robbynnoel

(((((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone)))))))))))))))) Head hunger has already hit...yikes. I've only been at this for an hour. lol For me, it's the same tapes that play, over and over and over. A year ago, I weighed 212...then I piled on weight fast and hard. That's what brought me to the OCC. Part of me wants to take a nap and sleep it off but I since my husband is home with me today I don't want to do that. Normally I entertain myself by cooking...it's (I don't even have to eat or taste if I cook...it's just the act of doing something I guess) but it's far far far too early to start dinner. lol Far to early. Maybe I'll roast a chicken for my family tonight (grapeseed oil, lemon, garlic, kosher salt, pepper) that would take about 2 hours to prep and cook...not to mention a trip to the grocery store. I found the recipe online for the Olive Garden salad dressing and components...that has to chill 30 minutes (or longer) before serving. (Lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, banana peppers, olives, croutons - served with a creamy Italian dressing). I know that on my OCC paper work it says that 2 weeks before is two protein drinks and a lean cuisine so I could have a small amount of chicken and salad but I'm better off just sticking to the protein drinks. I think if I taste solid food I'll give myself permission to eat something off program. I'm addicted to food, so for me it will be easier to do 100% protein shakes and drinks for the next two weeks. Maybe I should take a hot shower (laugh to self...I just typed "hot salad" instead of "hot shower") and if I'm still dealing with head hunger take a walk. Just a question, does anyone eat 3 meals only no snacks and nothing in between unless it's a glass of water? I think that's the route I'll have to go because head hunger is absolutely my biggest problem.

((((((((((((((((((Nicole))))))))))))))))))) Hugs! Thanks for posting an update, I've been thinking about you. xo

(((((((((((((((((((Mona))))))))))))))))))))) Hugs! There was an issue because my allergist said he couldn't get to the meds to test me...but I talked to the OCC and they have assured me everything is under control and they are confident they know what happened with my first doctor in San Francisco and how to prevent that from happening again. I feel really confident. I hope you are well.

(((((((((((((((((((Tracey))))))))))))))))))) Great question...this is what I'm packing. (I needed to make this list...let me know if I forgot anything obvious) 1. The prescription meds I take daily 2. The prescription meds I was issued before the last surgery attempt (not at the OCC) *I thought I'd ask the OCC if I need them, I never opened them but I can't return them. 3. Lipton package soup...cream of chicken 4. Herb Ox cubes 5. My vitamins. I purchased one that is chewable but it's like a gummy worm so I think I'll get a liquid one instead. 6. My vitamin C chewable (they're chocolate flavored...I'll have to ask if I can take them after the surgery...I think I have to pick up bariatric ones.) 7. Sudoko and puzzle books 8. A few books to read, a biography of Marilyn Monroe and French Women Don't Get Fat (which is a great book)...some guy named Ariel wrote a book on the lapband process...I might bring that too...lol 9. Makeup for the "day after" 10. A really adorable black night outfit with hot pink flamingos. (It's so cute...) 11. Toiletries (brush, toothbrush, toothpaste) 12. A pair of frumpy black sweat pants (but they are so comfy...I'll wear that or the night outfit when I go to the hospital for the surgery) 13. My Rick Springfield T Shirt (to wear with the frumpy black sweat pants) *** I'm throwing my black frumpy sweat pants away the day I'm released from the hospital to symbolize my new life 14. A pair of jeans and a nice top for the plane ride there 15. A pair of black sweats that aren't frumpy for the plane ride home 16. White slip on sneakers 17. Black boots 18. Ohhhh...the check for the surgery What are you bringing.

