jena

It's probably not what you want to hear, but I'm dieting. The band just makes it easier. Temptations aren't as powerful anymore because of the fullness I get from meals. What i am doing as well is changing my behaviors that got me here. If I cook, I fix my plate and before I eat, I put up everything else so there won't be seconds to have and there won't be any chance to eat a spoonfull of this and a taste of that while I'm putting up the food. when I'm done with my plate, I'm done. No more food. It's in the freezer! if I'm still hungry after I finish eating, I'll wait a little while then eat a sugar free pudding or a Popsicle. I've stopped eating in my car. Mostly because I've stopped going to fast food places. I take at least 20 minutes for my meal. I don't keep snacks in the house. Period. I don't buy them at all. I make sure to get 25-30 grams of fiber every day. And this isn't easy! I make sure I have the right kinds of food and snacks at work. Jena

> =D> > =D> Glad to hear you're doing okay! You will feel much better tomorrow! Jena

make sure you have your picture made with a Tijuana Zebra!!

Good luck! I'll be thinking of you too! Jena >

Let's say for instance you have 1 cup of diced skinless roasted chicken (214 calories), 1/2 baked med. potato (about 150), 1 cup of green beans (40 calories) that's around 400 calories. If you add 1 cup of grapes, that would add another 65 calories or so. That's not an unreasonable meal and comes in around 400-450 calories. Maybe for breakfast, a couple of hard boiled eggs, a little low fat mayo, a toasted slice of whole wheat bread and a serving of vanilla yogurt with a few blueberries/strawberries thrown in. That would come in around 400-450 calories. For lunch, salad greens with 1 cup chicken, a couple of cherry tomatoes, a little onion, spinach, and a little low fat cheese. throw on a couple of croûtons or have a couple of crackers. Use the salad spritzers for the dressing. Have a small apple to finish it off and you once again have 400-450 calories. That's about 1200-1300 calories for the day. Hey! that sounds pretty good! jena

And don't forget, eat your protein FIRST. If I was having a salad, I would have my protein in it, for instance grilled chicken or steak, hard boiled eggs and maybe a little cheese.

And just because you someone has had their second fill doesn't mean they can eat anything and as much of anything they want. She wants us to make healthy choices for the food we do eat after we are banded. jena

Wow!! It took me a few seconds to figure out if you were even IN the bottom picture!! BTW, You look fantastic in your wedding picture. Great dress. Jena

=D> Yeah Denise! So did you need some help, or was it the threat of a laxative enough to scare the weight off your body?

I've been saying for a few years that when I lose weight and get new boobs, I'm going back to the French Rivera wearing a one piece bathing suit. The bottom to a bikini!

I wouldn't go to a buffet restaurant unless they have an a la carte menu. Besides, looking at and smelling the buffet would make me ( Jena

Good job Paula!! I had the longer than waist length hair back in the 80's right up through a couple of months ago. (I called it "crack length") I also had some, ah-hum, interesting experiences because of my hair. BTW, I always wished I had long legs. ( My sister does. Long and skinny. She's six feet tall.

Qu'est-ce qu'un garçon de Nancy? Quelque chose comme une «maman du garçon". Francophiles unissez-vous!!.

Pardon? Je croyais que vous étiez un garçon de Nancy.

I lost 25 pounds pre op and 14 pounds since being banded on May 8. Right now I don't need a fill, I can have one in two weeks. I'm still dieting though, having 2 lean cuisines a day and usually whatever I want for breakfast which could be an english muffin with cheese or bacon, a protein shake if I'm really not hungry. I know, I know, we're not supposed to have real food and not shakes, but sometimes I'm just not hungry! I'm very full with just a lean cuisines and never hungry between meals. I figure as long as I feel this way, I don't need a fill. I have scheduled one for August 6th. I think I'll probably be needing one by then. Jena

Will, you are a shameless flirt. =D>

I think the hardest part for me was right after surgery and the last couple of days before food. Are you having popcicles and fudgecicles? Those were my saving grace! Are you eating soup? Liquid yogurt smoothies? I found a couple of soups I LOVED. Campbell's cheddar soup and southwestern pepper jack cheese (or something like that) Those are awesome!! The second one tastes like cheese dip you get at a mexican restaurant. Hang in there, only a few days to go! Jena

Libido is all in the mind Paula. There are plenty of hot, sexy looking women that aren't interested in sex. I think guys call it "false advertising." There's got to be something you like about your body! Take a good hard look at yourself and find something you like. For instance, I've got small wrists and long fingers that I think are lovely. I also like my ankles and my skinny heels. I've also got great hair and long eyelashes. The more weight I lose, the more things I'll add to my list. Before I know it, my head will be so big I won't be able to get through a door! hahahahah Jena

I drank LOTS of protein water, mostly for the protein and fiber. There are 5g of each in 1 bottle. I believe you can have sugar free jello, but most importantly, POPCiCLES! Dr. Miranda said it doesn't matter if they are sugar free or not because you're having so few calories. They were a real lifesaver. I was really missing chewing too, and I could chew my popcicles. There are also popcicles that have fruit juice in them. Don't forget you can have fruit juice! Either put lots of ice in it to water down the juice, or mix it with water. I know it's not a Big Mac, but maybe it will help. Jena

OMG!! I googled it and it's a real book! I may have to order it. Amazon does ship in a plain brown wrapper. Jena

Okay shrty, this has really got me cracking up! Let us know how everything "comes out." Bwahahahahahha! Jena

You go girl!!!! Maybe at the end of the season, you should pick up a few thongs on sale for next year. =D> (And I don't mean flip flops!) Jena

Will's nipple is smaller than mine. Oh no! This is leading down a dangerous path! Jena

I also want to add that laxatives shouldn't be used as a "quick weight loss" method. It's easy to become addicted to them. (I know this from experience in my teen years) Take it if you NEED it. For instance, if you are the kind of person who goes once or twice a day every day, missing two days is a good indication that you may need a laxative. If you're like me and only go every couple of days, then it's best to wait 4 days or so before taking one. Jena

I took 1/2 dose of a "gentle" laxative in the morning and it started working in about an hour. By the time I went to bed that night it was pretty much done. Sooo...it would probably help if you took a half dose (1 pill instead of 2) and drink lots of water. It needs the water to work. It wasn't a pleasant day, but by the time I went to bed all of my bloating and other problems were gone. I figured I would gain a pound or so back over the next couple of days because a laxative depletes the water in your body, but I've been eating and drinking on plan since then and I've lost another pound. Good luck! Jena