Apples2

Lulac....reread my post....the part about people not accepting themselves was not directed at you. You seem to have a great attitude about your new body.

Lulac...I have a couple of friends that have model type figures. Stand about 5'9" and at the age of 50 have no detectable cellulite. They are always complaining about their cottage cheese looking ass and thighs. They look HOT in shorts and bathing suit. I decided that whatever I ended up with after my weight loss, I would embrace and go with it WITHOUT complaining. God gifted those friends with what I see as amazing bodies. SHUT UP has come across my mind a few times....but need to practice some kindness. DH says women are never happy with themselves. I beg to differ. When a person has been where we have with the extra weight....we tend to accept the few imperfections we end up with.

My doc says to absolutely wait a year AFTER reaching goal to make any decisions on PS. I reached goal in Oct and can tell things are better two months later. I am 53 and did worry about the tummy since I carried everything thru my torso. I happened to luck out. I have no bat wings on the arms and the tummy does not hang. In fact, I can wear french cut panties and nothing is hanging out. At times I think my upper thighs look like melted butter but something most 53 yr old women have. And, I can cover that area. My DH is the only one that sees them. I would never worry myself b/4 the LB surgery. You are young. Just wait and see what Mother Nature gives you in the end.

Hey Long...good job not gaining during your TG vacation. It is so difficult to NOT gain during holidays. Just think of what you would have eaten last year. You will see the weight start coming off again. You have been steadily losing all along. There were weeks at a time where my scale didn't move but then would put the scale away for a week or two. Just helped with not stressing about it.

What is with this site this morning. I broke my previous post into paragraphs. It ran them all together. Tried to edit post and messed it up further!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Honestly, I did pay attention in school

Hey JoAnne...I know what you are going through on the liquids. Hang in there. Just a few days remaining until you are a changed woman FOREVER. I just wish I could better put into words what the LB has done for me and my life in general. My quality of life compared to a year ago has increased 120%. No crap! My journey started with fear. A fear that I would not be around for that wonderful retirement my DH and I have always talked about. Well, we'll see if my DH will be able to keep up with me during retirement. LOL. He has always been very fit. He leaves the front door each morning on dead run. Now, I can outrun him. I wake up each morning with loads of energy and I can honestly say I have not been tired since my LB surgery. Even when I went through that huge hernia surgery three months later. I am sure it has to do with getting all of my nutrients/water/etc. I love this life. I agree with JoAnne on the neg comments on LBT. I made myself open them up and read them when I was researching the LB because I wanted to know everything. But now I avoid them. I learned that most negative threads or comments usually come from those that do not follow the LB rules but still sit and complain that things are not going right for them. I have to just not look at them. I know there can be complications for those who DO follow the rules and truly feel bad for those people. I went into this with my fingers crossed and with determination to, for once in my life, eat right and do whatever I needed to so this would work for me. I honestly feel that someone was watching over me when I made the decision to do this. I am not sure if I posted this statement here b/4...did on one of the threads. I was so ready for this surgery after researching LB for three years and going through the 6 mo. diet and sticking to it and losing 54#. I cried all the way to the OR as the nurses walked me there. A couple of them were trying to calm me and I had a hard time getting my words out. I finally was able to tell them that I was crying "happy tears". I was sooooooooooooooooo ecstatic that FINALLY there was a light at the end of that obesity tunnel. It was the day I had been waiting for all of my life. I was born hungry and it seemed that no matter how much I ate in my previous life, I was always hungry. I was so tired of fighting. My wish for you, JoAnne and Sooverit is to get to that point where you no longer feel that intense hunger. I get hungry....but at the appropriate times. It just reminds me that it is meal time. I choose to not have a lot of fill in my band. I struggles with that for awhile but decided I didn't want the trouble that come with being too filled. It has worked for me and thinking that I am maybe at my sweet spot (kind off).

Sooverit....Just sending "hugs" your way and thinking of you and your surgery tomorrow. It will all be behind you soon. The LB was the easiest surgery I have ever had and I had a large hernia repaired besides. Wishing you a successful surgery and a quick recovery!!!!!!!!

DeeDee...Yes, a food journal is a good idea. I still do it and started it last November 22, 2007. I does help to keep a person in line and accountable for what is eaten during the day. For me, it just makes me try harder the next day when I can see my oops on paper. I really shoot for getting all my protein in. My doc really poo-poos protein drinks and protein bars. I do carry pure protein bars that I get from WalMart in my purse. I use them only if I have no options or am going to miss a meal. Other than that, never rely on them. I also carry the 1.5oz beef jerky in my purse for snacks. 25g protein in the pack. (I stated 23g previously). Some days it does seem like a chore to get it all in but just keep plugging away at it. One thing that has saved me, since I seem to eat a lot of chicken, is to use different marinades. I take about six breasts or thighs and marinade them in interesting sauces and throw into freezer in individual bags (can be cooked and thrown in freezer also). I use a lot of lite soy sauce and sugar free jams. I always keep Sprite Zero on hand and throw it in when marinading. I usually marinade for at least 24 hours in frig first. Just some ideas for you. I know the menu can get boring at times. Just try some new ideas with your chicken to spice up your meals. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!

