Today my husband had an appointment in downtown Boston. We never go there even though I live about 10-15 miles from there. If you know Boston there is a real tourist trap for non-stop eating, QUINCY MARKET. Very famous place since the beginning of our wonderful country. My idea to go walk around and have lunch. After walking up and down and looking at pizza, ice cream, candy, Italian pastries, clam chowda, lobster and other goodies, I had a very boring salad. I was good. Hub had a chicken & cheese Philly sub with fries. After we went walking around and my idea, again, we stopped at the Boston Chip Yard. Fresh homemade chocolate chip cookies. They are small and I did eat 4 of them over an hour. I was bad. About 32 years ago we had a push cart at Quincy Market in front of the Chip Yard and Carmel Corn popcorn. I ate both every day and at closing the Carmel Corn people would give us the left overs for free. I didn't see them today, happy about that.
If you ever visit Boston this is wonderful place to visit, they have street entertainment, tours, Old Ironsides isn't too far away and the wonderful Aquarium is near there too.
That is today's tour of Boston and eating.
Enjoy your weekend.
Arlene
Surgeries going wrong/bad has been a topic lately. This can happen with any kind of procedures done by the top doctors and hospitals. About 3-4 years ago my dermatologist didn't like a small mole I had. I went to a top Boston hospital to have it removed. Because it was under the belly fat they had to tape my fat belly. I don't do well with tape and got tape burns, aloe took care of that. The mole was removed and I got an infection from the incision. The infection turned into MRSA (I hope I spelled it right). It took 3-4 different antibiotics until the right one was found to get me healed. I was at the hospital every 2-3 days to have them look at it. My husband had to clean it for me 2-3 times a day with saline and medicines. That was suppose to be a no brainer removal. So you just never know. I have had zero problems with the BAND!! Everyone is different. Please stop knocking the Band, I love it, it helps me be under control of my intakes etc. Yesterday I had a stuck moment, it sucks when that happens. I walked and then burped and was fine. My fault, not the band, it just reminds me to be more perfect. No one is perfect.
Enjoy your weekend everyone. Stay dry-Boston is heavy rain for the next 24 hours.
Arlene aka Eye Candy
So today I went to the dietitian and then the doctor. Went well. The doctor said I have lost 60% of my fat and he wished all his patients lost that much. I was banded July 30th, so it is 10 months ago. He said if I stay at this weight the rest of my life, he will be happy. I want to lose more but don't know how much. I did not have a fill today. I was told I have 1.8 in my band and that was 3 fills. My doctor does slow and it works. I am down 10 pounds since February and he was fine with that.
I have bad allergies and so I bought Walgreen's children's liquid and the sugar in it has given me stomach problems. The doctor told me to try swallowing the small pills I have and said the worse thing is I will throw it up.
I don't need to see the doctor for 2 months. I feel wonderful about today's visits.
:wub: Everyone have a wonderful weekend.
Arlene
Happy Memorial Day to everyone and thank you to all who have served us to protect us.
So today I went dreaded swim suit shopping. My condo has a pool that just opened, too cold in Boston right now but Thursday- Saturday it will be 90 out.
I like the 2 piece type, shorts and a top that hangs over. I tried on about 12 tops at JCPenney and about 4 bottoms. The bottoms were great but the tops looked like sh*t. So then I went to Macy's and tried on just 2 there and bought a suit. The bottom is pants with an over skirt, looks great, never tried one on before. The top is the type I like. MIL was very sweet and bought it for me. I usually don't spend a lot on swim suits especially when losing weight but this should fit the whole summer unless I have massive weight loss.
The past 2 years I have been buying on line from Swimsuitsforall. Their prices are great and they have a large assortment of styles and sizes. I have even bought cover ups from them.
When I looked in the mirror, OMG!, my thighs are so flabby. I told hub, I need a thigh /body lift. I like to wear shorts in the hot summer, too, so he suggested shorts that come to the knees. I don't do carpi, pants at all.
I hope you all have a great swim suit buying day of a smaller size with a smile on your face, men, too.
Arlene
I love to shop for clothes, even if it's window shopping. Where I live in MA we have outlet stores about 30-45 minutes away and my husband is a people watcher. Perfect match! So today we went, the temp in Boston was around 60. I went into the Donna Karen store and they were selling daisy dukes. Can you picture us former over weight women in those with our Shar Pei thighs? Great picture, men. I just thought that was funny and I need humor. I did go to the Jones NY store and bought some 't's for $7. each and bought some for Mother's Day gifts, too. I love that store.
