magkai1

Hey Cookie, Good for you!! I wonder if you can share with us how you got off track? I figured that having a band made it impossible to eat TOO TOO much. Did you get fills? I'm very nosy, I know. I'm trying to learn from your experience! Thanks, Margaret

Linnipoo- you are my kind of traveler!

I am down about 20 pounds since banding three months ago. What works for me personally is NOT to focus too much on food (journaling and such). I eat three meals a day and follow band rules: start with protein, eat fruit or veggies, and finish with carbs if possible (usually not). I don't drink for 30 minutes afterwards. I often have lowfat ice cream at night. I have a sweet tooth. I'm still losing weight, maybe not as slow as I might without the occasional indulgence, but I can't live a monastic life. It doesn't work for me. I also work out with a personal trainer twice a week (the only way I've found I will stick to it) and I walk my dog about twenty minutes almost daily. Slow and steady. I'm hoping this wins the race!

She said "This is a big BUTT!" hahahahaha

My brother lives in Tijuana so I am always hyper aware of news reports about crime. There has even been bodies found within a few blocks of my brother's home. But, so far and as far as I can tell, those killed are somehow involved in law enforcement (upstanding individuals who are fighting crime or corrupt individuals) or the drug trade. These are not random murders. However, my brother doesn't venture out at all hours of the night just to be safe even though he is over 6 feet tall and 250 lbs and looks ferocious. Even he knows not to tempt things. So, please do go to the OCC, just be an informed traveler. The OCC happens to be a 5 minute cab ride from the border (always choose the drivers with the uniforms and name tags as they are part of a union) and is located in the absolute safest part of Tijuana - the Zona Rio.

I love that your "normal" weight mom shared that pearl of wisdom with you, Sabrina. It's how I feel about the holiday season, too.

I wasn't as hungry the first few days as you are, but I was hungry. Make sure to drink enough fluids. Dehydration can also make you feel hungry. Drink protein water when you can and don't do anything physical. I mean, sit on the sofa and watch TV all day and drink drink drink. YOU CAN DO THIS.

Way to go Sabrina! You were one of the awesome women on this board who shared so much of your experience with me and helped me with my decision to have the surgery. You look fantastic and I really appreciate your knowledge, wisdom, and spunky attitude. Happy holidays and a fab New year to all of ya'll!

Angie - you rock!

I received the same instructions from Dr. So - nothing 5 minutes before or 30 minutes after. I, too, have indulged in the holiday season. I agree with Angie - it'll all even out. It's not Hannukah and Christmas everyday! This year was already different for me. I tried all of the treats I wanted to but I threw out most of them. Prior I would have eaten ALL of the leftover pumpkin pie, etc, eventually, but I just don't want to this year. Though I've enjoyed EVERY BITE I've had so far!

Glad to hear it! Let us know what your doctor thinks it was.

Does it say something about me that I see "Eff YOU, USA!" ???

I have not experienced that. However, I am still learning how the band works with my body and I'm still not able to predict or understand why my band is tighter sometimes. Make sure you don't get dehydrated, Sabrina!

Definitely call the OCC and explain what is going on. The doctor on call can give you advice on your next steps.

I just sent you a private message with my email address. Sounds really interesting!

Thanks for the report! I totally agree that the environment should be SPOTLESS.

Very interesting!

Ditto! I am almost three months out from surgery and am almost 20 pounds down. It's sloooow, but I think in the end that is okay for me.

Way to go, RevyD!!!!

I agree with you gals. There's something about simply reading the posts that keeps me on track. The past couple of months have been rough mentally for me (stressful; not related to the band). I haven't even thought about my band for weeks, which is weird. I'm going to try and check in more frequently. Um, is it possible that typing on this new format seems faster? Probably not. I'm just high on penecillin (strep throat).

You can do it!

Angie, I look forward to reading your posts so much! You're so positive and informative. Thank you!

You can do it, Barb! [Angie, you add sparkle to my day.]