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*************** Thanks so much @ria☺️???????? Eating wise: I'm not perfect, I do eat chips crackers and vegan Protein Cookies more often than I should (a little just about everyday ????????) but I'm human. I make sure I get at least 90-100 grams of protein daily, take all my Vitamins and strive to drink at least 8-10 cups of Water daily. I focus on lean protein such as chicken, fish and turkey. I also pretty much don't ever touch or even think about or miss bread, rice, Pasta, decadent pastries, creamy drinks, soda or alcohol. I probably consume a bit too many calories for someone a little less than a year out but I am committed to fitness. Typically average around 1700 calories per day ...I still get most of my protein from Premier Protein shakes, Greek yogurt and protein bars such as balance bars, Think thin and premier crisp. I eat often, nearly every hour or 2 I'm nibbling on something. My hunger is back but it's not raging. I guess I just like the taste of food ???? Exercise wise: I'm very committed and really enjoy pretty much all low impact fitness. My favorite things to do are group fitness classes: spin ????, hot yoga, power yoga ????☺️, Pilates and barre. My confidence has soared and I feel and look so much stronger. Can't believe I am actually loving fitness. I think it's a combination of the fact that I took pretty extreme measures for weightloss and I fear the "devilish animal" known as constipation ????. early on when I wasn't very active and not getting in enough water I suffered so much with that and hope to never EVER EVER EVER revisit that experience again ???????????????????? Best of luck to you during this very unique wls journey of ours ????

Read this I tried to just post the link but I couldn't get it to stay. Adjustments How to Tell When You Are Perfectly Adjusted You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. If you are not losing 1-2 pounds per week: A. You may need an eating adjustment 1. Are you eating 60 grams of protein a day 2. Are you eating 25 grams of fiber 3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories a. Soup can be sign of “soft calorie syndrome” b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories – 7 calories per gram (1) It’s also a stomach irritant c. Fruit juice is just sugar water 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. Are you avoiding soft foods b. You can’t just eat what’s easy c. Cheese is glorified fat 5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day between meals 6. Are you eating too much junk a. Chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, cookies and other highly processed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a healthy diet. But don’t avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived. b. Stay out of fast food places 7. Are you getting in two servings of calcium daily 8. Do you always eat the protein first 9. Then the vegetables or fruits a. Five servings a day b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable 10. Is your portion size appropriate? a. Meat or fish (1) 3 ounces – the size of a deck of cards b. Vegetables (1) ½ cup – the size of your fist c. Starch (1) If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don’t need much (2) Avoid: rice, potatoes, pasta 11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar c. They teach you to like things too sweet d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner than people who don’t 12. Avoid most diet foods a. Real food usually tastes better b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not that great (1) Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine (2) The body has no way to break down artificial fats a. They may go into permanent storage b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body B. You may need a behavior adjustment 1. Are you eating only when you are hungry? a. If you’re not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait. 2. Are you eating three meals a day? a. With maybe 1 or 2 small snacks 3. Are you sitting down to eat? 4. Are you eating consciously? a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper away, pay attention to your food and your companions 5. Are you eating slowly? a. Put the fork down between bites b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying 6. Are you taking small bites? a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork 7. Are you chewing well? 8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals? a. Practice water loading between meals b. You won’t be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal 9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? a. Sometimes it’s a whisper: not hungry, had enough b. Hard stop versus soft stop 10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing. 11. Do not eat when you are not hungry C. You may need an activity adjustment 1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times a week? a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week? c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes? 2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physical activity? a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding c. Parking your car further away from the entrance d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash g. Playing with your kids D. You may need an attitude adjustment 1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey? 2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eating and exercising? a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days 3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional issues? a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your eating? b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those emotions? c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor? 4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings? 5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends? 6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically? 7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey? 8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating? a. Obsessive – compulsive thoughts (1) Obsess about something else b. Perfectionism (1) All or none, black and white thinking c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss 9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards? 10. Have you learned how to take a compliment? 11. Are you giving up diet mentality? a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day b. Stop dieting c. Stop depriving yourself d. Stop defining food as “good” and “bad” e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food 12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place? E. You may need a band adjustment 1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriate portion sizes but getting hungry between meals? 2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and large portions. 3. You are having to struggle to lose 4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising and having a good mind set. F. You may need your band loosened 1. There are times when you can’t get fluids down 2. You are vomiting too much a. How much is too much? 3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night? a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: (1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods (2) Chocolate (3) Caffeine (4) Alcohol (5) Some fruits and vegetables a. Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers (6) Peppermint a. Baking soda toothpaste (7) Carbonated drinks e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals f. If you smoke, quit smoking g. Reduce stress h. Exercise promotes digestion i. Raise the head of your bed j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist k. Stress increases reflux l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime (1) Tylenol is OK n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications p. See your health care provider 4. See your health care provider immediately (or call 911) if a. You have a squeezing, tightness or heaviness in your chest, especially if the discomfort spreads to your shoulder, arm or jaw or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, irregular or fast heartbeat or nausea. These could be symptoms of a heart attack. b. If your symptoms are triggered by exercise. c. If your pain localizes to your right side, especially if you also have nausea or fever d. If you throw up vomit that looks like black sand or coffee grounds. Or if your stool is black, deep red or looks like it has tar in it. These are symptoms of bleeding and need immediate attention. (Note: Pepto-Bismol or other medications with bismuth will turn your stool black. Iron supplements can also make the stool tarry.) e. If your pain is severe This was written by Jessie H. Ahroni, Ph.D., A.R.N.P., C.D.E., B.C.-A.D.M. All site content copyright Malcolm Bywaters and WorldWyldWeb.com 2003 Web Site Design WorldWyldWeb.

