socalgal3

I haven't tried corn tortilla, but flour ones get stuck for me. Even the whole wheat ones.

Friends and family can be frustrating. I have a friend who is a size 5 and she said I was "wasting away". I'm thinking, by all BMI and weight charts, I am still considered obese and I am a size 16/18. I know she is just recognizing that I am losing weight, but some of the comments don't come off as kind to me. You just try to do something for your health and people make such a fuss. They have no idea sometimes how much we have gone through emotionally. This particular friend of mine is newly pregnant and stressing over the 5 pounds she has gained and saying how hard it is to carry around extra weight. I'm thinking, multiply that by 20 and imagine how bad I felt! This is one of the hardest parts in losing weight for me. Last time I lost a significant amount of weight, my cousin(who own an Italian restaurant) always pushed food on me. Even if I politely said no, that I already ate or was watching what I ate. They would say "you HAVE to eat SOMETHING'. This cousin herself lost over 50 pounds via WW. It is just such a crazy emotional thing...food and weight. I remember a diet counselor I had once said "What would your life be like if weight wasn't a concern for you?" I literally can't imagine because it takes over so many aspects of life-clothes shopping and deciding what to wear, thinking about what to eat and actually eating, how we sleep, our dating/married life, interactions with friends....I truly hope the weight never comes back and I start to live a life where I don't obsess about food and my size, but I still have no concept of how to think and behave that way.

I'm still not sure. Even though I have lost a good amount of weight, I am less than a year out and I still have a great fear of regaining the weight. I have lost this much or more several times in the past and it always came back. I know the chances are good, but I can't wrap my brain around never being the fat girl ever again!

Cindy- I guess I would need to know more detail on "eating healthy and working out". Are you logging calories? My ex-personal trainer used to have me do 3 days at a lower calorie count and one day at a bit higher calorie count, so the body doesn't slow down to adjust to the lower calorie intake. So maybe do 800 calories for 3 days, 1200 calories one day and back to 800 for 3 days, etc. As far as working out, also try to mix up your routine. If you do 30 minutes on the treadmill every other day, try to alternate between bike and treadmill and elliptical to work some different muscles. Also, as I always say, take measurements! Sometimes the scale doesn't move, but you've lost an inch somewhere because muscle weighs more than fat! Lastly, relax! You have come a long way! Enjoy the NSVs and your body will eventually let go of those stubborn pounds. Best of luck and keep in touch with us!

I buy Liquid Health Daily Multiple. I usually mix it into juice or Crystal Light, but it tastes good on it's own. It costs about $25-30, but it's a month supply, so I think it is worth it. Good luck with your decision.

Your muscles can definitely swell after a workout, so maybe that is causing your tightness Pinky. You ab muscles might be a bit inflammed. I'm no expert, so ask your PT or doctor if it is a big concern. You may very well be at goal for your bandiversary!

I haven't tried shrimp because I had the worst PB on some scallops! Sometimes it is hard to chew the shellfish thoroughly! Let me know if it works out!

I admit I ordered some! They haven't arrived yet. I may keep the low-fat ones for myself, but I work in a school, so I usually leave them in the teacher's lounge for co-workers or give them to my students during groups, etc PS-I didn't realize the prices were different! I paid $4 a box! Darn California prices!

No. Sometimes people lose their first fill inside the band, it leaks, etc. It also takes several attempts to get the right level of restriction. Give it a few weeks and then schedule your next fill if things don't change.

You rock! Congrats!

We are a team here gang! A LOSING team and PROUD of it! Try not to be too discouraged by setbacks. We are all in a better place than we were 7-8 months ago. My confession-I wasn't supposed to eat solid food til tomorrow, but I was SO hungry! I had a string cheese wrapped in a slice of ham for breakfast, meatloaf and mock mashed potatoes(made from cauliflower) for lunch and some chili for dinner. I got all my fluids in, plus liquid vitamins and I did 45 minutes on my stationery bike. Pinky-WW is a great plan for maintenance. Don't feel guilty about making a great choice for your health. Best of luck to you. Poodles-Everyone has different loss due to different starting weights, body type and chemistry, age, etc. Don't despair-YOU CAN DO IT!! Barb465- Have fun on your trip. Remember they say lapbanders have weight loss up to 3 years out. We are all anxious to lose, but you have done awesome thus far and will continue in the months/years to come! Leece- Keep us posted on that bariatric program. I'd like to hear how it goes for you! Julie- I am still recovering from a MAJOR struggle- a slipped band and another surgery. Hang in there and count your blessings. We are all on this rollercoaster ride together.

