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1. Lettuce 2. Apples 3. Tomatoes 4. Soft Mozzerella 5. eggs 6. Walnuts 7. Cream of Wheat 8. Canadian Bacon 9. Beans 10. Peanut Butter Men - let's see 1.) My DH (He is hotter than anyone I've ever met....dark and gorgeous..a rough boy! 2.) Josh Holloway (Sawyer on Lost) Yummy! Would give up all the food for him. 3.) Kid Rock (LOVE HIM LOVE HIM LOVE HIM) No one else - other than Josh and Kid Rock - never knew of another celebrity type that I liked. Now if you could put all three of these guys together I would say I died and went to heaven. Too much fantasy....got to go back to painting. Nancy

Okay, I am assuming there are no other "passangers" that are washed up on the shore lines dead, so we can't eat them right? I guess, for all practical purposes I would have to say 1) box of Protein bars ~ they wont spoil 2) propel, cause I can't live without that at home either 3) honey roasted peanuts 4) fat free chocolate pudding 5) cans of chicken meat ~ that wont spoil ~ it doesn't need to be fed ~ and i dont have to kill it 6) cans of tuna ~ i hate it, but if i were starving i would eat it.... 7) dill pickles 8) tostitos 9) salsa 10) Pepridge Farms Milano Cookies....

Sleeved 10/23. I was at clear liquids for 2 days, currently at full liquid stage just starting to crave the taste of real food. Start pureed stage on Friday for 1 week and then move to soft foods for another week. Should be on regular food by week 4. I must say I am getting pretty sick of protein shakes, almost nauseating. I would have your doc review your progress and see if he can move you up a bit if you are having trouble with the schedule he set out for you. I had 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter yesterday and tolerated it just fine. Everyone is different though, make sure to check with your doctor if you have any concerns.

When I was banded just under a year ago, I didn't really pick a weight goal. That didn't hold any interest for me. Instead I picked a physical challenge goal: running a 5k. I did it today!!! I RAN THE WHOLE THING WITHOUT STOPPING!!! I had my best time too!!! It's only going to get better from here!! My next goals are: --making it to 100lbs loss (soon, I think!! Only 10 lbs to go) --finishing a 5k in less than 40min (today's was 42) --doing a headstand (IDK why, it just seems cool?) --getting to size L (I'm XL now) A friend invited me to do a mini-triathalon with her next April. I think I just might do it!!!!

I want to play!!! Endless supply - right? Especially #1... 1. Matt Damon (count’s as candy – eye candy!) 2. Red wine (lot's of it) 3. Salt & Vinegar chips 4. Ben & Jerry’s fudge brownie 5. French baguette 6. Goat cheese (goes with baguette - my version of bagels and cream cheese) 7. Steak 8. Potatoes 9. Jersey tomatoes 10. Jersey corn Hope I followed the rules!!

Hi, My name is Daphane. I live in NC. I have my first appointment with the surgeon this Thursday 03/19/10. I have to admit I'm a bit anxious!

I was the same way. I had my first presurgical appointment with my surgeon in early October. He told me to lose about 10-20lbs before surgery. Then I got the insurance approval process started. Once I was approved in late October to have my surgery on December 19, I went on a binge. I had everything.Everyday I would tell myself I was going to stop drinking pop and start my diet. I had wanted to loose down to about 300 by my surgery day. But it didn't happen. I got in the habit of ordering a 10 piece nugget, large fry, a Mcdouble, ice cream at McDonalds everynight. This is on top of about $10-$12 dollars worth of snack cakes, candy bars and pops everyday I would get from the gas station. At the time of my first appt I was 315 by early december I had gained to about 323. Then two weeks before surgery I knew I had to cut it out, I definitely didn't want to weigh more than I did at my first surgical appointment on my day of surgery. but I still couldn't manage a full liquid diet. I tried everyday to just drink liquids but I ended up doing two shakes in the morning and Soup or eggs at night. Then two days before my surgery I went to Burger King and got a jr. whopper and large fry, and later had some cheesecake and 2 big cream puffs. I'm truly addicted to food. But on my surgery day I was 313, so I had lost some of the binge weight. Food addiction will always be a struggle but since I've had my surgery, I've been totally compliant.

