DonnaMaria
Keep your weight off!
Jan 17, 2008
Maintaining weight loss after bariatric surgery is the result of “staying on track” with diet and lifestyle modification. It has been shown that weight gain can begin two years after surgery. In the case of the post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patient, this is when “dumping syndrome” can taper off and sugary foods are more tolerated without negative effects. In both RYGB and LAP-BAND® patients, old food habits can return when there is a higher caloric intake. Failure to lose weight and weight regain within the first two years indicate poor adherence to diet.
Six main activities are important for success after weight loss surgery:
1. controlling portions
2. eating right for good nutrition
3. setting personal goals
4. exercising
5. reducing stress
6. participating in support groups
Portion control helps maintain the balance between calories in and calories out. Initially following surgery, patients need to measure their fluids and foods consumed. This helps them focus on portion control by estimating how many calories are consumed during the day. Since the small stomach pouch can hold one ounce or two tablespoons, all food measurements should be in fluid ounces (using measuring cups or measuring spoons instead of weighing foods on food scales). Long-term, each meal should be approximately one cup and each snack should be approximately one-half cup.
Good nutrition after surgery includes the right balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats. Protein is the main nutrient; the goal is to consume 70 grams of protein per day between foods and fluids. Including a complete protein source (e.g., lean meat or meat alternative, poultry, fish, eggs, milk products, or tofu) at each meal helps achieve the protein goal. Good protein snacks should not exceed one-half cup in volume. Some examples are: low-fat cheese (no more than 5-6 grams of fat per serving), hard-boiled egg, light yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese, lean ham or turkey and cheese roll-up, tuna salad (light mayonnaise) or chicken salad.
Supplements such as protein shakes or protein bars should be used if you cannot meet these needs with solid foods. Protein drinks should contain approximately 200 calories and 20 grams of protein per 12-ounce drink. Solid foods will maintain satiety longer than liquids, including protein drinks. Furthermore, drinking protein drinks with excess calories instead of eating solid foods can cause weight gain.
After bariatric surgery, you may ask, “To carb or not to carb?” Carbohydrates in the form of fruits, whole grains, legumes and vegetables are important to meet your daily fiber goal. These foods contain vitamins and minerals that you cannot get from protein foods alone. Fructose in the form of whole fruits will generally not cause dumping syndrome, though cutting out specifically concentrated juices from the diet will lower overall caloric intake and possibly help with dumping syndrome after RYGB. The general recommendation for fiber is 20-35 grams per day.
A fiber supplement, such as Benefiber® or Sugar-free Metamucil® powder, mixed with a sugar-free fluid, may be used as needed.
The key is to limit foods with added sugars. Avoid sucrose, dextrose, dextrin, glucose, maltose and crystallized sugar as noted on the food product ingredient label. Other forms of sugar to avoid are invert sugar, raw sugar, brown sugar, corn sweetener, (high fructose) corn syrup, maple or malt syrups, honey, molasses, rice syrup and fruit juice concentrates.
Healthy fats recommended in the diet include olive oil and canola oil used sparingly for cooking. Omega-3 fatty acids from eating oily fish, e.g., salmon or tuna, twice a week, are a great option. Milled and ground flaxseed and organic flaxseed oil also contain Omega-3 fatty acids; the recommendation is 1 tablespoon per day, if desired. Milled and ground flaxseed also contain fiber and protein, whereas flaxseed oil does not. Flaxseed should be refrigerated to preserve freshness. Note that the use of flaxseed is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.
Fluid intake should be at least 64 ounces each day. Sugar-free drinks such as Crystal Light or other caffeine-free, non-carbonated beverages are recommended. Caffeine interferes with absorption of calcium, which is a major mineral at risk for deficiency after RYGB: 300-400 milligrams of caffeine per day may reduce absorption of calcium and increase risk of bone fracture over time. Also, in larger amounts, caffeine can cause dehydration. Carbonated beverages may cause abdominal discomfort or belching. Finally, avoiding alcohol is recommended for at least one year after bariatric surgery. In the case of RYGB, the segment of the intestine where fluids enter from the small pouch has a large surface area for absorption; therefore, alcohol is absorbed more quickly after surgery. Also, there is less of the enzyme that metabolizes alcohol (alcohol dehydrogenase), which increases the intoxicating effects after a small amount of alcohol is consumed. This can impair judgment and increase the potential to overeat.
