HappyHomeCC

I started losing in Mid August, that is why it is so much. Never the less I am closer to my goal. I did use the realize site for a while. I liked that one better than the lapband site. but because I have the lapband I was not confirmed by my doc on realize so the resources are limited. I use my daily plate @ Livestrong.com to track my food calculate weight goals, track my weight... calculate my walking routes and such. I like it a lot. I am just using the free version. That is great you got approved.... bummer not by UCSD but Scripps is really good too.

How did you like Dr Oliak? I know someone who has just set up a consult with him.

I am hoping to go this summer myself. I am now in the Inland Empire in SoCAL

I dont' know of any here. I got mine done at UCSD and there is a support group there with Dr Horgans patients

I was banded Nov 4th.... to date for my weight loss see my ticker at the bottom. That weight is since about Aug when I got real about this journey. I don't remember surgery day weight i would guess I have lost 30 since surgery. I try to do only 800-1200 cal a day. Trying to yo yo on the number so my body doesn't get used to one number...I do a lot of walking, not an insane amout but a bunch. I like to sprint and chase my kids too but nothing big... I just started taking a Massage Tech class which includes doing an amount of stretching and tai chi in class I find it challenging enough but not discouraging ;o) I feel the change in myself as a result... I am going to join the gym soon to help strengthen my arms and help get rid of this tire around my middle. Posture is a big challenge for me. I am comfortably in a size 10 jean, and new bras today! Now to tackle the tire so my body is more even. I feel really good. I am working to a vegan or vegetarian life. I have over the last year gently switched my family over to whole grains taking them off most everything that is white. training my kids to read packages and noting serving sizes. They have always been healthy and perfect weight for their heights. I am still so happy I have taken this step for myself... although challenging it has been very rewarding!

I have had 2 fills and I am at 5.75cc You will need fills as you lose weight because the fat around your banded area will lessen allowing more space .

OMG... I love how you wrote that! I was cracking up since I knew from experience! Wow nothing like that tummy cop teaching us a lesson ... eh?! I am glad your ok. tell ya what I always lose another pound after those kind of experiences since I feel tramatized until the swelling goes down a day later.... I don't make a mistake like that for a long time after LOL. Lesson: Don't piss the band off ! LOL

I moved from Cape Ann.... (ya know the other cape north of Boston) 17 yrs ago to SoCAL...) I just love Southern CA. I love all there is to do here, the weather , the landscape etc. I was back home a year and half ago and it was such culture shock for me! I think this July we are going back again to Boston and Montreal to visit My family and DH family.

You can so totally do it if you follow the plan and make sure you get adjustments... and don't sucum to bandster hell no matter how tough it is. I keep to about 1000-1200 cal a day

I am FROM Rockport / Gloucester Ma! But I live in CA now ;o) Just thought I would respond and bump ya up more to the top. I will still support you ! I was banded Nov. 4th

I am starting to develope an apron with my weightloss. I have had a rash under the boobs before due to a poorly fitting bra... I am not looking forward to combating this during the summer... I will have it documented since it may help me later in the argument for ps if I should want to do it. I should call my patient advocate for my insurance company and ask her about it.

Whoo Hooo Mello, great job! Funny how you get to a place where you are ready to step it up to the next level. That is where I am too. I started massage tech class this week and Tai Chi is an essential part . Who would have thought you could get hot and sweaty from 20 min of a slow moving martial art! So cool! I am also hungrier on the days I have school, truely hungry. I need an extra small meal. My band is getting looser too .. I am going to try to manage it since I am taking this class and contemplating the gym... If I faulter then I will rush in for my fill cuz I don't want steps back. I have done so much to get to this point!

A toxic Liver is the root of many health issues including hairloss. There are over 400 illnesses related to the Liver. Too much Protein is harmful for the liver. for more reading ... there is an amazing book called "The Liver and Gallbladder Miracle Cleanse" by Andreas Moritz. It is making a lot of sense to me. Oh and I take Biotin too

hair loss can be from liver problems such as gallstones in the liver.... Liver is key to the majority of health issues. I think the stress on Protein is too much... Most other countries in the world don't push it.

We go to a buffet here that has crab legs... I fill up on those since it takes time to eat them, it feels like I am getting my moneys worth. If I have room and want I then hit the shrimp with the panko bread crumbs and maybe a small bite of something else.... other strategy is to drink the jasmine hot tea before you begin to eat... that way you have less time to eat and finish the same time with your table mates.

I just love coffee.... I do drink a lot of herbal teas, I am a tea drinker too. I don't do juice, sports drinks or sodas etc. My tea and coffee also do not have sugar ever. ;o)

No kidding it would be great to do the gym with someone on the same page!!!!! I have a 1 pm appt with Jill.... are you going in tomorrow? I could meet up with you before appt time, but after the appt I have to "fly" home since my kids have early release day and my friend is picking them up at school in order for me to make this appt.

I have a follow up appt with the dietician tomorrow, I lost only 3lb dec and Jan total... grrrr Then I had a fill and this month I have lost 8! Whooo Whooooo! I am on the cusp of joining 24hr fitness and taking it to the next level. I start Massage School on Wed and I need to build my muscle for that! I am so excited.

I am heading that way.... Make sure you are eating whole grains Legumes are good.... steamed veggies..... And I will get more advisement Monday I go into see my Nut so I will ask more... do you eat eggs, dairy , poultry or fish? or are you Vegan. ??? I would lay off the Bread for the most part.

I wouldn't do it myself just because I have been working hard to change my habits, lose and become healthier. Enjoy the healthy choices on board, and the activities you will be comfortable doing now that you weigh less and may not have felt comfortable with before at your starting weight. Activities not food should be your focus. It has the potential to be the vacation cruise like no other that you have had in your life. LIVE IT UP with good health! Enjoy!

smooth move tea works overnight for me , I drink it at about 8pm and go in the AM. Apples, prunes, lots of fresh veggies will all get you moving.

yeah, you're right ha ha ... I am using 2% though I can't get down to the "water" milk. Besides I need it for the days I drink the Isopure... I mix it for a gourmet coffee drink ;o) I am afraid that it may affect my stomach somehow... and through muscle testing I was told it was not good for my digestion. I go on spirts and give it up for 6 months at a time and I keep going back to it. LOVE IT. ( I also owned a coffee shop before so I am a coffee snob)

I agree.... And SoExcited truely knows postponment! Not only eat slower now but start substituting items in your pantry for healthier ones, learn some new recipes, eliminate little by little the most evil food or drink from your life. It all makes being banded easier. For me it was bread and cheese, huge food portions... and I love to bake! Now my biggest evil is coffee... I think it is bothering me now ;o( Yet I am bullheaded cuz I LOVE IT... I need to see it as a treat and not a daily 2x a day (4 mug total) habit!

I was at B&N today reading a book about gallbladder and liver cleansing.... I didn't know you can get gallstones in your Liver!!!!! I knew they could get stuck in your bile duct , but not the liver!!!! I had my gallbladder removed in '92 so now I am thinking... hummmm

LOL she is 12 and knows all about what I did with the lapband and all... well informed child LOL I am afraid to take her to my appts she may rat me out LOL. Meee too... to busy concentrating on passing it LOL can't even hold a small conversation until it passed. LOL Those kids are tough to slip anything by...