Kat817

cottage cheese w/ raspberries & splenda Cottage cheese is a regular for me, I can have fruit mixed in it, but eating it alone is a slow process. Wasa crackers (high fiber whole grain) with crunchy Jif Peanut Butter crackers are not a problem, peanut butter is not either coffee w/ cream not a coffee drinker for the most part, will do an occasional cappucino---no problem Iced Raspberry tea w/ lemon (decaf) I drink plain iced tea also decaf, all day every day!! Caesar salad w/ grilled chicken I too need my salad to be crisp--and use more dressing than I used too--so it isn't as healthy as one would like it to be! Grilled chicken is often dry, and the dressing would be a MUST!!! steak I now buy or order the most tender cut possible, it costs more---but I eat much less! Yes I eat it, and love it!!! chicken breast depends on how it is prepared, if it is dry it will stick---not fun. I seldom eat chicken plain now. (I hate fish) How many ways and types of fish have you tried?? My DD makes a tilapia breaded in crushed macadamias, and fried---omg it is so good---not exactly healthy diet food, but yummy!! asparagus You hate fish---I hate asparagus, so have not even tried it! fresh green Beans they have to be cooked either very well, or just to the crispy point--in between, they are hard for me to chew properly, but can be done. broccoli I eat it raw with ranch dressing--not a fan of cooked broccoli (man I AM picky!!!) squash I eat all kinds of squash fixed all kinds of ways--easy food for me! corn bread corn bread does not dough up like regular bread, and I have never had a problem with corn bread---I love it!! I try to use less butter on it than I used too---it helped get me here!!! corn tortillas not a problem--I have them only in juevos rancheros in the morning, but afternoon I can eat them anyway---as a tortilla, or as a chip---no problem--flour tortillas, I have to be careful to buy the thin ones, or they get to doughy apple I peel them--fear of the unknown!! banana I can only manage a couple of bites---then feel totally full orange eat them without problems---chew well all berries I make berry cobblers---seldom eat them alone grapes I eat them, I chew VERY well, and again, feel full after only 4-5 grapes cheddar cheese All the time, it is one of the things I eat daily nuts (almonds, pecans, peanuts) Almonds are my other daily stand by snack---but I can eat all kinds of nuts chinese food w/ veggies and chicken Almond chicken is my favorite!! I go easy on the noodles or the fried rice--just because I fill up so quickly, I'd rather have the nutritious food as opposed to the empty carbs. But yes I eat it. I cannot eat donutss---they seem to swell as I try to swallow them---but I really don't need donuts anyway!! I try to eat as normally as I wanted to prior to banding. The difference now is in my amounts. I do try to focus on the quality food first, and eat mostly that. For instance for dinner tonight I have a roast in the crock pot, I will make the biggest part of my meal from the meat, but I will also eat the veggies. In the past I would have had a couple of helpings of the potatoes, and now I only eat a few bites of them at a sitting. I try to live by the saying "all things in moderation" and so far it has worked for me. I may have lost more faster if I did diet with the band---but I was sick of diets---I wanted the band as a way of life, I intend to live the rest of my life this way, and I do not want to diet the rest of my life!! I abide by the no drinking---I do not limit myself prior to a meal, but do not drink with it, or for an hour or so after. Welcome to LBT!! Kat

LOL annalee---we read what you mean not what you actually write anyway!!! I claim to have dyslexia of the fingers, I am always inverting letters! Welcome to LBT everyone!!! I too found the surgery to be a breeze. Less traumatic than the root canal I had a couple of months ago. My incisions were sore, and getting in an out of bed was the hardest part of it. I flew home 5 hours, and another 5 by car on the 3rd day, and only took a dose of liquid Tylenol for a headache. I never took a single dose of my prescription pain meds. I have heard of others who found the pain to be significant---I was not one. I was up wallking within hours of returning to my room, and I walked hourly---I was told it was the best way to heal quickly---and it worked for me! I had very little of the abdominal cavity gas. I can say I have never really felt the band on my stomach. I have had 2 fills and am at a good point of restriction--not having to adjust it in the last 7+ months---and now I can feel sometimes when the food passes through the band into the lower stomach---but not often, and it is not painful, just a wierd sensation of it dropping...for lack of a better description. Even my port is buried deep. Even my Dr. has to hunt for it---but there are times I feel it. Probably not the question you ask---but if there is too much weight put on it, I feel it, the muscle it is stitched into is what I feel I guess. I personally have told anyone and everyone---only had one friend (?) act wierdly---and hers was a control issue, she did not want me to do it, and I did it anyway. Most have been very supportive! I tell strangers if the subject comes up!!! I know people who suddenly lost weight, I always wondered why they could do it and I couldn't--it made me feel like such a failure. I made the choice to share in the hope that it would give others in my position hope that they too could find an answer. I fully understand the position of not telling--it is a VERY personal choice, one no one should make but you. Hang out with us, ask any questions you have, and get ready for an awesome weight loss adventure!!! I love my band~ Kat

