KariK

7:30 am Breakfast: Atkins shake + one scoop protein powder unjury 12:00 pm Lunch: Chicken chili 2 cups (320 calories) 3:00 pm Snack: SF chocolate pudding 6:30 pm Supper: Homemade chicken pot pie with the vegies out of my garden. Im going to try to eat a very small portion, maybe a cup at most. One SF pudding. Ugh why did I have to have the pudding? lol Water: 80 0z. Vitamins: 2 tbs Liquid vitamins, 1 Calcium chew Goal: See what the scale says tomorrow, I think Im eating too much again. Its so hard to gage. How many calories can you eat a day and still lose weight?

Hey Stephanie, I just want to say thanks for the heads up about FitDay.com, Im going to start keeping my food journal there! I tried it last night and boy is that nice. Les1964, thats a bummer if your weight isn't moving anywhere. You say you're eating whatever you want, well if I did that I'd be eating chocolate and carbs all day. Im not on a 'diet' persay because I do let myself have some of that stuff sometimes. But I do want to change my eating habits to include lots more healthy stuff like lean meats and vegetables and less of the high calorie low nutrition stuff. The band is just a tool to curb hunger but it can't choose what goes in your mouth. You can actually gain weight with the band if you eat too many sweets. Plus if thats all you eat you can end up not getting the vitamins and protein your body needs. I don't know what you are eating and I don't know if you've lost any weight or not since you don't really say. But since your doctor did not inform you of the healthy things you are supposed to be eating I just thought I'd give you some food for thought. Im not saying im doing everything perfect.. just read my earlier posts lol but I do believe I've been well informed so that I do at least know the right things to do. Try eating what Steph and Chris are eating... Low carb, high protein etc. read their posts. Also Stephanie mentioned the online journal at FitDay.Com, its free and I think very helpful. Good luck to you.

8:30 am Breakfast: Calorie countdown choc. milk @ 8 oz mixed with one scoop protein powder unjury. 9:30 am Snack: Ok who am I kidding, I ate some of the breakfast left on my daughters plate.. a few bites of strawberry waffle. 1:00 pm Lunch: A peice of meatloaf, a bite or two of mashed potatoes, SF chocolate pudding. 6:00 pm Supper: Small portion of skinless chicken, 1 cup of fresh steamed broccoli/ banana zuccini from my garden. Vitamins: 2 tbs. liquid vitamin, 3 Calciums chews Water: At least 70 oz. Goal: Start exercising tomorrow. I think I need it to get me more motivated to eat right. I think if I start seeing faster results I'll get more positive.

8:30 am Breakfast: Calorie countdown choc. milk @ 8 oz mixed with one scoop protein powder unjury. 9:30 am Snack: Ok who am I kidding, I ate some of the breakfast left on my daughters plate.. a few bites of strawberry waffle. 1:00 pm Lunch: A peice of meatloaf, a bite or two of mashed potatoes, SF chocolate pudding. 6:00 pm Supper: Small portion of skinless chicken, 1 cup of fresh steamed broccoli/ banana zuccini from my garden. Vitamins: 2 tbs. liquid vitamin, 3 Calciums chews Water: At least 70 oz. Goal: Start exercising tomorrow. I think I need it to get me more motivated to eat right. I think if I start seeing faster results I'll get more positive.

JMO If you want to plan a chat event that would be fun. I'll partake if im available. Stephanie I think its wonderful that you are exercising everyday! WTG it makes me want to dust the old treadmill off! Maybe I'd be more positive like you if I started exercising. I know in the past when I stick to an exercise program every pound counts way more in that you look better faster due to the toning effect. *sigh* Yup I think its time to start doing it. Thank you for the constant motivation!! Indian Light, You'll get in the groove and get it figured out. Buy a water bottle and keep it full of something tasty all day like crystal light iced tea. Thats my secret weapon to remember to drink.. make it taste good and poof! I remember to do it lol. Good luck to you.

