Jann

Hi and welcome! Wow, you are a Halloween banded baby! Look at you go! Jann

I'm so glad you liked it. My hubby says that too when I find a recipe he really likes! Too funny. Jann

Thanks for that really good fill info! I've gone twice. I think I have 1.5 or 1.8 cc. I can't remember which. Whatever it is it's flexible enough for me. I've gotten pretty good with the "assisted" willpower thing. Just heal your stomach and go easy with your first meal so you know what your boundary is and you'll be fine! Let us know how you're doing!

OoOo missed this first time around, Cara. I've never found a bar I've liked and trust me I've gone through a lot of boxes of bars searching. Jann

CRAB CHOWDER 2 c. raw potato cubes 1 c. thin onion slices 1 1/2 c. hot water 1 1/2 tsp. salt Pepper to taste 2 1/2 c. milk 2 (6 1/2 oz.) cans crab meat 2 (17 oz.) cans creamed corn 2 tbsp. minced parsley In a large kettle, about 3 quart size, combine potatoes, onions, water, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and cook covered about 10 minutes. Add milk, crab meat, corn and parsley. Cook over low heat until piping hot. Serves 6 to 8. Helpful hints: Flavor chowder with 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes. For a tasty touch you may also add 1/4 teaspoon of dried dill OR dried marjoram.

Wow! Are you okay? That is truly distressing news. Jann

That is a huge accomplishment!!! Congratulations!!!! Jann

Wot she said! 'gratz!!!! Jann Don't forget walk walk walk, sip sip sip!

Glad to see you made it through okay. Just rest and heal. Take care, Jann

This will pass. Try some Celenium. Jann

It doesn't get any better than that, Out of the mouths of babes! Jann

Now that's what I'm talking about! THANKS Jazzy! SMOOCH! Jann

Awesome job! It takes a bit to get used to the new selection of clothes and the dreaded "What size am I now?" for sure! Other than that shopping is now FUN! Excellent NSV! You rock! Jann

YAY Denise! WOOT! I'm cheering for you too! =D> =D> Jann

You've found your bandland family! You are so not alone! There is a ton of good info on this forum and a ton of good people. Don't dispair, it's early days. Just follow your pre-op guidelines and take it a day at a time. Your weight wasn't built in short order and it won't come off in short order. It really is a process and it's not without it's frustrations but it is truly worth it at the end of the day. Hugs, Jann

<yelling> Freedom!! It feels so good doesn't it? EXCELLENT!! Jann

It is a lot and it does happen quickly. Homework is key to success and even then when you get home it's like walking for the first time, there's so much learning curve. It's not just have the surgery and the band takes over. So now, we know intellectually what we have to do but we have to put it in practice, not so easy. It really is a process! They say it takes repeating a behaviour 500 consecutive times to cement a habit. Having said that, your foundation is going to dictate your success rate. If you are going to cheat, cheat within band rules. You summarized beautifully what this is all about -- You have to focus on your goal, you have to have people to support your decision, and you have to want to succeed. Jann

Excellent point and good advice! Jann

You, my friend, have your head on straight and will be one who succeeds by your own reasoning! Please do not think for one moment I was posting against the person. I wasn't. I was actually posting against the food! (print is a harsh medium and intent is often misinterpreted) I'm not anti-pizza as a reintroduction food down the line in small amounts in healthier versions like Trav's (although I haven't graduated to soy as a food group yet). I'm anti-pizza as part of the WL journey. It's not logical to think you can still eat junk food when you've gone to the extreme measure of having a surgical implant. (that's the global universal you -- not the you, you ) That thinking just really flies in the face of the point of the surgery. I know for a fact based on his book, his videos and his in person pater that Dr. O. would not disagree nor would any of the other doctors providing this surgery. I have read in many forums across the inet complaints from people that aren't losing weight or are stalled in their WL journey and they just can't figure it out. Then you start to go back through threads and they are still eating junk based foods and/or eating around their bands and blaming their fills or perceived lack thereof. Exercise is also key to your success and part of the program. The band really is a commitment to lifestyle change not a tool to have your cake and eat it too. Jann

OMG, you poor thing. How freaking scary was that?! <comfort> Please rest and heal. We're here for ya! Jann

Maybe it's just me but how does pizza and wings qualify as early bandster healthy living? I'm so not trying to be judgmental please don't misunderstand. I just don't get it. That type of food just strikes me as being everything the band is against. It's temptation food and it's so easy to overeat with it. It's self defeating. Fried wings on average have 90 calories per wing. 12 wings and voila, there's your daily allowance. For those on a higher allowance do the math. I can see when you reach goal weight or close to how that could be a treat but now??? If you are asking opinions, I would suggest to you that you wipe pizza and wings out of your vocabulary. They call it junk food for a reason. They are heavy in fat and laden in unnecessary calories. If all else fails hope to God that you are one of the people that all that grease reacts badly with the band and forces you to quit. Having said that, your band, your health, your money, your choice. Jann

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Welcome to the healthier side! HUGS! I'm so glad it went so well! CHEER! Jann

Grilled Pork Chops With Vodka & Sage 4 Servings 1 Small Onion, Finely Chopped 1/2 Cup Vodka 2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper 1/2 Tsp Dried Sage Or 1 Tsp Chopped Fresh 1/2 tsp Sea Salt 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder 1/4 Tsp Dried Basil Or 1/2 Tsp Chopped Fresh 1/4 Tsp Dried Oregano Or 1/2 Tsp Chopped Fresh 1/4 Tsp Dried Rosemary Or 1/2 Tsp Chopped Fresh 4 Medium Pork Chops, Fat Trimmed Directions: In a small saucepan combine the onion, vodka, balsamic vinegar, pepper, sage and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil; reduce the heat. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by half. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano and rosemary. Sprinkle the dried ingredients mixture evenly on the pork chops. Grill the pork chops on high heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until completely cooked. To serve, spoon some of the sauce over the pork chops. Per Serving: 423 Cal (56% from Fat, 39% from Protein, 4% from Carb); 39 g Protein; 25 g Tot Fat; 9 g Sat Fat; 11 g Mono Fat; 4 g Carb; 1 g Fiber; 2 g Sugar; 48 mg Calcium; 2 mg Iron; 298 mg Sodium; 123 mg Cholesterol Jann

Glad you are better. How traumatic was that?!! Anyway, onward and downward for you! Take care! Jann