EricaG

that's great. last flight I was on, I couldn't even breathe while my table was down... I just folded it back up and got really annoyed with myself. but... this why we make changes for the better.

I'm sorry to hear this. I have a friend in New Albany MS or somewhere around there... she was banded in the US, but I'm going to ask her for the details to her doctor. I know Memphis is only like a 2 hr drive from her or less. I'm going to ask her for her doctor's info and i'll let you know. I fortunately live in Los Angeles and it's a 2hr drive to the OCC... I can only imagine the frustration you are going through. I hope for your speedy recovery.

Did you have a blind fill? 7cc's seems alot for a blind fill. either way... take care of yourself and again, so sorry you had to go through this.

this is nice, thank you! i'm going to try it. I usually run for 30-35 mins and run to non-stop for a whole song (on my ipod) or pick up the speed if a fast pace song comes on...LOL but i'll try this.

Don't feel frustrated. i've slowly lost 37lbs and I'm at my 5th fill all done at the OCC. I'm not sure what kind of injury that is, but TRY to put in some walking into your daily activity. I didn't lose much at my 2nd fill... only a few pounds but I've been trying really hard. Be patient, if you think you are eating well enough to be showing results by now, start food tracking. There are some websites you can use that will help you with the calorie count. I use myfitnesspal app on my iphone. There is also livestrong.com (my plate) that helped alot. Good Luck.

OH and if you think you're chewing enough... chew like 10 more times, helps to avoid getting stuck... and that thing you got stuck on...like bread or pasta...don't eat it again.

what's the funnel effect?

and you can do this..you've lost way more than that before.. lol and we're all in this together. glad to hear from ya. and good luck.

that's great. but i would ask for her notes. i wouldn't want to be cheated out of my fills either. speak up and ask them what they can do to fix this problem.

I live fairly close, but I usually stick around and eat something..have a yogurt or whatever... but I've never really had a problem with the fills, they're actually pretty accurate.

My goal, besides just new clothes, is I want a new gortex jacket. sexy I know.

Hey it doesnt matter what it is!! as long as it gives you that feeling of accomplishment.. it's hard work!!

My half way goal was to go get a manicure. My final goal is a shopping trip to the Open air market at the College of the Desert in Palm Springs. It has awesome new clothes that are 1/2 the cost of in the store.

that's awesome, you should visit the Cabazon outlet too!!

I'm almost half way to my goal weight. I was looking around at some shoe/clothing sites online, since I've developed a hatred to physically going to the stores and trying things on since I put on my weight.

Any whooo... I'm putting aside a little money for when I meet my goal weight, I'm going to reward myself with a little shopping because obviously I'm going to need new clothes, But I ran across some beautiful pumps online that I feel in love with instantaneously. Normally I wouldn't have an issue with buying shoes since my feet are still the same size. Regardless, I wouldn't be able to wear them... I noticed, like 60 lbs ago, I couldn't wear my high heels for too long anymore. My weight dragged me down. So that's what I'm going to get for myself when I meet my goal weight. Besides being able to get into my cute clothes and out of the jean and t-shirts... I'm looking forward to my high heel pumps.

I know being healthy is a reward in itself, but what are you going to reward yourself with when you meet your goal weight?

well i had pudding... i know it's suppose to be stuff i can drink, but i needed variety. I would stick the spoon into the pudding and what ever it picked up, i would put in my mouth. I think i also had jello, i would liquify it in my mouth before i swallowed it.

Flaxseed Nutritional Value

Whole flax seed (ground meal, powder or intact seed) contains 28% dietary fiber, (7 – 10% soluble fiber, 11 - 18% insoluble fiber), 40% fat (73% of it being polyunsaturated fatty acids), and 21% protein. Other flax seed nutrients include vitamins E and B, sterols, and mineral nutrients such as calcium, iron, and potassium. More than 50% of the fat in flax seed is an essential fatty acid called omega-3 fatty acid (alpha-linolenic acid, ALA ), which makes flax seed the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acid. Flax seed is rich in antioxidants, such as lignans (also a phytosterogen) and other phenolic molecules. Unlike the ground meal and powder, flax seed oil contains no dietary fiber.

Benefits of Flaxseed in Human Health

The above list of nutrients renders flax seed to have beneficial effects on human health. The high dietary fiber in flax seed, due to its high water-holding capacity and low digestibility, increases the bulkiness and gastric emptying of stool. This in effect helps relieve constipation and other irritable bowel syndrome. Lignans, which are antioxidants, are also associated with lower serum cholesterol and may help reduce oxidative damage to cells and cellular molecules from free radicals. Flax seed may also lower blood glucose and improve insulin tolerance (diabetes). Whole flaxseed (powder and ground meal) may also reduce serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Flaxseed can also reduce some markers of inflammation, and raise serum levels of the omega-3 fatty acids, ALA.

Ok, so I have just found out that OCC sends you home with an empty band, so my question is, do you feel any restriction at all? Is it individual based? What were others' experience?

YES, right after you are banded, you go home and it's empty. during your liquid phase it's hard to tell since you're on liquids and you don't really have to worry too much about the hunger. after the liquid phase it's pretty much up to you to practice good chewing and drinking 45mins after you eat.. but if you're lucky you might feel some restriction. I personally didn't feel any until my first fill... i felt it for about a week and then it went away. now i'm at my 5th and I finally feel the restriction. but to honestly, everyone is different. I believe one of the bansters here lost all her weigh or almost all her weight with NO FILLS.

HAHA exactly what Dolittle said... I especially agree on this part.

"Then its surgery time, then you'll wake up and wonder if you even had surgery"

that's great! I've been banded for 10 months or so and I am just starting to lose about 1 lb every two-three days. don't feel discouraged. I'm glad you got checked out before you did any damage to your band. Well I hope you stay motivated and wish you lots of luck in your journey.. I know it's hard even when banded. <3

I've never used "steel cut oats" before. I usually just use regular quaker oats for my smoothie. I have used Coach's Oats before and they are a little more crunchy. Those also worked fine in the blender and didn't conflict with my smoothie. I also have never tried using cooked oats in my smoothie. how does that taste?

I am so excited 10.5 weeks im 1/2 way to dr mirandas goal. woot woot!!

great job girl!! I still have about 8lbs to my half way goal.. I just don't remember Dr. Miranda's goal for me... I think she asked me what do I want to weigh, I said "130" and she said "that's your goal".

GREAT JOB! it's taking me a while longer but as long as I get there I'm fine!!

oh thanx! i'll check this out.

go to avenida revolucion.

oh man, sounds bad, call the OCC they're the ones that can tell you what is wrong. Feel better soon

Haha! Love it

Great idea, I have a bunch of flax seed. I never thought of putting them in my shake. Thanks!

oh yes!! it helps with digestion!! keeps me regular

yuuuuuuum.. i do gummies too they're just way more fun

I've had mine over a year. and i used it alot for my soups in my liquid phase. I have my shake in the morning too... i use flax seed in mine. I love my bullet.

yeah that's fine. now just watch what you eat and make smart choices. i lost like 7 lbs in my liquid phase.