Teachlady

Wow, Bruce.. just noticed your ticker. You've done awesome on the weight loss!! Bet you feel like a different person! How has your wife done???

Bruce.. I am a RETIRED teacher!! Loved teaching.... LOVE retirement! DH is a retired minister who is serving a little church near our home. We travel a lot and having the lap band and losing the weight has made such a difference in our lives! My insurance paid for everything for both of us, thank goodness.

Good Morning, Violets.. Well, I think I'm all packed. Probably will have doubts I have everything until I step on board the ship and then it's too late.. lol Jenn.... sorry to hear about your DH. Prayers for healing headed his way from me. Terry... thanks for the heads up on the post. I headed over and answered her. TracyinKS.. wooo hoooo on being ALMOST into the jeans!! I know the feeling well. My belly will always be my problem, though it's gone down a LOT. The spanx really help me, but I only wear them with dresses, not with jeans. Jennifur.. I didn't meet my exercise goal this month either, but will definitely make it next month once all the traveling is done. Kat... prayers of healing headed your way also. I'm going to be worrying about you when I'm in Alaska. Hopefully I can get on the internet and at least be able to read everyone's posts. I'm off to clean the bedroom and then have my slushy Crystal Light. Everyone have a great day!! Patience and Trust... WWJD??

Hi Kittee... DH and I were approved at different times. He had to wait for a pre-auth from the insurance. I got banded 4/10/07 and he was banded 5/22/07. We had originally planned to go in together, but I'm really glad it worked out the way it did. I don't think going in at the same time is a good idea. A week apart I think would be much better. That way the one who had it first will be just about back to normal when the other has theirs. I had NO problems whatsoever.. no gas pains, no pains at all except for a little pull at the port site incision. DH had bad gas pains, but walking and Gas X helped. Everyone is different and for that reason, I think a little space in between surgeries is helpful. Any other questions.. just ask! I LOVE my band and he does too!!! We are two different people now, full of energy, much healthier and happier. We'd both do it again in a heartbeat.

Denise..you are doing an awesome job on the weight loss! We're all PROUD of you!! Just remember the story of the tortoise and the hare. Slow and steady wins the race. Kat.. hope your headache is better. TracyK.. love the new hair color!! Pamela.. any "leaks" today?? Terry...hope you get the restriction issues straightened out! I'm glad we didn't get a fill just before our Alaksa cruise. I'm willing to wait til we get back just to avoid and problems with PB'ing. We'll just have to be very careful about what we eat. DH and I have vowed to use the gym onboard ship for the first time! We'll see how that goes! TracyinKs.. you'll be in the teens in no time and wonder how you got there so fast! I remember how excited I was to get to Onederland and now I'm almost 25 pounds into it!!! Well.. off to watch some tv for a bit. I've been running all day doing laundry, packing and going to a rehearsal this evening. I have to have everything done tomorrow cause we leave Thursday morning! Everyone have a restful night. And remember .. Patience and Trust.... WWJD??!! Terry, did I mention I LOVE my bracelet???? Cause I DO!!!

Good afternoon, Violets.. I've spent the morning doing laundry, packing and uploading our Disney vacation pics.. Here's the link.. Hope it works!! I'll check back in a little while when I get a little caught up on everything!! Our 2007 Florida Family Vacation

Hey Violets.. I'm back again. We left at 8:30 this morning to go to the doc for our 3rd fill. He recommended no fill this time since we are going on our cruise Thursday and that was ok with us. I lost 6.5# last month and DH lost 6#.. AND.. I weighed 178 on their scale which means I already lost the 3# I had gained last week in Florida.. wooo hoooooo!!! I showed everyone my bracelet there and they all said it was beautiful and such a great idea. Can't thank you enough Terry... it really helps me to look at it and remember those bandster rules!! I see I have a ton more posts to catch up on. Will try to do that tomorrow now that the choir party and doctor visit are done. Sleep well everyone!!! See ya tomorrow!

