BabyGotBack

My experience was the best one could want. I had no complications, not much pain or discomfort. Had gas pains for like 3 days. I have felt great! If you have any questions, feel free to ask or pm me!

Go to tickerfactory.com Go under this heading: bbCode: (FertilityFriend.com's boards, phpBB based boards, Invision Power Board, vBulletin...) Click from img to img, like this (this is my actual ticker) :scared:

That is exactly why I didn't tell anyone. In the past, when talking to women about my weight, they'd say, maybe my body belonged this size!!!!:scared: :thumbs_up: Pardon my french, but WTF is that supposed to mean coming from a thin person!!!! My body is meant to be obese and unhealthy!!! That is all a bunch of bull. They just don't understand at all what we have gone though our whole lives!!!!! They have an opinion on something they know absolutely nothing about!!!! I would just tell her "thanks for your opinion, but I have already made the best decision for me, THANK YOU"

It is my granny's old wives tale of getting rid of gas!!! And so far, I have heard it works!! I know it always worked for me!!

Congrats!!! Gosh we have so many January Bandsters!!!!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

I just didn't like having diahrea!!! It did go away after I stopped though!!

Well, I made it! I didn't PB or have any problems. My quantites had to be small during the day. I was able to eat a little more for dinner. This is also my first day of South Beach and everything I ate falls under my plan. Here is what I ate: Breakfast: 1 cup of coffee with low carb soy milk Snack: 6 small bites of egg and salsa Lunch: 1/4 cup of tuna, reg. mayo, onions and tomato Snack: 2 oz of ff. cottage cheese Snack: 1 string cheese Dinner: 1/2 cup of lean steak (chopped up very finely) a couple of mushrooms 1/4 cup of black beans and cheddar cheese Since I had to eat so frequently I couldn't drink my water in between. I have to make it up in the evening, 1 hour after dinner. I stopped with my meal when I felt like I had to take a deep breath. The beauty of South Beach is I don't have to count calories, carbs, etc. I am keeping a tally in my head just to make sure I am eating enough. I am very satisfied and was not hungry. I'd say I got in about 800 calories and enough protein. I don't know how I could any more as I have heard you have to get a certain amount of calories, but what if it is not physically possible? There is no way I could have eaten more than I did. What did your doctors/nutrionists tell you about daily calories? I have heard two schools of though: Eat 600-800 or eat 1000 or eat at least 1200. What do you guys think?