I don't remember the tube---although my throat was scratchy, so I know it was used. My DH had heart surgery several months back, and was on a respirator following it, and then again a couple months later for a massive GI bleed he had due to the blood thinners. With all of the surgery--cutting his chest, being in ICU for days on end with the bleed---the one thing he says he hated the worst---the tube down the throat!!! So based on his attitude, as well as both of yours, I am thankful I slept through the experience! Sorry you didn't!!! Kat

****off topic**** HI PAT!!!! Haven't seen you in ages---just had to say HI---miss you girl!!! Kat ****return to topic****

I totally agree with Boo--and also see where this could be a way of increasing self esteem. It is not face to face conflict. I was involved in a VERY abusive marriage, and was constantly faced with "triggers", so I avoided dating completely. It was embarassing to be reduced to tears just because someone moved to suddenly. Then I reconnected with an old love, and we lived 400 miles apart, we did the long distance thing for 2 years. We wrote letters, and talked on the phone EVERY day (was before computers were in daily life). Eventually I would bring up what I considered touchy subjects to get his reaction. A few times I even tried making him mad. I had a safety zone. If he got mad or something I could hang up (in this case log off)--he ended up being the best thing that happened to me ever. But if he had lived next door, it would have never worked, I needed, my self esteem needed, the distance while I developed into the person who could have a relationship with him. I see this could work for you in the same way. There are bullies everywhere in life---even on LBT---but I feel very confident that the good hearted and willing to help outnumber them by HUGE amounts. Look around, and find a group of people you can relate to---or already have something in common with ( banding dates for instance)...and settle in. I comment all over the board, but I have 2 groups of people I don't know what I would do without! One is as said above related to when we were banded, we do an exercise challenge each month--but it has gone so far beyond that, we support one another in daily life issues as well. The other group is originated in another state---a state that only a couple of the 10 or so of who chat daily live in!!! I consider the friendships I have made here at LBT to be one of the very best aspects of my lap band. I would hope you would stay, I truly do hate to see you run off by a few people who are not being supportive. Kat

It has just gotten better!!! I am a happier more outgoing person. I am physically able to "do" more, we bowl, we go walking together, we lift weights together...all kinds of things. It has also improved our sex life---I am able to "do" all kinds of different things there too!! And I just feel better about myself, and how I look without clothes. I mean I know I am still over 200 pounds, and far from a beautiful body---but heck he loved me 80+ pounds ago---so he sees a huge difference too---and we like it!! He was not pushy, the surgery was my idea, and when I mentioned it to him, he told me, it put him in a wierd spot. If he supported me and encouraged me, he was afraid it would be taken that he was unhappy with me the way I was. And if he wasn't supportive it could be taken that he didn't want me to do it --even if I wanted to. We talked, and he told me he would be there behind me all the way. he has been, he slept on a couch in my room in the hospital, and has been my biggest support ever since. He hugs me and comments on how much I am shrinking---he brags about me to his co-workers...he has been awesome. He had some serious life threatening health issues this last few months, and I was able to repay the "by your side" attitude. He is for sure a "keeper" and I intend to keep on keeping him!!! Our marriage is stronger---we faced this together---the good the bad and the ugly. I would not have wanted anyone else to see the scales when I stepped on them, or seen my big fat belly when they come in to look at my incisions....just him. My SIL was banded the same time, and she refused to even let her DH know what she weighed---and he never has been much support. it makes a difference. My DH is my best friend----I have girlfriends---but he is my best friend, when something happens good or bad, he is the one I want to tell. Will my marriage survive? I say YES!!! Kat

