jhawkchick75

You are doing such an amazing job! Happy bandiversary and here is to continued success!

Awesome...thanks gals! I like salads too but I prefer them with some type of meat in them, so that is a good idea to eat the protein first to ensure it doesn't slide through. You all are great!

Congrats! That is a huge step! I cannot imagine the feeling of losing a sibling, but it is fantastic that you are recognizing your feelings and working towards healing. I am sure that is what she would want. Great job!!

Before I was banded I could not burp if you paid me to, now I can let them rip! Not sure what that is about. I also have increased gas out the other end as well, but am able to manage it - not like it just comes out on it's own - I can hold it for when i'm alone! I'm actually really glad I can burp now. Before i'd need to but couldn't make myself, now I am good to go!

Help me out, but I thought we weren't supposed to eat salad as it was a slider food? I guess if it had some meat in it that would help. Is that correct b/c I haven't been eating it and have been sticking just to veggies.

Hey Dawn...thanks for the message! It won't let me write you back for some odd reason? I tried, but it is being difficult not sure why.

Yeah, I am a bit worried. The lowest I have been is around 150 and my hopes are to get lower than that, and as I've gotten smaller in the past it's just made my chest look that much bigger. I'm afraid i'll be walking boobs! I also might have to look into that, but my first concern will be an arm lift. Mine already look bad and i've only lost like 34 lbs.

Like was said, everyone is different and takes different lengths of time to heal. I seem to have had a rougher time than others healing. For me, I went back to work after 1 week and it was a bit too soon. I was very tired and could have used a couple more days. Part of that was my fault though I did not get enough protein in. To be real honest that first week I really was not hungry at all and really didn't want to drink. But do make sure you are getting lots of broth, gatorade, juice, etc...in! Also, it sounds odd but when you are bloated that is when you need to drink even more. That is flushing all that out of you so even though you feel water logged, keep drinking!

Sadly, the chest is the one place that each time I lose weight they don't go anywhere. I lose around, but never cup size. I'd be just fine if they went down a bit! Congrats on the 20lbs lost - that is a great accomplishment!

Congrats sounds like you are doing great! I would have to look, but I have either 4 or 5 incisions. All are small and then one larger one. Sounds like your pain is minimal which is good. Let your hubby take care of you and be sure and get lots of rest, but also walk as much as you can. Listen to your body and if you start getting tired or sore then rest. Drink lots of liquids and get your rest! Congrats and welcome to the other side!!!

There was also a threat at one point that had "tips for your fill" but not sure where it is at. It was really good...if someone finds it please post the link.

I'm sure you have done fine with your pouch, but that first fill will let you know that. Be very careful and do not drink at least 45 minutes after you eat. With no fill, it won't be as big of a deal, but as you get more restriction that will be very important as it will take longer for that to go through your band. We all get freaked, but that first fill especially if you get it under flouro (which I recommend) will rest your nerves. Sounds like you are doing a great job! If you are getting hungry especially at night, really keep up on your proteins and drink lots of water. Good luck!

Ditto to what everyone said. When I called they had appts like 2 weeks later, but I couldn't go for a while b/c I couldn't take time off work yet. Congrats on your decision! You won't regret the band or OCC one bit! Best decision I ever made! Be sure and look through all the posts and take notes. There is a wealth of knowledge in here!

You know, I think attitude is half the battle with many of us. I know for me, I have this self-defeating attitude that I am working on all the time. Having a good support system you are so right is HUGE! I'm pretty much on my own in this journey at least on a day to day basis, so having this board and others i'm on are key to my success. Whether it's what I want to hear or not, it is what I need to hear and is always helpful. It's good to recognize we are all going to have down times and up times. That is very natural and only human. The key is getting through those and sticking to the plan. Great job!!!!

