I'm here to help...

[boos02 0]

Hi Janet et al -

I'm back from my 4 day business trip. Boy was it tough. It was a big learning experience. First, I need to change old, mostly bad habits.

I didn't exercise once although I had all my stuff and there was a very nice fitness center at the hotel. Second, I discovered I have no restriction at all. So, I ate more than I should have. Since the fall starts up my busy travel season I need to really get myself in a better frame of mind. I have my first fill on 9/8 so I hope that helps.

Any ideas would be very much appreciated. Glad to be home! - Kathy

PS Janet, I read back a few posts. Sorry to hear about your grandson. I hope all is getting better.

[Katarina 0]

Janet - group prayers for your Andrew. Take care of him first.. don't worry about us, we'll get by.

Katarina

[IndioGirl55 32]

Janet, you cook like I cook - "most of the time it comes out good." In our house if you complain you get to cook. Nobody's complained yet. I do like to experiment and I like one pot wonders. They are so easy to do and they are good leftovers as the flavors tend to blend even more the next day(s). Tonight I cooked orzo, added a can of diced tomatoes, a little olive oil and basil - then mixed that with sauteed shrimp, garlic, onion and yellow pepper rings. No complaints so I guess I will cook again tomorrow.

JoannMarie - your shrimp dish sounds great - I know that when pple ask for a receipt it's hard cuz i really don't measure or time - I just cook - I come from a family who all love to cook - my gm -mom dad sis bros we all love to eat good food - I got fat on good food not fast food - So I think that has helped me in making this a lifetime change - I still eat mostly the same stuff just smaller quainity - a LOT less fat and sugar and have added the exercise..

HI, Thanks for all the words of wisdom about veggies. I love them and have been afraid to try more than canned asparagus. Since I was banded July 21st, I think it's finally time to get over the "petrified about what I can eat stage." Wish me luck.

I also have a question about timelines. I know it's just a matter of semantics, but when do you start counting your post surgery weight loss. Is it the day of surgery, after you've been "emptied out," which I kind of think is an unrealistic weight to start from? Is it your highest weight? Is it the weight from your doctor's appointment the week before? I know this question sounds ridiculous, but everyone asks how much I've lost and I usually just say, "This is how much from my highest weight..." Oh, well, just wondering what everyone else does.

Have a great day. We're taking my grandson on a special outing today, so we're off and running. Have a great day.

Love,

Ellen

Ellen - my highest weight was 250 that was on 7/6 the day of my pre-op (I weighed like 244 on my 1st visit on 5/31 - in just a little over 30 days gained 6 lbs from last meal mentality:lol:) I only had 1 week of pre-op diet and it included real food for dinner (fish/salad) and 2 days was Clear liquids cuz I had colon test on 7/13 and surgery on 7/17 - I don't think I weighed myself the day of surgery - I weighed myself the morning I got home from the hospital Thursday and that became my weigh in day...

Yes venture out and try food - just go slow - it will be ok...

AS to what weight loss to count, I figure you lost it all count it all. In my ticker though I put my highest, then my preop weights. And I almost always say...I've lost 57 lbs but 10 of it was before surgery. I qualify it too.

So far I seem good from my fill yesterday am so worried about getting over filled but he said I'd know if I was. So far doesn't seem much different other than I am burping some??? I had solid Protein for lunch and it went down just fine.

Yep Lori you will know if you are too tight and if you ever get too tight you will never want to experience that again - on my fill in january i was fine when I left the office - but the next day - i really had to take tiny tiny sips of water.. I was that way for 1 week - NEVER AGAIN....

Your doing great on your weight lose. I count all of mine. I think the fill I got yesterday may not be enough, but I didn't want to go back the next day if it was to much. I set up my next three appointments for fills because it is so hard to get in to see the doctor. Maybe they are filming next season. I hope so. I like watching people get a second chance at life. I know this is one for me. What kind of exercise are you doing? I am walking 30 minutes a day and hope to add Curves or Water aerobics next month.

Charlene - getting the weight off is getting your life back - It is so worth the work to feel good again.. I see that word hope in your last sentence- REMEMBER I WILL add curves or Water aerobics next month !!!!

