JudiM

Hey all..... The only things I've really been shopping for lately are for specific events---1 formal outfit for my husband's company Christmas party and 1 for my girlfriend's annual Christmas party (a bit dressy). When I'm out there shopping, I realize that the most exciting thing is that I can shop ANYWHERE since most "regular" stores go up to a Size 16. But, still Coldwater Creek is definitely my all time favorite place! I just love the fact that they have all of their clothes in all sizes. So, if for no other reason but that, I want to shop there......they have got me through "thick" and they can get me through "thin" fashionably!!! Oh, by the way---Spanx are my new favorite undergarment!!! Love them and very comfy! Someone mentioned that Target carries the same under a different name and they are less $$$....haven't tried them yet but the next time I get to Target....I will!!!!

No, no Nana! You are really an ace at this. I still have my house guests here.....my sister, my BIL, my niece & nephew. BIL, nephew, my hubby and a few cousins got tickets to tonight's Steeler game (the rain is falling....yuk!!) so they are not leaving until tomorrow. Today was "girls day out" shopping...a very rainy and grey day but fun. My sisters, my niece and my daughter got some great bargains. I got a few Yankee candles and a Christmas table cloth at Williams Sonoma (could NOT pass it up.....to die for!) so after that, my budget was blown!!! We're all headed to Bally's gym now to get in some post holiday weekend exercising before we settle in to watch the game. I just had to check in here before going to get my head back in "LapBand world" since I really wrecked my eating plan today picking at pumpkin pie (crustless) and some tortillas with spiced pinapple salsa. AHHHHHH! Thanks for keeping up with your "getting to know you" job! If I get a break later.....I will definitely come back to chime in! Sounds like you are a fun person to hang out with!!!!

Yep....due to years of dieting and a penchant for fashion---I've got an entire attic cedar closet filled with clothes......down to a size 14. A few years back, I gave my 10's& 12's to a friend who was returning to work! Like several of you mentioned---I have clothes with tags on them---great bargains at the end of the season that I could NOT pass up (thinking I'd definitely get into them the following year.....). Most of my clothes are "work" clothes---suits, blazers, skirts, pant suits, blouses, sweaters. So, I'm having a wonderful time re-visiting my Size 16's at the moment. But, I do plan to buy a special dressy outfit for my husband's business Christmas party. I am even taking this coming Friday off to do just that!!!! Look out Coldwater Creek....here I come!!!!!

Hi Crazy Ates Brothers & Sisters! It's been 3 months.....just wanted to check and see who is still checking in regularly!!! Just wanted to get a sense of who might be checking in and not "talking" much. My schedule has been a bit intense lately so I find that I check in but I don't chime in. This is a great group and I want to make sure that we are sticking it out together!!!! Even if you're pressed for time.....please pop in and say HI!!!! Judi

Looking for a fun gang to "travel" with!!!! :hai l: I started a thread on the monthly board for anyone who is scheduled for August 2007. Hope to see some travel companions there! __________________

Got a membership to Bally's over the weekend....tonight I have my first appt with MY personal trainer! I feel so diva saying that! So, I am hoping this is the beginning of a successful relationship! Like you Nana, I am prepaid for 3 years (DH insisted that I "commit"....LOL!). To be honest, I never had anyone show me how to exercise, what to do and what to focus on. So, I do not know what to expect. A friend at the office said today "why would you want to start this right BEFORE the holidays begin?" I looked at her square in the eye and said "that was exactly what I would have said to myself a year ago". For some reason, that exchange has really fueled my desire to succeed! Oh, BTW....has anyone ever seen the show "Inside the Brookhaven Obesity Clinic" (it's on Discovery Health)? While I was folding laundry last night, I landed on that station and found myself unable to stop watching.....4 episodes. Oh my......it has really an eye opener! I know that I could have been there if I wouldn't have made this decision to have a Lap Band. I know it's true. Off to meet my personal trainer....I sure hope he is a hot, hard bodied cutie!!!!

I bought them tonight (since the first event I have to attend is next weekend) at Coldwater Creek. I bought the ones that go from under my bra to my knees. I will give you all a review after I wear them!! Thanks so much for all the info! From the info I received from the "general" board, spanx at Steinmart cost the least. But, we do not have one on my end of town. With the price of gas, I didn't want to travel to the other end of town. I paid $26 for them. However, I spent over $100 in the store (can't help myself in that store) and they have a special giving $30 off of $100. So, with everything I bought...let's just say I got them for -$4!!!! Got my fingers crossed that my "bargain" will get me into my formal attire! I have to attend an event for my DH. And, part of the deal when I had my surgery was that I would "show up" for his business events. For the past few years, as my weight ballooned, I had soooo many excuses as to why I could not attend all of the events that went along with his position. So, now, I have to hold up my end of the deal......! If spanx can help me adhere, I'll love them forever...........!!!

