BabyGotBack

Oh yeah, those were cool!

Me too! I want to be a part of an exercise challenge where we motivate each other to do some form of exercise every day and check in with each other. Audree

Thanks Mary!! Nice to meet you. I also have stepchildren, 2 step daughters. I am not telling any of the kids. I am afraid of influening them in a bad way. None of them have weight problems. I had a tummy tuck and my 19 year old step daughter is already planning on keeping a savings account for her tummy tuck after she has kids. I don't want them to think surgery is the way. I want so much to succeed! Audree

Thanks Susannah!! You are great!Audree

Thanks for the info. I am getting my surgery in Mexico. I am trying to find out if he uses this new band. I know that when I asked for a low profile/mini port , they said he uses them standard. Audree

Welcome Jenslapband, TxPeaches, mcwms and nicknack34461, patsygrn and lala! This is a great place for support! I am so glad to be a part of it. Can you tell us a little about yourselves? Audree

Congratulations Jenslapband!! I will be banded a few days after you on Friday. I am getting nervous, I guess of the unknown. I want so much for this to work, I have failed at every other weight loss attempt. I know it is a tool and I am trying so hard to prepare in advance, to educate myself. Let us know how you are doing when you can. Audree

I got this from another thread and thought it was good advice: :hungry: "No more than one cup of solids at a time. If I had to do it over again, I would measure from day one. Start at 1/2 cup and see how that feels, if I am still truly hungry, move up in 1/4 cup increments."