GOOD MORNING, VIOLETS!! SHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE'S BACK!! We had a great time at Disney World.. except for the ungodly heat!!! It was in the high 90's with high humidity and i have never walked that much in my life! I got lots of exercise in, but also ate things I shouldn't have. Enough to gain 3#. DH gained 4#. We go for a fill tomorrow and theno n our Alaska cruise. I know we will do much better then. It was just too tempting with the grandkids and late night suppers and snacks. But now I have my TA DA!!! WWJD bracelet. It's just beautiful, Terry and came at just the right time. I'm back on track and will have those 3# gone by the time we leave for Alaska on Saturday. We got in at 1 this morning and I have lots of laundry and cleaning to do before the choir party tonight so I haven't had a chance to look at all the posts yet! Will try and get a chance during the day today sometime!! Everyone take care and have a great day. My WWJD bracelet is complimenting my angel bracelet, both dedicated to the lap band and weight loss. I'm good to go now!! THANK YOU TERRY!!!!!!

Jenn... we must have been typing at the same time. CONGRATS on the inches... woooo hoooooo, now THAT'S a NSV!!!!

Good morning, Violets!!! Well, it's a new day, a new week and a new adventure. We leave today at 3;30 to head to Detroit and then tomorrow morning we fly out to Orlando and our Disney adventure. I'm really excited about spending time with the family and being able to enjoy all the walking and rides!!! At 55# ago, I would have been dreading the activity and the worry about what to wear in the heat. Now, I have to go over the things I want to pack cause I have too many choices!! Never ever wore tank tops before and now I have 3 of them packed AND a skort... it's totally unreal to me!! When I calculated my BMI online last night, it said I was "slightly overweight" rather than seriously obese! Now THAT'S amazing to me!!! I know I still have about 45# to hit -100, but it is now within reach instead of totally unreachable. I'm off to get some things done around the house and then head to my nail appointment at noon. Everyone have a GREAT day and I'll check in just before we leave. Remember.... WWJD??? and Patience and Trust!!!

NSV alert.. NSV alert!!!! I just got back from shopping at Penney's and got 3 pair of jeans. The first two are Gloria Vanderbilt.. one a size 18 and the other a size 16 cause the 18's won't fit long and they were on sale. And I'm talking REGULAR MISSES sizes here!! AND.. I got a pair of Cabin Creek pull on jeans in a size..... drumroll here..............12!!! I haven't been that size since I don't remember when. Course Cabin Creek must run big, but I don't care... it's the number that I see on the tag that counts!!! Mdrai...ummmmmmmm I put a cardboard cutout of myself in the pew????? Actually he knew I was skipping and he made intercession so the lightning bolt won't strike me dead on. whew.

Good Morning, Violets... Weigh in day today and I'm down 1#. I'll take it, seeing as how I didn't get my exercise in like before. I've just been too busy with painting and babysitting. But the railings are all green now instead of red and Ethan went home last night at midnight after his mom and dad went to a wedding and reception. Today I clean up the back yard and get choir music ready since our choir starts back up on the 29th after the summer off. Like Pamela, I go back to "work".. but it's a fun job directing the choir. They are a crazy group and we have a great time at rehearsals. I always have a choir party just before the season begins and that party will be on the 26th, one day after we get home from Disney World. Yikes.. what was I thinking??? Soooooooo today and tomorrow morning have to get the yard in tip top shape. We finished all the deck work and now just have to plant a few mums, mow and trim and we'll be good to go. All of you Texans.... hope the storm doesn't affect you!!!! Sure sounds like a big'un. Certainly am glad I'm not on a cruise ship near the Caribbean right now. SCAREY!!! Everyone take care and have a good day. Psssssssssssssssssssssssst.. don't tell anyone, but I skipped out on church today.. :pray:Just too much stuff to get done. shhhhhhhhhhhhhh..

Introducing the BEAUTIFUL Sara. WOW.. what a difference in your face, lovely lady!!! First pic is before surgery and second is in her garden last week -30#.

