DynamoMini

Just wanted to bring the list forward - RR - December 13th Sign up for Red Robin Dynamo Mal Drews VABandster Bookholder Dee Mare5569 Anyone else? Mare - I understand hard seasons, for me it isn't the religious stuff but the losses I have felt during the fall - both husbands and my father. All those men left during the season, even the leaves rolling along the streets sound like bones rattling to my ears. And I'm on meds and see a therapist!!! Gurly - thanks for the info. I think I'll do a wait and see about the Body bug, it seems like a great idea, a positive feedback system for us. Dee - my best wishes are with you girl. You will come out smiling and this decision will be one of the best of your life. TOMORROW YOU'LL BE A BANDSTER. Hugs. VA - I am excited about meeting you at RR with all the other bandsters. Let me know where you will be coming from so I can give you good directions. I cancelled my fill, I think I will see what happens over the next month. I have only been with it for three days, how can I blame the band, the fill, or whatever? I posted this on the over fifty and wanted to share it with my band sisters. As I eat healthfully a strange restlessness comes over me. It is a feeling of unsettledness. Beginning of Day 4 of eating mindfully "So I ended a third day of good eating. It has made me stronger internally, however, there is this weird restless feeling that comes over my subconscious when I am eating right. Is it withdrawal or fallout from pea dip??? Who knows? Does anyone else get this weird feeling when focused and eating balanced meals and you are under control? I had weird dreams last night that I couldn't quite put my life together. I am not hungry; I am eating enough. I am restless and unsettled." Anyone have these feelings? I remember in the workbook "Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life" that we are to notice our feelings like in the third person. Like saying "I am having the feeling that I am restless." Instead of saying "I am restless." To remove it from being so "alive." Well, heavy thoughts for a Thursday morning. Regardless, I am committed to another day of healthy mindful eating. Hugs and love to you all, Michelle

Hi Everyone, Yes, Mah Jongg was played. We use the American rules with the printed card. It is a more elaborate game than I was shone in China, however, they simplified the Chinese rules for the first timers on the Yangzee cruise. So I don't know the similarities. I do know that we don't use all the tiles from our kits to play. We also don't do elaborate betting and have a $3.00 limit that people can lose in one game. It is fun. I did great with the food. Just drank my decaf, didn't bring the yogurt, but didn't start into the treats (and there were some) until the game was over. I had a few celery pieces and carrots with pea/avacado (new recipe without fat) dip. Came home and ate the yogurt with a pot of herbal tea. I like filling up on tea at night seems to take the edge off. So I ended a third day of good eating. It has made me stronger internally, however, there is this weird restless feeling that comes over my subconscience when I am eating right. Is it withdrawal or fallout from pea dip??? Who knows? Does anyone else get this weird feeling when focused and eating balanced meals and you are under control? I had weird dreams last night that I couldn't quite put my life together. I am not hungry, I am eating enough. All I do know is that I will tolerate it for another day. Day 4. hugs all, Michelle

Ok - let's start the sign up list for Red Robin on December 13th. Dynamo Mal Drews Anyone else?????

HI Everybody - I just want to report another good day - two in a row. I am committed to having a good day again. The trick for me is staying totally away from the white carbs. Foods with lower Glycemic Indexes are better for me and cut my cravings. Denise - you are not BAD, you just made poor food choices. Been there, done that for SEVERAL months. You will feel great if you commit to a day without junk, and do the day at a time, until you are back on track. I can't believe it is working for me. Tonight I have a Maj Jongg game with the goodies all over. But I am determined to stay the course, so I will bring my yogurt (night time treat). Planning ahead will help I hope. I sure want to feel good about myself. Confession - About the scale Denise, I don't know. I was such a scale whore in the beginning, gave it up because it was interferring with good thinking, did fine for a while weighing once a week, ate crazy for several months, refused to get on for several weeks (not a good idea), now I have to say I weighed every day since I've been good. I know this is CRAZY behavior, but I don't know how to normalize it. So, bottom line, I understand your reluctance to get on the scale, but know that ignoring it, as a feedback system, doesn't work and also praying to it, as a god, doesn't work either. Any thoughts anyone?? I am measuring monthly with my trainer, that has been good. Nothing really changes if I don't lose weight, but will grow again if I do. Hugs and befuddled in Denver, Michelle

