ARMKAM

Hang in there , travelgirl ! You've come so far and are doing great ! Don't let one crappy work day get the best of you ! Is it still hot in Kansas ? Did you get storms and hail there yesterday , like they did in St. Louis ? It's still hot here in Illinois , but is supposed to cool off tomorrow for the rest of the week. Maybe then I can get my butt back outside and start taking walks again. right now, when it's hot the roads are too oily to walk on unless you want to stick to them .

Well , eating did not start out well today ! :cry I tried to eat an egg w/ 1 slice of toast and it all came back up and really hurt in my belly. You would think after 4 months I would learn to slow down and chew, chew, chew ! CRAP ! I waited about and hour and 1/2 then ate a 1/2 c. serving of babygirl's Jello recipe and so far so good ! It turned out fine even tho' I used jelled jello instead of powder. My DH tasted it and liked it tho' he usually won't eat anything sugar-free . Hang in there Zannie , I saw your new pics on the challenge site and you're doing SUPER and look great ! - you too babygirl , man you look young , lol - both of you ! i need to get some pics on here sometime. Since I don't work in the summer - I'm a music teacher - I keep thinkin' that i've got to keep on track because my co-workers will be looking at me when school starts at the end of Aug. to see how I did over the summer - a little bit of pressure here ! So far I've lost 18 lbs since school's been out. Another friend had gastric by-pass 5 years ago and has since gained everything back . She's having a swim party friday w/ some of the girls I work w/ and said she can't wait to see me. I'm not sure if I should go. I know she wishes she had the band - she told me so , but insurance didn't pay for it then - and I don't want to make her feel bad or anything. I'm just confused right now ! Plus I 'm not sure I want to wear a swimsuit in public yet tho' my 3 dd's said it looks fine ! Ok , I'm rattling on !:rolleyesThanks for listening. I'm going to get on my treadmill and bow-flex again today even tho' the scale went up 0.4 today. I felt better after doing it yesterday. have a good day , girls !

ok babygrl , quick question. so , i'm making your recipe and as i'm mixing i thought was i supposed to use the jell-o in powder form or already jelled ? i wanted to keep it simple so i bought jello cups and put 4 of them in the mix but they weren't chopping up too well so that's when i started thinking about the powder. it still turned out and the jell-o dissolved some so it's fine and tastes good. just wonderin'.

way to go travel girl ! I haven't worked up to 60 minutes yet except when my dd's and I go for a 2 mile walk w/ our 6 dogs ! Keep it up !

we're going to Wal-mart too so babygrl I'm gonna buy the stuff to try your recipe - sounds good.:hungry: May have that for dessert tonight if there's room in my belly - or for an evening snack. think i'll add some protien powder to it since i'm really needing more protien right now. thanks for the idea. you're potato soup sounds good too !

I"ve been good so far today. I had an egg / 1 slice of toast for breakfast and a small Wendi's chili for lunch. Then I walked for 15 minutes on my treadmill and did bowlfex for 15 minutes. I felt good afterwards , and should really do that more often. Now we're working on my dd's leaf collection for biology while the leafs are still nice instead of waiting for fall - too bad it's 94 freakin' degrees out today ! At least our house is nice & quiet since my 12y/o dd is at camp - WooHoo ! I'm going to try & have an angus burger and salad for supper. I'm tired of chicken right now and really don't like fish.

I've gone from a 10 to 9 - 91/2 but the best thing is that my feet used to swell everyday w/ fluid , especially if I wore sandals and now after 58 lb loss , they're skinny. It's weird seeing the bones on the tops of my feet. Also my heel pain is pretty much gone.

I had my 3rd fill about 3 weeks ago. Some days are better than others. I'm just sooo tight in the a.m., but by supper I do a lot better. Last night I was able to eat 1/2 c. of chicken fried rice w/ no problem. Today I had a soft cooked egg for Breakfast and felt ok. Maybe it just takes a while for me to loosen up. Every day is different tho'. My dr. only has us do 24 hours liquid after a fill then back to regular solids after that. I was surprised that you had 4 days Suzanne.You and your daughter sound like us. My girls and I used to always sing around the kitchen about whatever we were cooking - even weiners and spaghetti-o's. lol That brought back some fun memories - thanks ! At 12 , 14 & 17 we still cook together but sing w/ the i-pods. My nutritionist said I need to eat every 2 hours to make sure I get enough calories in , so I'm gonna try that today. I've been having a problem w/ losing a lot of hair for the past month or so, and she thinks it's lack of calories.:rolleyes I'm happy w/ my weight loss so far , but don't want to be freakin' bald either ! ARGHHHH ! Have a GREAT Sunday everyone ! Talk to you soon !