I got this from a google search for natural gas relief: Indigestion and heartburn are caused by an increased or decreased secretion of acids and other digestive enzymes in the abdomen. Symtoms include burning, a feeling of fullness and gaseousness in the abdomen. Reflux esophagitis is the medical name for heartburn. The acid reflux is caused by the flow of gastric juices up the esophagus. Indigestion and heartburn are usually caused by overeating, obesity, chocolate, fried foods, carbonated beverages, alcohol, coffee, and cigarettes. Eliminating these causes is the first step in preventing occurrences of indigestion. Eat small meals, eat slowly, limit intake of Fluid during meals, avoid spicy foods, eat whole-grain carbohydrates such as bread, brown rice, and Pasta, and avoid eating fruit with or after meals. The following remedies for indigestion can be found in health food stores. <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=center><SCRIPT type=text/javascript><!--google_ad_client = "pub-6167988213978292";google_ad_width = 180;google_ad_height = 90;google_ad_format = "180x90_0ads_al";google_ad_channel ="5878910303";google_color_border = "FFFFFF";google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";google_color_link = "339933";google_color_url = "000000";google_color_text = "000000";//--></SCRIPT><SCRIPT src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT><IFRAME name=google_ads_frame marginWidth=0 marginHeight=0 src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-6167988213978292&dt=1167690625265&lmt=1114756961&prev_fmts=336x280_as&format=180x90_0ads_al&output=html&channel=5878910303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpapa.essortment.com%2Fnaturalremedies_rvff.htm&color_bg=FFFFFF&color_text=000000&color_link=339933&color_url=000000&color_border=FFFFFF&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dnatural%2Bremedies%2Bfor%2Bgas%2Bpain&u_h=800&u_w=1280&u_ah=766&u_aw=1280&u_cd=32&u_tz=-480&u_his=56&u_java=true" frameBorder=0 width=180 scrolling=no height=90 allowTransparency></IFRAME></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Peppermint in tea or tablet form contains menthol and has an antispasmodic effect on the digestive tract. It relieves gas and stomach cramps. Chamomile in tea or tablet form has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and gas-relieving effects. Slippery elm bark in tea or tablet form helps form a protective coating in the stomach. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is an anti-ulcer agent. Ginger in tea or tablet form relieves gas and reduces bloating and pain. Aloe vera gel helps soothe the stomach. Activated charcoal tablets or capsules are useful for gas pain. Charcoal absorbs medications and should not be taken within two hours of taking any medicine. To relieve pressure at night, use blocks to raise the head of the bed frame at least 6 inches. This will lessen the pressure on the stomach and prevent stomach contents from moving into the esophagus. Wait a couple of hours after a meal before lying down. sleep on the left side of the body, the stomach is lower when lying on the left side. Stress, obesity, and pressure on the stomach can cause indigestion. These causes can be eliminated by participating in regular exercise such as walking, bicycling, swimming, or yoga. Avoid strenuous exercise immediately after a meal. Aromatherapy can relieve an upset stomach. The following essential herbal oils can be used in an infusion or diluted with almond or olive oil (four drops of herbal oil with an ounce of almond or olive oil) and massaged onto the abdomen: Peppermint Marjoram Fennel Coriander Always consult a physician before proceeding with any remedy. Aloe Vera ( aloe bardadensis) History and uses : Nowadays a surprising number of people take advantage of the skin-softening properties of aloe vera in some way. It has long been used in folk medicine, and modern research indicates that when applied externally, aloe vera restores skin tissues and may aid the healing of burns and sores. It can also be used on blemishes and dandruff, and it works cosmetically to keep skin soft. While aloe seems to be the most potent when taken fresh from the leaf, it is an ingredient in several skin creams and shampoos. However, these products contain only small amounts of aloe. Aloe gel has also been taken internally for stomach disorders, while dried aloe latex - a different substance derived from the leaf - is a strong laxative. Anise ( Pimpinella anisum ) History and uses : Anise with it's nippy licorice flavour, has been used for centuries in both foods and medicines. The ancient Greeks, including Hypocrates, recommended it for coughs. Ancient Romans used anise in a special cake that concluded their enormous feasts. They included it not only for it's flavour, but to aid digestion and ease flatulence. The ancients also used anise as an aphrodisiac, for colic, and to combat nausea. Today anise is still used for coughs, in both syrups and lozenges. Drinking a tea made from the crushed and steeped seeds is said to aid digestion and ease gas pains. Some herbalists also recommend the tea to nursing mothers to increase milk flow. Anise is considered safe when taken in reasonable amounts. Plant Parts & Active Compounds : Seed. Anethole and other aromatic compounds. Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) History and uses : Herbe royale to the French, a sign of love to Italians, and a sacred herb in India, basil has a rich and fanciful history, and a reputation for both good and evil. Some ancient herbalists believed that basil damaged the internal organs and caused the spontaneous generation of scorpions inside the body. Various cultures of the world have found their own uses for basil. In the Far East it has been used as a cough medicine, and in Africa it has been used to expel worms. American colonists considered basil the essential ingredient in a snuff used to ease headaches. One folk remedy says that tea made with basil and peppercorns will reduce fever. While most herbalists prefer other, more effective herbs, basil is still recommended for a variety of home remedies. The herb is a carmenative, meaning that it relieves gas, and when brewed in tea is said to aid digestion. Basil tea may also be useful for relieving stomach cramps, vomiting and constipation. Cascara Sagrada ( Rhamnus purshiana ) History and uses : Used primarily as a laxative, cascara sagrada was first used by North America's native peoples, and is still in use today. The name means "sacred bark" , a reference to the medicinal part of the plant. Cascara sagrada is popular for the relief of constipation, and it is reported to restore the bowel to a healthy tone, making repeated use of the remedy unnecessary. Small doses of tonic prepared from the bark are sometimes taken to ease digestion. Cascara sagrada extracts are found in many over-the-counter preparations. The bark is considered safe when aged for at least a year, however it should never be used by pregnant women. Chamomile ( Matricaria chamomilla ) History and uses : A soothing cup of chamomile tea has long been a popular way to take the edge off a long, hard day. Indeed, some studies have shown the herb to be an effective mild sedative, and so it has been used to combat insomnia. To get the strongest possible effects, the tea should be steeped in a closed vesel for at least ten minutes. Chamomile has a number of other uses as well. The oil of chamomile is sometimes prepared as an extract, which, when applied to the skin, may help reduce inflammations, and thereby alleviate the pain of arthritis. The extract may also be used to heal wounds. When taken internally, chamomile is said to aid digestion and relieve menstrual cramps, as well as settle acute stomach upset. This variety of chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, is know as German chamomile. A related plant, Roman chamomile (anthemis nobilis), is less common but has similar effects. Both plants have feathery green leaves and delicate daisy-like flowers that, when crushed, give off a faint scent reminiscent of apples. And both grow along roadsides, in meadows and other abandoned places. Cinnamon ( Cinnamomum zeylaicum ) History and uses : Cinnamon is a common ingredient in folk remedies for colds, flatulence, nausea and vomiting. It has been shown to be carminative (releasing gas in the stomach and intestines), and so is useful for settling an upset stomach and for alleviating diarrhea. Cinnamon has also been used as a treatment to stimulate the appetites of anorexics. Consumers should note that the variety of cinnamon available for home use is actually derived from cassia bark. It is a related species and is said to produce similar effects.