For long-term optimal nutrition, daily vitamin and mineral supplementation is required to prevent micronutrient deficiencies. A daily chewable multivitamin is needed after LAP-BAND surgery, whereas additional supplements, including iron, calcium, folic acid and vitamin B12, are needed after RYGB due to malabsorption issues that occur after surgery. The post-surgery RYGB patient will need specific forms of supplements in higher dosages.
Setting personal goals is very important after bariatric surgery. Short-term behavioral goals of diet modification and commitment to exercise are necessary to meet and maintain the long-term weight loss goal. Keeping a daily plan is highly beneficial; the goal at mealtime should be to find the balance in recognizing “fullness.” Eating three meals per day and including a good protein source at each meal are important. Solid foods help maintain satiety, as does waiting 30-60 minutes before and after meals to drink fluids. Keeping a food journal will show you how much you are eating and whether your protein and fluid goals are being met. If you have physical or emotional reactions to specific foods, you can write them down as well. Self-monitoring has been shown to be an important factor in the success of weight management.
Exercising on a regular basis is a key factor in weight maintenance. After surgery, aerobic activity of moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes per day, five or more days per week, is recommended. This can help when weight “plateaus” present a challenge for a patient. Increasing exercise duration and intensity can increase calorie expenditure and, if maintained, continue weight loss. Further, exercise is a natural stress reducer.
Remember that you decided upon surgery for self-improvement. Get a massage, take time to read a good book, relax or enjoy a favorite activity. Stress is a trigger for overeating; recognize your triggers for food temptations. Adequate sleep also reduces stress, so aim for eight hours of sleep each night. Spend time with family and friends, as their support is critical to your ongoing success.
You can network with other patients at regular support group meetings. During these meetings, patients share personal journeys and experiences, ask questions, and receive education regarding various areas of interest after surgery (plastic surgery, nutrition, psychology, exercise, cooking). A safe atmosphere is created; patients can bring a spouse or friend and address concerns or share success stories.
Jennifer Naples, MS, RD, LD, is a clinical dietician at Houston’s Methodist Hospital, specializing in bariatrics. She has appeared on the Learning Channel’s Big Medicine series.
Calorie cycling
Jan 06, 2008
What is the 'Wendie Plan'?
First of all, let it be known that the Wendie Plan is NOT something different than good old Weight Watchers. Most of the people who regularly visit here are following the WW plan. However, this does not mean that the Wendie Plan can not be easily adapted for people who are using Richard Simmons, and/or counting calories. I suppose even people following a plan such as Atkins could adapt this to their program, however I do not recommend it. The reason is simple. I do not recommend the Atkins program or any other low/no-carb program like that. Why? Because it is not (or SHOULD not) be a lifestyle change, and because it is very dangerous to your health. I cannot advocate any program that would put your health at risk.
The Wendie Plan is very simple. You follow a simple plan of eating. You eat your regular foods that you have on WW. You work within your point range. You drink the water, get some exercise, etc., etc., etc. What is different? You alternate the amount of points you use each day. What could be more simple?
Let us assume for a moment that your point range falls between 22-29 points per day. (This is based on the original 123 plan, not the "Winning Points" plan) WW says that you can eat up to 29 points every day, and still lose weight. Do you? Maybe. Maybe not. Ever notice that on some days you aren't very hungry and on other days you feel you could eat all the points in the universe? After doing extensive research, I have discovered several things that don't always ring true.
At this point, if you are someone who has been doing the program and losing a steady 2+ pounds per week, you don't have to read on any further. Your body is doing what it needs to for you to lose weight. If you are struggling to drop a pound, and no matter how hard you have tried the pounds won't shake loose? Read on...this is for you.
