DynamoMini

Hi Everyone - Well my son, Todd is out of the hospital and back in the Springs. He had an MRI today, instead of the scope, and they are putting everything on hold until something else happens. Oh well. They said the scope might cause another bout of pancreatitis. I am trying to boost up my IQ points, because I am watching American Idol tonight - Yeah! and you can lose a few IQ points doing that. Deevah - welcome and best of luck. You know this was easier surgery than any other surgery I have ever had, the challenges come after when you heal and have to face the food monster. Viri - good luck with the funding. It is a bunch of money, but for me my health and well being are more important. I don't think I could lose the weight I need to and keep it off without banding, but I, too, had to get over the guilt of thinking that I was wasting my money on yet another diet failure. The reality for me was that I couldn't do it and keep it off without the band. That was an awakening of sorts. The other concept that I had to get over was that the band would solve my dieting problems. That hasn't been the case. I have needed to confront all aspects of my lifestyle to really make the band work for me. Good luck. This is a great place for support. Hugs all, Michelle

Hi Everyone - Todd, my son, was doing better later today, earlier, I was worried he'd never get better. He was overdosing on the pain meds, so they backed off, and now he want to eat and run around the hospital. I think they will release him tomorrow. It is so weird. He goes from unbelievable pain to everything being ok. I am holding up. I didn't get to exercise today, but went yesterday. So, that was good. My eating was a lot better today then yesterday. I decided to eat what was healthier choices, skip the cookies, which I go to in a crisis. It is good. There are real changes in my lifestyle. Best wishes to all, more to come when I am not so brain dead. Michelle

Mal - thanks for those positive thoughts. He is a little better tonight, but it is slower than it was in December. at least this time we have a plan to do a scope around spring break, so he has a chance to heal. Woofay - way to go. I have 9 pounds more to lose to get to my drivers license weight. Aren't we silly to lie? Dee - you are getting closer. Yeah! I am pooped, but enjoyed reading everything. Hugs all, Michelle

Hi Everyone - A quick note to tell you I loved seeing you last night and again on the posting picts. John and Lydia we really like having you join us! We are a fun group. Update - Todd (son) and I tried to put off his going to the hospital, but succomed to it at 11:30 last night. We were at St. Joseph's (Kaiser's home) in the ER hallway, and then cubby room in ER (3:30 am), until he was finally put in a room around 3 pm today. I was up all night, went home at 6:30 am, slept a little, then saw him this afternoon, went to an awful play this evening and going to sleep tonight. He is hurting, on dilauded (sp), without any food until his enzymes get back in order. I have to teach tomorrow morning, but then am going to be with him after school. He is scared and frustrated as to why this is happening. Pancreatitis is common in people who drink excessively, but he doesn't any more. There are no stones, no hepatitis, no other issues. I am hoping that we get more than a bandaid this time. Hugs all, Michelle

Hi All - I hope to see lots of you tonight. Can't wait. I haven't lost a lot more, but people are saying stuff to me, like wow, you look really good, not so much about being thinner, but my general health is soooooooo much better. About the clothing - My big clothes are like bags, when I go from a big bag to a smaller bag, there isn't a great deal of difference. I remember from past diets that I had to get a lot closer to my goal (ugh, takes forever)(within 50 pounds - being a shorty) for the sizes to really start changing. Every 10 -14 pounds dropped for me was another size. Hugs hope to see you tonight, Michelle

kandiceb - you are doing great. I agree about the head hunger, it is a lifestyle change that includes practicing different types of thought patterns. Sometimes I feel on top of it and other times it is a struggle. What is great about the band is that i don't regain tons of weight before I get the head thing under control. It is a new world out there. Best wishes all, Michelle

Red Robin List (copy and paste) Anyone Else???? Going to be there: Thursday January 10th 7 pm Dynamo (Michelle) Tied2BFit (Dee) Mal Marilyn (I HOPE) Woofay (weather ???) Woofay - congrats on the clothes gratification! Perhaps regular stores are soon in your future!!!! The snow started and stopped here too. I am already tired of the white stuff. Munchkin - thanks for the BD wish, I feel better than I have in the last 10 years so it was great to celebrate. Lap - you are doing really well sweetie. Good for you. I am so glad that you feel in charge of your life now. If we aren't then who is steering? Hugs to all and hope to see lots of you tomorrow night. Michelle

