jbflorida

Handling emotional eating.... For me, it is becoming AWARE that it IS emotional and not true hunger. Before the band, I just ate...all the time. My appetite has changed and I have no cravings......yay! BUT--- 3 weeks ago, I went to a dance (I do not like going to dances as I am single and hate sitting there watching dancers--most were couples--but a friend was singing and I said I would go). When she was done, I left--yes, feeling lonely! and as I drove by a grocery store on my way home, I had an instant CRAVING for potato chips! My immediate thought was--"where did THAT come from?" I was not hungry. I made the instant connection of emotion/craving. I remember that moment and that has helped me stay on course. (I did NOT stop for the chips or anything else!)

Hi Bas--Here's to a successful and uneventful surgery for you. This journey has been very smooth for me. Yes, I am hungry at times, but I am dedicated! Today I had a cheese omelette this AM (eggbeaters, 1/4 cup) and for lunch I had a turkey burger with some muenster cheese melted on top. For dinner, I will have some cut-up chicken with peach-mango salsa. I will have a Protein whey isolate shake (vanilla with banana flavoring) later on for a snack. 1 cup of coffee, 1 cup of decaf and--WATERWATERWATER! I had 6 weeks of liquid. Did I like it? Did it kill me? Only a few of the 36 days were a problem. The time IS going to go by, why not do the right thing? Now, 5 weeks past surgery--down from 217 to 184, off BP meds, exercising with plenty of energy---and feeling goooood. I am excited about what is to be! Feel free to write me anytime! Judy

I asked the surgeon which one he would choose to put in his wife (who is gorgeous and has a diamond the size of Chicago) and he said the Lap Band. But he said that the two are very similar in "results." I liked that the Lap Band seemed to have more substance--the tubing, etc. was a bit thicker. That may seem like a disadvantage to some, but I thought the Realize tubing seemed flimsy. Just an opinion. I got the Lap Band 5 weeks ago and so far, so good.

Debbie-- So many of us can relate to this...how can I NOT be losing when I am doing all the right things!!!! By trying a different type of exercise, I got it to move again. Your body gets used to the same--you gotta shake it up! I did treadmill, weights and Water aerobics. I just added a Zumba class--cardio dancing to Latin music--it's hot! And so are WE!!!

Bandfan--I am also getting my first fill on Monday and I am ready! I know I can handle more food and am using good sense and good choices to get by...but it is hard. The scale is moving sloooooowly, but it is moving in the right direction. As my friend says, "who cares about the numbers on the scale? I'll don't care if I weigh 300 as long as I am a size 8." (She is a large lady--unbanded). I am out of women's sizes..and into misses..NSV PS It's nice to be part of a community here at LBT that is so supportive and caring.

Speak to your pharmacist. One medication I take also comes in liquid form, so I got that. He/she will be a good resource.

I was told to call the doc immediately if there was any heartburn or reflux! Please remember that the doctors are working for us. We "hired" them to take care of us. (I am not saying this in an arrogant way.) Call today!

At the seminar, my doc held his hand about 3 feet off the floor and said, "this is the risk you take with the lap band." Then he raised his hand to 4 feet off the floor and said, "this is the risk you take with the bypass." Then he raised his hand way above his head and said, "this is the risk you take if you do nothing." That made an impression on me. I was banded in May and haven't regretted it for one moment.

Dawgfan--would you do me a favor, please? Would you tell your nephew that this American (formerly Atlantan) THANKS him for his service to all of us. I appreciate his bravery to make sure we stay the land of the free. Please send us his first name so I can pray for a safe return for him and his friends.

Charlene--you will be fine by the time the baby is here. I am 4 weeks out tomorrow and I have no limits! Feeling good! Down 30 lbs as of today....

Today will be my first day of solids (albeit SOFT solids). I plan to have some egg salad for lunch and fish for dinner....yum!