Indigestion and heartburn are caused by an increased or decreased secretion of acids and other digestive enzymes in the abdomen. Symtoms include burning, a feeling of fullness and gaseousness in the abdomen. Reflux esophagitis is the medical name for heartburn. The acid reflux is caused by the flow of gastric juices up the esophagus. Indigestion and heartburn are usually caused by overeating, obesity, chocolate, fried foods, carbonated beverages, alcohol, coffee, and cigarettes. Eliminating these causes is the first step in preventing occurrences of indigestion. Eat small meals, eat slowly, limit intake of fluid during meals, avoid spicy foods, eat whole-grain carbohydrates such as bread, brown rice, and pasta, and avoid eating fruit with or after meals. The following remedies for indigestion can be found in health food stores. <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=center><SCRIPT type=text/javascript><!--google_ad_client = "pub-6167988213978292";google_ad_width = 180;google_ad_height = 90;google_ad_format = "180x90_0ads_al";google_ad_channel ="5878910303";google_color_border = "FFFFFF";google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";google_color_link = "339933";google_color_url = "000000";google_color_text = "000000";//--></SCRIPT><SCRIPT src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Peppermint in tea or tablet form contains menthol and has an antispasmodic effect on the digestive tract. It relieves gas and stomach cramps. Chamomile in tea or tablet form has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and gas-relieving effects. Slippery elm bark in tea or tablet form helps form a protective coating in the stomach. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is an anti-ulcer agent. Ginger in tea or tablet form relieves gas and reduces bloating and pain. Aloe vera gel helps soothe the stomach. Activated charcoal tablets or capsules are useful for gas pain. Charcoal absorbs medications and should not be taken within two hours of taking any medicine. To relieve pressure at night, use blocks to raise the head of the bed frame at least 6 inches. This will lessen the pressure on the stomach and prevent stomach contents from moving into the esophagus. Wait a couple of hours after a meal before lying down. Sleep on the left side of the body, the stomach is lower when lying on the left side. Stress, obesity, and pressure on the stomach can cause indigestion. These causes can be eliminated by participating in regular exercise such as walking, bicycling, swimming, or yoga. Avoid strenuous exercise immediately after a meal. Aromatherapy can relieve an upset stomach. The following essential herbal oils can be used in an infusion or diluted with almond or olive oil (four drops of herbal oil with an ounce of almond or olive oil) and massaged onto the abdomen: Peppermint Marjoram Fennel Coriander Always consult a physician before proceeding with any remedy.

I am doing so much better today! Breakfast: Protein shake-250 calories Lunch: Lean Cuisine, 390, corn=120, shredded cheese=50 total=560 Dinner: Lean Cuisine, 280 cal, corn 100, dash of spaghetti sauce 30 cal, some shredded turkey 100 cal. Total= 510+ Total for the day- 1320 Green tea=20 ounces h20=20 ounces I am feeling good mentally. I have energy. I am getting nervous the closer it gets. I weighed in today at 184.5. I started at 190 on day 1 of preop. On ay 2 of pre op I had lost 4 pounds, the ones I gained from the holidays. I guess it must have been water. It is funny what a difference a little weight makes. My thighs are not rubbing together as much. Most of my weight goes straight to my lower body since my tummy tuck and body contouring. This week is going to fly by. I added corn, shredded lean turkey to my meals. I did increase my calorie intake, but it was adding healthy foods. I feel good