I hope someone replies! I am rather anti-plastic surgery, but this is one I would consider. I admit to not exercising enough, but my arms are in SAD shape..flap...flap

I was a normal sized baby and child. As a teen and into college I was always "thicker" than my peers and FELT very fat. But, when I look at photos, I can't imagine why I felt that way as I was normal size. I gained the "Freshman 15"(or 25!)in college. I really got big in my early 20s during a bad relationship. I ditched him and lost the weight, but it came back and went away numerous times with various diets until now! I hope this time it's gone for good..........

I rode my bike at the beach yesterday because it is so nice and sunny here in SoCal(sorry all you people in the COLD!!) I hope I can keep my band as close to forever as possible. I know I haven't conquered my head issues and if my band came out, all the weight would come back! Xenical(Orlistat) is supposed to be over the counter now. Did anyone ever try it? I never tried Meredia or Xenical, so just wondering if it worked.

Hey what about me?! I am anxiously anticipating next Tuesday when I can eat real FOOD! I will post here to keep myself from getting carried away. I am actually kind of scared because I am so afraid I'll eat too fast or take a big bite and PB. I need to remember the pain of the slip! And the pain in my wallet of a new operation. I do confess to having a mini Hershey bar that someone gave me at work for Valentine's Day. The cool thing was it tasted gross. I am much more one to eat fine German chocolate-not Hershey! I haven't lost this week, but I think my body is stabilizing after the big drop from being on liquids for a month! Happy 3 day weekend all!

You shouldn't have a PB this early on. Once you start solid foods, just make sure you eat slowly and chew thoroughly! PBs generally occur if you don't chew well or eat too fast. They also happen more after you get a fill if you aren't careful. Follow the rules and hopefully you will never have a PB! Cuz it sucks to have one! Any many of them can cause your band to slip like mine did!

I echo what everyone else said. I have lost over 50 pounds at least 3 times in my life via Opti-Trim, diet/exercise, Suzanne Sommers, personal trainer, the works! I am only 7 months out and my journey has had complications. But, I finally have hope that the weight won't come back. I am still afraid because of always gaining weight back. Sometimes I'm not sure I will keep it off, even with the band, but I am hoping for the best. If you can do it on your own and KEEP IT OFF, more power to you! But know the band will help you more than willpower alone.

I never set a Valentine goal! If you like Jamba Juice....they have a promotion right now to get a free 30 day pass to 24 hour fitness when you buy a Jamba Light. I am already a member there, but I got one for a friend so they could go with me. I'm already stressing about my first fill even though it is a month or so away. I just keep thinking if I get one, I could slip again. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it, but it does worry me. So Easter is April 8? Let's see...Easter goal... 175 lbs. Have a good week all.

Hey peeps! I decided to ride my bike where I usually walk. 6.5 miles. It was alot tougher on the bike, but I did it! My new favorite meal is Cottage Doubles. I bought some lingonberry preserves at IKEA and make my own. Yum. But I was up to 190 this morning. Whatever.

apple juice, tea, gatorade

I'm just posting what I am eating for a few days to make sure to have accountability and not go crazy. I ended up having some "Hamburger Chowder" last night run through the blender. It was a recipe a friend gave me...kinda like chili. I was dying for food. Today I've had so far: 1 cup orange juice 1 EAS protein shake 1 cup Walnut Soup(from the South Beach Diet Cookbook-blended of course) 24 oz. Propel fitness water I am also about to go do my 6.5 walk around a local lake. This is my first major exercise since surgery. I hope you all are staying away from the cookies(YES YOU-Poodles! hahaha)

I think it really depends on you. Some people don't exercise or they eat around the band with high calories liquids and junk. Some people have other health issues that slow their weight loss and for some it just doesn't work. I'm 7 months out and still debating whether or not I am glad to have the band. I know I am happy to be 50 pounds lighter and to actually have hope that it may not come back. When everything was good with my band, I was very happy with how I got full even though my brain wanted more. Only you can answer the should I question, but what will you do if you decide against it? There is a lot of work ahead of you whichever you choose. I wish you the best of luck.

This is what I had today: 1 EAS protein shake 4 oz. Light 'n Fit yogurt 16 oz. Jamba Juice light w/protein powder 11 oz. hot and soup sour(run through the blender) 52 oz. of water(so far!) liquid vitamins Does this sound ok for 10 days after surgery? My incisions are ITCHING like crazy. I don't remember them being so itchy last time. My tummy gurgling has finally slowed too. I had forgotten about how bad those gurgles were!

What are your goals for protein intake? My doctor recommends 30 or more and Spark People puts my range at 30 or more, but I have heard people say their doctor recommends 65 or something. Just wondering........

So close to Onederland Melissa Lea! Hang in there! I'm sipping my protein shake. Still can't wait for solid food. It's been too long. The last time I ate solid food was Jan.16!! Have a good weekend all...mine is a 3 day weekend! Thanks Mr. Lincoln........