Electrawoman

I had my preop exam scheduled today and made plans with hubs to come home early and take care of our kiddo. He was late very late and I nearly had to reschedule my entire Monday surgery because the doctor won't be in the office for the rest of the week. Luckily, they worked me in. On the way there, I began to panic. By the time I got to the office, I was freaking out. When they told me about some payment issues, I became even more anxious. Once that was worked out, I started obsessing about my fear that the lapband won't work for me and had a full-on panic attack. I was ready to Throw in the towel and cancel the whole thing. Luckily, the office ladies, the nurse, and the PA listened to my fears and reassured me that everthing would be fine. They reminded me that failure or sucess depends on me. I felt better knowing I had control. It also helped that their scale showed that I lost 6 lbs on the preop diet this week! So surgery is still on and doc even said I could eat a little Thanksgiving tomorrow. All is well in the house of Betty.

I had my preop exam scheduled today and made plans with hubs to come home early and take care of our kiddo. He was late very late and I nearly had to reschedule my entire Monday surgery because the doctor won't be in the office for the rest of the week. Luckily, they worked me in. But on the way there, I began to panic. By the time I got to the office, I was freaking out. When they told me about some payment issues, I became even more anxious. Once that was worked out, I started obsessing about my fear that the LAP-BAND® won't work for me and had a full-on panic attack. I was ready to Throw in the towel and cancel the whole thing. Luckily, the office ladies, the nurse, and the PA listened to my fears and reassured me that everthing would be fine. They reminded me that failure or sucess depends on me. I felt better knowing I had control. It also helped that their scale showed that I lost 6 lbs on the preop diet this week! So surgery is still on and doc even said I could eat a little Thanksgiving tomorrow. All is well in the house of Betty.

I had my preop exam scheduled today and made plans with hubs to come home early and take care of our kiddo. He was late very late and I nearly had to reschedule my entire Monday surgery because the doctor won't be in the office for the rest of the week. Luckily, they worked me in. On the way there, I began to panic. By the time I got to the office, I was freaking out. When they told me about some payment issues, I became even more anxious. Once that was worked out, I started obsessing about my fear that the lapband won't work for me and had a full-on panic attack. I was ready to Throw inbthe towel and cancel the whole thing. Luckily, the office ladies, the nurse, and the PA listened to my fears and reassured me that everthing would be fine. They reminded me that failure or sucess depends on me. I felt better knowing I had control. It also helped that their scale showed that I lost 6 lbs on the preop diet this week! So surgery is still on and doc even said I could eat a little Thanksgiving tomorrow. All is well in the house of Betty.

I had my preop exam scheduled today and made plans with hubs to come home early and take care of our kiddo. He was late very late and I nearly had to reschedule my entire Monday surgery because the doctor won't be in the office for the rest of the week. Luckily, they worked me in. On the way there, I began to panic. By the time I got to the office, I was freaking out. When they told me about some payment issues, I became even more anxious. Once that was worked out, I started obsessing about my fear that the lapband won't work for me and had a full-on panic attack. I was ready to Throw inbthe towel and cancel the whole thing. Luckily, the office ladies, the nurse, and the PA listened to my fears and reassured me that everthing would be fine. They reminded me that failure or sucess depends on me. I felt better knowing I had control. It also helped that their scale showed that I lost 6 lbs on the preop diet this week! So surgery is still on and doc even said I could eat a little Thanksgiving tomorrow. All is well in the house of Betty.

Well, he's at it again. I am still reading the Gabriel Method and my Food Monster is telling me that I don't need the Lap-Band. I just need to do what John Gabriel says, he tells me. "Um yeah, Food Monster. If that worked, I would be skinny already because every new diet book I find sounds like a great idea, until it doesn't.", I say to him. Today is much better than the last two. I am thinking about food a little less. I even feel a little thinner today. Maybe the pre-op diet is working. Or maybe it is my imagination. Unlike most of you who have lost weight and regained it, I have never lost more than 20 lbs at once. (And that took 2 years). I can't remember how it feels to be thin. I haven't felt it in about 33 years. Feeling hopeful that the lap-band will work for me, I tried to recall yesterday how it felt to be lean. I remembered being a child of about 9, playing outside in a halter top. A halter top! My shoulders haven't seen the sun in over a quarter of a century! I can vaguely recall the feeling of running, the wind flying past my ears and my body working exactly as it should. I have no fear of falling or rolling my ankle or embarrassment over the fat that is trembling and shaking behind me as my feet slam into the pavement. I am not worried about arch supports or proper alignment. I know without question that my body will take me where I want to go. I move at the speed of light using skates or my bike or my own two feet to get there. Now, that is living. So, when was the last time you felt good in your body?

