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(CONTINUED...) 2008 I entered the local weight loss competition. I ordered Nutrisystem, worked out up to 2 hrs a day, and gave up soda and alcohol. After three months, I lost 50 lbs and won the competition. On top of winning tons of prizes, I lost 12 inches just around my waist! In 3 months, I went from a size 24 to 14/16. 250 to 200 lbs. Posters were made, the company sent out community flyers with photos of my before and after. And after all of this, after over 90 days of complete clean eating and exercise-mania.. I was STILL starving. Why was I STILL craving food? It wasn't like I didn't like to exercise. It also wasn't like I didn't like healthy food. I just wanted tons. I didn't just want one bowl of salad or veggies, I want three bowls. I was able to be thinner for about 2 months before everyone around me started noticing that I was getting fat again. Now, not only was I getting back to fat, EVERYONE in my community knew it. They had all seen the sucess flyer of thin me just recently. By the end of 2008, I was back to 250 lbs but in complete denial about it. Beginning of 2009 I gave up. I decided I was sick of it all and wasn't going to be miserable with food. By Spring I was 270 lbs. I had stopped working out completely because my knees and back hurt so bad. I looked at my daughter and thought I had to do something. I decided to go vegetarian because I had wanted to for a while and wasn't ever into meat anyway. I subscribed to eating clean. I told myself that despite always being hungry, I was only gonna eat healthy stuff. Mini diets followed since but I never really lost much this year because I didn't work out. My body is physically tapped by the end of the day just chasing after and taking care of my toddler. Last month I realized my neighbors (who all know each other) were talking about me- the hermit, who stays inside all day & night with her kid, eating. I weigh more than all of the men on the street now. My poor husband. I feel bad that I must embarass him. I went to my endocrinologist who told me the only long lasting weight loss solution was bariatric surgery. He thought I'd be a good candidate and that but for that- there's no way to "turn off" that hunger switch that always seems to be on in my head. An acquaintance also told me that she was getting Gastric Bypass. I realized I was jealous a bit. I wanted to change my life. I don't want to miss out on "life" and I don't want my daughter and husband to either. I went to a cardiologist and my digestive drs to see if I would even be a candidate and both agreed. It's time for an intervention. I'm borderline diabetes and my quality of life is definitely suffering. I called in mid September to two local drs to see about getting a consult and both require attending their seminars. This unfortunately caused me to have to wait three weeks for the next dates to come up. My insurance does not cover WLS so I will be a self pay. I had this convoluded idea (dream) that this would all happen super quick and I would be on my way to a new life. For the past three weeks all I can think about is getting surgery. I've researched, gotten mentally prepared, and studied aftercare information. Sites like this one has furthered my excitement and eagerness. I don't want to waste another day! So that is my story so far. I'm hoping I will be able to have surgery before the end of this year. The lap band seems to be the route for me as my drs have said GB is out of the question (due to my vitamin deficiencies already) and I plan to have at least one more child. I feel sort of bad like I bashed on my Mom on here. It's not that she's not fantastic and wasn't VERY involved in all of my activities.. she was at everything! It just seems like even today, all she wants to do is stay home and eat (which is consequently what I want to do too.) I notice even today how her awful eating habits have influenced me. It's NOT her fault but I see where I went wrong early. Had I had a different exposure to food early on it may have made a difference.. or perhaps not. Either way I wouldn't trade my life or my mother for anything! I just don't want my daughter to learn bad habits and behaviors like this from me. I want to change the pattern for our family and be a role model of healthy living. Thanks for reading all of this (or skimming ) I appreciate the support and advice here! everleigh Highest weight ever / Current / Goal 280 / 270 / 150 5'5 10/04/2009