Good Morning, Violets. A last round of painting for me today and I hope to be finished! I also need to pack for our Disney trip. It's coming up so fast! Tomorrow is weigh in and I'm anxious to see how I did. I haven't had my exercise this week like I have before (gym nazi is lurking), but have been so consumed with painting. It's only 47 here right now so obviously the pool is too cool to get in. I know I'll do a lot of walking at Disney so I'm not too worried. Denise.. it seems you have already decided what you're going to do as far as eating. You have to change your mindset!!!! You say thngs like "I'm sure I'll be up another pound..." and "I'm sure we'll be eating a ton then too". LISTEN to yourself!!! When we go to Disney, I'm thinking about all the fun we'll have with the grandkids and food doesn't enter into that fun. I know it's tough with all the temptations around, but the band will only work for you if you work for it! Portion control and healthy choices... that's what you should be thinking of! End of sermon... Amen. TracyinKS... I have a script for water pills so don't know any over the counter ones to recommend. I just know they make a big difference!! Gr8ful... your mom will be in my prayers.. I'm off to have breakfast with our cruising buddies. Then it's paint, paint, paint for the rest of the day. Everyone have a good one!! And remember... Patience and Trust!!

TRACY!!! We've MISSED you!!!! Glad you're back safe and almost sound. Sorry the kids were driving you nuts.. Do you have a water pill you can take? I swear by them!!

Good Morning, Violets.. Well, I painted for about 6 hours yesterday. Got all the railings primed and 90% has one coat of paint on. I have Ethan all day today so no painting, but tomorrow is the dedicated "get'er done" day. Jennifer...... As far as the BMI... I have one of those scales and you cannot go by that BMI figure!!!!!! My DSIL, who is a Physician's Assistant, says that the ONLY accurate way to measure BMI is underwater. If you use any online chart to calculate your BMI, it will most definitely be less than what that scale says. According to that scale my BMI was 50 before I was banded, but according to all the calculations from the doctor's office it was 39. But i do agree with him about the scale. We really have to step away from it and only use it once a week maximum. Otherwise you are basing your life on it and we have lots and lots of better things to do with our time now!! There.. end of sermon. Everyone have a great day. I'm off to fix cottage cheese and pineapple (ran out of blueberries) for breakfast and then wait for Ethan to arrive. Remember..... WWJD???!!!

Terry... who is that thinner, younger looking lady in your avatar??? TracyK.. I am confident we will all get to our goal weights. And the beautiful thing is that we have a tool to help us not ever gain that weight back again!!!

Haydee.. ewwwwwwwwwww on the peanut butter!!! What da heck were you thinking???? Terry....I was thinking this morning that I am definitely going to go for the big goal and work for -100#. That' would put me at 133 and I don't think that will be too thin. I know the last 50# will be a lot tougher to lose than the first 50, but I'm up for the challenge. I did my hospital shift this morning and I haven't been there in 3 weeks. I got LOTS of compliments on my outfit and how good I looked and even the color of my hair. There is a lady at the hospital who got her band in at the end of June I believe and she's lost 22# so we chat a bit each time I go in. She said she has PB'd a lot. Thank goodness I have never had that, but I HAVE had the uncomfortable feeling when I eat too fast. Ethan has arrived and it's time to do the Grammy thing. Everyone have a great day!!!

I too am the woman in the balloon and the joke is a lot better than a lot of the hateful things I have read!!

Good Morning, Violets... I had a great day yesterday shopping with DD. She bought tons of stuff and I bought a few things. I got a cute little (can't believe I'm actually using those terms!!!) sweater from CJ Banks in a size 14W. It's the smallest size they carry in that store. When I go down one more size I can shop at their regular store.. Christopher Banks! YIPPEEEEE!! I got a skort on sale at Kohls for $7.00 and some shirts and a skirt from Penneys. That's all I need right now until I go down another size or two. I pulled out some dresses I have been saving that were too small and I guess I waited too long cause they are all ginormous on me now.. arghhhhhhh I'm headed out to do my volunteer work at the hospital and then I have Ethan the rest of the day. DD is coming over tomorrow to spend the day with me. If Ethan is here she'll watch him while I finish painting the railing and if he isn't here, she'll help me paint. One way or another I have to get it done before the choir party on the 26th! And we leave on the 20th for Disney World for 6 days!! Everyone have a great day and remember..... WWJD??!! (She did very well yesterday with her eating cause the pressure is on with everyone repeating the WWJD mantra!!!)