Re: the not drinking before eating rule: this is another one where different doctors have different guidelines. Mine says we can drink right up until the first bite of food goes into our mouths. The rationale is that the liquid will move out of the pouch rapidly. If you don't continue to drink with the meal, it won't be "flushed" from the pouch by the liquid you had pre-meal. OTOH, his POST-meal waiting period is longer than most--90 minutes. My point is, I think there is some flexibility to these "requirements," just as there is a great deal of variance among eating plans. I personally choose not to drink alcohol at this point; I have little tolerance, and it totally disinhibits me vis-a-vis making good food choices. It's not a wise thing for ME to do---and besides, I'm early enough postop that it would likely be irritating to my pouch. But I like the advice (Jim's?) that is more matter-of fact: the best thing? not to drink. The realistic thing? If you're going to, make sure you include the alcohol in your plan, so that you are aware of its nutritional impact. None of us got fat from a Saturday night martini. If you know you're taking in those calories, and it doesn't cause you any kind of band-related distress (I'm thinking beer would literally cause my pouch to EXPLODE!), live your life the way that works best for you.

Glad you had fun! Just be weary that alcohol is empty calories...Best wishes!!!

patty: "440,000 people die annually from cigarette smoking, and the solution to it is very easy. Outlaw it like they do other things. That is 9X more than those without health insurance, yet noone gives a crap about those people who die. Absolutely NOTHING is being done about it. They force us to wear our seatbelts in the car, but they can't take away the cigs? And what about alcohol related deaths annually? There are so many people who die in the country from all sorts of things, that doesn't mean that the national government needs to make sure that these deaths don't happen. It doesn't mean that the feds need to take on the problem. To take on all that responsibility would be impossible. The national government was not created for these reasons." So what are you saying, patty? You WANT the Feds to control everything (taking away their cigarettes and your twinkies to save lives) or NOT ("all that responsibility would be impossible"). Can't you make up your mind? Or are you having a giant argument with yourself? patty: "I care about everyone. Jesus said, 'The poor you will have with you always.' This is just life." Sounds like you've interpreted that Jesus quote to mean that we shouldn't bother with the poor. They're here to stay and we can't be saving them all. Shucks, it's just too bad about them, but they don't work like everybody else so they deserve what they get. Jesus didn't mean that. You've taken something out of context to make your point. Jesus cared deeply about the poor. Far more than the rich people. You suggested that we give all the money that would be spent to the corporations. That's a telling statement, to be sure! At least you're open about your non-charitable views.

