Jann

Now that i'm on solids we aren't supposed to do any protein shakes right? I think I heard that but wanted to make sure. I heard of someone mentioning protein bullets that you just put in a bottle of water? A berry flavor I think? Is that the ones listed on here or are those another one? I tried to go to GNC and get some, but they had never heard of them.

It's pretty common for people who are filled too tight to rely on protein shakes and soft proteins but Dr. O is against it totally. He's really stern on that point for sure! I've never been a big meat eater even at my grazing worst. The bulk of my protein now is firm (seafood, tuna, fish) and solid (pork, beef, chicken) but I still supplement one bullet or Booster Juice (Canadian franchise I think?) a day because I work out now and I want muscle recovery.

I don't know the manufacturer of the bullets because I'm out of them but I do buy them at GNC. I have to go to a certain mall to get them because the other malls have no idea what they are even though they are also GNC stores.

Jann

Thanks Jann, I really liked your post where you said you want to feel the band so that you could make the adjustment. Me too. You look great and also no smoking. WOW! Take care.

Thank you for that! I figured if I could quit a lifelong eating habit smokes couldn't be that far behind. I quit one day and just didn't pick it back up again. It's a miracle but I'll take it! hehe --

Jann

Where Does The Acai Berry Come From?

To understand fully what the acai berry offers, it’s important to know from where it came. The berry was discovered years ago in the Amazon rainforests in the northern area of Brazil. Since that time, explorers have also found the berry growing in Panama, Trinidad, Ecuador and in French Guyana. The acai berry is smaller in size than a grape and is produced in clusters by the Acai palm trees called Euterpe oleracea. It was many years after the initial finding of the acai berry that we discovered the ingredients held within.

What Ingredients Are Contained In The Acai Berry?

Reseach has shown that the acai berry contains a massive amount of antioxidants as well as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Acai has also proven to be one of the richest natural sources of anthocyanins. The berry is packed with several other ingredients including fiber, protein, vitamins B, C and E, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. The berry is also a natural source of high amounts of amino acids including praline, tryptophan, theorine and lysine. These ingredients work together to provide a powerful health boost to those who consume the berry.

What Are The Benefits Of Acai?

Once the ingredients contained within the acai berry were revealed, nutritional experts began to wonder about the health benefits the fruit could offer. They began experimenting, using the fruit as a supplement to other vitamins. In the years since, we’ve discovered that acai provides an enormous boost of stamina and energy. The fiber in the fruit aids our digestive processes while the vitamins improve our immune system. The acai berry also has phytosterols which have been known to help our cardiovascular systems function properly. The richness of ingredients within acai offers benefits far beyond those mentioned above. But, in the relatively short time we have known about the fruit, it has already yielded astonishing results.

Should You Use Acai?

In the end, the only question that matters is whether you should use acai to take advantage of the health benefits it offers. Most people have grown accustomed to relying on doctors and the medications they prescribe to remain healthy. It’s a custom that has grown from decades of indoctrination. It may be time to seek alternative measures. Some will be open to the idea of using acai and they’ll reap the health benefits. Others will choose to avoid it. If your health is important to you, take the time to explore what acai can offer you.

EXCELLENT POST! Thanks for that Dana!

Jann

I start solid foods today so i figure it is time to book my first fill.

I am in Northern Canada and the easiest place for me to fly to is Edmonton/Calgary. From reading on in the forum i saw that Dr.DesCouteaux in Calgary was recommended - is that still the consensus? Is there any other recommendations?

Thanks for your help!

