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So... I've been a vegetarian off an on throughout my life. I know this sounds kind of tree huggerish but I struggle with the concept of eating animals, always have. I'm not making any judgements... I know its perfectly natural... its just that something in my brain revolts against it. I've mostly eaten meat because its there... and well... lets face it... its good. Now I'm finding I hate it.... absolutly hate it. I find this to be a good thing... because if I don't eat meat then I can live and eat in a way that coincides with my ideals. I want to quit eating meat copletely but I'm nervous about it. I think the dense protein is a huge part of weight loss (I have 25 lbs to go). It fills my sleeve completely and leaves little room for other junk. My yoga teacher told me about a hemp-pea protien shake she drinks and I'm going to try that. I just don't want to slip into eating mushies etc.... Any thoughts out there???? thanks stacey

HI I am 43 years old and weigh 142 lbs. I have gained almost 20 lbs over the last 5 years. I used to weigh 151 when I was 32, but lost 26 lbs just exercising and eating normal. Nothing crazy but not over indulging. After I had my son, I have found it extremely difficult to get back to 120s. I am a runnner, vegetarian and indulge only sometimes. I am fed up with struggling to get my weight down. I just started weightwatchers and realize that I am eating beyond my allowance, but I seem to so tired all the time. As for working out for some reason the pounds dont seem to be coming off like it did 11 years ago:-(. I guess after 40 the efforts need to be doubled. I try hard but sometimes I feel that this cycle will never end !. Sorry for such a long post, but I was looking for some guidance regarding the lap band.

A 1000 calorie diet is great! It should be enough to lose 1-2 pounds a week at this point. Most normal-bmi women consume about 1300-1500 calories a day. There is no way we were consuming less than 1800 (more likely 2000+) calories before this, so I think you should just keep it at that until you have restriction. As for carbs, I highly doubt your nurse meant NO carbs. You would die without carbs. Our brains require about 130 grams of carbs to function. The negative effects (slower response-times, worse test results) of not meeting this level become apparent after a week of carb-deficiency (<130g). I think your nurse meant no carbs from the usual grain sources: bread, rice, Pasta, even oats. I think you should try getting carbs from legumes and Beans (lentils, chick-peas, etc.), and other vegetables. As a vegetarian, pre-band, I healthily lost 60 pounds in four months on a low-carb diet on legumes/beans for both Protein and carbs. Of course, as soon as I stopped the diet, I gained it back, but thankfully we have the band to help (when it kicks in). I'm not advocating for you to be vegetarian. You should also eat meat for protein. This is mainly to supply your body with its required carbs.

Fullprice, I was banded a week ago and feel like i am also going to fast. i have been sticking to soft foods but not necessarily pureed. It is hard for me to eat pureed meats. Because i was raised a vegetarian. I hope all works out for you.

Last week's two interviews with the CIO's (Sr. VPs) of the same company I am hoping for getting a job went really well and the one guy from the parent company ended the phone interview with saying outright he was going to recommend I be hired. I relaxed and enjoyed last week after that feeling it is going to happen. This Monday the HR manager called for my references and I think that only takes a day at worst to contact a couple people via cell phone or email so I'm hoping today will be the day I get my job offer! I'll be doing some traveling to NY and Minnesota for this job (flying into LaGuardia airport) so I'll give a shout out if I get to your cities! I also tried something new yesterday that I saw in Women's World magazine while on vacation. It is called the Duke University Rice Diet. - Just tried it for 1 day - very boring and restrictive and not something you can live with for long I can assure you. The first day is a total detox day - meals of 2/3 cup brown rice (I did Jasmine rice) and 2 pieces of fruit for each of the three meals for the day. Allowed decaf coffee and skim milk as needed. Drink Water of course. So here is my results, the dang scale was down 2 lbs or more this a.m. -- what gives! Its a virtually Sodium Free diet except for what was in the skim milk! But my WLS doc would be not happy - way too low on Protein. I realize I need to supplement with Protein shakes to get at least 60g of protein in. The rice is incredibly filling plus the fruit is also filling. I could only do 1/3 c rice for Breakfast and 1/4 apple - I'm tighter in the morning. and then I did 2/3c rice with skim milk, cinnamon, and 1 tsp sugar for a sweet version, then did the 2/3 c rice and orange for dinner. I can't get the 6 pieces of fruit in they recommend so I probably should be spreading the fruit out as morning, afternoon and evening Snacks. I'll give the other days meals a try and see how it goes. It is really just a pretty strict vegetarian low sodium diet. Turns out the article said that they have found Salt kicks our hunger in gear as does Sugar. Anyway, its an interesting experiment just to get me really disciplined again to measuring food, tracking carefully, etc. Hope you all have a great Labor Day weekend. I know I will if this job offer comes thru. Another interview at 2pm -4pm today with another company as my backup plan!