Here are some other things that I should not have to pay for. But you should, since you love your government sooooo much and want to give it your full support. 1. The federal government made at least $72 billion in improper payments in 2008. 2. Washington spends $92 billion on corporate welfare (excluding TARP) versus $71 billion on homeland security. 3. Washington spends $25 billion annually maintaining unused or vacant federal properties. 4. Government auditors spent the past five years examining all federal programs and found that 22 percent of them–costing taxpayers a total of $123 billion annually–fail to show any positive impact on the populations they serve. 5. The Congressional Budget Office published a “Budget Options” series identifying more than $100 billion in potential spending cuts. 6. Examples from multiple Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports of wasteful duplication include 342 economic development programs; 130 programs serving the disabled; 130 programs serving at-risk youth; 90 early childhood development programs; 75 programs funding international education, cultural, and training exchange activities; and 72 safe water programs. 7. Washington will spend $2.6 million training Chinese prostitutes to drink more responsibly on the job. 8. A GAO audit classified nearly half of all purchases on government credit cards as improper, fraudulent, or embezzled. Examples of taxpayer-funded purchases include gambling, mortgage payments, liquor, lingerie, iPods, Xboxes, jewelry, Internet dating services, and Hawaiian vacations. In one extraordinary example, the Postal Service spent $13,500 on one dinner at a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, including “over 200 appetizers and over $3,000 of alcohol, including more than 40 bottles of wine costing more than $50 each and brand-name liquor such as Courvoisier, Belvedere and Johnny Walker Gold.” The 81 guests consumed an average of $167 worth of food and drink apiece. 9. Federal agencies are delinquent on nearly 20 percent of employee travel charge cards, costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars annually. 10. The Securities and Exchange Commission spent $3.9 million rearranging desks and offices at its Washington, D.C., headquarters. 11. The Pentagon recently spent $998,798 shipping two 19-cent washers from South Carolina to Texas and $293,451 sending an 89-cent washer from South Carolina to Florida. 12. Over half of all farm subsidies go to commercial farms, which report average household incomes of $200,000. 13. Health care fraud is estimated to cost taxpayers more than $60 billion annually. 14. A GAO audit found that 95 Pentagon weapons systems suffered from a combined $295 billion in cost overruns. 15. The refusal of many federal employees to fly coach costs taxpayers $146 million annually in flight upgrades. 16. Washington will spend $126 million in 2009 to enhance the Kennedy family legacy in Massachusetts. Additionally, Senator John Kerry (D-MA) diverted $20 million from the 2010 defense budget to subsidize a new Edward M. Kennedy Institute. 17. Federal investigators have launched more than 20 criminal fraud investigations related to the TARP financial bailout. 18. Despite trillion-dollar deficits, last year’s 10,160 earmarks included $200,000 for a tattoo removal program in Mission Hills, California; $190,000 for the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming; and $75,000 for the Totally Teen Zone in Albany, Georgia. 19. The federal government owns more than 50,000 vacant homes. 20. The Federal Communications Commission spent $350,000 to sponsor NASCAR driver David Gilliland. 21. Members of Congress have spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars supplying their offices with popcorn machines, plasma televisions, DVD equipment, ionic air fresheners, camcorders, and signature machines–plus $24,730 leasing a Lexus, $1,434 on a digital camera, and $84,000 on personalized calendars. 22. More than $13 billion in Iraq aid has been classified as wasted or stolen. Another $7.8 billion cannot be accounted for. 23. Fraud related to Hurricane Katrina spending is estimated to top $2 billion. In addition, debit cards provided to hurricane victims were used to pay for Caribbean vacations, NFL tickets, Dom Perignon champagne, “Girls Gone Wild” videos, and at least one sex change operation. 24. Auditors discovered that 900,000 of the 2.5 million recipients of emergency Katrina assistance provided false names, addresses, or Social Security numbers or submitted multiple applications. 25. Congress recently gave Alaska Airlines $500,000 to paint a Chinook salmon on a Boeing 737. 26. The Transportation Department will subsidize up to $2,000 per flight for direct flights between Washington, D.C., and the small hometown of Congressman Hal Rogers (R-KY)–but only on Monday mornings and Friday evenings, when lawmakers, staff, and lobbyists usually fly. Rogers is a member of the Appropriations Committee, which writes the Transportation Department’s budget. 27. Washington has spent $3 billion re-sanding beaches–even as this new sand washes back into the ocean. 28. A Department of Agriculture report concedes that much of the $2.5 billion in “stimulus” funding for broadband Internet will be wasted. 29. The Defense Department wasted $100 million on unused flight tickets and never bothered to collect refunds even though the tickets were refundable. 30. Washington spends $60,000 per hour shooting Air Force One photo-ops in front of national landmarks. 31. Over one recent 18-month period, Air Force and Navy personnel used government-funded credit cards to charge at least $102,400 on admission to entertainment events, $48,250 on gambling, $69,300 on cruises, and $73,950 on exotic dance clubs and prostitutes. 32. Members of Congress are set to pay themselves $90 million to increase their franked mailings for the 2010 election year. 33. Congress has ignored efficiency recommendations from the Department of Health and Human Services that would save $9 billion annually. 34. Taxpayers are funding paintings of high-ranking government officials at a cost of up to $50,000 apiece. 35. The state of Washington sent $1 food stamp checks to 250,000 households in order to raise state caseload figures and trigger $43 million in additional federal funds. 36. Suburban families are receiving large farm subsidies for the grass in their backyards–subsidies that many of these families never requested and do not want. 37. Congress appropriated $20 million for “commemoration of success” celebrations related to Iraq and Afghanistan. 38. Homeland Security employee purchases include 63-inch plasma TVs, iPods, and $230 for a beer brewing kit. 39. Two drafting errors in the 2005 Deficit Reduction Act resulted in a $2 billion taxpayer cost. 40. North Ridgeville, Ohio, received $800,000 in “stimulus” funds for a project that its mayor described as “a long way from the top priority.” 41. The National Institutes of Health spends $1.3 million per month to rent a lab that it cannot use. 42. Congress recently spent $2.4 billion on 10 new jets that the Pentagon insists it does not need and will not use. 43. Lawmakers diverted $13 million from Hurricane Katrina relief spending to build a museum celebrating the Army Corps of Engineers–the agency partially responsible for the failed levees that flooded New Orleans. 44. Medicare officials recently mailed $50 million in erroneous refunds to 230,000 Medicare recipients. 45. Audits showed $34 billion worth of Department of Homeland Security contracts contained significant waste, fraud, and abuse. 46. Washington recently spent $1.8 million to help build a private golf course in Atlanta, Georgia. 47. The Advanced Technology Program spends $150 million annually subsidizing private businesses; 40 percent of this funding goes to Fortune 500 companies. 48. Congressional investigators were able to receive $55,000 in federal student loan funding for a fictional college they created to test the Department of Education. 49. The Conservation Reserve program pays farmers $2 billion annually not to farm their land. 50. The Commerce Department has lost 1,137 computers since 2001, many containing Americans’ personal data.

