kity

Michelle, It is beautiful...but...I don't care for the neck line. I am not sure about what your body type is (like for me...I am all tummy, nice ass and thighs and this tummy from hell). Since you don't go out often, you might wanna play up the girls w/ something w/ a sexy neck line. Because of my body type, I always like to play up the girls (small and perky..well, they used to be perky, now now so much). Anywho...my honest opinion (please don't be pissed at me), I'd keep looking for something smokin hot sexy. It is New Years after all. Surprise your hubby...make his jaw drop...Don't just attend the party...OWN it girl! xoxoxoxooxox

Thanks Tiff...that was a good read. congrats on the weight loss!

:bump2::hat::fish2::whistle::nono::rockon::rockon::drum::popcorn::grouphug::doh::note::cocktail::director::eek::Banane20::Banane41::Banane40::Banane49::Banane59::Banane26::nanahump::Banane59::car::Banane57::Banane56::Banane56::Banane56::Banane56::Banane55::woot: and how was your day? LOL...look at the banana's doing the nasty, hehehe

Happy Bandaversary to you... Happy Bandaversary to you... Happy Bandaversary dear Michelle Happy Bandaversary to you!!!! Congrats on -62!!:Banane20::Banane20:

Cindy~ Welcome! Another teacher too...what grade (level) did you teach? I know what you mean teaching college is AMAZING! It is my warm fuzzy place. Even online (actually especially online) I love love love it~! And from SC. My "kin" are from there (sending you a pm). Please feel free to jump in and start posting. This is a wonderful group of women. As you know already! :welcome: I did not get an unfill today. The doctor had to cancel me and I am supposed to go tomorrow. But I went to my reg doc today because I woke up this morning feeling sick again. That would be 3rd time since Oct (remember, I went almost 2 full years w/o being sick once). So tomorrow, I have to get blood work done and get my sinus' xray'd. At least he is being pro-active. I am not sure if I am gonna get the unfill after all. I have not had any trouble since Monday at lunch. I was able to eat a Healthy Choice tonight:clap2::clap2:. That meant a lot to me. I may put off the unfill until next week, or wait and see. I went to dance class Tues and will go Thurs again (I think Susanne is coming tomorrow). Anyway, if I don't need an unfill, I won't get one. Hell, I just wanna be able to eat reg food, w/o everything being ground or soaking wet. I think that is me being stuck in the soft food stage...not good either. Keep your fingers crossed for me that I can just stay here. After he hit that nerve last time, I am freaked out at the thought of even getting a poke again. Good night ladies~ xoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxox

Hey Violets~ Suzie, congrats on the jobs!!! Tracyk~ woohoo!I am so proud of you and everyone else doing well. I wanted to clarify that I never meant to imply that my parents were (are) to blame. NO it is all me. I am the one working on the why behind my food issues. My feelings of being inadequate, low self esteem...these are mine and mine alone. I am soooo pissed. I stopped my period last Tue and guess what...yep...spotting again. So freakin tired of it too. Have a great night! xoxoxoxoxooxoxoxox

I do too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Violets~ I posted this in another thread on "issues" and thought I'd share w/ you. Of course there were some people (the usual suspects actually) who disagreed. Whether you agree or not is not my intention. I know some of us are struggling and if you've popped around this site...many people are struggling now. I've read lots of threads about "food addictions", "why do I do this to myself", and the like. Again, this is just my opinion...and I am doing and knowing what works for me. Thought I'd share! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo Sorry folks, but we all have issues. I began therapy because of the band...and I have learned so much. If you've eaten yourself to need WLS...you have issues. It is ok. Your not alone. Mainly "issues" come from something long ago in our past. I was not abused, or tramatized or anything else. But (without going into my personal stuff) from something that occured over time when I was 5 or 6 years old, I've developed control issues. As a result, and this really goes for all "over eaters" or "food addiction" people...we comfort ourselves w/ food. What is the difference between a person w/ food addiction issues and drug issues. We are all trying to mask our true feeling about something. The euphoria (sp) we get from food is the same as a drug for people. Our's just looks better on the outside. I was in therapy today and actually spent an hour talking about this just subject. My question to him was..."ok, I've got control issues and for 40 years I've used food to comfort and sooth. NOW WHAT" I don't wanna be on the couch for life. I wanna learn new strategies and skills and get on. I don't wanna replace one addiction for another (although being an exercise junkie would not be too bad). I would STILL have my feelings and "issues"...always. It is when I deal w/ them head on that I will mend. No, this is not a quick fix either...it will take time. We can say, "I don't have "issues", and you may really believe that. But you do if you use (d) food to feel better. My last piece of advice is if you seek out some professional help, don't waste your time w/ a counselor. If you can afford it talk w/ a psychologist. I didn't even know about what happened in my childhood...and he implemented a battery of tests that helped me pin point things. If you disagree with my post...fine. I am just trying to honestly help someone who may need it. We are in this together.