I'm home! I'm home! Oh, it's so good.... Well, I promised details and I won't sugar coat it but I want to start by saying: I have no pain (except for the first day...) and was up and walking within hours of surgery, have no nausea or reflux. I'm drinking 40+ oz of Water, some broth, and eating Jello with no problem. I have NO hunger. I've been walking 1/2 mile or more per day.... If I woke up with amnesia and someone told me I had major surgery on Thursday, I'd say, "Liar." RECAP: I'm a self pay, Mexico patient. My story "sleeve" story started about six weeks ago when I begrudgingly attended a WL Seminar to hear about the 'band'. I went thinking maybe things had improved and maybe, just maybe it was time to reconsider getting the band. Then, the clouds parted and heavenly music played~~Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Wow. Shiny. Must know more... Fast forward to July 6. I fly out, San Diego bound with my dad in tow (resume includes lots of Mexico experience, big guy--big arms, street smart). I'm 43 and 19 years married with teens. So, there is no hang-up about hubby not being with me...he's just not the best choice for me because he cannot stand to not understand what's going on. Mexico is not conducive to making my baby a calm companion. No harm, no foul...he is happy to stay with the kids on this trip! Before we hit the gate, Ricardo (our driver) is on the phone finding out if we are curbside yet. We agree to call as soon as we are...and sure enough, 2 minutes later we are safely ensconced in the silver Honda Civic, weaving our way toward the border. Ricardo speaks EXCELLENT English and is very knowledgable of the whole "sleeved in Mexico" process. He probably picks-up and delivers most of Dr. Kelly's patients...and he also runs for another. Anyway...all that to say that he is an excellent source of info, he's got the Doc's on speed dial, and is professional in that he calls ahead to confirm details with you. Good guy! As a side note, if you mention the theory that chewing gum is NOT allowed because it causes your stomach to make and release stomach juices/acids, he will have to pay me a royalty. So I appreciate your help there. Arrive florence Clinic and are met by Trish as Ricardo delivers us to the reception area. The bldg. looks just as pictured on the exterior, the garden/courtyard is nice. I would liken the reception area to a 'nice' office or professional bldg. That changes as we are led to our room in the back corridor. The impression is less professional office and more motel. It's clean and you'll have everything you need, but really...it's like a motel room with surplus hospital furnishings. I'm given yet another health history form by the head nurse, Jessica. She speaks very good English also. Trish is a bubbly joy, Dr. Kellly is quiet and trying to greet me and give instruction/answer questions, Jessica the head nurse is speaking rapid spanish to a trio of nurses, and things are frankly, CHAOS. Everything happening at once. I found it amusing that no one respects that the Dr. is speaking and everyone has their own agenda. It feels like I'm standing on some trading floor. Eventually Trish and Dr. Kelly leave...and I'm left filling out the health history form that Jessica was requiring. There is some discussion about whether I will or will not have labs tonight, the people have gone...then they are there...then I am getting my IV so they can kill 2 birds with one stone. Take blood, get I.V. si? hahahha Let's just say that I am one of those that has to hydrate well before having blood drawn. So, as Maria (not so good English...Ok, virtually none) is trying to find a vein in my right hand, I'm suggesting she try my left as I am right handed and will need that hand for things. Important things, like wiping my butt? OK...I know that there is one or more of you out there that are worried about the 'bathroom logistics/gymnastics' of dealing with hygiene will having several incisions in your belly. Am I right? Maria can't locate a vein by touch and understands enough of what I'm saying to move to the left hand. After about 10 minutes, she decides she needs to find someone 'to help' si? Si! In about 2 minutes, Maria returns with 2 other nurses. Oh great, this one is NOT listening to my suggestion of 'left hand please' and Maria cutely tries to convey the same message. NOPE, guess the boss has arrived. She massages my hand for about 10 minutes and is pumping the 'ball' of my thumb. She's in. I have half a roll of tape now on my right hand holding this fragile accomplishment in place. Bathroom issues are now raging in my head as, gulp, I have also started my period that morning. OMG This is NOT going to be OK. Si? NADA! -----I gotta take a break and go to bed. I'm tired after my trip today and need to take a shower! A loooooooooooooong shower followed by a looooooooooooong sleep in my own bed. I'll finish tomorrow.