Your reply is full of contradictions. You ask "does the government step in and take control and outlaw cigarettes and chewing tobacco?". And then you criticize the government and say the government wants to be in control of what we can and can't do. So - what is it? You want them to outlaw tobacco and alcohol and control what we can and can't do? Or do you want them to stay out of our lives, or do you want them to do what they are doing - educating people and helping states to pass anti-smoking laws and tough drunk driving laws. Here's what the government does about tobacco: Do Anti-Smoking Programs Work to Reduce Smoking? | Michael Marlow | Cato Institute: Commentary And I've always known that tobacco is responsible for about 500,000 deaths a year. It's on websites, in the newspapers, etc.. But the issue has been somewhat eclipsed by the obsession with covering the obesity epidemic. Additionally, tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking are choices that people make. One does not need to do either. These people choose to pollute their bodies with poison. Those who are dying from lack of proper care due to lack of health insurance would love to be able to afford affordable and proper healthcare. It is not their choice to die from this.

crzytchr....I hope that is what we do. I will probably be pushing for that! lol Tracy...my mom has told Lee to keep his mouth shut. And I am agreeing with you that his wife probably has too. At least I hope! lol Plain...that's a good idea too!! Thanks for the advice!! I would talk to Jacque (Lee's wife...my employee) about it, but she doesn't work anymore this week. Hopefully he's not stupid enough to try to start trouble with his boss's son-in-law. But alcohol makes you do stupid stuff.