(CONTINUED...) 2008 I entered the local weight loss competition. I ordered Nutrisystem, worked out up to 2 hrs a day, and gave up soda and alcohol. After three months, I lost 50 lbs and won the competition. On top of winning tons of prizes, I lost 12 inches just around my waist! In 3 months, I went from a size 24 to 14/16. 250 to 200 lbs. Posters were made, the company sent out community flyers with photos of my before and after. And after all of this, after over 90 days of complete clean eating and exercise-mania.. I was STILL starving. Why was I STILL craving food? It wasn't like I didn't like to exercise. It also wasn't like I didn't like healthy food. I just wanted tons. I didn't just want one bowl of salad or veggies, I want three bowls. I was able to be thinner for about 2 months before everyone around me started noticing that I was getting fat again. Now, not only was I getting back to fat, EVERYONE in my community knew it. They had all seen the sucess flyer of thin me just recently. By the end of 2008, I was back to 250 lbs but in complete denial about it. Beginning of 2009 I gave up. I decided I was sick of it all and wasn't going to be miserable with food. By Spring I was 270 lbs. I had stopped working out completely because my knees and back hurt so bad. I looked at my daughter and thought I had to do something. I decided to go vegetarian because I had wanted to for a while and wasn't ever into meat anyway. I subscribed to eating clean. I told myself that despite always being hungry, I was only gonna eat healthy stuff. Mini diets followed since but I never really lost much this year because I didn't work out. My body is physically tapped by the end of the day just chasing after and taking care of my toddler. Last month I realized my neighbors (who all know each other) were talking about me- the hermit, who stays inside all day & night with her kid, eating. I weigh more than all of the men on the street now. My poor husband. I feel bad that I must embarass him. I went to my endocrinologist who told me the only long lasting weight loss solution was bariatric surgery. He thought I'd be a good candidate and that but for that- there's no way to "turn off" that hunger switch that always seems to be on in my head. An acquaintance also told me that she was getting Gastric Bypass. I realized I was jealous a bit. I wanted to change my life. I don't want to miss out on "life" and I don't want my daughter and husband to either. I went to a cardiologist and my digestive drs to see if I would even be a candidate and both agreed. It's time for an intervention. I'm borderline diabetes and my quality of life is definitely suffering. I called in mid September to two local drs to see about getting a consult and both require attending their seminars. This unfortunately caused me to have to wait three weeks for the next dates to come up. My insurance does not cover WLS so I will be a self pay. I had this convoluded idea (dream) that this would all happen super quick and I would be on my way to a new life. For the past three weeks all I can think about is getting surgery. I've researched, gotten mentally prepared, and studied aftercare information. Sites like this one has furthered my excitement and eagerness. I don't want to waste another day! So that is my story so far. I'm hoping I will be able to have surgery before the end of this year. The lap band seems to be the route for me as my drs have said GB is out of the question (due to my vitamin deficiencies already) and I plan to have at least one more child. I feel sort of bad like I bashed on my Mom on here. It's not that she's not fantastic and wasn't VERY involved in all of my activities.. she was at everything! It just seems like even today, all she wants to do is stay home and eat (which is consequently what I want to do too.) I notice even today how her awful eating habits have influenced me. It's NOT her fault but I see where I went wrong early. Had I had a different exposure to food early on it may have made a difference.. or perhaps not. Either way I wouldn't trade my life or my mother for anything! I just don't want my daughter to learn bad habits and behaviors like this from me. I want to change the pattern for our family and be a role model of healthy living. Thanks for reading all of this (or skimming ) I appreciate the support and advice here! everleigh Highest weight ever / Current / Goal 280 / 270 / 150 5'5 10/04/2009

Thanks for the info, I feel better. I am still waiting on the paperwork to be emailed from Nina, might give her a call again. I am trying to plan ahead for the airlines, work schedule etc. That's funny about your pcp thinoneday! Mine is about 100 lbs also and a vegetarian but she will sit and try to give me advice about healthy eating and I get revved up, lose weight then it all goes to h.....ll and then some, back to worse than I was. I have a young at heart husband, will go anywhere, try anything and trys to make the most of his life. He wants me to come out and play and my world has been shrinking to the recliner. Not good! I feel I can vent here bc a lot of you can relate and have realized your dreams and I am ready to jump in also and improve my remaining years..

