bogiesmom

The 5 Contemplations Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh and nutritionist Dr. Lilian Cheung reveal five contemplations that can start you on the path to a healthier relationship with food from their book, Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life. Contemplation 1 This food is the gift of the whole universe: the earth, the sky, numerous living beings, and much hard, loving work. Contemplation 2 May we eat with mindfulness and gratitude so as to be worthy to receive it. Contemplation 3 May we recognize and transform our unwholesome mental formations, especially our greed, and learn to eat with moderation. Contemplation 4 May we keep our compassion alive by eating in such a way that we reduce the suffering of living beings, preserve our planet, and reverse the process of global warming. Contemplation 5 We accept this food so that we may nurture our sisterhood and brotherhood, strengthen our community and nourish our ideal of serving all living beings. What role does mindful eating play in your everyday life? When we can slow down and really enjoy our food, our life and our health, we take on a much deeper quality. I love to sit and eat quietly and enjoy each bite, aware of the presence of my community, aware of all the hard and loving work that has gone into my food. When I eat in this way, not only am I physically nourished, I am also spiritually nourished. The way I eat influences everything else that I do during the day. If I can look deeply into my food and take this time as a meditation—just as important as my sitting or walking meditation time—I receive the many gifts of the cosmos that I would not otherwise profit from if my mind were elsewhere. Because if I eat and am consumed by my worries and projects, I am eating a lot of stress and fear and this is harmful to my body and mind. We have a gatha, or verse, that we recite while eating: In the dimension of space and time, We chew as rhythmically as we breathe. Maintaining the lives of all our ancestors, opening an upward path for descendants. So when we eat mindfully we can be in direct contact with our ancestors as well as our descendants and use the time of eating to see how we can nourish the best things our ancestors have passed onto us and how to continue to transmit what is most precious to future generations. Why did you choose to write a book on eating and mindfulness now? This is an unprecedented time in history. Globally, there are more people who are overweight than who are hungry and underweight. Scientists have already warned us that if the overweight and obesity trend is not turned around, this generation of youth will have a lifespan shorter than their parents. Moreover, being overweight increases the risk of many serious health problems. These problems cause much suffering, affecting the individuals who have these diseases as well as their family members. On a large scale, such suffering affects the well-being of our societies and our world as a whole. The root of our problem lies in what we consume—not just food, but other elements that contribute to who and what we are. There is much to draw from the Buddha's teachings on mindfulness to gain insight on this contemporary obesity epidemic. Mindfulness practices enhance the connection between our body, our mind and everything else that is around us. Mindful living is the key to understanding our struggles with weight and to empowering us to control our weight. The opportunity to engage more people to learn about mindful living, to achieve joy and peace, is now.

WW POINTS® Tracker entries Monday, March 15, 2010 Morning 1 tsp coffee, instant or regular, powder 0 2 Tbsp Coffee-Mate French Vanilla Liquid Creamer 1.5 1 Tbsp sugar 1 1 serving(s) Think Pink Honey Oat Bar 2 Subtotal 4.5 Midday 1 serving(s) Oroweat Muti Grain White Sandwich Thins 1 1 item(s) cooked chicken fillet 3 1/4 cup(s) tomato(es) 0 1 wedge(s) Light Creamy Swiss Original Flavor 1 1 serving(s) Popchips 100 calorie pack 2 Subtotal 7 Evening 1 serving(s) Progresso High Fiber Tuscan Chicken 2 1/2 cup(s) Low-Fat 2% Milkfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese 2 1 item(s) Eggo Swirlz strawberry filled pastry 3 Subtotal 7 Food POINTS values total used 18.5 Food POINTS values remaining 3.5 Activity 30 min elliptical trainer, moderate intensity 2 Activity POINTS values earned 2

Angie, I am not going to cry, I am not going to cry... I love you and you are a big part of why I am here. Praise Jesus & thank the Lord that we have you. You are right...I am letting it go and moving forward.