I go in for my one month weigh in tomorrow and I am filled with anxiety. I usually have a mini panic attack right before I get on the scale, but I have been feeling this way since yesterday. In the past month, I have done really well. I became a vegetarian, so I have not been eating meat (I've been getting my Protein from Beans and tofu). I've worked out the most that I ever had since getting the band (walking for one hour 3-5 times a week or doing 40 minutes on my ellyptical machine). And, I've been drinking 32oz to 64oz of Water each day. I haven't exactly been perfect. I did mess up a few times (I have a huge sweet tooth) but I never went completely overboard. My goal for tomorrow is to be between 205-208. I started at 245 and the last time I weighed in I was 215. I have only lost 30lbs since I got banded in December of 2009. I used to be sad about my progress, but I figure if I lost 1 lb a week, that would be 52 lbs by December 2010 and I would be ok with that. The most that I have lost in a month has been about 3-4 lbs, but this is without working out or eating right. I'm just hoping that I have lost at least 7lbs this time. If not, I will be very disappointed. I don't think I can do any better than what I did this past month. OMG...this is so stressful and hard! I'm just venting really...hopefully someone one out there can calm me down a bit...

Spideymom- Thanks for the reply :tongue2: Please do let me know about the upper GI if you don't mind. My insurance MIGHT cover some of that, but i need to be prepared just in case. As it is, I'm paying for my band loan. . . if I had known better, I'd have tried to negotiate the first year upper GI into the deal! Oh well Yes, at times I also tend to eat some softer foods-- yogurt, cottage cheese, vegetarian refried beans. . . but I can eat chicken (some days), eggs, filet mingon steak, and a few things that are of substance. I had some of those flat Orowheat breads, which is similar to what you're talking about (I think), but I'm a little bit afraid to try them right now. I haven't had any breads in quite a while-- not sure how they'll work out. I really worry about slips, because I read about them often. I purchased a "warranty" with my band, but it was only 1 1/2 years, so it'll be void soon. That's partly why I'd like the GI. Lately my weight is BARELY changing, but I feel strange about having another adjustment, because I already tend to eat some softer foods. I've lost about 5 lbs since my appointment nearly 7 weeks ago. I exercise a lot, so I don't know what the problem is! Maybe next week my loss with pick up again-- sometimes it stalls a bit :w00t: I think today was just a crazy day, so I'm thinking too hard!

Jacqui~ I Know what your going through & I will be praying for you. As so many have said you have the will power, mental & physical strength to get you thru this. I was diagnosed with Follicular Non-Hodgkins lymphoma 5 yrs ago. After I had my Hysterectomy I found a lump in my groin & was diagnosed wth a small hernia. Dr's thought I started exercising to soon after surgery. I was quite healthy 145 lbs ate pretty much a vegetarian diet & was quite active. Had completed the LA marathon 2 yrs in a row when suddenly the rug was pulled from under my feet in an instant. I went in for Hernia repair surgery & was told upon waking it was not a hernia & they wld run a biopsy. To make an already long story short. My cancer is incurable, there is no treatment. Im a stage 3 & was told anywhere from 4 to 12 yrs life expectancy (12 being stage 1) I did the math & I had 1 huge panic attack that seemed like it lasted for months. Telling my family was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. I am a patient at City of Hope & have a great team of Dr's. My cancer is a slow growing cancer & was told I would most likely live a full long life. I get tested every 3 mths bcuz it can change to an aggressive cancer at any time. My faith, my family & friends support got me through this & you will get through this also. Listen to your body. Keep hydrated. Rest & eat healthy & nutrtious foods. High alkalien food (Greens), Cancer thrives on sugar. You will be in my prayers.