Hi girls - I think my band is too tight right now. I can only eat a few bites at a time w/out pain. But..... I can eat DQ Blizzards - a Hawiian w/out coconut ! The weird thing is , when I do I will lose a lb. or 2 the next day. I wonder if I am so low on calories that the blizzard helps w/ my metabolism ? i just can't keep in the habit of eating them , or I'm afraid I'll start gaining. Not sure what to do . Oh yeah - I've had a few bites of blackberry cobbler. My 12 y/o DD has been picking berries every day and made her 1st cobbler. Of course I had to taste the damn thing to tell her she did a good job !lol ! She's leaving for camp tomorrow for a week so I'm tempted to throw it out and just tell her we ate it all .

I just gave away 2 garbage bags full of "too big" clothes to our Goodwill. We also have a church w/ a clothes pantry that gives them to needy families at no charge. I was worried about giving them away, because in the back of my mind, I know that I did that before and then needed big clothes again later after gaining the weight back. But I know that this time is different and I will never need them again - Thank God ! So I gave them away. It made me feel better to know I am helping others and the fact that I'm into smaller sizes. Right now I don't spend a lot on new clothes since I still want to lose anothe 80 lbs. So I've only bought a few things at Wal-mart. Since I teach and school's out for the summer , I just wear shorts and t's anyway. Maybe I'll get some better fitting things in August. Have a good day everybody !

WooHoo to you !:biggrin1: Congrats ! I know exactly how you feel . i just hit the 240's a few days ago and was doing the "happy dance" around my scale !:clap2: I then went and told my family I was in a new set of 10's. I haven't told any of them what my starting or current weight is. Maybe when I get to my goal I'll let them know. They try to trick me into telling but i always catch on, lol:D Oh well , at least they're supportive. Let's all keep up the good work and have a GREAT week-end ! Go out and see some fireworks - I know we're going to a few different celebrations ! Have fun !:mad:

I asked my dr. about amusement parks and he said they were fine. Last month I rode the new "Tony Hawk Skateboard " Rollercoaster at 6 flags -St. Louis and it was good. I was happy just to fit in the seat only 3 months after banding ! I'd say "GO FOR IT " !

I wouldn't mind being accountable also , although w/ this 3rd fill I'm not eating much right now. For breakfast I could only eat 3 bites of chicken salad - sounds weird , but I was tired of eggs. For lunch I'm going to try a small baked potato and maybe a little chicken breast, by supper I can eat more. Last night I tried a bacon sandwich for the 1st time. I was able to eat 1 slice of toast w/ bacon, tomato, onion and miracle whip. It went down well and tasted like heaven. I used to eat 2 whole sandwiches plus baked beans, salad and dessert. What a difference the band makes ! Thanks for the good idea travelgirl ! Have a good day everyone .

I talk to anyone who is interested in knowing . I'm proud of the decision that I've made. I've talked to strangers at theme parks who noticed how little I was eating, while waiting on my kids. They were truly interested. My kids bus driver had the same thing done last month due to my help. I guess being a teacher I like to educate people, plus I'm just really excited about how well this is going and want to share my news. My co-workers at school said they'd be excited to see the difference in me when school starts again at the end of August after having the whole summer off. I guess that's pressure, but it also keeps me working at this to make sure I don't fail. Good luck , and share what you're comfortable with !