Just wanted to introduce myself and be a part of the support group. I was sleeved Friday 3/10/17 and now 3 days Post-op. I haven't lost any weight yet, hoping it's because of inflammation or water retention or something. Looking forward to sharing my journey.

The reason why bariatric Vitamins are not popular here is frankly, because we do not need them. Be cautious of whatever your NUT is trying to sell you, IF she is selling to you, I wasn't clear on that. All we need are basic multivites, Calcium, and some are told to take B12. I get mine from costco - 250 vitamins for about 10 or 12 dollars. That is the most economical way to buy them. We do not malabsorb so unless you are already deficient in something there is just no reason to spend that kind of money.

How's everyone doing? I have my second NUT visit on friday. I've lost about 10 pounds since my first consultation.. So I'm excited to see what they say. Hopefully my loss will continue and I'll be 20-30 pounds lighter before my surgery.

I have found that we eat out 2-3 times a week . We both work, so as much as we try not to eat out it just happens. Now with no fast food type food, wow, the food bills are high. So I decided to tackle how to eat out for less today. Today I ordered a bunch of gift certs online for gifts only at restaurants who give you back 20% in a bonus gift card. They seem to only offer this special at Christmas time, and last year I did the same thing but didn't get enough and ran out by March and really missed that 20% discount card. I did it in an organized fashion figuring how many times during the next 12 mos we could eat at that restaurant. I did it for Pappas (usually seafood), Outback Steakhouse, and Carrabbas Italian. I couldn't order some restaurants bc they didn't have a special, shame on them (no Red Lobster, TX Land & Cattle, etc). But then sort of by accident I found a website called restaurant.com that had discounted gift certs for so many restaurants. A lot of them were independent ones that we go to anyway, and others were new. But I bought like $300 of gift certs that will give me like $750 of free food at these restaurants. I don't know if this works in every area, but the norm was to pay $10 for a $25 gift cert and agree to spend $35 on food. Or like at a steak rest get a $50 gift cert for like $20 and agree to spend $100, which we could do at a nice steak restaurant if we had the whole family. I actually spent $120 at my favorite Chinese Restaurant and got $300 of food credit. It says you can't use more than once a month, so heh, I bought one for each month. Felt like a safe bet considering we've been eating there since my oldest son was born. I could use suggestions too on how to order at restaurants so that the family food bill is not as much, and wonder if anyone has suggestions. Between the cost of groceries and restaurants I feel like we spend too much of our take home pay on food, and I want to cut it down. I've never been a coupon shopper in grocery stores, but if anyone knows a good and easy way to do this I'd like that too. Please share your ideas.