may i share my thoughts here in a non-judgemental way, please? i feel a few factors need remembering - it can be quite shocking to see the portion sizes which make for a meal for a well-restricted bandster. it is not a side-plate, it is hardly even a saucer... and while a mostly liquid life sounds grim, when i have my correct restriction, that is how i live - a small coffee goes down in stages, no glugging a full big mug anymore - nothing really till evening - maybe a nibble of a lil something - my band always opens up early evening so i am able to eat but must chew well etc - 'slider' foods can be a temptation but i love cheese so this is a big feature of my diet - am trying to be vegetarian so it helps to struggle with hard meats. beans on a small piece of toast or a can of sardines on toast is a typical meal for me. But it is such a personal thing, weight and being banded - that lifestyle works for me and i live in terror of having to lose my band and regaining - i do try to keep a grip on the fear but its just how i am - and i will admit that 5 yrs banded, i still cannot believe when i look in the mirror and see the slim me - dont jump on me - but i am stopped by strangers and told i am stunning on a regular basis - it bemuses me when i think back to the taunts and looks of repulsion at my heavier times - for me, the trade off of a very restricted life is how i look and feel now - my nails, skin n hair are in great condition - when i have an unfill (xmas and summer holiday) i enjoy a good pig out but physically my body doesnt deal well and i feel lethargic n not as healthy. I think the poster was very brave to share her situation - she wasnt promoting it as the way to live - just sharing -and i ll bet there are many readers who are silently acknowledging that what she worries about as 'starving herself' is their reality n how they live. These forums are invaluable - rightly a place to support and celebrate but of equal importance is the safe, anonymous place to expose yr demons - even typing it out can help - and if we are honest, didn't a good number of us need banding due to emotional inbalances regarding food? There are bound to be some who after banding and weightloss, just swap demons - i have. Please dont let this forum be regulated into an overly 'happy-clappy' zone - the darker, less comfortable posts are of equal and possible greater help. 5yrs banded, i know how to control my weight - i'm stil working on the other stuff good luck to you all, whatever stage yr at :thumbup:

Whenever I visit my friend, a former vegetarian, he often makes this for a light supper or late night snack. It has become one of my favorite dishes, so I decided to try to make it WLS friendly. I plan to try it once I get to the soft food stage. I hope you like it! Chick Peas Gratin 1 15oz can Chick Peas, drained 1/2 Medium Chopped Onion (about 1/4 cup) 1/4 c. Chopped Celery 1/4 c. Chopped Bell Pepper 1/2 c. No Sugar Added Tomato Sauce 1/2 c. Canned chicken Breast, drained 1/4 c. Low Fat Shredded cheese Drain and rinse the chick peas until they are no longer "foamy" Chop all vegetables finely. (For the mushy stage, I plan to saute them until soft in a little chicken or vegetable broth) Drain the chicken. (I listed canned chicken as my surgeon allows it during the mushy stage, but left over baked or grilled chicken, chopped, could work as well.) Mix all together with the tomato sauce in a shallow casserole dish. You may use a bit more of the tomato sauce, it is used just to coat everything and provide a little bit of cooking liquid. Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with cheese and bake at 350 until the cheese is bubbly and the chick peas are cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Enjoy! The original recipe calls for A LOT more cheese and does not contain chicken. I added the chicken to up the Protein and cut back on the cheese for obvious reasons. :biggrin2: You can season this with salt, pepper or even a little garlic, basil or oregano, as per your tastes. I ran this through a recipe builder to get the nutrition info and for four servings, this is what I came up with: Calories 219, Carbohydrates 28, Protein 14 Fat 5 This used only "generic" brands and NSA Tomato Sauce was not an option, so you may want to check it against the nutrition values of the brands you use.