Well, he's at it again. I am still reading the Gabriel Method and my Food Monster is telling me that I don't need the Lap-Band. I just need to do what John Gabriel says, he tells me. "Um yeah, Food Monster. If that worked, I would be skinny already because every new diet book I find sounds like a great idea, until it doesn't.", I say to him. Today is much better than the last two. I am thinking about food a little less. I even feel a little thinner today. Maybe the pre-op diet is working. Or maybe it is my imagination. Unlike most of you who have lost weight and regained it, I have never lost more than 20 lbs at once. (And that took 2 years). I can't remember how it feels to be thin. I haven't felt it in about 33 years. Feeling hopeful that the lap-band will work for me, I tried to recall yesterday how it felt to be lean. I remembered being a child of about 9, playing outside in a halter top. A halter top! My shoulders haven't seen the sun in over a quarter of a century! I can vaguely recall the feeling of running, the wind flying past my ears and my body working exactly as it should. I have no fear of falling or rolling my ankle or embarrassment over the fat that is trembling and shaking behind me as my feet slam into the pavement. I am not worried about arch supports or proper alignment. I know without question that my body will take me where I want to go. I move at the speed of light using skates or my bike or my own two feet to get there. Now, that is living. So, when was the last time you felt good in your body?

I think the elliptical will get easier for you. The first time I tried it, I thought I would never get on one again. My friend convinced me to try it for a week and I would never go back to a treadmill. SHe was right!

would you do it again?

I woke up this morning to the sound of two toddlers fighting over a broken toy. The thing is, I only have one toddler (and a husband). The day got progressively more interesting as I tried to stay on this stupid preop diet. In my spare time (ha ha), I am a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for children. In order to make it to a supervised visit with the parent of my CASA kids, I had to get a sitter and drive an hour, only to find out that the parents decided not to show up and the visit was cancelled. Now, that was simply annoying for me but how do you think those kids must have felt? They haven't seen their parents in 3 weeks and now (Because mom and dad have a lame excuse) they won't see them for at least another 2 weeks. I don't know about you other Mammas, but if I hadn't seen my child in 2 weeks, I would WALK, crawl or swim my way to the visit. But maybe that's just me. This change in diet is really not helping. I am detoxing from sugar and fat---my drugs of choice---and everything is magnified times thousands. I feel like nobody except other bandsters understand. I know I should be happy that I'm not being forced to do liquids only right now and thrilled that I will get a small taste of Thanksgiving but I am seriously cranky and gave in for the temptation of 3 chocolate graham crackers. Yes, I did. And I would do it again. It kept my grown-up-toddler-man from getting kilt this afternoon. God Bless Harry & David.

Thanks ya'll!

Can someone tell me how this is possible? It's freaking me out. MY surgeon said that a small percentage will gain. How would this happen? Drinking your calories? Eating lots of small food throughout the day? I'm confused.

Hooray! And, I finally found a PhD to do the psych eval they require. Will be doing that tomorrow. Waiting for surgeon's office to call back for scheduling.

I woke up this morning to the sound of two toddlers fighting over a broken toy. The thing is, I only have one toddler (and a husband). The day got progressively more interesting as I tried to stay on this stupid preop diet. In my spare time (ha ha), I am a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for children. In order to make it to a supervised visit with the parent of my CASA kids, I had to get a sitter and drive an hour, only to find out that the parents decided not to show up and the visit was cancelled. Now, that was simply annoying for me but how do you think those kids must have felt? They haven't seen their parents in 3 weeks and now (Because mom and dad have a lame excuse) they won't see them for at least another 2 weeks. I don't know about you other Mammas, but if I hadn't seen my child in 2 weeks, I would WALK, crawl or swim my way to the visit. But maybe that's just me. This change in diet is really not helping. I am detoxing from sugar and fat---my drugs of choice---and everything is magnified times thousands. I feel like nobody except other bandsters understand. I know I should be happy that I'm not being forced to do liquids only right now and thrilled that I will get a small taste of Thanksgiving but I am seriously cranky and gave in for the temptation of 3 chocolate graham crackers. Yes, I did. And I would do it again. It kept my grown-up-toddler-man from getting kilt this afternoon. God Bless Harry & David.

I have been reading The Gabriel Method and he suggests that the reason our body craves junk is because we are not giving it the nutrition it needs. He suggests adding healthy foods to your diet instead of taking away unhealthy foods. The idea is that, once your body knows it is going to regularly get what it needs, you will not crave junk any more.

You can get the vanilla shake mix and make your own flavors. I add orange Tang to vanilla for a creamsicle flavor. And there are lots and lots of coffee flavorings (DaVinci makes a sugar free version) that you can add to spice it up.

That window garland is adorable!

It took about 10 days to get approval. I think TriCare gave it sooner but the Surgeon's office didn't call me right away. Either way it was easy. My surgery was scheduled for less than a month after initial consult/seminar. I am on my preop diet now and have surgery next Monday.

