Debra G

I was just sitting here this morning thinking about my whole weight loss journey and I so remember my first appointment with the doctor, when he told me I had to wait six months before having the surgery. I cried like a baby with the nutritionist, and I remember her remarking - omg, did I say something wrong? I looked up at her with my sad eyes, weeping, and I said no. What happened was a few things - first, I wanted the surgery so badly and thinking six months seemed so long down the road. The second was knowing how much weight I had to loose - that huge number seemed overwhelming to me - I wanted to loose 138 pounds. Third, I was so excited knowing that my 6 month journey has begun. So she gave me a box of tissues, we hugged and she said it is going to be ok - 6 months will fly by before you know it. I have to say it did - I was at my last nutritionist's appointment, and she said - wow, your surgery is in a few weeks - and I cried again - by this time she was used to me crying, so she knew it was not her LOL! This morning I was thinking about, wow, me! - I lost 96 pounds. What I had decided to do was not look at the 138 pounds total to loose, but to take it in increments of 10 pounds each - and that made it easier to deal with. Before I knew it, those ten-pound increments began to add up - 30, 50, 70, 90! 4 more pounds, soon to be 100! And that was how I was able to deal with that number of 138 pounds to loose. This has been one of the most amazing journeys that I have ever embarked on. I invite you to check out my blog to see some of the steps I have taken to get to where I am today:thumbup:: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/ Thank you again for all your kind words and support!

Do not be nervous you will be in and out befor you know it.. This 2 weeks before with all liquids is new for the past 2 or so years they found out that the best results comes from a smaller liver. My suggestion to you would be buy a good scar cream to use it as soon as your wound has healed. The cream is great for, both old and new scars.. All the best to you, Good luck.

Do you have your doctor's number for emergencie calls, have him paged right away talk to him that way... Tell him what is going on, and let him tell you that it's ok , not the office staff in your case. Good luck!

This does pass, sounds like to me you are not geting enough protein drinks in you.. I to think you should double up on your shakes. Try this protein shake, it has 35 grams of protien for 1 shake " Pure Protein". Or even make your own with fruits, 1% milk and then blend also add some protein powerd to it, this should give you lost of protein. Lack of protein will make you very WEAK! Soon your engergy will return.. Please keep us posted.

This delicious dish is both low calorie and full of robust Mediterranean flavors! I hope you and your family enjoy this dish as much as mine did! Makes 4 servings 365 calories per serving CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/

CONGRATS to you, you are doing so well.. having full liquids is not as bad as we think.. And once you have gone your full 2 weeks of this before your surgery, then a few more weeks after it will be a month in all, but you will survive I assure you.. You will be supprised at what you can puree in a blender. lol.. Happy Birthday & Happy Re-Birthday to you also.. That's what I have called mine from day one....

This will pass, you are vomitting air, because of the gas that they had to put in you. I was told that there is a small amount of gas that must go in. That's why some will feel the bad gas pain or very bad bruping and some they say just do not.. I was one that felt it very badly could not stop bruping. But by day 2, I was back to mayself.. I would suggest that when ever you have to have pain meds or any meds that is bigger then a eraser on the back of a pencil, you can ask for liquid meds, or by a pill crusher. Feel better and stay in touch keep us posted on how you are doing. Congrats on your surgery.. ALL THE BEST...

Congrats to you. Way to go 70lbs lighter, I know It's amazing feeling. Keep up all the good work.. LOVE IT!

Summer temperatures mean moving everything outdoors, including your eats! Picnicking is one of the best parts of the season, and it’s a great way to involve the whole family while basking in nature’s beauty. There are three key factors to packing the perfect picnic: each dish should be able to be made ahead of time, not spoil quickly and be transported easily. Steer clear of heavy toppings, sticky sauces and mayo-based recipes—they’ll create a mess and attract insects; the latter can even pose a health risk. Instead, choose items that are easy to eat with your hands (or just with a fork—no knives allowed!) and will be safe to nibble on after an hour or two has passed (assuming you don’t leave the dishes out in the glaring sun—which is never a good idea, regardless of ingredients). My creative picnic recipes will have everyone at the table asking for more without guilt. Makes 16 kabobs Per 1 kabob 71 Calories CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/

This low calorie dish is One of six speedy — and delicious — sauces to serve with sautéed turkey breast. With these robust flavors bursting into your mouth, will have you wanting more. 230 Calories per 1 breast serving Makes 4 main-dish servings Total Time: 20 min CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/

These Ricotta Crêpes with Plums are a combination of all the best things in life, great after any meal. Prep Time: 25 min Cook Time: 10 min Calories 235 Per 1 Crêpe CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/

