TamifromAL

I bought the book a couple weeks ago, but haven't finished it. It makes a lot of sense to me, and is very "readable" for a book with a lot of scientific data. I saw the show yesterday, too, and the only thing that's bothering me was his response to the question about artificial sugar. I don't know if I can give up Splenda! The sweetener he recommended is Agave sugar (Agave is also used to make tequila). I found a site with more information: "The agave (uh-gah-vay) plant has long been cultivated in hilly, semi-arid soils of Mexico. Its fleshy leaves cover the pineapple-shaped heart of the plant, which contains a sweet sticky juice. Ancient Mexicans considered the plant to be sacred. They believed the liquid from this plant purified the body and soul. When the Spaniards arrived, they took the juices from the agave and fermented them, leading to the drink we now call tequila. But there is a more interesting use for this historic plant. Agave syrup (or nectar) is about 90% fructose. Only recently has it come in use as a sweetener. It has a low glycemic level and is a delicious and safe alternative to table sugar. Unlike the crystalline form of fructose, which is refined primarily from corn, agave syrup is fructose in its natural form. This nectar does not contain processing chemicals. Even better, because fructose is sweeter than table sugar, less is needed in your recipes. It can be most useful for people who are diabetic, have insulin resistance (Syndrome X), or are simply watching their carbohydrate intake. Fructose has a low glycemic value. However, according to some experts, if fructose is consumed after eating a large meal that overly raises the blood sugar or with high glycemic foods, it no longer has a low glycemic value. Strangely enough, it will take on the value of the higher glycemic food. So exercise restraint, even with this wonderful sweetener. It is a good policy to eat fructose-based desserts on an empty stomach, in between meals or with other low-glycemic foods. Use it for an occasional treat or for a light touch of sweetness in your dishes. FYI This sweetener is sometimes called "nectar" and sometimes called "syrup". It is the same food. The light syrup has a more neutral flavor. In recipes, use about 25% less of this nectar than you would use of table sugar. ¾ cup of agave nectar should equal 1 cup of table sugar. For most recipes this rule works well. When substituting this sweetener in recipes, reduce your liquid slightly, sometimes as much as 1/3 less. Reduce your oven temperature by 25 degrees. Agave nectar can be combined with Splenda to counter Splenda's aftertaste and to control the amount of fructose used. The glycemic index of agave nectar is low. As a food exchange, a one-teaspoon serving of agave nectar equals a free food. Two servings or two teaspoons equals ½ carbohydrate exchange. " Tami

273 in September. 220 today. Better yet, I'm off 3 meds (diruetic, potassium, blood pressure med), and my hubby has lost at least 50 lbs. (without surgery...trying to show me up! hehehe), and my 16-year old daughter has lost 15 lbs. without hardly even trying. Tami

Mmm, I like that idea the best! There was recently a post by a forum leader on the Obesity Help exercise forum that said, "A study published in the journal of Obesity Sugery, looked at predictors of weight loss one year after Lap-Band and discovered that those who consumed moderate alcohol on a regular basis lost more weight than those who did not." I asked for clarification on what is considered "moderate", and was told a glass every day or every other day. Unfortunately, once the wine bottle is uncorked, I have a hard time keeping it to a moderate level of consumption! :cocktail: Tami

:funnypost: :laugh To answer the original question, no regrets here. Just as you are doing, I researched my options to become aware of the risks, and felt confident that I selected the best surgery for me. I'm thrilled with my results so far (-53 lbs. in 3 months). Tami

Happy bandiversary, Carlene! You and Alexandra are both "Long-term Success" stories! Don, the beautiful thing about the band is that it is adjustable. So, even when you're at goal weight, you can get it tweaked if you need some extra help. With RNY, the stoma can stretch over time, allowing food to pass through too quickly. That's why some RNY patients regain their weight, and occasionally get revision to the band. Tami

I wish that restaurants would allow us to buy smaller portions of regular menu items, rather than ordering off the children's menu. Quite frankly, I have no interest in eating typical children's menu offerings like PBJ, chicken fingers, and mac and cheese. So, as long as I can get leftovers to a fridge in a reasonable time, I opt for ordering off the regular menu and taking home a doggie bag. If I can't save leftovers, then I usually go with soup and salad, or just leave the leftovers and remind myself that it's better that the extra food goes "to waste", rather than "to waist"! Tami