Thank you so much for your response! I'm already completely unfilled and have been since June of 2009. I know its a ton of upchucking which is why I wanted to ask, It doesn't appear to be very medical, I literally take to big of bites eat to hard of foods as well as a lot of raw foods) and don't chew enough. I am never in any pain, I feel no pain after and I only eject the food because I hate that "pressure" in my chest, drool starts to well up and I can barely talk because ive got food caught in my band and the spit has no where to go, its a bit aggravating, my mood even changes if im "blocked up" im a vegetarian and a all natural eater so the food I eat is a bit "rough" on my band I think. Its just that its been bothering me. i eat so much whole grains and brown rice it LOVES gettin caught in the band and it began to worry me. I do have the terrible habbit of not chewing enough or i tend to drink something right after and it gets caught. i do have a stomach doctor * its the guy that removed all my CCs when preggos* he even had a barium xray done on me Jan of 09 and sent it to a specialist in France. The specialist and him were happy about how the band was looking. I am/was to embarrassed to ask him in depth about the upchucking as I am pretty sure its just me eating to quick. He also didnt ask or go to far in depth with how much/how often I eject I mean it could be worth asking my doctor about but I literally wanted to know if there is any true side effects. I know what the docs gonna say... Slow down! :biggrin: hehe:wub: Ps- i also apologies as I don't think this is in the right forum. :/

How to Build Bone Density Engage in regular, weight-bearing exercise to increase bone strength and density. Activities such as stair climbing, walking, jogging, weight lifting and tennis require your muscles to work against gravity. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, engaging in these activities for 30 minutes, three or more times each week, can help prevent bone loss and increase bone strength Eat a diet high in calcium, regardless of your age. Peak bone mass is obtained during the 30s, which means even young women must take steps to protect their bones. Calcium-rich foods include milk, yogurt, canned fish with bones, cheese and dark green leafy vegetables, according to the University of Arizona. Include foods in your diet containing Vitamin D, such as egg yolks, liver, saltwater fish and fortified milk. The current recommended daily amount of vitamin D is between 400 and 800 IU, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Spend 15 minutes each day in the sun. This small amount of sun exposure is not enough to cause negative effects, but is sufficient in most cases to increase your body's level of vitamin D. Supplement with calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium if your dietary sources of these important minerals are insufficient. If you are on a restricted diet due to allergies or lactose intolerance, are vegetarian,or have been diagnosed with other health conditions, you should speak with your doctor about undergoing blood work to test your levels of these nutrients. Take medications to increase bone density if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia. A diagnosis of osteopenia is given when bone density is subnormal, but is not yet reduced enough for a diagnosis of osteoporosis. A number of medications have been approved by the FDA to prevent or treat osteoporosis, including bisphosphonates, calcitonin, raloxifene, teriparatide, and estrogens. Have your hormone levels checked if you are a post-menopausal woman. Loss of estrogen following menopause reduces bone density and increases bone loss. Hormone replacement therapy might help rebuild bone mass, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Medical Equipment url: Buy & Sell Used Medical Equipment | Medical Equipment auctions Used Hospital Equipment url: New & Used Hospital Equipment | Hospital Equipment Sale

I'm very new and at the very beginning of this process. In fact, I'm really still not sure if there will get to be a process. Up until about 2 hours ago, I was totally full of excitement and ready to tell anyone that I was considering Lap Band as my final attempt to lose weight. I mistakingly posted a status on Facebook looking for info or input from friends who know of or had the surgery themselves. Well, BIG mistake. I was told that I was taking the easy way out, that I didn't need it, that I should come to Weight Watchers meetings, that I should take phentermine and that I should hit the gym. I have 9 years of recorded attempts using ALL those methods. If I thought any of those things were the answer, why would I be considering Lap Band? I've tried phentermine 4 times, Meredia once, Weight Watchers 4 times, Alli twice, Metabolic Research Center twice, the Curves Diet, the Atkins Diet, I've gone vegetarian and I've worked out 10-12 hours a week. Yes, I've lost on ALL those programs. In fact, I actively coach a swim team (season is over now) and a Pop Warner cheer squad (17 teenage girls!) I'm NOT sedentary! I also work full time at a YMCA! Before I worked there, it was much easier to work-out. Now, it's all work, all the time, regardless of what machine I'm trying to work out on. Guess what? I gain it all back plus some. I don't know why it has to be such a snap judgement and considered the EASY way when I mention surgery. It doesn't feel easy and it doesn't feel like I haven't tried very hard.