Hey Mary, congratulations on your nsv! I had one too sort of, or at least my husband pointed it out to me. My mom (who doesn't know ive had surgery) said that I looked really pretty one evening when she had us over for dinner. Later my husband was like 'babe youre really starting to look great! Did you hear your mom going on and on about it?' And I was like completely oblivious.. Then he goes 'you know when she was talking about your hair and everything' And then I go what does that have to do with losing weight?? He goes 'People don't necessarily notice your size but they notice YOU when your losing weight.' Also my husband said to me that night that I looked hot, lol I didn't even know what he was really saying and I go 'I'm not warm, I feel fine' Then he goes .. NO I mean you look HOT! lol I love my husband. He's losing weight along with me and really happy about it too .

You know what Ruthie, I think your post is just being REAL, thanks for that. What kind of a support group would this be if we couldn't be real? Thats another thing I have to work on I do believe. Im the happy girl hiding a miserable self under layers of fat. Alot of things about my life totally make me happy or im totally happy about them but Im also really bummin about myself and the way I look and feel. Nobody knows that though except you guys and my husband who's my best friend. (((Big Hugs))) We'll get through this! I know we will. We will succeed.

Thanks for responding Stephanie. I think once Im actually thinner it will feel worth it. Like when im wearing some cute 'little' (hehe) outfit from some store that doesn't sell anything over a size 12.. Ill look at food and not give a dang about it. But currently in my size 20 stretchy shorts its hard to believe I'll really get smaller!! Boy oh boy its really about changing my thinking as much as it is about changing my eating. I've got to stop wanting that instant gratification of the next bite and focus on the goal. I want to like myself in photos again. Focus Focus Focus.. my new mantra.

When I came out of anesthesia I was in some major pain for about an hour. It hurt to breath from the gas inside me they use to do laproscopic surgery. I wasn't expecting that really so I was super tense when I woke up and couldn't relax. They ended up giving me 3 shots of something just to make me relax. Once I quit being so tensed up it wasn't very painful at all and by the afternoon I was fine and back at my hotel room. The incisions were sore until later that evening and I had to sleep on my back kind of sitting up. But by the next morning I felt nearly normal 100%. I had traveled out of town for my surgery and so that morning I walked through 3 airports and took 2 flights home. When I got to my home town I got into my vehicle and drove myself home. Ive had no complications and was able to sleep on my sides and stomach within about a week. I really think fast recovery depends on the skill of the surgeon that you have do your surgery. My doctor was in and out and done with my procedure within 20-30 minutes. If you have someone with less experience it can take a couple hours. Which means they are in there messing with your organs and moving stuff around for longer which I think is logically going to cause more pain. Not to mention longer anesthesia. Thats just my oppinion however. But thats why I flew to where I did in order to have my procedure. Im glad I chose a VERY experienced doctor to do mine. He's done nearly 5000 lap bands. There are a lot of really experienced doc's out there so make sure to find one of them.

Took a 2 day vacation, I wanted to eat like I normally eat on vacation, which is large quantities of yummy delicious stuff. Couldn't do it, felt a bit controlled by my band. Not sure if I like that feeling. On one hand im happy that I didn't eat and gain a bunch of weight but on the other hand I didn't get to do something I enjoy. It makes me think of what Oprah says, 'nothing tastes as good as skinny feels'. I think once I am thin I will be glad, but since im currently not there yet it just feels like im going without. Oh well, im just glad to be home and back on track and in the groove and routine.

Took a 2 day vacation, I wanted to eat like I normally eat on vacation, which is large quantities of yummy delicious stuff. Couldn't do it, felt a bit controlled by my band. Not sure if I like that feeling. On one hand im happy that I didn't eat and gain a bunch of weight but on the other hand I didn't get to do something I enjoy. It makes me think of what Oprah says, 'nothing tastes as good as skinny feels'. I think once I am thin I will be glad, but since im currently not there yet it just feels like im going without. Oh well, im just glad to be home and back on track and in the groove and routine.