Mmm...it's getting cooler outside, and hot cereal would hit the spot. I looked up the Kashi Truly vanilla, and it has 9g of protein! With a little Protein powder, that could really get me going in the morning! It also has 7g of Fiber, making the net carbs 18g. Not too bad. I am going to look for some turkey sausage this weekend, and a vegetarian friend told me about Morningstar Farms meatless sausage patties. One pattie has 10g protein and only 80 calories/3g fat. Hopefully they aren't gross, but I will try them and let you know. Thanks again for all the ideas! I have a big shopping list for this weekend.

Yea even with Baggs I sorta felt a pull to go RNY.......but he didn't really push me either way. Just the statistics made me think I should go that way. But Dr. Baggs did say being a vegetarian that RNY could be a problem for me..............but even when I asked him to pick he said no.........you pick!! I wanted Dr. Fisher for the reasons Candra said. HE started bariatrics at Richmond and that impressed me......but I am glad I got Baggs his personality fits mine better..........

Heres a good bean dip recipe: Ingredients: Olive Oil Fat Free Refried Beans Black Beans Chopped Onion Chopped green and red pepper Tomatoes Salsa (if you want) Reduced Fat Shredded cheese Tofu (or you can substitute some lean meat) Avocado Brown the tofu (or meat...I'm a vegetarian so I don't add meat), onions, peppers and tomatoes in a large skillet until the veggies are floppy and the Protein is cooked (if you're using tofu, it will brown a little on the sides). Add the black beans and refried beans (drain some of the liquid from the black beans first). Add some salsa if desired. Stir everything together over heat until it is mixed. Top with the shredded cheese. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Serve the bean dip over the avocado and enjoy! This is great because you can portion it into 1 cup (or 3/4s cup or whatever) servings and freeze it. For mushies, you can just throw the whole dip into the blender to make sure everything is super mushy. You can also puree the avocado (so its like a guacamole consistency) and eat it on the side. Great source of protein, complex carbs and healthy fat (in the avocado)!

I eat the same way I did, only with portion control and without between meal Snacks. I appreciate the wisdom behind eating 6 small meals a day but the truth is for me, I dont stick with it, I just keep eating. I'm better to just BAN eating between meals and not do it. So 3 meals a day - I normally cook from scratch and I always did, and basically healthy meals so my family routine has not changed at all. For breakfast I eat things like oatmeal, cereal, toast lunch sandwiches, salads, Soups, or dinner leftovers dinner - meat and 3 veg type meals (roasts, barbecues etc), Pasta dishes, soups, lots of vegetarian meals. I will occasionally have junk food - a takeaway lunch or dinner, I like a glass of wine at night and very very occasionally will have some chocolate or ice cream after dinner.

I am really looking forward to my fill because although I did get just below the magic 14stone, my weight is starting to creep up because I am hungry and eating more. After the banding I was really not interested in food that much and always had more interesting things to do...now I am cruising down to the kitchen, poking about in the fridge, trying to eat healthy but I AM HUNGRY!!!!! So I think the stomach must be pretty well healed. My fluoroscopic fill is on Monday and I will be well and truly ready for it. However, I have always regarded this as a long term thing and was not surprised that the weight loss slowed, stopped and is probably in reverse! It was such a great thing to really not be bothered about food. It will be great to get back to that state, hopefully straightaway post-fill. We are going out to eat (!) that evening as I am having my fill in the same town as my daughter who is at Uni. My husband is coming too, so we are all going to a Chinese restaurant where the vegetarians will be happy, the meateaters will be happy, and the dimsum eaters will be happy too. I am planning just to have some soup!

