just being a normal kid and farming with dad. Anyway, my point is...I think I could have been born with a suitcase in my hand. Being an airline attendent was my dream job.:eek:

Hi Kids!!!!!! Happy Birthday, Long!!!....and...happy to have you back and to hear that you had a great trip. You stinker....not even a gain. Good for you! You are lucky with not getting tight when you fly. I attribute most of my 20lbs lost to flying. It seems to take me at least a week for things to be right again after I fly. It doesn't happen with every LB person but when it does it's like no hunger whatsoever. Never getting stuck, just not appitite. I have an NSV! Don't think I have ever posted one cuz just knew they came with weightloss. This one is a MIRACLE!!!! I have been doing a lot of weight lifting. Not too heavy...3lbs for arms. Well, my boobs started moving north and noticed over the weekend that they are sitting up there pretty good! Speaking of boobs....was at the lake since Wed. There was frost on the nipples every morning! COLD and WINDY each day except Sunday. Had fun though. Bunch of GF were up there and went out to a club, played cards, watched movies and cried, BBQ'd, etc. DH did not make it up again as he was still planting soybeans. Will be done about 4pm today. We are both going to head up again on Wed morning and stay till Tuesday morning. A bunch of HS graduation parties that we need to come back for on Sunday but will go back up after we hit them. Took me awhile to catch up with this thread. Haven't had time to look at any of my other ones. Sounds like everyone is doing quite well. Better get back to work so I can leave again! Hugs

Happy Hump Day! 1Day...sorry for your struggles. Try to just make a plan for yourself (food and exercise) and stick to it the best you can. Start with mini goals and build it up. You can do this but with a plan it makes it easier. Julie...the lonesomes only come once in awhile. I knew when I married DH that I married the farm right along with him. I don't see my guys much this time of the year, and when I do, it's like they are not all there. We're just makin' hay when the sun shines. It's gotta get done. Nice you have your baby girl and that you are available to help your daughter as much as you do. Not all are so lucky. Some day I will be a GM. (hyperventilating!) Sooner the better. Heading to the lake in a few minutes. I have two days left of volunteer work this week and three bridal showers that I need to make it to. Have my guys meals all made and ready to go and hopefully soybean planting will be done by Sunday. DH will come up if we get the rain they are talking about. For now it will just be me and the dog. Have 5 new books that need to be read and a cross stitch quilt (2 acutally) that I am working on. 16" squares that are total stitch work. Everyone have a nice weekend.

Hi Phyll...nice to see you!

Not sure cuz didn't have a "stuffy" feeling. I have had two fills. The first one I felt NOTHING and the second did not kick in until a month later. That fill was in Oct and I feel that I am right where I should be. Just be really careful to pay attention to what your body is telling you. Don't push the limits especially after a fill. Sound like you are doing everything you need to. If you continue to have trouble after you are on solids again, contact your doc. Safest way to go about it. Take care and hope your issues are resolved soon. :mad2:

Sounds like you got stuck. Hard to say if it was the pill or maybe not chewing well enough. You have the right idea by drinking liquids today. There was a time where I got stuck and 4 days later still felt a little sore and swollen. I babied my band and just did liquids and soft foods until it felt better. Gotta be really careful once you start getting fills that you chew well and eat slow. Don't know what else to tell ya!

Another thing Meredith. Speaking of weighing and measuring. Get yourself a reliable food scale. I have a Salter digital but know there are many out there. Can't remember the brand Janet has but remember her talking about it and that she really likes it. Also, have your medications on hand ahead of time so you are not running out the day after surgery to get them filled. Ask your doc ahead of time to see if he will give you a prescription for what you need. Also, talk to doc about what he recommends for vitamins so you can have them on hand.

Meredith...so nice to hear that you have that kind of relationship with your father. Usually when people take the time to research the band, they come around. I will list below some of the things I had on hand during different stages. But, my doc moved me to full liquids the day after surgery and then to mushies on day 7. I bought some Aitkins caramel latte Protein drinks, SF Jello, cottage cheese, greek yogurt, protein powder and made my own drink concoctions. Had SF popsicles on hand to get me through sometimes. I bought a variety of clear broth mixes. I still love to have one now and then. For mushies I did tuna with FF mayo, greek yogurt, canned chix breast with FF mayo or FF sour cream, Egg Beaters to make omelettes. Used salsa and cheese on to zip it up a bit. Would put a bit of salsa with my cottage cheese also. I was just very careful to follow EVERY rule my doc had. Truly believe that's what it takes to be a successful bander. I always had something planned to take my mind off of hunger when it hit. Do keep in mind that there will be times b/4 you get your fills that you will be hungry. I had a list available for myself with different activities when the hunger set in. I would go brush my teeth, drink a warm drink, get in the tub with a book, put the leash on the dog and take a walk, make a nice warm cup of broth and hit the daily crossword. Just anything to distract me. It always seemed to work. I also just plain told myself that I was not hungry and made myself wait an hour and reaccess my hunger. In that hour I would continually sip my liquids and they really did take care of the hunger. I still plan ahead with my menu for the day. Having good, healthy foods on hand, bagged up in the required portions really made a difference for me. You would be surprised by the difference in portions when you don't weigh and measure your food. Plus, you know exactly what you are getting and them temptation is less when you have your portion right in front of you. Hope this helps some. It's been so long ago that I was in the beginning stages.