Janet, I hope all is well with Andrew and that he has a speedy full recovery.

Diddo. So sorry, Janet. My best wishes are with you and your family. Thanks for being there for us! You are an inspiration. Take care of yourself.

Thanks To all of you for your prayer and good thought.. GS is doing fine in fact he is at the show right now - he is male but he isn't a big baby when it comes to being sick - He is taking his pain meds and wearing his brace and follow dr's orders... We are getting referral to specialist (he's on his Mom's insurance hmo - my stupid company wouldn't let me cover him even thought he lives with me - I claim him on my taxes cuz I don't have legal guardianship - I have a ppo so it would have been better insurance but heck he has insurance so I am not complaining)

I am fine - I usually deal well under pressure - I guess it's from being a single mom and now a single gm being a mom to my gs.. But I do have to say that back in May (before this thread started) my ds & dil had some MAJOR issue (dil walked in on a burgalar and was stabbed - she is ok) and my xdh came to the hospital - when I saw him is when I started crying - it was that with him I had someone to lean on and with my family I have to be the strong one they depend on me..

It's just the way I am made I guess... That's why I am always preaching - when you fall down you just gotta grab those bootstraps and pull yourself up... I really don't have too much patients for pple who wallow in self pity - what good is that going to do - what good is blaming your whole life on problems from the past - you cant change the past but you do have control (well as much as we do :sad:) on how you move forward..

Hello Janet (and all) -

New here - doing a LOT of reading and will post the many questions that are popping into my brain later.

Right now, I just wanted to say that even tho I don't know you Janet, your grandson is in my prayers. Please keep us all posted.

If all goes well (insurance, etc.) this will be my new late night hangout! I'll be in touch!!

Welcome Cinder... Glad to have you... Ask away... I am usually off the computer around 7:30 or 8 most nights (Cali time) but am on 1st thing in the morning when I get to work around 7:15 a.m

Hi Janet et al -

I'm back from my 4 day business trip. Boy was it tough. It was a big learning experience. First, I need to change old, mostly bad habits.

I didn't exercise once although I had all my stuff and there was a very nice fitness center at the hotel. Second, I discovered I have no restriction at all. So, I ate more than I should have. Since the fall starts up my busy travel season I need to really get myself in a better frame of mind. I have my first fill on 9/8 so I hope that helps.

Any ideas would be very much appreciated. Glad to be home! - Kathy

PS Janet, I read back a few posts. Sorry to hear about your grandson. I hope all is getting better.

Kathy - Thanks !! I have problems when I eat out too my old brain kicks in.. but I don't have to travel for work so 98% of my meals are at home and healthy - but when I go out I don't always make the best choices - that being said - since I am at my sweet spot - my saving grace is that I can't eat too much of my meal 1/2 taco few bites of Beans and some chips & salsa.. Eating out is a treat for me - so that's my 2% of eating outside the 98% of eating healthy - so you can do that - 98% of the time you promise yourself to eat healthy but allow 2% for your treats - but that 2% has to be within your calorie budget... And to get that 2% you gotta exercise..

Once you start getting fills - it will help but like you said you gotta change those habits... Just don't order the wine - if it's not there you can't drink it - if you are eating with others - and they have a bread basket - just put it on the other side of the table and if you are going to eat then you MUST EXERCISE...

Don't think about it - just do it ( put on you exercise clothes and tennis an go to the gym and yes the whole time you are going to try and talk yourself out of it but by the time you are dressed you are going to go.)

I know that for me I had to really just do it - I would not let myself talk myself out of it 99% of the time - I had major frickin surgery to loose this weight - so if I was going to be successfull then I had to do the work... and that's making the healthier food choices and exercising...

Janet - group prayers for your Andrew. Take care of him first.. don't worry about us, we'll get by.

Katarina

Katariana - Thanks - but yes I am going to worry about you all - You are my family too - you are all my band sisters..... I get just as much support from you all as I give if not more... It's just sometimes life happens and I might not be on the computer as much - but like I said eariler GS is doing fine at the show so it's not like I have to play nurse maid or anything - I am very blessed that his injuries werent' worse

ok just go back - dil called and this post has been sitting here for about 1/2 hrs.. it's 8:09.. Gotta feed the doggies - GS called on his way home want's tacos so gotta go cook..