Soy contains more Protein than milk without the saturated fat or cholesterol. Soya Beans are the only beans to be considered a complete protein because they contain all eight essential amino acids. Due to it's high fiber content, the addition of soy foods into a daily diet benefits any weight loss program. Soy protein contains high levels of a substance called Tyrosine, which helps to maintain our alertness and mental energy without the need for excess calories. This may be beneficial for weight control. Soy is a low-glycemic index food which helps regulate blood-sugar and insulin fluctuations. This helps you to feel more satisfied and less hungry until your next meal, which is beneficial for weight management and control. In Japan, where soy consumption is high, women have minimal menopause problems and only about 16% of Western rates of breast cancer. Clinical studies show significant reduction in pre- and post-menopausal breast cancers in women eating high amounts of soy. As little as 25mg of soy protein a day may decrease levels of LDL cholesterol and Triglycerides. Soya reduces "hot flushes" and incidence of osteoporosis. In one study, the addition of 45g of soya flour reduced the number of hot flushes by 40%. Certain studies into animal obesity seem to indicate that soy may stimulate the metabolism, which may assist weight loss. According to soy researchers at Iowa State University, "Isoflavone-rich soy may attenuate the increase in fat deposition and prevent loss in lean tissue during menopause." Thus soy may assist weight management and control during menopause. Link to an article from Harvard School of Public Health http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/protein.html Soy Protein TRADE NAMES Genisoy Protein shake (MLO Products), Genista Soy Protein (Biotherapies), Soytein (Solaray), Vege Fuel (Twinlab), Premium Soy Protein Booster (Naturade). DESCRIPTION In October, 1999, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved labeling claims for dietary soy protein stating that it may reduce the risk of heart disease. This is the 11th health claim allowed by the FDA. The health claim that can be used on labels of products containing soy protein states: "Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease." In order to carry the health claim, one serving of a product must contain at least 6.25 grams of soy protein and must also be low in total and saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. This latest FDA health claim was based on animal studies, epidemiological studies and human studies demonstrating that diets high in soy protein and low in animal protein lead to decreased levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. The mechanism of the lipid-lowering effect of soy protein remains unclear. Soy protein isolates have become popular items in the nutritional supplement marketplace. Most of these supplements also contain the soy isoflavones genistin, daidzin and glycitin. ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY ACTIONS Soy protein may have lipid-lowering, antiatherogenic, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and antiosteoporotic activities. MECHANISM OF ACTION Diets rich in soy protein have been found to reduce serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B (apo :scared:. The mechanism of the lipid-lowering activity of soy protein is unclear. There are a few possible explanations. Soy protein is much richer in L-arginine than is animal protein, which is richer in L-lysine. Some animal studies indicate that dietary increases in L-arginine are accompanied by decreases in cholesterol levels. Further, some studies have demonstrated that, under certain conditions, e.g., hypercholesterolemia, high intakes of L-arginine could enhance endothelial-dependent vasodilation and nitric oxide or NO production (see L-Arginine). This could contribute to the possible antiatherogenic activity of soy protein. The soy isoflavones may also contribute to the lipid-lowering activity of soy protein as well as its antiatherogenic activity. Most soy protein products contain the isoflavones genistin, daidzin and glycitin, which have weak estrogenic effects and also may have antiestrogenic activity (see Soy Isoflavones). Oral estrogens have been shown to decrease total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. The soy isoflavones may have similar actions. Interestingly, a few studies have shown that when the isoflavones are removed from the soy protein, the protein itself has little hypocholesterolemic activity. Soy isoflavones themselves do not have the same hypocholesterolemic activity as the combination of soy protein and soy isoflavones. There are probably synergistic effects of these substances that are not understood at this time. There are also other substances associated with soy protein, including saponins, trypsin inhibitor and bioactive peptides, which may also contribute to the lipid-lowering activity of soy protein. The soy isoflavones are antioxidants, and their antioxidant activity may contribute to the possible anti-atherogenic effect of soy protein. The antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and antiosteoporotic activities of soy protein are probably due, in large part, to the soy isoflavones (see Soy Isoflavones). Soy protein has been found to reduce intestinal mucosa polyamine levels in rats, which may be another anticarcinogenic mechanism. Also, a bioactive peptide has recently been isolated from soybeans and has been found to have potent antimitotic activity. PHARMACOKINETICS The digestion, absorption, distribution and metabolism of soy protein occurs by normal physiological processes. See Soy Isoflavones, Genistin, Daidzin and Glycitin for the pharmacokinetics of these substances. INDICATIONS AND USAGE The FDA has allowed the following health claim for soy protein: "25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease." The isoflavone constituents of soy protein may confer some additional benefits. See Soy Isoflavones. RESEARCH SUMMARY The FDA-approved health claim—see Indications above—that soy protein, in adequate amounts, may help protect against heart disease is based upon numerous in vitro, animal, epidemiological and human studies. Evidence has accumulated over many decades showing that soy protein, but not animal protein, has significant cholesterol-lowering properties in animal studies. In a meta-analysis of clinical studies, most of them well-controlled, investigators concluded that soy protein significantly lowered serum concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides without significantly altering HDL-cholesterol concentrations. Since the meta-analysis cited above was conducted, other clinical research has continued to confirm the lipid-lowering ability of soy protein. Recently it was demonstrated that administration for six weeks of as little as 20 grams of soy protein per day, in place of animal protein, achieved significant reductions of non-HDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein (apo) B in moderately hypercholesterolemic men. CONTRAINDICATIONS, PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS Soy protein supplements are contraindicated in those who are hypersensitive to any component of a soy protein-containing product. PRECAUTIONS Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the use of soy protein supplements pending long-term safety studies or unless these supplements are recommended by their physicians. Women with estrogen receptor-positive tumors should exercise caution in the use of soy protein supplements and should only use them if they are recommended and monitored by their physicians. INTERACTIONS NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS AND FOODS Soy contains phytic acid, which may bind with certain minerals, such as Calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper and Iron, reducing their availability. OVERDOSAGE There are no reports of overdosage. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION There are several soy protein supplements available. Typically the soy protein supplements contain soy isoflavones. Dosage is variable. A total intake of 25 to 50 grams of soy protein and 50 milligrams of soy isoflavones daily may have cardiovascular and other health benefits. This can come from nutritional intake, as well as supplemental intake. Complete article from the FDA: http://www.fda.gov/Fdac/features/2000/300_soy.html Excerpt from above article: Soy Benefits Soy protein products can be good substitutes for animal products because, unlike some other beans, soy offers a "complete" protein profile. Soybeans contain all the amino acids essential to human nutrition, which must be supplied in the diet because they cannot be synthesized by the human body. Soy protein products can replace animal-based foods--which also have complete Proteins but tend to contain more fat, especially saturated fat--without requiring major adjustments elsewhere in the diet. While foreign cultures, especially Asians, have used soy extensively for centuries, mainstream America has been slow to move dietary soy beyond a niche market status. In the United States, soybean is a huge cash crop, but the product is used largely as livestock feed. With the increased emphasis on healthy diets, that may be changing. Sales of soy products are up and are projected to increase, due in part, say industry officials, to the FDA-approved health claim. (U.S. retail sales of soyfoods were $.852 billion in 1992 and are projected to rise to $3.714 billion in 2002. See attached chart.) "We've seen this before with other claims FDA has approved," says Brian Sansoni, senior manager for public policy at the Grocery Manufacturers of America. "It brings attention to products; there are newspaper and TV stories and information on the Internet." To qualify for the health claim, foods must contain at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving and fit other criteria, such as being low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium. The claim is similar to others the agency has approved in recent years to indicate heart benefits, including claims for the cholesterol-lowering effects of soluble fiber in oat bran and psyllium seeds. FDA determined that diets with four daily soy servings can reduce levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), the so-called "bad cholesterol" that builds up in blood vessels, by as much as 10 percent. This number is significant because heart experts generally agree that a 1 percent drop in total cholesterol can equal a 2 percent drop in heart disease risk. Heart disease kills more Americans than any other illness. Disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including stroke, cause nearly 1 million deaths yearly. FDA allowed the health claim for soy protein in response to a petition by Protein Technologies International Inc., a leading soy producer that tracks its origins to soybean studies sponsored by Henry Ford in the early 1930s. The company was acquired by E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company (DuPont) in 1997. In considering the petition, FDA reviewed data from 27 clinical studies submitted in the petition, as well as comments submitted to the public record and studies identified by FDA. The available research consistently showed that regular soy protein consumption lowered cholesterol to varying degrees. One of the studies, conducted over nine weeks at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 1999, found that soy protein can reduce plasma concentrations of total and LDL cholesterol but does not adversely affect levels of HDL, or "good" cholesterol, which at high levels has been associated with a reduction in heart disease risk. Another often-quoted study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1995, examined 38 separate studies and concluded that soy protein can prompt "significant reductions" not only in total and LDL cholesterol, but also in triglycerides, another fat linked to health problems when present at elevated levels. Other studies hint that soy may have benefits beyond fostering a healthy heart. At the Third International Symposium on the Role of Soy in Preventing and Treating Chronic Disease, held in late 1999, researchers presented data linking soy consumption to a reduced risk of several illnesses. Disorders as diverse as osteoporosis, prostate cancer, and colon cancer are under investigation. Soy's Many Faces Though soy may seem like a new and different kind of food for many Americans, it actually is found in a number of products already widely consumed. For example, soybean oil accounts for 79 percent of the edible fats used annually in the United States, according to the United Soybean Board. A glance at the ingredients for commercial mayonnaises, margarines, salad dressings, or vegetable shortenings often reveals soybean oil high on the list. But the health claim only covers the form that includes soy protein. This form can be incorporated into the diet in a variety of ways to help reach the daily intake of 25 grams of soy protein considered beneficial. While not every form of the following foods will qualify for the health claim, these are some of the most common sources of soy protein: Tofu is made from cooked puréed soybeans processed into a custard-like cake. It has a neutral flavor and can be stir-fried, mixed into "smoothies," or blended into a cream cheese texture for use in dips or as a cheese substitute. It comes in firm, soft and silken textures. "Soymilk," the name some marketers use for a soy beverage, is produced by grinding dehulled soybeans and mixing them with Water to form a milk-like liquid. It can be consumed as a beverage or used in recipes as a substitute for cow's milk. Soymilk, sometimes fortified with calcium, comes plain or in flavors such as vanilla, chocolate and coffee. For lactose-intolerant individuals, it can be a good replacement for dairy products. Soy flour is created by grinding roasted soybeans into a fine powder. The flour adds protein to baked goods, and, because it adds moisture, it can be used as an egg substitute in these products. It also can be found in cereals, pancake mixes, frozen Desserts, and other common foods. Textured soy protein is made from defatted soy flour, which is compressed and dehydrated. It can be used as a meat substitute or as filler in dishes such as meatloaf. Tempeh is made from whole, cooked soybeans formed into a chewy cake and used as a meat substitute. Miso is a fermented soybean paste used for seasoning and in Soup stock. Soy protein also is found in many "meat analog" products, such as soy sausages, burgers, franks, and cold cuts, as well as soy yogurts and cheese, all of which are intended as substitutes for their animal-based counterparts. Since not all foods that contain soy ingredients will meet the required conditions for the health claim, consumers should check the labels of products to identify those most appropriate for a heart-healthy diet. Make sure the products contain enough soy protein to make a meaningful contribution to the total daily diet without being high in saturated fat and other unhealthy substances. I hope this helped!!!:hungry:

