MeredithMcFee

Nicole1- kudos to you for hitting 198 and Onederland. Did you take a picture of the scale??? Hope you're still there by tomorrow morning after the holiday weekend. If not, it's ok too, because you sound like you're back on track. Glad to hear you had a good cry. Sounds like your counselor knows what he/she are doing. Depression sucks! Both hubby & I have it. And thank you for reminding me to put on my exercise music on my Ipod to get the endorphins going. It does work! I sometimes get online here and go from website to website and just get too lazy to do anything. A trait that I abhor in myself but know it to be true. I'm someone who needs structure. I get more done with it. When no structure I am a slug, if you will. Although I haven't gotten the go ahead with the new job due to waiting for drug test and background check which I should hear this week, I know when I get back to work, I'll get more done here at home then I did when I didn't work! Duh!!! Glad that it's a new month, new things happening and getting back on track with eating better. No more Newton's fruit thin cookies for me at night. Ate the last of them Saturday night. Took a nice two month hiatus from basically working out, poor eating habits, journaling food and moods daily. I must say, for not behaving I basically stayed the same, give or take a pound or so. That would've never happened before lapband. I would've put on a good 10-15lbs in that short amount of time, trust me. Got back into working out again, today and plan on doing it 3-4 times a week. Need to break through this 2 month plateau of being 185 and taking it down a few notches. I am back in the saddle, so to speak and ready to lose the last 20lbs or so. Hope everyone is enjoying the last day of their {unofficial} summer. Very gray and dismal here at the Jersey shore.

Hi Daisy. Welcome to the group here. I had my surgery in Jan by Dr. Reich's and partner, Dr Strom at Bayshore Hospital in Holmdel. I actually saw Dr. Reich this summer down in Manahawkin for an unfill as well as Dr. B. Both doctors and their staff there were very accomodating and extremely friendly. My BMI was around 37, no high BP, diabetes, any meds, other then thyroid and bad knees for the most part. My ins is also Horizon Blue Cross {Direct} and they had no problem getting the insurance precerted and covered 100%. Can I ask why so long for your surgery date?

I love Leslie Sansone's DVD's. I have many other's starting with Kathy Smith and Denise Austion, Cardio, kickboxing, Pilates, you name it. but I have to say, doing Leslie Sansone's 5 mile fat burning DVD has really chiseled down my hips, thighs & buttock area! All the other's never could do that for me as much as this one has. You would think basically walking in place is easy but I have to say, it's a great workout and I even push it further with more stamina to get a better workout. Having said that, I do alternate and use the other's from time to time as well as using our elliptical and treadmill, but 2-3 days out of the week, it's Leslie & me. Good luck!

Just read a post re: energy shots. I wasn't aware of these but looked them up online to get an idea about them. How many of you out there use them, like them, and which ones do you recommend to buy?

energy shots that you drink.

Hi Everyone! Thanks ladies for the good wishes. It'll be interesting now that I'll have to eat at 'normal' times instead of eating breakfast at 11am, lunch around 3 and dinner around 8pm while not working. Like everything else, it'll all work out. My DH & I just came back from our 6 week visit with our surgeon. Apparently I am in my sweet spot even at the small amount of fill I have in me. I wasn't planning on having a fill tonight since I've had some issues lately. Still not sure if it's my many year's of habitually taking that first bite and basically inhaling it after so many hours of not eating. She did say that beef is difficult for most people and that's what I had a major problem with the other night. Even hamburgers. So, I need to step up my game here, stop eating the fruit thin cookies a few times a day, start getting back into the gym on a regular basis and get my mojo back! My husband had a 1cc fill which he desperately needed as he's been munching on tortilla chips and sour cream most weekends. Oh well, summer is almost over :-( and a new season starts soon. Gotta go and 'study' for my drug test tomorrow morning. LOL