Evening Violets.. Well, it's been a hell of a day at sea sir!!! The boat is safely parked at DD's house and DSIL has already started gutting it! By the time we're done it will be a brand new boat and hopefully won't sink!!! I was at a Dem's meeting this evening and haven't had an hour to myself today. Tomorrow will be a fun day though. DD and I are headed out of town to do some final clothes shopping for our Disney trip. I'll be trying on clothes left and right!! NOt sure how much I'll buy, but we'll see. I did a boo boo on the pool this evening. I was playing with Jetta, the "garage" dog and I decided the pool needed a little bit of water so I put the hose in it and figured I'd give it about an hour and then turn it off. Wellllllllllllllllllllll.. I went to the Dem's meeting for 2 hours after fiddling on the computer for about a half hour. We were headed to Taco Bell to get DH some supper and I just freaked and said.. OMG!!! we have to get back home NOW!!! Well, needless to say in 2 and a half hours the pool was filled to overflowing. My flower garden by the pool will not have to be watered for many weeks now. And the pool is still filled to the rim.... arghhhhhh!!! That's what old age will do to ya!! Pamela... I LOVE my bike, but it takes a little getting used to, to be able to ride it. It has those small wheels and is very sensitive to movement.. like reaching out to straighten out the radio on the handlebar. Needless to say, a HELMET would be my very first recommendation!!! But the good part is I was closer to the ground when I fell, so not as much damage as there could have been. And I did get back on and ride 8 miles last night so I have conquered the "fear of falling". Plus I get many compliments on my bike everywhere I go. It IS really unique. I can tell you that it is wayyyyyyyy more comfortable riding now than at +54#. Well, time to head to bed. Everyone sleep well tonight!! Tomorrow is a new day!!

Good Morning, Violets... We are off today to go pick up our boat. We're excited and nervous! Last night we went biking again and I made it 8 miles without falling off!! I got home and jumped in the pool and did my water aerobics and then hit the hot tub. My back is still sore from the fall, but I'm sure it will get better with time. DH lost 4# overnight after taking the water pill I suggested. Guess he really needed to get rid of that excess water! Pamela.. great to have you back!! Jennifur... This is YOUR week!!! I'm anxious to hear which job you get!! Kat..hope you had a good "date" last night!! TracyK...we're not as warm as you, but boy do we need rain!! My lawns are brown and I have to water my flowers everyday. It's 57 right now and the pool has really cooled down. Course we forgot to cover it with the solar blanket last night, but I have the solar heater on now so hopefully it will get back up to 80 today so I can swim tonight. Everyone have a great day and remember.... WWJD????!!!

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT!! OUCH!!!

KAT!!! YOU LOOK GORGEOUS!!! Thanks so much for getting those pics to Terry to be posted. It's a huge inspiration to see them! You have done such an amazing job with your weight. Your avatar pic is fantastic!!! You're a whole new you! (am I gushing, here??) I need to cause you do, do, DO look great!!!:clap2::clap2::whoo::whoo: TracyK....you go girl!!! See, we didn't steer you wrong. You DO look great in the bathing suit... now go out and buy a sexier one!! Jennifur...Do you take a water pill?? I take one 2X a week and they really make a difference with me. DH has gained 4# this week and is getting frustrated, but I pointed out to him that he's not sticking to small portions and he hasn't had a water pill in awhile as we are waiting for his meds to come in the mail, so he took one of mine today and he says he's been peeing every hour. That just shows he needed it! DH is off to hit some balls at the driving range and I'm going to fix some dinner. Then we'll hit the highway on our bikes. I'll hit the pool when we get back from that. Catch everyone later.

Good afternoon, Violets. Had my weigh in this morning and I'm down 4# from last week so I'm thrilled. I played in a flute duet for the early service today and sang a solo in the later service. Everything went beautifully and I got soooooo many compliments on how much weight I've lost. It was so good seeing a friend that I had not seen in 6 months and have her gushing over my transformation. Soooo many NSV's today!! We went out for brunch and there was only a buffet, but I was ok. Just had some scrambled eggs, 2 sausage links and some fruit.. AND I got to talk lapband to lots of people who were asking how DH and I had lost the weight. I find it really fun to be able to talk about the band and answer questions. I feel like an expert on it even though it's only been 4 months. I'm going to go take a nap now since i got up at 6 this morning. I'll hit the pool and do some biking (YIKES!) this evening. Gotta get back on and conquer the fear of falling again. CAN'T WAIT to see your pics, Kat!!!!! Everyone have a great afternoon..