I've wondered about that, too. You couldn't get in enough nutrition if you stuck with 3 meals of 1/4 c. each. It might work if you eat every 2 hours or so. I eat about 1 to 1-1/2 c. per meal, plus a snack or two. And that's on the Inamed Lap-band card, so it shouldn't have anything to do with gastric bypass. Tami

Karey, I'm glad that water weight came back off so quickly! I'll know today whether I'm still having trouble eating. I stuck with liquids the past two days. Unfortunately, they weren't necessarily the best liquids, though. I searched all around for a Smoothie place yesterday for lunch but couldn't find one. So, I decided that a milkshake couldn't be all that bad. OMG, my advice...don't EVER get a Chick-fil-a chocolate milkshake. When I got home, I checked the website, and that sucker was over 700 calories! And it was orgasmic! I'll never get my Chick-fil-a milkshake virginity back again, so I'll have to rely on good old abstinence! Tami

Not me! I just joined an exercise club, but haven't developed a habit, yet. As a matter of fact, I haven't been in over a week. Gotta get off the 'puter, and onto the treadmill! Tami

Checking in to post my challenge weight. I'm down another 3 lbs. this week. Tami

Maybe try an anti-emetic medication? I can't remember the name of it, but I know there's something that you can take for nausea. I know you probably don't want to contact a doc today since it's Sunday, but maybe you can check with a pharmacist? I hope you feel better soon. Tami

Welcome home, Karey! Mazatlan...how exotic! I'm going to Cancun for spring break, and can't wait. I'll be a LOT smaller than the last time we went on vacation. I posted the recipes a couple of days ago... http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?p=333977#post333977 Hope you enjoy them. Don't sweat the gain. It's probably at least partially water weight gain. Air travel can make you retain water. My hubby travels a lot for business, and drops a couple of pounds the day after he gets home. And even if you do gain a bit, hey, it's Thanksgiving. As Dr. Oz says, at the next available opportunity, make a U-turn and get back on the right path! Tami

I agree that it's ridiculous, but I can tell you where it came from! My Lap-band card from Inamed, which I got from my surgeon, says, "This person can only eat 1/4 c. at a sitting." Tami

Hi September (2006!) bandsters! I'm really struggling these days. I don't know if I maybe irritated my stoma somehow or maybe I'm getting a cold, but for some reason all of a sudden I have uncomfortable restriction. It started on Thanksgiving. I ate a couple of bites and got that uncomfortable pressure (or golfball) feeling. I waited a few minutes for it to pass before I tried to continue eating (slowly!). I only got down a few bites before giving up. And it's been that way ever since. I don't understand it. I haven't PB'd, and it's weird to have severe restriction pop in at this point, 5 weeks after a fill. Plus, it was a light fill (1 cc in a 4 cc band) at that! I've tried drinking something warm before eating, and chewing to goo, but even with that it's just uncomfortable to eat. I'm going back to liquids for a couple of days to see if it settles down. Luckily, I have an appointment with my surgeon's office on Tuesday, so I can ask them about it if I'm still having trouble. Tami

I got my first fill over 5 weeks ago. I felt like I had moderate restriction for a couple of weeks. Although I never PB'd, I occasionally got that "golfball" feeling in my chest when I ate too fast or took too big a bite. But for the next couple weeks I was looking forward to another fill, because I was eating more, was thinking about food constantly, and hadn't had a problem with the "golfball", or first bite syndrome for a while. But then on Thanksgiving of all days (thank you!) it seemed like I all of a sudden had more restriction. Maybe it was because I tried to eat the stuffing, which was probably too dense. Although it went down, it was uncomfortable for a couple of minutes, and I ended up eating only a few bites of Thanksgiving dinner. Stupidly, I tried stuffing with leftovers later that evening, and had the same result. Even though I thought I was eating slow and chewing well before, I've had to slow waaaay down, and really focus on chewing to goo to prevent discomfort. So, my question is, why would restriction all of a sudden kick in at this point, 5 weeks after a fill? Tami

