lunasa

LOL !!! That's funny!! I'm going to see George Michael in June with my girlfriends.. I love him!! Fighting with DH again!! OH NO!! ... Tracyinks...any openings for nuns in that convent of yours?

Michelle... I forgot to say I'm so glad things have turned around for you..xx Laura...I know I prob would have yoyo'ed anyway!! Just the musings of trying to get to the bottom of things over the years!! You're clothes are hanging off..That's Great..and I hope you see the 200's soon!! Must dash...TTFN..xx

Hello everybody!! Teachlady...love the hair do...very interesting!! And I too can see a difference in you now from your avatar pics!! Laura...touching story, and sad. Especially when you see you were only a little girl!! There are a lot of issues & things we didn't know about bubbling to the surface. I said it before about how our unhappiness affects those around us...we will all gain insight at one point on this journey how someone else close to us had a struggle related to our own!! I have too dwelled before on why I got fat growing up and my DS didn't!! I remember being in slimming classes with my mam & her friends at the age of 10 and weight watchers as a teen. Certainly didn't help my self esteem as I was the only kid there and felt embarrassed especially that my piers would find out!! Hence began my yoyo THAT young. I often wonder if I hadn't started dieting that young would my first adult attempt have been successful? Or would I have naturally lost some or most of the fat growing into a young woman! When I was a teen I use to hide & turn around photos that included me in our house, I couldn't stand to look at my confirmation photos especially..That's when I learnt to hate myself..I HATED those photos, they were like my cryptonite, I was utterly repelled by them!! Hence began my lifelong game of dodge with the camera. At one point I would actually be so aggressive towards anyone trying to take my photo it bordered on phobia!!! My GOD...there are not a lot of photos of me very overweight coz I wouldn't allow it. Anytime I lost weight it was different I was happy to join in & pose!! But because of the Confo pics, my fat pics are a rarety in our family collection!! It's a little bit funny though, there are parts of my documented photo life missing..years at a time then I pop up again smiling!!! (for a while) One thing I'm happy about is that for my wedding I was happy with my size & my photo's are beautiful. I can always cherish them...I don't have to deal with being ashamed of them!! THAT would have been an issue for me. So THANK GOD for that!! KITY....oh yeah with the new drawers!! LOL Everyone else.....have a greater day than you had yesterday!!

Hi allure... The demon drink!! I know what that's likde, sure every social arena we face involves drink!! I go MAD on the wine...It's my loopy juice. I've onky drank twice since Mar 28th.. I drank Gin & Cran once (yeuk) and Guinness the other time...not too bad. I don't like the thoughts of drinkin any more than 4 now, as that's the point where I start to feel hungry or am in danger of a hangover. Hangover always meant a day od BAD eating for me...I'd be mad for crisps!!

Wow Nikki...39 lbs!!! That's great...when were you banded?

I thought for a second about lying & saying yes I did make it, but although I'm good, I'm no barefoot contessa!! LOL No I got it at the fish counter in wholefoods, it's talapia. And you only have to bake it for 10mins!! BTW...is wholefoods the most expensive grocery shop on the planet? I'll let you know if it tastes as good as it sounds if I ever get to have it!!

Here's a lovely suggestion for those of you in the breakfast rut Blueberries Peaches (de stoned & cut into wedges) Put them in an ovenproof dish & cover with natural yoghurt Top with demera sugar Bake for 10 mins...or whatever it takes in your oven. TERRI...every time I post I forget to aknowledge you have entered onderland!!! That's SO FABULOUS!!!! Are you the first violet in onderland? Tracyinks...you are very kind to take that new woman under your wing...When you sprinkle kindness, it grows. Any one fancy an affair? Seeing that I'm being suspected of it anyway!! LOL