I'm BAaaAck! Missed you all. Ok so these past couple days I was out of town with my Hubby and daughters at a big water park. We ate out, rented movies, shopped, it was so much fun. My band did what it was supposed to do and I wasn't able to eat nearly as much as I used to. But I have to admit it kind of bummed me out because I wasn't able to just eat and enjoy myself. I had to think about every bite I put into my mouth. It was kind of annoying lol. I had my first stuck experience on soft fish no less! I rushed into the bathroom and nearly pb'd, but was able to stop at a bit of sliming and foaming. Thank goodness because im such a baby about throwing up. So far I haven't thrown up since I had my band. I just had to keep reminding myself that this is the adjustment phase of my band, and im learning what I can easily eat and what I cannot. I also tried to eat breakfast this morning like scrambled eggs and melon and strawberrie but.. low and behold im tight in the morning and again got kind of a stuck feeling after about 3 bites. Since my surgery Ive only eaten protein shakes or cream of wheat for breakfast that is pretty watered down with milk. I realized about myself that I am a horrible eater when on vacation! The band did its job though and didn't let me get too crazy. Im not sure if I liked it or not because I felt a little bit like I was being controlled. Im feeling better about it now that im at home though and can get back to my routine. I want to be thin but I want to eat what I want when I want. I definitately need to work on my thinking! Has anyone else felt this way at all?

:whoo: Yay LBT is working again. I think its my new substitute for chocolate, im definitely addicted lol. I'll be out of town until Monday also, hope everyone has a good couple of days! But more importantly I hope I lose another pound by the time I get back! Joking Ha ha.:ranger: Talk to you all soon, Kari.

9:00 am Breakfast: Atkins shake mixed with one scoop Unjury 1:00 pm Lunch: 1/4 c. fresh fruit, 1/4 c. baked beans, 2 deviled eggs, a couple bites of sloppy joe meat. 5:30 pm Supper: 1 hotdog no bun, 1 Activa yogurt, 2 SF chocolate pudding cups mixed with protein powder. Water: 80 oz. Vitamins: 1 Viactiv multi, 2 Viactiv Calciums. Goal: Try not to eat any sweets tomorrow or Monday! I have a feeling I'll be down another pound by tomorrow. Hope so!!

9:00 am Breakfast: Atkins shake mixed with one scoop Unjury 1:00 pm Lunch: 1/4 c. fresh fruit, 1/4 c. baked beans, 2 deviled eggs, a couple bites of sloppy joe meat. 5:30 pm Supper: 1 hotdog no bun, 1 Activa yogurt, 2 SF chocolate pudding cups mixed with protein powder. Water: 80 oz. Vitamins: 1 Viactiv multi, 2 Viactiv Calciums. Goal: Try not to eat any sweets tomorrow or Monday! I have a feeling I'll be down another pound by tomorrow. Hope so!!

Kim, my doctor has done nearly 5000 lap band procedures. He used to do RNY and Lap band but for the last couple years switched exclusively to the lap band procedure only. Thats all he does and he does it really well. According to him his lap band patients lose as much weight and as fast as RNY patients minus the bad side affects IF thats what they want. The band is adjustable so you can be as agressive or unagressive with its adjustments as you want to be. So you can lose weight quickly or slowly depending on your preference. It really matters what doctor you choose in my oppinion so look for someone with lots of experience!! I had my banding done in the AM, it took only 20 minutes. It was outpatient so I was back to my hotel room within a couple hours. The next morning I was able to navigate my way through three airports and then finally get to my car and drive myself home. I don't think an RNY patient could do that. The recovery time is quick, its great. Ive had two C'sections with the births of my children so I know what recovery from invasive surgery is like.. its a LOT harder. And from what Ive read RNY surgery is more difficult than a C'section. Not to scare you but just to inform you. You need to know the pro's and the cons. For me Ive chosen to not be too agressive. I want to lose my weight over a period of a year or even two. I could lose much faster with my band but I want to try to avoid losing my hair and getting unnecessary sagging skin. Thats what I like about my band, I feel like its my tool, I get to decide how to use it. For me its been an empowering experience. Best of luck to you! Whatever you choose what matters is that it is right for you. I feel like I made the right decision for me.