Hi Everyone! Just wanted to stop by and say I got the job I interveiwed for!!! It's been 2 yrs being out of work and I was wondering if I would ever find the right fit/home and I think and hope I have. I go in Friday for the preliminary testing Friday {drug test/criminal background test} Thank God I've always been a good girl when it came to that. Test me for Cheetoz within the past 30 days and I'll definitely fail!!! LOL On a serious note: We had strip steak last night and some asparagus for dinner. First time having that particular steak and boy did I have a major PB! I know some people have a problem with the asparagus but so far, I haven't. I only had a bite of that anyway but I don't know if I didn't chew enough of the steak or it just wasn't working for me. Later, after pbing, I felt better and we went and got some soft vanilla ice cream. I had all to do to make it to the car where it was dark, and pb'd again!! PB'd when I got home and had the gurgle going on when I got up to take my meds this a.m. I had a cup of coffee which was fine but waited a few hours before I had my breakfast quesadilla from WW which seemed to go down without a problem. We plan on going out to dinner tonight to celebrate my job and our wedding anniversary that was last week but I was away. I'm just hoping I won't have a problem there. I was planning on getting a teeny fill tomorrow night but not sure if I might need more taken out. My husband suggested I have an x-ray to see if there's a problem with my band since I've have some problems on and off for the past few months which I think is a good idea. We'll see.

Nicki- kudos to you for working out during lunch and letting it be known to the higher's up.Good luck with the new job. That's awesome. Loved your post to Nicole1 and thank you for reminding us {me} that food is fuel. Nicole1: Sorry to hear you're going through a difficult time right now. I, too, suffer from depression and it stinks! It doesn't matter how much knowledge one has of this disorder, when it happens to you, you know it, but it's hard to find the energy to do anything about it. It has to take it's course more times then none. You're going through lots of changes, summer's over, getting back into the school season for both you and your child. {I have plenty of friends who are teachers. I never knew how you all could take 12 weeks off and go back to work/school. I'd definitely have a hard time doing that}. Then on top of that, all the changes taking place there at work, losing friends, moving your class and possibly fearing you might be the next to go. Damn economy! We are all here for you and hoping your visit with your psychiatrist goes well. Perhaps you need a tweak in your medication or a good talk with he/she. Good luck and keep us in the know. I can relate to Nicole1 re: food and losing it's luster for it. Never thought I would say that. Like ChrissyLu, tuna salad is my go-to food. And Santafe Rice n Beans from Smart Ones. If I can't get either one of those down, I'm a dead duck! LOL Our wedding anniversary was the other day. Normally we go out to dinner to celebrate but since we've both been banded, neither one of us gets enjoyment going out to dinner whether it's for a special ocassion or just getting a bite to eat. That can be depressing in itself. Like someone said earlier, food was our best friend. It played a major part in my life. Where ever I went, whether it was running to the store, and hadn't had breakfast or lunch, I would run to Burger King for a quick burger. If I went shopping, day trips, movies, take your pick, there was always that 'carrot' dangling, saying where and what do you want to eat? Now it no longer is. I even lost my taste for a social drink. Weird but that's ok because I always need to eat after I have a glass of wine and I'm not talking healthy foods here! :-) So, this banding process is still new to my husband & I. We are both trying to find something that'll fill that emotional void that food played such a major part in our lives. I am starting to read again as my gardening is coming to an end for the summer which took up a lot of my time. Reading is healthy and keeps my mind pre-occupied. Exercising is another good thing. Little by little we're slowly getting there where ever 'there' is but we know we're not alone. And that's a good thing. Tomorrow I have a second interview for a medical practice that I would love to be part of their team. Wish me luck. Just getting back into the workforce will help me with getting back into an every day routine. Hugs to all.....

Chrissylu: Kudo's to you for hitting the 80lb mark! That is awesome! Well another new week, and hoping I can stay on track now that things have calmed down. Last week was a busy week with visiting family down at the beach and then sisters' weekend at a spa resort in north Jersey. On the whole, I have to say we ate pretty healthy, although I had a few cocktails at the pool. Came home to find I gained one pound over the weekend! I thought for sure it would be a good 5lbs but nope, I checked it again and it still was 186. Fortunately, our room was the furthest from every where in the resort so we had to walk all over which was fine for me. Never thought to bring my fitbit as I thought I wouldn't be getting much exercise having some spa treatments and sitting poolside for two days. Duh! I wish I brought it with me but that's ok. Next year. Have my work out clothes on all morning but haven't had the energy to get up and work out!!! Weather is very dark skies, pouring and thundering but finally left for the south area of the state. I am just too tired and want to take a nap!! Fortunately did all my house cleaning and laundry yesterday instead of my normal Monday routine but darn, I feel I fell and just can't get up!!! LOL Seeing my dr Thursday night and will probably get a small fill since I seem to always have a problem not being able to keep things down afterwards. Noticing I'm getting more hungry sooner then later. It's been a good two mths since I had a fill and I've plateaued since then basically at 185, give or take a pound here or there from water rentention but always go back to 185. Time for both hubby & I to get back on track, get a fill, and exercise. Have to say, I'm not complaining about the plateau. 50 lbs lost is a major start and I feel sooo good. If I never had this surgery, I would've put on a good 10-15lbs over the summer. Not sure if I need to lose another 25lbs but perhaps 15lb and really tone up. Then we'll go from there. I have no goals of sizes or numbers on the scale. Just being able to feel better, healthy mind & spirit, look good in smaller size clothes, and get my confidence back is all that I ask for. Is that too much to ask? :-)