Morning all!! Firstly Michelle..start today with a moment to begin loving yourself today... close your eyes and imagine yourself as a small child standing alone & scared. Now imagine yourself as you are today giving that child a big hug and taking her fear away. Linger on that image today and see how you feel about yourself throughout the day. See if it makes any difference within...I find this excercise & imagery very powerful. LOL...here's a good one. Last night we're going to bed & DH says "I think you're having an affair!" LOLOLOLOL....of course he knows I'm NOT but he has observed the new DEDICATION in my life!!! My Violet affair!! I just replied ah yeah, if you're not careful I'm gonna run away to lapland with a load of bandits!! Yesterday when I had lunch , I obviously took in too much. I had about a small tin of salmon w mayo, a spoon of guacomole and a little bit of salsa, and I ate too much too fast. Maybe 4tbsp in total? I find that it's hard slowing down mushies as there's not a lot to chew. Anyway I was yappin too much to concentrate. So after I ate I felt VERY full, not stuck or in pain just stuffed...that was at 2.30pm and I stayed that full for the rest of the day!! No dinner!! Today I'll see how I get on having a smaller amt for lunch ( I still do a protein shake for breakfast) so that I can have dinner too. I've a lovely piece of fish stuffed with spinach & feta that I want to have!! SARA MOS>>>>well done!!! You're doin GREAT!!!

Hi Allure... That's great you've ordered the book...I find it great. Remember to get out the pen and buy a notebook. Start a journal now & do the homework...there's not a lot of homework, it's not like school!! But it does pose some questions you really should challenge yourself to answer & to make lists that will help you discover your strong / weak points and motivation!! It's quite exciting to discover some things about your self you may not be aware of. Holly thanks for the info...keep us posted! Allure, I had the shoulder pain for a weeek starting on day four post op- Then it was gone but returned after another week & I get it daily now. I know I'm still bloated & constipated so it must still be some wind or something...Apart from that no problems so I hope going back to work for you will be a breeze!! I started on mushie foods on Sunday. Scrambled eggs went down grand. Porridge seemed to stay quite high up, so I guess that's too much for now. I had tinned salmon with a bit of mayo, also fine. Yesterday was different, I had lunch & I obviously took in too much. I had about a small tin of salmon w mayo, a spoon of guacomole and a little bit of salse, and I eat too much too fast. I find that it's hard slowing down mushies as there's not a lot to chew. Anyway I was yappin too much to concentrate. So after I eat I felt VERY full, not stuck or in pain just stuffed...that was at 2.30pm and I stayed that full for the rest of the day!! No dinner!! Today I'll see how I get on having VERY small amt for lunch ( I still do a Protein shake for breakfast) so that I can have dinner too. I've a lovely piece of fish stuffed with spinach & feta that I want to have!! I hope you've found some nice Soups to keep you going thru the first stage....enjoy it...I found it very liberating not having to shop for or cook meals for myself. I was so easily satisfied. LOL!!! My own shopping list for this week consisted of 2 cans of salmon 2 cans of tuna..2 baking potatoes, milk , some fish and salsa!! ( oh and of course my Green & black's 70% organic chocolate!!) LOL talk about saving on the shopping!! Also have a look out for mini milk ice pops...I found them handy to have when you get REALLY bored & just want to add SOMETHING to your diet, when you're on the Soup. They're 1/2 WW point each or 55cals!! I'm training myself to have these low fat "safe" treats now & then, a SQUARE of chocolate (as opposed to a bar) and a mini milk as opposed to a magnum... so I'm not doing my all or nothing behaviour diet habit again...that attitude always led me to BREAK out binging!! Good luck to you... BRENNERS, when you getting your port fixed again?

(((((MICHELLE)))))) You're going to be just as strong and beautiful as you imagined...don't let that dream fade from your sight. It won't entirely all rest on the band..you are the one who is going to make it happen with or without, and you've already come as far as posting on here, that in itself is changing you..xx It had a positive effect on you today knowing you had us all to lean on. As you said take tonight to cry & be upset and tomorrow is a new day and tomorrow you will learn something new about yourself, that you are strong & beautiful no matter what surprises life carries your way..xx Sweet Dreams darlin...my wishes are for you tonight..xx

Oh (((Mdrai)))...please don't say that about yourself...that's upsetting. This is a totally & unexpected major blow to you...I don't know what to say. I'm glad that thinking of us helped a little. You know we will support you. I'm so sorry to hear this!!! Please Please don't put yourself down like that !!