First of all, just because you eat within the points you have been assigned, drink all of your water, exercise at least 20 minutes every day, journal till the cows come home... does not mean that you will lose weight. I don't mean to depress you, but it is the truth. We have countless people here, myself included, who can attest to this. They try really hard, but week after week they are struggling to even lose part of a pound. I see it all the time. So... what are they doing wrong?
Oddly enough, they are doing one tiny little thing wrong. It is one tiny, insignificant thing, but it is keeping them from losing weight faster and at a steady rate. The secret to The Wendie Plan is simple. Alternate your points daily. At the start of your week, alternate the number of points you eat daily. Your rhythm of your week should look like this: low/high/low/very high/very low/high/med. high.
For example. If your range allows you to eat between 22-29 points per day:
- Day 1 - 22 points
- Day 2 - 28 points
- Day 3 - 23 points
- Day 4 - 36-39 points
- Day 5 - 22 points
- Day 6 - 29 points
- Day 7 - 27 points
On the WW plan, 22-29 points per day, you will eat between 154 points (low end) 203 points (high end) during the course of the week. On the Wendie Plan, you will eat 190 points during the course of the week. Which falls towards the high end of the range, but not the highest. (Adjust the points to fit your current range).
We have already seen some amazing results using the Wendie Plan. I developed this plan out of sheer frustration. After being on WW for 17 months, and having lost no weight in the last 9 months of program, but being too stubborn to actually quit, I found myself pouring over 17 months of anally kept journals, trying to find the one key which would unlock my door to success. In the first 8 months I was successful. I lost 40 pounds. What happened then to impede my progress? I was still following the program in every way. I was doing everything right, but experiencing no weight loss. Why?
Why, indeed? The most interesting aspect of my journey came at the end of May, 2000. I weighed in on WW and had reached a 40 pound loss. I decided I was close enough to a 50 pound loss and I wanted to reach it by the 4th of July. That was a reachable goal. So I worked even harder. I dropped my points down to 25 per day, and began exercising more. Everyday I was outside walking through parks or in the fitness center hitting the treadmill. At the end of 5 weeks, I had a net gain of 1.2 pounds! Muscle? To some degree, yes. But, as I never began to look like Arnold Schwarztenager, I realized that something had gone terribly wrong. I had "shrunk" a bit, which was to be expected, but still, at the end of 5 weeks, I was heavier. I continued. I worked out everyday, and kept my points down. This has got to work, right? Not necessarily. At the end of the next 5 weeks, I was down exactly 1.2 pounds. So my net loss for the 10 weeks after Memorial Day was zero!
I continued to work very hard, and by September, I had played around with the same 3 pounds all summer. Up, down, up, down but never gone for good. In October, I celebrated 1 year of WW, by maintaining my 40 pound loss for four months! What was up with this?
I stopped attending WW meetings in October, because first, I was making no headway, and I became so depressed at Monday's weigh-ins that it took until Tuesday afternoon to snap back out of it; and second, I did not get the support I needed through WW. They simply had no answers as to why I was not losing weight even though I was working the program very conscientiously. At the last couple of weigh-ins, when I was going up a pound each week, I got the general impression that my leader felt that I was not really working the program. At that point, I walked out for good.
I tried several things between Halloween and Christmas to shake some pounds loose, but to no avail. I then went back to WW the day after Christmas. It is interesting to note what happened. First, I didn't start the program that first week. I weighed in on Tuesday, and then rather half-heartedly began the program on Friday. When I weighed in on Tuesday, I was down 3.5 pounds! I buckled down and worked very hard on program the next week. I measured everything, exercised, drank my water, and journaled every bite. The following Monday I weighed in and I had GAINED 2 pounds! What is up with that?
It didn't take very long for me to see that going to WW was not going to help me. My body was being incredibly stubborn and was not going to let me lose this weight. Do you see a pattern forming here?
In addition to having 17 months of journals, I also have kept a spreadsheet of my weight losses. I began pouring over my journals and comparing what I did on certain weeks to the amount of weight I lost at the end of that particular week. I made an astonishing discovery.