Even though I'm glad to have restriction, it's kinda sad, too, because until this week, I've been able to enjoy eating, just in smaller quantities. But right now I don't feel like I'm enoying eating at all. Last night we went to Outback for dinner, and I had the most delicious tilapia with a delish sauce and crab/shrimp mixture on top. But after 2-3 bites, I got that pressure feeling, and I just can't enjoy the rest of the meal once that happens, even when it passes. I know I should just be thankful that I'm losing weight at a good clip, but to be honest, I want have my cake and eat it, too! OK, bad analogy, but I'm sure you get my drift! Tami

It'sGottaGo, I know what you mean. My mom has a habit of looking at what I put on my plate and making comments like, "Can you eat all of that?", when it's a salad-size plate with a moderate amount of food on it! But, I really try not to get angry. I know she genuinely cares about my success, and in fact helped pay for my surgery! So, I just laugh and say, "I don't know, but I'm gonna try!" Tami

There was an article in our local paper today saying they want to hear from people who are interested in losing weight and are willing to let the newspaper track their progress. It would be a great motivating factor to know that your progress is being published for the whole town to follow, but it would be kind of intimidating at the same time. Would you do it? Tami

Turkey Chili 2 lb. ground turkey, well-browned and drained 1 lb. ground beef, lean, well-browned and drained 3 onions, chopped<O:p</O:p 3 bell peppers, chopped<O:p</O:p 4 cloves garlic, minced Olive oil<O:p</O:p 2 cans Rotel<O:p</O:p 4 cans diced tomatoes<O:p</O:p 1 T salt<O:p</O:p 5 T. chili powder 1 can beef broth, low-fat 3 cans kidney beans, drained<O:p</O:p <O:p</O:p In a non-stick skillet, brown turkey & beef well and drain. Remove to paper toweling to drain further. In same pan, sauté onions, peppers, and garlic (use a couple tsp of olive oil if needed). Put beef and sautéed vegetables in stock pot with Rotel, canned tomatoes, salt, beef broth, and chili powder. Simmer at least 1 hr. (I usually simmer 2-3 hrs.) Add drained beans and simmer 5”.<O:p</O:p Note: You can use all turkey if you want, but a little beef gives a nice flavor. Also, if I have my cuisinart out from dicing the veggies, I put the cooked turkey in it and dice it up before adding it to the veggies. It just seems more appetising to me than having big chunks of turkey. Smothered Chicken Pound chicken fillets to 1/2" or so. Season with garlic and salt. Saute in a non-stick skillet until done (no longer pink in center). Set cooked chicken aside. Saute mushrooms and onions separately (onions should be soft), season with a little salt and pepper, and set aside. Mix a can of low-fat mushroom soup with a tsp. or two browning liquid (Kitchen Bouquet), a splash of dry sherry or white wine, a splash or two beef boullion or broth, and a sprinkle of garlic. You want a nice gravy consistency. Put the cooked chicken breasts back in the skillet, mound each with the onions & mushrooms, and pour the gravy mixture over all. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15" or so. Yummy. Bon appetit! :hungry: Tami

Lamamama, congrats on reaching onederland! And good grief, girl, how are you doing it? If we go by percentage of body weight like they do on The Biggest Loser, you are way ahead of the rest of us! Didn't you skip your second fill? Obviously, you're losing well, but are you getting hungry? I have some days where I feel pretty comfortable, no real hunger to speak of, then other days where I'm starving. Sandranoelle, I love your son! I grew up with a wacky family who always pulled those kinds of pranks. Gotta luv 'em! You asked for a couple of recipes, and I'll post them separately. TrueBlueSue, you wondered whether you might not be eating enough. I gotta admit that it seems like I eat a lot to be losing like I have. I eat about 1,000-1,200 calories a day (at least on the days that I actually total it up!) I sorta want to be conservative about fills, because I think it can actually be detrimental to have too much. Not just because of painful restriction like SLHarrison is having :phanvan (so sorry!), but because it sometimes limits the ability to eat breakfast, and some healthy foods. Hope everyone has a great week. Group hug And don't forget to drink your water. :spit: Tami