You having a difference of opinion does not bother me one bit. After all, "I may disagree with what you say but I will defend to my death your right to say it." Your statement that I am the only one struggling with this band when A) that would truly make me a scientific experiment and B- just as unlikely is that everyone worldwide who has this band is having success with it, makes me feel like I am all alone with no one in the bleachers though. I am a member of different forums and boards besides this one and I can tell you that I am not so cleaver as to make up these concerns on my own. Believe you me these concerns with this band have been brought up by others long before me. In all honesty though, like someone mentioned today, it is a new band and whether or not it is just as successful as the other bands, well only time will tell. The feeling is mutual; I hope you are just as successful at your 4 month bandiversary as I am at mine.

Hey Shelby, congrats!! You are an inspiration to Bogie and I both. The other night we ran down to the end of the block I read your food journal from yesterday! A girl after my own heart with the vodka cranberry celebration! Are your sure you and I werent Edina & Patsy in our past lives??? Please tell me you are an Ab Fab fan oxoxoxox!

Yah, judging by that comment you made to my last post, your right it does'nt always seem like your rooting for me. Kinda made me ask myself how would you feel if I succeeded? I guess were about to find out. I kept posting my food and activity journals for those who appriciate them and to keep me accountable.

Thank you Carrie and Dolittle for putting my mind at ease I really appriciate your comments and when I go back infor my fill I will be sure to have Dr. So check for a leak. Janellody you crack me up girl, you are so funny By the way, an ounce of pretention is worth a pound of manure. “If it don’t apply let it fly.” But being that we are both fighting some of the same demons (I mean come on, were both here right?) I thought it would be best to remind you that those who live in glasses houses should not throw stones. Hey, I am all for keeping it real and being honest. Lord knows I have put myself out there more then once. However, there is a difference between constructive criticism and judgment (there in lays the pretension). Although I am honest and real I do not believe in posting commentary on the forum that judges another person outside the boundaries of constructive criticism (criticism in the way of advice). If you want to place judgment on someone it is best to do so in the form of a private message otherwise in the public setting the judgment can come off as an attempt to embarrass the person (calling me stubborn is a judgement of character that falls outside of the boundries of constructive crisicism). Also, before placing a judgment on a person’s character you need to be aware of your own short comings when doing so otherwise you risk being called out on them, for example, at the exact time you were posting your message in this post today Bogie and I were at the dog park exercising. Have a blessed day

I had to go away for awhile from the forum in order to get my head together and get my moment of clarity. I was going to stay away for about a week but there are a couple of epiphanies that happened today that prompted me to return. The first one is that I am being really selfish. By staying off the board I am denying help to the people who read my posts but choose to remain silent. These can be non-members, potential members, lurkers, or just people who are shy. The thought of going away instead of potentially helping someone breaks my heart. Second, I woke up this morning questioning my food choices and the thought occurred to me that maybe I am choosing slider foods thus no restriction. I spoke to 2 people about my theory. One person is a member on this forum that I called this morning and another person is a banded person from another board I belong to and they both said the same thing: There is NOTHING I can do that I am not doing already until I get good restriction. They both said go on in for that 4th fill and don’t look back and don’t second guess. Lastly, many of you might suspect, if you don’t already know that I have been off my rocker emotionally for the last several days because the band is not working, blah, blah, blah (and it’s not, but there is NOTHING I can do about that so I am letting it go)…So I decided to go back on a certain anti-depressant as of Friday. I am only mentioning this because it is the BEST medication ever invented. Okay, no seriously, I mention this for the following reasons: It was prescribed to me as a smoking aid, which incidentally does not seem to be working, but the beauty of it is that unlike other anti-depressants it does not make me drowsy or give me that drugged up feeling & works immediately so I do not have to wait 2 – 4 weeks to feel different. I feel better on it emotionally and it has benefits: 1. Major appetite suppressant. I kind of forget to eat when taking it or put off eating for long periods of time due to being busy doing other things. That brings up the second benefit, it give me enough energy to keep me moving and motivated but not too much energy like a crash and burn. The third benefit is that it gives me a slight dry mouth so I drink plenty of water throughout the day. So to sum up it is an anti-depressant that does not make you feel drugged up (I believe this is due to it being a time released tablet), has the side effect of making you loose weight instead of gaining it, may help to stop smoking (jury is still out on this one), and you do not have to wait a month for the darn thing to kick in and you will be motivated to do your Spring cleaning in the middle of winter.