Hi Everyone - Here to report another good day. OMG two in a row. I have to say that I feel better about myself, stronger, more possible that I will attain my goals. Thanks for the support. I love that Body Bugg idea, Mal, let me know when you get a line on the cheapest one. Have you tried ebay? It is a very cool idea. Dee - almost there. Hugs to you sweetie. I am still wondering about my fill level. Since I have eaten under control these last two days, I haven't PBed, except for the egg I made yesterday, just didn't work in the morning. I can eat Kashi cereal and drink coffee however, so it can work for me. I can drink water better when I am relaxed, not on the EFX machine. I think I will cancel tomorrow's appt, if anyone needs one. It is at 10:45. I hope that RR works for everyone on December 13th.?????? Hugs, Michelle

Thanks Everyone for sharing - It does feel good to make a committment to myself and follow through. It adds to the core strength that seems to fly out the window when the sugar cravings are taking over. Addiction is a slippery slope. I want to be normal, but the reality is I am not, at least for right now. My dream is to be able to maintain my weight by eating healthfully, my shape through exercise and my mental health by being able to indulge once in a while and end it right there. I agree the South Beach really helps, I was a successful Optifast dieter 18 years ago (six months of liquids only), but when I went on solids I spiked up the 70 pounds I had lost. So the liquid proteins are great suppliments for me, but not as my meal choice. The water intake definitely helps my body release the weight. I appreciate your words of kindness and support. It is wonderful to not be doing this alone. Hugs, Michelle

Mal - I just went to that same Runner's Roost to get my new shoes. What is the Body Bug???? I've never heard of it.

Hi Everyone- Mal - thanks for sharing that special moment of sorrow with us. I have been taught to always put on a happy face, a brave veneer, but inside I might be sad. It has taken me a long time to reconnect to my feelings. It is a sign of HEALTH that you can cry. Bravo! And Bravo on the workout regime. Just don't hurt yourself. If you hurt then you won't continue. Make sure you have good shoes on. I have to replace my sneaks every three months or my knees hurt. Weird, expensive, but I am worth it. I am committed to another day of good eating. Amazingly, I lost two pounds that I had gained recently. Oh my goodness, the push to drink lots of water seemed to help too. I'll report later. I am battling "stinkin thinkin" a phrase from OA that applies to me. Today is a great day. Hugs all, Michelle Dee - I didn't really get nervous about the surgery, but was so "numb" in my thoughts that I am not sure what I felt. That is one of the results of the band for me, I am feeling my feelings and not "stuffing" them. I have a lot of years to undo the pattern of ignoring my gut, but guess what, I can do this and so can you.

Hi Everyone - Just wanted to report I was great and stayed the course today. I realize that I have "cheated" for months, everyday. Little stuff, but today no sugar. I am proud of myself. I know I can lose weight if I stay within range and have good eating habits.

Hi Everyone, I did it. I spent a day on a good eating plan, no extras. I haven't really stayed the course for a long time. I am excited and pleased with myself. Dee - I am sure Dr. K will see your ankles and know right away. Glad you have done so well getting ready. Woofay - I don't want to see the green turkey you'll be serving Dee. Well - tomorrow is another day. Good night all.

Tied2b - You know that you have followed the diet to the letter, and your liver will be smaller. I hope that Dr. K gave you something for the edema. Remember you are not a number and you deserve a healthy life. We love you. Mal - how has your day gone? I have an appt with Dr. K on Thursday morning. I think I am going to ask for a .1 cc less. I think I have been too restricted, especially in light of what Lap just wrote. (thanks) I am burping up water, yet sometimes I can eat large amounts of the WRONG stuff. Well lovelies, I have been really doing it right today and have promised myself, just for today no cheating. So far....so good. Hugs all, Michelle

Woofay - we just crossed the cyber time. Glad you did so well over the holidays. I just want to get through today with a good food plan. I can do this. I deserve a healthy life and so do you. Best wishes, hoping you have a great day.