Jana, continue doing a good job of choosing the right foods. I was on a plateau for 2 weeks (banded 5/13) even with eating less than 500 calories a day. In the last 2 weeks, I have bumped up my exercise (30 min cardio, 30 min weight machines) 3x a week and some Water aerobics (3x a week) and voila! the scale is moving! I am down 29.5 lbs....wearing size 14 pants....more to go! Stick with it! You're worth it!

I wondered if my lack of weight loss in the past 2 weeks was due to eating too little!! (what a new thought!) I was eating about 400 calories and the doc told me that maybe that is what my body needs to maintain.....I don't think so! I was just banded on May 13 and in the last few days of full liquids. I have lost 28 lbs. so I am not complaining. But I think my body is shocked and saying, "waaaaaait a minute--hold on to everything! where's the food??" So Gone4ever (also a May 13th bander)--I hope you are right! Now for a question---what's the difference between soft foods and mushie foods?

What's the difference between men and bonds? Bonds mature.

Menopause......it's been good to me! Don't miss TOM at ALL!

I have been "working" the same damn pound for 10 days now...off one day, back to see me the next, repeat, repeat. With exercise, without, it doesn't matter. I can hear my body saying, "nah,nah,nah,nah,nah." Fill on June 23. Can't get here soon enough. Can you hear the frustration???

My doc said no swimming for 2 weeks. I was banded 5/13 and was back to water aerobics on day 15. Doing fine, but feel a twinge if I twist.

I read here that someone's surgery was cancelled while she was on the table because she had taken phentermine before her surgery--can cause heart problems under anesthesia. You don't want that! Try to stick it out. I did Optifast for 14 days and it does get easier. Add broth, sf Jello and sf popsicles to your diet. And Water and crystal lite will help too!

Today is 2 weeks out of surgery. The port still has a lingering, occasional pain. If I place my fingers over the site, I can feel the port. Is this normal? I don't want this thing sticking out when I lose my tummy!!! Not that I'll be wearing a bikini anymore....haha

I also did not have 100 lbs to lose...more like 75-85. But I knew that 100 lbs to lose was right around the corner. I also have a High BP and sleep Apnea. Part of the band for me was Preventative. When I went to the "lesson" at the hospital the day after surgery with the other 6 new banders, they looked me up and down as the "skinny" one--that was a hoot! Of course, I am 56 and my metabolism is slower, I have "done" all the diets and I just couldn't afford Healthwise to wait. Do some soul searching. Be ready for a new way of seeing food. It can no longer be a reward, entertainment, companion or solace. Spend time on this message board. Try to go to a support group. You're worth the time you invest to decide if this is right for you.

dosnyc--had the same experience. chicken broth will help--I am assuming there is SOME Protein in there. Also had lite apple juice and the little bit of sugar helped. I called the doc on day 10 with the same problems--he put me on full liquids 3 days early. Tonight I had broccoli-cheese Soup (pureed) and OMG! I don't think I've ever tasted anything so good! Hang in there--so worth it.

Carol If you take the Milk of Magnesia, DO NOT take the 4 tablespoons! I took 1 Tbs. and if was enough. (unless you have a colonoscopy planned for tomorrow morning) IF gas goes any higher, I plan to put the M of M in my car--the power!

Thanks NY2LA--I was on Optifast and Clear Liquids for 2 weeks preop--lost 13 there. After surgery, I was on Clear liquids only--about 100 calories a day. I was supposed to be on that for 2 weeks, but I called the doc and talked about how weak I was, etc. So on to full liquids 3 days early! YAY! I won't get a fill for at least 2 weeks, so I have to be careful not to "overdo" the puddings and oatmeal and Soups. Good luck to you!

Also a May 13 bander. Finally got on Full Liquids--just had some cream of wheat. You'd think I had a steak; I was so happy. Today was the first day I went up 1/2 lb. I'm just not going to fret about it, still down 25. Have a great weekend everyone--remember those vets!

agm--congrats on having the surgery! Glad you are one of the gang. broth really saved me. I also enjoyed Lite Apple juice and Lite Cranberry Juice. The little bit of sugar and carbs saved me. What about Gatorade? Hang in there!