Hi all.... Sorry to my fellow Crazy Ates that this is also posted here in a general area as well as in our monthly forum. I'm trying to get as much insight as I can before the weekend (when I can go out and purchase them). Not sure if you know what I am talking about....they are called Spanx....they are the 21st century answer to a "girdle". A bit more lightweight....perhaps a cross between the girdle and support pantyhose (best I can describe). They have a few different versions of them....hi-wasted, brief, etc. One of the saleswomen at the store where I shop was telling me that she loves them and highly recommends them. Since they do not sell them there, I know she was not trying to make a sale! Anyway, I am considering purchasing the high wasted ones to go under a few outfits I want to wear to holiday events. But, I am concerned about them hurting me near my port. Is that a silly question? I wonder if they hold you in so much (which would be a great thing!) that it would make that area uncomfortable. Anyone have any insights to share???? Thanks!!!

I bought them tonight (since the first event I have to attend is next weekend) at Coldwater Creek. I bought the ones that go from under my bra to my knees. I will give you all a review after I wear them!! Thanks so much for all the info! From the info I received from the "general" board, spanx at Steinmart cost the least. But, we do not have one on my end of town. With the price of gas, I didn't want to travel to the other end of town. I paid $26 for them. However, I spent over $100 in the store (can't help myself in that store) and they have a special giving $30 off of $100. So, with everything I bought...let's just say I got them for -$4!!!! Got my fingers crossed that my "bargain" will get me into my formal attire! I have to attend an event for my DH. And, part of the deal when I had my surgery was that I would "show up" for his business events. For the past few years, as my weight ballooned, I had soooo many excuses as to why I could not attend all of the events that went along with his position. So, now, I have to hold up my end of the deal......! If spanx can help me adhere, I'll love them forever...........!!!

I bought them tonight (since the first event I have to attend is next weekend) at Coldwater Creek. I bought the ones that go from under my bra to my knees. I will give you all a review after I wear them!! Thanks so much for all the info! Seems like the ones from Steinmart cost the least. But, we do not have one on my end of town. With the price of gas, I didn't want to travel to the other end of town. I paid $26 for them. However, I spent over $100 in the store (can't help myself in that store) and they have a special giving $30 off. So, with everything I bought...let's just say I got them for -$4. LOL!!!

1. I can tie my shoes without losing my breath. 2. My eyes don't shut when I smile. 3. My big hips have less bruises. 4. I can see my feet. 5. I can see my cheek bones. 6. I can walk much further without getting tired. 7. I can cross my legs. 8. I can shave my legs in the shower!

Hey all..... Went in for my 2nd fill and found that my first fill did not really "work"......she tells me that "the line was not primed" so the 1 cc fill was more like a .5cc. So, they filled me up to 1.2 cc. Not sure if I feel any restriction or not. I did the soft foods through today and then had a salad with tuna mixed in for dinner....which I could finish with no problem. So, I guess you can say that I just don't know if I have any restriction or not. I am off tomorrow to take care of a few things at home and then I hope to go and join the Bally Fitness Center near my house. They are running a special. My daughter (16 years old) belongs but has not been going as often as she had been. Which, of course, is very frustrating to me since I pay the monthly fee. One of the issues is that she is not driving yet so she is dependent on someone else driving her. The 2 friends that she joined with seemed to have lost interest as well. Instead, the 3 of them go to Starbucks after school instead of the gym!!! Anyway, I'm thinking that maybe she would go more often if I was driving there a few times a week. And, let's face it....something has to get me out the door since the thought of walking in the bitter cold keeps me from doing it! With the holidays staring me in the face and the feeling that I do not have much restriction, this seems like a reasonable expense for me. Plus, I've found that with the onset of the cold weather, DH and I spend alot more time watching TV than ever before! I need to MOVE not sit! (Hey....maybe I can motivate DH to get in shape too. After all, his 50th birthday is 6 weeks away!!!!) Does anyone else belong to a gym? If so, how regularly do you go? What type of exercises do you do? And, do you have a personal trainer there or at least someone to tell you what you need to do for the results you want? Thanks so much for any info you can share! Judi

Hi all..... I am not having any luck inserting pix here. But, I do keep a log of Before pictures and During Pix on my blog......in the left hand margin (using Flicker). So, if you'd like to check it out....they are there...... Everyone is looking great! Hard to believe it's been 3 months!