Support groups are not for the weak. They are for the smart. Being strong is about making decisions that can keep you strong and talking about what you're experiencing is a good decision. Plus it's fun to look at pics of everyone transforming their bodies! I am scheduled for mine on Monday next. Can't wait!

Day four had kicked my butt a little though I made it under calorie and fat budget anyway. From sugar and fat withdrawal to losing my tried-and-true feelings buffer, my mood and energy level dropped straight down to the ground. I woke up with a headache and feeling cranky. I spent the rest of the day that way. I am very tired, even though I hung out on the sofa for most of the evening. I gave in at some point and had a BK veggie burger but luckily, it didn't put me over my limits. Anyone who says this is cheating, can kiss my fatt ass. The bright spot in my day was my son, who gave me lots of hugs and kisses even though I spent a large part of the morning fussing around him. Even my husband is trying to stay out of my way. It is probably safer for him to do so :cursing: Grrrrrrowl! I also had a chance to read more of The Gabriel Method and using the visualizations and relaxation techniques in the book are helping.

Day four had kicked my butt a little though I made it under calorie and fat budget anyway. From sugar and fat withdrawal to losing my tried-and-true feelings buffer, my mood and energy level dropped straight down to the ground. I woke up with a headache and feeling cranky. I spent the rest of the day that way. I am very tired, even though I hung out on the sofa for most of the evening. I gave in at some point and had a BK veggie burger but luckily, it didn't put me over my limits. Anyone who says this is cheating, can kiss my fatt ass. The bright spot in my day was my son, who gave me lots of hugs and kisses even though I spent a large part of the morning fussing around him. Even my husband is trying to stay out of my way. It is probably safer for him to do so :cool2: Grrrrrrowl! I also had a chance to read more of The Gabriel Method and using the visualizations and relaxation techniques in the book are helping.

Well, I started out good with a very yummy less-than 300 cal, hi-pro, low-fat, veg breakfast. I came up with it on the fly so I thought I would share: 1/2 c Egg Beaters 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers 1/4 c sliced raw mushrooms 1/2 chopped green onion 1/2 cup leftover spinach/pine nut/garlic mix (I got this at the Market Street Deli. But you can just add fresh spinach, a little garlic, and a little red pepper to taste. If you have pine nuts, add 'em. If not, it's no big deal) Mix all in a microwave take-and-go container with a lid. Lightly place the lid on top but don't latch it. Cook in microwave for 2 minutes. Then, take out and mix. Cover and let sit. The egg mix will continue cooking in the steam while you pop 2 morningstar farms veggie breakfast patties (tastes like mild sausage patties) in the micro for two minutes. I was tempted to add cheese but I decided to try it first. It was awesome even without cheese! You can also add tomatoes and a spoonful of plain greek yogurt (which tastes like sour cream) Cal: 231 Carbs: 14 Fat: 10 Protein: 33! Now, I am going to get cleaned up and try to find something to do with myself and the family today that involves exercise. Maybe I will break my "no more plus-size clothing" rule and buy a new bra at the mall. Since I hurt my shoulder, I can't fasten them in the back anymore. I am tired of hunting down my husband to fasten them for me or going bra-less half the time. It's time for a front-loader, I think.

Well, I am 3 days in and I am getting the hang of it. I had a great day keeping good foods in my mouth and a spirit of movement in my body. I chose a family activity that involved a lot of walking outdoors and stayed under budget for all of my food requirements. Now, I am going to take the advice of a friend who recommended that I read this book: The Gabriel Method. I downloaded it to my phone and I can't wait to read it. I am really proud of myself for today! Toot Toot! (That's the sound of my own horn)

I am wondering how many of you eat soy and specialty veggie products with the band? I was a vegetarian for 13 years and found a large number of good soy products that provide a great source of Protein with very little fat/carbs. I am now rediscovering them on my preop diet. Morningstar Farms is one of my favorite brands. I ate 2 veggie sausage patties this morning with an eggbeater's veggie omelet. The whole meal tasted awesome, was less than 300 calories and I got nearly half of my protein for the day out of it. I am just curious now if I will be able to tolerate the foods post band. ****If anyone is curious about veg foods but afraid to try them, ask me for a list of the good stuff. From years of trial and error, I found a few gems that you can easily serve to meat-eaters and they never know the difference. I tried it all from Tofurkey to Quorn and Wheat meat. Trust me, you don't want to waste your money or your taste buds on the icky ones!

Well, I am 3 days in and I am getting the hang of it. I had a great day keeping good foods in my mouth and a spirit of movement in my body. I chose a family activity that involved a lot of walking outdoors and stayed under budget for all of my food requirements. Now, I am going to take the advice of a friend who recommended that I read this book: The Gabriel Method. I downloaded it to my phone and I can't wait to read it. I am really proud of myself for today! Toot Toot! (That's the sound of my own horn)

GOOD for you!!!!!