Thanks, Valerie ! If you're interested in a good book that can give you lots of tips on healthy eating, I strongly recommend Dr. Mehmet Oz's book "You on a Diet". I haven't finished it yet, but it really makes sense to me. It's not really a "diet" per se, but about eating healthier by limiting sugar and corn syrup, saturated and trans fats, and white flour. It's very compatible with bandster eating. I hope everyone has a wonderful turkey day! :hungry: Tami

Sunta, I agree with your entire post 100%!! Because I can and do have "regular" foods, I enjoy the healthier foods even more. I don't have to restrict myself to certain foods or food groups. I eat a lot of beans, and love them, but to be honest, I rarely ate them pre-band. On the other hand, I had Taco Bell this afternoon for lunch. Pre-band, I'd eat 2-3 items, and who knows how many calories. Today, I had about 1/3 of a chicken burrito, and felt very satisfied. Tami

My results certainly aren't typical, and to be honest, I don't know that I'm doing anything different than what other bandsters are doing. I eat three meals a day, plus one or two Snacks. Breakfast is almost always 3/4 c. or so of steel-cut oatmeal with raisins, chopped apple, chopped pecans, flax oil, and brown-sugar Splenda blend. lunch is often 1-1/2 c. homemade low-fat turkey chili. Yesterday's lunch was a 1/2 Peanut Butter and banana sandwich (slice of Pepperidge Farm thin whole wheat bread with a tablespoon of peanut butter and a half banana) plus 1/2 c. brown Beans with turkey keilbasa chunks. Today I had about 1/3 of a grilled chicken stuffed burrito from Taco Bell. dinner is usually 3 oz or so of chicken or fish, sometimes beef, and a 1/2 c. vegetable. Last night I had ceasar salad (about 1 c.) and shrimp (oh, and two glasses of white wine :omg: ). Tonight I'm having smothered chicken (grilled chicken topped with sauteed onions and mushrooms) and broccoli. For snacks, I have a small handfull of nuts, a slice of avocado, yogurt, sf ff pudding, fruit, or turkey Jerky. But, before I have a snack, I drink Water. If I'm still hungry, then I'll have a snack. I just joined a club last week, so I'm now starting to exercise. That could actually slow the weight loss down because I'm doing some strength training, and of course, muscle weighs more than fat! That's OK, I'll take it! I doubt this helped much. 'Cause to be honest, it doesn't even make sense to me that I'm losing as fast as I have. Maybe my hormones are just synched right, or something! Whatever it is, I'm thrilled, and I love my band! Tami

I'm down 4 for the week! That takes me to -20 for the challenge, and I'm -50 since surgery! :) I like those nice round numbers! (Not that I want to stay here or anything. ) Tami

I don't know what bothers me the most about this article...the speculation that a relatively normal weight young woman might have had weight loss surgery, or the fact that once again the media can't quite distinquish between bypass and the band: ------ Nicole Richie is denying speculation that she underwent gastric bypass surgery and then had the operation reversed. Rumors began spreading this week after the New York Post ran a blind item claiming a "Hollywood starlet" had gastric bypass surgery – and then, after losing too much weight, went in to have the gastric band removed. The Simple Life star's rep says that reports linking Richie to the blind item are "ridiculous." "It is not Nicole," her publicist tells PEOPLE. "There are a ton of 'Hollywood starlets.'" Richie's thinness has been the subject of much debate. She had dropped to around 90 lbs. – making her extremely thin, even at 5'2," PEOPLE reported recently. Last month she decided to undergo diagnostic treatment for her inability to put on weight. Richie's father, the singer Lionel Richie, urged his daughter to seek help. "She's gonna be fine," he told PEOPLE recently. "She's worrying me to death, but she's gonna be okay." As for Richie's reality series, The Simple Life, production on the new season was slated to begin last week but was put on hold while she underwent treatment for her condition. Now, however, the green light is on. "Nicole has informed us she's ready to work, and we're looking at a calendar to see what works best for all," the show's spokesman told New York's Daily News for its Wednesday editions. <!------>