I love homemade seitan, it's easy to make, yet I've been buying the seitan in the store lately, which isn't nearly as good... I drank a lot of miso after banding. I talked to my nutritionist about the foods I wanted to eat. Goraw - Real Live Food Foods High in Protein,High Protein Foods List Protein - High-Protein Foods and Amount of Protein in Each Food Protein in the Vegan Diet -- The Vegetarian Resource Group Vegan Low Carb Diet - Menus, Menu Analysis, and Recipes GoodCarbs.org: Good Carbs for Good Health Low Carb Vegetarian Recipes List of High Fiber Foods - Nutrition High-Fiber Low-Carb Food List - Fiber Counts in Low-Carb Foods I can't eat a serving of food, so fiber is also lower, so I pay attention to fiber. I like Whole Foods Market recipes and Eden Foods recipes. 44 Finger Lickin’ Recipes for Vegans and Carnivores Alike | Mark's Daily Apple Kombucha tea: What are the health benefits?: Expert Answers - MayoClinic.com I don't drink kombucha.

Vegetarian and non-milk drinker...? - LAP-BAND® Surgery and LAP-BAND® Discussion Forum Vegan Shakes - LAP-BAND® Surgery and LAP-BAND® Discussion Forum veg*n's-lapbandtalk Veganlapbandtalk Quinoa Salad Recipe - Calorie Count .sunfood.com/Catalog/Default.aspx?gclid=CIf95bq6nJ0CFSFRagodWzur_Q Pure Advantage Vegan Complete Vanilla -- 1.42 lbs - Vitacost hempseedreview.com/Hulled_Hemp_Seeds_Review.html WHFoods: The World's Healthiest Foods Seapoint Farms I also have sprouted pumpkin seeds around. 1/8 cup works for me. If portion control is a problem, measure out the servings in advance and put in zip lock bags. I keep my nuts and seeds in the freezer. I also regularly have fresh ground flax seeds. I've been eating seitan, and it goes down fine. I think I'll grind the next batch, though. I worry about chewing it into small enough bits. I have more links, let me know if you want them.

I am.. mostly vegan. When talking with the dietitian, they said that it isnt a good surgery for vegans simply because you need to start each meal with a Protein, and vegans tend to not be able to get enough protein. Vegetarians are another story because you can eat dairy, cheese, and eggs. As a vegan you are pretty much limited to legumes and nuts... and soy, but soy is really not something that you are supposed to eat if it isnt fermented, and most soy isnt, so I dont recommend to people that they eat it, I sure as hell dont. Which, the idea of Beans 3x a day is pretty gross to most people. My dietary preferences are different, in the sense that I am a celiac and a pescatarian/ vegan, so I eat seafood and fish, no eggs, dairy, soy or wheat/gluten or refined sugars. A typical day of food for me is granola w/ fresh fruit and coconut-milk yogert OR potatoes with sauteed veggies for Breakfast (Will have to change after I get banded) Tuna and salad with hummus and veggies for lunch, dried fruit and nuts as a snack, and shrimp/crab/or fish with sauteed veggies and more salad for dinner. Then I may splurge on coconut-milk ice cream for dessert, which, ironically is pretty high in protein for a vegan and soy free dessert. I assume that I will probably puree up some veggie/bean Soups. I have a recipe for a vegan black bean chipolte corn chowder that is to die for.

Donna, She's talking to Restless Monkey. Shirley, PM her and I'm sure she'd be happy to tell you about it. She's wonderful at sharing her experiences and trying to help others. Her story is one of hard lessons learned and triumph! RM is great. Sarah, As far as Protein goes, veggies and fruits also have protein. Granted not tons of it but it's there. If you haven't seen your surgeon yet, don't get too wrapped up about it. You'll get the info you need from him. And if not, then ask for it. Best wishes on your journey! Some links if anyone wants a look-see: Foods High in Protein,High Protein Foods List Protein Content of Food: Vegetables and Fruits | Protein Protein in the Vegan Diet -- The Vegetarian Resource Group Vegetarians in Paradise/Vegan Protein Basics/Vegetarian Protein Sources / Charts

I like vegetarian refried beans with cheese, salsa and sometimes sour cream. The refried beans are great for protein.

I've been a vegetarian since 2004 and have really been happy with my choice. However, since surgery I'm finding it difficult to find foods that are high protein/low carb for vegetarians. Obviously there's fresh veggies and fruit and tofu, but sometimes I just want a comforting snack (potato chips, grilled cheese...) I'm searching for some good suggestions of easy to make meals or snacks for someone who is a vegetarian. I am looking for high protein/low carb... and have lots of things I make, but am getting tired of the same old things!