Hey kedismom - have fun this summer. Sounds like you've hit your sweet spot w/ fills. I think I have too. Walking 2 miles a night w/ my girls has really helped me keep the lbs. moving down. Happy B'day m1hocker - how I wish I would have been able to have the band at 30. I would have done a lot more w/ my girls if I had, but we're active now and that's all that matters. I've lost 54 lbs as of today , but still have 80 something to go - I know we can do this !! I for sure want to be around for 30 more skinny years ! Rebecca , I try to get in at least one protien drink a day which may help w/ loss. My fill seems pretty tight. I can't eat breakfast unless it's a protien drink or soft cooked egg. I also have a lot of sliming & pbing, but I think that's from eating too fast - especially if we eat out. Don't give up, it will come off. I know this sounds weird but a few times a week I will have a small blizzard w/ bananas and pineapple ( a hawiian w/ no coconut) at Dairy Queen and the next day I will have lost at least a pound. I wonder if sometimes our bodies need that extra fat since we get so little ? Have a great day all !

Hi All - I've just reached the 50# mark yesterday ! I was doing the "happy dance" in my bathroom for sure . I'm going in for my 3rd fill tomorrow a.m. I have to leave my house at 4:30 am to be there by 6:30am. I had been having a lot of bp's with the last fill , but finally figured out I was eating way to fast and not chewing enough, so hopefully that's over. Teacher - I glad you're feeling a lot better now.:clap2: Zannie - I have an amethyst ring already , but didn't wear it alot. Now I wear it every day - like my wedding ring - as a reminder of how far I've come and how far I still need to go. Thanks for the idea ! My daughter went to Branson , Mo with my parents last week. She said my mom kept saying how guilty she feels eating in front of me now since I eat so little. My DD told her not to worry about it, 'cause it was my choice to have the surgery and I'm doing well w/it. Have any of you ran into this w/ your families ? I'm not sure if I should say anything to my DM or just let it go. It really doesn't bother me seeing others eat. My attitude about food has really been changing lately and I don't have quite the cravings that I used to. Kedasmom - how's the woods ? I'll bet you're happy to be done w/ the bus route for the summer huh ! It's nice to have that break. I've started walking 2 miles daily w/ my 3 girls and I think that has helped get the lbs. down more. Gotta go - time to clean and vaccum.:phanvan:)

Zany , the amethyst is a good idea. I love purple anyway ! My rings are twirling on my fingers also , but it's a good "twirl". I've got only one pound to go to hit the 50 mark , and I'm getting my third fill next Tuesday so if I don't get there before then , I'm sure I will after the fill. Babygirl , thanks for the ticker info. I've been wanting to add mine for a while. Teacher - I hope that you're doing ok after your surgery and will be up and about soon. I'm enjoying school being out. Tho' it's only been a week , I'm already getting way to used to sleeping in. lol Lizrbit - how are doing w/recovery from your new band ? Well I hope.

Teacher , good luck with your surgery . I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers on the 1st that all will go well and you have a speedy recovery !

Hey Guys , Well our 6 Flags trip went well. I even rode a new Tony Hawk Skateboard Rollercoaster . YeeHaw ! It was fun and I felt good. Congrats Lizrbit - I hope that you're feeling better every day , and feel good with your new band ! Having the band is the best decision I've ever made. I'm going in for my 3rd fill on 6/12. I could 've had it sooner , but I've got pretty good restriction still and have decided not to rush things. I'm still losing also. Even tho' I'm tight in the a.m. , I can eat a decent portion by suppertime. My girls get annoyed that I tell so many people about my band , but I'm excited about it and I've already had 5 or 6 ask me for info. and how they can get in touch w/ my surgeon. Hey , maybe I should be getting a commission for the references ! lol Gotta go , painting the kitchen today ! Have a great holiday week-end everyone !

Teacher and Rebecca , thanks for the encouragement. I really am feeling better about myself every day. Plus only 4 more days of school !YEEHAW !:biggrin1: Shellnurse - exercise has really helped me get the lbs. moving off again . Although I don't enjoy it while I'm doing it , I've found that I feel a lot better and more energetic the rest of the day. I spent a few hours a day dancing with my jr. high choir. Now that school will be getting out I may join curves or work out at home. I just know I've gotta keep moving !:eek: Travelgirl - WAY TO GO !:clap2: Isn't it awesome to know that you're getting healthier every day ? I will never regret having this done.I only wish that I could have had it 10 years ago , so that I could have been a more active mom when my girls ( 12, 14 & 17 ) were little. One of them told me the other day that it was weird that I was getting smaller. She said that she always thought that moms were supposed to be "BIG" and that she thought little moms looked weird. It's kind of sad when you think about it ! Oh well , active mom is here now and I'm taking them to 6 Flags theme park on Friday ( along w/ 5 bus loads of jr. high kids):omg: Roller coasters here we come !:heh: Have a great day everyone !