I will CBL

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT IT MEAN SO MUCH TO ME - I HAVE ALL OF YOU TO LEAN ON AND THAT IS A GREAT COMFORT TO ME...

Hugs & Love

Janet

[bochs 0]

Hi to all tonight. Well it is Friday evening late. Just read about your GS, Janet. That is scary and I am glad to hear he is doing fine. Just keep eye on him for a few days and see. I have been sick with a cold these last few days so haven't walked for two days. tonight I went out to dinner with my sister. This is first day with real Protein since my fill. I had eggplant parmesean as an appetizer (which was two slices of eggplant). It was good. I was starving and I ate it all. It was soft so not hard Protein. I thought it would not be near enough at the time. Left the restaurant, went shopping and have been fine for the whole evening. I don't know how much restriction I have yet with this first fill. I had oatmeal for Breakfast, one egg salad with no bread for lunch and some mixed vegetables. We will see.

Beckyo:thumbup:

[pj_txlady 0]

Janet, I just read about your GS. I'm so sorry to hear the sad news. I hope all is well, and you both are in my prayers.

Hugs,

Pj

[IndioGirl55 32]

Hi to all tonight. Well it is Friday evening late. Just read about your GS, Janet. That is scary and I am glad to hear he is doing fine. Just keep eye on him for a few days and see. I have been sick with a cold these last few days so haven't walked for two days. tonight I went out to dinner with my sister. This is first day with real Protein since my fill. I had eggplant parmesean as an appetizer (which was two slices of eggplant). It was good. I was starving and I ate it all. It was soft so not hard Protein. I thought it would not be near enough at the time. Left the restaurant, went shopping and have been fine for the whole evening. I don't know how much restriction I have yet with this first fill. I had oatmeal for Breakfast, one egg salad with no bread for lunch and some mixed vegetables. We will see. Beckyo:thumbup:

Becky

I can tell you that your old brain is going to want to order tons of food when you are straving - but once you do have proper restriction you won't be able to eat it all.. I have order a big plate when starving and then come home with food for 2 or 3 more meals..

You should try some hard protein and see how it goes - if you have a costco go ans splurge on some filet migon (it's the only steak I can eat without any problems) I can tell you I can only eat about 4 oz and still have to go slow. Thats what I had for dinner last night and 1/2 c whole wheat spagh Pasta. No veggie - I was a bad girl on that but will make sure to have some today..

Thanks for the concern about GS - He's doing good - he's wearing his brace and not complaining so that's the good part - but trying to keep him down is going to be a bit of an issue

Hope the cold is better - I have been very forutnate that I havent gotten sick in the last yr - oh I will take that back I did have a bit of a cold or sinus a while back - but nothing major as it never stopped me from going to the gym.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Good Morning Ladies - hope you all had a good evening... I watched the Olympics and went to bed around 10:30 - up at 6 this morning - I am tired I thought it was a work day and I had over slept:lol: - Having my coffee trying to talk myself out of going to the gym. But know I can't but that still doesn't stop me from having the conversation I know that I will feel better after I have gone and walked my 2 or 3 miles - that's what I do if I make my self go when I don't want to - if I'm not really feeling it I may just do 2 miles instead of my usual 3 - But usually I figure what's 16 17 more minutes you can do it.. So we will see what I do when I do go..

[IndioGirl55 32]

I'm back ... Did my 3 miles :tongue: burned 341 calories - I did incline of 10 for about 2 songs -then 6 - then 3 - and even jogged for the last 7/10 of my last mile.. cuz i wanted to hit 3 miles fast and go home - it was hot in the gym this morning... I hate being hot..

Well will cbl

[Charlene K 1]

I'm back ... Did my 3 miles burned 341 calories - I did incline of 10 for about 2 songs -then 6 - then 3 - and even jogged for the last 7/10 of my last mile.. cuz i wanted to hit 3 miles fast and go home - it was hot in the gym this morning... I hate being hot..