I made this "soup" that I ate a lot of when I was in the puree stage and I made it again yesterday after I got my second fill. It's very filling and tastes great and you can get about 10 grams of Protein. Steam a head of cauliflower and one potato until their soft. Mash them well, add about 1/2 cup of veg. broth (I'm a vegetarian, you could use chicken broth) and an ounce of shredded cheese. Put it back on the stove till the cheese melts and it's hot. You can add more broth, depends how soupy you like it. This will make enough for 3 meals. Good Luck!

Hi there, I was having a hard time with Protein at first too, because I'm vegetarian. I got some dutch chocolate low-carb Isopure Protein Powder with 25 grams of protein per scoop (from GNC) and I add it to a vanilla yogurt, tastes yummy! I also do the Isopure clear alpine punch protein powder that you add to Water, tastes like kool-aid to me, and two scoops in my water means another 50 grams of protein for the day, and it helps me get my liquid down. Just a suggestion. Snacking on some low-fat cheese can help too. Wish you the best!

I'm 6 weeks out and I drink my Protein rather than eating it. I just can't eat enough yet. I do think that getting enough protein is vital. Anorexics have heart problems from not eating enough protein (because the heart is a muscle and our body will use any muscle to get its essential amino acids.) Not getting enough in a day isn't a problem but over the long run--yeah, it's important. I'm not sure how much protein is enough. The ranges I've seen suggest anywhere between 50-100 gr a day. Vegetarians in the 70s and 80s suggested that half of that was enough. I know that nutrition is an inexact science, but I try for at least 50 a day. I drink a protein chai for Breakfast (1 cup skim or soy milk, 3 packets beneprotein powder, 3/4 cup tea and a shot or 2 of DiVinci chai syrup). Keep trying the protein drinks. Some are better than others.