Well, not quite all the way under the rib, a couple inches below but well into the stomach muscle.It is completely flush to my abdominals when i feel around for it.

I am right there with you!!! I started gaining in all the places I never did. My chest got even bigger, my arms, upper body, calves, thighs and huge butt!!!! But, I have a washboard abs!!!

Hey Guys!! I started solids today! I don't know how I am going to east enough! WHAT I ATE TODAY: coffee with Splenda and 1 cup low carb soy 5 small bites of an egg, 1/4 cup of tuna with mayo, onion and tomato, 1 string cheese stick 1/2 cup of lean steak with mushrooms for dinner 1/4 cup black Beans with melted cheddar cheese (Ate all with no problems; no pb's) Liquids: 24 ounces crystal light supplements: 1 tbsp. Glacial Milk liquid Vitamin It is hard to get the liquid in because I had to eat lots of little meals to get food in. I felt dizzy earlier. I think I will have to drink my first 24 ounces upon rising. Get 24 in the middle of the day and 24 ounces 1 hour after my last meal. I did not take my quickslim30 since I am not hungry. I didn't PB and stopeed when I felt like I had to take a deep breath. I didn't want to push things. I have heard a PB can feel like a heart attack!:omg: The good thing about South Beach is you don't have to count calories, carbs, etc.... But, I am kinda keeping a count in my head because I know I need to get at leat 1000??? I have heard so many different things about the calorie intake. Some say there doctors say to have about 600-800 and others say 1000-1200, then some others say over 1200. I have only had about 400 calories today!! I am going to ask my own nutrionist and see what she says, but I feel free since I hate counting calories!!!!