I have always been a moderate loser. Meaning, I usually lost about a pound a week. Other people may lose 3 pounds a week, but I usually lost a pound, sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less. But I was very consistent in losing. There were some weeks, however, when I did lose more than a pound per week. Interestingly, the weeks I had my biggest losses were weeks when I overate! The weeks were Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years! Christmas Day I ate 43 points! I lost 4.75 pounds that week! Upon further studies, I discovered something else. Every week that I overate one day, I had larger than average losses! How can that be?
It has long been thought that you have use 3500 calories less than you need in order to lose one pound. I simply don't believe it. I know it is mathematical, and mathematics was never my strongest subject, but science has always been an area in which I have excelled. I believe that our bodies are far more complicated than a simple mathematical formula can describe. The body is like a fireplace. If you build a fire, at first it takes awhile to warm up. You add more fuel and it burns more efficiently. The more fuel you add to it, the hotter it burns. Add less fuel, and it begins to cool down.
Our bodies were built for survival. If you go on a "diet" the body can become uncomfortable. This is especially true if you take so much food away from it that it feels as if it is going to starve. There is a lot of talk about not eating too little. Your body will go into "starvation mode" and you won't lose any weight. Well, to a point, this is true. Your body will lose weight if you starve it, but it won't want to, and it will take the weight from places you don't necessarily want to lose it from. That is why some people who lose a lot of weight look "gaunt", and is far more likely to hear comments like "have you been sick"? as opposed to "You look good!"
Why does "The Wendie Plan" work?
Your body has this wonderful little thermostat inside of it. It regulates everything you do. If you feed it lots of food, it turns the thermostat up and burns it as efficiently as possible. This is why you have been able to eat as much fast food before WW and didn't gain the amount of weight that you should have. Your body became more efficient and was able to burn off much of the excess amount of calories. Otherwise, with the amount of food we porked in pre-WW, we should have been gaining 2-3 pounds per day!
When you go on a "diet" where you dramatically decrease the amount of calories that you consume, your body thinks "Oh-oh, we're going to starve to death here" and immediately turns the thermostat down to conserve energy. After all, your body will do whatever it has to do to ensure that you stay alive. It doesn't know that you don't want to carry those extra pounds around. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to convince my body that I really do want to shed those extra pounds through talking to it.
That is where The Wendie Plan comes in. If I can't get my body to shed the extra pounds by talking to it, then I have to trick it in to letting them go! The Wendie Plan is the trick.
If you are on WW, or even just counting calories, and you stick with a set amount of calories per day, such as 1400 or say, 27 points per day, your body will adjust to that. It will become extremely efficient at using just the amount of calories (energy) that you are giving it. You may lose fairly well at first, but after the first week or so, you will find that your losses may slow ... way... down, and even stop. Isn't it nice to have such an energy efficient body? However, the body isn't extremely fast. If you give it the same amount of food every day, it will adjust itself. But if you change the amount of food it gets every day, it doesn't have time to adjust itself! Which means on that day that you eat 10 points over your highest, it tries to adjust by turning up your thermostat, but it is unable to turn it down for the low points the next day. What you are doing, in essence, is keeping your body guessing. It doesn't have time to adjust the thermostat down, before it needs to turn it back up. What eventually happens is your body will never again feel as though it is going to starve to death, and it will never again try to shut down the thermostat, so you will continue to lose at a more rapid loss. This also means fewer plateaus.
Some people are aghast at the thought of actually eating 10 points over their maximum. I know, its the hardest part for me, too. Again, I just have to plan higher point meals for those days and make sure I actually follow through. If the huge point day isn't done, then the body will not turn the thermostat up high enough. It is all a formula which has to be adhered to high points, as well as low point days.
What about exercise points? What about them? I never use them. I just know that I don't plan any big exercise on my low points days. If I am going on an 8 mile hike, I will probably do it on my high or super-high day, so that I can take advantage of the extra fuel to get me through the exercise. I think WW was using the activity points as a carrot to get people to exercise. More activity, more food. I don't believe in that. Eat what your body needs. Exercise plays a good role in this plan, because exercising increases your metabolic rate. (Which turns up the thermostat even more!) So does increased muscle. Arrange your high point days on the days that you exercise. Or better yet, arrange your exercise around your high point days. My high point days usually fall mid-week. But why? It makes more sense to me to have my highest point day fall on Saturday. That is the most likely day that I will be doing an 8 mile hike. Fit this plan into your lifestyle.