Brenners....I just posted a reply to you in the shrinkin violets thread. Re your last post there...Check it out... Good to hear from you both, we're done now & it's gonna be a great journey..xx Someone PM me the meeting details...although I'm in Clare, but depending where in Dub the mettings are I'll see what I can do about travellin up..xx take care lassies!! xx

Goodness... I feel kinda bad for my outburst there a while ago RE Kat sil!! I was outside thinking about it & I thought god I prob am being insensitive!! It just really bothers me to be around or hear about the kinda people who wear their issues so aggressively, with no consideration for the lives around them. That woman is putting her own vanity before her brother's (?) health. I'm sorry if I was a bit strong or offended anyone but I just don't understand why people are willing to let themselves be known as the intolerable pain in the butt rather than deal with their issues, face them & change for the better. My main motivation & problem with my weight is primarily a vanity issue. I hate looking like I do and not being able to dress like I want. It's not that I hate eating everything I feel like, I quite enjoy that. But when I put my vanity aside I see what my unhappiness does to those around me, how they suffer because I'm too busily wrapped up in my pile of s@#t to be the best sister, daughter, friend & wife I can be. Those who love me see my potential and it's frustrating & energy zapping for them to see me waste all that I can be. I think this is why I am feeling so uplifted right now on this particular journey, I have found the motivation I always needed to drag myself out of the cycle that got me here. Because those I love are being shortchanged, and I'm truly grateful to be loved by them & for their patience with me so far. THAT is what has lifted the clouds & that is what drives me now. And THAT is what frustrates me about others in whom I see my former selfishness. I was selectively selfish! Now, I am not only doing this for superficial reasons like clothes size and high heels, I am doing this to reward my family & ultimatley my self and to live a life I can be proud of. I want to be a better friend, wife, sister, daughter and a better me. How can that not be the best gift and to realise I am actually capable of doing this with the one tool I have always had is quite inspiring. That tool is LOVE... pure & simple. I have opened up my heart to give & recieve this very simple but powerful gift, and that will be the difference in my life. I hope to inspire more people to find the love that will change their world. And to reward any love coming your way because, even if everything else is taken from you, you will always have love.

I really don't know why my text shrunk towards the end in that last post..anyway... I haven't update my ticker yet but I lost 2# this week. I'm delighted & surprised as I had prepared myself for a different outcome. This leaves me with 1/2 lb to go to first goal of -24lbs. I received my James Avery charm today & I'm kinda confused as they bracelet & charm arrived in seperate pkging...how do I get the charm onto the bracelet? I really don't want to dend it back in the mail to solder ONE charm on there...and I wanted to wear it now!! Meaners!!! Pain in my shoulder drove me mad on my 2nd flight yesterday...I ended up standing down the back of the plane in tears. The airhostess had been very rude to me in front of other passengers as I couldn't bear to stay seated and then she realised I actually was in pain and lightened up. lucky for her she did, as I was standing by the emergency door and the spawn of satan that was easily accessible within me would have disposed of her very quickly!! Stooopid cow!!! So I made it finally & I'm good again today TG. Going to the mushies page now.