Hi all... Okay found this amazing bakery in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. No glutten, no sugar, Spelt and agave...everything all natural vegetarian. Boy am I a happy camper!!! I bought ten things and had a small teeny weeny bite of each...just had to!!! The only thing I didnt love....the agave sweetened, glutten free Brownie....tasted like..um passover brownies too sweet!!!! Everything else to die for!!! All this and a kosher certification as well...meaning I could bring this stuff in the house...and I could now have healthy treats for shabbos for Dassi and her friends...oh yes and me. lol. Doing the happy dance...woo hoo. Happy days are here again....havent had a treat like this in five months..... no no JAP....lol No JCC? Sometimes a JCC will offer after school and will pick up from the school as well...no need to be jewish either...not sure if there is one in your area but check it out if there is.... Phyll I hope your back feels better...I for one love the Chiropractor...I would go every day if I could!! I go and get a deep tissue massage and then an adjustment and I feel great after...its one price..for both so that makes me a happy camper. My daughter loves going as well. She gets real upset if we dont go once a week..she says it helps her concentrate and keeps her body from getting out of sync. Ive been taken her since she was a week old! If she got sick or had any infections especially ear ones....it was right to the Chiropractor before the Dr. You should try it....you never know...id take that adjustment over drugs anyday. Hope you feel better soon. Oh I hope your daughter feels better soon and the facility is going to be able to meet her needs...Shes lucky to have you and her husband for support...thats half the battle for any illness, but if drugs can help for the interum until your daughter can begin to take control of her life herself.....it might be the best thing at the moment...Drugs are a tool and need to be used as such....some were never meant for long term use...some longer then others...but whats important is that she realizes that she needs help and cannot get through this alone. Lori....ROTFL...hahah. Good for you!! So it isnt just me...its this newfound postive energy that you are putting out!!! You must feel pretty great!! No matter who he was or if he was "younger" the fact that he payed attention and gave you attention...should have made you feel like a couger...grrrrreeeat! Btw.....enjoy the first visit to OB..Dr. The first is always the bestest!!! Congratulations again! No, we arent going to have her Bat Mitzvah at the wall....the men would stone us if we did. lol Woman arent really supposed to bring attention to themselves and god forbid they might make a spectical by singing aloud there together....lol No....im not ready to get that much attention ....yet. So far I looked into several different programs...for bat mitzvah girls...what I found was....that in Israel there is no such thing as a big party like in the states for this occasion where a girl turns 12. What they do is they take on "chessed" projects (acts of kindness) from Rosh Hashana of the year of the birthday till the following Rosh Hashana the next year...the new year to the next year, During this time....the girls take upon themselves several projects and work with them the whole year...at the end of the year they have a meaningful celebration of sorts. So...I thought...heck Im not going to spend 10,000 dollars to have just a party here in the states....and invite her whole class and the second class.....nope... Havent decided which program to choose from...yet. There is one program in Israel...in Natanya...there is a girls orphanage....more like a home for troubled girls who cannot for whatever reason live at home. You can donate a certain set amount of money to the home....and they will make a big dinner celebration for all the girls together who live there along with your child and family so that they too can go to a party. I like this idea...but again its only a party...I was thinking of doing this and something in conjunction with it......maybe the second program....which takes place At Rachels tomb (an auspicious for girls and woman to come pray in Bethlehem). Here apparently you pray for Rachel who is one of the four mothers to help you..have a baby if you cant....(as she cried out to god to give her a child and he listened and did) or a girl who wants to get married.... so we pray...saying..."mamma Rachel cry for us again....wont you shed a tear for your dear children and pray that we should get what we need....together). When a baby girl is born they bring her here...and put on a red string that was made with prayers to ward off the evil spirit...and to recieve special blessings.... I like this idea....and I think for Dassi this would be the most meaningful for her. The program....starts in the U.S. at the beginning of the year and you begin learning with your mother, sister, grandmother..(woman) something of importance to being a jewish woman...and then you come to Israel and then do several projects...like volenteer in a soup kitchen for a week with your mother or others...or a hospital or give water out to soldiers or babysit for parents who lost children do to war etc etc. You pick what you want..... I like this idea and id like to combine the two...as well. I would also like to begin doing other chessed projects here in the community.... maybe collect clothing, school supplies..or whatever to bring with us to the Oprhanage in Natanya which weve done the last time we came and it was a fabulous experience for Dassi and she would like to do this again.... so to answer your question....um not sure...but youve prompted me to get on the ball to get things rolling New Years....is just a month away and I havent even been in touch to see about the real possibilities...who knows...perhaps both of these ideas will be astronomically expensive and we wont be doing either on the scale I would like...and will have to look into others. What ever the case may be....Im thinking that it will be passover time...and thats something that at least has been the consensus..all around. Of course my dad....funny guy....called just last week and asked what date he should make the airline reservations....and I just laughed!!! Who did he think he was talking to??? He should know that I wouldnt have a plan about 10 months in advance of anything! lol wew...that was a long response to a simple question but...you asked lol. Hope I didnt bore you with this....but perhaps you can help...with an idea or other even? [ Thank you... You always have such good insights to tell us about the things you learn at support group. Thank you for sharing. Cherri, I hope that you will get to the bottom of what ever is ailing you and you can just change your diet and not have to take so many extra pills.....being in pain is no fun....I hope knowing what is causing it will help somewhat as well. Thoughts are with you. [Hi....yes ouch. I hope all goes well and recouperation is minimal. okay..all...I post way way too much!! Have a good night all Jodi

Okay . . . why why why did my doctor have to tell me I wasn't restricted. It's true and it is a LIE!!! So, my dumb, fluffy arse had a long day at work - 12 hours plus! I got a new case that ranks in my top ten of most awful crimes ever. Just when I think I have seen it all or think maybe I have become jaded to what we can do to one another as human beings I get shocked! And even after 22 years in the business, I am stunned by this one! And to top it off, our jury came back not guilty on an assault on an at risk person so, I'm sure you are getting the picture - not a good day! I decide I'm going to cook this yummy vegetarian dish. Moroccan Spiced Sweet Potato Medley. It's healthy. It's spicy. It's yummy. Only, I didn't have any cilantro or raisins. I stop at the store. Fresh hot bread. The smell was enough to make me think about committing a crime of my own. Bread is my weakness! Hot bread - well I could kill for it!! I know you all see the writing on the fat girl wall. Yes, I bought it. It was for the boys not me! The lies we tell ourselves! I get home cut a piece after all the doctor said I wasn't restricted. What could one piece hurt? And my dumb arse ate it. Then I ate a second one. I felt fine for a minute and then it came . . . chest crushing pain and a feeling of something being stuck in the center of my chest. Or maybe it was the feeling of an elephant sitting dead smack in the middle of my chest. Whatever it was - it wasn't good! You can only guess I experienced my first episode of PBing! DISGUSTING. Now, I know what other bandsters are talking about! OH SO GROSS! And as I told my daughter and now my grand-daughter - pretty women don't do that! Laughing out loud - nothing pretty about a fat girl moment! So, no Moroccan Spiced Sweet Potato Medley for me. Not even one damn bite - I'm too afraid! First fill - hurry up! I've lost 27 pounds (in 3.5 weeks) and been stuck there for 5 days - I am sure my punishment for fat girl moment will be two fold. PBing and a movement in the wrong direction on the scale tomorrow morning. GRRRR!!! Lessons I'm learning . . . 1. Old habits are hard to break. 2. Stay away from grocery stores after work when the hot bread now is like a smellorama from hell! 3. Pay attention to emotions and why I eat! Better luck next time!