I have heard Dr. D. is no longer taking patients but his colleague Dr. Mitchell in Calgary is setting up a new clinic. You could try calling to find out what the scoop is? 403-264-6720

Jann

Hi BeBe, I know that my response is days after you have posted, but I bet you're still interested in as many answers as you can get. I know EXACTLY what you are experiencing. Except for the part where you have pain the moment you eat. I think that could be a spasm because your body knows what is coming or anticipating the pain. But in terms of your other statements, I would get the horrible "stuck" pain often, several times a day. And I have had four separate episodes of severe stuck pain, that was just beyond terrible. On a scale of 1 to 10, about a 1000. I was emailing people, trying to find out if they had this too. If it's normal. This is what I learned. Most people, if they eat too much, too fast, not well chewed etc. etc., will get episodes of PB or sliming. Some of us, but definitely not most people, get this awful, awful pain. I don't even think it's 10% of people, but there are others. I know in my case, I kept thinking "I ate too fast" or "I didn't chew well." But in retrospect, it was relatively random. I mean it wasn't totally random, I did have to eat a troubling food like chicken for it to happen. But I wasn't chewing less or eating more than many other times when I didn't go through these horrible episodes. I finally went back to OCC last week for a partial unfill. I know it's too soon to say, but what a relief. There is now some correlation between what I am eating and if I have a problem. First I get a warning, like a tightness, or having swallowed a golf ball. So I wait. And after I wait until it passes, as long as I chew well and eat slowly, I know I will be ok. It is a relief I cannot even describe to know that I won't be having a severe problem. Also, in retrospect, and I know this doesn't sound like it makes sense, but here it is. I was favoring soft foods. I know everyone said that was a warning sign to being too tight. But living it, in the moment, it didn't really occur to me. It was my first fill, I figured this is "normal" and this is the way the band works. The fact that my painful episodes seemed pretty random also made me think that it was me not chewing well, not the band too tight. But in retrospect, I was favoring soft foods, almost unconsciously. Also, I was, in anything, gaining weight, because I was getting no satisfaction or full feeling ever from food. Both no physical full feeling and no psychological full feeling. So I literally ate ice cream every single night because I knew it wouldn't hurt and because I was so upset that I couldn't eat any real food and because I was hungry. Finally when I realized that, I thought it was so stupid I should have the band removed. Instead, last week, I had an unfill. And it's much, much better. Now I feel like Jann who said I want to have some control. I want to just feel the band a bit, be aware and make proper adjustments. So to try to answer you exactly, having now been on both sides, NO eating should not hurt. You should be able to eat real food, yes even a small sandwich, with small bites, one at a time, chewing a lot. At most, you should get like a warning, a full uncomfortableness in the middle of your chest which means: STOP and wait. In a few minutes it should subside letting you continue with small bites, well chewed. At times like this I will take a sip, just a sip of water (I AM NOT YOUR DOCTOR!! but this works for me) to wet my mouth, like a lubricant. Like you, I began to think that the way the band was supposed to work was that the pain would cause you never to want to eat, and wow, you would lose weight. But then it backfires because you're so frustrated about food all the time. Turns out that's NOT how it's supposed to work. It's supposed to feel like I just wrote, because I've been on both sides. Good luck.

Excellent post and well balanced from someone who's walked on both sides. Thanks for your insight!

Jann

Wow, you've been through so much! I was so sorry to read this post. I really hope it's just the port and it saves you nine months of grief. Nine times is about eight times too many. My doctor hits it first time every time -- well, I've only been twice so I'm fill lite but even so. Good luck and we're so glad you are back! Please let us know how it goes.

Jann

I use it everyday in my water! My skin is more hydrated! It also has lots of anti oxidants that are great for you internally!

I have it in my Booster Juice only because I really liked the taste. I'll have to do some research on this. I know it's heavily promoted but I really didn't know why. Thanks!

Jann

Hello all,

Not quite at a year anniversary, but 10 months is still pretty big.

From a size 24w to a regular 10/12; from morbidly obese (297) to just overweight (175); from having no energy at all to being able to run and do what I want to; from eating so unhealthily to actually caring about what goes into my mouth--it's all so amazing. Not to say that the last 10 mos. haven't been difficult, but it's all worth it.

Thanks to the forum for all its help, and for everyone who inspires me.

--TRS

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well done!

Jann

I would suggest that you get a second opinion from a CERTIFIED doctor. Your doctor is giving you advice for a reason in keeping with the program he's placed you on. If you are unsettled or unhappy with that advice see another doctor. People in the forums do not know your present situation or your medical history. This is clearly a medical question that needs to be addressed in the proper venue.