Hi. I had my surgery at the Washington Spire in April and I’ve never once regretted it. As above, I didn’t experience any pain. The nausea is difficult for the first few days, but it soon passed. I’m not a massive meat eater and typically get my protein through things like lentils and other pulses, cottage cheese, yoghurts etc. In all honesty I now have no interest in food, previously it was my crutch if I was feeling down, or a reward for when something was good. Now eating is just something I need to do. I eat out but I’m careful and will order a starter or a kids portion. I eat most foods in moderation and don’t seem to have an adverse reaction to anything. I get full really quickly and tend to push the food around my plate whilst I’m waiting for others to finish. I didn’t tell anyone other than my husband and parents that I’ve had the surgery so when friends ask I’ll say ‘oh I’m on a diet’ or ‘I’m doing keto’ and because they’ve known me dieting for so long they just accept it. I’ve avoided all alcohol to date - again I just say I’m on antibiotics or something along those lines to stop any questions. I struggle with my fluid intake but gradually it’s getting better. The sips get bigger but I don’t think I’d dare guzzle. My body tells me when something isn’t right - when I’m getting full I get ‘burpy’ and my stomach starts making noises. I took the package at the spire when I had a session with the dietician before and after the surgery so if your worried about what you can eat I’d say it’s worthwhile. good luck

Hey, where I can find this book? Does it helped you? I would like to read it too 'cause I really cannot stop eating sweets and I really need a detox. You know I think that chocolates are making a real addiction. It is the same as drugs or alcohol. I'm really afraid of my health. I even started to look for some clinics that can provide some sugar detox but the only think that I found is this site https://www.lifeline.org.uk/heroin-addiction/ they are working with drug addictors but I guess that for me, my heroin are sweets lol. Do you think that they can give me some advices?

What "clk" said!!!! 2,000 or 1800 is way too high for a sleever to loose. We who have yo-yoed or have become obese do not have the same calorie deficit formula. The sleeve cannot stretch all that much so you must be eating a lot of slider foods. It doesn't take much: a little Peanut Butter there, some mayo here, a few crackers there. I suggest using My Fitness Pal and documenting everything you put into your mouth. Eat dense, lean Protein first and then some good veggies if there is room. Cut the carbs way back. I don't eat over 40 grams a day. Go to The World According to Eggface for some great recipes. Substitute Greek yogurt for mayo and sour cream. You can add anything to flavor unflavored Greek yogurt (blue cheese, caramelized onions, spices, horseradish, a little avocado, SF Torani syrups, etc.) There are all kinds of tricks. Most important: Cut out the simple sugar. If you cannot limit yourself to tiny amounts of dark chocolate (and I mean tiny), do not touch it. If you cannot limit the crackers, get rid of them and substitute cucumber slices. We are like alcoholics in some ways and sometimes total abstinence is the only way to cope. You have the tool. All you need to do is pick it up and use it. I like the idea of going back to like you've just had surgery and doing the Protein shake thing. Again, go to Eggface. I learned how to make protein shake from her and they are so good that I actually look forward to them When I occasionally have one. You both do look pretty darn good! I see a thinner person in there too and there is no reason why you cannot reach your goal.

heroin is killing our young people. So is alcohol and pills. It's ok , even celebrated, when society advocates alcohol use and abuse, and thousands are behind bars because of mandatory sentencing for pot possession. Marijuana, when used normally, is far less harmful than any other drug. Of course, some will have a problem with it, but those folks would likely abuse other drugs. They need help As a chronic pain patient, I wish I lived somewhere with medical marijuana was available...don't like feeling high, though

I live in Denver and do use mj recreationally. I waited for several weeks after surgery but my doctor and nut said it was fine. I DO get the munchies and am sad about that. It DOES settle my stomach when I'm nauseous. It has A LOT less calories than alcohol. So while I'm sure everyone is different, I won't be using mj regularly anymore after I move out of state next month. Not to say I won't occasionally partake, but the munchies are enough to deter me from being a regular user. Plus, it's illegal in Texas.

It is also still illegal in my state. That is the only problem I have with it. If it were legal I would equate it w/having a beer or a glass of wine. If I needed it for medical reasons I would have no problems using it w/a prescription. It's medical use is increasing in popularity and acceptance. We have several locations in our area where you can get it and business is booming. As far as munchies go (I'm very familiar w/this, being a child of the 70's) keeping snack-type foods around that also have high Protein is a great idea, as someone suggested. Nutrition stores stock high protein Snacks that satisfy crunchy-salty cravings while meeting protein needs. I like CrunchO's w/12gr of protein (also available on Amazon). Nuts, while higher in fat, have protein and healthy oils, and Protein Bars are satisfying too. MJ isn't the only thing that causes munchies - I tend to want snacks when I have my wine. Alcohol lowers my will power and relaxes my judgment a bit so having protein snacks available helps me to stay on track during weak moments. :-)

You hit it on the nail.......self destructive. For some it's alcohol, drugs, sex, and then for others it's food. It's about that mindset and it was clear to me that Pauline needed some serious counseling...probably lifelong....prior to surgery. Sometimes you have to see your behavior in others in order to get "it", I know that's what worked for me.....straight up, frank, & clear examples. That is what keeps my tail in line.