I knew some people would not agree...and that is totally cool. I still stand behind my post and I still love you guys! But like I said, we are all in this together! Perhaps perception of these issues change when you reach goal. BTW...congrats on reaching goal. I look @ Jachut's bikini pic and am inspired!

Whats chicken? I think I remember, but it has been so long since I could eat chicken, I can't recall.

Sorry folks, but we all have issues. I began therapy because of the band...and I have learned so much. If you've eaten yourself to need WLS...you have issues. It is ok. Your not alone. Mainly "issues" come from something long ago in our past. I was not abused, or tramatized or anything else. But (without going into my personal stuff) from something that occured over time when I was 5 or 6 years old, I've developed control issues. As a result, and this really goes for all "over eaters" or "food addiction" people...we comfort ourselves w/ food. What is the difference between a person w/ food addiction issues and drug issues. We are all trying to mask our true feeling about something. The euphoria (sp) we get from food is the same as a drug for people. Our's just looks better on the outside. I was in therapy today and actually spent an hour talking about this just subject. My question to him was..."ok, I've got control issues and for 40 years I've used food to comfort and sooth. NOW WHAT" I don't wanna be on the couch for life. I wanna learn new strategies and skills and get on. I don't wanna replace one addiction for another (although being an exercise junkie would not be too bad). I would STILL have my feelings and "issues"...always. It is when I deal w/ them head on that I will mend. No, this is not a quick fix either...it will take time. We can say, "I don't have "issues", and you may really believe that. But you do if you use (d) food to feel better. My last piece of advice is if you seek out some professional help, don't waste your time w/ a counselor. If you can afford it talk w/ a psychologist. I didn't even know about what happened in my childhood...and he implemented a battery of tests that helped me pin point things. If you disagree with my post...fine. I am just trying to honestly help someone who may need it. We are in this together.

Juli~ Thanks for the clarification. It makes me giggle. I am who I am. I was straight for 37 years...or was I. I fantasized about women only...but was w/ men. I wasn't living a lie or wasn't unhappy...I just was. Now, I have decided to be w/ a woman...love her and "get down" w/ her. Does that make me any less gay? I don't think so, but others might. There was a show on We called "Late in Life Lesbians". It talked about other women like me who made decisions later to be w/ women. My partner has never been w/ a man...is she gay"er" than me? Perhaps. But I'd say we were pretty equal last Tuesday . I think there is enough division and segregation in the world...within my own community...not accepted by me. If I were suddenly single, I would never date men again. So, there you go. I have no idea where that puts me on a scale though. Funny you mentioned San Jose. I am gonna be there in March over Susanne's bday and am thinking of surprising her. I need to go for work, but we can play a bit in the evening! It is about 7 hours from me driving. I am not sure about Vegas. But it is only 3.5 hours in the car so it is not a big deal for us. We just bought a very expensive leather sectional couch for each other for xmas. So we need to re-evaluate things. Plus we are going to Germany and Italy this summer!!! That is kinda the focus now. Yes the food was good...well, it looked good. I really had a hard time for the past 2 weeks or so. Can't wait for just a bit to be taken out! Have a great day! xoxoxox

Laura, Depending on what your attaching your lights too, you can also use a staple gun. One trick is to NOT push it in flat (mesh w/ the house). That way, you can get them and the lights off later. The hooks work too...depends on how many and what your gonna do w/ the lights! peaceout