Hi everyone--I noticed a few of my fellow April '06 buddies had popped in, so thought I better get with the program!!! It has been an awesome year! Some of you have mentioned that you were upset it wasn't being done earlier, I think April is the perfect month! It is Spring, you can be getting outside, and still have time to trim down some before summer---excellent timing! Let me see if I can answer some questions.... I guess the first one, is how you felt after surgery, the 1st 48hrs of what to be aware of, I had my surgery in Mexico---I was an in patient, I stayed in the hospital for 2 days, flew home on the 3rd day. I was very nervous the morning of surgery--but it all went very smoothly, I remember the anesthesiest telling me "night-night Bonita" my mind tried for a fraction of a second to figure out Bonita---and I was gone! I woke up groggy, but it passed pretty quickly, they gave me pain meds in my IV. Within a matter of hours, I was up and walking. The pain meds gave me a headache, (always do) so I ask not to have any--and from then on they gave me liquid Tylenol if I needed it. I walked a lot in the hospital. It was an hour and a half back to the airport, followed by a 5 hour flight, then another 3 1/2 hours by car to get home on the 3rd day, and I did it with one dose of Tylenol. I was tired, but the most pain I had was from the shoulder belt rubbing one of my incisions. and the 2nd is what support did you get in the first year from your hospital/Dr, The surgeon I used offered a years follow up--but as I said above, it was not an easy trip! Prior to my surgery, their office helped me locate a US Dr. closer to me to do my fills/adjustments/follow up care. Now even he is 5 hours away! So he also had arrangements in place with a local oncologist (they are familiar with ports) and a general surgeon who were aware of what I was having done. I have seen the band Dr. in Colorado 4 times in this last almost year. how many fills did you need to have in the first year, I had my surgery on April 24th. I had my first fill on June 16th, of 1.25cc's (in a 4cc band), and that fill gave me minimal restriction, I had to eat slower, but knew I needed more. So on July 21st I had an additional .50cc.'s. He removed my entire first fill, it was all in place, nothing had evaporated or dissipated, or whatever happens sometimes...it was all there, so he refilled me to a total of 1.75cc.'s. I reached great restriction with that. I must take small bites, and chew really well. I eat small meals, and am full for hours. In fact I cannot say I have truly felt hunger since that last fill in July. I can tell now when my pouch is empty, but I do not feel hungry. It is so liberating! I do not eat anything and everything trying to fill up! I eat healthier foods, and less of them. I do make an effort just to eat until I am no longer feeling the empty feeling, and don't try to eat until I am "full"---I figure if I need more, I can always get it. did you have a support group that you could attend Again, both surgeons offices offer them---but it is not feasible for me. There is a new support group south of me but it is still a 3 1/2 hour drive, and being winter I have not attempted it. I know of 6 people locally who are banded, but they do not seem inclined to start one here...so I depend solely on my friends here at LBT, and on another board I pop into on occasion. I have made awesome friends--it is simply one more thing to be thankful to my band for! It has been a rough year for some of us---my DH has had a couple of very serious health issues, and they have been my rock---I could type away with tears running down my face, and know they would be praying for me, and sympathizing with me. You can expand your world and enrich your life with friends here, if you let yourself! Now, I am 5'9" and began this weighing 289 pounds. I was morbidly obese. I am now 203 pounds, and not even obese anymore, but just overweight. I wore a size 22/24 pants, and a 28/30 top when I started, and now wear a size 14 pants, and an 18/20 tops. I most things I can now shop in the Misses dept. and not even set foot in the Plus sizes! I am 46, married, 3 kids, all married, or in serious relationships. I have 5 (actually only 4 but I count the soon to be step granddaughter) grandkids, one (2 yr old) of which I babysit for 5 days a week. I walk, or work out daily on an eliptical trainer---and I go to Curves 3 times a week. My DH and I also lift small free weights every other evening. I used to hate the thought of any kind of exercise, now actually enjoy the feeling it gives me! I am not fanatical about it---but have realized the benefit both physically and mentally I get from doing it! I probably began exercising steady about 4-5 months out from surgery. I look forward to watching what wonders await you all in this coming year---hang on it is an awesome ride!!! Kat