(((((((((((((((((((((Lena)))))))))))))))))))))))))) I can't wait to meet you! I fly out on the 21st. My daughter is named "Merrielena" and we call her "Lena". BTW my husband (who's traveling with me is from NY). I don't really have anything to add, I just wanted to thank you for posting this because I was going to ask the same thing. xo

(((((((((((((((((((Valentino))))))))))))))))))) Hugs to you. I haven't been banded yet, but a few years ago I was a weight loss consultant for a nationally known company. I learned a lot about plateaus and how the body reacts to stress. I DON'T think my theory is proven, but I believe whole heartedly that stress can affect weight loss. I posted something about 2 months ago that was called "100 reasons to ignore the scale" you might want to check out. It will make you feel better. I just also posted something to someone with the same concerns a few moments ago. Someone a few months ago posted something called "Stop and live your life"...that is excellent reading too. What I believe (and I'm sure I could be wrong) is that if you wake up every morning and tell yourself that you eat and act like a thin person, eventually you'll believe it...and when you believe it (or should I say the "more" you believe it) the more you'll emulate the principals needed to get to goal. Negative self talk can really cripple us. Trust me, I've been there. Hugs to you. Think positive. (And the phrase "I'll positively fail" doesn't count. j/k) I BELIEVE IN YOU! You will get to goal. I've got my nickle on you. xo

((((((((((((((((((((Pammie)))))))))))))))))))))) Thank you for posting this. I can't wait to try it. xo

Whoops...I cut myself off... Where was I...oh yes, a professional bra fitting. I'll be honest. I'm 42 years old and I purchased bras the other day. I wear a 42c...trust me...if I could find a b, I'd buy it. Ah...yea, so I go to Nordstrom and have my bra fitted...turns out I'm a 38dd. Yikes. I only purchased one of the bras they pulled for me because I think it will change as I lose weight, but think about how fab I'll look in Mexico in my "before" photo. xo

(((((((((((((((((Samantha)))))))))))))))))) Amen to that. They do -S - U - C - K-. Hang in there. Put away your scale and just concentrate on the healthy life style changes you've made and your current success. When you put away your scale, also put away one piece of clothing that fits you perfectly. After 30 days...(yes...not a day more than 30) pull out the garmet you stowed away and try it on. If after seeing how fab fab fab the garmet fits you, you STILL want to pull out the scale do so. If seeing the garmet is enough, keep the scale tucked away and stow away another outfit.) Lather...rinse...repeat once a month. xo Also, another tip I learned today...if you call ahead to a store like Macy's or Nordstrom they will pull outfits for you before you arrive at the store. Give yourself permission to try on a few things they pull. They'll guide you on what fits your body "today" and help you with taloring when you lose more weight/inches. Their clothes might cost a bit more, but you don't need to buy everything they pull but promise yourself you'll buy at least one item. Then in all honesty, after seeing a professional tell you what works and what doesn't, you can walk into a store with more reasonable prices (since anything you pick won't fit you shortly) and use what you learned to buy a few more items if you need to. I followed my own advise for the first time today! I needed 3 outfits because we're going to film 3 shows before my surgery date and go on a vaca from taping for a month. I knew the clothes had to "fit" me today and I knew only a professional could tell me if they did. I didn't buy pants, only 3 tops...oh and they will also fit you for a bra. I RECOMMEND THIS!!!

(((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone))))))))))))))))))))))) For those of you who don't know me, my name is Robbyn and I have local cable cooking show. In two weeks, I'll be traveling to OCC for lapband surgery. Because of this, I'm experimenting with recipes that are heart and lapband healthy yet still curb my inner desire for comfort food. I know there is a recipe area on this site, but it doesn't look like it's been used for a bit so I am posting the recipe here. I hope that's okay. I also posted this on Facebook under the group "What's for dinner? With Robbyn and Gina". Enjoy. --------- If you're cautious about carbs...this is for you! This was a huge hit at home and because whole wheat pasta is used, everyone left the table satisfied. 1 package whole wheat penne 1 package baby spinach 3 garlic cloves 2 tbsp ricotta cheese (you can use non fat or low fat too...) 2 tbsp cream cheese (you can use non fat or low fat too...) 1/8 cup fresh parm/reg cheese 1/8 cup romano cheese Kosher salt Olive oil Boil whole wheat pasta for about 12 minutes in boiling water seasoned with kosher salt. In a food process place 1/2 bag of baby spinach, garlic, ricotta, cream cheese, parm/reg cheese and romano cheese and mix on high until smooth and creamy. Place remaining spinach at bottom of large pasta bowl. Strain pasta using spider and place it on top of the spinach. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil and small amount of parm/reg if desired and toss as if tossing a salad. Add mixture from food processor (there is no need to heat it...it will be heated by the pasta). If the sauce seems too dry, add a small amount of pasta water. Toss again. Top with a small amount of parm/reg cheese and serve. ****Note to bandsters...I haven't been banded yet and I was stuffed after just a cup, so was my husband so your serving size would be even smaller if you've been banded I'd imagine. xo