Hey Violets~ This is especially for my sistas who have the "blues" lately! Please keep posting. This is a source of such support, you know that! Come here and read, post, vent, share about your day etc. I think keeping us all connected is vital in getting through the holidays together. I am wondering if I should get that unfill tomorrow???? I don't wanna gain any weight, and will need to really watch myself (we know how that goes). Anyway, I guess I'll see how today goes and decide then. Have a great day peeps! I love each of you and want you to know I and the rest of us are here...use us, abuse us...please!:hug::hug::hug::hug:

Hey Peeps~ I hope everyone had a great weekend w/ fam and friends. Susanne's mom came in and brought a shit load of food...most of which I Pb'd. I am getting a slight unfill Wed. I can't stand it anymore...I can't eat anything that is not a chip or is soft and mushie. I got stuck on tuna salad today, but was able to eat nachos...that is why I haven't lost much. Now, I think my tummy is swollen and I am toooooo tight. PB'ing on turkey burger is just wrong! I've been sooo busy w/ work and teaching my online classes. I have a question...I missed something, but I don't get the rating system???? Forgive me...I am slow. What is it? As to how "gay" we are??? Am I right? My shrink has some great information on "gayness". I hope all is well! Juli~ How is A? and Z? and you? Hope your holiday was great! xoxoxoxoxoxo

Perhaps it is the post "eat until you burst" holiday, but it seems many of us are in a funk. A friend of mine from here said that last year she was in a funk too. That perhaps it is some sort of grieving from our long lost relationship with food...or at least that "I've eaten myself into a coma feeling" that we all sometimes feel is comforting! Hang in there guys. We may add a few or just not move the scale the next month...but this will pass. I am getting an unfill on Wed. I am scared about that...but I am too tight now. I am looking forward to Jan. when everyone is thinking about exercise! Lastly, I am far better off than I was last year. I was 30 pounds heavier...I have quit smoking and I am working out more than ever! No more sodas, no more fast food...I really feel great. This will pass! Hang tough!

:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2: Come on Violets...we are in a funk or are pissed or are eating too much or are in a great place or are...whatever. We can get through this together! I got stuck on tuna salad at lunch, but ate nachos for dinner! I was unable to go to dance class tonight, ended up staying at work until 7pm...then went to have those nachos (which I ate w/ no problems). We should focus on what is good. How miserable were we last year this time. I was 30 pounds heavier, w/ no relief in sight (I learned about the band Dec. 4). We are gonna get through the holidays, and yes, we might add a few or stay the same...but this will pass! We have lots of purple power reserved...and we need to send some to ourselves and each other! Right now there is a Victoria Secret commercial on TV and I'd like to kill those bitches! LOL...smile ladies! Last year this time...we didn't have each other either! I love you all...now we need to love ourselves! xoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Well, I made an appointment for an unfill. It will be Wed. afternoon. I decided to do this after I got stuck on my tuna sal. Basically, I've been stuck on liquids and soft foods. And of course, chips (my staple carb that fills me up). My tummy is too swollen around the band or something. I will get an slight unfill, and will have to exercise a bit more control (yeah freakin right...I controlled myself all the way to being 100 over weight.) I just can't stand to get stuck or PB one more time. I know it is just too sensitive now...so I am hoping to take a bit out and try to rest it. I didn't want to make the call, but I also can't stand getting stuck all the time. My MIL couldn't believe how many times I was PB'ing in the sink (can't stand the idea of putting my head in the toilet). Anyway...wish me luck. I too need my head examined...that is why I go to a shrink! Plus the fact that it is free through work. Hang tough ladies!

Yeah Michelle and Laura! I totally hear you honey. Remember, I think you've lost like 50 pounds in 7 months!!! Are you freakin kidding me. W/o the band I would've put on 20. I am proud of you Laura! I am working on a no cheat/crap day too. I struggle at night too! I will get through the day w/ you...keeping you in mind as I attempt to cheat later! We love you and are not gonna leave you in the dust! xoxoxoxox

Welcome to Cut the Crap Week! That damn scale ( I wanna throw it through the freakin window) was back up to 254:faint:. I never wanted to see 254 again after living there for weeks. So, I am seriously on shakes, cottage cheese, and tuna this week. My band is sooo tight now. I need to let it rest a bit. Also, jazzercise tonight for me! I hate that I have to go back to work today! I need 2 more days off. I was up until 11 grading papers, and did not finish my cards. :faint:Hopefully I'll get them done this week! See why I like 'em done over Thanksgiving weekend...the rest of the month flies by! Have a great day! Kat, we need to send out the flying monkeys to look for Laura, Tracyks and Terry! xoxoxoxooxoxoxoxox