Haydee and laura, so excited for you both....2 lil beebee girls..went out for dinner and had 2 margies...and enchiladas...yummmm-hopefully we get to stop for lunch when we get by my sisters' for a margie lunch...omg..am I becoming an alcoholic??? Saw a pic of Kat on FB-did she go to wedding too??/ Curious...was wondering if any contact was made with the "others". Ok, going to bed, gonna be on the road early --allegedely....:redface:

Wierd, once I posted the link, it would not let me out of the font, and kept trying to add it to the link.... Anyway---the first one is a dash cam, of part of the pass I refer to driving frequently---Wolf Creek Pass. It does not do it justice in either the beauty or the sharp turns! And since it is dash mounted you do not get the opportunity to look over the edge!!! It is afterall over 10,000 feet up there!!! The 2nd link is to the Narrow Guage railroad that we take between Durango, and Silverton CO. It is an amazing ride, the scenery is gorgeous, and the wildlife abundant, we have seen bears, and elk, the usual deer, fox, raccoons, all kinds of things. There are some steep trestle type views from it too. To drive by car between the 2 places, you must go over 2 mountain passes, both can be trecherous in the winter, so you can imagine taking a little train, and the climbs it must make! They are not great videos, but give you somewhat of an idea what and where I am talking about! Suzie---great to hear from you, have a good trip through to AZ today. Lots of little places to look at. If you drop into Utah, check out The Hole in the Wall. Did you hear about Michael Douglas? He has cancer stage 4, I watched him on Letterman, felt kind of bad for Dave, he was at such a loss for words. He is being really up front about it, saying this type is caused by alcohol, and cigarettes. He has begun radiation....scary stuff. Not sure yet what my day holds! Not much I hope, I would like to kick back and read!! LOL I love how Angela and Tracy keep running into one another!!! Speaking of.... Terri, any suggestions of somewhere to take Suzanne and her husband to eat while they are here? I mean for just gabbing, we can hang at my place---but I don't want to spend the time messing with cooking, I would rather go out!!! LOL, Surprise!!! The bus pulled up yesterday, and there was no Kinsey waiting to stand up, the driver turned to me, and I was waiting to hear the words, that she wasn't there! Instead she puts her hands up to her face in the sleeping position, and tells me she is asleep!!! I had to go on the bus and wake her up. Poor thing is having a hard time letting go of those naps. She is going to bed at 8 now....and Manda said she was out of the tub and in bed by 7:45 last night. She is trying!!! Kinsey takes her vitamins here every morning, and she tells me, this will give her energy to stay awake! Such a nutcase. Manda blew her hair dry last night, since she was going to bed so early, so it was straight this morning, it is soo long! For so long (2 years almost) she was a little baldy---this just seems odd!!! I made arrangements with my neighbor for Kinsey to catch the bus from her house next month. I will be working early voting for the month of October. So I have to be there at 7 AM, and Kinsey gets on the bus at 7:05! So I will leave at 6:50, will have her ready, to just walk out of Connies and get on the bus. It is too good of money to turn down, it will completely cover Christmas, and property taxes, all the kids birthdays----well sons is in a few days. But I enjoy the work, so we made this arrangement! Actually depending on Manda's appt. she may transfer to the Farmington office and go to just scheduling, so she has no field work. If she works out of Farmington, she will catch the bus at home, and I won't have her in the morning, but for an extra half hour in the afternoon. Doesn't matter, I like her being here! Gonna go take a shower and get dressed.....let the day begin!!!

Brandy II, not only do I not think you're a dumbass - you just plain make me laugh! You made me think of something though when talking about your dad. It takes about a teaspoon of wine to get me wasted. I was warned about this before banding but since I hardly ever drink, I didn't think much of it. Absolutely no alcohol in public anymore - not because I make myself look (more) stupid, but because I need to go to sleep - immediately!! My "bad" foods have always been the salty/fatty ones. And Tostitos and queso slip down just fine, darn it!! I'm trying to use the willpower I don't have (birth defect) to just not buy them. Sometimes I'm successful and sometimes I'm not. I think my problem is with planning. Wish I'd paid better attention in home ec.

