gentlespirit

There are several of us who are vegetarians...we have shared some recipes on previous threads, which you can find by doing a search. I was vegan for many years but then started eating milk and eggs and now occasionally eat chicken orturkey but no red meat or seafood. I use Morningstar Farms meat substitutes as well as Worthington and Loma Linda stuff and have no problems as long as I chew well. I also use cheese, although less than prior to banding. One of my staples is fat free refried beans with salsa and a little cheese. I probably eat that 2-3 nights a week for dinner. We also use a meat-loaf like roast quite a bit...but it has cottage cheese and eggs in it, so if you don't like those you wouldn't like it, probably. An average day's menu for me would be a vanilla Atkins protein shake for breakfast (in the car on the way to work)...a few multi grain wheat thins midmorning if I get hungry. For lunch I might have green or chicken enchilada from our whole foods co-op across the street (about 3/4 c. total) or half a turkey breast wrap from Subway. If I'm getting hungry be 5 p.m., I'll have a small can of fruit jucie or V-8 on my way home so that I'm not STARVED when I decide to have dinner (if I get that hungry, I will probably overeat and feel miserable all night). For dinner maybe refried beans, salsa and cheese or maybe cottage cheese and broccoli or an omelet. I often make soups and take those for lunch, too. My dietician suggested not eating a lot of potatoes, but we can certainly eat some of them. And chick peas should be fine, too. it's a process of trial and error for most of us...some of us can eat things other people can't...everyone's band is different in what it accepts. Good luck with your upcoming surgery!! It's the best thing I e ver did for myself, even tho I'm only 4 1/2 months out. Emily

Don't beat yourself up over it...we all make poor choices sometimes. But I don't think it's the occasional unwise choice that makes a difference...it's the everyday choices that we constantly make. We don't have to be perfect (and isn't that a good thing!!). Just start again tomorrow and do the best you can. It's all any of us can do. Emily

You can always start again! The key is realizing where you "went wrong" and making changes in those areas. If your band is still in good position, go to your doc and be honest with him and let him know you want to get serious again. I've found that if I drink a lot between meals, it's easier to skip the liquid with meals, but I do still miss drinking with my meals sometimes. And I find if I can keep busy with something in the evenings, I'm less likely to graze all the time. Good luck with your re-commitment to this lifestyle! We are all cheering for you... Emily

I also use the Viactiv chocolate chews multi Vitamin and Calcium...they are really pretty good and nice an chocolate-y. They are my treat after my lunch each day and seem to satisfy my chocolate craving. Emily

I agree with Wheestin that horrible things should happen to "Reverend" Phelps and his group! That goes way past right to free speech...! I would also pass a law that child molesters would be shot as soon as they were proven guilty. We hear over and over about repeat offenders, and they should not be allowed that chance. And the only way to be SURE it won't happen again (at least by them) is if they are dead. Some things aren't rehab-able! Emily

This thread has had me laughing so hard! I have 2 adult sons, but these stories bring back lots of memories! have to say, I'm glad mine are grown and on their own now!!! Emily

I would see a personal injury attorney. The first consultation is usually at no charge and many get paid only if you get a settlement. That makes it in their best interest to work hard for you, as they get a percentage of the final amount. I just went through this with my son, and while he didn't get a huge settlement (he ends up with $3600), without an attorney he wouldn't have gotten anything...they would have just ignored him. Just my 2 cents... Emily

I was told not to drink 15 minutes before eating and one hour AFTER eating. I haven't heard about no Water an hour before eating...that would be really hard for me, too. Emily

I could until this last fill. Now I'm at 1.5 cc in a 4cc band and have noticed that I have to go a little slower. Emily

I always need clothes...I'm helping my son through college and money is tight! I'm in a 30/32 or a 4x depending on the fit. What are you selling and how much?? Have you thought about putting them on eBay? Emily

Sherri~ Sounds like you're going through what most of us did shortly before our surgeries. It's normal...this is a huge change and change is scary, even when it's good. Consider yourself hugged...hope you're feeling better. Just hang in there and it'll get better. I'll be thinking of you... Emily

Every morning I have an Atkins protein shake...I like the Creamy Vanilla. That holds me until 11:45 or so...my dietician keeps saying to eat solids, but that just doesn't seem to work well for me.

Wheetsin, I've gotta try your crustless pizza...this weekend! Emily

I don't know what I'd do in your situation, but I just wanted to say best of luck in whatever you decide~ Emily

Just got back home and checked in...hope things went well and that they didn't find anything serious. Keep us posted... Emily

I have used chocolate flavored hard candies when I really HAVE to have chocolate...they have about 20 calories and last a long time so they satisfy me. Emily

Sending her best wishes for a speedy and full recovery! Please let her know we're thinking of her. Emily

The "anything you can drink through a straw" rule was what I was told. That would include blended casseroles, Soups without chunks (or blended). I wouldn't worry about the cottage cheese or blended chili...I'd skip the tuna for awhile. V-8 and Protein shakes (Atkins) were my mainstays during the full liquids stage. Hang in there, and I promise you the mushies will taste like heaven when you get to have them! Emily

My surgeon includes 2 dietician appointments and 2 exercise physiologist appointments with his fee for surgery. After that if you want to see either of them, you pay. Emily

My nurse practitioner was very supportive. She said she didn't recommend WLS to her patients but if they come to her with the idea, she was glad to help them however she could. She was excited for me to be doing something positive about my weight. I haven't had to go back to her for anything but am sure that when I do, she'll be thrilled. My sister had band surgery May 3, and her PCP didn't know anything about it at all. We got a bunch of statistics online and gave him the Inamed booklet we got from our surgeon...he is very pleased with her progress 6 weeks out and is willing to suggest it to others who might benefit. Emily

Yuck! I would be freaked out, too. Unfortunately I have no words of wisdom to offer!! Emily

Wow...CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You should be SO proud of yourself! That's a HUGE accomplishment. Enjoy a well-deserved pat on the back... Emily

Good! The NSVs are great, too, but there's something about seeing that scale move that really feels good, huh! Emily

You don't say whether you have restriction yet...sometimes it takes several fills before you do. I am going for my third fill on Tues. and have a little restriction but need more, I think. The other thing is that the band is only a tool...you still have to make good choices as to what you eat. The rule of thumb is Protein first, then veggies, then good carbs if you still have room. I don't know what you're eating, but the bad stuff...chips, candy, etc. usually still goes down fine, unfortunately! And exercise (which I HATE) is necessary, too, for most people. Two months out isn't that much time, so hang in there and try to work with the band and give it some time. Chances are that the weight will start to come off. Good luck! Emily

I just purchased a sterling silver medical ID bracelet at www.americanmedical-id.com. I got the heavier bracelet and it was about $50. They engraved 4 lines on each side of the plate, and I'm really happy with it. The tag part is small enough and a little curved so it's comfortable. They also had stainless steel, but I figured that as long as I have to wear it all the time, I'd get the silver one. I'd recommend them. Emily