Hi All , I've been very busy with my school choir , so I've just caught up w/ you all. It seems like we're all about in the same boat. I am really losing my hair too. I had to unclog my shower drain 2 days ago and there was soooo much hair in it , it looked like a small animal in the corner of my shower . yuk ! I had my 2nd fill at the beginning of the month and i really know what restriction is now. PBing and I have become really familiar. I'm supposed to go in for my 3rd the beginning of June , but we'll see how I feel. I've lost 44 lbs. now tho' and people at work are beginning to comment. School is out for the summer in one more week. WOOHOO !:biggrin1: Anyway , my co-workers said they'll be excited to see what I look like when we start back in August. I'm glad for their support. After next week , I plan on getting in there and getting my house cleaned up from top to bottom. I've not wanted to do much with it so far. I've had heart arrythmias for 4 years and since losing weight , they've seemed to calm down immensely , only a few a week.:clap2: I'm going to have an executive profile blood test soon and will be anxious to see what other good results there are as a result of this new way of living. I've also had my first pedicure , which I thoroughly enjoyed. Now that I'm looking better , I spend more time on my looks. Hey have a great week-end everyone , take a walk and enjoy the springtime ! It's a great time of the year to be outside !

Teacher , Thanks For Adding Me. A Get-together Would Be Fun Next Summer To See How Everyone Has Done - Not To Mention A Break Away From The Family ! Lol !my Husband Also Taught ( Retired Now For 2 Years ) And We Spend Waaaay Too Much Time Together Every Summer ! As For Supplements - I Just Do 1 Children's Chewable And 1 Calcium Chewable. I Also Have Been Cold Free Since I Started Taking Them Which Is Great Considering I Teach And Kids Are Always Hugging On Me , Coughing , Sneezing Or Worse ! Have A Great Week-end Everyone !

Hi Teacher , I Got Left Off The List Also, Armkam-2/21/07. I've Found Out That Exercise Really Does Help As Much As I Hate Doing It. This Week I've Been Teaching My Choir And Music Classes Dances For Our Spring Show In 3 Weeks And Spend 2-3 Hours Dancing Every Morning And Have Lost 5 More Lbs. For A Total Of 39 Lbs So Far. I Also Have More Energy To Teach Tho' At 42 This Dancing Is Wearing On My Knees And Back. Hopefully As The Weight Goes Down, Some Of That Will Leave. I'm Getting My 2nd Fill Next Tues, 5/1.sometimes It Seems I Have A Lot Of Restriction And Can Eat Very Little ( Especially In The Morning) , But Other Times I Can Eat Almost A "normal " Size Meal. Have A Great Day All ! Andrea

you're all right about the weather. i bought my 3 girls easter dresses that are for spring and they all had to wear winter coats w/ them to church because it was 28 degrees out yesterday a.m. louise - sorry about the pb'ing. i've done it twice & really don't want it to happen again. when i start feeling just a twinge of chest discomfort i quit eating. the most frustrating part is that you find something that tastes really good and would like a few more bites and can't. i feel left unsatisfied or something - hard to explain - just a craving i guess. the good news is that since my fill last tues. i've started losing again, altho' i don't feel much restriction by suppertime. the dr. said i can have another fill the 1st week of may to really jump start the weight loss. well , it's back to school tomorrow - after spring break, then only 7 weeks of school left until summer ! woohoo !

i just had my 1st fill this tuesday, 4/3. it went smoothly. the dr. used a floroscope to locate the port & filling it only took a few minutes. i really don't feel much difference tho'. he said if i really want to get the weight moving to come in for another fill in 4 weeks, so that's my plan unless things change. have any of you gone tanning since your surgery ? i just started . i put stickers over my incisions so they don't turn purple so now i have 6 hearts on my belly. the dr just laughed when he saw it tues. oh well it's not like anyone is gonna see them anyway. no belly shirts for me - not yet anyway:D . i hope everyone has a great holiday week-end. we plan on it even tho' the weather has changed drastically this week from 80's to mid-40's - crazy.