Red Robin List (copy and paste) Anyone Else???? Going to be there: Thursday January 10th 7 pm Dynamo (Michelle) Tied2BFit (Dee) Mal Marilyn (I HOPE) Woofay (weather ???) Spent the day in the ER with my mom. She was having trouble breathing, but her pulse/O2 was good. She has refused to use oxygen at night like it had been recommended after her sleep study. While I understand that it means she will have to consider it when she travels, come on! Anyway, good news. Nothing vital is wrong, just her body doesn't pull enough oxygen at night. Not bad for an 83 year old. I did ok at the hospital, had a light lunch and worked out later than usual, but made it all the same. There is something wonderful about taking care of myself. I hope this post finds you happy and healthy this 8th day of January. Man, time is flying! Michelle

Woofay - I think you need an unfill too. Sometimes more isn't better. The other thing that I am doing and it seems to help is to divide my day into five meal/snack segments. So I stop the grazing. In between meals are protein shakes, yogurt and today I had a cup of Kashi cereal with light soy. My meals are from 200 - 400 calories. My day is around 1360 which is my BMR (basal metabolic rate). Not grazing is a big boost for me, I have picked up the knitting needles, and settled things with the IRS, they halved their bill, and I decided that fighting was more trouble than it was worth. Red Robin List (copy and paste) Going to be there: Thursday January 10th 7 pm Dynamo (Michelle) Tied2BFit (Dee) Mal Marilyn (I HOPE) Woofay (weather ???)

Indio - I'm with you. Exercise is key. I work out 5 days a week for 45 minutes of EFX cardio and two half hours with a trainer. I am hoping to minimize the amount of skin surgery I will have to do after, plus I finally am feeling fabulous from the endorphins. About fills, don't worry NM I did the same thing. Sometimes food is no problem, but I find I can't eat and talk, unless I am very consciously eating and chewing. I also find it easier at night than the morning. I have to cut up veggies into small bites, same with meat, I also have to "wet" my meat whether it is ketchup or gravy but I need sauce for it to go smoothly down. Niknacnut- I hadn't heard about pineapple juice, but it makes sense. It is sweet and slimy and would help things slide down. I also am really careful when I eat out. I try never to go out too hungry, because I gulp. Hugs all, I will start using this site. Michelle

Viri - make sure that the people that need to know, know. I have felt like my body was under a microscope for the world to comment on all my life. I told my family and set ground rules that they couldn't ask or comment about me or my weight loss. I also let them know they were part of the problem. They had some trouble accepting this, but that was part of my healing processs - setting limits. My experience is that weight loss with the band is slow and steady (and also not steady) and that people notice you have changed but don't always see the weight loss. Take heart, if you want privacy it is there - people are self centered. Good luck with your choices - the band is a journey. Thanks to all who offered the birthday wishes. I love you, my heart is here because you all get me. My 58th year - wow! I feel better than I have in the last 10, and it isn't only about the weight, it is about the feeling of self worth that I have been developing. It is going to be a great year! Who's coming to Red Robin on Thursday night????? I'll be there at 7. Hugs all, Michelle

Hi Everyone, I haven't posted for a long time, but I'm back. I am done with holiday eating. I hear you about the chocolates appearing after you clear everything out. My son was leaving trays of open cookies on the table. I have been throwing his "treats" out. I also washed a big piece of chocolate cake that had my name on it. I was slicing away at it and realized, that even if I put it in the garbage, I might go back and sneak a pinch. Once the cake was in the disposal with water all over it, the "enchantment" was broken. The sugar addicition is really tricky for me. Do other people out there have those types of crazy thoughts? Well, Happy New Year everyone! You know 2008 will be a much better year now that we are banded. Life has a lot to offer. Hugs to all, Michelle