My WW leader told us that it isn't what you do for one meal that causes you to gain or lose, it's what you do for 21 meals that makes a difference. What this is telling me is that I have 7 days, 21 meals, and 217 points to use. How I choose to use them over the course of a week is totally up to me. If I choose to have 42 points on Sunday and 24 points on Monday... I am still on program. Even better, I will probably lose some weight. Do not be afraid to have that one high point day. Just as you shouldn't be afraid to have the low point ones. At the end of the week, you will have lost weight.
CheerS!
Wendie
Edited by: lovetwin at: 8/1/01 8:23:11 am
From: Pointing My Way To A New Life
http://www.3fatchicks.com/
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=113166
Minutes to 1000
Jan 05, 2008
1/4 60 minutes at rehersal for "Are we there yet"
Kitchen Help from OH
Jan 01, 2008
Kitchen help from OH
Jan 01, 2008
Answer to my band problems
Dec 26, 2007
I am one of those people that had trouble since my first fill. So for about a year I have had problems and if you asked me a month ago I would tell you I would not recommend anyone to get the band after the problems I was having. I was getting stuck all the time. Finally a couple of weeks ago I went to the Dr. and told him the truth about my band. He commented that he was surprised that I hadn't lost more weight since the band was giving me so much trouble. I explained that I had lost four pounds in four months and I was very happy with that. To be fair I was eating alot of soft food and alot of nuts and crackers since those things went down easily. He recommended a upper GI. While waiting for the GI I visited the site as I do daily and I started seeing alot of posts about med's. Now I have seen these posts for months but I decided to actually open one. Imagine my surprise when I realized that I was irritating my band every day by swallowing three and a half pills every night five minutes before going to bed. Not only was I am taking the med's right before laying down but all three were bigger than an Advil which is the size that is too big. Lastly when I took these pills it was with one sip of water. So I changed my nightly medicine routine and with my unfill I have been like the day I had my band put in. The moral of the story is alot of times we are our bands own worst enemy. I have lost two pounds since the Upper GI and actually have a full feeling again when I eat because I can eat enough at one time to get full. Now I would recommend the band again but not without much, much, much more research than I did.
Thanks, Donna Marie
Upper GI
Dec 12, 2007
WLS Mistakes
Dec 12, 2007
1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, Supplements, or Minerals
Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include:
Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning.
Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible.
2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity
A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back.
A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery.
3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals
Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating.
4th Mistake: Not Eating Right
Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you.
5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water
Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too.
6th Mistake: Grazing
Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement.
7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly
Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest!
8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much)
Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies.
9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda
Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there.
10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol
If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it.
Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations.
If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn't make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker.
One year with the band!
Sep 14, 2007
I would have surgery once a month to keep my band.
If you have to ask if you are too tight you already are.
The first 60 lbs is easy after that some dieting is required.
You need a sense of humor with the band.
There is no such thing as perfect restriciton.
A Soft spot is on top of a babies head.
My nose runs when its time to stop eating.
If you get stuck bending over and touching your knees a couple times really helps.
I am not scared of gaining my weight back because the band keeps me in line!
I am the luckiest woman alive being able to loose 85 lbs. this year.
Thank you to all who have supported me!
