Apples2

Jodi...to answer your question on something of significance put in a new home...TOILET PAPER is the first thing to place in a new home!

As Besty stated above, take this time prior to surgery and start making changes. I look back on the time I prepared for LB surgery and see it as a gift (8 extra months to prepare). I researched for 3 yrs prior to surgery and was fully prepared. No way did I want to wake up from surgery and feel like I had the rug yanked out from under me. I mourned the loss of food long b/4 the surgery was done. I will give you some examples of how I prepared: Starting 8 months b/4 surgery I forced myself to eat as close to a banded person as I could. I cut my calories to 800-900 daily. I made myself shift gears to another actvity when I was about to reach for something that I should not eat and just eating out of boredom. I also forced myself into a rule of NEVER eating after 6pm. Nothing. I think this helped prepare me more than anything. I was a night time snacker. I have a snack every evening now but never out of control snacking like b/4. I would do ANYTHING to take my mind off of food. I would go rinse with mouthwash, brush my teeth, take a walk, sit in a warm bath, go ride my bike, get on the treadmill, grab my book...and, always take myself out of the situation that tempted me (example, walking out of the kitchen). I was able to lose 54lbs prior to surgery. I had friends that doubted why I would then have surgery after being able to lose the weight prior....I could see the light at the end of the tunnel...I knew the band would help me through. Being prepared (truly in your head ready) is the best weapon to carry with you along this journey. If you feel you are not ready...back up and take a look at things. Maybe you need to see your therapist for a few sessions...maybe a few visits with your nutritionist...maybe keep visits in place with both of them prior to and after surgery. Wishing all of you luck

Jessica...happy to hear that you and your DH and DS will be making a move to a place of your own. I am not surprised that you have made this decision. With your new-found independence, you will see many changes in yourself and much more self-confidence (already seeing that in you). You've mentioned having control over the food that you and your family are exposed to. That's a biggie in itself....no unhealthy choices. Sounds as if you have chosen a place that will allow you to stay active and also a place where your son can get out and play. Don't let the "lost" keys ruin your day. Email your prof and let him/her know of what happened and make a plea to take the test at another time. And, swing by your local harware store and get another key made (or two) and keep it in your purse so you always have one....keep the other hanging by the door so it is available at all times. You are making great strides towards your independence and you should be so proud of your progress. I also watch your weekly blog and saw your t-ball video. So cute and your blog is a great way to help yourself and others. You rock!

It's really not that tough to get in, Anne. It does not happen in the first stages and you just kind of learn to get all your protein in. I would journel my calories and right along beside it, I would do my protein grams and fiber. There are easier ways to do it (dailyplate, etc.). As you can see from my last post, there are many options.

I omitted a protein that was a staple of mine during the first few months after LB surgery. Greek yogurt.

Jessica....I remember feeling the same way you do. It was during my mushy stage and I was panicing thinking there would be NO WAY to get adequate protein. There are so many ways. I should have listed foods earlier when I responded to your post. Here are just some that have always worked for me: Beef jerky roasted/died soynuts eggs/egg salad dried edamame protien bars (read nutrition values carefully and watch the calories) cottage cheese baby bell or cheese sticks Laughing Cow cheeses spread on deli meats tuna salads chicken salads grilled fish or seafood See? There are many options. If you need cooking ideas, head to the Food and Nutrition threads and read through them. Good luck!:thumbup:

Jodi...sucks about being without electricity. We've had that happen here on the farm a number of times and for days! Dessi's party sounded like fun. What a good momma!

How interesting about the commercials, Joyce. What were some of them that you were in? How fun. Tough stage you are in...mushies. Can you tolerate a V-8 once a day along with your benefiber? Eva(Octillo) had brought some Benefiber tablets to FL and I tried them. Not bad...something to think about. You will be at a lower weight than your DH in no time the way you are going. :thumbup:

Scottyd..went back and re-read this thread. I guess I don't have a clue where the attack came in. I think everyone who posted was just giving their take on the subject...not attacking Ohm...sorry if you read something into it and took something the wrong way.

Refreshing attitude, Phyll! Something I am going to work on.:thumbup:

#1...my band is on the loose side so I have no problem eating 6oz of good Protein for 2 daily meals. #2...I have 20gr of protein in a bar each morning for breakfast and at least one more during the day for a snack. I also make my Snacks high protein/high Fiber cereals...dry or with milk. I am on the low side of the BMI charts due to an extremely high metabolism that hit about a year ago...a few months after reaching goal. My body requires quite a few more calories per day than the norm.

