A New New Dawn

Thanks for sharing your story. Your time on this Earth wasn't up and you are here for a reason so make it the best it can be. You deserve to be happy and to feel better. How long have you been banded? Best wishes to you!

That's awesome. You may want to wait a bit though until you've lost all you wish to lose and have maintained so you get as much loose skin off you can. By the way, I heard at my LB support meeting last night that you can donate the skin they remove. I never knew that but they use it for burn victims. I think it's a great way to give back.

Congratulations. If you end up doing yours before your wife, at least you will be fully recovered and "experienced" to help her begin her journey!

41 lbs is GREAT! The band average is 1-2 lbs per week so you are right up there and way ahead of the "curve"!!

Mini, how's everything going? Maintaining your sanity? How's your son doing and football?

I haven't abandoned ship. It's not as easy for me to get on here since I cannot from my handy dandy outdated Galaxy II phone. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I have been cooking today (Audrey has been craving mom's quiche since being away) and is home this weekend and my friend will be by Ericka's school Monday and is bringing her food from mom so I made my YUMMY and easy chicken chili and a casserole thingy. Yay. Have been tempted to bake cookies for her but not sure I can handle that.

Thankfully, you have someone to help you with the aftercare. You will do great. Just heed your surgeon's orders and it should all go well. I was amazed how well I felt after surgery. The only real discomfort I had was getting up and down from a chair from the incision. But the rest was easy peasy for me! Please let us know how it went. Very excited for you!

Well aren't you a hottie (meant lightheartedly). That's awesome! I started almost the same weight and hope to achieve what you have and maintain. Thanks for the inspiration. It's always great to see long-term banders success stories!

I miss that at times too. I have been out with family as they are "chowing down" and I kind of missed being able to enjoy a hearty/hefty meal. My smaller belly doesn't miss it though.

Btw, I am a FOND lover of Di's oatmeal recipe as well w/ the egg whites! I add sliced bananas or fresh blueberries. Sometimes when I am cooking the oatmeal, I add diced apples and cook it w/ the oatmeal. Brad eats this a lot now and my daughter makes it at college. YAY protein-rich eggwhite oatmeal! It is yummy, band-friendly,and very filling.

You got this! For me, I was amazed how well I felt post-surgery and I wish the same for you. Just follow your surgeon's advice and you will be on the road to success. I am very excited for you to begin your journey.

Dee, sorry if you shared CJ's story before. I can barely remember my name sometimes (sad, but true). It's a running "joke" in my family that I can go see movies over without knowing I saw them, hear/tell stories over, etc. That is heartbreaking yet sweet how all of your boys came to be with you. You really have a heart of gold ~ PLATINUM actually. Keep us posted on your surgeon visit. Hope you can get your fill back. I know without mine, and being able to eat like it wasn't there most days, it's been a struggle. I do have some Fluid in it but not like I did when I felt I was in the "green zone". Terri, I hope you are enjoying your day making me that quilt for my new place, etc. HAHA. Seriously, it's such a beautiful time of year and I hope you have been out enjoying it today. Janet, Ange looks adorable. I am sure she is happy to help Mom out and so true that soon, the tables will be turned. When is her c-section scheduled again (sorry, memory thing again)? Sorry to hear this knee isn't quite as seamless as the first. I know you are a trooper though and will power through it. Remember, be nice to PT or your life will REALLY be miserable. Carole, can't wait until you have your kitchen. Is that all you are waiting for so it is functional again? My trip went well and it is hard coming back to my "empty" house. I so enjoyed just being with Brad, even doing yard work and simple everyday things. It was so cute that I could really tell how much it meant to him that I surprised him. Sunday morning before I left, he had a box sitting by my Breakfast. It was a pair of earrings he got at a craft show a couple weeks earlier for me. He knows I love jewelry and esp unique items. He will tell me on the phone sometimes, that "he loves me more than the moon and the stars". The earrings he got me were hand painted ceramic ones of a moon and a star. I know, we're corny like that. I haven't been back to bikeriding but intend to do so this week. I have been working too late and it gets dark so early. Michelle, I wish you all the best for your week of hitting the books and getting it done!! Your strength and determination is second to none! It's really inspiring from my "big sis". You are also a great example to your children of what is possible when you are determined and driven. Di, great pics of you and Mama. It's so nice to see you making the most of the moments that you can with your mom and getting her out to enjoy things, as able. Michelle, welcome back. Sorry to hear about your FIL and your inlaws. I am glad that hasn't kept you from taking care of you in the process.