Susan...hope docs get to the bottom of your troubles. Hopefully not band related. Take care and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. :thumbup:

Meredith..thanks for the compliment. And about the baby food...ditto what Laura said. Get used to making your own food right off the bat. I feel a person has better control of what they are eating and food is healthier cooked at home. There are so many different options. Maybe all of us can get a list together for you....I don't have time now but can you remind us in the next couple of days????????? You know, Laura, maybe you are right with the fill. You can always try a small one and see what it does for you. All I know is that most evenings is when I am the hungriest and I think that I am at my sweet spot. Good luck if you decide to get one. Only you know for sure what you ned.

Oh Poop...reread my posts....I really did go to college and took english. What a mess!

Oh oh..forgot MiMi... A few suggestions, if you don't mind. Get rid of the peanuts, the noodles, the fried chicken and the fruite punch! Replace with steel cut oatmeal, salmon, fish of any kind, broiled chicken. Do turkey rollups with FF mayo and lettuce. Replace the peanuts with something more healthy. 100 cal pkgs of popcorn, almonds, fruit, etc. I know it's hard to do but if you choose nice, healthy Proteins, you will stay full longer. Honest. Get everything out of your house that does not belong there. You can do this. If you are really struggling, go back to your nutritionist and do weekly appts. with her/him. Keep a good food journal and account for everything that goes in your mouth. Start in the morning and plan everything you will eat that day. Do not do any impulsive eating. If it's not on your list for the day, don't be tempted to put it in your mouth. Sorry to sound harsh but you gotta change the habits straight away. You will feel so much better about things once you do. Good luck and make sure to post what you eat and ask for advice. Laura...that evening and night hunger can be wicked some times. Just give your fill time and see what it does. If you are tight in the morning, maybe this is just the way it is going to be for you. Save some of your snack for the evening. Get out the pickles, SF popsicles, etc when that night hunger hits. Make yourself a warm drink. That is something that always tamed my hunger. I would through some Water in the microwave and make a 25cal pack of hot chocolate. It seemed to do the trick.

Hey girls....hope everyone had a great Mothers Day. Mine was just OK. This time of the year is tough to fit things in. Spent the entire day by myself. Did get a call off of youngest DS and a voice message from oldest DS. Oldest was out spraying fields and phone went dead. He felt so bad that he didn't get to talk with me but he called me this morning with a belated call. DH was going to take me out for supper. Got a call a few minutes after he got up to the lake because DS was stuck with sprayer in the mud. Had a few minutes with him and he had to take off. Just the life of a farm wife and her DH. No...I didn't think that sucked. I have learned over the years what comes first in our lives (especially planting and harvest seasons....well...I better add on spraying, cultivating and tiling season as well). Oops...that pretty much eats up most of the spring, summer and fall. Yes, I felt a little lonesome but that's just the way it has always been. I have a confession.........I am ADDICTED to blackberries. I don't know what it is but cannot get enough of them. As most of you know, the last six months has been a real challenge for me to keep my weight where I want it to be. I am under goal by more than I like and do not to fill my tummy with fruit. So.......I just started putting blueberry syrup on them with Cool whip. Num. (I am not a good example for anyone in the weight loss stage right now). Barb12590...nice to have you posting and bonding with our group. Welcome and I hope you make a daily habit of it. You have done so well and seem to have your head together as far as what your body needs for nourishment. You Rock!!!!!! Congrats on the 118lbs lost. Kath17268...welcome. You will slide into your food stages just fine. Just be well-prepared with what you have on hand. I am on the go ALOT and my truck looks no different than my pantry! I pack different foods to have on hand that I know will work for me in a pinch. Another trick is to eat when you are hungry and not go too far over. I notice that is when I run into trouble. I am soooooooooooooo hungry that I eat too fast. You will do just fine...don't be afraid to ask questions and come here for some support. We like hearing how everyone is adjusting and doing. WELCOME BACK JOANNE. I have truly missed you and your posts. I have travelled to Australia a few times and I could never sleep on the plane either. Always shot by the time I got there and when I got home. Get caught up on your sleep. It is so important to our overall health. So excited that you are back with us. Hey Janet...sounds like you had a crazy, busy weekend with family. Hi Julie...back to the daycare schedule. I bet Mimi loved being back at grandma's. Take care. Well, gotta run. Have to feed the guys out in the field since they don't want to stop for meals. Now just to figure out how to keep everything hot. They are all in different places and I made Italian sausage potatoes with a nacho cheese sauce, garlic bread and shortcake with a fruit sauce. This could be a challenge! Later!

Livin'....I hope things tame down for you and you start feeling better. Please don't let it go if you don't feel better soon. Get checked out. Pain and problems are a physical sign that something is going on. Happy to hear that you had a nice vacation. Oregon...you are one in a million. Have never heard of someone being hungry after the sleeve. Have checked in on other threads just to see how you are doing. Hope the hunger subsides for you. Gonna wish all you fine women Happy Mothers Day early and have a great weekend. I'm off to the lake!

Forgot....Happy Belated Anniversary, Julie. Happy to hear that you and hubby had a nice time. Our 30th is in Nov. I swear that time just flew by or someone stole them from us. We still think the other is just adorable and (tmi) can't keep our hands off each other. But, we are not that couple that is out in public that needs to get a room.