sparkplug

Hello~

I read some time ago about enzymes that help food go down better when it is stuck but I cannot find where it was. Does anybody know what I am talking about out there? Thanks so much for all of your help. I read this forum at least 3 times a week and you are all so very helpful!!

Off track, but has anybody taken prednizone since being banded? I have been on it since October and was just wondering how others that are banded have done on it!

Thanks~

Bev

papaya enzyme is a tablet that you can buy at walmart or health food stores. They run usually 100 tabs for around $5 or $6. I swear by them when I get stuck, I chew a few and it helps break down the food quicker than waiting out the stuck episode. Walking also helps when you get stuck. Good luck.

To all my OCC friends,

I just want to wish everyone a very happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday. Whether you are surrounded by family, friends, or friends that are more your family, Enjoy your weekend and keep smiling.

Hugs,

Kristi

Also I want to start something, what you are thankful for?

* This year I am thankful all the wonderful people that have entered into my life. I am blessed.

Have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving

Sue,

It sounds like some wonderful things have changed for you.

Congrats! You have done Wonderfully with your band.

Hugs,

Kristi

you guys are absolutely amazing!

Congrats!!!! You have done a great job and it is great to see you on here again!!!! I love to hear from folks that have been banded longer than me to hear how they are doing!!!

I will be having my 2 year bandiversary on 12/20/10, am down 90 pds and living life! Congratulations to everybody, slow losers especially like myself. We have all come a long way.

This list is a work in progress but I thought I would share some items that I could not live without as they have become priceless replacements in my life:

1. I can’t Believe It Is Not Butter Spray

2. Walden Farms Zero Calorie Dressings & Spreads www.waldenfarms.com

3. Hebrew National 98% Fat Free Hot Dogs

4. Oscar Meyer 98% Fat Free Bologna

5. Digital Food Scale

6. Low Calorie Sliced Bread (Sara Lee, Orowheat, different brands in different parts of the country but 2 slices usually equall about 90 calories with about 4 grams of fiber)

7. Low Calorie hot dog & hamburger buns (if you are lucky enough to find – no longer available in southern California) Wonder bread had some available.

8. Fat Free, Sugar Free Jello Pudding Cups with Fat Free Cool Whip

9. Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches

10. George Forman Grill (my best friend) (You can literally cook an entire meal with it in minutes!)

11. www.calorieking.com (look up the nutritional value for hundreds of items)

12. Pirate Booty

13. Hungry-Girl Cook book & Recipe Cards

14. Dill Pickles - eat as many as you want for zero points!

15. WW Taco Soup Recipe care of Mom - This should have been #1 on thie list as it is a staple in my household since it goes on and with everything from omelettes, potatos, and taco salad. Major comfort food!

16. Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedges (good bye forever mayo & cream cheese!)

17. Oroweat Muti-grain Sandwich Thins (a slice of bread and a bun got married & had a baby and this is it!) - Only 100 calories for 2 slices.

18. Thomas' Bagel Thins (same concept as sandwich thins but a bagel - also works great for sandwiches toasted).

Liquids Anyone?

1. Active Lifestyle Gellatin Cups - loaded with 4 grams of fiber per serving! Flavors are better than Jell-O!

2. Mishima Miso Soup poweder mix - comes in individual packets that you just mix with hot water! Only 35 calories a pop.

3. Cool Whip Lite or Cool Whip Free (great with the Jell-O. Feels like you are cheating when you are not)

4. Nestle Rich Hot Cocoa Powder with Caramel - A liquid Candy Bar!

5. Bigelow Vanilla Chai Tea Bags - A box of 20 (Try with a dash of skim milk and you would think you paid $3.5 for a cup at Starbucks!

6. Campbell's Soup At Hand "Blended Vegetable Medley"

7. Imagine Organic Creamy Tomato Soup (comes in a rectangle carton)

8. Yonique Low Fat Yogurt Drinks (Pina Colada is awesome)

9. Lifeway Lowfat flavored Kefir (found this at Whole Foods)

9. Slim Fast Optima Shakes (The only protein shake I like)

10. Benefiber individual Drink Powder (like Cystal Light except 3 grams of fiber per pouch - sold in the Metamucil Aisle. Flavors are awesome. Mix with bottled water.)

11. Original V8 - I love this at room temp or heated on the stove as a soup.

12. Naked Fruit Smoothies (variety pack of 10, 10 ounce bottles found at Costco for $5.99. I use these for breakfast!)

13. Glaceau Vitaminwater10 - Was sick w/ cold this weekend and had to add this since it literally brought me through the storm single handedly

Great list, thanks!!

congratulations on your success

can anybody tell me how to add my name and ticker. I was on another website for lap band but they revamped and it is overcrowded with advertisements. This site seems to be more positive and enlightening and I really enjoy coming here.

WELL ITS been almost 4 yearsI am 47 now.I have had only 1 fill and that was 3 months after i got the band .. i started out at 305 then i got down to 275 before my surgery..had a few ups and downs. and just stuck at 230- 225 for 2 1/2 years and was feeling great then I started going to the gym and going 4- 6 days a week and now i am at "172" and feel freaking wonderful i will put up pic. if i can ever find out how...haha please I looked at all those pic, and said there is no way I can do it ..you can.. I only could do it with Jesus Christ no joke he was my rock this whole time good luck I know you can do it..God Bless

I think you are all doing fantastic. It makes me feel like I made the right decision also. I will be banded 2 years on 12/20/10 and am down 90 pds. Never had a fill and off all meds, love my band and thank God every day for the courage and help in getting it. I started at 235 pd and am down to 144 and have been maintaining for almost a year.

You guys are awesome!