WOAH!!! PHEW....am all caught up with the reading!! As someone pointed out are we going for the longest thread ever? I was just thinking the same thing and wondering if Others are moving like ours when I saw that post! Firstly BRENNERS!!! have been thinking about you, good to hear from you. That's a complete pain in the a#@ about your port but I know it's something that is easily fixed by the doc & I hope you get to move on from there. You sound great though in spite of that, fair play to you for keepin the good side out...xx and well done on the excercise!! Christy...Me the rez councellor...LOL....sometimes I wonder!! I am sorry for your troubles with FIL...that's sad..xx KAT....your post...He (my BIL) needs to lose weight desperately, he has a horrible family health history, and carries it ALL in a HUGE belly (kinda like me!!!!!). I know he will never go for banding, because my SIL has made it an undesirable to everyone, because she throws up everything she eats.......and tells everyone that. I don't know whether to think she just exchanged one eating disorder for another---obesity for bulemia, or whether it is her way of being the only one to lose the weight, which is what her own daughter thinks---it is scary! Just really glad I am not depending only on her for lap band support!!! OHHHH!!!! Attention seeker anyone? I'm sorry but what a selfish and mean person this sounds like!! YES YES YES.... God forbid anyone else around her go under the knife for the band, it just might steal her thunder? Then again she could be in total defense mode and this is her wqy of letting you all know that her decision was not "taking the easy way out" as we all know IT"S NOT. God forbid she finds herself without a struggle to play on? I find that strange that she is being a fly in the ointment when others around her have had the same procedure...is she trying to highlight her struggle as more pressing and sympathy deserving than everyone else? Do some people ever grow up? I feel sorry for these "adult Children!!" I don't know why this bothered me so much Kat!! (I think it reminds me of someone I use to know, and who I never got to slap in the face like I always wanted to & should have) I'm sorry to take issue with a member of your family, but I really don't know how you cope with this & all the kind of behaviour they seem to think they are entitled to...are they SPECIAL in some way? Ohhh, :angry :angry Anyway Kat...I just think you're fantastic. You are so strong & upbeat, with all you're going through with Rick, you are still joyful & you still find the time in you life & in your heart to check in here every day and cheer us & support us & report on you own endeavors I really admire you....You're a great person...xxx EVERYONE else....well done...keep it up...good luck...hang in there...chin up... FIND TIME TODAY TO LOVE YOURSELF IN SOME LITTLE WAY...XXX

Why don't you just do that Jennifur...You are not able for this party. It will lead to upset for you. Call it off, plan something smaller to mark the day. I will wish for you that you get good news this week re the job situation..xx

LOL tekymom!!! Where else could you get away with saying that!! LOL...very good

Oh, I didn't realise the sick friend was the same girl's mother!! That's a horse of a different colour!! I still maintain that venting to this friend is a no no for now. As for the party...well, would you consider that you've taken on too much? Can you scale it down a bit or enlist help from another grown up? and maybe another of DD's friends? You're certainly dealing with a can of worms there.

Wow Kat...what a diplomat!! This is fantastic advice re the party!! How could that not yeild a positive result!! TRACYINKS....FABULOUS that you had such a great time at the dreaded buffett...and as for the bridget jones knickers getting the heave ho...I am totally Excited for you!! Terridoodle...look at you!!! You look Great!! I had a strange day yesterday. I fixed soup for dinner (minestrone) and couldn't face it so I changed to veg & couldn't stomach it either. Maybe 20 days of soup has turned my stomach? I ended up having custard for one meal & for the next I had porridge. (very milky) BUT i think I understand now what a PB is? I could feel the porridge travelling back up my neck!!! LOL, guess it was a little premature for that kinda meal. Mushies are approaching though Also, pain in my shoulder is back :cry ...what's that about? Should I take that as normal or should I be worried that it may be something else ( paranoid !!)