Stella: How much have you lost and how long did it take you? Audree

Today is day 4 of my pre op. I had a protein shake for breakfast and a lean cuisine with added corn for lunch. I am drinking tea also. Breakfast: Protein shake: 250 cal Lunch: Lean Cuisine: 340, corn=140, a little shredded cheese=50 Total calories=530 for lunch How are we all doing on our pre op? Or Post op? Sunshine2: Where are you? Has anyone heard from her? I am hoping she is okay. Audree

Congrats on your surgery tomorrow!!! Mine is Friday. Come back and let us know how you are doing!!! Audree

I am there with you! If I don't cut out white flour products, I am perpetually hungry. I really like the South Beach diet. It focuses on healthy protein, lean. Veggies, fruits and healthy carbs, like whole grain bread, brown rice, whole wheat spaghetti. Audree

Salmon, Tofu and Broccoli Patties 2 servings (2 patties each) This is a light and easy dish for people who want to eat salmon, broccoli and tofu on principle but may not like cooking these items. The patties are actually baked in muffin pans, using pureed raw salmon, combined with silken tofu. French cuisine has a long history of pureeing raw salmon and using it in a variety of steamed and baked mousses and quiches. This dish substitutes tofu for the traditional eggs and cream and adds finely chopped broccoli. Start to finish: 20 minutes Ingredients: 6 ounces salmon fillet 1/2 cup organic silken tofu 1 teaspoon grated ginger root 1 teaspoon salt-free herb blend 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 cup brocolli, cooked and finely chopped Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Chop the cooked broccoli finely in the food processor. Remove and set aside. Cut the raw salmon into chunks and put it in the food processor with the tofu and seasonings. Puree until smooth. Fold the chopped broccoli into the salmon mixture and divide between four lightly oiled muffin pan sections. Cover the muffin pan with tinfoil, pressing it down around the edges of the pan. Put in the middle rack of the oven and bake at 350 for 12 minutes. Remove the pan and let the patties sit for a few minutes. Tip the pan over carefully, or guide the patties out with a knife. There will be a little liquid depending on the type of tofu used, but the patties should hold together. Serve as a lunch or brunch dish with a side salad, or add a crisp stir fry of mushrooms and green vegetables to make it a dinner. These patties hold very well in the fridge for a few days and can be re-heated in the microwave at work. They also freeze very well, so if you like them, multiply the recipe by three, using about a pound of salmon and a full head of broccoli, and make a muffin pan full. Nutritional Information: Per serving: 158 calories 6 g total fat (1 g sat) 44 mg cholesterol 28 g carbohydrate 23 g protein 5 g fiber 246 mg sodium Creamy Tomato Soup 3 servings Ingredients: 1 large onion, chopped 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 3 pounds fresh, ripe Italian tomatoes, chopped (about 6 cups) 8 sun-dried tomatoes, soaked 1 cup soy milk Salt and black and red pepper to taste 2 Tbls. fresh parsley, basil or dill, chopped Instructions: 1. In a large pot, sauté the onions in the olive oil until they are soft, then add the fresh tomatoes and stir until the mixture boils. 2. Remove the dried tomatoes from their soaking water and chop them coarsely. Add them and their soaking water to the pot and cook, stirring to prevent sticking. 3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the soy milk and season to taste with salt and black and red pepper. 4. Serve in bowls with the chopped green herbs as garnish. Nutritional benefits: Monounsaturated fat; micronutrients, including lycopene from tomatoes and isoflavones from soy. Nutritional Information: Per serving: 196 calories 8 g total fat (1 g sat) 0 mg cholesterol 30 g carbohydrate 7 g protein 8 g fiber 250 mg sodium Hummus 10 servings This wonderful bean spread has gained in popularity over the past few years. Our version has all the benefits of a more traditional recipe, but with less olive oil. The combination of garbanzo beans (also called chickpeas), tahini, lemon juice, cumin and garlic is a show-stopper. This is wonderful as a sandwich spread or as a dip with raw vegetables or pita triangles. Keep a batch in your refrigerator all the time and you'll never be without a nutritious snack or lunch. Ingredients: 1-3/4 cups dried chickpeas (garbanzos) 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup sesame tahini 1/4 cup cold water 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 3-4 cloves garlic, mashed 1 Tbl. extra virgin olive oil Instructions: 1. Soak the chickpeas for 8 hours with the baking soda in cold water to cover. 2. Bring the chickpeas to a boil over high heat, reduce heat, cover, and cook until soft, about 45 minutes. Drain, reserving a bit of the liquid. 3. Make the tahini sauce: Blend in a food processor or blender the tahini, cold water, lemon juice, cumin, and garlic. Measure out 1/2 cup of this sauce for the hummus, saving the rest. 4. Put the drained chickpeas in a food processor and process to a rough purée, adding a little of the cooking liquid if necessary. The mixture should not be totally smooth. Add the tahini sauce and process until just mixed. 5. Scrape the mixture into a bowl. Stir in the olive oil. 6. Serve with pita bread, whole-grain crackers, or carrot sticks. Nutritional Information: Per serving: 102 calories 5 g total fat (1 g sat) 0 mg cholesterol 11 g carbohydrate 4 g protein 3 g fiber 150 mg sodium Chocolate Ricotta Two 1/4-cup servings This high-calcium "pudding" has the benefits of cocoa and cinnamon - and the flavor of Mexico. Experiment with different brands of ricotta - they have different textures and flavors. Prep Time: 10 minutes Ingredients: 1/2 cup lowfat ricotta cheese 2 tbsp mild honey 2 tbsp cocoa powder 1/2 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon Instructions: 1. Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. 2. Scoop into small dessert dishes and serve. Nutritional Information: Per serving: 145 calories 3 g total fat (2 g sat) 11 mg cholesterol 24 g carbohydrate 10 g protein 2 g fiber 100 mg sodium Black Bean Soup 8 Servings Among the most inexpensive of foods, dried beans offer a bounty of fiber, iron, protein, folic acid and B vitamins. Black beans, also known as "turtle beans," are an especially tasty variety, and make a lovely soup. Do not salt dried beans until they are cooked, as the salt slows down the softening process. On another note, so-called "cooking" wines or sherries contain lots of added salt. Do your palate and your body a favor and use a drinkable sherry in this recipe. Ingredients: 1 pound black beans 1/3 bay leaf 1 large onion, sliced Salt to taste A few cloves of chopped garlic 1 tsp dry mustard powder 1 cup dry sherry (not cooking sherry) Instructions: 1. Pick over beans to remove any dirt, stones or foreign objects. Wash well, then soak for 8 hours in ample cold water. 2. Place beans and soaking liquid in a large saucepan with 1/3 bay leaf and bring to a boil over high heat. Skim off foam, lower heat, and simmer, partially covered, till beans are just tender, about 1 hour. 3. Add onion and continue to cook until onion melts into liquid, about 1 more hour. 4. Add salt to taste and garlic. Continue to cook, adding a little boiling water if necessary, until beans are very soft and start to melt into liquid, about 1-2 hours more. 5. Remove bay leaf and turn off heat. Ladle beans in batches into blender or food processor and puree or use an immersion blender and puree soup directly in the saucepan. 6. Add dry mustard powder and dry sherry. Correct seasoning. Reheat and serve, adding any garnishes you wish, such as slices of lemon or freshly chopped herbs. Nutritional Information: Per serving: 103 calories 3 g total fat (0 g sat) 19 g carbohydrate 3 g protein 4 g fiber 220 mg sodium Potato Pancakes 8 pancakes I have made these at the house of a friend who gives a party featuring potato pancakes every year. He loves making them and gets really creative, tossing in hot sauce or different herbs. You can be as creative as you like with yours. Mine are a simple version, and I like to serve them with fresh applesauce. Ingredients: 3 large Idaho or Yukon potatoes (about 2 pounds) 1 large sweet onion 1 cup matzo meal, medium grain 1 egg 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste 1/4 cup olive oil GARNISH: Low-fat sour cream Fresh applesauce Instructions: 1. Peel and grate the potatoes and onion by hand or in a food processor and put them in a large bowl. (If you grate the potatoes ahead of time, make sure to soak them in water to keep them from turning color, then drain and squeeze when ready to use.) 2. Add the matzo meal and the egg. Sprinkle in the salt and blend everything together until the onions and potatoes are coated with the egg and matzo meal. Let stand for 5 minutes. 3. With clean hands, roll a ball of dough just big enough to fit into the palm of your hand, and flatten it out with your palms to make a round cake. Repeat the process until you have used up all the batter. 4. Set a medium saucepan over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Lay 4 pancakes in the hot oil and cook for 1 minute on each side, until they turn golden brown. Transfer the pancakes to a paper towel to soak up any excess oil. Repeat, adding more olive oil to the pan, until all pancakes are cooked. Serve with sour cream and a side of fresh applesauce. Nutritional Information: Per serving: 246 calories 8 g total fat (1 g sat) 27 mg cholesterol 39 g carbohydrate 5 g protein 3 g fiber Stuffed Potatoes 6 Servings As it can be difficult to coax your loved ones into eating five helpings a day of vegetables (as nutritionists recommend), this recipe cleverly incorporates broccoli into a baked potato, without using a lot of fat. Broccoli is an excellent source of fiber and cancer-fighting antioxidants. Potatoes are a universally loved vegetable loaded with vitamins C and B-6, potassium, and fiber. You can make the stuffed potatoes ahead and reheat them when everyone is ready to eat. Ingredients: 3 large baking potatoes 3 stalks broccoli 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon olive oil 1-2 tablespoons rice milk or soy milk 2 Tbls. grated parmessan cheese Instructions: 1. Scrub the potatoes and make shallow cuts around their middles to make it easier to cut them in half after baking. Bake the potatoes at 400 degrees until soft, usually 1 hour, depending on size of potatoes. 2. Meanwhile, cut the ends from the stalks of broccoli and peel some of the outer skin off to make the stems more edible. Steam the broccoli until crunchy-tender and bright green. Drain and chop fine. 3. Cut potatoes in half and scoop out the insides into a bowl. Add the salt, olive oil and just enough rice or soy milk to allow you to mash the potatoes into a smooth paste. Add the Parmesan cheese and the chopped broccoli and mix well. 4. Pile the mixture back into the potato shells, arrange on a baking dish and heat them to desired temperature. Nutritional Information: Per serving: 136 calories 4 g total fat (1 g sat) 2 mg cholesterol 24 g carbohydrate 5 g protein 4 g fiber 250 mg sodium I get these great recipes emailed to me from Dr. Weil's website. They are supposed to be very healthy and natural. I am going to start posting them here, under this reply daily. This reciped sounds like a convenient food to take with you on the go since they are in muffin size, you'd get your protien and veggie, plus some healthy tofu! Dr. Weil's health plan can: Help you address your health issues Help you achieve a healthy weight Increase your energy and stamina Unleash your creativity Provide exciting challenges for your mind and body Change the way you approach life Audree