Well will cbl :eek:

:tongue:Okay Janet, my HOPE has moved to GONNA! I called Curves this morning and made an appointment for Wed. Of Course, they have a special. I think I might get close to 100 bucks off before Sept 1. GONNA give it a try.:tongue:

[Great2BThin 5]

Great job on getting the 3 miles in despite your head trying to talk you out of it this morning, Janet!

And, Arlene, way to go on the Curves thing. I would to them in a heart beat again to get going again but unfortunately where I now live it is too far a drive for me and I know I wouldn't go as regular because of that. Do you mind my asking what the special is??

Okay my exciting news!! (not really), I got to the Coach outlet and got me my new Coach purse!!!!!!!!!!!! it is my 50 lb reward to myself and DH was supportive, I told him it was the money I saved on no longer needing my blood pressure RX. He did nervously ask what 100 lbs was going to be and by that he meant cost. I said a lot because then I will need a new wardrobe. 75 lbs might be the matching wallet to my purse. I couldn't believe how busy the outlet store was! And the money people were spending on purses. I debated back and forth forever on my one purse there were folks buying many.

Next, I finishned reading my notebook from my 3 mos class. Interesting, not a whole lot new, and no mention about pills. I do know I can take the allergy pills but at my 3 mos appt with the nurse on Tues. to go over my blood tests I plan on asking for future reference.

I was up 2 pounds this morning. What's up with that?? I do know it's Water retention. I can feel it in my rings and feet.

Lastly, if you have read this far is a question, maybe I should've put that first. Anyhoo, I got my fill on Wed. didn't really notice much difference at the time. However, today I feel much tighter. Is this normal? I know I read bands are fickle. Now I am wondering whether to get more on Tues. Guess I will see how it goes til then. Funny we went to costco today and by the time I had a few samples I wasn't hungry and DH just got a $1.50 hotdog/coke at the snack bar. I can go to Costco for free lunches now. :tongue: Costs me in gas (it's not close) to get it though.

[Charlene K 1]

Great job on getting the 3 miles in despite your head trying to talk you out of it this morning, Janet!

And, Arlene, way to go on the Curves thing. I would to them in a heart beat again to get going again but unfortunately where I now live it is too far a drive for me and I know I wouldn't go as regular because of that. Do you mind my asking what the special is??

Okay my exciting news!! (not really), I got to the Coach outlet and got me my new Coach purse!!!!!!!!!!!! it is my 50 lb reward to myself and DH was supportive, I told him it was the money I saved on no longer needing my blood pressure RX. He did nervously ask what 100 lbs was going to be and by that he meant cost. I said a lot because then I will need a new wardrobe. 75 lbs might be the matching wallet to my purse. I couldn't believe how busy the outlet store was! And the money people were spending on purses. I debated back and forth forever on my one purse there were folks buying many.

Next, I finishned reading my notebook from my 3 mos class. Interesting, not a whole lot new, and no mention about pills. I do know I can take the allergy pills but at my 3 mos appt with the nurse on Tues. to go over my blood tests I plan on asking for future reference.

I was up 2 pounds this morning. What's up with that?? I do know it's Water retention. I can feel it in my rings and feet.

Lastly, if you have read this far is a question, maybe I should've put that first. Anyhoo, I got my fill on Wed. didn't really notice much difference at the time. However, today I feel much tighter. Is this normal? I know I read bands are fickle. Now I am wondering whether to get more on Tues. Guess I will see how it goes til then. Funny we went to costco today and by the time I had a few samples I wasn't hungry and DH just got a $1.50 hotdog/coke at the snack bar. I can go to costco for free lunches now. :tongue: Costs me in gas (it's not close) to get it though.

I think it is 66% off until the end of the month. Curves all over vary with their discounts and monthly charges. Mine will be 39.00 a month whereas my sister in the next city pays 34.00 a month.

I think I had Water retention when I got the fill on thursday. Yesterday, I was hungry all day long. I wish I had not had her take out that half cc. Oh, well, so it goes.