Purple girl.......you look amazing! Wow!

Hi Donna! So glad you found us!!! You are our very first belly dancer (at least I think so!!)! Welcome! From reading your note, it seems as though you are really addressing every aspect of your life and taking all the steps towards living a healthier and happier life. What a wonderful journey!!!! This August support group has been great for me! The folks here are wonderfully supportive, encouraging and eager to share whatever information they have. In fact, this entire site is a treasure trove of helpful information! You could not have found a better place to land! Looking forward to having you as a proud and sassy member of THE CRAZY ATES!!!!! Judi

I am....I was banded on August 10 @ Magee Women's Hospital. Feel free to ask any questions.......

Hi all.... Just wondering if anyone feels that they are more fatigued that in the past? I'm not sure if it's just my age, my life and my schedule or if it's related to the changes in my body and food intake. But, no matter what it is.....I am so exhausted by the time I get home from the office and get dinner on the table! I want to go out and walk.....I REALLY DO. But, it takes all I have to get the dishes done and get ready for the next day! Has anyone managed to conquer this problem? Any tips or info you can share will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Judi

Thanks LadyBug..... What kind of B-12 do you take? liquid? pills? What brand? When I was on one of my many medical diets (a Bariatric clinic), I got B-12 shots. At that time, the nurse told me that shots were the only way to get it into your system. So, I never considered liquid or pills. But, at this point, I am ready to try anything. I am just dragging....... Thanks!

Whoa....I am so happy to hear this! Not happy to hear that YOU are both having this pain! But, I've been having it since the beginning....after I eat. Just had my first fill on Monday and have been on mushies since then. Last night, I had a little mashed potatoes with gravy and suffered significantly afterwards. Perhaps I ate too much or too fast. I really have to start being more aware! Well, at least I'm not alone.....I'm always thinking I have a tumor or am *this* close to a heartattack!

Well, it's my opinion that it's unreasonable to ban everything enjoyable from one's life unless it's absolutely necessary. They say no carbonation then I say don't do it. But, no one is saying "no alcohol". And, if your dr is saying "no alcohol".....I'd dig a little deeper for the reasons. If it's life threatening to YOUR medical situation then of course---abstaining is key. But, if it's the calorie content then if you know that and choose to imbide, you have the information you need to make a decision. Like everything else---moderation is the key. I truly believe that each one of us has to figure out a way to make this work for our life. For me.....I love gin and tonics. Carbonation! So, I had to give them up and have made peace with that. I'm trying to enjoy gin martinis instead. Not straight up! Extra lime and extra ice. It's not so bad as long as it's a good quality gin. Thankfully, my husband has been a gin martini drinker for years and has mastered the blend. So, I didn't have to endure the misery of lousy gin!!! LOL!! Also, my husband and I belong to a wine club and take several wine trips a year. In fact, for his 50th B-day, we are going to Napa...can't wait to buy some new smaller clothes for that trip!!! For my husband, wine is an art form. He spends hours researching wines, exploring wine and food combinations and acquiring specific wines. Although I don't share his passion for the "legwork", I know that part of the enjoyment he gets from all of it is sharing it with his loved ones. That is a big part of our life. And, I get great joy out of all of it. Would I stop that? Absolutely not. I do not drink everyday except for when we are at the beach for 2 weeks every summer. So, I will find a way to do these things that makes sense for me. If I was told that alcohol would break my band---that might have given me some pause before I got banded. Not that I would not do it. But, I would have needed to really think about it in a whole new way. Getting our bands is about enjoying our lives. And, I say that each of us need to remember that and embrace those things that give us joy. Having said all that---I don't endorse getting totally trashed. Although I've been there, done that...LOL!!!! But, from experience---I know what could happen!!! Vomitting is not a good thing for our bands!!!! And, that morning after is not fun either. At my age....it's not even a "morning after"......it's the 2 days after!!!! LOL!!! Cheers!

Thanks so much to all the non-Crazy Ates for stopping by to encourage us! I truly value your experience! Stonersmom--I am so sorry that you are feeling the way you are. What a dissappointment! The only advice I have is to do what I try to do....scare yourself into believing that if you overeat or eat too much then you will throw up all over yourself! Yes, I know....not exactly a good method! But, at this point...it's what is working for me. My fill is scheduled for 10/22 and I am so looking forward to it......if only to mentally put more fear into me!! LOL!!! Hang in there.......please!!!!!