Great willpower on not taking the donuts! I"m not a big sweets person but donuts are my weakness for sure! I was on a plane coming home today and I fell asleep and when I woke up the flight attendant had left candy for me on the arm rest! Ahh! But I brought them home and gave them to my niece. I'm not gonna lie - cheeseburgers are my weakness and I still eat them, but about 1/10 as much and of course I do no bun. This is a definite lifestyle change, but you can also have what you like within reason and within a certain quantity. I used to eat 2 cheeseburgers and 2 large fries and a large coke (God, can't believe I just typed that!) and now when I do get it is a double cheese (no bun) and a small fry and usually can't finish it. My guess is next fill on Monday I won't be able to do fries at all which will be a good thing. You are doing a fantastic job - keep it up!

Congrats to both of you! We each need to really play with this and see what works for our bodies so i'm glad you experimented a bit. 2 lbs in one week - that is fantastic! I hope your weight loss keeps up - great job!

I also am newer in this process and can't give much, but here are my two cents... Eating is an addiction just like many others, and i've seen many TV shows where you see people that have LB or GBP surgery turn to alcohol, gambling, drugs, etc...which I find very fascinating. A lot of people lose the weight and then can't deal because they then have to deal with the "real them" so to speak and can't hide behind the fat anymore. I know for me, i've lost weight a ton in the past and once I started getting attention I quit. So that will be something interesting for me to deal with as I progress. Guess i'm one of those hiding behind the fat folks. Anyhoo, it is a very interesting topic and something I think everyone needs to address...we deal with the physical but the mental is just as important.

Thank you all for posting your meals. I like getting new ideas! I will fully admit I haven't been sticking to my diet like I should, but on my good days here is what I have: Note: I have a water bottle on my desk at work and drink as much as I can all day - don't really keep track. Also, have a mug at home that gets filled 1 hr after dinner and I keep drinking until I go to bed. Makes me pee all night, but that is OK! B: Eggbeaters w/ cheese and either a piece of canadian bacon or turkey bacon *Chewable multi-vitamin 10am: 1/2 of my protein bullet L: Cubed ham, applesauce and cheese 3pm: 1/2 of my protein bullet D: Several options, but here are my top faves: * Steak and green beans * Chicken w/ marinade and green beans * Salmon patty and some type of veggies I am a terrible cook, but am able to pull these off so if I can do it anyone can!

Sooo had the same thing! Before being banded I couldn't burp if you paid me. But then, a few days after surgery and even since i've been able to let them rip with the best of them! I love it!

It is always good to measure and keep track of your proteins - great idea! Now, on a perfect day I would eat what you have noted, but many days that is not what I will eat. There are times where I am getting too much pasta or other things in where I am not getting the protein I should and that is where my protein bullets come in. Not sure how much restriction you have as of now, but I know as you get tighter that protein will come more and more important as you must make each bite count. I don't do my protein bullets every day, but I do need it quite a bit. I have to take my lunch and dinner to work most days and so a lot of proteins just aren't feasible for me. But great comment about watching your proteins - that is huge! It can do a number on your kidneys as they just can't process that much. I've also heard that you shouldn't have more than 25 grams of protein per meal, so I do my protein bullets in 1/2. Great topic to bring up! You hear many stories about people doing too many vitamins as well.

I agree you won't care to have any of that until you get home. I buy my protein bullets online and I get a pretty decent deal. I had bullion cubes and powdered special K20 water and I was content.

Happy Bandiversary! Wow, it is amazing how time flies. You have done a great job and have been a great inspiration for us all on this board. I can't wait to see you get to goal!

Congrats and welcome to the other side! Like was said, take time to look through all the old posts and feel free to ask us anything. Welcome!!!

Agree I would definitely get another fill. I have more restriction that you do and i'm getting my 3rd fill on Monday. I get full fairly fast on most days, but I can eat most anything without restriction and rarely get stuck even if I eat a bit too fast or too big of bites. Although bread of any kind is completely out of the question for me even toasted. Sounds like you are definitely using more willpower than band power, but are doing a great job! Good luck and let us know how it goes!

I drank a heck of a lot of those!!! Gatorade too!!!