OK. so I went to the nutritionist last week -- and besides having lost 29 pds since surgery on June 29th he was upset about my lack of Protein shakes. To be honest, I have purchased muscle milk, Iso-Pure, Monster Milk, unjury, pure protein, pure whey protein stack and a bunch of others and they all taste like medicine! I hate them, hate them, hate them. Now, did I mention that I hate them? I don't mind eating a Protein Bar every now and again but my NUT said they have saturated fat which is bad for your arteries. So, I don't know what to do. I do try to have a protein at every meal. I eat lots of cheese, yogurt, Beans.. BUT, even prior to surgery I never really ate much protein (I wasn't a vegetarian) but I also didn't have a protein daily and my BLOOD COUNT was always great. The only thing I was ever deficient on was Vitamin D. My Calcium was great (even with lack of milk and yogurt in my diet) and I never took a vitamin to save my life. I am just frustrated!!

wickwit- too funny. I have had coughing episodes but fortunately for me it hasnt caused too much pain. I KNOW Im not getting enough Water in or Protein but right now the thought of Protein shakes makes me want to puke. I could send DH to the store to get some ensure or slimfast but Im going to try and drink some of my carnation instant Breakfast and see if that helps. Im going to also do vegetarian vegetable Soup strained to get some more liquids in.

Hello Fellow Bandsters! I just thought I would post a quick update. I had my two week follow up yesterday. Dr. Brown said I had lost 21 pounds. I was shocked! He was really happy. He said because there is no fill - no restriction most people don't lose much until they get that first fill. He told me not to be upset if I gain a few pounds before my fill (2.5 weeks from now) and I told him that wasn't an option! I'll try any way. I am definitely hungry now a few hours after I eat and can eat anything but am avoiding all the things I know I won't be able to eat in the future - bread, pasta, and rice. I'm a vegetarian and have been eating a lot of Indian (good thing I can cook it) so it is filled with protein and that is good. I am still having issues with loose stools (gross I know) but hopefully that will get better with time. I go back to the life of fighting crime on Monday and actually am excited to go back to work. I miss it! Pathetic I know! I hope everyone else (especially the July folks) are doing well. Peace and blessings, Elizabeth

Wow, this is awesome, I must say my heavist was January 2009 I weighed in at 254 today I am between 215-220 depending on how much Fluid I retain. which puts me at about 30-35lbs lost which I know I would not be at without my band. I have also went from a size 22 to a solid 16 and my hips went from a 50.5 to a 47, my waist went from a 39 to a 34 so I am not complaining. I finally went shopping for smaller clothes and gave away all of my 22's and 20's and soon the 18's will have to go as well... I still have 65lbs to go to reach my full goal but I want to be under 200 by thanksgiving. I too need to step up on the workouts and increase my protien intake, I can't eat a lot of meats they just won't go down, I have noticed if I put it in my magic bullet blender I can eat it better. Also I ended up having abdominal surgery to repair a hernia and that took me out of the loop for a while too. Abby - Congrats on 48lbs and going vegetarian I have noticed that fruits and veges go down well with a little dressing... Tripletmomma - Congrats you have already lost my total weight I want to lost that is awesome... Vicki- congrats to you as well 70lbs is about where I thought I would be at this time but that is so good to see you got there. PRGB - 80lbs is awesome I can't wait to get to the point I want to try life with less fluid in my band just keep active and you should be fine. LL67 - we are in the same boat but we know what we have to do get off our booties and get moving, I feel like now I have the food down now I need to get more active... Congrats everybody