Thanks for letting me know I'm "in good company". This weekend, when I can steal some extra time, I'm going to head out to the health store near my house and talk to the owner. Because of the hours of the store, I never seem to get there. But, it is worth my time since she is very knowledgable about supplements and foods. She shares the info without pushing products. The GNC store near me seems to sell, sell, sell and their prices are quite high. One thing that I think would increase my energy would be exercise.....but, when? is the question!!! LOL. Salsa.....you and I are banded one day apart and seem to have had similiar weight loss. Have you had your first fill yet????

Yes, I am so thankful and elated that I've lost the weight that I have! I realize that I've come very far! And, although I am exhausted in the evenings, I know that I feel sooo much better in general. I get through the day fine......I feel happier and healthier than I have in a very long time. It's the exhaustion that hits me in the evening.....after cooking dinner and cleaning up afterwards. By that time, it's somewhere between 9-10 pm. And, honestly, it's not like I come home and sit down to watch TV. I literally walk in the door, go directly up the stairs to change, clean up the bathrooms, get my clothes ready for the next day, pack up whatever gear I need for the next day and then I start dinner and usually some laundry. There's no way around that schedule since I do not walk in the door until 7-7:30. My DH travels 3-4 days a week and when he is home, he gets home around 8. As far as getting out to walk or getting to the gym or doing exercise in the morning......it's not going to happen. We live in a community that does not have school buses for the kids to get to school. Since I work...I do the morning car pool while another mom does the afternoon. After I drop my daughter and our neighbor off at 7:30, I head into the office---about a 1hr+ commute with traffic. That gets me to the office in time to start my day with only a few minutes to spare. At this time of the year, lunch hours are devoted to hosting and facilitating round table lunches (I'm in higher ed) and/or workshops. Yes, we have them 5 days a week during the academic year. Like I said---I get through all of that fine. As I type this----the dinner dishes are sitting in the sink, my daughter is finishing up homework and I have laundry in the washer and dryer. I'm especially tired at the moment after having 3 out of town guests staying with us for 4 days. I'm not making excuses.....this is just life. What I am trying to figure out is what I can do to help with this evening fatigue that I feel......all I want to do is lay on the couch!!! The ideal situation would be for me to be able to walk out the door around 9:30 and walk for 45 minutes. But, I am just exhausted. Very tired. Literally dragging. Perhaps it's just that I'm tired from a long day and there's nothing I can do about it........ But, I'd like to try.........

Hi all...... It's been a crazy 2 weeks here......lots of visitors. So, I've done a lot of cooking and entertaining and socializing. Up until this past weekend, I was really able to stay away from all things sweet and/or snacky. Up to this point, I really had no problem with either. But, I started a little cheating and I'm angry with myself. As a result---I don't feel so great....a little bloaty! What the hell is wrong with me???? Of course, I wasn't anywhere near my pre-lb eating fest behavior! But, I've been picking at the leftovers.....especially my world-famous apple crisp! And, I was mindlessly picking on some cheeses that were left over as I was cleaning up the kitchen. Then, at 9 pm last night, I ate 3 mini Almond Joys after I bid farewell to the last of my weekend guests. I need to throw myself back on track. I have an appt on Monday Oct 22.....let's hope it's fill time. If not, maybe I can just get my mouth wired shut until it is fill time....... I'm really upset with this behavior. Please, someone talk some sense into me. I know I'll straighten up if I someone scares me with tales of terrible things happening to me.......!:help::help::help::help::help::help:

Hi all..... At my dr appt today, she really stressed the 60-70 grams of Protein each day. How is everyone sneaking in that protein everyday.....? Considering the amounts of food we eat, it gets a little tough. Somedays I do okay with it. Other days....not so good. Last week, I made a conscious decision NOT to eat or drink anything unless it has at least 5 grams of protein. Even still, getting all that protein is hard! I found a Special K Protein powder to add to my Water at Walmart. But, now I can't find it anywhere! And, I really hate the Special K protein water that is already mixed up in the bottle. The lemon is tolerable but somedays I just can't take it! In addition, it is a little pricey! Has anyone tried just adding non flavored protein to their water? If so....how is it? What about just adding protein powder to everything consumed? Has anyone done that? Any ideas would be sooo helpful! Hope you are all well!!!! Judi