9:00 am Breakfast: Atkins shake + One scoop choc. unjury 1:00 pm Lunch: Activa yogurt, small chicken breast, 1/2 cup mashed potatoes. (a microwave meal, I know its not the healthiest but it ended up being a 300 calorie lunch and was quick!!) 4:00 pm Snack: 1/2 an Atkins shake. 6:00 pm Supper: 3/4 cup Mom's chicken wildrice soup, 1/4 cup sloppy joe meat, 1 slice of tomato. Vitamins: 1 Viactiv multi, 2 Viactiv Calciums Water: 80 oz. Goal: Try not to eat any sweets over the weekend other than SF pudding.

9:00 am Breakfast: Atkins shake + One scoop choc. unjury 1:00 pm Lunch: Activa yogurt, small chicken breast, 1/2 cup mashed potatoes. (a microwave meal, I know its not the healthiest but it ended up being a 300 calorie lunch and was quick!!) 4:00 pm Snack: 1/2 an Atkins shake. 6:00 pm Supper: 3/4 cup Mom's chicken wildrice soup, 1/4 cup sloppy joe meat, 1 slice of tomato. Vitamins: 1 Viactiv multi, 2 Viactiv Calciums Water: 80 oz. Goal: Try not to eat any sweets over the weekend other than SF pudding.

Good luck Diane, Im new to this site but your story caught my attention right away. Thank you for sharing it. You are such an inspiration to me. I just want you to know that you'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

I don't think you can tell if you're too tight for a few days until your stomach gets used to the band. But if you weren't able to drink your water that wouldn't be good. When you seriously cut back on calories your body will shift into ketosis which is the breaking down of your own fat for fuel. But its kinda toxic and so its important to drink lots of water because those broken down fat cells come out in your pee. The more water you drink when you are in ketosis the more weight you lose. You probably already knew all this.. I think we're all expert dieters at this point lol.

Steph are you drinking water?? Just wondering.

8:00 am Breakfast: Atkins shake mixed w/one scoop unjury 12:00 pm Lunch: 2 bites of taco meat, SF chocolate pudding (couldn't eat felt restricted) 6:30 pm Supper: Riblets bbq'd about 1/4 cup meat total, 1/2 cup mashed potatoes. 8:00 pm Snack: Broke my rule! But I was on a date which only happens every few months so... whatever! lol I ate chocolate - lots of it lol. Water: 60 oz. Vitamins: 1 Viactiv Multi, 1 Viactiv Calcium. Goal: Eat healthier tomorrow. Bake a chicken pot pie!!

8:00 am Breakfast: Atkins shake mixed w/one scoop unjury 12:00 pm Lunch: 2 bites of taco meat, SF chocolate pudding (couldn't eat felt restricted) 6:30 pm Supper: Riblets bbq'd about 1/4 cup meat total, 1/2 cup mashed potatoes. 8:00 pm Snack: Broke my rule! But I was on a date which only happens every few months so... whatever! lol I ate chocolate - lots of it lol. Water: 60 oz. Vitamins: 1 Viactiv Multi, 1 Viactiv Calcium. Goal: Eat healthier tomorrow. Bake a chicken pot pie!!

Welcome to the July club jdjjwoo and Mark! This really is THE best thread on this whole site! LOL at least I think so Congrats Steph on such a successful fill! I love being a late in the month Julyster, I get to have you guys do everything first so then it makes me more brave!! So thanks for sharing all your success & stories & thoughts!

I didn't gain! I actually lost another pound??? This band is nuts! Love it.. so long as I don't lose my hair!! 8:30 am Breakfast: Atkins chocolate shake. 10:30 am Snack: SF chocolate pudding 1:00 pm Lunch: Taco salad (1/2 avocado, 1 sm tomatoe, 1/8 minced up onion, 1/4 cup lettuce, 1/3 cup taco meat made with salsa) I think I could eat taco's everyday.. my favorite food!! next to chocolate lol. 6:00 pm Supper: Same as lunch, except 1/2 cup meat and 1/2 cup lettuce. Water: 90 oz. Vitamins: 1 viactiv multi, 2 calciums Goal: I need to get going on the biotin and stuff.. I really don't want to lose my hair. I almost hope the scale shows no weight loss tomorrow lol. But then again maybe its just a side affect of anesthesia? Thats a bummer if it is. Hmm well if im going to lose my hair anyway I hope the scale is kind in the morning!