Your Dr.'s office should have all the info they need for the letter from your file. Some offices charge for filling out any forms---others fill them out, write letters, whatever, as part of your care. My PCP, wrote several letters for me, all at no charge. He always made sure I got a copy of anything he sent. I will say after the first one, I truly wished he would let me write it and him sign it---he was short and concise, I felt he should have detailed more----but it is in the past now!!! Good Luck----welcome to LBT! Kat

My only regret is not having it done years ago....I know it was not widely available, but I truly wish it had been an option for me 10-15 years ago. But since that can't be....I do not for a second regret getting my band---it gave me control, freedom from fear of eating--mostly it gave me hope for a brighter future. Kat

Well the party is over---thank heavens!!! It was nice, but there were sooo many people, and it was so chaotic! It wasn't segregated as I feared it would be---everyone was very civil---at least our family and DH's ex and her family that was here. DIL's family sat off to the side, and refused to mingle, and pretty much ignored us if we spoke to them---but they treat her horribly anyway---so I don't cater to them. My house is demolished---sad but true. Carpet sustained only one spilled drink, but my DS let the baby go on his cake in the middle of the kitchen, and there is sticky everywhere. The decorations got left up...paper shreds around everywhere, coffee cups...I should be cleaning but will do it tomorrow. I really think they would have cleaned up more, but it was decided to go out to dinner following the party, and it was already after 6, when everyone else left---so we headed to town, and then they went home, and I come back to the mess. Originally it was to be the son, DIL, and grandson, the DD's and the SIL, and b/f and kids going to dinner. Then a cousin on his Mom's side heard, and they wanted to go, and then another, and of course his Mom, and her bf....thrilled my ex!!! So we changed plans---and rather than go to Chilis we went to Fudruckers---where each group could pay their own as we went in and ordered. I don't mind paying ours and the kids---but damned if I am buying the ex's!!! Actually she was very nice, and her b/f has always been fun, so it wasn't too bad. Mandy---have they drawn blood or cultured your throat, or anything that might tell them what it is exactly they are fighting? It worries me! All you guys are doing so good planning and fixing your low carb goodies. I have nothing cooked, nothing left over (besides cake) to send in DH's lunch tomorrow---guess he will have to hit Taco Bell or Burger Kind---they are both right near his work. Tomorrow I will shop and cook---and TRY to get back in gear. I feel like I am up a couple of pounds--water weight, my rings feel like they actually fit better!!! Cindy--hope it goes well with the job idea! Sounds fun! Has anyone heard from Cassie as to how her meeting went with her job? Darcy---sorry about the treadmill---I will let you come walk on mine! I actually have mine in the room with the eliptical now, and can do one while DH does the other, and talk to him---except I am still always out of breath on the eliptical!!! It has the pre-programmed workouts, so it increases resistance, and maintains a set heart rate for you---I am so badly out of shape!!! You can also buy ifit cards for it, that are linked to a video or DVD of a personal trainer workout. Or hook it up to a video work out---so you can see people who can do it without wearing out in 5 minutes!!!! Dianne--how is your stomach feeling? Of course I will say a prayer for FIL...along with MIL and the rest of you---what a time you are having....((((hugs)))) Sherry---after this party and screeching kids---I totally relate to the crying baby thing. Kinsey is 2, and has attacks of the whine's but seldom cries without hurting herself....and has no one but me to argue with most of the time---so get them all here today, and it was loud, and unorganized---stressful! They had a pinata for small kids...instead of hitting it, it has multiple strings hanging off the bottom...each kid grabs a string and pulls---and the bottom drops. Kinsey's eyes when all that candy fell out were huge!!!! It was so cute!!! Connor got a little plastic wheelbarrow, he just wanted to put all the candy in the wheelbarrow, then dump it out...then load it again, he could have cared less about his gifts otherwise!! Well I am going to try to get to bed...hope all you sickies feel better---no sore throats or anything new!!! And I hope all the low carb dieters, make it through without problems. Will catch the rest of you tomorrow!! Kat

I showered before I left the hospital---so it was the next day. Felt good too, I was covered in yellow goo!!! It remained sticky even after the surgery---finally wore itself off I guess!!! Check with your Dr. some patients are glued, others stitched (me) and others stapled---I am sure the type of stitches, makes a difference, mine had to be removed---but we removed them here at home. Simple question for your surgeon, or even the surgical nurse in the hospital. Good Luck, Kat