On my way to the hospital surgery at 10 am I'm excited yayy

I'm energized by your before and after ... You look 10 years younger and beautiful both before and after! I hope and pray for similar results! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I posted this today on my blog and wanted to post it here as well! So if there are names or backstories that I mentioned...that is why...hahah! I didnt realize how long it was! In the name of reflecting on a year gone by, I have been working on this Bandiversary post. It is a mumble jumble of some of my thoughts, tips, rules (non-rules), and lessons learned since Tina the Wonderband took up residence in my body. This year has flown by and brought me so many wonderful presents, people, and experiences. I don't have all the answers...and our journeys, while on parallel paths in the same direction, can look very different. So here you go! Happy Reading! All doctors, clinics, bandsters, and rules, are different. They just are. And I am not a slave to any of the rules. I see them more as guidelines and helpful tips. For example, I eat Soup...a lot. Soup is a liquid and therefore, slides right down the old shoot. But I honestly feel rather satisfied with 2 cups of wonderful soup. I also now almost always choose soup if we go out to eat. I noticed this when we went to Lambert's for my mom's birthday. Lamberts did not have one soup option. I think I started ordering soup out as a rule after my October fill. It just became too risky to try solid food and a waste of money. And even though I can bring leftovers home, leftovers usually go to waste in our house. I just couldn't see spending $10 on something that I could only nibble at. It does not bother me, this soup fetish of mine. I can have a couple of bites of whatever Tracey gets and I am a cheap date. Drinking with meals. This was not that hard for me to give up. At home, I just make sure that I don't have my Water near me when I eat dinner. When we go out to eat, I drink about 4 cups of water before the meal comes. I drink right up to that point. I do not personally believe that water primes the band. Water goes right down people. It doesn't just sit there. For me, when I do try and be naughty (Cookies and milk anyone?) drinking with my food either hurts OR gets me stuck. Some bandsters measure, weigh, or journal their food. All the time. I do not. I do measure Snacks though. For example, if I am going to have some nuts, I measure whatever one serving size is and put it in a little baggy. This way I know what my calorie intake is for that snack. I do not do food journals, count carbs, or watch my fat intake. Those things, for me, are all part of DIETING. They give me horrible flashbacks and I find myself rocking in the corner with sounds of helicopters and gunfire in my head. They send me to a bad place. However, from time to time I have recommended online food journals to struggling bandsters who feel lost or out of control. Sometimes when we estimate our calories we forget things, round DOWN, or just lie! So it can be a useful tool. And whatever works for you is the way to go. The scale. Another rule I do not care for is the "scale rule". Even my wonderful Dr. Friedman told me not to weigh daily. I weigh myself every day, but only record the weight on Mondays. Mondays keep me motivated through the weekends. I do not freak out if my weight fluctuates during the week...I try to reserve such freakouts for Mondays alone. Your weight will go up and down. But weighing myself every day does keep me accountable for my actions. I eat better when I bring my lunch to work. While for dinner I can usually eat grilled chicken breast, some pork chop etc., leftover meat is a no-go for me anymore. It just gets too dry when I heat it in the microwave. This is one of the reasons I make soup and freeze it. But whatever you choose, make it something you can just grab...so you don't use the excuse "I didn't have anything". It is a rare, rare day when I eat fast food for lunch. And the only fast food I do eat is either chili from Wendy's or nuggets from Chick-fil-a. I am thankful for an amazing doctor, who surrounds himself with amazing staff. I think that having the right doctor is so crucial to success. Dr. Friedman let me decide when I needed a fill. I could come in week after week until I got restriction. I see him every time I go for an appointment and he is right beside me when I get my fill. I am honest with him. I tell him when I have been drinking Sunkist or snacking. I tell him what I can and cannot eat. He listens. I was a trooper through bandster hell. I stayed the course and did not go hog wild (pun intended) when I realized I could eat anything and everything. I was on my high from my preop diet weight loss. I knew what I had to do. Dr. Friedman told me upfront that the band does not work for everyone...that his biggest fear is that his patients won't lose weight. By God I was going to lose weight. I listen for the real hunger. One of the most important lessons I have learned is when I really need to eat. How many times do we say "OH I am starving"? A lot. And are we really? No. So I took this phrase out of my vocabulary. I might say "I am hungry"....but that is different than starving. When you are fighting headhunger, try and stop and say "Am I really hungry?" If the answer is no, try to resist munching! Drink water instead! Do something. Of course I still snack sometimes whenI am not hungry, but at least when I DO, I am tsk tsking myself! LOL I tell everyone about my surgery, if they ask. This will be a debate until the end of time...on Lapband Talk and on these blogs. There are just so many factors that go into making this decision, and I know that for everyone...their choice is their own. I don't think it ever occurred to me to hide it. For me, I tell because it can help others, because their is no shame in having weight loss surgery, because it can educate the ignorant, and because the truth shall set your free. I think about some of the ladies who have been banded because they have seen my progress. What if I had just told them I did it through watching what I eat and exercising (which is not a lie, but not the complete truth either). Would they feel like failures because "Amy did it the old fashioned way...why can't I?" Would they still be putting off the idea of surgery? I am proud of my choice and where I am today. You know ironically, I get the most negative comments about choosing WLS from fat people. Maybe bc the skinny people don't want to be politically incorrect? But as I think