WW POINTS® Tracker entries Sunday, March 14, 2010 Morning 2 Tbsp Coffee-Mate French Vanilla Liquid Creamer 1.5 1 1/2 Tbsp sugar 1.5 1 tsp coffee, instant or regular, powder 0 Subtotal 3 Midday 2 cup(s) cooked asparagus 1 1 wedge(s) Light Creamy Swiss Original Flavor 1 1 serving(s) Oroweat Multi Grain White Sandwich Thins 1 3/4 serving(s) Gardenburger Veggie Pattie 2.5 2/3 cup(s) Low-Fat 2% Milkfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese 3 Subtotal 8.5 Evening 1 wedge(s) Light Creamy Swiss Original Flavor 1 1 item(s) Smart Ones Bistro Selects Chicken Parmesan 5 1 serving(s) Sara Lee Delightful White Bread 1 Subtotal 7 Anytime 1 serving(s) Wheat Thins Big 3 Subtotal 3 Food POINTS values total used 21.5 Food POINTS values remaining 0.5 Activity 30 min elliptical trainer, moderate intensity 2 15 min Walking upstairs, carrying 1-24 pound load 1 Activity POINTS values earned 3

WW POINTS® Tracker entries Saturday, March 13, 2010 Morning 1 Tbsp sugar 1 2 Tbsp Coffee-Mate French Vanilla Liquid Creamer 1.5 1 tsp coffee, instant or regular, powder 0 Subtotal 2.5 Midday 1/4 cup(s) Shredded 2% milk reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese with added calcium 2 1/2 cup(s) Low-Fat 2% Milkfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese 2 6 oz fat-free egg substitute 3.5 1 item(s) Spinach pancakes 2 Subtotal 9.5 Evening 2 serving(s) Basil Pesto Tilapia 5.5 2 cup(s) cooked asparagus 1 1/2 cup(s) Low-Fat 2% Milkfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese 2 Subtotal 8.5 Food POINTS values total used 20.5 Food POINTS values remaining 1.5 Activity 30 min elliptical trainer, moderate intensity 2 Activity POINTS values earned 2

"No accurate number of adjustments required can be given. However, an average may be estimated to be between three and five fills (where saline/isotonic solution is inserted into the band via the subcutaneous port) for a person to reach the optimal restriction for weight loss. The amount of saline/isotonic solution needed in the band varies from patient to patient. There are a small number of people who find they do not need a fill at all and have sufficient restriction immediately following surgery. Others may need significant adjustments to the maximum the band is able to hold. Bands come in several diameters and sizes and can hold a total of between 4 cc (ml) to 12 cc (ml) of fill fluid depending on the design. Band size is usually determined by personal preference of the surgeon who places the band together with what s/he is either able to use (e.g., specific bands approved in country of surgery) or what s/he believes to be the most appropriate. In Europe, for example, it is possible for the surgeon to use many designs. The size of the band used is determined by the surgeon during surgery based on the size and thickness of the patient's stomach." It begs the question: Since we all have the same size band, does that mean we all have the same size and thickness of the stomache? Or is it a one size fits all sort of deal where some of us with smaller stomachs and less thickness have less restriction & require more fills (and are basically screwed) then those with the same band & thicker, larger stomaches? Just had to ask the question since Dr. Ortiz's post did not make much sense to me. Why would a doctor use one size of band (he did say that there was no need for different sizes anymore) when "everyone is different"? How do I know that I got the right band for ME? This also brings up another issue that no one seems to have asked ... How does the OCC check for leaks in bands & should'nt they be checking if a person has had 3, going on 4 fills with no restriction and she has been following the rules and eating solids & can eat more then 1/3-1/2 of what she was eating before sugery, blah, blah, blah...? It sort of begs the question ... Doesnt it seem that there is some sort of possible complication if your argument is that the band is NOT too big? Come on, I can't be the only one out there who has questions like this after reading Dr. Ortiz's letter that seems to bring up more questions then answers. I am not trying to be a trouble mmker or create problems. I am just a person that is experiencing a lot of issues with my band and I have a lot of specific unanswered questions that are valid and should be answered.