What a beautiful day today in New Jersey! The sun is coming out - the weather is going to be nice, with a chance of rain later. Rain or no rain, warm weather or not, I am in a happy place. I have not felt this great in a long time. I am down to 197 pounds, from 288 when I had my surgery. There could be thunderstorms, hailstorms, 10 below, freezing rain -nothing will bring me down today! I have done a lot of hard work with this LAP-BAND® to stay on track - meaning exercising on a daily basis, eating healthier, watching every calorie that goes in my mouth. As we all know, this takes a lot of work. As I told those who said I took the easy way out - I said BAH - HUMBUG! There is nothing easy about this. I think lap banders are some of the strongest people. This is a life, body and mind change, just like with all the diets out there, you have to make a major change in your life, and this is no different. Everybody chooses the path that works for them, and I chose this one. With all diets and weight loss, we have to still do the work. I made the best choice in my life by doing this. I have so much more energy - I am so much happier, personable, confident, and I have so much more self-esteem. Last year at this time I was miserable - so sad. What a difference a year makes! My husband and I are going out today to celebrate my day. I am so giddy and happy, I feel like a kid going on a school outing to the circus (we actually ARE going to the circus today!). To all my friends out there, have a wonderful day, and thanks so much for your ongoing support! :tt1: CHECK OUT MY BLOG TO SEE ANY OF MY RECIPES OF THE DAY AND EXERCISE TIPS OF THE DAY ALONG WITH SO MUCH MORE. http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/

Thank you janetsjourneytoslim for your birthday wishes, and I will keep them coming. I will look for your post for today also. again thank you for all your support..

You are doing great stealina. I like to here all stories the good and the bad. You sound so up beat and that's so wounderful. keep doing what you are doing it's working for you. LOVE IT!

You are doing GREAT niccolin03.. What I found out to be true is this, you have lost 30 pounds and you feel it should be more. BUT we run into somthing that is call a plateau. And before you know know it the scale will move more, then that plateau again. So do not feel down or think you are doing somthing wrong, you are not.. Loseing 30 pounds is big.. So Keep up all the great work you are doing and before you know you will be shareing with us how much more you are down in your weight lost.... CONGRATS!

Thank you crsti41 .. Thank you for your lovely comments. You will be under 200 in know time, and you will look back and say wow I did, and you will.. I will keep posting my recipes. Keep up teh good work. LOVE IT!

I had the worst gas pain, and I wanted to brup all the time just for that relief. And when you do brup "ahh" what a great feeling. That feeling does go away, try not to lay down as much if you are. You are in a great place for support I have made some great friends here. And that scar, there is scar cream you can apply that will help this is the name of the one I have used (Mederma Cream - Skin Care For Scars) my doctor told me about this and It worst great for old and new scars. Keep in touch and all the best to you. YOU ROCK...

Looking for a desert for a dinner party or just a nice family desert. Impress your friends and family with this great summertime tiramisu! Makes 8 Servings 175 Calories Per 3 oz serving CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/

Thank you sandradee0124. It's my pleasure to share my love of cooking with you and others. I will keep them coming. Enjoy them and Bon Appitite.

Serve these pretty lettuce wraps as a first course or a light entrée. Fresh mint and cilantro keep it fresh, while savory sautéed shrimp and vegetables provide substance and color. Makes 4 serverings CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/

Thank you for your lovely comments casllista. I so enjoy cooking it's my passion, and to be able to share what I love to do with others brings me joy. I'm hear for you, my blog has a few tips on what I do. Thanks again.

This Italian dish is so delicious. Great for all year round, your friends will ask you for your recipe. CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/

I had been feeling ill from my last fill on Thursday. Today am feeling so much better, am almost back to my 100% self again. Taking it slow today am only going to eat mushy foods and my Jell-O with my boost and some of my low cal ice pops, and some broth that will fill me up for the day. Do not want to eat solid foods just yet. The last time I ete solid food was on Wednesday. Yes I want it so badly but slow is the best way. Tomorrow I will have solids again. I so wanted to break my 200 mark by my birthday June 16th, the scale was moving very slowly for me last month but I did it, I BROKE MY 200 MARK!! As of today I got on the scale and I was amazed to see what I saw. I'm 198 as of today. I'm down 90 pounds. YEAAAA:biggrin:. So I cried for a while and had a long look at myself in my mirror and I loved what I saw, for the first time in a long time I did not mind looking at myself in that mirror. Wow what a huge difference. I CRIED FROM PURE JOY!!:thumbup: CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ABOUT MY JOURNEY AND SOME GREAT RECIPES. http://life-after-lap-band®.blogspot.com/

Thank you 1019Joanne. I have a big smile on my face all day. lol.. Again thank you for the lovey comment. You rock!

Thank you so much crsti41. And all the best to you also, am sure you are doing well also.