Speaking of photos...I've been going to ask this question of you all...Does ANYONE like to have photos taken of themselves? I just am such a poop about it. I scutinize every one of them. DH gets so ticked at me and thinks I am too tough on myself. I spent time on Friday to just delete the ones I did not like and say "bye-bye" to them forever. I am such a pill!

Eva and Laura...thanks for sharing your photos. I LOVE seeing everyone and what they are up to. Eva...I see a bug in your yard. I want one for a "summer" car. I can see Tanker in the front seat with me, ears blowing back (both of us) and headed for the lake. Janet...that is the CUTEST photo I've ever seen of you. Just so nice.

Oh Good! An invitation to chew somebody's A$$! I'm in on it! I TRY to not complain about our weather but not easy with what we have been having the last week and a half. EVERY day we have had a thick fog and rain is almost a daily event. It does have an upside though. It's helping to melt the snow. Happy to hear you are feeling better, Arlene. Figuring out what fiber supplements work for a person can be very challenging. They just plain don't do anything for me OR some tend to go the other way and dehydrate me. I am all for getting my fiber in a couple of doses of fiber cereal a day and I eat my high protein/high fiber bars for snacks. One bar I eat has 42% of fiber needed daily and the cereal I snack on with my coffee is like 57%. Just a tip and a warning....these cereals and protein bars have around 200 or more cals per serving.

Just going to add my 2 cents regarding protien grams consumed per day. I am 21 months out from band surgery. Each and every day I really try to get between 80-100 grams of protein. I do notice that when I get sloppy about getting enough protein per day, I feel sluggish and tired for a few days in a row. Never thought that it would have that affect on my body. As far as drinking your protein...what works for one might not work for another. I almost have an admiration for those that CAN drink their protein in the morning. I have NEVER been able to choke down even one protein drink. Tried the nose-plugging routine and that didn't even work. I feel if you are drinking your protein to stave off hunger and are staying within a reasonable calorie count for the day....more power to ya!

Phyll....I'll try to watch the "old lady" comments. Heck, not to worry...you look younger than any of us in those new sunglasses. And, I'm "Apple" green in my print....can't take it away from me. Cheri...much better color with the blue. Thank you.

Hey...happy Sunday to everyone. Chilling on the couch. Had a wondeful time with DH. Band was great. Caught up on my reading but gonna go sit on DH's lap and watch Bonanza. I get in the recliner with DH and Tanker (100lb black lab) climbs on top of us. He goes nuts trying to kiss and please both of us...or, he is just plain trying to vie for attention from the both of us. He does not like competition and he senses it when momma sits with daddy. Talk to you all later.

Awww...such a pretty little thing!:wink2:

Believe it or not..Jackie-O was about 20 yrs prior...this was my mother's wedding dress I was wearing

Yeah...we did watch the game at the same time as playing hocky...see the tv in the background? DH was shooting puck towards where my truck was sitting. Told him...a ding in my truck means a brand new one. Give a guy a couple of beers and all common sense goes! Actually...both DS's were in photos. Yep, Judy, I have a smile on my face...:wink2:

Janet...LOVE Karen Kane and your smoking hot (can hear you sizzle) in that outfit. Holy Hell...keep me away from a Karen Kane outlet store! I'm doing good. Found those bootstraps you are always talking about. Got 'em all pulled up and DH and I are heading out after lunch at home. Heading to a city about 70 miles from here. Need some supplies for building my new deck table and bar. Yep, the wheels were turning in DH and DS yesterday and they decided to utilize some space on the new deck. Actually building a bar and bar stools with tractor seats. We are going to take puppa to his "other mother" and make a day and night of it. Renting a room at the Holiday Inn and going out for dinner and to see a good band. Still need to hit the shower and get all prettied up for my DH. I got new DKNY black city jeans. They are so cool. Kind of a silky/stretchy fabric. And a new minty auqa colored thin sweather and a new black leather coat. (I always go far out on getting pretty when I go out with DH...whether it be a day of shopping or whatever...even did that when I was heavy). Will snap a pick if I think of it. You guys like "old lady" photos, don't you?

119# on wedding day:biggrin:

Last time I was this weight and size was around the time I was married 30 yrs ago. I did stay within a normal BMI until my late 30's but when menopause hit, my weight increased daily. :wink2:

1st is me in my USA garb 2nd is the day youngest DS flew in to Daytona for lunch. Went to the Ocean Deck restaurant. One of the only nice days we had with weather. 3rd is bday lunch we had for oldest DS's bday this last Monday and the cake momma made for him:wub: