Search the Community

I just wanted to offer some words of encouragement to all of you. I've had my Band since 12 Nov 09. I have lost a total of 54 1/2 lbs including (mandatory diet and Pre-op). I have lost on average about 4-5 lbs a month. So, for the most part, I am textbook with the weight-loss. So, though the loss was not fast, it is still coming off and, I am very encouraged. Well, I took my measurements back on 7 Dec 09. I'd completely forgotten about that. I hadn't really checked since then--other than measuring my waist periodically. Shockingly, this is the results: 7 Dec 09 10 July 10 Bust 7 Dec: 47------------ 10 Jul:39 Waist 7 Dec: 48----------- 10 Jul: 35 Hips 7 Dec: 47------------ 10 Jul: 40 Neck 7 Dec:14 1/2--------- 10 Jul: 12 Thigh 26 22 Arms lost 2 inches I know that this is long. But, hopefully it will motivate and encourage someone. Also, I have started jogging. Which has really helped too. Thanks, Brigette

Friday, June 19, 2009 Sugery's Done, New Life's Begun Surgery went well. The Dr. fixed a hiatal hernia (common with overweight people) which should fix my GERD (gastroesophogeal reflux). That'll be one less pill right there. However, with laparoscopic surgery air gets put into the abdominal cavity. Every time I take a sip of liquid and I swallow some air goes into my stomach which pushes on the air outside the stomach which presses some nerve in the diaphram that sends referred pain to the shoulders. I should absorb that air in a few days. My stomach's a little sore, but so far, there are very few repercussions to me physically. I'm only allowed to drink clear liquids for the first 5-7 days, and believe me, that's all I can handle. I can't garden for a few weeks or take a bath or go swimming. There's a port under the skin that the Dr. will use to adjust my lap band (think inflatable doughnut.) He'll put a needle through that port to blow up the ring as my stomach shrinks and the band loosens. If I have complications, the band can be removed. I am quite mobile, I can walk as much as I want, I just can't do anything strenuous that might move the band out of place. I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. I was very at peace before the surgery that I was doing the right thing and that God was with me. I'm excited and scared about this new life but I know God is walking with me through it all.

2/20/07 -The surgery and three weeks of liquids are behind me. I'm eating mushies and some soft foods. Lunch today-Turkey left over from my WW turkey dinner last night. About two ozs. and I was full Dinner-WW sweet and sour chicken. I always eat the meat first and then if I'm not stuffed I will eat the veggies. My stomach is doing much better. I'm trying to get the water in, it's harder than I thought. I can only eat about 4 ozs. at a time. I've lost 19 lbs. I'll do my measurements and record them tomorrow.

I have had this happen one time exactly two days ago... I am not sure if it is because I ate one two many bites, I had about 8-10 bites or Im not sure if It was the frozen yogurt ice pop I however had my heart wanting to explode out of my chest I became hot and dizzy worst feeling I have had since pre-op I walked for nearly two hours around my yard until finally it stopped. I do hope it happens to get better for you as I never want it to happen again mannnnnn Sending good vibes your way

2nd. Surgery. Options <LI style="Z-INDEX: 10000">Make This Entry A Draft <LI style="Z-INDEX: 10000">Lock Entry <LI style="Z-INDEX: 10000">Delete Entry <LI style="Z-INDEX: 10000">Edit EntrySend Trackback30 January 2007 Posted by sstasevich Todays date 01/30/07. Just adding some info to my journal. As of today I way 210, so I have lost 146Lbs., so far. Still a long way to go. I would like to see about 135; but if I end up settleing for a little more, I'll take it. But I will still try to go lower. I am also in a size 18, some cloths are 16, but that's rare so ,I'm not counting that, just putting it in the computer. On 02/05/07 I go in the Hospital again. This time for a Total Knee Replacement. This is surgery #2 in a 2 part surgery. First was the Lap Band,and it turned out great. I got more thean I bargained for though. So did Dr. Jeffrey Genaw "Genious at work!" He had me on the table from 11:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M., thats a long time. Especially when the band takes about 30 minutes.#1. He froze 1 Lymph Node, pulled it out, Bi-Opseyed it, and it came back normal, "CANCER HE WOULD HAVE CLOSED ME UP" then did the same to the other one, again normal. "Thank God!!!" These were located in the Groin, so you can only imagine the pain. #2. Old Scar Tissue Removal, From Gallbladder, exploratory surgery, and Hernia Repair. #3. Hernia Repair "He dug it out!" "ouch". #4. Last but not least, he put in the Lap Band. "finally"! And I just love it! I've lost 22Lbs since 10/31/06. But I'll take it. I spent the night in the hospital, and went home the next day. I no longer have to take Prevacid, I take Pepcid Complete, and Flintstone Chewables Complete/Choline. So I get my Vitamins, Calcium, and won't have a problem with Acid- Reflex any more. My Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Denniss Kelly told me that unless I lost weight threw surgery, that he would never touch me. To high of a risk, and the knee would never last. That was 10/05. I saw him 11/06 He said "Hy Skinney" I said not yet, but i'm working on it. I asked him about my knee? He said youre gonna get one, youv'e done everything we asked, so lets get some x-rays. He told me the knee was gone, and he doesn't understand how I am even walking? Trust me very carefully! So he said lets pencil in a date. I chose 2 dates, had to see what was gonna be best for the hussband. "time off, etc." I decided on February 5th. 2007. That's 6 day's from today; I'll be glad when it's done. 0 ipb.global.registerReputation( 'rep_post_2957', { app: 'blog', type: 'entry_id', typeid: '2957' }, parseInt('0') ); Share This Entry: ipb.sharelinks.url = "http://www.lapbandtalk.com/blog/225/entry-2957-2nd-surgery/"; ipb.sharelinks.title = "2nd. Surgery."; ipb.sharelinks.bname = "Lap Band Talk Forums";

Im excited scared nervous anxious giddy and all of the above times 10 tentative date is the 21st but that is not in stone hubby not real thrilled but im thru the roof nice to meet ya all

Thank you everyone...I appreciate your responses. Only 10 days to go!! I am praying constantly and know that God paved the path ahead of me. I love that there are so many people that are in so many different places and we can all come together and share w/each other.... may we all be on the loosers bench <3

I have had LOTS of surgeries myself. Never lost hair, never got cold in the summer afterward. Not after losing a lot of weight.. And I had a 10 inch incision after gall bladder surgery. I thought I said I don't eat simple carbs. My husband does, I DON'T. Other people have complained that food servers comment on the amount of food they eat. I offered what I thought was a humorous solution. Yes, exercise reduces your blood sugar but not to a predictable degree. You have to know what your sugars are going to do before exercising so you don't have to worry about lows and correcting them. But that is what my doctor says, so maybe you know more. Your kind of response is why I rarely post on this board anymore.

In 4 months I've learned a lot of things. About myself and my body. I'm now down -51.4 lbs, and past my first goal. I've had a lot of things go wrong over the past 4 months, and my sleeve has saved me from my emotional cycles of binge eating. I've worked hard, made mistakes, but I've recovered. I find confidence in places that I didn't even realize I had lost it. I've been cleaning out my closets and along with the large sizes I've also been shedding a lot of emotional baggage. I'm proud of myself. My impulsive, self destructive behavior was the most obvious with food- and since my sleeve I've become calmer, more clear headed, and grounded. I no longer lose control, and it's trickling into other parts of my life. I'm dating again and instead of accepting mediocre offers, I've set high standards, and remembered that I'm a valued person. Mr. Right will come when it's time. On God's time. I went out Friday night with a good friend, and we took pics together for the first time. Full body shots. And I was flipping out about how I looked in them. She was more shocked than I was at my reaction. When we went to our favorite place downtown, we danced and had fun- and I was scanning the room to see if I was the fattest chick in there. More than a couple of guys took notice of me. I wasn't interested in anything more than a good glance. It just felt good to go out, and not feel all I eyes were on me for the wrong reasons. I look back to so many evenings out with friends where I hid, and felt miserable, and disgusting in my clothes. When I first got this surgery, I was almost paniked at the financing-the amount of money I had to pay as a single mother was jaw dropping. I look back, only 4 months later, and ask myself "Why didn't I think I was worth this gift to myself?" I loved myself enough to get this surgery, and I'm truly a better person, mother, and friend for it. My outlook is bright. And I'm so thankful. Attached are two pictures from Friday night with my friends. I'm now a size 8/9, 164 lbs (and I'm the brunette in the pic!). I started at 216 and a size 16. Height: 5'9 Highest (Surgery) Weight: 216 1st Primary Goal Weight: 169 (Achieved 11/27) 2nd Optimal Goal Weight: 145 Sleeve Journey: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> 8/17/12- PreOp/Surgery Day w/Pics Posted in Blog Week 1 (8/24): 204.8 (-11.2) Week 2 (8/31): 200.6 (-4.2) Week 3 (9/7): 196.8 (-3.8) Week 4 (9/14): 193.5 (-3.3) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> 9/17/12- 1 Month Anniversary w/Pics Posted in Blog (-22.5 lbs) Week 5 (9/21): 191.6 (-1.9) Week 6 (9/28): 190.1 (-1.5) Week 7 (10/5): 187.0 (-3.1) Week 8 (10/12): 181.9 (-5.1) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> 10/17/12- 2 Month Anniversary w/Pics Posted in Blog (-11.6 lbs) Week 9 (10/19): 181.4 (-.5) Week 10 (10/26): 177.9 (-3.5) Week 11 (11/02): 176.8 (-1.1) Week 12 (11/09): 174.7 (-2.1) Week 13 (11/16): 173.3 (-1.4) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> 11/17/12- 3 Month Anniversary w/Pics Posted in Blog (-8.6 lbs) Week 14 (11/23): 173.1 (-.2) Week 15 (11/30): 167.3 (-5.8) Week 16 (12/7): 168.1 (+.8) Week 17 (12/14): 164.6 (-3.5) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> 12/17/12- 4 Month Anniversary w/Pics Posted in Blog (-8.7 lbs)

I got a fill 10 days ago after living nearly 3 years with next to nothing in my band because of pregnancy and breastfeeding. This fill is totally kicking my butt! I still cannot eat most food. Liquids are ok, soft foods (think baby food consistency) are <i>sometimes</i> okay. I am headed back to the doc tommorrow to get a little taken out to get me back to the "sweet spot". After being off of the "band" wagon for so long, have I forgotten what a fill feels like? I have the large Inamed band (10 or 11 ccs) and I am at 5 ccs right now which doesn't seem like much in comparison where some others are that have the same band. Regardless, I need to be able to eat solid food! Right?! Feeling very frustrated and slighly sick after eating a mashed up avacado is not where I want my life to be!

Hello Everyone, My name is Dominic, I'm 34 yrs old (35 in May). I'm 335.4 lbs (just checked). Just got a call today telling me that I have been approved for my surgery on Mach 21st. Let me tell you alittle about myself. I'm a divorced father of two wonderful kids. My daughter will be 17 in December and my son will be 10 in June. I served in the Army for 13 yrs (1996-2009). And with having this surgery done I will finish my 7 yrs and retire from the Army at 20 yrs. I work full-time as a Nuclear Security Officer. I'm in school working on a degree in Business Management. I'm also an active officer in the American Legion Post 214. Well if you have any question or comments please post them and I'll try to answer them as fast as I can. Hope to hear from you all, Dominic

hey everyone. long time no see. I've been busy with pre-op diets and such....and then surgery on July 2nd....and now post-op diet stuff. it's been 9 days since surgery and i'm feeling ok. been a lot of ups and downs. pre-diet wasnt so bad! Due to diet restrictions I was able to have a tiny bit of real food mixed in with a lot of protein shakes and broth. the two weeks flew by pretty fast and it wasn't until the last few days that I started having the runs. that was embarassing at work.....in my head, no one actually noticed thank god! threw out a few pairs of undies though. surgery day everything went smoothly, took 2.5 hrs actual surgery time. they did repair a hiatal hurnia as well. I basically slept that day/night away and wasn't good for anything until the next day. i'm like that from anesthesia. I was in the hospital for 2 days as my blood showed it was fighting something. they wanted to make sure it wasnt infection. I walked a lot the 2nd day and was able to get liquids down. not as much as they would have liked, but enough. Please make sure your hospital knows who you want in the pre-op room, etc. don't let what happened to me happen to you........ day of my surgery I was in the pre-op room, in a hospital gown in the bed. i was about to talk to my bf about something personal that would get my mind off things. I tend to internalize everything and dwell on things. i was making myself anxious and starting to panic. i'd wanted to talk to him about stuff like dreams of vacations, etc. i open my mouth to ask a question and I hear a voice in the hall. i clamped my mouth shut and in walks a co-worker.....AND HER HUSBAND!!!! first of all i didn't want her there in the room with me. 2nd of all you bring your HUSBAND???? what made her think i wanted him to see me in a hospital gown? they spent the next 10 mins prattling on about their life, etc. probably to try and get my mind off things but it just made it worse. the anesthesia guy comes in and I had to talk about personal med stuff in front of them. they didn't get the hint to leave! then a few minutes later the doc peeks his head in and I turned to them and said, well I gotta kick you out now. yep, i was rude....but they didn't get the hint before! doc asked me who they were and I said a co-worker and her husband and he was appalled that they were there. the staff hadn't even tried to see if I wanted to see them! i made sure he and my bf knew that when the update came afterwards it was NOT to be in front of them. I was in full blown anxiety and panic by the time they wheeled me off to surgery. luckily they didn't notice as it only showed in the way my right leg was moving. I hide it well. if they hadn't sedated me almost the minute i was in the OR i probably would have jumped down and ran. and i also hear that they went up to the room afterward. i slept the full day so I have no clue who was there and who wasn't. Home everyday has gotten better. i was on liquids for a week and by the end was drinking everything i was supposed to with no complications. i'm now on pureed foods. people say that's the worst stage. I won't lie, it's no fun eating mush when my boyfriend is eating chinese and fried chicken, etc. however, with that said i don't feel hungry at all. i eat because im supposed to eat. I have no cravings for food as I thought I would. i see him eat something and think yeah that would taste good. but i'm fine eating what i need to and letting him eat his fav foods. lol i'm still bruised up a lot....especially from all the heprin injections (have to for 2 weeks). I still have quite a bit of pain on my left side and will need to ask the doc about that on Friday. and I wasn't able to go poop (sorry for graphic) since before the surgery. yesterday i was FINALLY able to and feel soooooo much better now. it hurt like HELL though! i've been sleeping on the couch so I can be propped up some. kinda depressing since my bf and I are now sleeping seperately. but I just can't lie flat and get back up in the morning. first thing in the morning my pain is worse. frustrated beyond belief right now. been having a hard time swallowing one of my night meds. it's a capsule so it's not like I can make it smaller. and if i take it out and take it as a powder I wanna puke. so called my psych and he switched it to liquid for me. got a call yesterday from the pharmacy (2 days later!) saying it would be over $100 (per month) with the discount card. discount card? what happened to my insurance? they won't cover it. so now i'm stuck with my capsules and hoping that they won't get stuck on the way down each night. i'm near tears! my stomach pain isn't going away and they gave me a little bit of a hard time calling in more for me on Monday. i feel so bruised up inside, i look like a pin cushion from all the heprin shots and I'm getting frustrated that I can't even do normal everyday activities. i'm eating everything i'm supposed to to the T...no extra stuff. I've only lost 6 lbs. i did lose 3 inches of my belly, so guess that's something. maybe my shakes have too much sugar or something? trying not to give in to the feeling of eating even less just to lose more weight. all in all it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. however it is still a very emotional journey and it's not over yet. i'm lucky to have the most amazing man in my life to help me through this and not let me slide down into my dark depression again. if anyone is reading this and still debating on the surgery please know that even after all i've just said I'd do it again. it really is worth it! one step at a time and i'll eventually get to that healthy life I desire so much

I apologize if it's been addressed somewhere else, but I haven't been able to find it. I read this alot... people getting not quite to their goal, and getting their plastic surgery. Now... I had just always thought (waiting a year or so and seeing if things tighten up on their own, aside) that you would want to get even maybe a little less than your goal, get your PS, then once you gained a little back, things would fill in and be nice and tight. I'm sure they're all good once you get all this work done, but wouldn't at least getting to goal, and then getting PS be better? If you get a TT and then lose 10-30 more pounds, wouldn't it just not look as good? or even, say, a boob job/lift/whatever. ? What's the 'standard'? Do most surgeons say "Yeah, go ahead... get it done even if you're not quite done losing!" or is "Wait until you hit your goal wait, and then come see me." more typical? Please enlighten me !! Mandi

My surgeon also does PS, he said wait until I am at goal. Oh well, so much for the short cut. I know what needs to be "tucked" would be about 10 lbs of weight gone.

Hi Parvathi, I had the full abdomnoplasty and also a medial thighplasty 6 weeks ago. I had some delayed healing and I still have an area between my bellybutton and groin that has not completely healed yet. I have to say that I am thrilled with my new flat tummy. Yes, its a huge scar and thats the trade off. I am not sure how I feel about the thighplasty yet. The scars start at about 4 inches above the knee, and do a T around the groin and buttocks. IT was extremely painful and was much worse than the tummy tuck. The drainage tubes at the hips are the worst. I had mine a short time (about 7-9 days). On a scale of 1-10, this combo of surgeries was about a 9. The best way to have these surgeries is to do one thing on the top and one thing on the bottom. I had both on the bottom and it was excruciating. I thought I would never feel better. I feel 100% better. The other night, I went for a walk feeling bubbly and enthusiastic and one mile later, I was struggling to get back to my door. It really takes a lot out of you. Babs in TX 334/189/170 -154

Everyday it gets a little better.. As much as you don't want to do it sometimes walk, walk about 10 to 15 minutes out of every waking hour it really does get that gas moving and out quicker! Discomfort can last about a week make sure your not twisting and bending to much. And it's easier to "roll" when you are getting out of bed. Good luck to you

I am 10 weeks and have salad whenever I want. I do eat Protein first, so don't typically eat "a lot". But I've had no problems with it... or anything really. Well... I think bread is "yucky" feeling. I seem to always feel uncomfortable if I partake in any bread. I guess it's a good thing for the long term. I hope it stays that way!

My doctor does not put you on a liquid only diet. She just requires you to lose 10% of your excess weight before surgery. I had 6 months to do it which was only 14 pounds. I am so "happy" she does not recommend the liquid diet pre op.

Hi, I also am on my pre-op diet, and I am having trouble losing 10 pounds!! I am on my protein shakes also. When is your surgery date? I don't have one yet, my info is going through insurance as we speak. Good luck to you!

Sometimes: I get mad just to get mad No one realizes: It is hard to be me I am so: glad I had the Lap Band People think: I am crazy for having so many dogs Tonight I: Will watch TV with Eddie It is hard to believe: I am wearing size 16 I realized that: I may never see myself as anything but heavy More than before: I wonder if I will regret not being able to have kids Obviously: I wish I could start over at age 20 I can't stop: Obsessing with the scale Nothing matters if: I didn't have my Eddie All I want is: Enough money, or a job to provide enough money to be stable Without even thinking: I know how many calories are in almost everything! It is clear to me that: People judge you no matter what size you are I dont know: What other people see when they look at me The only way: My way :-) sorry, but its true Its hard to tell: What others really think The only person: in this room with me is Piper - my dog It kills me that: Eddie has a Terminal Illness If I were: able to make my parents live forever I would It is not that I: Am vain, I just want to know what THIN feels like My life: Seems to be easier than most One thing I know is: I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband I would never: Say I told you so I can not stand: When people are late Im sick of: The Texas Heat of Summer Im afraid of: Losing someone I love The best: Is yet to come Its weird that: I just recently started using Myspace I do not have enough: Self-esteem I need: Clean House I love: My family, friends and dogs I tried: to ride on the back of Eddie's Motorcycle - but I really need a sissy bar I am starting to: Take SCUBA lessens For some reason: I worry so much about what other people think - Everyone has to like me I should: Finish College I cant: Stand Spiders, snakes and ticks Tomorrow: Zoe has a Vet's appointment I cant wait until: We can travel more I miss: Chris, Stacey, Jodi, Tina and Alisa I always: Show up 10 minutes early My parents: Are the best parents in the world Someone: Lives too far away - ROBIN My friends: Always make me feel better Valentines Day: Is a great date night Parties: Have too many people Why can't: I get motivated to go back to school I dont want: To be different I have to: CLEAN HOUSE! I will never: Give up on Medical Science Marriage: Isn't just for the good days. Children: Make the world fun It seems like: Time goes by much faster now than ever before I dread: Making mistakes School: Uhm, I need to go back, but feel like I am way too old The best food: Mexican Eventually: I will buy a purse for my concealed carry Everyday: I have to try to eat right and workout Rarely: Do I get angry I still cannot decide: Who else I want to go to the Toby Keith Concert with me I am hoping: My job to get busier The suspense: Is killing me It turns out: Life isn't over at 30 Everything: Happens for a reason Wendy

Sometimes: I get mad just to get mad No one realizes: It is hard to be me I am so: glad I had the Lap Band People think: I am crazy for having so many dogs Tonight I: Will watch TV with Eddie It is hard to believe: I am wearing size 16 I realized that: I may never see myself as anything but heavy More than before: I wonder if I will regret not being able to have kids Obviously: I wish I could start over at age 20 I can't stop: Obsessing with the scale Nothing matters if: I didn't have my Eddie All I want is: Enough money, or a job to provide enough money to be stable Without even thinking: I know how many calories are in almost everything! It is clear to me that: People judge you no matter what size you are I dont know: What other people see when they look at me The only way: My way :-) sorry, but its true Its hard to tell: What others really think The only person: in this room with me is Piper - my dog It kills me that: Eddie has a Terminal Illness If I were: able to make my parents live forever I would It is not that I: Am vain, I just want to know what THIN feels like My life: Seems to be easier than most One thing I know is: I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband I would never: Say I told you so I can not stand: When people are late Im sick of: The Texas Heat of Summer Im afraid of: Losing someone I love The best: Is yet to come Its weird that: I just recently started using Myspace I do not have enough: Self-esteem I need: Clean House I love: My family, friends and dogs I tried: to ride on the back of Eddie's Motorcycle - but I really need a sissy bar I am starting to: Take SCUBA lessens For some reason: I worry so much about what other people think - Everyone has to like me I should: Finish College I cant: Stand Spiders, snakes and ticks Tomorrow: Zoe has a Vet's appointment I cant wait until: We can travel more I miss: Chris, Stacey, Jodi, Tina and Alisa I always: Show up 10 minutes early My parents: Are the best parents in the world Someone: Lives too far away - ROBIN My friends: Always make me feel better Valentines Day: Is a great date night Parties: Have too many people Why can't: I get motivated to go back to school I dont want: To be different I have to: CLEAN HOUSE! I will never: Give up on Medical Science Marriage: Isn't just for the good days. Children: Make the world fun It seems like: Time goes by much faster now than ever before I dread: Making mistakes School: Uhm, I need to go back, but feel like I am way too old The best food: Mexican Eventually: I will buy a purse for my concealed carry Everyday: I have to try to eat right and workout Rarely: Do I get angry I still cannot decide: Who else I want to go to the Toby Keith Concert with me I am hoping: My job to get busier The suspense: Is killing me It turns out: Life isn't over at 30 Everything: Happens for a reason Wendy

I'm 9 or 10 weeks out. Mine are super light colored. Yellow or tan. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

We are seeking individuals that have had the LAP-BAND®® surgery (specifically the Realize LAP-BAND®®) within the last year to participate in a clinical market study. Interviews are by telephone, can be scheduled between 9/28and 10/2, 60 minutes and participants receive $100. The purpose of this study is to understand what people think about the experience and how it can be improved. All results are reported anonymous and for he purpose of research only. Respond with interest to below contacts. Kind Regards, Jan Mallery-Groom RN Clinical Project Manager +510-922-9710 jmallery@recruitingresourcesllc.com

Congratulations.:clap2: They say every 10# we lose, affects our hormones and our fertility - so you're a prime example of that. I have no first hand knowledge of this (I'm very single, whew! :guess ) but lots of other LapBandTalk members have been there. Since so many Bandsters have been in your situation (do a keyword search here for PREGNANCY and you'll see the many threads about it) and please know that we have a bunch of very healthy Bandster Moms and Bandster Babies here. That's what's great about this tool - it can be adjusted to accommodate any situation. You'll do fine.

I made this Soup yesterday and it's super easy and tasty. It freezes great too, goes right into my freezer in 1/2 cup to 1 cup portions! Slow Cooker Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup http://soup-a-woman.blogspot.com/2012/10/deliberate-leftovers-slow-cooker-ham.html