Rebeccalee

Lauri, This makes me so sad. I hope it is not MS. It seems to take forever to get a true diagnosis if it is, since it is so hard to tell. I do hope you get some answers soon. You and your family are in my thoughts often.

There's probably just no one in there. We started having chats on Mondays, but it is very difficult with the various time zones. Let's plan a chat for this Monday at 5:30. The people in the East can be on early and those in the West can come on later. Hope to see you in there!!

I don't think your loss is slow, either. I lost 15 pounds the first 2 weeks, then about 10 the next month. But I had trouble because I was very restricted with no fill. My doctor was also very strict and required a low carb diet. It was easy then -- not so easy now! So the low carb really accelerated my loss. You will continue to lose, even if it is slow. Be patient. I know it is not easy to do. I have been a little discouraged that my loss slowed to 5 pounds last month and zero this month. But there is always hope to continue! The band is there to work with as long as you need it. Hang in there!

Does champagne count for water? If it does, I did great! Otherwise, I did all right. Happy New Year to all who were running to pee every hour until midnight.

Ooh....I already ordered all I need from them....but maybe I'll figure out something I want next. THANKS!!

Teresa, it could be that the seatbelt pulled on the area around your port and tore out one of the stitches. Probably nothing to do about it, but I'd charge a band doctor appointment to the insurance company and get a fill at the same time. Make sure you report it to the insurance, though, just in case.

I have way too many things that need improvement, so I'll pick three. 1) Pay off debts by spending less money. 2) Reach my goal weight by exercising and eating properly. 3) Finish projects that have been started before starting new ones. That sounds like a total overhaul!

You look fantastic! And you DO look so much younger! Lucky you. I look older now -- but thinner. You also radiate happiness. Thanks for sharing such a nice picture.

I was wondering where you had gone! Hope you feel better real soon. You can't really have a happy new year with the flu, so I hope the rest of the year is great to make up for it.

I was so busy today I forgot to drink much. I will get started right now making up the second half.

I finished the pie and Fritos today, and threw out the cookies. That kept my hands pretty busy. :nervous Now maybe I can concentrate on knitting. Unless you can send me some of that See's candy.

Some doctors require a pre-op diet and some don't. My US doc did not require one. It just makes the surgery easier if the liver is smaller. It also gives the doctor an idea if you can "stick to the program." Good luck with your surgery and welcome to the board.

I hear ya, Darcy, about the expense of starting new projects. I'd love to do some quilting, but time and money are not there right now. Maybe later. Does your wool club do various projects or just latch-hook? Sounds like fun. I'm hoping to find a knitting group around here, but it's a pretty rural area, so I don't know if there is one. I'm sure Greg has other hobbies, but I think he's best at teasing.

Lisa, it sounds like you have a headstart. That's great! You'll have to entertain at the next bandster bash. And Michelle -- Way to Go! You'll be making hats in no time! That's an added bonus that your aunt teaches the class. OK Greg! I see your hands are not too busy, but your mind is working overtime!

I'm so sorry you are having such a terrible time! And of course this has something to do with your band. Stress can make it tighter, or can make us eat more or not at all. Lack of sleep can cause emotional stress, which affects the band journey. I hope all is taken care of tomorrow and you can get some rest and both of you can get back to normal. You are a trooper and Patty is lucky to have such a devoted husband.

That's a great one, Lisa! Do you have a guitar already? Some lessons are a good way to start, gives good accountability. DH is looking at guitars and lessons for his grandson's birthday. I am going to take some one-day knitting lessons to get started on the right foot.

I have started knitting now, instead of crocheting. I am halfway through a hat. I learned when I was young, but never made more than a square. I am excited to be doing something new. I plan to make a sweater, but needed to start small. :nervous I bought a book called "Stitch & Bitch" to help me remember, and I call Mom when I get in a bind -- about twice a day. :laugh (I know...this is really just an excuse to buy MORE YARN!) Darcy, are you planning another quilt? What are your hands up to?? There are so many "projects" I need to start or complete. I really have lots to keep me busy if I just get going on it. Last night I was trying to knit and eat Fritos at the same time -- the Fritos won, but it's time to reverse that trend. I need to keep my mind off food for a while, especially while I detox from the holidays.

So...Darcy??? Is there EVER anything in your stocking? Fess up. You have been a naughty girl and you LIKE it, right?! I suggest you start RIGHT NOW being nice for Santa .... errrr....maybe I should do that, too....don't know if it is worth it????

That is WAY too much to be dealing with in one month! I am glad it is over for you. Just having strep throat would send me into a tailspin. Hope this month is the best -- and all the new year, too!

You look wonderful, Audrey! And very happy, too. Congratulations on making such a huge change. 161 pounds! That is an amazing amount of weight to lose!

If you drink a LOT of Water, like compulsively, you can create an imbalance in your electrolytes and possibly die. I don't think any of us come anywhere near the huge amount you have to drink to do that. Except maybe Greg, when he gets drunk on water! P.S. Ryan, I hope you are your wife are back to normal now. That sounds like a horribly stressful ordeal.

I am trying to make the best of tight jeans and body briefers. If I have something done, it will be taking off the half dozen sags running up & down my chin. I look like a turkey. Boobs would be nice, but first we need to buy a house! Hmmm....house or boobs....house or boobs....choices, choices.

I forgot I had a Nissan before the Honda. Very nice car but I had to sell it to get an automatic when I had carpal tunnel surgery. You should be able to get a nice car for $6000. Hope they come back with an offer of that much. Hold out for it.

I have a Honda Civic hatchback that is very reliable. You can buy it from me if you want it! My mom has a Taurus that has served her well, but my Ford Ranger -- which I dearly loved-- crapped out at just under 100,000 miles. I rebuilt it because I loved it and then the transmission went out. Geez! We also have a Toyota Tacoma pickup that is going great. Have you looked at Consumer Reports to check on reliability? That's why we got the Toyota, even though I really wanted another Ranger.

Got my water in yesterday and I'm halfway there today. Much better.