Dani_d

Try taking a pita bread and opening it up. Bake one half until just barely crispy and add your topping and rebake to melt cheese, heat toppings and crisp up the bread the rest of the way.

Did not have reflux before the band, but have some now. Not terribly bad. Stays under control with an OTC acid reducer every day or other day. That's what I consider the price to pay to go from a size 18 to an 8 in a year.

Stacy Do you have a friend that you can go with. I have found that while you're chatting with you're friends, exercise goes a lot easier. Find someone who can treadmill right next to you, and you'll have your mind on other things. ALso, there are so many different types of people who go to the gym, esp. some place like the Y, there are people of all shapes, sizes and ages, so dig down and just start going, find something you enjoy (at least to the degree that exercise can be enjoyed) and it will get easier. D

I'm glad to see i'm not the only one. I actually live in a warm climate (fl) but the a/c is killing me. I can't wait for the summer, a/c has a harder time keeping up. AnnieM- I was ALWAYS hot before too, I'm making the work building person nuts, I have been complaining that I'm hot for years, now I'm always muttering about how freezing it is.

Janiee I've been thinking about your post for 2 days now, so I had to comment. No husband is worth making you feel bad, on top of him being LAZY. Get rid of him. You have already made the step to do the supervised diet, you will be able to manage to have the band without him one way or another. Best of luck to you. dani

I have lost about 87 pounds with this wonderful invention and am about 20lbs from my goal. I am however finding that my new body, without all its insulating fat, is COLD ALL THE TIME. Has anyone else experienced this problem and does it get better when your body adjusts. I would appreciate anyone's experience or knowledge on the subject. (ps, not anemic, already checked) thanks daniela

You're doing great for getting up that early and exercising. I took me a long while I get used to exercise being part of my routine. I also found music helped me the most. Once I have the tunes going and am actually on the thing, I'm ok. Going to a gym and doing group exercise I also found very motivation, as long as the instructor was really good. Hopefully you will be able to do that in the future.

I warm up a vanilla protein shake (i like Michellar Milk) carefully and add a scoop or two of a good quality instant coffee. That way I have a warm milky coffee drink for the morning that goes down nicely. Just don't over heat the protein drink, it will coagulate and it's nasty.

My mother started crying when I told her I was planning on having surgery. However, now that i'm within 30 lbs of my goal, she is very happy for me, although still claims she doesn't "agree" with the surgery option. You may find one can still be supportive but disagree.

I have noticed that too. I assumed it was just my allergies, but I have also had the runny nose thing, when I have something that doesn't want to go down !!

I've done lots of salmon and smoked fish spread. Although hummus, etc would be good too. I'd say if you want to be really good, skip the crackers and use a spoon. Otherwise, have a little low sugar, high fiber cracker with it. I like the WASA crackers, if you can get them.

I just got a sample of liquid fish oil in a small packet at my local health food store. It claims to be chocolate/orange flavored, but I haven't had the nerve to try it yet, but it sounds like just what you're looking for.