Wow...(((Jennifur.))) you are going through a LOT of stress right now. You have a lot on your plate to deal with. I don't have kids so my advice to you may be lacking in practical experience. You are wearing many different hats here... You have a list of issues and It may help to prioritise, and at the moment I imagine it may seem you can't see the woods for the trees. You are overwhelmed. Let's start your list with YOU and work out from there. YOU have just had a surgery that you decided to have to clean up your emotional & behavioural life let's say. But you are knee deep in emotions & life & are torn between financial, parenting & social issues that are stealing you from the time you need to take for yourself. This procedure no doubt has us all limited in a social capacity. We need to address the fact that you feel very left out. I think you should try to be a bit flexible and give yourself social limits. Give yourself the permission to live and participate. In the case of the bbq, maybe you could bring your own dish, and make up your own beverage and bring it along so that you can join in with the eating & drinking. Set your limits and adhere to them. You can't expect to stand around empty handed and not feel at some sort of a loss. That is unnatural. You mentioned you think your friends are finding you hard to "deal" with. Your friends I imaging they are probably reacting to the uncomfortable vibe you're sending out. As humans we don't need to open our mouths to send out vibes, it's radiating from us. In LBT you may notice that we are all communicating solely through typed words yet you can "feel" the mood behind them. You can tell when someone is excited, encouraged or down, we don't have to see faces or hear any tones, we are still displaying our emotions because we ARE them. My friends & family always felt uneasy with me on diets because they could sense my "I Can't" vibes & would be so aware of my mental attitude which was always unyielding & negative. See if by "owning" your decision to have this surgery will make any difference when you're out with them. ALWAYS have a plan for participation in social life. People are needy & your friends don't know it but have developed a NEED for you to be upbeat & in good form. that is probably the role you have established with them, but you can't fill others needs until your own are met. So that brings us to some other stresses you have. In relation to the party you have planned, it's important that you know this is a choice. Like a lot of women, you spend a lot of time doing things for everyone else and then feeling put upon & hating it. Take care of your own needs, have and communicate your expectations. You need to communicate that you are not superwoman and that you are not doing this party for the good of your health. Talk to this other childs mother and tell her that while you are looking forward to the party there is a lot of work to be done & draught her & her daughter's help. Remember this is all pre party. You are going to have a clean up on your hands after it too & should enlist help now to deal with that when it comes along, or you'll have ANOTHER issue. You're daughter at the moment is helping you rake the yard while her "friend" is out having a great time. Your daughter is learning right now to do exactly what is driving you mad. She is doing it all herself, and letting others walk all over her. Explain to her that this is what is bothering you so she doesn't just see you as a demon! As for throwing pots & pans at you, that is not acceptable and learning a bit of respect would be a valuable lesson for her to learn. As I am not a mother I don't have any suggestions on how to do this. As for your sick friend who is turning the tables on you, what is it you are venting about? Could that be too much for her to deal with at the moment? You have been very good to her & she availed of your goodness, it may be too soon for her to reciprociate. She may sense from you that you resent her selfishness at the moment. She is being selfish because she needs to be, it is a matter of survival instinct for her. You need to be selfish yourself and get back behind the driving seat of your own life before it gets the better of you. Give her space & don't vent to her anymore. Let her heal. You are the friend she depended on & it may be distressing to her to see you unravel. I really wish I could help you Jennifur, you have a lot of emotions boiling to the surface in your life right now, and it is a very stressful & confusing thing. Please be gentle on yourself & take care of yourself during this time. It may help to write your feelings & vent on paper. Make lists...here is a suggestion for you to start with. 1. What do you value? (love? friends? family? Loyalty? Respect?) (are you giving & recieving the above?) Why & why not? 2. What is not working for you, what do you find is bothering you? (feeling left out at the BBQ) why? (how could it be different?) 3. What makes you feel good? What do you enjoy? ( going to the movies is good for me!!) Cooking also!! Try tackling one question a day & write it all down, get it out!!

Wow Brewa...that's a big hurdle you overcame being a brewer!! I think Guinness is great.. I agree with the alcohol / junk food association. That's why my limit will be 4 drinks. If I drink enough to be hungover the next day I crave the bad stuff!! I never eat while drinking thought, my appetite hits me post-session! Good luck to you & congrats on the weight loss & lifestyle changes..well done

Enjoy...You're doin great!!

Now, Christy, When you say you're going to "attack" the threadmill, do you mean you're gonna Kick the S**t out of it or go for a walk? LOL I would have to favour the first option!! LOL

Hello There... I just happened to see the title on that post saying I like Beer and it got my attention!!! LOL I would suggest that although vodka & cranberry is not carbonated the juice is LOADED with sugar. Depending on where in the world you are maybe you could try guinness? Draught guinness doesn't really travel well so it won't be as nice as you would taste in Ireland. But it does come in longneck & can form if you'd like to try that? AND their slogan is that it's GOOD for you!!! (in small doses!) I dunno about the calorie content but in WW points a glass (250ml) is worth 2 points. Pimms is also a low cal drink, and I think it's flat. Hope that's of some help I will be drinking guinness anyway!