sistasassy

I would try switching to all liquids for a couple of weeeks. Learn that you CAN keep those down. Then go to mushies for a couple of weeks and learn that you CAN keep those down. Then on to soft foods the same. The regular. I had to do that. I had to retrain not only my body and my band but my mind that it did not have to come up. That I was not always as stuck as I perhaps felt I was. I still get carried away and will eat too fast or not chew well enough and end up in the bathroom. If I notice I am doing this routinely, I have to force myself to go back to square one and start over. Kind of a "time out" for me to get myself back in line.

Exercise is great for stress. Find the method best for you. This will destress you, shrink you, and keep your mind off of it all at the same time.

Plateaus are going to come and go on the entire journey. Good days and bad days as well. This is now a life long process. The best thing is get moving and get your mind off of it. Keep your protein high and your bad carbs in check. Ignore the plateau and it will pass.

I also find it at Starbucks. It is awesome! I have those for breakfast a lot of times since my band is so very snug in the mornings. That and a latte and I am good to go!

I just got back from a week long cruise in April. It was awesome! I ate what I wanted but because I am banded, I ate less. I had frozen yogurt every day and as many times a day as I wanted. You get so much exercise while onboard that I would not worry. You walk everywhere. I had Mongolian stirfry for lunch everyday and formal dining fantastic menus for supper. I did not skimp. I did not worry. Just remember that you will be eating less. I lost four pounds during the nine days I was gone and I ate the most fantastic food onboard and in every port.

I have flown twice and traveled to the Caribbean and had no trouble. I think it really depends on each person.

ROFL@"Start the launch sequence!" Love it! I believe we are all right. All docs are different in their guidelines. I will tell you this, I have tried the walking around. I have tried the burping. I have prayed. I have pleaded. I have done the downward dog deal. I have all but stood on my head. Water and soda and "the launch" are the only way to survive. I don't recommend living that way for every meal but it works in a pinch. Definitely listen to your own docs but also learn from other bandsters and build your own box of tricks. You may have to even swap different tricks out from time to time. I know I do. BUT, this is one I am keeping! :thumbup:

Ok, my doc is one who does allow soda as long as you don't go nuts with it. Soooo.... A couple of weeks ago I was having a funky day eating. You know, one of those days where it seems that everything gets stuck no matter how much it is chewed and how "mushie" it is. Felt almost like something was lodged and would not let things through. So, I, not being the patient type, tried sips of this or that over a few hours to see if my band was open but was just not sure since a "sip" can sit there forever and you not know it. Then, I happened to sip my hubby's coke and darned if I didn't feel and hear it gurgle/bubble through my band! It was so weird! Anyway, I now reserve soda for "band testing" moments and am living to tell about it! Disclaimer: I am not sitting around chugging Big Gulps of pop. IF I have a soda, I have a sip and then don't have another one until I feel the "gurgle through"....so, please, NEWBIES, don't hit the soda fountain and, SEASONED BANDSTERS, don't start chewing me out.

I get the runny nose too. That and an "almost pain" behind/below my ears. Weird, I know.

I do have soda. I just don't chug it. I sip it and I find it is good for testing to see if my band is clear. This is the only thing I can actually FEEL go through my band. I can feel the bubbles. Again, I only sip, I DO NOT TAKE BIG drinks. I drink Coke Zero.

You need a different doctor. You need one that will be supportive and not overly critical or restrictive. My doc does not really care what I eat as long as I am losing. He wants me eating more than what you listed actually. He would not approve of all the PB you are eating. I would find a different doctor as fast as you can and I would seriously see about an appointment with a nutritionist. I don't feel you have made bad choices. I feel you have been led down the wrong road. You are not on a life long healthy eating plan. Please try to make these changes soon.

I can wear boots this year too! I have been so excited! My hubby has been stocking me up and I am good to go...for like the next four years... on boots now. Ain't complaining! :biggrin: Congrats!