Okay, I'll start!

[tangerine 44]

Let's get this party started!

I'm Alexis, from the New Jersey shore, sharing my house with a 5 year old Great Dane and two cats. I'll be 31 next month (August 18th for those inclined to give gifts ) and have been banded since February 3, 2003. I was banded in NYC at Lenox Hill Hospital by Dr. Marina Kurian. The hospital was great, Dr. Kurian is amazing, and my surgery went off without a hitch. I'm a restaurant manager and just love my job, as tiring as it is!

In October, I weighed 345lbs. Somehow managed to lose 25lbs before surgery, despite many, many last suppers at the likes of Wendy's and McDonald's. Yes, Virginia, I AM a fast food freak. Although, not so much anymore. As of my last doctor's visit on July 11, 2003, I weigh 259lbs. So, if you count from my highest weight, I've lost 86lbs. Went from a size 28 to a size 18 and I'm not nearly finished!

I just can't say how much this band has done for me. Simply put, it's given me my life back.

[Guest chubbychic429]

Wow Alexis, 86 Lbs is wonderful. That is so great. Keep up the good work:D

Lisa

[ChrisC 14]

Banded November 18th. One fill of 1.5cc. I have lost 30 LBS!!! Yahoo!

[Jessiebear 2]

:welcomeB:

:wow2: 86 lbs!

:welldone2:

You're doing an awesome job!!

[Alexandra 55]

Ummm, y'all should look at the dates on old threads before bumping them. Alexis was one of the very first members here and hasn't been around in a long time.

[the best me 6]

Looks like ChrisC was trying to post an intro? And anyhow, I wonder how Tangerine is doing? Didn't she used to be a Moderator? Maybe she'll get a miraculous e-mail notification and reply!!!

[kcmagu 3]

Well, I guess I must have been sleeping. This is the best thread I've found, RECIPIES! Yeah.

Try this recipie, I found in a cookbook in Ireland, yummy!

LOW-FAT Enchiladas

1 pkg. low fat or low carb tortillas

1 can lowfat refried Beans

1 pkg. low fat shredded cheddar cheese

1 bunch fresh cilantro

1 med. onion (chopped)

1 can enchilada sauce ( l like the green medium heat)

Pam cooking spray

Fresh lettuce and tomatoes

Bake 400 degree oven for 15-20 min. Spread Beans on tortilla, next top with cheese, cilantro, onion all mixed prior in a bowl. Wrap up tortilla and place in a pam coated baking pan. Top with sauce and remaining cheese. Use Lettuce and Tomato on top after baking if desired or just place on side for garnish.

These are terrific. I think the cal. were around 240 or so. It wasn't to high. The tortillas are usually quite large, so one should fill most of you up.

I make something close to this by adding a little white queso (tostitos) just enough to add a little creaminess, shredded rotisserie chicken, canned black beans (drained) and even some drained chopped frozen spinach - it really ups the Protein and tastes fantastic!

[martucci 0]

Alexis, Wow!! Congratulations, you are doing great! I didn't get my band yet but I was wondering something. I have 4 dogs. One of the 9lb dogs tends to just all of a sudden jump on my stomach. I am afraid once I get banded, it will break the band. I know I will have to keep a pillow in front of me. Has this happened to you with your cats?

Karen

[Lanakila 1]

Martucci, your dog will not "break" your band. It's not a delicate piece of equipment at all. You will probably want to protect your tummy from the doggie just to avoid the pain if it hits your large incision. I have kitties and I'm going to have to keep them out of the bedroom for the first week or so, since one really likes to sleep on my chest.

[martucci 0]

Oh, thank you so much, glad to hear that! All I could think of was oh boy, I will be in the hospital. I sure hope I get approved.

I am originally from northern New Jersey, grew up there. I have been in Florida for 26 years, never get used to this humidity though.

Thanks for anwering. Keep up the good work!

Karen