Pinkylee

Yasmina Well done. One thing I've noticed about the amount of food I eat or how slowly I eat it--no one notices. Those that do can easily be put off--they'll go back to their own plate after some reasonable excuse. Follow your surgeons orders regarding activities. He knows your situation better than you or anyone else on this board. My surgeon gave me a booklet with guidelines to follow. I read it at least 3 times before my surgery and still refer to it four months post op. If you don't get written instructions--make a list of questions and ask your surgeon. Write the answers down. If you do have a question, please know that Alexandria and the other moderators are a wise voice.

:clap2: I weighed this morning and I am happy to say I am below 150. 149 to be exact. I haven't been this weight since my wedding day. Laura-- You are our first Diva. Are you going back to being a personal trainer? 149 is a sexy number. Seriously--glad to hear you could eat. I had great success when I am away from all home and work pressures. I've done so well at the last two weddings--primed my pump with wine at 1st and coffee at second. Could it be there's no way you're worrying about daily manuesha (sp?) at a wedding? Hope you can continue to eat now that you're back to normal routine.

Regina Just because a man is a Christian doesn't mean he isn't selfish or have weakness. Even those who seem spiritually strong can be bullies at home. Barbara gave great advice--seek counseling. Together if he will go, but definitely by yourself first of all. Losing weight brings some empowerment. It's never too late to save a relationship--I'm proof of that, but I had to save myself first. Some of the men I thought were great Christian men in my church turned out to be the biggest "players" of them all. Don't be fooled by labels. He has to answer to God for his own spiritual lacking. Work on the marriage, not his spiritual condition. Only ne and God can do that.

Cutiern My rule has been if I don't lose at least a pound a week (average) I'll get another fill. Came close last month, but I made it. Guess we all want the same thing. Less hunger and more lost weight. My last fll caused a minor plateau (3 weeks I think).

Coffee is another food group for me. I doctor mine with l t raw sugar and 1 T cream - 35 calories and well worth it. Some "rules" I can live with, but don't mess with the coffee. I gave up white sugar--a weak gesture, and I sometimes use decaf, but I've been enjoying my coffee since week 2. I usually have one cup, but in winter it could be as many as 3.

Cutiern Were you hungry between meals b4 attempted fill? I am and am considering another fill soon, but I'm afraid I'll be too tight on my "tight" days. Congrats on weight loss. My Dad is an observant man. He maintains that learning to live with the band is like a cat trying to find a soft place to lay down. Lots of scratching and circling, but we final settle in for the long haul.

Thanks for reminding me of potassium. I actually am adding more Water to increase oxygen levels in blood and it has helped tremendously with fatigue, but potassium levels can dip with increased water consumption while losing weight--so I'll begin taking supplements again.

Entusiastic and yet mixed. I get the feeling my DH and DM would like me to lose quicker. When I call them on it--I get positive feedback, but it's those telling pointed questions. Can you eat that? How much did you lose this week? They probably are my two biggest supporters and two hardest critics. Rest of family--better than I hoped. I'm lucky.

OCTOBER CHALLENGE: Please submit your stats for week 1. It began Sunday Oct. 1 and ended Saturday midnite October 7. Days at 1200 calories or less: Days drinking 64 ounces or more of water: Days of 30 minutes of exercise: I have Barbara 465 so far for week one. Thanks,

Barbara I've had a strange gurgle in my throat at times since my last fill. I think it's saliva that has no where to go. Maybe hot tea would help. I get strange gurgles when my tummy growls. Cousin has it too--so it must be a new "normal". Congrats on the loss. I've been ill since Friday, but went to cousin's wedding anyway on Sunday. Remnds me how short life is. Relatives are pushing 80's. No exercise for me until I feel 100%. Maybe a little walking this evening. Maybe not. Be careful adding exercise after your fill.

What does your typical food diary for one day look like? My best would be: Breakfast: Lo-Carb Slimfast and decaf coffee (200 cals) Snack: Slice of lo-fat cheese and fruit or a 20 gram Protein bar (150 - 200 cals) Lunch: salad with Romaine Lettuce, Diced meat (2 - 3 ounces) with Southwest Chipolte seasoning sprinkled on top. Dressing of balsamic vinegar and smidge of olive oil and ok--I'll be honest. I sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of raw sugar on top. (200 cals.) Snack: Another Protein Bar (looks like candy bar to me and they travel well) or tortilla chips or fritos microwaved with lo-fat cheese sprinkles (200 - 300 cals) Dinner: Broiled fish (salmon and lemon pepper is fav) with more salad or a veggie-- a starch if I still feel hungry (250 - 350 cals) My late night snack are my chewable Vitamin carmels (2 at 20 cals each) Hormel chili is 210 cals a cup and Dinty Moore stew is also a great standby. Pretty mushie and seems like comfort food Would like some new ideas.

Thanks guys! I've gotta try toast soon. I've been afraid it would act like bread and stick like crazy.

My advice is to go for as much as the courts will allow. This gives you bargaining power. Going for the least is not going to stir up sympathy from a judge. They usually will require each party to "give a little". If you are on the border to support yourself, you'll be below it in a compromise. By going for less than the maximum you are sending a message that you don't deserve what the law allows. The law is designed to be fair. Don't worry about your ex. He's taken care of his needs. He's probably been hiding money from you for years. He took the title to your car a month ago didn't he?

