Kathybad

Thanks Janet. Step... what's your website address?

Janet, that's awesome!!!! You are my exercise hero! I've finally started to exercise... I know, the rest of you have been for a long time now... but I've not yet committed to a plan. But lately, now that I'm off work, I've been going stir crazy and seem to have a lot of energy. So I started walking the dog and getting much more physical. Whatever the reason or motivation... I'll take it. I count my blessings wherever I can. I also did something with my extra time that I think has been constructive. I've always wanted to share my family's story and help other parents with special needs kids. I've often thought of writing a book, but that is such a huge undertaking and so expensive. So instead I've created my own website. If anyone knows of a family with a special kid, please send them a link to this site. It is in it's early stages and I plan to add lots more stuff, but its a start. Here's the link... parentingspecialkids - Parenting Special Kids I also lost 3 more lbs this week!!!

Hi Everyone... I've been away for about a month or so... was really busy with my new job. But, as fate would have it... I'm now not so busy as I was FIRED...:biggrin::frown: I left my old job of 7 years to join this company, and then 11 weeks later they let me go for no reason... just didn't want to spend the money!!! It happened last week and I'm still in shock. I haven't been able to keep much food down because when I'm stressed I'm very restricted. So I've also lost 7 lbs in one week... ok, I like that, but would rather have a job! Now I'm back to square one, with no opportunities for my field in London. If I want to stay in Marketing, I'll have to move closer to Toronto, which is not good for my family. So, as you can imagine... sucks to be me right now! Ok, enough bad stuff about me... I see you are all doing fantastic!!! Congrats. My goal was to lose 52 lbs post op by my bandaversary... well, I did it today... 3 weeks early, and a total of 67 from my pre-band high! I wanted to do this slow and steady at 1 lb per week, which I've done without any major difficulties. Now that I'm off work, I am going to try and be more physically active... no excuses! Take Care, Kathy

I'm not sure who mentioned "The Daily Plate" website, but I went on it... I LOVE IT!!! It's so easy to use, and has so many foods. Fitday didn't have a lot of Canadian food brands, so I was always guessing which one to add. Daily Plate seems to have a lot of different brands and foods. If you haven't tried it, go there... its free. www.thedailyplate.com

Phyl, in my humble opinion, you did the best thing possible. I have heard this said many times, and live by it: "Children need your love the most when they desearve it the least". Same goes for adults too. A hug and an "I love you no matter what" will mean the world to her. Chin up, you DD might not understand today, but you know you did the right thing.

Sounds like fun... but can't take vacation then as I've just started my new job. BTW, where is it?

Sorry I've been MIA for a few months. I'm hoping everyone is doing well with their bands and weight loss. :thumbup: My life over the last few months has been super busy. I think I've been on since my Dad passed away, but if not... here's the update. My dad lost his battle with cancer in January. Although it was incredibly sad, I was so happy his suffering stopped. My family is coping well, and moving on with our lives... but I still have a voicemail message from him, which I play every few days just to hear his voice. It makes me feel good. I LOVE my band!!! Throughout all the stress, family gatherings, emotional eating, crazy schedules, etc, etc, I didn't gain an ounce!!! In fact, I lost 2 lbs during the week of his funeral. After I returned to work, the Sh#t hit the fan so to speak, and I had a major revelation that life is too short to be unhappy. So I found a new job. I started it 3 weeks ago, and love it. So no more spices... now I'm into mattresses :biggrin: My weight loss is coming slow and steady... just the way I want it. I'm down about 10 lbs since Feb. and just got through a tough plateau. In the past, I'd have lost that battle, but now I just waited it out. I still can't believe how much I love the band. It really has changed my life!

Hi Everyone, I've been MIA for awhile... and they changed the look of the site!!! Not sure if I like the new look yet. Hmmm. Anyways, as many of you know, my Dad has been battling cancer, and on early Friday morning he lost the battle. He developed an aggressive infection in his lung, which spread too fast to drain. So from diagnosis to death was a very short 2 months... not near enough time. I am glad it happend before he suffered too much, but can't say I'm glad it happened this quickly. The visitation and funeral were exactly what he wanted... all of his family came and reconnected, from Hawaii to the great North. All to Celebrate his life and his passing and going home to his Lord Jesus. We just got back home from being in Ft. Wayne since Thursday, so I'm very tired and emotionally drained. I hope everyone is doing well.