I was good today, my husband wouldn't let me into the Godiva store, OMG! I love their dark chocolates and yes, I do eat them.
Happy shopping, ladies and men.
Arlene
Today is my MIL's 90th birthday party, at a Chinese restaurant. Almost every one at the party has not seen me for over 6 months. Nervous does not explain my feelings. I know I am being crazy, but I feel like everyone will look at me and judge what little food I will be putting on my plate. My children and oldest brother have seen me eat and say nothing, it's all the others and they don't know about my new friend, The Band! There is an open bar, I don't drink, even before the band, so that is fine. I have not said anything to anyone even the hub about this. He would tell me I am crazy.
Thank you for listening.
Enjoy your day.
The Red Sox are winning right now!!!!!!!!!!!! go SOX.
I have 2 wonderful sons. Roger is the oldest, 38 and Frank is 34. Roger was born chicken breasted. He needed to have surgery to fix his chest at 2 1/2. If it was not fixed he could have had a heart attack by age 10, his heart was not in the right place and he was hunch backed from the chest problems. My husband asked the surgeon about risks (he was head of pediatric surgery at Boston Children's Hospital). The doctor said you can walk across the street and get killed. Since that time when any doctor has recommended surgery my husband don't really think of it. By the time Roger was 5 he had 4 different surgeries. He is perfect! Frank was born slightly chicken breasted but did not need the surgery because his heart was in the right place.
So this leads to why I am writing. There are pros and cons to everything. Last week a young man around 24ish had his wisdom teeth pulled and died. You never know when it's your time to go.
I love this site and enjoy reading about other's wonderful results, accomplishments and seeing their pictures. I am too computer challenged to put any pictures on, sorry. Writing that the Band is awful because you had a problem is sad but don't knock all of us.
A Boston hospital many many years ago did a research drug, turned out to be Merida, I signed up. It worked great for me until I stopped. In the study, in Boston and England they said 2 women had strokes. You know what, I didn't think about quitting because out of the 2500 people they were over 60 and with that many people there is sure to be health issues.
Let's all think positive thoughts, that we are going to beat Obesity and get healthy and fit. I know I am doing it.
By the way I have had about a dozen different surgeries. From a small mole I got MRS. You never know what is going to happen.
Have a wonderful evening and super Tuesday-spring has arrived!!!!!! at least in Boston.
Arlene
I was reading about how some people give up and then go back to their doctor for help, which is wonderful. Then there are the people who blame. I have a cousin, Ilana (real name) a know it all RN, who had bypass surgery about 8-10 years ago and is now over weight, again. She blames her surgery for failing. She likes to snack, have her afternoon wine and a cocktail when dining out. Her mother had the bypass over 25 years ago and she also gained all her weight back. (she passed away from cancer). Why do people have surgery and then blame the surgery for failing and not themselves. Ilana went back to her doctor and said the surgery failed, could he re-operate. He said, no. Good for him. We are given a TOOL and we have to learn to use it and respect it. If we don't then we are back to being over weight and it is our fault, no one else.
Yesterday I had Chinese food for lunch, had a few other bad choices during the day, my fault, I gained or retained fluid from the sodium, my fault, can't blame anyone else for me, failing.
I got the Band 8 months ago today and I think I am doing ok. Not a super fast weight loss but a decent one. I see my doctor in a few weeks and I do lose every time which I like and he does too.
Have a wonderful weekend. Happy Passover and Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates.
Arlene
So my big butt was so big it could hold a serving tray. Well it is gone! I need a butt lift and I still have a lot to lose. My husband said I need to have the fat sucked from the belly and put into the butt. I told him they do that in Brazil. Brazil, here we come? It is a nice feeling to know that huge monster is gone and there is still room for improvement. I have a lot of belly fat. I go to the gym but I am sure I need to something else to work it off. The fat took many years to get there and it will take some time to get off the body. my fatonmythighs have lost at least 6" since September (that was when I started taking measurements).
I hope every one realizes that inches count as much as numbers on the metal monster when losing.
Every one enjoy your thinner day, off to the gym now.
:wub:Arlene
tonight I had my support group. They had a sleep doctor and she talked about the different kinds of sleep and how having the surgery does change people sleep. I know I sleep much better and hub said I don't snore anymore. Also, I no longer take 2 hour afternoon naps.
Next meeting we are having a tasting party with new products. I will let everyone know about the new items. Then in May is a cooking demo.