Thanks KathyInca! Thanks for all the great advice. I will have to refer back to your post post op. I am feeling good today. I am getting hungry now. Good that is is lunch time. Hey, I found this on my Makers Diet website talking about what you can eat to help with cravings: "Cravings are part of any drastic change in someone's diet. If you are craving sweets, then a teaspoon of unheated, raw honey may help reduce that craving. If you are craving fats, then a tablespoon of coconut oil will help." It's worth a try! Why don't we put it to the test. Coconut oil is also supposed to help with weight loss. Audree

How are the Low BMI ers doing today? I am on day 4 of pre op. I am drinking my Protein shake for Breakfast. I am down to 184.5 and I don' understand how I am losing right now. I was at 190. Four pounds fell off after the1st day of pre op, so that must have been Water. Those 4 pounds were from the holidays. I am also supposed to be premenstual and I usually retain a lot of water. I can't believe this Friday is my day. I am getting nervous now and scared of the unknown. I hope you all are doing well. QUESTIONS FOR TODAY 1. What did you eat today? Do you journal? Did you drink enough water? 2. Did you exercise today? 3. What supplements did you take? 4. If you are banded, are you having problems with PBing? Does anyone have any good advice for us who are not banded or newly banded, so we won't PB? 5. How do you feel today? 6. Any words of wisdom for today? Audree