WW POINTS® Tracker entries Friday, March 12, 2010 Morning 1 serving(s) Starbucks Cold Coffee 4 1 Tbsp Coffee-Mate French Vanilla Liquid Creamer 1 Subtotal 5 Midday 1/4 cup(s) cooked spinach 0 1/4 cup(s) tomato(es) 0 3 item(s) egg white(s) 1 1/4 cup(s) cooked broccoli 0 1/4 cup(s) cooked onions 0.5 1/2 cup(s) salsa 0 1 serving(s) dill pickle(s) 0 1/2 cup(s) Low-Fat 2% Milkfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese 2 Subtotal 3.5 Evening No entries for this meal time. Subtotal 0 Anytime 1 oz Pirate's booty 3 Subtotal 3 Food POINTS values total used 11.5 Food POINTS values remaining 10.5 Activity 30 min elliptical trainer, moderate intensity 2 Activity POINTS values earned 2

Professor Henry Higgins: By George, Eliza, the streets will be strewn with the bodies of men shooting themselves for your sake before I'm done with you. Where oh where is my Henry Higgins?? Thanks brown eyed girl But the one I am looking for one who wouldnt care

I had my thyroid checked so many times that it would make your head spin. I wanted to add one more thing that Carrie reminded me of: I am not and never have been an emotional eater. Call me atypical but I honestly have to say that for every emotional crisis in my life (there have been about 5) I was at my thinest due to no desire for food. When my stress level peaks or when I am feeling very emotional my body shuts down and goes to auto pilot. Sort of like survival instinct. It is hard to expalin but if I am stressed, angry, depressed or sad and someone even mentions food I ask myself and sometimes vocalize the thought "How can you possibly even think about food at a time like this!" Today was one of those days folks! System shut down and I was on auto-pilot. No food for me, I have other things to worry about right now. I cannot even understand people who eat to comfort themselves. That thought is so strange to me. I would be overcome with so much guilt if I was eating during an emotional period. I mean then I would have to deal with the guilt of eating on top of all the other stuff I am dealing with. I guess Dr. Ortiz would just say I am like a guy that way. Too bad I cant loose weight like a guy, but I guess I am a gay man inside of a woman's body.