Michelle, that is awesome on your weight!!!!! How much more are you looking to lose? I remember years back having my appendix rupture and going in for surgery. Afterwards, I got a copy of the surgeon's report and he wrote in there several times about "the patient being severely, morbidly obese". I was pissed at the doctor, as if "how rude". However, it was true. So, I can see when I get to be "overweight" I will be estatic too. I went to a couple 31gifts parties this summer. I got a nice bag that stands up in the back of my car, a duffle bag that I love and am using here and a cute lunch bag. Yep, I am getting work done from home. Brad is at his office. He just im'd me that he is hoping to be done at 2:30, lol guess I better get in the shower soon! Have a great weekend and congrats!!!

Hi, Ladies, Terri, how is your arm doing? I know you said you taken stuff. Did you take Benadryl? If so, and that didn't help, I would seek medical attention. It shouldn't be that swollen. Keep us posted. Hope you are able to make your lunch. Carole, how fun that you are seeing more and more progress. As I am out here in Omaha, Brad recently repainted a couple rooms, had the yard fenced (so nice w/ the dogs), and today people are here staining the fence and the pergula and painting the trim on the house. It's all coming together very nicely and is exciting to see the progress. Glad you are able to keep moving too with your exercise. I have been doing well since I "recommited" this week to eating healthier and getting back to more exercise. I have noticed that pork tenderloin seems to be an issue for me and after making it for dinner last night, I am officially removing it from my list of foods to eat. It was tender but always seems to get stuck for me. Tonight, Brad and I are going to some fancy steakhouse out here. I am a bit of a waste, since I can't eat much but it will be fun. It's funny because I kept thinking I had NO restriction w/ my band (those months I was not eating well). Funny how this week since I am back to the basics of focusing on Proteins first and eating better foods, I am noticing the restriction again. Major difference by eating the right foods in how the band works. Dee, that is very sweet that it was CJ's "gotcha" day. I am sure that was the best day for him as well. You truly are an incredible person to open your heart and your home as you do. Before CJ came to you, where was he or what was his circumstances (if you don't mind me asking). If that's too personal, I understand. I was just curious. Of the boys you have now, are they foster children or are they in your custody now? I can't imagine how hard it must be to see them leave. What an amazing heart you and Charlie have. Btw, my cold is starting to go away. It's more of an annoyance than anything with a runny nose and sneezing. Michelle, that's so sweet that you to volunteer like that as well. I have thought once I get settled (and Brad has mentioned this before too) that it would be nice to do a Big Brother/Sister program or something. My neighbor, has never had kids, and at her age and single probably won't get to. However, she is outside w/ her dogs all the time and all the kids flock to her. It's soooo cute. She has birthday parties w/ the kids for her dogs and the kids are always hanging out there. One of the sets of kids were mad at each other and she talked to each of them so they made up, etc. It's just really cute that she is like an honorary mom to many of the neighborhood kids. Many of them whose parents just don't even keep track of them and where they are and she keeps them under her wing so to speak. It's cute too as there are 2 little girls next to her whose parents came from India. The girls are so sweet. Because their parents aren't from here they haven't been exposed to many traditional American foods, movies, etc. She has introduced them to the Disney movies, mac and cheese, board games, etc. They get so excited. They even love coming over to help clean up the yard just to hang out w/ her. It's such a great feeling being able to inspire or mentor someone. The college Audrey is going to is a Jesuit college. They are very much about giving back to the community, community service, etc. I look forward to that for Audrey. The mission trips she went on before did wonders for her. Momma, how are you???? So excited you are home. No sexy hospital bed pics this time though. What's up w/ that??? LOL Feel better and rest up. Time to dust off those dancing shoes!!! I got your flapper dress all ready for whenever I get married! Di, still thinking of you! Big hug!

Hi, Ladies, Glad to hear Janet is doing well. I made it to Omaha. It was cute, Brad was very surprised. I knocked on the door and could see through the window he was in the dining room working on a puzzle. When he saw the dogs at the door, he was like what??? It was cute. Then he panicked cleaning. The house was clean but he wanted to vaccum real quick, etc. I am working remotely today and tomorrow. I do have a bit of a cold but it doesn't seem too bad. Have a great day my friends. Hope to ttyl.