I swear, figuring out how to hack our bodies is cray, right? I think (especially in maintenance) that high or higher fat is where it's at as long as your carbs are low enough to put you into a ketotic state. Cuz if you're still a sugar burner and you combine high fat with high carbs, then it's a recipe for heart disease. The rule is kinda for health: higher carb + super low healthy fats OR low carb + high healthy fats to satiety (but no fat bombs need apply ) Fat bombs = keto candy. Ain't nobody got time for that! I hope you will try it and tell us your experiences!!! My experiments with it since about month 6 when the mean-hungries came back are that I can "choose" to have a cheat meal (didn't realize how terrible they are for our arteries at that point) of high carb (think pasta or pizza or mexican food out), but that I better be ready for the fall out. The fall out for me is about 4 days of terrifying hunger. Super hunger! Everything is woken up and I want to eat continually. Even in moderate portions (I'm talking at 6 months I was still maintaining about a 1/2-3/4c volume I think?) And when I do my low carb as I described to you guys and don't have any alcohol or wine or sugar free sweeteners/sugar free candies, omg. My satiety goes up up up and I'm happy with 1-2 meals per day (mostly of the proper size ) and I feel more peaceful. When I add IF in, it's even better. Until I started hanging out with Jason Fung's facebook group I had not realized the effect of even cephalic insulin response to things like liquid stevia. Thought that one was an "ok" one! But apparently not. Cuz when I dropped it too for the most part, my hunger level decreased even more. And I can tell the days I eat it, I'm hungry and looking for food.

Bud Select "55" = ( 55 cal ) so only 330 cal's for a six pack! Bourbon = A 1-ounce serving of bourbon weighs 28 grams, has 10 g of alcohol and provides 70 calories. Wine = ( about 540 cal ) depending on your choice. for the bottle of course! who has 4 ounces?!?? Wine (4 fl oz serving) Calories Beaujolais 95 Bordeaux, red 95 Burgundy, red 95 Burgundy, white 90 Cabernet Sauvignon 90 Chablis 85 Champagne, dry 105 Champagne, pink 100 Chardonnay 90 Chianti 100 Liebfraumilch 85 Madeira 160 Marsala 80 Merlot 95 Mosell 100 Muscatel 160 Port, ruby 185 Port, white 170 Reisling 90 Rhone 95 Rose 95 Sangria 115 Sauterne 115 Sauvignon Blanc 80 Tokay 165 Zinfandel, red 90 Zinfandel, white 80 6.36 four ounce servings in a 750ml (25.36 oz) Mulitply the serving calorie number by 6.36 and you will have your bottle calorie count. http://www.efficientdrinker.com/wine/

This is me hugging you (((susan))) Beth. I feel very strongly about this issue, obviously. Having so much personal experience of the pain that even seemingly non malicous comments that can be made. I think I just wanted people to know that they do hurt people. What she said offended me, but I'm used to it...I did get through my coming out. It is the people who live their whole lives miserable because they can't stand who they are because of the things they have been taught, and the boy who kills himself because he can't deal with the fact that he is gay when his church teaches him he is evil and will burn in hell, I get upset because of the drug and alcohol use in the gay community- especially in the south- because they are taught to hate themselves. That God hates them. I know that I came across harsh, but you can't be nice about things like that. Or at least I can't about this particular issue. It's too dear to me.

Hi Shell, Im still here lol. Just been super busy. I can understand your guy's frustration with your eating routines as I feel it too. But I am way more undisciplined than both of you. My weight loss hasnt stalled its stopped at 31kgs. This is entirely my own fault and its due too two things. Back working night shift which results in me eating around the clock as I dont know what is breakfast lunch or dinner and an increase in alcohol consumption. I dont worry too much what I eat when I do as its not much but I think I have got into a habit of eating every couple of hours. I need to restrict myself to a few drinks once a week and as a means to get to sleep during the day 3-4 times a week. Some exercising would also be s good idea. You guys willbe pleased to know though thats its actually hard to put weight on, even when you are as undisciplined as I am. I might put one or two kgs on but it comes off again and hasnt continued to go up. But time I took this all a bit more seriously as I would like to lose another 20 odd kgs. So lets see what I can do. Sent from my SM-G900I using the BariatricPal App