I put the Fiber One or Kashi in it for fiber which really helps to keep me regular. It is so nice and thick and filling. I have tried other Greek yogurts when I could not find the Oikos brand. It is more than double the cals per serving and half of the protein content. It is so nice when I am tight in the morning to get that protein in. If it wasn't for the Greek yogurt, I would be short on protein per day. I also eat a lot of beef jerky. My 1.5 oz serving has 23gr protein and 140 cals. Filling snack. Can't get over the fact that I can eat jerky but not hamburger in any form. Even turkey sausage does not go well.

My doc put in the 14cc band. When they got in there he was not going to put the band on me and just close me up due to the fact that my heital hernia was extremely large and he didn't think the band would stay in place. He said the band had to sit where the hernia was. He did give me my band based on the fact that I had worked really hard to get over 50lbs b/4 surgery. To this day I have had no problems. Had a number of hernias repaired 3 month after band surgery and same doc said band looked great and in position just like it should be. Have a total of 5.5cc's in band after 2 fills

I get it at WalMart. Comes in container about 5oz. Oikos is the brand name that I use. I buy the fat free because that is all I can get. Has 15gr protein. I love it. I am usually tight in the morning and I have my coffee about 6 and get the yogurt in about 9. I use it as a snack once in awhile also. It is thicker than reg yogurt and keeps me fuller longer.

Cathy...by the way...now not driving to FL. Going to fly. Main reason being is that we will only spend a little over a month there instead of two. My son moved from FL to Atlanta last week. We are just going to rent a car for a month and drive the 8 hours a couple of times to go see him. (We didn't want to spend our entire 2 months on the road!) So, will not be traveling thru TN. Maybe next year. Gotta see where we pick our vacation spot for next year. Not sure if it will be FL. Long will be down visiting her folks the same time we are there. Going to try really hard to be able to meet up with her. I was looking forward to meeting you. Darn!!!!

Hey Cathy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! About time you showed yourself around here again!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Having a hard time remembering WHO started this thread. Oh yeah...YOU! LOL Sounds like you have had your share of keeping busy. I, too, am getting the house ready for Christmas. I am OC when it comes to decorating for the holidays. Love, love, love it.

Market...your best bet is to start a thread asking if there are any other celiac banders.

I also ate about 600-700 cals a day and was very active. But, everyone is different. I now need at least 1200-1500 cals a day to maintain. Actually, during the weight loss stage I felt wonderful and had lots of energy. I think getting adequate Protein was a huge factor. Like Jachut, I am long and lanky and took off about 120% of my excess weight. By staying active I was able to keep muscle tone (well as much as a 53 yr old woman can have!) My doc was fine with the extra 20%. I carried sooooooooooooo much of my excess through my torso and the extra 20% took care of that problem. Wishing you luck. Follows your doc's rules and you should do just fine.

Charlene...smart to go to doc and let him know what is going on. Hope an unfill helps!

Denise..sounds like things are working for you with the reflux problem taken care of. My wish for you is to be able to get your fills without the problem coming back. I am sure you are somewhat paranoid about getting fills but gotta try it. I have been so lucky. I have had two fills, eat my regular portions and no hunger for up to 4 hours. Everyone is so different and hard to give advice on fills. I have been stuck twice and both times was on deli meat. That's off my menu! Please keep us informed as you get your fills and how you are doing. JoAnne...THIS IS YOUR BIG WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!! As I have said b/4, you have a great attitude going into this and have done your homework going into this. You will do just fine. Just remember to be patient in those first six weeks b/4 your fills. I kept SF Jello on hand, popsicles, etc. to carry me through. I could have never given up my coffee either. In fact, I am brewing a pot right now. I have a stainless steel (inside and out) pot that I put it in and it keeps it so fresh and drink throughout the day. Once in awhile put SF DiVinci syrup in for a treat. Happy to hear that Abbie is out at least a bit and running and playing. Hopefully she will get back on her food and become stronger. I know exactly where you are coming from...my puppa is EVERYTHING to me. He replaced my boys when they moved out 10 and 8 years ago. Love, love, love my dog. (My boys too!) DeeDee...you were asking for samples of what others eat... Typical day for me is: B-Greek yogurt with Splenda and small amount of Fiber One L-3.5 oz of protien. Salmon, chicken, steak (hamburger of any kind does not sit well) Veggies or fruit D- Same as above S-Always treat myself each evening to 100 cal pack of popcorn and throughout the day will have SF Jello or 100 cal 1/2 cup FF icecream. I do two snacks a day. My doc is very stern on no snacks. Just 1/2 cup three times daily. Went below my goal weight and had to throw the snacks in. Did not have any snacks while in the weight loss mode. Stuck to doc's rules during that time. I am just careful that everything that goes in my mouth on most has good nutritional value. I do treat myself on special occasions and have bday cake, a bar, etc. Can't totally cut everything out and feel deprived. As far as exercise...I walk the treadmill about 4 miles 5xweek when it is cold outside. Otherwise, same amount of walking outside. I also run my two sets of stairs in my house for extra exercise for about 20 minutes a day. We live 15 miles away from anywhere so do not want to spend my time on the road to go to a gym. (I work out of the home). You will do just fine. Take a listen to what others are doing and cut the foods out that you feel are holding you back some (if there are any). Bump up the physical activity up a bit if you feel you are not doing what you should. It really does not take a lot of exercise to make a difference. I am not telling you not to exercise. But, if it is not your thing, try getting at least a 30 minute walk in a day. And...never feel inadequate if you are losing a bit slower than someone else. Be proud of everything you have accomplished. K