I love Coach. I carry small bags because of my back. I have a couple of them. I know I will want a reward for losing 50lbs. Gotta get ready for a Mexican Fiesta. We are all making Mexican dishes. I made Taco Soup. I also made a sugar free dessert....angel food cake broken up in a 9x13 pan. Then you spoon a large pkg of sf vanilla pudding(made up) over it. Spoon crushed pineapple over that and cover in sugar free cool whip. It is easy and yummy. This is really my first real challenge eating away from home. Yikes!

[bochs 0]

Hi everyone tonight. We had a very very busy day in Springfield today. Senator Barack Obama formally announced his vice if he gets it. It was 90 here and very humid. Our downtown area had 35,000 people here watching a piece of history. Anyway I had coffee breakfast, mid morning I had two string cheese then at lunch a one egg salad (no bread). then I took a very fast walk with sis. We went to Sams club for some groceries. Grazed through there with a few samples that I could have (she had it all). It was mostly meat samples. Drank a Protein Drink throughout the day and also had two liters Water. I got home, put groceries away, then I sliced a cucumber and Tomato with a little dressing and that was supper. I feel like I am stuffed and didn't have that much today at all. Oh and Janet, that dinner I had out last night was an appetizer. I don't know what to think about this fill. I don't really feel that much different than before but then again I don't try to overeat. I eat till comfy and then quit. I have not had any problems with anything yet.

Beckyo:lol:

[IndioGirl55 32]

:tongue:Okay Janet, my HOPE has moved to GONNA! I called Curves this morning and made an appointment for Wed. Of Course, they have a special. I think I might get close to 100 bucks off before Sept 1. GONNA give it a try.

Charlene - That's the kind of talk I love to hear :banghead: Congrat on joining curves..

Great job on getting the 3 miles in despite your head trying to talk you out of it this morning, Janet!

And, Arlene, way to go on the Curves thing. I would to them in a heart beat again to get going again but unfortunately where I now live it is too far a drive for me and I know I wouldn't go as regular because of that. Do you mind my asking what the special is??

Okay my exciting news!! (not really), I got to the Coach outlet and got me my new Coach purse!!!!!!!!!!!! it is my 50 lb reward to myself and DH was supportive, I told him it was the money I saved on no longer needing my blood pressure RX. He did nervously ask what 100 lbs was going to be and by that he meant cost. I said a lot because then I will need a new wardrobe. 75 lbs might be the matching wallet to my purse. I couldn't believe how busy the outlet store was! And the money people were spending on purses. I debated back and forth forever on my one purse there were folks buying many.

Next, I finishned reading my notebook from my 3 mos class. Interesting, not a whole lot new, and no mention about pills. I do know I can take the allergy pills but at my 3 mos appt with the nurse on Tues. to go over my blood tests I plan on asking for future reference.

I was up 2 pounds this morning. What's up with that?? I do know it's Water retention. I can feel it in my rings and feet.

Lastly, if you have read this far is a question, maybe I should've put that first. Anyhoo, I got my fill on Wed. didn't really notice much difference at the time. However, today I feel much tighter. Is this normal? I know I read bands are fickle. Now I am wondering whether to get more on Tues. Guess I will see how it goes til then. Funny we went to costco today and by the time I had a few samples I wasn't hungry and DH just got a $1.50 hotdog/coke at the snack bar. I can go to costco for free lunches now. :thumbup: Costs me in gas (it's not close) to get it though.

Lori

Congrats on your Coach purse - I got my 1st when at Mall of America - I did have on Brama (or something like that) that cost $$$ and then when I got it home and tried to use it found it too small - so this time I made sure that it would be big enough and that I would use it all the time if I was spending that kind of $$$

My 2nd fill took about week or so to settle in... So yes it can take a while.

I went to Costco Friday night for the steak -baked bagel chips & spinch dip to die for - but the spinach dip had 100 cal for 2 tblsp - too much for but yes - we can now have a meal at costco...

I think it is 66% off until the end of the month. Curves all over vary with their discounts and monthly charges. Mine will be 39.00 a month whereas my sister in the next city pays 34.00 a month.

I think I had Water retention when I got the fill on thursday. Yesterday, I was hungry all day long. I wish I had not had her take out that half cc. Oh, well, so it goes.