I've been a vegetarian since 2004 and have really been happy with my choice. However, since surgery I'm finding it difficult to find foods that are high protein/low carb for vegetarians. Obviously there's fresh veggies and fruit and tofu, but sometimes I just want a comforting snack (potato chips, grilled cheese...) I'm searching for some good suggestions of easy to make meals or snacks for someone who is a vegetarian. I am looking for high protein/low carb... and have lots of things I make, but am getting tired of the same old things!

Have you guys thought about high protein for 5 days, then high carbs for 2 days routine? You keep the calories the same. Apparently, some believe the body adapts to the high protein and you slow down the wt loss. I don't know, but yesterday I incorporated more carbs and finally lost a lb. Go figure..I don't know. Also, you know that vegetarians still get complete proteins by combining certain carbs, like rice/beans. Just a thought, I am thinking of trying this out this week.

Hi Everyone, Has anyone that is a vegan or vegetarian had the surgery? My surgery is a month away and the nutritionists at my doctors office are not very educated about it. I'm curious what you are eating during each phase. Brad

Part 2 Thursday is kinda blurry. I woke up early to some nurse racket. More poking and prodding was needed. At one point a nurse came in and said my surgery time was changed but I never knew what the first one was. M says around 11 they took me away, they told M to "wait here" like I would be back soon. I took the elevator in a wheel chair and the male nurse was zooming me around the hospital it felt like I was on roller skates. We ended up some bottom floor, the nurse would walk by other nurses and they would have short conversations in Spanish and then smile really big at me. I felt like Alice in Wonderland. They then helped me into a bed and sent me to a room labeled Preparatory Room. While there, I encountered about 6 nurses doing various things to me. One did my IV another put stockings on me it felt pretty unreal. I think they gave me more sedative because it all just felt super odd. I then heard Laurie through the curtain (another bandster) I was so relieved to hear English and a person I knew. I asked her what was going on and she said that she was after her mom Jenny. The nurse later told me I was last. I was kinda sad about this and waiting felt like years. Some of the male nurses seemed to be flirting with me. I am not really sure because I was high. They were just asking me things like where I lived what my job was, the ones that spoke broken English really wanted to know me they all were super smiley. The anesthesiologist scared me a bit. I kept telling her I had asthma and she said "No problem" and I was like I have bad ASMA. "Honey don't worry I love my job, if something happens we try something else this is my job, RELAX" I was a little scared she kept rubbing my shoulder. I am not sure when but somehow I dozed off and woke up to a generator revving up. All the power went off and on, it was pretty trippy but is didn't concern me. I was more obsessed with getting it over with. So finally they came and got me. I was wheeled down a long haul to the room with two giant operating lights. It's weird because this is the 3rd time I have made it this far, most people pass out before the it the operating room, but it's really cool to see. Anyway they put you on the table it's tiny feeling and it seemed like I didn't fit well on it. They then take the arms and swing them out and tie you down in a cross position. Next the nurse said "here is you oxygen, think nice thoughts" I remember thinking of the Dali Lama it was the first thing I could think of that was a sign of peace, I then went to my Yoga meditation of floating on a raft at sea. I woke up in another room. I kept on pumping my legs up to my chest and down. I felt like I couldn't talk which was very weird. I wasn't sure if I was done and no one was their but a nurse at a station. She looked at me in that way a mother looks at her child to stop fidgeting. She eventually came over and took my blood pressure. I went in and out for who knows how long. I was worried about M, I wanted to see him right that second. Eventually I was wheeled back to my room. On the way I passed Maria who was already up and walking with her IV pole (another bandster) she is like "wow, aren't you chipper" I kept saying "I was last". She said her boyfriend was worried about me. I was confused when she said this. I thought did I almost die or something, nah" M was in the room I was so happy to see him. He got me a purple teddy bear that I became fixated to. He had been waiting for me for like 6 hours. Can you imaging being him not knowing anything for that long? He is so amazing. So while blitzed out of my mind I found a tube tied to my leg. I really wanted to get up and pee. But I had a catheter in me. I should have never told the nurse I was nauseas because she would not let me out of the bed for a couple hours. Eventually she removed it. I have thing with catheters they really gross me out. She said I could not stand up until I sat up for 10 minutes. I tried really hard but it was too difficult and then my mom called. It was so great to tell her I was OK. The rest is pretty blurry. I think a doctor came and saw me. I was a pain med junky every time they came in I whined for more. At night another nurse came on and woke me up periodically to poke at me. I remember Tijuana being so loud that night. It reminded me of Vegas except you hear cars drag racing and ambulances and sirens and shouting. Their were federal police guarding the hospital with AK's so I felt pretty safe. OK more later.. Part 3 :tongue_smilie: Friday’s tale. Woke up early and was ordered to take a shower. I was still kind of out of it but felt the need to clean myself as best I could. After the shower the nurse said we had some test to take. We went and took some pink gunk and they did an x ray like deal to check the band. I guess it was good because then we were allowed to eat some food. Green jello and apple juice. Yum. JK. Soon after we were told we were checking out at noon, Mouse had not really eaten yet so I got dressed and we went across the street to TGIF Fridays. It was almost like the Americanized one. But it felt definitely Mexico. He had pancakes and I was all drugged up so I don't remember too much. Just the check was in pesos (but they take American currency) and difficult. We then we had to wait over an hour for Miguel are personal taxi guy. He took all of us bandsters to the hotel Plaza del teca hotel in central Tijuana. M and I were exhausted all the other bandsters went shopping. Around 4 o clock they delivered Jello and Apple juice to the room. As gross and non vegetarian the Jello was, I ate it. We then tried to sleep the beds were as hard as table tops. I am not sure if this is a Mexican thing, I am actually kind of curious. I could not sleep in any position and poor M was woken by my moaning. :/ We took a walk around the hotel which is known as a safe zone from the gun violence. Some tourist were by the pool and we chatted I told them I had surgery and they were all congratulating me. It was really nice especially from two men. I got uncomfortable when some wannabe looking gangster kids started hanging around. So we went back to the room and ordered room service. Jello for me and noodles for the prince. This was the first time I had to watch someone eat something that I WANTED. It's a very strange thing. Because usually I would of had the angel hair pasta. But nope I had to suffer with Jello. The next day Miguel picked us up at 9am to take us to the border. I was hoping we could make it by 10 o' clock and save 10 dollars in parking fees. The border crossing was crazy. Security has really changed and I am sure for the better but it took almost an hour and they x-rayed and checked are passports. We finally got in the car and on the road around 11. We were so ready to be home, my Mexican vacation was not much of a vacation! The drive was hard. I doped myself up the best I could and let Mouse drive. We got home around 5 and with the puppies I felt so much better apparently all my animals were very worried about me. They still have not left my side. That's about it! So day seven. I am extra sore and a little bruised last night was hard again. I had band practice and I over did it for sure. But I have lost 7 pounds in 7 days! That's so exciting. If anyone wants to lose weight go on a clear liquid diet for 3 days and then full liquid for 4 days. Apparently it's magic. I won't be eating the band diet for almost 2 more weeks. I guess that's when I will really see what is possible with it. I have to stay on liquids and then mushy foods until the band is healed. I think my first full food day is Sept 24 and I really want a small piece of pizza. LOL I know I'm bad.

Part 2 Thursday is kinda blurry. I woke up early to some nurse racket. More poking and prodding was needed. At one point a nurse came in and said my surgery time was changed but I never knew what the first one was. M says around 11 they took me away, they told M to "wait here" like I would be back soon. I took the elevator in a wheel chair and the male nurse was zooming me around the hospital it felt like I was on roller skates. We ended up some bottom floor, the nurse would walk by other nurses and they would have short conversations in Spanish and then smile really big at me. I felt like Alice in Wonderland. They then helped me into a bed and sent me to a room labeled Preparatory Room. While there, I encountered about 6 nurses doing various things to me. One did my IV another put stockings on me it felt pretty unreal. I think they gave me more sedative because it all just felt super odd. I then heard Laurie through the curtain (another bandster) I was so relieved to hear English and a person I knew. I asked her what was going on and she said that she was after her mom Jenny. The nurse later told me I was last. I was kinda sad about this and waiting felt like years. Some of the male nurses seemed to be flirting with me. I am not really sure because I was high. They were just asking me things like where I lived what my job was, the ones that spoke broken English really wanted to know me they all were super smiley. The anesthesiologist scared me a bit. I kept telling her I had asthma and she said "No problem" and I was like I have bad ASMA. "Honey don't worry I love my job, if something happens we try something else this is my job, RELAX" I was a little scared she kept rubbing my shoulder. I am not sure when but somehow I dozed off and woke up to a generator revving up. All the power went off and on, it was pretty trippy but is didn't concern me. I was more obsessed with getting it over with. So finally they came and got me. I was wheeled down a long haul to the room with two giant operating lights. It's weird because this is the 3rd time I have made it this far, most people pass out before the it the operating room, but it's really cool to see. Anyway they put you on the table it's tiny feeling and it seemed like I didn't fit well on it. They then take the arms and swing them out and tie you down in a cross position. Next the nurse said "here is you oxygen, think nice thoughts" I remember thinking of the Dali Lama it was the first thing I could think of that was a sign of peace, I then went to my Yoga meditation of floating on a raft at sea. I woke up in another room. I kept on pumping my legs up to my chest and down. I felt like I couldn't talk which was very weird. I wasn't sure if I was done and no one was their but a nurse at a station. She looked at me in that way a mother looks at her child to stop fidgeting. She eventually came over and took my blood pressure. I went in and out for who knows how long. I was worried about M, I wanted to see him right that second. Eventually I was wheeled back to my room. On the way I passed Maria who was already up and walking with her IV pole (another bandster) she is like "wow, aren't you chipper" I kept saying "I was last". She said her boyfriend was worried about me. I was confused when she said this. I thought did I almost die or something, nah" M was in the room I was so happy to see him. He got me a purple teddy bear that I became fixated to. He had been waiting for me for like 6 hours. Can you imaging being him not knowing anything for that long? He is so amazing. So while blitzed out of my mind I found a tube tied to my leg. I really wanted to get up and pee. But I had a catheter in me. I should have never told the nurse I was nauseas because she would not let me out of the bed for a couple hours. Eventually she removed it. I have thing with catheters they really gross me out. She said I could not stand up until I sat up for 10 minutes. I tried really hard but it was too difficult and then my mom called. It was so great to tell her I was OK. The rest is pretty blurry. I think a doctor came and saw me. I was a pain med junky every time they came in I whined for more. At night another nurse came on and woke me up periodically to poke at me. I remember Tijuana being so loud that night. It reminded me of Vegas except you hear cars drag racing and ambulances and sirens and shouting. Their were federal police guarding the hospital with AK's so I felt pretty safe. OK more later.. Part 3 :thumbup: Friday’s tale. Woke up early and was ordered to take a shower. I was still kind of out of it but felt the need to clean myself as best I could. After the shower the nurse said we had some test to take. We went and took some pink gunk and they did an x ray like deal to check the band. I guess it was good because then we were allowed to eat some food. Green jello and apple juice. Yum. JK. Soon after we were told we were checking out at noon, Mouse had not really eaten yet so I got dressed and we went across the street to TGIF Fridays. It was almost like the Americanized one. But it felt definitely Mexico. He had pancakes and I was all drugged up so I don't remember too much. Just the check was in pesos (but they take American currency) and difficult. We then we had to wait over an hour for Miguel are personal taxi guy. He took all of us bandsters to the hotel Plaza del teca hotel in central Tijuana. M and I were exhausted all the other bandsters went shopping. Around 4 o clock they delivered Jello and Apple juice to the room. As gross and non vegetarian the Jello was, I ate it. We then tried to sleep the beds were as hard as table tops. I am not sure if this is a Mexican thing, I am actually kind of curious. I could not sleep in any position and poor M was woken by my moaning. :/ We took a walk around the hotel which is known as a safe zone from the gun violence. Some tourist were by the pool and we chatted I told them I had surgery and they were all congratulating me. It was really nice especially from two men. I got uncomfortable when some wannabe looking gangster kids started hanging around. So we went back to the room and ordered room service. Jello for me and noodles for the prince. This was the first time I had to watch someone eat something that I WANTED. It's a very strange thing. Because usually I would of had the angel hair pasta. But nope I had to suffer with Jello. The next day Miguel picked us up at 9am to take us to the border. I was hoping we could make it by 10 o' clock and save 10 dollars in parking fees. The border crossing was crazy. Security has really changed and I am sure for the better but it took almost an hour and they x-rayed and checked are passports. We finally got in the car and on the road around 11. We were so ready to be home, my Mexican vacation was not much of a vacation! The drive was hard. I doped myself up the best I could and let Mouse drive. We got home around 5 and with the puppies I felt so much better apparently all my animals were very worried about me. They still have not left my side. That's about it! So day seven. I am extra sore and a little bruised last night was hard again. I had band practice and I over did it for sure. But I have lost 7 pounds in 7 days! That's so exciting. If anyone wants to lose weight go on a clear liquid diet for 3 days and then full liquid for 4 days. Apparently it's magic. I won't be eating the band diet for almost 2 more weeks. I guess that's when I will really see what is possible with it. I have to stay on liquids and then mushy foods until the band is healed. I think my first full food day is Sept 24 and I really want a small piece of pizza. LOL I know I'm bad.