((((((((((((((((Smiley))))))))))))))))) Glad to hear everything went well! Hugs to you. I can't wait to see pictures. xo

(((((((((((((((((((Dana))))))))))))))))))) I'm excited to. I think the move to Texas will be good for my family and I love the weather there. Today the weather here was mucky...in July San Francisco gets cold and foggy. I think that's starting early this year. Thank you so much for your messages. They have meant so much to me. We are in this together.

(((((((((((((((((Angie))))))))))))))))))) It is a good day. I'll go back and look at some of the posts you made after your surgery. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with me.

((((((((((((((((((Carrie)))))))))))))))))) Thank you so much for your post. I always enjoy reading your posts, especially the "stop and live your life" post two months ago. Wow, has it been that long? I think about your post every day and how much it has helped me accept things as they are for now and move forward. xo

(((((((((((((((((((((Angie))))))))))))))))))))) Hugs! Yes, I'm so glad I began to rope myself in a bit. How are you feeling?

(((((((((((((Shiney))))))))))))) I arrive at 10:26 AM on Thu, May 21, 2009 and I fly out at 10:00 AM on Sun, May 24, 2009. I'm looking forward to meeting you.

(((((((((((((((Diana)))))))))))))))))) Thank you so much. I wasn't in a good place on Friday at all. I'm glad everything came together. Thank god I switched to the OCC. xo I'm looking forward to joining you in Onderland.

(((((((((((((((((((((((Tracey))))))))))))))))))))))) Yes I'd love to meet up. Are you bringing anyone with you? My husband is coming down with me. I asked Lori to book us at the Marriot too!

(((((((((((((((((Stormy)))))))))))))))))) Good post. I have to order a medic alert bracelette because of some allergies I have as well so I thought I'd order it after I was banded to include both.

((((((((((((((((Tracey)))))))))))))))))) I'm looking forward to meeting you. When are you flying in? I'm flying in on Thursday the 21st and out the following Sunday.

(((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone))))))))))))))))))))) I booked my flight today. I fly in on Thursday, 5/21 and home on Sunday, 5/24. Feel free to pm me if you'll be at the OCC at the same time.

((((((((((((((((Everyone))))))))))))))) I'm booking my flight today! I'm so excited.

((((((((((((((((((I'm so happy)))))))))))))))))) I just heard from the OCC and they have the info they need so my surgery date is still on. Phew. I'm feeling so much better! AND my cooking show, "What's for dinner?" (ironic huh?) starts filming next Tuesday in my kitchen. Today is a good day.

(((((((((((((Hugs Everyone)))))))))))))) I'm still waiting for official word from the OCC and my allergist. I'm hopeful and I decided to start the pre op in case things still go through.

OMG Dana...I just looked up their address...it's "7777". I was married on 07-07-07 (and the house we're selling closed escrow on 07-07-06...and my mother passed on 07-07-08...and we were going to "list" our house for sale on 07-07-09 for 777,777 just to be cute). I feel so much better! Thank you! ((((((((((((((((((((((Dana))))))))))))))))))))