I love Coach. I carry small bags because of my back. I have a couple of them. I know I will want a reward for losing 50lbs. Gotta get ready for a Mexican Fiesta. We are all making Mexican dishes. I made Taco Soup. I also made a sugar free dessert....angel food cake broken up in a 9x13 pan. Then you spoon a large pkg of sf vanilla pudding(made up) over it. Spoon crushed pineapple over that and cover in sugar free cool whip. It is easy and yummy. This is really my first real challenge eating away from home. Yikes!:wink3:

Charlene - I take sf angle food cake and spoon dannon lite & fit yogurt (blackberry) over it and add some strawberries - yummy..

Ok I am confused you had a fill on Thursday but had 1/2 taken out.. Even with proper restriction I have been hungry all day - but know it has something to do with going out last night and having a few drinks :hurray: Thank God for my band cuz days like this I could eat - gs just got pizza I had about 3 bites - I think I will have something else for dinner..

Hi everyone tonight. We had a very very busy day in Springfield today. Senator Barack Obama formally announced his vice if he gets it. It was 90 here and very humid. Our downtown area had 35,000 people here watching a piece of history. Anyway I had coffee breakfast, mid morning I had two string cheese then at lunch a one egg salad (no bread). then I took a very fast walk with sis. We went to Sams club for some groceries. Grazed through there with a few samples that I could have (she had it all). It was mostly meat samples. Drank a Protein drink throughout the day and also had two liters water. I got home, put groceries away, then I sliced a cucumber and Tomato with a little dressing and that was supper. I feel like I am stuffed and didn't have that much today at all. Oh and Janet, that dinner I had out last night was an appetizer. I don't know what to think about this fill. I don't really feel that much different than before but then again I don't try to overeat. I eat till comfy and then quit. I have not had any problems with anything yet.

Beckyo:lol:

Becky

You are eating soft foods for the most part -you really aren't goint to notice any diff in your restriction - What I was saying is that you need to try meat to see how your restriction is - egg salad is a slider food and for the most part so would be the eggplant -

I too eat till I fill comfy and stop...

--------------------

Ok gang just cking in - I was watched tv last night and gf & her dh called an wanted me to come tothe Rock Garden outside music at one of our local casino's last night was "Doors" the band was good better than Janis Joplin who I saw a few weeks back - So had a coupld tequlia tonics - and did nap a bit today... So that's why I am just now checking in...

We Back to the couch - work tomorrow... CBL:tongue:

[bochs 0]

Hi all tonight, Today is Sunday. I had coffee and oatmeal for breakfast, Went on a two mile walk/jog, stopped at the store, came home, had an Isopure and a salad for lunch. Today is my bday so my daughters cooked hamburgers on grill, salad, corn on cob and mixed vegetables. I had hamburger, no bread, salad, half c corn. Was full but then came bday cake. I had a sliver of ice cream cake. That was the first real sugar thing I had since being banded. I could have gone without it but my kids wanted me to have a small piece. After eating all of that, I am full but not stuffed. Should I be able to eat that much after a fill. I didn't go overboard though.

Hey, I have a brahmin purse. I love mine but it is big. I also am going to smaller purse because of my shoulders and back. I have always carried a large bag so going small is hard for me. Do you girls know that my hubby has not even asked me if I have lost weight or how much since I have had this done. I mean come on! My girls told me today that I am starting to get curves again.. We sure do work hard for this weight loss but worth it.

Beckyo:tt2:

[kidder136 1]

Janet, hope andrew will have a speedy recovery and no permanent damage

[Charlene K 1]

Janet, they said I had 2cc's in the band already.....she put in 3cc more thinking she only had 2cc in the syringe....I couldn't get Water down so she took out 1cc ....then when I was leaving she discovered the mistake of 3cc in the syringe instead of two. Best I can figure I have three and a half cc's now. I also had air in the band which probably gave me more restriction. Dr. Garth took that out. So, I just need to journal, eat hard Protein, and exercise until my next fill. Nothing gets stuck now. So, it is a head game until Sept 18th.