I just wanted to check in and see how everyone was doing! Happy New Year! I am down 1 more pound??? How can I be losing weigt so fast? I was 185, then after a couple of weeks and the holida eating, I went up to 190. Today I weighed in at 184.5!!!!! Was I really eating that much? I think so! I have not added the exercise yet either. And I am eating a little extra to fill me up, like extra veggies and some lean protein. Last night we went out to dinner with the kids and I had a chicken salad for dinner, plus a couple of my kids frys! I had unsweetened iced tea. I know if I told my mom, she'd say why can't I just dod this on my own. I just can't maintain weight loss. I can sure start a diet good, but then it starts to fizzle out, then those "I can't not celebrate this birthday, anniversary, party, date,etc" excuses to over eat come up and then the yo yo starts again! Audree

Does anyone know if St. Johns Wort or some other natural remedy could work. I like to take only natural homeopathic medications. I have a chinese herbalist I go to, but I am not telling him about the band. He is very into natural things and doesn't like anything un natural. He had me on some shakes called Juvo. They were veggie shakes and he had me on this appetite suppresant called Quick Slim 30. Which I will probably buy after banding. I am not taking anything right now just in case it would think my blood, absolutely no supplements. I was taking some Green Tea pills, but now I am not taking those either just in case. Those Kellogg k20 protein water's have really helped with my appetite and adding veggies and some more protein. Thanks for all you help! Audree

I feel really desperate right now. I can't explain how I feel, I am trying to sort it our as I feel it. My husband wants to take me out dancing. I don't want to go. He wants to go out and Celebrate my banding next week. He is being careful to eat before we go, not in front of me and is not going to eat at the restaurant where the dancing is. I feel like if I can't eat, it's not worth going. Today is day 1 of my pre op and I am not going to blow it. My husband won't let me either. Why do I feel this way? Like if I can't eat, it's not worth going out and having a good time with my husband????? It makes me realize how food centered everything is. My mom also wants to go out to eat Breakfast with my daughters and I. I told her I couldn't eat because I am doing my pre op diet. She said "what does that mean, you can't go out and eat with me ever again?" I told her that just because I can't eat, doesn't mean she and my daughters couldn't and that soon, I could eat something lite or Soup. I feel soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hungry, like my stomach is a black hole. I know I am going to go through some emotions and it makes me feel better coming here and talking about it. I want to have fun, my husband wants to go have fun. Why am I mourning the food part of it? I think I screwed up and opened up my appetite by overeating and eating what ever I wanted. My first pre op diet wasn't like this. I didn't feel like this. I am also in that first week before my period, and I feel extra funky and hungry because of that. :help: Well, at least I will definitely get my exercise in today. We are going salsa and merengue dancing. It takes a lot of energy to do that. I am feeling better venting. I was venting to my husband too, but he just doesn't understand how I feel. He is trying to be very supportive and is really excited about my surgery for me. He listens, but he doesn't understand. I can tell he feels sorry for me. Man, I think I need those Quick Slim 30. My stomach aches. Has anyone else felt like this???????? Has anyone else gone through these feelings? I feel like such a "weak" person. I am normally very strong and can will myself past things, but this is really kicking my butt. I want to sort out as much as I can pre band, so it will be smoother sailing. Audree :help: <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

In my searching on the net, I think I found something that said it was for higher bmi patients with a thicker stomach. Do you know this is true? Audree

I found this thread all about the Advanced Platform band http://www.lapbandtalk.com/advanced-platform-lap-t27036.html?t=27036&highlight=Advanced+Platform+band

I just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year Bandiva! I am glad you are doing so well. I am on day three of pre op and it is going good. I went out today and had a chicken salad for dinner. I have lost 4.5 pounds so far. Keep in touch!! Audree

I had a protein shake for breakfast, lean cuisine for lunch and soup. Dinner we went out for new years with our kids. I had a chicken salad and a couple of my daughters fries. I feel bad that I am not 100% on plan, but I am eating way less than usual and healthier. I am making better choices too. HOpe you all have a great New years! Audree