denisem

Congrats on your progress, Denise! You are doing so good! If you don't mind, can you email me so I can ask you a personal question? I don't think the messaging tool is working on this forum any longer. My email is pmat2112@att.net Thanks so much, Denise

I consider this a GOOD problem. Cake and ice cream do not work together. I tried it at my 6-year old neice's b'day party and had to PB in the bathroom! So, learning the hard way yet again, I will not be eating ice cream and cake together....see the band is our friend!

The more fills you have and the more restricted you become, you will find you cannot physically drink while eating anymore, even if you want to. I've always tried to drink right up until I eat, then put my glass away. You will get used to it over time, and like I said, eventually you won't be able to do it because the liquid will not pass through the food, and comes right back up. I experienced this while eating at a restaurant and "forgot" to remove my drink and out of habit, reached for it. I had to spit it back into the glass. Not a pretty sight!

Kim, You look better and better everytime you post pics! Your kiddo's are just the cutest too! Merry Christmas! Denise

Great to see your face, Kristy! Welcome to the forum. Denise

Good luck on your surgery. I commend you for scheduling it smack dab in the holiday season. Just think.... the average 7-10 lbs we all gain during this time, you'll be losing instead! Welcome to the forum! Denise

Welcome to the other side. Now is the time for you to heal and get through the liquid phase. Feel better and walk, walk, walk those gas bubbles away! Denise

Welcome to Bandland, Donna! You've been on the forum for so long that I had forgotten you weren't banded yet.....well that's changed now! Watch out! I'm glad you've joined us on the other side and I wish you all the best in your new journey! Denise

Good for you, Elaine! With your attitude, you'll be celebrating another milestone before you know it! Congrats! Denise

Never, never, never say an NSV is silly! They are ALL awesome! A huge congrats to you for fitting into your coat! No matter what the NSV is, post it....we all enjoy reading them! Denise

Mindy! You have done so well and I'm so happy for you. It's such a "One"derful thing to be under 200 and I can't wait to reach that milestone as well. I have 17 pounds to go! You really have been rockin' your band over the last 3 months or so! Is it mainly due to restriction? Enjoy your day, and may you never see 200 again! Denise

Welcome to the group, Shanalee! I hope you are starting to feel more welcome now! Please remember you are doing this for yourself, and while support would be nice from those you have told, it doesn't always happen the way we want it to. Remember that even when your husband first mentioned TJ to you, you thought he was NUTS until you researched it. It's just the initial reaction that most people have. However, from everything I've heard and seen on this forum, I wouldn't worry a bit about having surgery in TJ. It sounds like you've moved on from worrying what everyone else thinks and are starting to concentrate on yourself, and that is the way it should be! Good luck to you and I look forward to seeing lots more from you girl! Denise

Thanks for the post, Cathy. It will come in handy as we track our food intake and activity each day. Now, lets BURN some calories! Denise

I was banded in June as well and have lost 33 lbs so far. I started out with more to lose than you did, so you are doing well...being a smaller person I would say. By comparison, I've had 4 fills and now have a total of 4cc's in my band (see my signature for fill sizes). I never had restriction until my 3rd fill and this last tweak I received finally got me to where I feel full after eating about 1 cup of food. So, now I'm just waiting for the weight to fall off! I've got to concentrate harder on getting in enough water though. I know that's my biggest problem. Good luck to you and breaking the plateau! Denise

I'm so happy for you Mona! You win the prize for sticking to the plan for the longest time! I have lots of size 20's when you are ready for them. It won't be long! Denise

Welcome to the frustration club! I've hit more plateau's than I care to mention, but what seems to work for me is going on clear liquids for a day or two to "trick" my body and then the weight starts to SLOWLY come off again. I've never had rapid weight loss at any time so far though. Also, exercising seems to help. Others have mentioned eating more calories for a day or two, kind of like cheating on something you really want, then going back to the plan and that has worked for me too. Keep us posted, and good luck Cathy! Denise

Way to go, Amy! I can't wait until I hit Onederland! That's Onederful! :-) I have 17 lbs to go before I hit it though! The good thing is that this time, I know I'll do it since I have my band! Have a great weekend and good luck finding your jeans and boots! Denise

I just took a look and I think your website looks great! If and when something happens to my 14 year old dachschund, Rudy...I'll let you know. It will be a hard day for our family (especially my 5-yr old daughter) when something happens to him. Your product would definitely let his memory live on. I'll also keep you in mind if I hear of anyone I know losing a pet. You have a wonderful idea on your hands! Good luck! Denise

Good for you! Just think....it will be perfect timing to coincide with New Year's resolutions, only this time, you'll be successful! Good luck! Denise

Yayyyyyy!!!!!!! What a wonderful accomplishment for you! I wouldn't be surprised if the LapBand Advertising Assoc. comes looking for you to be their spokesperson! Congrats BIG TIME!! Denise

Great job Cathy! Thanks for sharing your progress with us. You are truly amazing and such a wonderful example for all the newbies (and oldies) to follow! Congrats to you! Denise

See....I told you that you were a young HOTTIE now! I can see where it would be embarrassing though, but in a GOOD way! :-) Denise

After my first fill, I waited 5 weeks but should have gone back at week 4. It really depends on your restriction level though, and everyone is different. Good luck! Denise

My main problem has been with doughy breads which I consider a good thing, since I don't need to be eating them anyway. I do not have a problem with tortillas, corn tortillas go down easier than flour, but you have to take teeny bites and chew very well once you had a good fill. I can manage to eat 1 small fajita with a corn tortilla at a sitting. I usually have beans and a little rice too and haven't had a problem with rice. I also don't have a problem with pasta, but try to stay away from it since it isn't good for me. I do have a 5-year old who's favorite things to eat are mac-n-cheese and spaghetti, so I take a couple of bites sometimes and I'm satisfied. You will find that everyone is different though and some of us can tolerate things that others cannot. I haven't tried popcorn yet, because the kernels scare me, but I may try a little soon to see what happens. Good luck in your journey...it's kinda fun finding out what works and what doesn't. This is really a continuous learning experience! Denise

You should be totally fine as long as you didn't gulp down your soup, like Julie said. I really don't think you have to worry about stretching your pouch until you get to solids. Good luck finishing out your phases....it's tough, but worth it! Denise