about it...yep...mostly my heavy "friends" are the ones who turn up their noses when I tell them about the band. But that's okay...I'll give them time. A year later, I still think of food all.the.time. This by no way means that I am hungry. In fact, the only time I feel real hunger anymore is in the morning before Breakfast. I have read about those people who after being banded, food just became something they "had to do". I used to really hope for that day to come. Eh, it just might never happen for me. I did learn this year that there are actually people who do not think of food all the time. This was mind boggling to me...and still kinda is! Funny, but it seems that those people who do NOT think of food all the time are thin. Who would have thunk? There are foods I do miss...and they all involve bread. I miss peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, hamburgers with buns, hot dogs with buns, cinnamon rolls, oh cinnamon rolls, Stuffing my face with cookies and chugging milk , pizza, Big Macs...It's a good thing I have the band huh? lol I set goals. Mini goals, about every 3 months along. I made these goals preband (for the first 6 months out at least). I have met every goal. Don't be afraid to set these mini-goals. Right them on your calendar, a post it note, on the fridge, or on the wall above the scale. Exercise. I have yet to become an exercise fanatic. Right after surgery I started walking to get ready for my first 5k. Then we did bootcamp/interval training for awhile. Now we just do what sounds good. I play WiiFit once in awhile, we go walking, we are going back to bootcamp, Bandita and I did Zumba. Exercise is an area that I could improve on. Another rule that does not work for me: Not eating in front of the t.v., computer, while reading...etc. They say that when you eat you should be focused solely on your food. No distractions. They say this well help you eat slower and take smaller bites. This is not true for me. For example, when Tracey and I eat at the table, or with family...I tend to eat MUCH quicker. For several reasons. First, I feel a need to keep up. Second, have you ever adopted a dog or puppy that comes from living with lots of other dogs? They eat so quick bc they are afraid that someone else is going to get their kibble. Somewhere deep down I am still afraid of not enough kibble to go around. So, when Tracey and I sit on the couch with our tv trays...I eat much slower. When I am reading a magazine or surfing the net...I eat much slower. It gives me something to do, something to put my fork down and entertain myself with. Things that have changed: Where I shop. What I eat. How much I eat. I cook more. I try new and different foods (but that doesn't mean I like them all). My love for Tracey. I love him even more. He is so proud and supportive. I can cross my legs. My lower back pain, my pee sneezes, and shin splints...they are all gone. The amount of people who read my blog. The amount of blogs I read. The amount of friends this blog has blessed me with. My pant size. My shoe size. Things that haven't changed: My self confidence. My facial hair (still the same amount...I was hoping for less). My attitude. My complexion. I thought it would clear up a lot. The way I see life. My obsession with food. My thirst for Sunkist. The way I act with, towards, and around other people. How many pictures I take. How I wear my clothes. My finances. My job. My dislike of a the majority of vegetables. Things I have learned: Peanut Butter cups and sunkist do not mix. Well, they do...but then they erupt out of your nose. Eating a muffin in shame in a bathroom stall is not a high point of anyone's journey...but your blogger friends will love you even when you share the shameful moments. You can walk a 5k at any weight. And most likely you will not be the last person to finish. It is better to set a goal and not reach it then not set a goal at all. Tweezers may come and go, but apparently whiskers are forever. Life's journey is long. You better take snacks. (okay, I stole this one from a calendar). I really do have bones in my body. I cry happy tears in dressing rooms, and am also known to cry tears of frustration. I always want more. Poopies will never be the same. Good bye big girl poop. Hello chicken nugget poop. I have no boundaries. Just when you think it can't get any better....it does. And finally, the biggie. Why was I able to lose 120 pounds in 12 months? Why Amy and not everybody? I have given a lot of thought to this question and I am not sure I have the answer. If you think about it...I could have lost more. There are certainly bandsters out there who have done it (Mary for example) and others who are well on there way. I could have lost more by making the right choices, working out harder, etc. I did not have the perfect year. But that's okay! I personally think that for those of us who start at a higher weight, we can lose a little faster at the beginning....so you could say I had that going for me. There are the things I think are out of our control: Genetics, history, body shape. Even though I was 327, I was solid as an ox under all that fat. Perhaps my muscle mass helped in the beginning as well? There are two things that I think really made a difference in my weight loss. The first is this blog. This blog and all of you who have become part of my life helped to keep me accountable. When someone tells you that you are an "inspiration", it makes you want to keep inspiring! I didn't want to let anyone down. I knew that I would be honest with you guys. I shared the ups and downs. And seeing others make it into a new pant size, or run a 5k...inspires me. The second reason I have lost this weight is...Because I knew I could and I would. When Dr. Friedman told me that the band does not work for everyone, I made a choice that I would not be one of those people. I was not going to have a surgery just to "eat around the band". I wanted to be his star patient. I wanted to be the person on the commercials. I wanted to be a success story. And I wanted to be more than a statistic. Of course, all you have to do is read through my blog to know at times I had a few doubts and questions, but overall...I knew big things (and a smaller body) were possible. And you have to believe. I was at a great place in my life. I had support from Tracey and my family. I was at a good place mentally. It was just the right time. So that's it! That's all that I could think of! I hope you made it through and I can't wait to see what this next year brings! Thank you for everything. Yours- Amy