One of my new goals is to track my food in a journel. I'd do it online, but find I don't always have my computer available, so want to use a written journel. Does anyone have an electronic version that they are particularly fond of? I've created one in Word that I think I'll use, but am open to other suggestions. I've attached it below... Anyone who uses a journal, please critic this one and/or send me what you find useful. Thanks!! Food Journal.doc

Congratulations! Everyone who has responded to me so far has made their holiday challenge!!! I am so proud of everyone. For all of those people out there who think we took the easy way by having WLS, well, we all know that's not true. So for our first Christmas as bandsters, we should all be very very proud of our results. Whether we gained a few pounds or lost a lot, we are all in much better positions this year than we were last. So enough preamble... here's what I have for today. Lindaa - Level 2 - Total loss = 1 lb ACHIEVED! Forgive/Nicole - Level 3 - Total loss = 8 lbs ACHIEVED! Salsa/Karri - Level 3 - Total loss = 8 lbs ACHIEVED! Jackie - Level 2 - Total loss = 3 lbs ACHIEVED! Phyl - Level 2 - Total loss = 0.4 lb ACHIEVED! Kathy - Level 2 - Total loss = 1 lb ACHIEVED! :clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:

Marcy, that's one big Moose!!! My DH has hunted in the past, but I really don't like him going. He's a klutz at the best of times, so can only imagine him shotting himself or someone else because he's not paying attention. He's also too much of a city boy, so doesn't understand nature all that well. I must say, I very jealouse. I love the taste of Moose and other game. Enjoy!

Ok, someone has to start this... Here's my New Year's Resolutions: 1. To track my food intake in a journel 2. To drink more water 3. To exercise at least 3 x per week (hopefully more) These are my weight related resolutions. It's always best to make these possible through small steps, so have to work that out. One really positive thing about 2008... I'm 43 lbs less than 2007, and will never see 250 again!!!! NEVER!

Happy New Year Lucky #7's Congrats to all who made the exercise challenge... I didn't, but that's ok. I'll try again this month. I have been getting out every day with the family to take a walk... I don't consider that exercise, as I don't break a sweat. But it is movement and is better than no movement. So for everyone who was in the Holiday Challenge, please weigh yourself tomorrow morning and PM it to me. I'll then tally the results, and let everyone know.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. I'm kind of weepy right now with my DH just thinking about my Dad and StepMom. But I logged on, and your kind thoughts and prayers helped to cheer me up. I really shouldn't feel too bad. My dad is facing this with open arms and heart, ready for whatever God wills. So I guess I should too. The kids were so excited about Santa coming tonight. I logged onto Norad's Santa tracking site for them, and Jesse was right into it. So cute!!! We decorated the Gingerbread house together and then when we put Sarah to bed, he helped me make some special shortbread Cookies just for Santa. Now the cookies & milk are out, the carrots are ready for the reindeer and my DH is wrapping presents. I'm kicking back with a glass of red wine, and thinking about how special Christmas is. I love Christmas. It was my Mom's favourite holiday, and I think it rubbed off on me. I don't care about the presents, just the togetherness and the joy and excitement in the kids eyes. I love to cook and bake at this time of year and watching my loved ones enyoy it. Of course, I won't be able to eat much of it... but that's ok. Just spending the time together is what I love. Have a wonderful holiday. And for those among us who don't Celebrate Christmas, or who celebrate Kwanza, Hannaka (sp?), or just finished Eid, or another holiday... I hope it's wonderful and full of joy. Ok, I'm a bit sappy tonight... oh well!! I had an NSV the other day. For our Christmas present, my Dad and Stepmom gave us $$ to go to the store and pick out our own gift. Then we came back and wrapped them and opened them to share with everyone. It was hillarious to show everyone. We all got right into the spirit of the moment. They really wanted us to have nice presents, but didn't have the emotional energy to do it themselves. So we all did it for them. Just as an aside... if you ever find yourself in a similar situation... this works and is a lot of fun for everyone! Anyways, my NSV moment... I love the store, Coldwater Creek. We don't have it in Canada, so I order from them online sometimes. But there is a store in Fort Wayne where my dad lives. So I went shopping. In the past, I could occasionally find a 3x that would fit, but not always. Well, I bought 2 pairs of pants size 20 (I was size 26) and 2 tops size 2x. They look beautiful!!! And my DH thinks I'm sexy in them... of course he thinks I'm sexy all the time... but I saw the twinkle & excitement in his eye and know that he's thinking I'm even more sexy!! Ok, enough sharing for one Christmas Eve. Happy Christmas everyone!!!

Hi Everyone, I'm back from visiting my dad for Christmas. This was a really hard visit for me. My dad's cancer has progressed farther than I thought or he had mentioned. He is very tired, weak and in lots of pain. Despite all of this, he did his absolute best to be happy and participate. It was really hard to say goodbye to him. I also think that was the last time my kids will see him alive. He knows it too. I will probably see him a few more times, but will go myself. I did lots of stress eating on the drive home, and my DH joined me!!! Thanks to my band for stopping it before it went critical. I am glad to be home and to have a simple family Christmas. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. I'll check back in after Christmas.