Debbie, so glad to hear your meals and portions work for you and you are feeling restriction without any fills.I myself find that I am not satisfied after eating 1 slice of tomatoe pie or 3 ounces of tuna & 5 crackers or 2 tilapia fillets with 1/2 cup of cottage cheese for dinner like I tried the other night. I excercise 30 minutes a day and track my weight watcher points every day. I am doing everything by the book and I am not experiencing restriction as of yet. Maybe Janelle is right, maybe in 6 months my band investment will kick in and I will have restriction or myabe I will be like Skymoon1982 and not find my sweet spot until I reach goal who knows. In the end it is all a crap shoot, even for those of us who follow the rules. By the way, I do not weigh myself every day and have actually avoided the scale this week due to TOM and I do not plan on weighing until next week frankly. Most nights I do go to bed hungry and I am okay with that since the band is not going to curb my appitite as that is no it's function. The band is designed to make you feel full, not to ward off hunger or control appitite, both of those sensations are generated from our brains, not our stomachs. My problem is I am not getting a "satified" sensation that comes form being full. My rules 1. Drink at least 7 cups of water per day 2. I weigh or measure my food 3. When I order take out I account for the calories 4. When I consume liquid calories I account for them, even coffee 5. I track my food & excercise 6. I excercise 30 minutes a day 7. I maintain a calorie restriction of apporximately 1100 calories per day or 22 points 8. I avoid foods high in fat and/or low in fiber (8 gram or more of fat/2 grams or less of fiber) 9. I avoid higher calorie foods altogether 10. I avoid meats for the most part as they have a tendency to be higher in calories & replace meats with high protein foods such as cottage cheese, beans, fish & tofu. Also meats are harder to digest and stay in your system for longer periods of time which can be unhealthy. 11. I do not eat fast food or consume carbonaded beverages PERIOD! 12. I WAIT 30 minutes after a meal to take a sip of a beverage. Yes, I watch the clock. 13. If I can't count it, I don't bite it OR drink it. You will NOT see me at Starbucks guzzling down Frapachinos that's for sure. But you will find me at Robeck's having a 16 ounce peach smoothie (NOT the 24 ounce). Janelle, yes, the band has been a financial motivator to stick with weight watchers but other then that there is no correlation between my band and my success on WW. It has been all me baby. Debbie asked how bad I wanted to loose the weight, well how bad do you think I want to loose the weight? Would'nt you say I am a woman on a mission? I give myself an A+ for effort that is for sure.

My mother & I understood him to say that it was no longer available, however, he says I mis-understood him. So I guess it is still available and he just prefers to use the larger band. My advice to you and to anyone else who is about to be banded is ask before you go. Call your patient Coordinator, call Dr. Ortiz and if need be call the manuafucturer and find out what is and what is not available at the OCC. Make sure everyone gives you clear and detailed info.

Oh! Let's not forget Dr. Ortiz said that apple shapes find better restriction earlier on then pear shapes! I for one am an extreme pear. I cannot wear skirts & my pants gap at the waiste but I have to buy pants in larger sizes to go over my hips & thighs. In a top I can get a way with a size small-medium but in pants they have to be large or extra large. I have never carried weight around my middle even at my heaviest. I have always had a tiny waist and elephant legs. I loose weight first in my chest, face, and tummy since this is where I have the least concentration of fat cells. I am down to a sixe 34B in a bra from a 38C. At my smallest my bra size was a 34A. At my smallest it took me about 9 months to loose noticibly in my legs and hips.

There isnt one at the OCC (or at least there was not when I was banded. I was told that there is the 4cc, the 11cc and for patients who required it, a 14cc. I am getting the impression that there is a 10cc band available to US Surgeons.

I specifically asked Dr. Ortiz for the smaller 4cc band before surgery after doing my homework ahead of time and he basically said the smaller band was not an option. Yes, those of us with lower BMI's loose weight at a slower rate then those with higher BMI's, however, that being said Dr. Miranda said that all patients should be loosing an average of 1 - 2 pounds a week. My average has been 0.8 pounds per week with 3 fills AND following the Holly Gospel of Weight Watchers. Debbie, I love you with all my heart but in all honesty I believe your fabulous diet has the most to do with your wonderful weight loss. You eat the same thing everyday and even at 1200 calories, I for one would not be able to follow the strict regime that you are on day after day. A can of tuna and 5 crakers for lunch just is not going to cut it for me. You are a stronger and more powerful woman then I am.

You will be in my prayers Debbie I am scared for you. I do not have the courage to do what you are doing (especially after watching skymoon1982's youtube video after she came out of surgery) but I admire your bravery and I just hope everything turns out just fine. Who knows, maybe in a couple of years some of your courage will rub off on me