Welcome, Melissa! Stop lurking and join this wonderful group. Share your experiences with us. We can all learn from one another. I found this recipe from Bethenny Frankel's Skinny Girl website. I tried it and both my husband & I enjoyed it immensely. Never thought to marinate chicken and red wine together but with all the ingredients, it was very tasty. Sundried Tomato Grilled Chicken Makes 4 servings Ingredients 1/2 cup red wine 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves 3 tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic, chopped 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper 1 teaspoon salt A few sprigs of parsley (optional) 4 small chicken breasts Preparation Combine the wine, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, garlic, pepper, and salt in a blender and mix until smooth Add the blend with the chicken to a zip lock or storage container. Make sure the chicken is covered in the sauce. Marinate overnight in the refrigerator Grill about 20-30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160F. Garnish with fresh Italian parsley Enjoy!

I think Horsegirl and I have something in common. Longgggggggg posts! Sorry guys. Oh well, it keeps me from putting something in my mouth to chew on! LOL

Hi everyone! Wow, I have to remember all I've read so I can comment here. Looks like we're all winding down now that summer is slowly coming to an end. I'm not ready yet to say good bye despite the high temps we've had part of the time but I just love being out in my backyard, where I am right now listening to the wonderful sounds of crickets chirping. Nicki: I just got a call today for a second interview for next Wed as the HR manager is out this week. The Prac Admin was not able to make the last interview so I guess I'm in the running! I hope so. NJ2NC: I live right on the border of Long Branch in Oceanport. Growing up, we lived in Union County. My dad use to by pass LB and we would go to Asbury Park and Pt Pleasant for most of our shore experiences. I've worked in LB for years and all the natives would tell me about the Haunted Mansion and the fire at the pier. It's all grown up now and is beautiful. Savannah2: kudo's to you on getting to onderland. Drink protein drinks the next few days and you'll get there! Good luck. It's a great feeling. Ladybandito: I too like your idea of one drink, 2 glasses of water. I have to say since the band I have really lost my zest for drinking. Summer time I usually have crystal light lemonade and vodka while in the pool but didn't do it too often this summer. Just had 2 glasses of red wine while making dinner and it was nice. I get the darn munchies when I drink so that's another reason why I'm happy I'm not really into it any longer. Chrissylu: we're all waiting to hear how you did at the doctor's or did I miss that? I'll have to scroll back up later. Horesgirl: You've done well too under the circumstances of summer, family and having fun. We can't all be saints 100% of the time. As long as we're not going up on the scale and just plateauing, I think we're doing great. Afterall, we've all lost a nice chunk of weight being in our 7th month PO. I guess I was the only one hear who use to go into the dressing room trying on clothes before WLS and just walked out discouraged. Never felt like bringing them home, trying them on then having to take them back. Either way it was a lose-lose situation and not lose, in a good way, if you understand. Now, I still go in and try not to look at my sagging thighs{they're not too bad I must say} and just put the slacks on. I now look good in clothes as compared to before not looking good in or out of them! That's a win for me! :-) Going off for our annual trek to LBI {Long Beach Island, South Jersey} for the day tomorrow. My brother, his family and 3 other families rent a big house down there for the week. My 2 sister's & I go and have fun with the whole gang. I won't feel self conscience in my bathing suit this time and can't wait to take pictures with the kids. Something I didn't like to do before this but did it anyway. Wish me luck on this job interview next week. Looks like a great place to work, 10 minutes from my house and something I love to do. I've been home for 2 years not finding anything out there so hopefully, this is it!