Jann

You sound like a winner! Good luck and welcome!

Jann

I am new to this forum and this is actually my first post. Thank you to everyone who posts on this forum, the information is valuable, and much appreciated. I am so happy and excited for you all who have met your first milestone, keep it up...I am now here to help cheer everyone on to their goal weight. I too set my first milestone to be under 200 by christimas...I just past my three week post-op and I am starting my exercise regiment tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Welcome, congratulations and we'll be cheering for you too! G'luck new friend!

Jann

Awesome Jann! Way to go!!! Breaking it down is an awesome idea. I tackled my 20k today in a single hike... and I think I would have done better doing it in 5 mile spurts.

Again, great job!

Taz

Thanks so much, Taz! New clothes are a VERY COOL NSV absolutely!

Yup, breaking it out is way easier for sure. The second round you are refreshed, your muscles are warmed and you're good to go again! I could have actually gone a third round but I didn't have the time.

YAY for you! 20K in a single hike! You and Jude totally rock!!

Jann

WTG Jann! That is just AWESOME! Goodness me, you are inspiring me to really tread on more!

Yesterday I did 19,689 and today did 19,893. I was close! Also, this is only walking steps I've planned and not the normal, everday walking. I am sure if I added those, I would have gone over 20K both days.

Going to have to find some kind of arm exercises because I don't want to have muscle bird legs and heavy flappy wings!!!

WALK ON!!

OMG Jude! CONGRATULATIONS! You totally rock! Leslie's videos also do upper body toning you will be happy to know.

Jann

I guess everyone in the challenge is out there walking! Today I did my Five Mile Advance so 10K and walked two malls (Christmas shopping) between one o'clock and six o'clock so five hours of walking. I have no idea what that equates to because I have no pedo. The new one hasn't arrived yet. Bah Humbug!

Jann

The violence level has been escalating for about a year with the President taking a hard line against organized crime there. The simple fact is you are picked up at the airport by OCC and you are returned to the airport by OCC. If you are that concerned stay around the Lucerne when you release from OCC. I have no doubt you will be safe there just don't unnecessarily wander around.

Jann

We are so here for you!

Jann

WOOT! Absolutely gorgeous! Nice work to both of you! Congratulations!

Jann

Hi All,

I FINALLY hit my 199.8 milestone!!! I am so happy. I could not have done this without the band. I was expecting a lot quicker weight loss. So I do get down on myself about not hitting my goals on time. But I am going to keep plugging away at it. I am doing weight lifting and cardio 4 - 5 times a week. My waist was at 34.5 this morning from about 39 at my largest. And I starting to fit nicely into some of my size 14 regular clothes instead of plus size. My plus size 16 are getting very large. But I went shopping at Ann Taylor & Anne Klein last weekend and nothing really fit. So it is a mixed bag on what size I am.

I am fitting into some of my clothes that I wore at 175.

I have greatly reduced my blood pressure medications. I take 3 and hoping to get off 1 of them next week.

I would really love to have a couple of weeks that I lose a solid 2 - 3 pounds. I am losing about 1 pound a week now.

I have really good restriction too. I still have to use willpower at night & when making food choices.

My current measurements are:

chest 44

waist 34.5

hips 46

So I am going shopping for pair of boots and jeans!!!

Happy Day!!!

Amy

Look at you with the hourglass figure! Congratulations to you!!!!

Jann

YAY! I did it!

Did five miles at five this morning - Five Day Slim Down, another five miles at two this afternoon -- 5 Mile Advanced Walk, did 30 minutes of TaeBo Elite Bootcamp, Session One (gonna be a long while before I can master this one for sure) and 30 minutes of Jillian Michaels' For Beginners FrontSide (also gonna be a long time before I master this one). I did the second five mile advanced walk because I know for sure I can do those!

So, that would be:

5 miles - 10K

5 miles - 10K

Non walking exercise translation to miles per Leslie Sansone -- 15 minutes=1 mile, 30 minutes=2 miles, and 45 minutes=3 miles.