Mini, that's awesome!!! Glad you are doing well and taking a week off. So sorry to hear about your dog. Wow, 20 years old! So sweet. So one day when we do meet we may have to have a quilt convention. I want to learn too. They are so beautiful! I was going to take 1/2 day tomorrow and surprise Brad and drive out there (working remotely Thurs and Fri). I gave the doggies baths and trimmed their nails..... then the scratchy throat kicked in. If I am not coming down with something I will go. I will be ckg FB to see updates on CMom!

this is a very sweet picture that Dee posted of her boys and and former foster son's baby... so precious

Michelle, since you don't see our FB pics... this is me on Superman... I had to buy it. I was dying when I saw it. I was excited I fit and this ride is terrifying. You sit in the seat, get locked in and then they rotate them forward so you are suspended on your belly (emulating flying like Superman). I think this pic is when it went upside down it was a weird sensation going from on your belly to backwards and upside down...

saw this on FB today and LOVED it

Hi, Ladies, glad everyone is doing well. C Mom, Janet, Hon-knee Boo Boo, Sexy K's, Thing 1 and Thing 2, you get the drift, I will be thinking of you on Wednesday (not that I don't other days as well) and keeping you in my prayers. I know you will do fabulous like you did with knee #1. I am so glad you are on the road to recovery and more mobility. Terri, good luck w/ your fill Wednesday as well. I hope this does the trick!! Skinny Minny Michelle, wow, you have a lot on your plate financially as well. What we won't do for the ones we love. Thankfully, my recent visits w/ the chiro only netted me a bill of $142. I hope you are enjoying your relaxation still. Thanks for sharing and relating! Carole I hope your foot and tummy start cooperating more!!! I love the lead glass doors, btw. Di, haven't forgotten you! Dee, I love the pic you posted of the 3 boys sleeping. I started back on my Quest to take care of ME. Physically and financially, I need to plan my meals better and make sure I eat Breakfast (or pack it to go) and pack my lunch. I always made sure the kids had theirs and rarely brought my own lunch. When I worked at The Joint Commission bldg, we had a subsidized caf w/ a lot of healthy options. I don't have that in this bldg and have found myself eating out. NO MORE! It's far too expensive $ and calories!!! It felt good today to be back in a routine like I was for the first 8 or so months after surgery. Have a great day! Have a great Tuesday to my fab friends.

Went out last night and had a great time watching an 80s rock cover band. Reliving my youth again. I may have had a couple beverages too, which is all I can handle anymore so I got dancing and having fun! Today, working on work and stuff around the house. Got rid of the crap food in my house too and getting back to eating how I should and taking better care of ME. At first I dreaded just cooking for one but now finding it is helping me as I can make the foods I should eat in the quantities I should eat and not worrying about cooking for others. Di, I have been reflecting on a post you once put on FB (I believe) about living in the moment and not always waiting for that special time or day to come but to live in the now. I find myself often thinking it's one day closer to me moving, or I only have 2 more years until Ericka graduates, 4 more years and they will both be done with college, etc. I think that hinders me from getting the most out of TODAY and appreciating what TODAY has to offer. So ladies, today is a special day and when tomorrow comes it will be too. Enjoy today as you are all amazing women I am blessed to know. Thanks for the encouragement, Ladies. Muah!!! Have a great weekend.

Momma, it's you! Glad your pre-op went well and hope the reaction you had from the shot passes quickly. Glad you are doing well otherwise. I finally found the rocks I needed for the vinyl letters I had Paula do, so I am going to work on that project this weekend. I had the hardest time trying to find garden rocks that were 5-6" big. I went to an actual nursery yesterday and found them. Yay! I have been pretty stressed lately and having Audrey in tears on the phone last night didn't help. I think she is stressing w/ school. For me, financially it is so stressful as it is costing every penny I have but is well worth it. I don't remind her of that as I don't want her stressing but it is weighing on me heavily. Once I get out to Omaha, it will help as I won't have a lot of the bills I have now (utilities, etc.). Also, I need to learn to accept that I made the decision she could go there and move on. "It is what it is". I have just never spent this kind of money before so it just sickens me. I've been going through my stuff little by little and Brad has already brought a couple van loads back with him. I can feel it getting closer. I am glad though that I have this "time" here while Audrey gets adjusted so I can feel good that she is "ok" before I am 7+ hours away. As for my weekend, tonight my bff wants me to go watch a band with her. I have been in a bit of a funk lately, think being alone, my weight, $, Audrey, etc is putting me there. I really didn't want to go tonight but know I need to get out of the house and lighten up. I am sure it will be fun though and I will be glad I did. I had tickets for Great America too so I think she and I are going on Sunday. Hopefully, the crowds won't be so bad. Michelle, that's really neat about your sons (and your daughter). I have heard that from others and it must be true w/ sons. My bff has 2 boys and I saw what you were talking about with the period of years where they have attitude and then "come back". Her oldest (now 20) had major attitude w/ her for that period of time, was mouthy, she even kicked him out at one point. He just flipped a switch about a year ago and is a whole different kid. He lives at home is respectful, got a tattoo on his arm about Moms and how important they are. I am just amazed how different he is. Her youngest, now 17, is coming back around too. I am close with my girls but they don't confide in me like her boys do even though I do feel they are close with me. It's awesome that your family is close like that. But they have an awesome mom! Terri, have a great picnic. That sounds like a lot of fun! I hope your fill gets you where you feel more comfortable again. Carole, you continue to inspire me pushing forward with being active and not letting injuries stop you. Sorry, I did have your boys confused. I meant Seth but am glad to hear all of them are doing well (even if mom silently worries about them). Dee, how was CJ's appt? Will you continue to try to feed him? How's school going for everyone? I hope Charlie continues to gain his strength. Great profile pic on FB!!!! You look amazing! Di, I am thinking of you and hope you are well. Big hug!