Yes you are correct. The group decided not to meet in May due to Memorial day. Hope to see you there. email me if you like timsax @ yahoo.com Tim DOB 10/04/06 435/375/250 Dr. Alberto Aceves

Good for you! Sept 6 was my surgery date. Down 39 lbs, not everyone is the same, so weight loss is different. Honestly I wish I had done this 10 years ago. Learning that a little goes a long way. Eyes still think I need a full plate. Stomach just needs a few bites. Learn to listen to your body. Drink, drink then drink some more.

Well it seems we are all on the same page!! I only had two weeks pre-op too. but now it's the 10 days of liquids (send your creative ideas my way please) and I can't believe I am going to say this, I am looking forward to the 10 days of puree/mushy foods (I'll take suggestions there too)! My surgery was June 14, 2013, so I am on liquids until June 23rd.

Me too! December 10!

December 10 also. 7 days under 1,000 calories, then 3 days liquid.

When she reached Onederland she asked me if I had any regrets! I said, "No!" Her exact response was... " You have to be kidding me!" I looked at her and said, "I may not be where you think I should be.. But I like where I am!" She just shook her head and said..." I think you're lying!" I just can't take it anymore and we have been friends for 10 plus years! Toxic is probably right on the money!

I would never voice that one persons option is better or not as good as mine. everyone has to make their own decision. I hope that you and your frienemy can come to a mutual understanding before you dissolve this 10 year friendship. Good luck!

I got to 140 and it pretty much stopped. Down to 138 after 2 months. I think my body likes this weight. I am pretty thin at size 6, but not a skinny minnie size 0. I am very stable here 10 months out. guess I will just revise my uberthin fantasies. At 53 I don't look so bad

HW 272 SW 252 CW 169 GW 150 I am 8 months post op and 19 pounds away from goal and a "normal" BMI. I've been very excited lately with my changes and have been coming out socially more then ever. My life since the sleeve has been work, gym, walk and home. I would host dinner parties occasionally but only for close family and friends. I have recently been accepting invites to parties and outings because the shame is gone. I now can hold my head up and feel comfortable where ever I go. It really feels good to feel normal Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Had my surgery 10/15 and your so right that the minimal pain and obstacles that your have to go thru don't amount to anything once you begin to feel free from the obesity.