Riley: I can eat first thing in the morning no difference in restrictions. But I don't eat until about 10 to11 either. Than 3 or 4 and something small about 8-9. BUt that is just cause I am working weird hours right now. I have to drink at least half of my water in the morning before I eat........I get to thirsty waiting an hour after eating to eat!! THan I have to wait an hour to eat after all the water :-) The reason I know I can eat more than a cup is because of salad. Haven't tried anything else in that amount. Protiens I couldn't do a cup they would get stuck. So Riley if your at a 1/4 a cup of protien I think that is what they are looking for for good restriction. 1/4 a cup of protiens per meal is the goal i was told. I think salad and veggies don't count for the 1/4 rule................yea salad is a slider I so know that. But some people can't eat it. I have always been able to eat salad. I can still eat bread if I want to. I have been more restricted before where I couldn't. I like not being able to eat bread!!! LOL!! I have the quuram Riley. There is also this new one Gardien foods that has lots of protiens that are low fat. 23grams of protien under 200 they have like 20 different choices. But I tell you they are just ok, not great..........I don't know if they have wheat or not but the best one is this Tuscan chicken that has veggies inside of it. I haven't tried them all but they have a wierd taste. I do the lentils like crazy and beans of all kinds. I used to do yogurt but it got ruled out as a slider when I turned in my food logs. I was doing oatmeal and cream of wheat to but they got ruled out as well. Crackers and egg salad..........crackers got ruled out. Quinoa is my new thing but I am waiting to run it by the dietation later this week. LOTS of protien and mixed in with lentils it tastes pretty good. I wish I could add in fish and not throw it up................maybe I will find some meat at some point that I could actually keep down. I heard salman is not fishy smelling or tasting...... I am working with the nutritionist since I am vegetarian and learning little tips here and there. I am slowing getting it I think. I have to substitute the 1200 calorie plan and sometimes I think that messes up the outcomes. I think vege meats have a bit to many carbs...............I know they have sodium in many of them. Well gotta get some sleep...............best wishes to all

Heather glad your back.............really nice outside tonight. Wow 1/3 cup and it was painful? That is pretty tight. Do you know what 1/3 cup is ounce wise? I think that is more than they were saying was the "perfect" restriction of 1/4 cup. So if that was true than they would still technically still need to give you a fill. So you would be really, really tight at the perfect restriction. If it was painful to eat than I bet you were staying full longer than the 4-6 hours. Do you know what your cal intake per day was. I thought you said you were sometimes eating soft foods just to get something in for the day when nothing was staying down. So you were only eating 1/3 a cup three times a day and didn't lose......I bet you were only eating 500 calorories or so a day. I didn't realize that. For me I am not sure working the band is staying at 1/3 to 1/4 cup if your hungry all the time or sooner than the 4-6 hours recommended. THat might be working the pre op diet and the rules but I think it is alot about willpower which we can do without a band. The band is suppose to help with the hunger and amounts. If I need 3/4 to a cup to stay full for the 4-6 hours I eat it. I just try to eat a protien and salad or a vegetable and not junk food. When I ear more than a cup of anything it is salad with beans for protiens. I am vegetarian but still I am not gonna stay at 1/4 a cup three times a day if I am stil hungry I don't consider that working the band. To me that is inviting temptataion later when I am starving........I consider that a sign I probably need a fill so I get full and stay full longer. Why have a tool if your gonna do it on your own anyway? I got the band to help me do well, not so I would be in the same place with the willpower and struggle as before surgery. Everyone is different so working the band is different for everyone. It is hard to understand full and the sweet spot until you hit it.

I am not a vegetarian but do seek Protein sources other than animal a lot of the time because it can go down easier without a struggle (though I do eat meat too) Beans (experiement with them all), I love beans all kinds Soy, tofu, yummy, I use 8oz of soy milk in my Protein shakes because regular milk tears me up. Then it also depends on what kind of vegetarian you are. Protein shakes can be your best friend or you can get unflavored whey and add to vegetarian recipes or Water throughout the day. unjury makes a really good unlavored one that you can add to anything and not taste it.