Hi Everyone, Mal - thanks for the hugs, I sure can use the support right now. It is the anniversary of my husband's death, it was on Oct. 24th, but I distracted myself with Mexico. This time of year is always hard for me. Are we on for RR on the 13th? Taynuh - congrats on your newest member. Both my sons are adopted and couldn't be any closer to me. Tied2b - how's the preop diet going? You will do really well, I just know it. You have the right stuff. Woofay - how is it for you after Thanksgiving? No bro? Marcy - I enjoyed your cruise with you. You look fabulous. What a wonderful family you have. Enjoy the Northern Lights. Love to you all, Michelle

Hi Everyone - Indigo - thanks for the support. I think I am depressed, I just want to shake myself out of it. I have a number of systems to work through it along with medication, but know that what will make me feel really good is to stay with a good eating program for just today, then tomorrow, etc. It is like alcoholism, but you still have to eat. I liked the idea of no overt white sugar in the diet. I think that would help me reduce the "eat now or die urges." Well, I commit to a no sugar day, and I'll report tomorrow. Have a great Monday! Good bye mashed potatoes and gravy. Hugs, Michelle

Dee - I am thinking about you sweetie. Are you all set to go?

Hi Everyone, Lap - Congratulations! Enjoy this moment of joy! I just posted this on the Over 50 site and thought I wanted to share with my nearest and dearest! "I am kind of depressed with my lack of loss. I was in the carb cycle after a vacation to Mexico I found that booze really revs up the carb cravings too. Especially rum, because wine gives me a headache. Oh well, I'm on the wagon again, didn't even do badly after Thanksgiving. Even with the band, I am left with my eating "issues" wanting more, more, more to fill a lonely heart, boredom, anxiety - you name it I react to it. I have decided that we are all very sensitive to our environments inside and outside. The defenses I have used are insulation, over saturation, and going into sugar numbness to protect myself. I've been in therapy for five years, exercising for four and now doing acupuncture for about a year. I do think there is light at the end of the tunnel, but there isn't any magic, for me. At least with my band, when things get off, I am not gaining great sums of weight! Yeah! That alone has given me a chance to breathe again. With the band I just stall for awhile." I don't think it is about getting angry with myself, but accepting myself. Working with my strengths and weaknesses is challenging. Perhaps the most daunting thing I have ever done. You know, "To thine ownself, be true." Well - it's Sunday and I'm off to the gym. I painted up a storm last night. It felt great. Happy Thanksgiving to all - I am so grateful to you bandsters. It is wonderful to talk with people who understand and "get me."

Hi Everyone, I haven't posted for awhile, kind of depressed with my lack of loss. I was in the carb cycle after a vacation to Mexico I found that booze really revs up the carb cravings too. Especially rum, because wine gives me a headache. Oh well, I'm on the wagon again, didn't even do badly after Thanksgiving. Even with the band, I am left with my eating "issues" wanting more, more, more to fill a lonely heart, boredom, anxiety - you name it I react to it. I have decided that we are all very sensitive to our environments inside and outside. The defenses I have used is through insulation, over saturation, going into sugar numbness to protect myself. I've been in therapy for five years, exercising for four and now doing acupuncture for about a year. I do think there is light at the end of the tunnel, but there isn't any magic, for me. At least with my band, when things get off, I am not gaining great sums of weight! Yeah! That alone has given me a chance to breathe again. With the band I just stall for awhile. Happy Thanksgiving to all - I am so grateful to you bandsters. It is wonderful to talk with people who understand and "get me." Hugs, Michelle from Denver

I love you guys! It is like coming home when I read the postings! I'm fine with the 11th for RR. It is a busy time of year, but I really need to come together. I am impressed by all the goal setting. I like that you are thinking in a more immediate sense. I will have to ponder what I think I can accomplish by Jan. 5th my birthday. Mal and Woofay - you are right this is a hard time of year. Temptation in the most unexpected places, like my pantry and leftover nuts. I had a bad night last night. I somehow forgot myself and ate the rest of a big bag of roasted almonds covered in sesame seeds. This wasn't a thought out thing and I had no idea how hard it was to quit once I had started. I am a fool thinking I can get away with it because I had worked out really hard and I guess I am always hoping I will become "normal" about food. Needless to say, even without the band I would have had terrible stomach pains, what an insult to my body, and why would I do that to myself? I am ready to beat myself up, however, the nausea and cramping did it for me. Whew! Finally I was able to get some liquid Tylenol down. It seemed to calm the pains down and I could sleep. The struggle to be honest with myself and change my thinking is always with me. Mal - I also worked out on Thanksgiving. It was a good thing to do, the endorphins help cope with the family dynamics. I do love my family tho'. Hugs to you all, Michelle