I am a newbie. I have seriously struggled with my weight for over ten years now. Although I've had weight issues for as long as I can remember (WW at age 9), I was able to keep it in check with lots of effort. I gained the majority of my weight when I became pregnat w/ my first child. At my baby shower, out of town friends and family passed my bloated form by in search of the mom 2 b. I had gained about 90lbs mostly from refusing to adhere to a diet regimine during maternity. I have lost and regained that same 90lbs and more at least 5 times. I had my moment of truth a few weeks ago after falling off the diet wagon once again. Just before Thanksgiving, I joined weight watchers for probably the 20th time in my life. I've tried every diet known to modern civilazation to no long term avail. A dear friend who has struggled just as hard had the surgery last March. She has lost over 100lbs. Her journey has been an inspiration to me. I struggled with my decision to consider WLS because I felt that it would jeprodize my testimony. I felt that if I lost the weight without surgery I could glorify God by saying,"look what God has done". One day while crying out to the Lord about my weight loss failures, a sense of peace about persuing WLS overcame me. I believe that God impressed upon my mind this thought: If you had a drug addiction, were an alcoholic or suffered from some other form of bondage, wouldn't you do what ever it takes to overcome it? How many______________ addicts (fill in the blank) only wish, hope for and pray for a way out of the torment for their demons? With those thoughts, I began to see WLS in a new light. I Know that God could touch and heal me from my condition right now. Afterall, He took my 25 year smoking habit away cold turkey over 5 years ago. I have prayed fora similar miracle and surrendered my weight so many times. For what ever reason, whether it is my own lack of faith, fear, or some other obstical, the fact is, I am not healed. Prehaps God has chosen to heal me by way of a doctor's hands through the miracle of WLS. Regardless, I must take the pro-active approach here and step out in faith by saying yes to this option. All that being said, I am scared, anxious and impatient. Please pray for me to be led of the Lord and for confirmation by way of open/closed doors as I travel on this journey. I have an apointment w/ my PCP on Jan. 22 in hopes of obtaining a referral to Dr. Onopchenko, the WL doctor on Feb. 1st. I am only 5'1" and last weighed 260lbs. This puts me in the super morbidly obese catagory. I didn't even know that such a catagory existed and was mortified when my BMI registared it. At first, I thought that it was some kind of sick joke.:eek: How embarassing! Typing those numbers is horrific, but necessary. I need to make this real. I have shared such presonal information with only the most select few, thereby allowing myself to continue the denial. I have sleep apnea, pre-diabeties, depression and heart valve insufficency. Taking the time to share all of this has been most therputic. Thanks to those who have read this far. I want to live the life God has intended for me and be a good witness. To God be the Glory for the testimonies to come. Any and all advice, prayers and/or comments are appreciated. Be blessed on your journey. In Christ, Lin

Suggest you clean your wounds gently with sterile Water / alcohol wipe or similar, and replace the bandages with steristrips (3M make them, ask your pharmacist) for a week or so. Put the steristrips on so that they run perpendicular to the wounds. They will provide some support to help hold the newly knitting wounds together, yet still keep the wound clean and allow it to breathe and dry out. If your wounds are infected (inflamed, oozing, etc), or you are at all worried about them, go and see your local doctor.

Ok one more question, and this one is really dumb.... So whats the fill supposed to do? Make my pouch smaller so I hold in less food and feel fuller? Or just make the opening smaller so less will go in? Cause if thats the case- I think I might end up eating more junk food. I wonder what kind of eating disorder i have! Anyone know? Dont get me wrong though- I dont sit here and pig out all day..... heres a daily recap= up until 3 pm- I try and get all the liquids in I can. I will try a few spoons of a yogurt, or 100 cal pudding, or Jello. After 3- its useally a Lean Cuisine and then later around 7pm I can eat popcorn, candy and Ice Cream. A nice size bowl of Ice Cream too. And then thats eat. Now to me- thats a drastic decrease in food cunsumption. I used to eat fast food 3x a day! Plus the junk food and Alcohol. My cal intake before lap Band was about 6,000. Maybe even more. So now its like, whats the normal amount that I should be happy with? I thought that Lap Band ment I should be able to eat 1/3 of my meal and be full. Or is it eat a 1/3 of calories from what you used to eat? Does anyone else seem to be having a rough time mentally with understanding that its ok to just eat such small portions? ~Raynie!