Most people in the crowd have not had any surgery yet. Some couldn't decide what they wanted. So being me and talkative I said the band is the best. One man had bypass a few years ago and loves it and he was with his sister who is scheduled for the sleeve. Another man, no surgery yet, said his brother had the by pass and never smoked. He now is a chain smoker and said the by pass causes addiction. I don't know anything about that. Interesting.
I really enjoy the meetings and listening to other people's stories, pros and cons.
Do all of you go to your meetings? My hospital is 5 miles from my house, which makes a big difference. I told the director of the office about this site and that she would learn a lot about people's thoughts.
Enjoy your evening everyone.
I was out today driving with my husband and we were talking about food. He is a diabetic. He said he would love a bowl of hot fudge and said to me, I am sure you do too. I said no, don't want to even have a taste. I am clearing my head of all my old favorites. Like buying fresh made bread and eating a loaf before I even get home from the store. Or having wonderful bread in a restaurant and eating more than one basket full. Bread is my very best friend. I still do have it in restaurants but have totally changed how I eat it. One restaurant I only eat the end crusty parts of the bread not the doughy parts. I know, it is still bread but it takes me longer to eat and I need my friend.
Another friend of mine was my pint of ice cream almost every night and I added almonds and sometimes chocolate chips. I only have my SF Popsicles now.
I hate fast food places so that was never a problem. I do miss really great french fries but I now have a small amount of mashed potatoes instead. I really really want to be thinner. I don't know why this time is different than the other 100 diets/weight loss programs, but this time I am going to be healthier and thinner. I hope you all agree and let's do it!!!!!!!! together.
Have a wonderful evening everyone.
My husband gave up meat 35 years ago for dieting-no he quit the health kick-but still no meat. Many years ago I made meatballs and turkey balls. He eats the turkey ones. My oldest son's friend ate over and I asked do you want meatballs or turkey balls? Eric, answered, I didn't know turkeys had balls. He was a senior in high school at the time. I love dumb kids.
I just read on the internet that in MA (I live here) that schools are sending out notices to overweight children. I have a son who has been overweight his whole life and he would have hated that. I did try everything with him, too. He is now 34 1/2 and trying to lose weight by cutting out sugar and diary and he is down 30 plus since November. I am very proud of him. He has been with his wife for 6 1/2 years and she can finally put her arms around him. I think schools sending out notices is going too far. Bring back gym class twice a week. That was taken away years ago.
Before you know it, it will be dreaded swim suit time. I live at a condo and do go to the pool. I don't mind it because I was never the biggest. But this summer I will need a new swim suit. For women (sorry men) there is a wonderful site where I buy my suits from, swimsuitsforall. I really like their choices and have bought cover ups, too. They always have great sales.
Another site I like is, Jones New York. They have great sales sometimes. The site is much less than stores when there is a sale. I recently bought a twin set with shipping for under $35. and list was over $150. I now fit into the misses xlarge but have bought from their plus sizes at their outlet store.
Kohl's has wonderful 't' shirt type tops that when on sale are under $10. and they wash real well. The long sleeved ones recently were under $7. I own a lot of them.
Have fun shopping.
This morning got up early and went to my son's house. Last week my grandson was 13 and we had to bring him his b. day gifts. My son went and bought fresh made bagels. I was polite and asked for 1/4 of a bagel and he put Smart Balance on it. Nothing. That is how I felt about eating a former breakfast food. Nothing. I can live without them. I loved that. Some foods I can not go without but bagels are on the good bye list.
On my never live without list is pizza, bread in restaurants, almonds, pasta and Chinese food. I think that is it. If you can't have what you really love and enjoy yourself the Band will not work with you because you will go after all these forbidden foods. Or that is how I see it with me.
Have a wonderful weekend and hopefully no storms where you live.
"Eye Candy"
Saw the metal monster, the doctor and the dietitian. I only lost a few pounds but it may be from doing exercise the doctor said. He is happy with me. Said I lost 50% of my fat. That doesn't suck.
The doctor said the reason he does 3 days liquids and then 3 days mushies after a fill is because the fill has to settle into the band. Also, I asked about straws and he feels that straws put too much air into your body. Makes sense.
The dietitian suggested eating beef or turkey jerky for protein. I bought beef teriyaki. I will try it next week. She also said to eat protein first, then veggies, then fruit and then the carbs. I don't do that exactly. I will try.
Enjoy your weekend everyone.