My flight was just over 5 hours, and we had another 5 by car. I did it on the 3rd day, and only needed a shot of liquid Tylenol for a headache. I was tired when I got home, but the pain was not an issue. I would suggest, as you board the plane, ask for a seatbelt extender right then....she will reach behind her and hand it to you---no fuss! Those already boarded will be settling in their seats, and those behind you do not see what's going on. If you wait and ask after everyone is seated, then they walk back down the aisle with it--for all to see. Also as you head for your seat, grab a pillow---it is nice to have it between you and the seatbelt. I actually needed it in the car more than the plane. My incisions are up high so the lap belt did not affect them, but the shoulder belt did. I did not feel steady climbing out over people so stayed seated through the flight (we did have a layover, so I walked then), but I rotated my ankles, and raised and lowered them, and lifted my legs in my seat. My DH knew what I was doing, the woman in the next seat probably thought I had ants in my pants!!! But I was told to move to avoid blood clots---so move I did!! I just sipped on a bottle of water, when they offered drinks. As well as your loose pants, plan on a loose fitting non underwire bra. Many say they could not wear one at all. I am too big to not wear one in public! I wore a looser fitting, soft (basically worn out!) bra...and did fine. Also slip on shoes---nothing that takes effort to get on and off---you will have to remove them in the airport. You don't want to be bending over tying shoes with your incisions. And pack lightly--you will be lugging the suitcase through the airport---and you shouldn't be lifting much. A friend and her DH were banded together, and he got airsick on the way home, and he threw up non stop, well dry heaved for 2 hours---scared them so bad. When they landed they called the surgeon, he said just to take it very slow, and try to begin sipping some flat 7 Up in a couple of hours. He did, and now 2 years later, he is 140 pounds down! As soon as you can following surgery begin walking---I think it is the best advice I was given, I feel like it helped me immensely! They put some pain meds in my IV not long after surgery, but they give me headache so I requested not to have more, and was given Tylenol---and did fine. This was an easy surgery in my case. It felt very anticlimatic! I prepped for months, expecting to feel "different", and there was discomfort as opposed to pain, and nothing felt changed! You will do fine---the flight was not a big deal. I was given the advice about asking for the extender going home, and it made it so easy!! I hope you have as simple a go of it!! Good Luck!! Kat

I have horrid allergies through the summer when the corn is tasseling, and when we cut hay---and sneezed like crazy---never hurt me. I had a couple of months to heal, prior to my attacks---but it is nothing for me to sneeze 20 times, one right after the other!! Gives me a helluva headache, but not problems with my port or band. Kat ps....God Bless You!!

I am so glad you knew where to send her for the video!!! Thanks---I will make note of it---several people ask, and I never know!!! Now if I ever remember where I put the note I made!!! Welcome to LBT!!! Kat

Seems to me the same attitude you are condemning in others is the one you have adopted. The vast majority of us on LBT have already had our surgery--and are not in need of having another. I read the post about your donating a lapband, I thought then, and still do that it was a very nice thing for you to do. You are 100% right that the only person you have to answer to is God himself. It just struck me that you do not want to divulge names, which I am sure is SOP for the type of donation you made, but are angry at others for not divulging their names either. I find it very sad, that such a positive gesture, has ended in in a very hateful manner. It's too bad you feel you must leave...but if you feel so strongly about it, I have to wonder if you would ever get beyond that feeling. Surely this new thread, and all the new griping and begging are just causing more bad feelings. The old saying "fish or cut bait" comes to mind. Just for the record---I did not "apply" for your band give away, I did not recommend anyone else to "apply", I have never emailed or PM'd you in either a negative, nor positive manner-ever. I imagine the ones PM'ing you with all the accusations, and complaints are the same ones who occasionally send other members off to other boards. But for most of us, this is a positive place to be, full of support, and friendly people. I hate to see this stir up controversy--if it is done, it is done. If you choose not to do it again, or to do it elsewhere that is fine, it is your money, and your option. It is an understandable move. I do have to say, I am also of the opinion, I would not let a few angry people run me off, especially if I knew I had done nothing to deserve it. Kat