I was told by my nutrionist I'd have diahrea if I drank Gatorade or juice so I cut it out and didn't have it.

I go to a chinese herbalist doctor and he suggested it for me. It is called QuickSlim30. You can get it online too. It helps with appetite, energy and metabolism. I am down 17 pounds too!!! Today was my first day of solid and I have done fine. Have not PB'd but I am chewing super good and only swallowing a little bit of what is in my mouth at a time. I didn't need to take my Quicksliim, but I wanted to take it since it also supports healthy weight loss and other body functions. I just don't know how I am supposed to get calories in. I ate 1/4 of one egg for breakfast, 1/4 cup of tuna with a little mayo, onion and tomato. A little cottage cheese with salsa and 1 string cheese stick. Also a cup of coffee to start the day. That is only about 400 calories for today. I am going to have snacks in between because I dont' want to eat so little.

Was today your first day of solids like me? I guess I will start with some hot coffee. I don't want to PB or slime! Today is my first day of South Beach! So, I will be posting later on!!!

I have never heard of it! Maybe they can just move your low profile port deeper in the stomach muscle. Where is yours placed? I have a low profile port. It doesn't poke out at all. I had a tummy tuck with lipo on my entire abdominal area, so I have very little fat there. It is tucked under my rib in the muscle.

I don't know about all the exact info on soy, but I did hear it helps tone the skin. The chinese do a lot of soy and they are extremely healthy people and thin! I will see if I can research it later. Maybe during the week! You can also go to the complications thread and ask Dr. C

YIIIPPPEEEEE!!!!! You are in Bandland now!!!!! I know it doesn't feel that great at the moment, but it passes pretty quick! Then it is fantastic!!! I was asking my husband what he saw in me that has changed these last 3 weeks and he said he notices that I am so happy and upbeat. I would get so depressed and desperate... Don't forget your Gas X strips, heating pad and petho posititon!!!!!:faint:

I remember having the same pressure feeling and it felt awful. It didn't last past 4 days for me. I kept on taking the Gas X strips. I was super restricted in the beginning. Try little tiny sips of hot tea. I had to sip sip sip all day, tiny sips or I felt like I would cough it up. I start the day with hot coffee and that helped me especially in the beginning. I didn' realize the smaller band gave restriction right away because I am 3 weeks out and still restricted. i can onlly get 1 cup of cream or puree soup. Last night we went out for dinner and I ordered pureed spinach with cheese and I could only get about 1/4 a cup in before I hiccuped and knew I had to stop. Also, I would put my heating pad on my chest and it comforted me!

Thanks!! This is a great group of ladies!!!

Hey there Kaboom!! Nice to see you here! I am going for my first fill on Feb. 17, exactly 6 weeks after surgery. I didn't want to lose any time!!! Exercise is yet one more tool I need to add to me "toolbox". I have my Bandy, my Quickslim, my South Beach, not to add exercise. When I start going to the gym, I get obsessed with working out! I love the way it makes me feel. It is just so hard for me to start up once i stop! I used to go everyday for 2 hours and had personal trainers for over one year!!! Then I had my tummy tuck, couldn't workout for a while and started this damn cycle over again and gained, gained, gained!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1:faint: I am going Monday no matter what! My step daughter and her friend both are supposed to meet me (they both work there) at 12 noon and my kids get out of school at 2:30pm. I used to go like that 4 days a week a few months ago!

I told my step daughter to make me go to the gym on Monday! I have no excuse except being lazy!!! I am glad you are doing so great!:clap2:

I am going to post my daily intake on the South Beach challenge thread and my journal!!! Thanks for all the encouragment!!!

You do now!!!! A lower bmi bandster is a bmi in the low 40's and you are in the 30's now!!!!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

I also heard somewhere that eating on a plane does something to our band that gives us a lot of restriction. You may want to do liquids on the plane. Have a great time!!!! I start solids today!

I suggest you just don't think about how they do it. My curiousity got the best of me and I watched a video on the whole surgery. I wish I hadn't. It will be okay!