When I was 20 I ended up in a hospital for close to three months. (Pancreatitis caused by physical injury). Gastric tube, etc. and was bedridden most of the time in hospital. I was a young and vibrant woman prior to becoming ill. I could not believe how being bedridden ravaged my young body. Where I used to have calves, the skin hung. I was a volleyball player in collage and also on the track team prior to this. My arms actually hung. It took me 9 months of hard work to get back to where I was to begin with. I cannot be convinced that plopping into a bed for a knee injury would be advice that a doc (any doc worth his salt) would give.

Been missing you girls. Away for a couple of days and have not caught up on everything on this thread. Boos...Thanksgiving did not throw me for a loop. I know why...I am around the equivalent of Thanksgiving meals every day since I cook for my farm gang. Baking, cooking, canning, etc. I do know what you girls are talking about though with the temptations. It was a huge adjustment for me in the beginning to quit sampling my wares!!!!!! We had a great TG with friends. Stayed over night, shopped the next day. Stayed clear of any malls or huge stores like WalMart. Hit main street and all the exclusive little shops. Was great. Didn't buy any Christmas gifts but purchased the rest of the serving dishes for my Sorrento dinnerware. Didn't break the bank but have been putting off buying them cuz they are a little spendy. Just bit the bullet and got it done. They were 30% off so a good time to do it. Snowing here...huge flakes. My guys are still working in the fields. Out in the wind, snow and cold. Finishing up repairing tile intakes. Today should be their last day. I finally get my DH back after months of workaholism! :thumbup:

Hey Denise...have been meaning to ask you if your unfill completely took care of your acid reflux problem. Also, have you had any fills after? I have been away and not keeping up with my threads, so if I missed it, sorry. Just concerned on how you are doing.:thumbup:

Beth...there are studies relating sleep deprivation with weight gain, especially in menopausal women. Some studies state that with sleep deprivation comes stress. With stress comes eating because of stress. (Sorry, don't have those studies at my fingertips to quote). I gained an enormous amount of weight during menopause and I was sleep deprived due to extreme hot flashes. I do not agree with OP though on staying in bed and letting the weight fall off. Gotta move in any way that a person can. If I sat on my butt during weight loss stage, I would be afraid to look in the mirror to look at my saggy a$$. It was difficult at first to exercise but with pushing myself came the ability to exercise more with each phase.

First of all...want to send thanks to your DH for defending our county and to you for everything you are going thru because of your DH's deployment. Hang in there. I know what a tough job it can be for you. I am not a spouse but both my boys are in the service and my oldest was a gunner in Iraq for a year. I befriended a lot of the young mothers in our unit and know it is not an easy job to keep things in tact during deployment. My oldest son is out of the service now and does not have to go back with his unit when they deploy in the spring. I am co-chairing our family readiness group (started 3 mo. ago). At least I feel like I am doing SOMETHING to help out. My youngest son has been in the service for nine years and has 4 remaining. Anyway, "hugs" to you and your family. Just doing what you have preparing for your DH to leave is very stressful. As you said, you didn't lose but you didn't gain either so you are keeping yourself on track under the circumstances. You do have the right attitude about getting busy now that your DH is gone and making a difference b/4 you see him again. Something you aim for. I admire your determination. That's what it takes! God Bless you and your family.

Happy Thanksgiving Junies!!!!!!!!!!! It's been nice to have you guys for support and just someone to visit back and forth with. Enjoy your turkey!

To my special LB friends. Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving. You are all so great. That soft spot to go to when you need someone to understand. A most special thanks to Janet for the time you take every day to help. I have never seen you turn anyone down or turn them away by being too harsh. You are one fantastic lady!

Whisper....first of all I would talk to my doc and ask his advice on what he feels a healthy BMI would be for you. My doc and I discussed this early on in the process and came to an agreement which we were both happy with. You have to be happy with the end result. I reached goal in Oct and am really getting tired of the "too thin" comments. My BMI is 22 (normal range). I fell wonderful and am happy with where I am at. I think part of it is that a lot of people who are making comments have not seen me since I started this process and are shocked when they see me at the weight I am now. I am by no means too thin. My answer to them is: "I am not too thin, I am finally healthy". It's tough to hear it most of the time. I have worked so hard at this to get to goal. I think "Why can't people just be happy for me and proud of what I have done?" I know most people mean well but then there are those few friends where I think the green eyed monster has taken over and the comments can sting. (It's usually friends that are over weight). Hang in there. Find a weight where you think you will feel happy and healthy. This is all about you, girl!!!!!!!!!!!!