Well girls, the house is clean. Laundry is done. And get this....all the exercise equipment is now in it's own room!!! It looks good in there! We got the old desk moved out, and rearranged some things--now we have our weights, the treadmill, the eliptical-and the exercise ball, all contained in one room. Tonight we actually used them at teh same time! I walked, Rick ummmmm eliptic-ed (?)---! He is doing sit ups, he is up to 80 at a time, I am scared to even try---I HATE them so bad!!! But my belly is my problem, so I should start working on the muscles under there, so if I ever get down enough to do a TT, my muscle tone would be better. psssst---still not convincing myself!!! Dianne---I was worried about you---but when I didn't hear back from you, I was hoping you were getting some rest. Hope you feel better soon. Betty---was windy here today too. I was carrying a load of stuff to the trash can, and one of the items was an old desk calendar, the wind grabbed it, like to have ripped my hand off and blew it down the road! I wanted to just let it go---but felt bad, so went and got it! It looked pretty out, nice and bright, but it was COLD! Mandy---feeling any better? I hope so! Beannie--I too think you would make a great teacher---but man they don't get to go out and have the fun New York times you do now....those nice dinners would be hard to give up!!! What age range are you interested in? Eileen--We had family in usually for the kids 1st birthdays, but we did like Betty said, give them their own cake, and just stood back and took pictures!!! I cannot remember them having any theme!!! My DD did Kinsey's 1st here, she had just split with her ex---and it was just a pink party! Her 2nd was Elmo---she still loves him. I don't know if any of you watch Elmo, but he has a pet goldfish named Dorothy---she calls all the fish in Walmart Dorothy Fish. I am ready for tomorrow---it took me awhile to calm down!!! I am somewhat "particular" about my house anyway---and when I am facing something like this party...or even leaving on vacation--I clean like a mad woman. I do things tho that don't even pertain to what is going on. I cleaned closets, linen cupboards--no one will be looking in them. I did ALL my laundry, changed sheets----all of it...but on a good note----my Spring cleaning is DONE!!! Rick is going to be off the first of the week, then out of town the end of the week. He is going back to Steamboat Springs Colorado to the Winter Driving School. He has been before, but they recertify evey 2 years, he said it is a BLAST!!! They have a huge course they flood and let freeze, then they have them driving everything from cars to 18 wheelers! They purposely put them into skids---he said it is fun!! It is done by the Bridgestone Tire people. I went with him last time because he was the only one going, this time there are 4 of them...so I am staying home....(in my clean house!!!). When we were there before they were hosting the World ski jump championships...in the middle of the ski resort, which is right downtown...they had HUGE ramp/slopes built---and they were doing freestyle jumping---it was amazing! I think I might join ya'll in your carb cutting. I need to get back on track---my eating sucks! But I feel too tight for another fill---so it is up to me---dang it anyway! Sherry--I like your side by sides---my problem is I will never be proportioned like any of the virtuals!!! I have a disease my DD says (and she IS a nurse) it is called "Noassitol". ALL of my excess weight is carried above the hips. I have no butt---no thighs---if it weren't for my belly, I bet I could wear a size 10! Seriously!!! But from there up---totally another story!!! Big belly, Big boobs, Big Arms......I see myself as one of those kids toys you spin the sections, making weird animals, with one kind of head, and another type of torso, and yet another type of legs----that's me!I have a size 10 but, a size 14/16 waist, and a size 20 top. Well---I am going to cruise around a bit, and then head to bed. See ya tomorrow! Kat

The amount you can actually eat will vary by the amount of restriction you have. For dinner tonight, I had 3 babyback ribs a few bites of a small dinner salad--lettuce, cucumbers, shredded carrots, cabbage, with ranch dressing about 3 bites of loaded mashed potatoes a couple of bites of a piece of garlic toast I should have stopped before I did, I felt uncomfortably full for a few minutes, but walked for a few minutes, and it eased. I ate the above, my DH ate all of his ribs, the rest of mine, all of his salad, and all of his potatoes. (He also had cake after dinner) But I eat small bites, and chew much more thoroughly than he does. In the end we finished at about the same time. Last week we went to dinner with another couple, and of the 4 of us, my DH was the only unbanded one. They both could eat a lot more than I do. There are times I could eat more, but I opt not to. If I end up needing more, I can always get more. I try to eat just enough to maintain my health, and get proper nutrients in. I don't ever really feel hungry anymore...but try to eat until I wouldn't feel hunger as opposed to eating until I am full. I use a smaller plate, and seldom finish all I put on it---but I don't feel deprived, because I don't want more than that. That is the difference in this and any other "diet". I couldn't have done this before without starving, and feeling deprived...and I don't feel like I am missing anything! Welcome to LBT!! Kat