Kymie: awesome for you. I've been at a plateau for a good 6-8 weeks. Albeit, I hadn't exercised diligently during that time but was active just the same. I'm ok with it b/c I haven't gone up which is awesome in itself! Back to the DVD's, treadmill and the neighborhood with the beautiful weather these past few days. NJ2NC: Stop by the Jersey Shore, I have a WW digital scale if your momma doesn't! Enjoy your trip and have fun in the sun! Nicki: Kudo's to you on your new job! That is awesome, despite some of the changes, you have a gret attitude. Make lemonades out of lemons. It sounds like you have it all covered with work, family and you! Good luck to you. I had a great interview, and like you, I felt so good inside my thinner skin, if you will. They had a few more interviews as I was the 1st. Hopefully, I set the bar very high. LOL I did get a text yesterday morning from one of the supervisor's in on the interview saying it was a GREAT interview and thehead of HR LOVED me! So, I'm praying it's the right fit for all and I get the job. It's everything I want and more!

NJ2NC: Great to see you back on here. That is awesome that you've reached onderland. Take a picture of the scale for prosperity! I did because I thought for sure from my past that I would go back up again and never see it again, but lo & behold, it kept going down. Great accomplishment. I'm sure you're walking on clouds today.

I totally agree. I have a cup of coffee when I get up in the morning and maybe have my first meal around 11am, lunch around 3 and dinner around 7ish. It works for me.

Hi All, Glad to see some of us finally are finally posting. I know it's a busy time of year for parents getting their kids ready for school, last few weeks of vacay for some and just busy lives. I mentioned here yesterday that I had a job interview scheduled for this morning and went out yesterday to buy a pr of black slacks. Well, as I was getting dressed this morning, I went to cut the tags off the slacks I bought and realized I took the size 14's instead of the 16's as I felt the 14's were just to tight. Oh no, minutes away from leaving, what do I do??? Fortunately, I bought a new pr of Spanx {smaller size as well}, put them on, put the slacks on, and WOW, I looked awesome and felt it all during my interview! So glad I made that mistake. :-) Nicki: I hope you had a good interview and I'm sorry to hear about your upcoming lay off. I hope you get something as soon as you can and equivalent to what you are doing now. Chrissy & Kymie: I can relate to the eating situation with you both. I sometimes wonder if it's me not chewing, taking big bites or do I need another unfill. I only have approx 2.8 cc's in my band so I can't imagine that's it. Who knows. chicken is definitely no longer a friend to me although yesterday I did have some general tao's chicken and lemon chicken from the Chinese takeout at Wegmann's. Had no problem. Made lemon chicken thighs the other night and had a stuck episode. I'm basically eating Sante Fe Rice & Beans by Smart Ones. Chrissy, like you, if tuna fish becomes a problem, I'm in big trouble. Have it every day whether it be for lunch or just a quick forkful for a snack. Kymie: I second the motion on what Nicki posted re: you are NOT a failure. You're doing awesome. We all are while learning to re-train ourselves 99% of our bad habits. I'm leaving 1% to still enjoy the bad foods every once in awhile in stead of enjoying 24/7. One day a week, I too treat myself to soft serve ice cream, or my favorite comfort junk food, Cheez Doodles. What I'm realizing with our band, it is definitely finicky, and has no rhyme or reason. Keep posting, working out and loving the band.

Chrissy, that's an awesome NSV! You must feel so good and should be proud of yourself for all your hard work. I have a job interview tomorrow, wish me luck, and thought I had some slacks I could still wear in the closet. Good thing I tried them on because they were 18's and they were swimming on me! All 3 prs! I ran out to SteinMart and was able to get into a 14 but right on the edge of being a little too tight so I went with the 16 and that was ok. They were a totally different cut of slacks, not like Lane Bryant's forgiving curves, they were all more straighter but with a little curve so I was pleased with that.Actually didn't mind going shopping and trying on clothes. Oh yeah, I had an NSV the other night. I flew home from South Carolina Saturday night. This was the first time since I flew 2 weeks before surgery and I was able to sit in the seat with room to move around and I was in the middle seat between two strangers!!! No bumping into them feeling like I was spilling over into their space to boot! I know others' here can relate to this NSV as a major accomplishment and a comfortable one at that. Like you Chrissy, exercise is key for me. Even though I felt active without working out, I could see my body becoming flabbier where it was once starting to tone up. I also made some poor choices last week with eating. Found out I can eat one of my favorite past times without any problems, Cheez Doodles! Ate a bag in two days instead of finishing it in one sitting. Not good. Oh well, I think I got them out of my system for now. Not bad after not having them for 7 months. Anyone else here have some of their old favorite's rearing their ugly heads to entice us lately>

Tanieya, congrats on your loss, that's awesome.Like Stokesmommy mentioned, go on youtube and put in tricep dips. You'll find them there. I am having the same problem too to some degree. I use my dining room chair to do the dips and I'm seeing a marked improvement. You can also use hand weights by doing upper back and tricep exercise. Again, go online, google or youtube to find what's best for you. Good luck!