Yes and no about smoothies being good for you. My NUT doesn't like me drinking my calories as it doesn't keep you satiated or full; however, many (myself included) tend to be tight in the a.m. So, it is a good replacement for me for breakfast and to get my protein in. Just make sure you are not overusing it, make sure the smoothies are packed with protein and low in sugar/calories (I also like to add some flax seed for fiber), and you may want to speak with your dr/nut to see how they feel about it.

lol, apparently I was "emoticon" happy in my post. It wouldn't let me post until I removed some of them. I never had that msg before. :) :)

Hi, Ladies, Glad everyone is doing well!!! Michelle, you are so rocking this 90 days and so close to goal!!! That is awesome. Great pics of your son too. Do you feel a difference in your relationships (other than their age) with your son and your daughter? I often wondered what it would be like to have a son. I love my girls to pieces, no doubt... just seems like boys are very close to their mothers a lot of the time. Momma, take care of those cute LITTLE knees!!! I can only imagine how difficult and scary it must be for Ange. I will be so happy when Emilia is in her arms as well. I am excited that next week will be another great chapter for you and your recovery with sexy, new knee #2! You will be rocking those knees by the time Emilia is here! Since Ange is (understandably) opposed to a baby shower before she is born, perhaps she will allow one after she is born? It would be a PERFECT reason to Celebrate. I hope your stuck moment passes soon. I think every once in a while we get those reminders that the band is still there. Terri, so glad you are taking some "vacation" time. If you want to boat and belch or boat and beach, knock yourself out! How long have you been banded now? Have you found it gets easier to maintain? How are you doing? Dee, you are such a doll, btw!! I am so excited and I owe you! I am glad to hear Kaleb will be paying to repair his dad's truck. I agree, it will go a long way to building character and responsibility. How did CJ like "eating" for the first time? By the way, it was so funny when you called I was out and couldn't answer my phone at the time. I couldn't figure out what it was because one day I was bored and set all kinds of ringtones for people. I had yours set to a person saying "shut the front door". I kept hearing "shut the front door" from my purse and didn't know what it was, lol. Carole, I can't wait to see all the fall pictures from you! You live in a outdoor wonderland. I am so happy things are going well with you and Jack and it seems your family appreciates you even more when you visit now. How's Brent doing (hope I got his name right)? How's the kitchen coming along? How's your band doing? (sorry for my interrogation) Diane, hi sweetie. I appreciate your long note you posted recently. I can only imagine all that is on your plate these days and yet still such a sweetheart and compassionate. Have you moved as well? How are you doing these days? I miss seeing you as much but understand and I appreciate when you can get online. And thanks, I am craving cheesecake now, lol. Symba found his "forever home" this weekend. I help out with "SIRA", Shiba Inu Rescue Association. He was a sweetheart, when not around other dogs. The first few days I was unsure. He was a 5 year old dog that a family surrendered. I drove an hour to meet up with a couple that drove here from St. Louis (6 hours). We had someone locally do their home visit and then I exchanged emails quite a bit before they decided to come up. I really think it's a great fit and excited for Symba and the new family. I had a nice weekend w/ Brad and the kids all here. Tonight, I actually am enjoying a night of relaxation and chillin' with my ladies (and my doggies).