Dontondan

I put a scoop of Whey protein (vanilla or chocolate) into my morning coffee instead of creamer. That way I don't have a "shake", but I am also getting my protein in. I use EAS Whey protein from Walmart, it is cheap about $12 for a huge canister of the stuff. I have also added the powder to yogurt for a meal. I am not a huge fan of the shakes and was told to avoid them as they are liquid and go right through the band. Hope this helps a little.

Yeah, sounds like a fill is needed!

Maggie, The Port Orchard band group meets on Wednesday, July 16th. It starts at 6 and goes for about an hour or so. I don't know where you live, but I live about 1/2 hour from Port Orchard and would be glad to meet with you for the day if you want to make a day of it. Glad everything is going well with your fill so far. I am having my fill done in Port Orchard. Donna

Like you said, the puppy found me, and our eyes locked. That said, it must be right. It took me 1 1/2 years to finally get a new puppy after losing my 2 beloved Golden Retrievers. No dog will ever replace them, but my heart told me it was time to get another golden retriever and I got Bella a few weeks ago. She is wonderful and I just love her. Only you can decide when the time is right. I rescued a dog last fall to try and fill the void and it wasn't the right time. After a long time fostering this dog I felt it was best to let him go to a home more suited to him. I wasn't ready yet. Now I have my "Arabella" and she is such a joy to my heart.

Go for it, girl!!! You will be in better shape physically in September and should do fine. Keep us posted.

Time to do the Happy Dance!!!!

Trudy, Don't despair! Camping food can be nutricious and with the band you won't be nearly as hungry. You can take lots of fresh veggies and fruits....add a protein and you have a healthy meal. S'mores aren't bad if you stop at one or two. You can still have them, just not the volume that you are used to having. How about celery stuffed with peanut butter for a snack....yogurt with granola...Jiffy pop is fun over the campfire. Fruit kabobs are always a hit. Leave the chips, bread at home and get creative. I was under the mistaken impression that I would have to deprive myself, but I really don't, but I can stop now, before the band I would overeat until everything is gone. I still deal with guilt about throwing food away because I don't eat it now and that is hard. You will have a lot more energy to do things with the kids and they will love it! Nature walks and hikes are always a hit. We love to beach comb for beach glass and then we save it and make stepping stones decorated with it when we get home. We make driftwood mobiles or take a trash bag and walk along the beach or trails and pick up trash...great exercise and it keeps you busy so you stay away from the food plus it helps the environment. Instead of food around the campfire, tell stories or have family talks...Gosh, now I want to go camping!

Welcome to the forum! I don't know about words of wisdom, but I love my band and think it was the most life-changing thing I have ever done for myself. It isn't always easy, but overall it has been a Godsend. You do have to follow the rules of the band in order for it to work for you, but it is a fabulous tool.

I took an extra bag so that I could put all the treasures I bought in it! Came in pretty handy. Also I took some crystal light packets and mixed it with the bottled water at the hotel...that was good. As far at the OCC I didn't really "need" anything.

Snowbird, That is the way to do it. You can have what you want, but in moderation. I had ribs too, but only one and it took me forever to eat it. I just have a "taste" of what I want and then I am fine with it, otherwise I will obsess about what I can't have. I usually am so proud of myself after "food functions" for what I didn't eat now! Small victories! Sometimes I worry ahead of time, but time takes care of that when you learn to be comfortable around large amounts of food. Just knowing the band is there to do it's job is a relief.

Pretty much painless, but feels "weird". I am a huge baby, have a horrible fear of needles, but if I can do it so can you! I can't "look" or I will pass out or have a panic attack so I hum and keep my eyes closed until it is finished.

I will have to work on that one, not too good at computer stuff, have to have a few hours to sit and try!

Amber, you're killing me! i think Anita would be all in for that one! She would be a "stitch"! Hannah, you got game? I would have to get a babysitter for that one!

Isn't that a good feeling. i keep "finding" stuff in my closet that I think won't fit and I try it on and darned....it fits!!! My new size 18's need a belt to keep them from falling down now. I got into a 16 and wore them all day long before I realized how "small" they were! I have a bunch of nice size 12 stuff that I bought a few months back in the hopes of getting into them...I may have to dig them out soon. My son tells me I have really "skinny" legs now.....he is 17 years old and compliments are rare! I just love the NSV's!!!

You can probably check with your pharmacist and see what they would recommend, because capsules are sometimes time released. They should be able to help you out. I didn't have any problems with my capsules after the surgery, but had to cut up my regular pills (Metformin) as they were too large for the band. I cut each of them into 4 or 5 pieces and swallowed them with a water. Sometimes I would wait a few minutes between the pieces to give them time to dissolve a little.

The liquid phase is really scary before your surgery, but don't forget that you will be newly banded and you won't feel the hunger so it will be easier than what you expect it to be. When you need a helping hand, just hollar and we will all be rallying to help you out with moral support.

So glad that everything went so well for you and your event. I love your smoke-free ticker. Wow, that is a HUGE accomplishment, and you should be very proud of yourself. :lb24: :lb13: :lb16: :cheerleader:

Pammie......We missed you! Hope you got some good rest. See you at the next one I hope.

Amber.....I had no idea! You party animal!

Finally got to get on my computer since yesterday. I had a great time at lunch and it was so good to get to know Hannah, Amber, and Anita. We all did a lot of chatting about our bands and got to know each other a little better. Hanna invited us to have another get together at her home next time for tea.....I suggested maybe doing a potluck or a picnic....Ivars was a bit spendy. She would like to get together every month. It sure was nice to share experiences, good and bad, and it is nice to find that others have "fickle" bands.

Another good article from Mama Michele, where does she find this stuff? Are you a professional researcher or something?

I went to the mall yesterday. I usually only go once or twice a year (I hate the mall). Well walking down the mall I was looking in windows and passing all the clothing stores "thinking" that I can't shop there, and I go into Lane Bryant store because I am on auto pilot......well the clothes just don't fit anymore. I look at clothes on the rack and I know what size I am into, but I don't believe that I can fit into these little things. I walk past the mirrors and wonder who is that person, it sure isn't me, that person is much too small to be me. I dont' know how I feel about this yet, it is still so new to me. I went and bought regular panties and bras at Victoria's Secret, a store I was always embarassed to go into because I knew that they didn't sell anything that would ever fit my fat body. I was afraid of the skinny young things that work there that they would judge me. I know I am not alone in these feelings and that a lot of you are going through the same thing that I am. I am still seeing the shy fat girl and not the healthy vibrant woman that I am becoming.

WHooo-Hooooo! Way to go girl! I am wearing a size 16 shorts today, Never thought I would get there, but I did. Bought a new skirt yesterday at a regular store and it was a size 16 and I was so stunned. I still see the fat girl in the mirror.

I must have missed something, the picture is not there.

Don't be so hard on yourself. You are not meant to be fat, no one is. Just eat to live now and not live to eat. You are going through the worst of it right now, but if you have your fill coming up there is relief in sight. Keep that goal in sight and HANG ON!