gentlespirit

I drink a glass of prunce juice daily and still have some problems with constipation. I'm going to try that Benefiber stuff. Emily

My doc had a mandatory class prior to banding at which we had a consultation with theiri pharmacist regarding meds we are taking. They tell you any that might be a problem. Most of mine I could crush or get in liquid form. I had to switch my antidepressant to a two pills of a smaller dose because the pills were littler...I just take them at the same time so I get the dose I need. They can work with almost anything other than the NSAIDs or nauseating meds. If your doctor doesn't work with a pharmacist, check with the pharmacist you use on your own. Emily

Paula~ Your post really touched my heart. I've been through something similar where the rest of us walked on eggshells trying to keep things from exploding...eventually I realized how much harm it was doing my kids and had to leave the marriage. I'm not suggesting that you should do that, but do be aware of how much it affects your children. My sons, who are 25 and 27, still deal daily with the effects of living with such an angry person, and we've been divorced for 12 years. It's such a tough situation...I'm sending hugs and will hold you up in my prayers... Emily

I'll never forget when we visited a church in Iowa and one of the members asked me if I sing, "because women like you often do (and he gestured big and full chested!!). I couldn't decide whether I should be insulted or not! I used to sing just for fun, but 12 years ago following a car accident I was on a respirator for 10 days and it really screwed up my voice...now I don't even sing in church. Oh, well... Emily

Frozen bananas are creamy and a great healthful snack! You can put them through your juicer or use a blender and mix with berries or other fruit for "ice cream". We used to do that at the health food store lunch counter when I worked there. Emily

Refried Beans are a staple of mine (I'm a vegetarian). I just head them in the microwave with salsa and a little cheese. A cup or less of that and I'm great for the evening. They are sort of high in carbs, but all the fiber and nutrients in them make them a great food, I think. Emily

It's been fascinating to see the differences in what people can and can't eat. So far I seem to be doing OK with whatever I've tried except bread. But I try not to eat rice, Pasta, etc. because I don't need the carbs anyway. eggs in any form have been fine, for which I'm very thankful! Emily

He and his wife are both in my thoughts and prayers. I have really enjoyed his posts and wish him the very best. Emily

Congratulations to everyone!!! We'll be seeing some great pictures in March and April, I hope! Here's wishing an uneventful and safe pregnancy to all of you. Emily

CIndy~ Thanks for sharing your poem. You put to words what most of us women have felt at one time or another. It's beautiful. Emily

Donna~ You must be very proud of that handsome young man! He and all the others who serve to protect us make me proud, and I don't even know them! Emily

Leenerbups~ I'm so glad you were able to get your fill! Sounds like a great doc. Hope you find a dress you love and feel wonderful in! Emily

That's happened to me, too...it IS a very weird feeling, although I kind of enjoyed it! Only because I know I'm not pregnant, though!! But you're right, that's exactly what it feels like, and I can even see my abdomen move sometimes like a baby moving. Only happens occasionally and scared me to death the first time it happened! Emily

Hi, Diva~ Your post really touched my heart, and I applaud you for being brave enough to put your feelings "out there". That's the first step to freedom. There are days when I still struggle with similar feelings; but most of the time I'm proud of myself that I gathered my courage and did what I needed to do for me. It's a very personal decision whether we tell others we did have/are having surgery. I started out with just my family and my boss knowing. As people started mentioning my weight loss, I found myself willing to share with them this journey that I'm on, and I've yet to receive any negative feedback. Only you know what's right for you. If it's at all possible, I'd encourage you to see a counselor ...mine was a lifesaver for me. I used Lutheran Social Services and can't recommend them highly enough...they are wonderful. I'm not Lutheran but am a Christian, and you have the option of getting counseling from a spiritual or a secular perspective. We all have issues regarding food and body image, and having someone trained to help sort through that can be really useful. If finances are an issue, they have a sliding fee scale. I was fortunate that my insurance paid, but LSS will definitely work with you to make counseling possible. Best of luck as you continue your journey. Emily

Thanks, Tommy...that was great. I've been working on that same issue of learning to recognize when I'm not hungry any more vs. being "full". You described the difference so well. Thanks for sharing your insight. Emily

Congratulations! This will be a life-changing experience for you (a positive one)! Emily

My doc tells us to be on liquids the rest of the fill day and the following day and them move to mushies for a couple of days and then back to regular food. I think liquids for some length of time after fills is pretty standard...didn't they give you any instructions? I'd call and ask them. Emily

I, too, have been wondering if Marc has checked back to see all the caring and concern his post prompted. I hope so. I also wondered about getting screened for depression. I was really surprised a couple of years ago when I went for my yearly OB-GYN exam and my doctor asked me how I liked Lexapro because he had just started on it himself. I think we tend to see doctors as kind of immune to that kind of thing. But their schedules, if nothing else, make it so easy to get out of balance which can cause all kinds of difficulties. Anyway, Marc, here's another hug. Please let us know how you're doing. Emily

My doc said to aim for a cup of food total at each meal. That seems to be about right for me... Emily

It's been so interesting to watch this thread and hear everyne's opinions. It's so true that what we hear as children has great power and can affect us our whole lives. My sons remind me of that every day, and it makes me realize what a responsibility parenthood is. JMO, I want to commend you for realizing how this is affecting your daughter and taking steps to deal with it. It isn't easy to counter the crap kids see on TV with common sense and intelligent caring! And I don't remember who said it, but the just because they're related comment is absolutely true. As I said earlier, your daughter is blessed to have you...stay strong for her. Emily

I've never noticed any problems since I had mine out 25 years ago. They told me a lot of people have problems with citrus, but it's never bothered me. Emily

Jack~ Thanks for reminding us often that we're looking for satiety, not fullness. I've been growing more aware of that recently and trying to be sure I stop at that point...easier said than done. Habit is a terrifyingly strong thing! I have a hard time waiting between bites although I am doing well with the chewing. And occasionally I still don't pay enough attention soon enough, but I am improving. I appreciate the reminders of the difference between satisfied and full. RLittman, I relied a lot on refried Beans for Protein (still love them) and I think sliced deli meats were on my "soft food list" from my doc. I had a hard time with them, but I know a lot of people do fine eating them. Emily

Hi, Marc~ It's amazing how so many of us look fine from the outside and can be crumbling on the inside, isn't it? I think it takes great courage to put yourself out there and say what you have said. You've found a warm and nuturing place where we all support and care for one another thru our differences and similarities. This forum has been such a blessing to me, and I know it will be for you, too. The lap band is what brought us together, but we share more than just that topic. Sending a hug...we're glad you're here! Emily

Good for you! Emily

I think you are a wonderful caring mom and your daughter is lucky to have you watching out for her! I have found out in recent years that my ex husband said some things to my sons that they have never really gotten over (they are 25 and 27), and they tell me they struggle with insecurities every day. So stand up to those people and tell them they are not allowed to talk to or around your daughter like that. I agree that you probably shouldn't let them see her for awhile until they realize that you are serious about it. It's so sad that they are putting this on a child. What shallow people! Keep strong for your little girl... Emily