Red Robin List (copy and past) Going to be there: Dynamo (Michelle) Tied2BFit (Dee) Mal Marilyn (I HOPE) Hi Everyone, It was my birthday today. Yeah! I haven't felt this good for the last 10 years. So I know that this year will be wonderful. My family got together for dinner at Thai Basil, nice restaurant. Nice to see my boys growing up. My mom is still kicking at almost 83, so there are some good genes there. So, happy Saturday evening. Hope to see many people at Red Robin on Thursday night. Michelle

Red Robin List (copy and paste) Going to be there: Dynamo (Michelle) Tied2BFit (Dee) Mal Hi Everyone, I did what I hope will be the biggest blooper of 2008, I was very diligent doing my laundry and dumped the basket into the machine (I wash all cold) anyway, my book from the library was in there and it wasn't discovered until I went to put all in the dryer. Oy Vey! If you think books are plastic - think again. It completely disintegrated into lint all over hell and back. I just have been scooping and delinting, somethings are ruined, as I can't get the lint out. Oh well bye bye to some undies, but what a fool I feel. Hugs and today is going great, what with a little laundry disaster. Perhaps it is time for new undies. Shopping! Dee - just remember to get back, be honest, forgive yourself, and remember how it feels to be healthy. those few seconds of healthy thinking can sometimes help me wash bad chocolate cake down the disposal and marshmellow cookies (that my son left out again) into the garbage. Mal - Yeah! It is amazing what cardio does for the psyche and this way I won't be able to raze you at Red Robin. Hee,,,,heee.... Woofay - Mal and I are after you to get your butt into the gym. You'll feel great about yourself. And remember you don't need to hurt to get benefit. Viri - I agree with bahot, wait, give yourself a day to lounge. You'll be back at 'em soon enough. Hugs all, Michelle

Hi Everyone, Well pride goeth before the fall, I did great, even at Olive Garden today and then came home and my son left 9 oreos out on the table. I ate them all and just got the calorie cound on Calorie King, they are 160 a piece. Blew it!!!! I had a quick trip to the springs today to see my other sonnie boy. He is fine. We went to see Juno, a great flick. Red Robin the 10th?? Is everyone in. Add your name and copy/paste to your text message. Going to be there: Dynamo (Michelle)

Mal - I hope that means a trip to the gym today or tomorrow. Hugs cutie! Happy New Year! Did well last night and brunching today. I don't know but the food isn't calling me like it was. It really seems to be a carb thing that triggers it. Happiest Year Ever! Michelle

Mal - don't you love all that TP over your house. We had a bad attack several years back, with eggs and stuff on the lawn. I just think those kids musthavebeen freezing. Hope they got freezer burn out there. Did you put on your need duds? I think I am going to call you today and ask. Mona - so sorry about the complications. As if surgery isn't bad enough. Dr. K is world class and does really good work, This was my first surgery without complications. However, hospitals have sooooooo many germs. Woofay and Mare - how's the flu. Yuck! I only had that kind of barfing when I binged on some sesame almonds. The pain is really off putting, made me never want to eat that stuff again. But flu? Did you guys have shots this year? Welcome all you newbies. We need to plan our next outing to the Red Robin. I think it was agreed to be a Thursday evening. I'll have to look it up on the calendar. There is a support group the 8th, so perhaps we could meet the 10th ???? Happiest New Year all, Michelle

Woofay - so glad you caught us up. I don't know about the anti nausea stuff, doesn't vomiting get the bug out of the body? Any nurses or docs out there? But I can't imagine that violent vomiting is good for the band. A dilemma. I am glad you are on the mend. Almost everyone I know has something yucky. It must be the traveling around, multi-regional bugs out there. Anyway, my fill seems just right. Part of it is that I am eating better. After my box (box - yes box) of truffles, my yen for chocolate seems gone for now. I am concentrating on the proteins again. Exercising sure helps me stay the course. Mal - hugs to you. Wow! Even tho you thought you were bad you still dropped some weight. Good for you. Get back on track, you deserve a healthy life. We all do. ( a little self talking here) Well the new year is coming... I have never kept these 30whatever pounds off for more than a month or two, but here I have gone down and stayed down for 32 weeks, Dr. K's point to me. We have to remember this is a two year process. Remember Michelle???? Be well, happy new years, anyone having fun? Michelle