Hi Everyone! Happy Thanksgiving! Dee - i was a scale whore for a while, then I gave it up - but the weight loss stops when I don't really focus. Mal - I hate the dressing room. Sometimes I think I look so good and then I see myself coming and going in those mirrors, with the terrible lighting that makes me look pasty and wrinkled. GET ME OUTTA HERE! My sympathies. I am making it public. I am shooting for a 20 pound weight loss by March 1. I guess the pie and ice cream will have to go. I am going for a fill this week. Anyone else want to shoot for some goal? I am totally lost on the RR dates. I think we've said the second Tuesday, but I am open to going more often to see out of towners. We are banded together for sure. Hugs and happy holidays - yikes the shopping, Michelle

Hi Everyone - What a difference a day can make. I went to acupuncture, and I swear, it is magic for me. I feel balanced and not soooo compulsive. It changes something. Lap - we'll try to plan to see you when it is closer to February, however, the way it goes, it will happen in the blink of an eye. Anita - I feel crappy on no carbs for three to four days and then all of a sudden I get this burst of energy. It isn't a sustainable diet for me, because I like regular life eating too much. Have a blast with your bro and happiest! Mal - how' s the kitty and life in the fast lane? Hope all the guys are behaving. I am getting special requests.... like mom can you make apple pie.....mom, don't let grandma make icky stuffing (the only thing she is somewhat good at)..... we've gotta have mashed potatoes. Well, I'm doing it my way and _uck em all. Dee - your date is almost here. Once you are banded the diet restrictions past liquid stages are less rigid. You'll feel better soon. Hugs, enjoy, eat lots of bone building proteins. Mare - have fun with your family. To everyone else - Happy Thanksgiving! Remember = it isn't about the FOOD. Who said that???? Love you guys, Michelle

Dee - It will be over before you know it, and then the real adventure begins. I loved seeing you again. YOU CAN DO IT! (ditto Mal) Anita - don't have any fun with your brother now. ha....ha.. I figure CO Springs is never the same after he comes and the two of you are together. A family united has both good and bad, as discussed at RR. I love you guys - it puts me on track, or I know I can do it, you all are wonderful Hugs and Happy Thanksgiving! Michelle

Mal - I remember the check in the mail too! The other thing I remember is the PB drama. I love you guys - see you tonight! Mare - I am with you on the scambled eggs. I can only eat cereal slowly in the am. Eggs have become iffy, don't understand it. Woofay - I think the shake in the am may be the only way to go, but I am not giving up my coffee. Yum! Hugs, Michelle

Mal - your Chris looks so angelic holding the kitty. Drews - I am there with you. I am thinking I may have to concede and "diet" some to get some more weight off. I exercise a lot and still am not dropping. My food choices have deteriorated a lot since the beginning. But the band has kept me in some kind of "check" so I am not gaining a lot. i will have to give into the bandster rules of eating (yuck) to get going again. I don't know about a fill - per lap's information, I just don't know. See you all tomorrow night. Michelle

Hey Mal, what a sweet story, a kitty kat tale. So excited about getting together on Tuesday. I've decided that I do need a fill and will have one after Thanksgiving. Lap - lovely pics. I hope your band fill works for you. We are blessed being in the same city as Dr. K. Next time you will have to make room for us in your visit. Hugs all, Michelle

Ladies, thank you, thank you, thank you... I really don't know why, but I seem to have a new lease on my attitude after spending some time with my band buddies. We can do this. And more importantly, we can do this together. There is something about getting the frustrations and worries out that is very healing for me. Sharing funny PB stories, puts a new light on the whole experience. Thanks to you I am recommited and focused. See you all for Tuesday. I didn't think about the booth thing, but look at us!!! We are positively riveting. I do think we should bring a blow up doll (cabana boy???) to stand for the pounds lost. Wouldn't that be a hoot? Woofay - your mind is amazing. Lap - we were there, where were you????? See you all on Tuesday. I am looking forward to meeting the new people who will join us. Hugs to all, Michelle