Like Toddy, I eat them to bump up my protein. I too love the Atkin's meal bars, especially when I'm on the run. I have a Atkins snack bar right before going to bed which satifies me and adds a few more grams of protein. I've eaten the pure protein bars but got tired of them. To me, they're too sweet tasting and I'm not a big chocolate lover. They only seem to have a few choice where as Aitkens has more then just chocolate and peanut butter.

Hi Everyone. I'm back and with a vengence! The past 8 weeks I've been off my game for one reason or another, however, it's ok. I've plateaued for all that time, staying the same weight which I'm ok with since I haven't been really exercising for the most part. My step daughter is back home for school and now I can get back into my routine. Started back yesterday with Leslie Sansone's 5 mile fat burning DVD. Today will be Denise Austen's kickboxing DVD. Need to shake it up a little and get the scale going down. Nicki: sounds like you're having fun in Myrtle Beach. Hope the weather improves. Savannah: Congrats on the 7lb loss. That is a big motivator for sure. Don't beat yourself up about not holding to your past goals, we've all been there but as long as we're going forward that's the most important thing. We're NOT giving up! Often we need something for ourselves to boost our morale and set goals and it sounds like the Halloween outfit is and will be the right fit for you. Even something as small as a DVD, new sneaks/workout clothes can give us the incentive to get back in the game. Whatever it is, and it works, go for it. While waiting for my stepdaughter while she went to marshal arts class, I spent the hour walking the strip mall until Marshall's opened up. I went crazy buying yoga pants, racer bras and running shirts. Right after WLS, I went to a running store and had a running analysis so I would get the right sneaker for working out. I saw all those cute small running clothes for women {and expensive} and said to myself, "I will get into those one of these days". Went into Marshall's bought a pair of yoga pants, took them home to try on and fell in love with them. Love the spandex that controls you and hides the cellulite and other lumps and bumps as well as the cheaper price. Went back another day and bought a few more outfits. It probably would've cost me the same amount in the running store for just one of their outfits when I got 4! Crazy! So, I am now wearing these outfits to run out to the store and doing errands and feel extremely comfident wearing them and not self conscience. Well gotta go, the gym is calling me. Missing everyone!

I go online to Vitacost.com and get mine. The prices are so low and they have so many choices. A friend of mine who had gastric surgery years ago suggested it to me.

Hey Nicki, I'm down here in MB North by Fantasy Harbor just until tomorrow night when I fly back home to NJ. Hanging out at family's home today after driving all day to get down here. Rand to Tanger's Outlet to buy some shorts. Ran into Lane Bryant and found a cute pr of chino cropped pants on sale but my step daughter told me to stop buying clothes there. Hey, it was a size 14! I guess it's time to think out of the box and get out into the misses sizes. However the khaki shorts I did get were at Columbia. :-) Have fun at the reptile convention. I'm definitely passing on that! EWWWWW! Catch up with all when I get back. Have been reading posts but have to get back on here to chat with ya'll!

my esophagus. I take an OTC sleeping pill {tiny half pill} every night for years. Have never had a problem. Last night took the half pill and swallowed but noticed a little later that it burned. Took water, then went to bed. Woke up in the middle of the night with the same feeling. More water. Again, woke up this morning, still had the feeling, decided to have a protein drink, later had a Smart Ones's Rice and Beans for lunch with no swallowing problems. Took vitamins and finally took some dexilant but still have the same feeling. Has anyone had this problem before? I just tried eating some spicy almonds {not thinking} that I usually have for a 3pm snack and it burned going down, I just spit the rest out! Has anyone had this problem before after taking an 'innocent' little pill?

Val Ann, today is my 6 mth bandiversary too. Congrats to you. It's been a wonderful 6 month ride in so many ways. A neighbor of mine hadn't seen me as she moved away a year ago and has since moved back. She saw me back in the Spring and asked me what I did to lose so much weight. She went through some emotional things and had put on 75lbs and didn't know what to do. When I shared with her what I had done, she researched it and I'm happy to say, she had her lapband surgery today! I can't wait to see her go through the process of banding and finding her old self again.