30 minutes workout - TaeBo - 2 miles

30 minute workout - Jillian = 2 miles

That makes today's total 24K. I didn't include regular walking around because yet again I've lost the damned pedo. I just bought them like two weeks ago, and in pairs no less! Sheesh!

Jann

I wanted to take a couple of minutes and thank each and every one of you who have answered my questions over the past 2 months. You have helped me feel more confident about my decision to have the surgery and to go to Mexico to have it done.

I've lost my pre-op weight + a few extra pounds, my boarding passes are printed, my plane leaves in the a.m. at 6:00. My pre-op is Nov. 19th and surgery date is Nov. 20th. My husband and I are taking a mini-vacation in Disneyland for 4 days, since we already had to purchase airfare, we figured, what's a couple of extra $$$? I have all the important things packed, like Phazyme strips, powdered chicken broth, protein water packets, My certified check, paperwork, etc. I am also packing my laptop, so I can stay connected with you all. I even had my husband get $300 in small bills for TJ, because I love to shop, and someone said something about a mall with lots of shoe stores.

ANY LAST MINUTE ADVICE?

Once again, thanks to all of you who replied to my posts. Your support has really been appreciated!

Kimberly

I'm so happy for you! Enjoy your trip and get ready for the next leg of your journey! Can't wait to hear how you make out.

Jann

Bump

Excellent! Awesome! Impressive! I'm so happy for you! You are gorgeous!

Jann

AWESOME Jann...dang girl ~ you go!! So, what's the difference between the 'exercise' and 'walking' miles?

I was only able to get to 11,789 steps. Today was my first time around the neighborhood block and I really chose a steep street on my way home route that really just killed me. I was huffing and puffing and cursing myself for this route, I kid you not! BUT, the greatest NSV for me was...I NEVER STOPPED FOR A REST! I was so proud of myself for this huge accomplishment! I just kept going and thinking of all of you doing your steps, and it kept me going forward. YOU guys are my inspirations!!!! Taz, you really pushed the right button for me on the exercise 'program' I needed to do! I will never forget you with this challenge and future ones.

So, Taz...can you give us a small hint as to what the new challenge going to be on Dec 1?? Just a tad hint?

WALK ON!!!

Only able? Sheesh! That's awesome, Jude! Don't minimize your good work. The difference between my ticker "exercise" miles and walking miles is simply "exercise" miles are Leslie dvd miles specifically. For the most part I do five miles per day in dvds which gives me my base 10K, the rest is just normal walking around.

Jann

I was so proud to see my family on the show. They just beamed and they BELIEVE in the band and have great family support to one another. Let's see how they look in another 4 months! I am so PROUD of you Mike, Dante, Joey and Darci (Dante's sister). You all Rock and are my inspriations! HOO RAH!!

Stephanie ~ you are a sweetheart and you glow! With your Mom's determined research for your weight loss, you can tell she cares and loves you honey!. I wish you all the best. Good luck in your journey and know that we are all here for you. Keep us posted on how you are doing!

This, too, is my first time seeing an actual lapband surgery ~ very interesting. My daughter and husband watched the show with me and now they 'understand' why I can only eat 'so much'. I love the way Dr. O stepped in to make corrections and did a simple brief explanation of what WE have to do with the band. I, too, thought the food displayed was a bit much. Like Jann said, they were talking in general, where as we all know that each person's body is different and can consume food differently as well.

Now, more than ever, I am DRIVEN to prove that the band does work! Already, I can see the difference in me in only ONE month! I am relearning to choose my food quality and the proper way to eating. I am doing exercises I thought I wouldn't do again. I can only imagine what I am going to be like in 4 months, like my family have done!

God Bless you Dr. O for this precious opportunity you've given me and my family!

Jude

You will without a doubt succeed, Jude! I can't wait to see your pics!

Jann

17,487 by the new "old" pedo for today. For clarification, my ticker only reflects "exercise" miles not full on walking miles.

Jann