Lindsay

what are you long term plans on keeping of the weight that you'll lose during this 'liquid diet' of yours? I only see a very short term 'solution', to a much larger issue that you've made mention of. What do you plan on doing to maintain any weight loss you may encounter in a short period of time due to excessive caloric restriction? Drinking liquids isn't going to teach you to eat well. I'm just a bit confused. And slightly concerned? While I think it's fantastic that you've regained momentum you've lost over the years (hand holding moment), I think a more concrete and long term plan would be be something you could benefit from at this point. Gaining, losing, gaining, losing is a horrible pattern, and can really screw up your metabolism. Here's an article you might benefit from reading: http://metaboliceffect.wordpress.com/2009/09/01/eat-less-lose-less-why-low-calorie-diets-dont-work/ source: http://metaboliceffect.wordpress.com/2009/09/01/eat-less-lose-less-why-low-calorie-diets-dont-work/

i have weened myself off of LESS coffee over the past year. Going from 6-7 cups a day, down to 1-2. *side note/ your headaches are a sign of withdrawal, and probably a good indication of your body's dependency on caffeine. Just something to think about.

Unless you're a diplomat (or directly related to one), or are associated to the drug world, you don't have a thing to worry about.

Yes, you can, but it's not necessary. There is a shit load of bottled water avail to you. Shopping. Nah. Not even worth the effort. You're only a few minutes from the US boarder, and really, not in any sort of 'shopping district'. You can buy crappy little Mexico 'gifts', but don't count on fantastic shopping.

There's a restaurant inside the Marriot. Try googling and finding the link to the website - there are even photos of the hotel. Bring broth with you. Don't try and pick this up the day of or after your surgery. I brought broth powder, then you just add boiling water. You will find apple juice, at the hotel - room service, although, the glasses are in insultingly small, especially when you're waiting 45 min for it to arrive (via room service!)

Who did your surgery? I'm going to assume it wasn't at the OCC? I have yet to hear of someone having problems like you've described in this forum. Please don't ask for a diagnoses in any forum, and see your doctor (the one who originally banded you) for a clear answer. I would be very concerned based on what little info you did provide. And would also say it's not 'typical'.

Wow! Those are some serious & monumental milestones My 2009 Milestones: Traveled to China My divorce was finally finalized(!) Advanced my business, by gaining new suppliers Had my lapband surgery in Tijuana

I have a close friend who's a nurse - and I want her to start performing my adjustments. Where can we find info on the guidelines of performing the fills? How did you do it? Was it trial and error? Please PM me. Thanks!

how motivating!! you look fab-u-lous!

I'm in Toronto And my fills are paid out of pocket too, $150cdn per fill.

i only started feeling restriction after my 3rd fill ... before then, they were too minimal, which made adjusting my eating & lifestyle to the band easy.

i can't give you much support, as I challenge with head hunger all the time, but I know I can't make 'naughty' food anymore - no more baking, or cooking things I can't eat with a clear conscience This prevents any temptation!

i did it a few years ago, and was shocked at how challenging it was! it was also very expensive here in the city, so opted out after I found it too slooooooow for me (&my low level of patience!)

I think you can buy it bulk ... def at a health food store Maybe even Trader Joes, for those living in the USA.

2010 1. Start prep for my 5th figure show, in MI (NPC Motor City Bodybuilding Championships) --> Complete said bb'ing comp in July 2010, place top 3 for my class. 2. Find new distributors for my company, The Hydrant. 3. Continue with daily journaling & food tracking. 4. Complete Level 1 Dance Classes with my Doberman Pinscher, Logan 5. Complete CGN testing with Logan 6. Spend less time 'computing' - less time on bodybuilding/fitness forums, Facebook & Twitter!

These are things I've known for a long time, through my own research. Kudo's for posting it in this forum!

I was a big gum chewer pre-band ... post, I've had to really cut back, as I get gassy, and end up burping a lot. As long as I keep the burps, going, it's fine.

I have to admit, I only notice my gas smells bad when I eat BAD - ie. pizza, nachos, etc. When i eat clean, my farts don't smell at all. Unless I'm eating a lot of green veggies. Then, stay away!

wow. that's an 'interesting' fill technique, and kind of scary, IMHO. If it had been me, i would have had the band completely full, knowing i shouldn't, but could get away with it! Scary.

This my morning shake ... easy to swallow, i'm always very tight first thing in the morning & it keeps me going for quite a few hours. I put this in a blender: 2 scoops* of oats (slow cooked oats - NOT pre packaged, nor instant) 2 scoops of caseinate protein powder (caseinate is a lot slower digesting, keeping you full longer) & 2 ice cubes with some water. ---- 213cal// 2.4g fat 27.1g carbs 19g protein *scoop is one of those little scoops you get in a container of protein powder RE: greek yogurt - keep in mind that 'standard' yogurt has two to three times the bone building calcium of Greek yogurt. During the triple straining process, some of the calcium is removed from Greek yogurt.

I think people forget, that after getting a lapband, is that a calorie is still a calorie. This is not going to prevent you from over eating. It's not going to prevent you from not needing to exercise & watch what you eat. It's probably time to re-evaluate your daily caloric intake. Are you food tracking? How many calories are you taking in a day? What is your exercise/fitness regiment? I'm not familiar with your band sizing, nor fill amounts, so I can't comment on that. But, the band is just a tool - it's not a miracle. You're still a new bander, so you're still figuring things out -- with time, you'll hit your 'sweet spot'.

This is very common for many people during (more drastic/quick) weight loss, and it's usually caused by a lack of protein. It's extremely important that while eating with a lapband, you keep close monitoring of your nutritional ratios. It key to know the real value of proteins/fats & carbs. You're now eating for fuel, not for pleasure. Here are a few other quick reads on the topic: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156093.php http://www.naturalnews.com/012893_hair_loss_baldness_health.html But there's TONS of info out there - i just found that by doing a very quick google search. Please use the Search Function box in the top right corner of the forum. This topic has been discussed many times, and you'll find a lot more info on it, including other people's experiences with it.

Good luck sleeping tonight!! I couldn't sleep at all, the nights coming up to my surgery -i was soooo excited! It will be over so quickly .. so soak in every moment. Keep us updated! And I'll be thinking of you

And then there are people, who just talk. too. much. phff.