Notice I said "best". For some reason I have little appetite for "bad" stuff. My problem is I get really hungry and eat too fast when it is meal time. Snacks have helped a lot. In fact, when I added planned snacks, I started losing again.

Today is my 4 month anniversary. I wanted to share some NSV's today: 1. I no longer dread family gatherings and being ashamed of my appearance. 2. I no longer "need" a nap mid-day. 3. I exercise every day without thinking of "something" else I "need" to do. 4. I didn't take up more than my fair share of the seat on the airplane and I actually had to pull my seat belt tighter instead of stretching it to the limit. 5. My feet don't hurt after an all day shopping trip and I no longer need to wear lace-up shoes or Teva sandals to endure the day. (a huge difference) 6. I enjoy shopping for clothing for myself. 7. I finally gave some of my better outfits to my DS and she's enjoying them. I finally believe I won't need them any longer. 8. My DH smiles more Every day life gets a little easier with the band. I'm learning how to deal with the pits and let them go. I'm grateful for each day I have this unique weight loss tool. Instead of trying to push the limits, I'm taking care to ensure my band's safety. I'm learning new feelings of satisfaction with food. God knows I'll never have that "full" feeling again. Food is finally taking it's proper place in my life. I'm finding new ways to sooth the savage beast of depression. Life is definitely better for me today than it was four short months ago.

Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. The fox is guarding the henhouse. Vote independent. Be neither Dem or Rep. I dare you.

Jacqui I went through as many posts as I could early on and the underlying theme of successful bandsters were actually what you mentioned-- not stressing about rate of weight loss exercising consistently I'm following your lead. I don't allow myself to panic over slow or no weight loss for the week. My exercise routine holds the same importance in my daily routine as brushing my teeth. There are those who are stricter with their regimine and have reaped rewards--but most of us are not tigers--we're brick layers. Stone on stone, brick on brick. I'm learning a new lifestyle and being a tiger for a lifetime is not in me.

Barbara Of course you will be able to eat. Barbara12 said it well. "I'm not eating nearly what I used to--the weight will eventually have to go." I blended "hard" protein after my weight loss stagnated after my last fill. Not as much flavor, but at least it was something substantial to digest. I definitely have restriction, but I still get a growling stomach every 2 - 3 hours. The snack rather than a meal is much easier to handle and it seems to help my weight move. I was stuck on 209 for at least 3 weeks. I have a funny new phenomenum. I get stuck easily on "first bites". I've read of others doing that also. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get unstuck and then I can eat. Until this phase is over, I'll eat soup or mushies while out in public. My fam is used to me sitting and smiling at the table now. (I've teared up and left way too often) I get up and make myself some hot tea to sip and feel a part of the group. Keep believing Barbara. (and I know you do) When was the last time you weighed what you weigh today? Thanks for your commitment to sharing. We are all gaining from your insight.

It's a full moon ladies and TOM can be an issue. Even for us "more mature" bandsters. I've been tight tight tight and thought Ahah! when I saw a full moon out last night. Barbara and Regina--all the best as you grow accustomed to your new fill. I am out of town again this weekend--another wedding on Sunday. How many of us are still in for the challenge?

Leila Hope all is well? Lisa I have the same pain. Seems to come and go. If you find out anything let us know.

Seen the Oprah bra fitting show? I was wearing way too small a size pre surgery. Still wearing pre-surgery size, but they are comfortable now. I've been surprised at how well "my girls" are holding up. 42D/42D

Genn So sorry to hear of your injury. Take care. Barbara4 Time of day, amount of clothing, etc. have a lot to do with how much is on the scale. Surgi-Center scale is also digital and they do sometimes go off. My only logged number is what I weigh in the morning sans clothing on my own scale. I hope for a low number at doc's but don't get too jazzed if it's off from mine. You're buying smaller clothing, getting compliments and feeling good--that doesn't sound like a true weight gain. Even the digital scale at my former Weight Watcher's meeting was off. Talk about some unhappy weigh-ins until they announced the malfunction. My advice to anyone who will listen--claim the lowest number you've seen on your scale. Don't get discouraged when larger numbers come back. New numbers are shy, but they always come back with another smaller friend. If I post a gain, it will be because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I messed up (more than just one meal). So far the band doesn't let me stray too far. Socalgal3--Congrats on being anonymous. Would love a comment on your experience being anonymous. Chuckle--A darling cousin of mine had WLS several years back. Her Mother and Dad announced the news prior to a family reunion. Saw her at a wedding and asked her about WLS. She said "don't know how that rumor got started--it was lo carb diet". I can't go back in the closet, but I do intend to keep any more info to myself.

Whatever works is great. Just remember that "points" can mean too much bulk for your new tummy. Be sure to stay within the volume guildelines given by your surgeon. If he gave no instructions, l Cup or 8 ounces is a safe bet.

Shellybeans By now you are on day 2 of your journey. Praying all is well.

Barbara 4--Best of luck to you on fill. I would like a small fill just to keep the process rolling, but until I learn to eat slowly no matter what, it's not a good thing. I'm also having difficulty getting in more meals. Think I'll go back to Snacks and make sure they are healthy. Also--congrats on an exercise day! Hope you found it easy and energizing. Not a lapband thing--but DH bought me a Dodge Grand Caravan with all the bells and whistles. I love big cars and hope to start riding my bicycle again now that I have a vehicle to carry it in! Welcome "newbies" to Junebies. Always a pleasure to read everyone's post. Congrats on new closet "finds" and progress.