Yes there are videos out there, but I don't have the link---maybe if you did a search for video.....or start a thread with the word video in the thread. Some people will figure this to just be an introduction, and might not respond....if I come across the link, I will pop back in with it. Welcome to LBT----hope you can find your video. I haven't watched it, I don't know if I want to see!!! Kat

My NSV, happen today at a friends house, where we were attending an anniversary dinner. I was talking to the fiance of my best friends son, I had just met her last week. We were sat next to each other, and I moved my tea away, so I wouldn't unthinkingly pick it up to drink--she looked at me kinda funny so I told her, I couldn't drink when I ate, so she ask why and I told her I had the band. She was surprised, she told me "I can't imagine you being fat" then she tripped all over herself trying to make that not sound mean...I was just thrilled, I still FEEL fat, and while I know I have lost a lot of weight, I thought everyone still saw me as fat, just less fat. Told my friends son, to hang on to her---she made my day!!! Kat

Congratulations!!! I had a similar thing with my legs---they look like some old persons tho!!! Skinny, with extra saggy skin!!! I am a very classic Apple shape, no butt, no legs....all belly and upper body weight---so my legs did not need to lose, but of course did!!! Keep up the great work!!! Kat

I can eat bread, rice, pasta...most things---except donuts!!! However if the bread in the sandwich took you to a point of sliming, you likely had some swelling. So ideally you should go back to liquids, or at least mushies, for several hours anyway, to allow your stomach time to recover from the stress it went through trying to pass the bread (or whatever). If you try to eat something too soon, it is hard to tell whether it is another offending item, or whether the swelling got you. It canbegin an evil cycle of eat, PB, eat, PB....not a good thing!!! Take it very slow, avoid the bread for awhile, and slowly add things, being SUPER careful to chew....and avoid ALL liquids if you are going to try a bread type of thing. Even being able to eat all of the things I mentioned above---I cannot have been drinking for about a half an hour before eating them, or about an hour after---or they swell and OUCH!!!! Hang in there, give your tummy a break, and try it again slowly.... good luck! Kat

Any relief yet Dianne? Sitting here worrying about you....hoping you are feeling better. Kat

Hi Di---have you tried taking anything at all? Maybe sip something like a shake---cool, might help it pass. Tums? Damn I have no ideas----did it start right away? Kat

I am 9 months out, and have less than half the hair I went into this with!! I have taken Bioten for the last 5 months, and I have ALWAYS kept my protein up (in fact I also lost hair on Atkins which was all protein). Not sure if it is going to stop or not. I take my Bioten along with a multi vitamin, B Complex and calcium each day--I take no prescription drugs that are new, in fact the only one I continue to take is my Nexium. I am off of all blood pressure meds, and my Metformin. My blood work just come back and my numbers were all good---my Dr. was thrilled----BUT, I am still losing TONS of hair! I damn near burned up the vaccuum! It was so wound up, and plugging the filter---it was an eye opener---I knew I was shedding, but this was more than I anticipated! I lost all my hair once on Chemo---but it come out fairly quickly, once the drugs kicked in. I noticed the first of it coming out, and within 10 days it was gone---this has gone on for months, but has not slowed down, nor shown signs of stopping. All those people who don't know I had surgery are going to see me losing all this weight and my hair, and think I relapsed! I WISH I had a magic cure!!!! When it fell out with chemo, it was blonde (light) and straight---it grew back in darker blonde---and curly!! Wonder if it grows back this time what I'll get???? Kat

Corn tortillas are not a problem for me at all. In fact mexican food in general is the easiest for me to eat...lucky me it is also my favorite! I have to be more careful with flour tortillas. There are many different brands, sizes etc out there---and I have to watch what I buy to eat. I buy the thinnest ones I can, the thicker ones tend to get very doughy when they get moist. I get the thin ones, and have no problems. I use them for burritos, and for roll ups (pinwheels), quesadillas, all kinds of things! I do try to limit how much I eat with the flour tortillas, and not overdo it---just because I only have a little space to fill, and the tortilla is empty calories....but they sure are good!!! Kat