Hi Bahot! Welcome. You will have to make up your mind about telling or not telling. I do get the once over every time I see a friend I've told. If I did it over, I don't think that I would tell, except my family. Hugs all, Michelle

Mal - my appointment was great. I love Dr. K. I don't know if we got it right this time. He took out all the liquid 2.6 cc and put in 2.8. We'll see. I met Natalie for the first time. She's very nice. She gave me some information on nutrition. I understand what you are talking about. I eat yucky stuff, junk stuff, not even tasty. My brother talks about becoming a food snob and I think I need to do that. I am on the SeeFood diet. You know, but it isn't a joke. Don't worry about the jerks at the party. One of the things I have figured out over the years is that people are so self-involved, they miss everything. I spend whole days with people and they never notice my missing finger and are shocked when they do notice. So, Dr. K put it in perspective. I am 32 weeks out from surgery and I have officially (on his scale) lost 31.6 pounds, so that is a pound a week. He said that is terrific! I went to exercise today, all dressed and then I couldn't find the key to get into the gym and of course, no other crazy member was there in all this snow. Oh well. Tomorrow. Hugs all, Michelle

Hi Everyone, Yes, it is dumping here in Colorado, thank G-d I don't have a million kiddos around me - yikes Brandy! I am getting ready for my fill. I am going to ask Dr. K to take out all the saline and then replace it. I don't know whether I need a fill or a lobotomy. What is it with bad food choices and stuffing until I puke? I'm with you Mal, I am bored. I am going to start looking at part time teaching jobs or barista jobs that have insurance. Smiles! I'll let you all know later regarding the fill. Hugs and stay safe. Michelle

I am back in Denver, getting back into my schedule. Hope all your Xmas activities went well. The eating issue is ongoing. I do better then slide. I ate a whole box of truffles, yes, one at a time. I figured out that I had 1200 calories of chocolate - whew! But they are finally gone. What craziness is this? I am bored, need a job or something to do with my hands. I couldn't pull out the paints, who knows why? I am doing better today. Each day is a victory. I see Dr. K tomorrow. I am a little nervous about the scale. Hugs, Michelle

Mal - I haven't been outside yet. I don't want to try an dig out, with the snow still falling. But will get with it tomorrow. Are you shopping? Do you have kiddos? Lap - you do look great. I would miss the snow, but when I have to try to get anywhere, it isn't as fun. Plus I worry about my sons driving. Max is defrosting his car as we speak. Happy crazy shopping day tomorrow. I will see Dr. K on Thursday. I am ready for a fill and more weight loss. Hugs, Michelle

Merry Christmas to some!!! Happy Holidays to all!!! And the best New Year to less of us!!! Just back from the Pacific Northwest where it rained:rain: for a solid week. I went to a local gym and worked out six days in a row.:whoo::whoo::whoo: Damn I'm good. It was a relief to get a break from the daily crying screaming drama with three kids under the age of 8. I went to the gym, put on my new Nano Ipod (thanks to my boys) and rocked out. Then I could smile sweetly with all the chaos around me. I am so happy to be in that place now. Before I would have eaten through the stressors. Hugs to all - yeah Dee, we all want that! Michelle

skinny - good luck to you. It would be wonderful to get someone else to pay. I wasn't so lucky. My insurance refuses to pay for WLS, so I paid for the surgery myself. Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver will do the surgery for $10,000, it's a lot, but worth it. I just read the last page of postings and everyone is talking about the head hunger that leads to crazy eating. Sign me up. I do that. It is like the stomach has a mind of its own (if ya catch my drift) and apprears to be resistant to change. I am still plowing away. Writing what I eat, exercising, acupuncturing, therapizing and fighting the good fight. There are changes - but boy I hope I live long enough -- just kidding. I am on my way to Seattle to visit my brother's family (three kids 7 and under). Life does go on. Happy Holidays all my over 50 friends! Michelle