Topic: One year with the band...
| Author | Message |
| DonnaMaria Hawthorne, NJ Ibrahim Ibrahim, M.D. Lap Band (09/14/06) Member Since: 08/24/06 [Latest Posts] |
Post Date: 9/14/07 12:55 pm Last Edit: 9/14/07 3:06 pm What I know: I would have surgery once a month to keep my band. If you have to ask if you are too tight you already are. The first 60 lbs is easy after that some dieting is required. You need a sense of humor with the band. There is no such thing as perfect restriciton. A Soft spot is on top of a babies head. My nose runs when its time to stop eating. If you get stuck bending over and touching your knees a couple times really helps. I am not scared of gaining my weight back because the band keeps me in line! I am the luckiest woman alive being able to loose 85 lbs. this year. Thank you to all who have supported me!
|
    |
 MEMALTDenver, CO Michael A. Snyder MD Lap Band (06/05/06) Member Since: 02/11/06 [Latest Posts] |
Post Date: 9/14/07 1:02 pm Congratulations Donna!! Great post~so true :) Keep it up girlfriend!! Your Secret Santa :) (Wow that was 9 months ago!) Mary Mary M (memalt) |
    |
| DonnaMaria Hawthorne, NJ Ibrahim Ibrahim, M.D. Lap Band (09/14/06) Member Since: 08/24/06 [Latest Posts] |
Post Date: 9/14/07 6:15 pm Mary, Hi. I haven't seen you on the board in awhile. You look awsome. Thanks for the post! Donna |
 |
 beccakevinmomwallingford, CT Geoffrey Nadzam, M.D. Lap Band (06/20/07) Member Since: 07/29/06 [Latest Posts] |
Post Date: 9/14/07 1:03 pm CONGRATULATIONS!!!! And thank you for the words of wisdom - I don't have good restriction yet so I have been dieting - but I am hoping the next one will help!!! Keep up the good work. Deirdre 267/258/223.9 Turkey Day Challenge 15 pounds minus 2.1lbs |
| |
| Jean B. St. Paul, MN Jeffrey Baker M.D. Lap Band (10/23/06) Member Since: 11/12/06 [Latest Posts] |
Post Date: 9/14/07 1:19 pm Happy one year anniversay, Donna! 85 lbs. in a year is great! You must feel so much better. Thanks for sharing your success. Jean B. 267/237/176/140 1st nurse's visit/surgery/current/goal |
| |
| maryh5 northeast, KS Bernita Bernstein, M.D. Lap Band (05/21/07) Member Since: 03/19/07 [Latest Posts] |
Post Date: 9/14/07 1:19 pm Congrats on your year. I love these posts from the more experience bandster, you inspire us not so experienced bandsters to keep going and one day I will make a post like this....Mary |
| |
 lyndeeCA. Namir Katkhouda, M.D. Lap Band (06/13/07) Member Since: 06/07/07 [Latest Posts] |
Post Date: 9/14/07 1:21 pm Happy Bandiversary!!!! Congratulations on your weight loss!!! Lyndee 
|
| |
 jewels_is_meltingLittleton, CO Frank H. Chae, MD FACS Member Since: 05/09/07 [Latest Posts] |
Post Date: 9/14/07 1:23 pm What an awesome post! You are doing GREAT!! |
| |
 Sharon T.southern Wisconsin, WI Thomas Y. Chua M.D. Lap Band (02/13/04) Member Since: 09/15/03 [Latest Posts] |
Post Date: 9/14/07 1:25 pm HAPPY BANDIVERSARY, Donna! You've done a GREAT job, and have a GREAT sense of humor! ha 
SharonT
|
| |
 StellaBlueNW, OR Sergio Verboonen, M.D., F.A.C.S. Lap Band (12/31/05) Member Since: 03/12/07 [Latest Posts] |
Post Date: 9/14/07 1:49 pm Congrats Donna! You've done sooo well, what an inspiration you are :) Keep on working your band, cheers to many more successful years ahead! Happy dance for you! 
Katherine |
||||||||||
| |
|||||||||||
| DonnaMaria Hawthorne, NJ Ibrahim Ibrahim, M.D. Lap Band (09/14/06) Member Since: 08/24/06 [Latest Posts] |
Post Date: 9/14/07 2:20 pm Thank you everyone! |
| |
 Janina P.Long Island, NY Paayal P. Mehta, M.D. Lap Band (04/25/07) Member Since: 03/29/07 [Latest Posts] |
Post Date: 9/14/07 2:40 pm Congratulations! Janina   |
| |
300/278/156 -144 pounds