Am I the only Bandster that hates fast food? my grandsons always want it and I always take them to sit down restaurants because I think fast food tastes awful. At McDonald's the only thing I would eat are salt free fries. I don't use salt. to me fast food is pizza and we have a love story. I can't go without pizza. That is one thing I have to have. I know it's not the best to eat but I was told there are no, no foods by my dietitian.
tomorrow my son will be 38 and his wife is having a surprise party at a pub and ordering appetizers. I don't know if I will eat any of them, though but I will be there to celebrate with everyone.
Have a great Sunday everyone.
While most of you were sleeping I turned on Night Line around 12:30am and they talked about a new WLS, something Aspire. They hook up a device onto your stomach and 20 minutes after you eat your meal you hook up a vacuum type device to your stomach thing and it empties your stomach contents into the toilet. How gross is this? My husband said it is like throwing up. It is being used in Europe and tested in the US. They did mention the Band, Bypass and the Sleeve and said the Aspire is less invasive. Never would I ever think of something that gross.
I had an appointment with the doctor tomorrow for a fill but Boston is getting a blizzard so it is now next week. I am happy about that because my oldest son is turning 38 Sunday and we are going out for dinner. Now I can eat and not just have a hot tea.
Have a super day everyone. Time for food shopping and the gym.
Arlene
Good afternoon from blizzard Boston.
In the local paper there was an article from Soma Intimates. They said that when women that leave their abusive person they usually forget bras. So Soma is collecting used and new bras for DOVE. I know having lost weight I have many large sized bras. Maybe some of you do to and we can all donate them.
Enjoy your TGIF.
I saw my PCP today and went over my meds etc. She said that about 6 months ago a study said that there is no evidence that fish oil helps against heart health. I see my WLS doctor Friday and I am also going to ask him. Has anyone heard of this? I have been taking fish oil gummies since the Band in July.
Have great Tuesday everyone.
Good afternoon,
I was on the stationery bike at the gym and the trainer came and talked to me and my husband. He said to really get in shape, no bike, no tread mill but cardio. Do exercise where you move and use weights is the best exercise. At the gym there is a back room where all the body builders go and he said they may be able to lift weights but most are in terrible shape because they don't move
their body. Thought I would share this. He also said walking is not good for a lot of women with bone problems. My advice is also ask your own doctor first about everything.
I live in the Boston area and we have a famous steak house near by, Ken's Steak House. They make great salad dressings and marinades. Are these available in other parts of the country? I say no and my husband thinks, yes. I use their light Caesar dressing on meat, lamb, pork, shrimp etc. I don't use salad dressing on salad. I buy all their dressing for the family, though. They also make wonderful marinades, like their sesame ginger has zero sodium. I had salmon for dinner with the sesame ginger and my husband had one of their dressings on his salad.
Enjoy your weekend.
Happy TGIF to everyone.
yesterday I got an email from a Lap Band person and they wanted me to be their friend and after some thought I sent my email. It was a SCAM! I told her/him to lose my email or I would call the FBI. I also sent am email to LapBand Talk about this. The person had her LapBand Talk name as:Lizza22. Be careful everyone!!!!!!!!!
Time to go to the gym. My FitBit said I have walked 50 miles since I got it and that was in December. For me that is great.
Enjoy your day. I am dog sitting this weekend, in the cold and tonight's snow, ugh!
I am watching Wendy Williams and Lisa Lampanelli is on about her sleeve surgery. She is down 102. She wore a size 24 and now is around a 6!! Good for her. She had the surgery in April, I think. She looks great. She said she felt the sleeve was better than the band at her age, 51. I am 62. They keeping bleeping her language. Lisa is saying that it is a tool and you have to work with it. Her husband had the sleeve a few months after her. Good for them. She is very funny and crude but that is what I love about her. She is saying her sex life is better and the stomachs can now touch.
We all need people like Lisa to tell the world that surgery is a helper/tool for all of us.
Thank you, Lisa.
Why don't people use mirrors? I was getting a manicure on Sunday and a very thin 40ish woman came in. She wore tight print leggings tucked into awful sox with high wedge platform shoes. OMG! she looked awful. I am now watching Price is Right. A woman has on an awful top, skirt, tights and boots and pig tails (for young girls) and she was over weight, which made her look even worse. Mirrors, people, mirrors. I am no fashion maven but I try to look decent. I use many mirrors to try to look my best for the day
Time to go have lunch out with some cousins. I had a protein shake so I would not eat the wrong foods so I'll have an iced tea or hot tea.
Enjoy your day everyone.