Hi, I am almost at week 3 and I really want a gym partner. I use LA Fitness so I can go to any LA Fitness in AZ I go to two one by my work in Paradise Valley and the other near the Biltmore. Also I rollerblade in Scottsdale bike paths at night (pre surgery anyway) this is so much fun and a great workout. Also Yoga is the best thing for my body.I have not done any Yoga in weeks! I am so scared of hurting my belly. About me. I am a young 31, alternative, vegetarian, no kids, animal lover, very openminded to all types of people (hopefully you are too) and I am aiming to lose 80+ pounds. I have an intermediate fitness level. Thanks, Sarah

I am trying to not get hungrier. My weight has stalled the last few days I am stuck at 244, so I need to kick some ass the next few days and workout. I do not want to gain anything. I have been eating carbs and veggie protein like soy. I am eating about 4oz 3-4 times a day. I think this is good. My Dr. did not give the best nutritional guide other than getting protein. I am vegetarian so it's different for me. I wish I could afford a nutrionalist. Any advice on eating on the mushies would be awesome :tongue_smilie: Breakfast today was 1 pack oatmeal and half a nanner. Lunch will likely be 4oz veg chicken Dinner 1 large veggie sausage 30 grams of protein I know it sounds vain but I have a show on 9/25 and really want to be 230.

I am trying to not get hungrier. My weight has stalled the last few days I am stuck at 244, so I need to kick some ass the next few days and workout. I do not want to gain anything. I have been eating carbs and veggie protein like soy. I am eating about 4oz 3-4 times a day. I think this is good. My Dr. did not give the best nutritional guide other than getting protein. I am vegetarian so it's different for me. I wish I could afford a nutrionalist. Any advice on eating on the mushies would be awesome :thumbup: Breakfast today was 1 pack oatmeal and half a nanner. Lunch will likely be 4oz veg chicken Dinner 1 large veggie sausage 30 grams of protein :yikes: I know it sounds vain but I have a show on 9/25 and really want to be 230.

Any vegetarian low-carbers out there? I'd love the hear what you eat! I am meat-free and wheat-free, and can't tolerate whey (cheese is fine, just no protein shakes or bars) . . . eggs, lentils, black beans, tofu and edamame are my staples and they're getting pretty darned boring!!!