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Hello out there, I would like some ideas and help with my new (but not unhappy) problem. What to do with the changing body as we loose weight and before plastic surgery? I could sure use some ideas on what to do with loose skin and shrinking but not firm breasts...Many of you have lost a lot of weight and I would love to know any and all secrets or products you used or can recommend as I continue to loose..I am not planning any surgery for probably another year..but I would like to show my emerging body off to the best of my ability..ideas anyone? Thank you.

Ahhh the dreaded scale...I personally find I do worse in my efforts if I use the scale too much. This includes my mental state as well as my physical...who knows why..I concur...follow the rules and don't over think it!!

Yep love cooking with Almond flour..got a great pancake recipe. I'm allergic to walnuts...guess we all have our nut issues..

Well here it is first holiday season with the band..I wanted a place to write down my thoughts as I work through this...So I am trying to work on three things: 1. Meet my mini goal by my 50th which is one week after the holidays 2. Learn to deal with stuff without food 3. Work through the first holiday season at home without my husband (passed away three years ago) First thing I learned is that I need a plan for the next four weeks. Yesterday I learned (after the fact) to look up calories of those yummy foods before you partake of them! More on this later..just wanted to get this going...

Yep, slime...but first I feel an aching sensation in my jaw and cheek..sign that something was too dry, to large, too much..like my one bite of turkey sandwich post Thanksgiving...still learning the ropes on what I can and cannot have...first holiday season with the band..still learning...wonder what's next!

Hi all, Thanks for all the comments regarding hair loss and protein..Funny I should read this around this time since I have realized that I slowly slipped back into some bad habits, namely not getting enough protein in. I have added two Atkins shakes to my day and now four days latter I am feeling better..more energy less sluggishness. I still have not figured out the right amount of protein but I have noticed that over 60 grams makes me feel much better. I will try the link you gave for the isopure, in the past this product upset my stomach and I noticed that even the Atkins shakes can do the same. I am pretty dairy/wheat intolerant..any suggestions or ideas? I have also noticed that my hair is better with more protein.. Thanks all for the great ideas and posts!

Hi!, There are plenty of books, and websites discussing the poisioning of America by sugar. The first book I remember reading was "Sugar Blues" for those who are diabetic sugar has always been a problem. Do some research you may find out a lot and be surprised and motivated to cut out sugar!

I too hate cooking,,, I have found frozen food by Amy's very healthy and helpful..I am not a breakfast person so I have to force down and Atkins shake in the AM with my coffee..I work two jobs so really the only time I can cook is the weekends. Make yourself some portable healthy snacks like string chesse, nuts, pre-cut veggies, and then supplement with frozen meals or easy breakfast like eggs, or a protein shake..just some ideas..

Yes, To the above...all of it.. STOP..it is hard as hell as most of it know..Hell find a support group..come here all day if you have to. I am on today becasue this is the first Thanksgiving holiday since being banded...the holidays with all the emotions...being banded doesn't make them go away..figure out what is really going on...force yourself to get back on track...cry, scream, kick a pillow...we have all been there..just don't take the step of eatting. This journey is the hardest ever I have taken...today the feelings are all there and I am not eatting Hell my kids (smart) aren't even allowing me in the kitchen..gotta love it..so far I have slept, cried, taken a long ass shower, read a book, and came here..all in the effort to stay away from stuffing emotions down..don't give in..think $$ think the pay off when your loosing..you can do it..we are all here for you.

Good advice...Breakfast is always the hardest for me too in general...I eat small amount of protein and am still working on it..a lifelong journey starting with the band!

Hello, I have had two fills since banded in March. I too can eat more than the 1/3 target. But there are foods I can no longer eat without getting "stuck" I have to remind myself that this is a "tool" and my goal is to eat less, within the limits I can manage. I will most likely go for my third fill in November or December, But I don't want to be too tight.. I think a lot of it is personal decision and tolerance. I will only get my fills done at the OCC so I also take that into consideration when budgeting. Bottom line is sometimes I feel restriction and sometimes I don't...so do what you feel is best for you.

Thanks for the info. I use Bob's Red Mill when cooking but I will try the tip of keeping it in the fridge. I also look for healthy food choices that contain flaxseed, like my new found tortilla chips. I also just made my family pancakes with flaxseed and they were pretty good. I am still having trouble with adding in protein..but just have the liquid form as needed for now. I am also trying out a new program starting the 4 of November to address my new busy lifestyle and hope it works. This plan has prepackaged, fresh organic foods, delivered to your door on a weekly basis. By working day and night I have found I am finding little time to eat properly (meaning healthfully) and I hope this helps..I live alone so I don't want to cook or eat at 11 PM when I get home...I will let you know how it goes, I am trying the three week trial plan. Keeping giving us those healthy hints!

Wow, thanks for all the information and inspiration. I will think of you on your journey...keep us all informed. My daughter and I each had the band, and are loosing slowly. I haven't weighed in at this weight in 20 years..feeling good but I think my body is in shock since it is holding on to every ounce...I will not give up and your story is very inspiring. Thank you! Good luck with this new proccedure which will be interesting to follow.