Hey V's~ Michelle...you crack me up. Kick ass sister! I love those "I am totally pissed off days" since they are so few and far between. Make your children do an extra chore while your at it! Then go have some chocolate! xoxoxo I just spent the day w/ my little man johnny and then the girls for a bit. Man o man...a 30 min drive in the car and I was ready for a drink and ciggy! They were so loud! I drove home and enjoyed the peace...aaahhh, the beauty of being an aunt! Haven't done my cards yet...still have about 15 papers to grade tonight! So I should get off LBT and get busy! Have a great night everyone! xoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxox

LOL...I spelled "meat" w/ 2 e's...sorry 'bout that!

Hey Violets~ Suzie, looking good! Kat, I am coming over for some roasted peanuts!!! YUMMMM Sounds so good. Susanne and I went and bought ourselves our Christmas present yesterday. We bought a leather sectional couch yesterday for the den. It is very nice, w/ 2 recliners. We have a small den, so this will help us maximize our space. It was kinda expensive, but we found a sale w/ free delivery and no tax! Now under the tree, we have a $50 gift limit since the sectional is our gift! I am jealous of those getting the house decorated today. I love it when the house is decorated! We will probably do it on the 14th. That is one problem w/ us living apart...we only have weekends to do stuff. I will have my cards done today! That is a must. This becomes a busy time of year, and I like to have them "out of the way" early. I used to get bummed or depressed during the holidays, now I seem to enjoy it! I have my 3 year old nephew Johnny today for a couple of hours. We are gonna watch Meet the Robinsons. Then my neices are gonna be dropped off here @ 1 and we go out to lunch, then I'll take them all home. Should be fun! I insisted Susanne take the food w/ her. German food has soooo many carbs and meet, not a lot of sal. I threw the rest (1/2) of the pumpkin pie away. So, I actually ate 1/2 a pie:faint:...aaahhh shit. It is a good thing I've gone to the gym the last 2 days. She left just a little bit of food for me, most of which I'll feed my brother today. I had a small bit of ice cream last night (low carb) and went to be sick to my stomach. I am ready to take a break from all the crap. I need Cut the Crap week! Ok, I've bored you all enough w/ my typing! Have a great day! xoxoxoxoxoox

Top of the morning V's~ Well, the movie, American Gangster was great! Took the in-laws and they enjoyed it too! Then we came home and ate more (will the madness ever end????) So, I woke and was at the gym 20 min after getting out of bed. 5 miles again, 80 crunches (was too sore from yesterday to do more), inner thighs, ass, back, front thighs...AAAHHH Feeling great again. If I was really "kick ass" I would have gone to jazzercise at 8:30. Kinda felt bad w/ the family here, and me being gone for 2 hours. So I came home, showered and got on the puter, lol! Malibu is on fire AGAIN! Breaks my heart to see homes burning. Lets pray that it doesn't get out of control too much like last month. Suzie, hopefully you can teach that game to the V's at the gathering!!! I love games. We bought the electric Monopoly on Thanksgiving! Think we are gonna play later! Janie, so glad your feeling better! Amanda, you rock! Black Friday is too scary for me...but I love the deals you got. I guess it depends on what you need. If I needed a puter, then maybe I'd brave the lines for one at that price. I've started my Christmas cards. I usually like to have them done the day after Thanksgiving. As a teen and young woman, I'd sit down w/ a turkey sand and get them all done. I have only 16 done, but should finish them up today. Now that I have the Violets on my Xmas list, I have more to write! And, I picked up my gift for my Violet! Wish I could see her face when she opens it...I love giving gifts! I'll get it wrapped and in the mail this week sometime! Ok, gotta go for now! Have a great day ladies! xoxoxooxoxoxo

Judy, You crack me up. I have never done the Black Friday early bird thing. I always figure there is nothing I need @ 5am that I can't buy @ noon! You are a brave woman!!! Put your feet up and take a nap!