Hi Peaches, No I didn't make it to the TLBC party either. I was in Toronto Mon-Wed of that week, so didn't want to go back again. I felt bad about not going since I told you I was... so I'm glad I didn't !!! As for your baking suggestions... I'm all for your advice. I can't have Christmas without baking. I love to bake, even if I don't eat any of it (but I probably will try a little). Take Care

Hi Jessica, Don't worry about PM'ing me. I got your challenge level and weight when you posted it. So here's the instructions... You are a Level 3 which is to lose 5 or more pounds between Dec. 15th and Jan. 2nd. So you don't have to send me anything until Jan. 2nd. Just weigh yourself on Jan. 2 and PM it to me or post it. I will put together the group's results. I'm really cheering for you, because 5 pounds will put you at 199.8 !!!

What inspiring photos from everyone. You all look fantastic... and deserve all of our compliments. I love the NSV's people are sharing... but have to admit a stupid moment... what does NSV stand for? Jessica, welcome to the Lucky 7s, glad to have you on board. I am managing the Holiday Challenge and now have added you. Good luck... when you meet this challenge, you'll be in Onederland!!! I have to admit, I haven't been really "dieting" much the last 6 weeks or so, too stressed about my Dad. I know a few of you have asked me how he's doing. All I can say is not well. He is handling it all very well, with a strong faith in God, but it is really hard for me even thinking of my life without him in it. Given this added stress to my already high stress life, I can tell you I LOVE MY BAND!!! In the past, I would handle my stress through food. (as we all probably do) I've noticed I do still turn to food, but my band stops me very quickly, so I can't keep eating. I have lost 10 lbs since the day I found out my Dad has cancer. In my pre-band life, that would have translated to a 20 lbs gain!! Phyl, Distant, Jackie, Mango, Ribearty and Sunny - Remember to PM me your starting weight for the challenge.

Hi Everyone, Tomorrow is the start of our holiday challenge. Here's who I have in the challenge: Kathy - Level 2 Janet/Indio - Level 2 Linda - Level 2 Nicole - Level 3 Salsa/Karri - Level 3 Ribearty - Level 1 Sunny - Level 2 Mango - Level 2 Jackie - Level 2 Distant - Level 3 Phyl - Level 2 So go ahead and weigh yourself in the morning and PM me your weight. I'll put together the list and then keep the info until the end of the challenge. Remember, level 1 is to maintain your weight, level 2 is to lose up to 4 lbs and level 3 is to lose 5 or more lbs. Nice to see everyone is doing well. I keep missing on my exercise challenge... just can't seem to get started!

Ruby, congrats on the boob job. I'm the opposite of you... I'd love to be smaller. I'm a 44DD and even when I'm thinner, I will be at least a D cup, and would love to be a FIRM C or B. "Oranges in Socks" wonderful image that brought to mind... I'm there with you on that. My ultimate boob job would be a lift and shrink!!! I'm so glad I had the slight de-fill last week. I can now eat food. I still have times where it won't go down or its difficult, and I still have lots of restriction, but generally I can eat a nice variety of food. I think my weight loss is better now too... was in starvation mode before and now I'm eating about 1100-1500 cals a day. Does anyone else notice a difference in how they feel the cold since losing some weight? This is aimed at those of us in colder climates... not your southern ladies!!! In the past, I was always warm, even if the room was on the cold side. If I was cold it meant it was really cold out. Now, I'm cold all the time. I usually sleep in the raw, but have started putting on a flannel nightgown - much to my DH's disappointment. I usually have the furnace set to 68 degrees, but have noticed I'm putting it up to 72. Guess what I save in my grocery bill, I'll use on my gas bill.

Ok, just to clear things up again... there are 2 December challenges. The first one is to exercise 20 times within the month. This is being managed by Forgive/Nicole. The second one is a weight loss challenge between the height of the holidays. This is being managed by me. There or 3 levels, ranging between maintaining your weight, losing 1-4 lbs or losing 5 lbs or more. The time period is between Dec. 15 to Jan. 2. So again, here they are: Level 1 = no gaining Level 2 = lose 1 to 4 lbs Level 3 = lose 5 or more lbs Here's who I have along with their levels: Janet/Indio = Level 2 Linda = Level 2 Nicole = Level 3 Salsa/Karri = Level 3 Ribearty = Level 1 Sunny = Level 2 Mango = Level 2 Jackie = Level 2 Distant = ??? I will send a reminder to everyone on the 15th to send me your weight and again on Jan. 2nd. I was dreading the exercise challenge, but now am looking forward to it, as I'm goal motivated, so need this to get off my butt!!!

Peaches: Yes, we are planning to go to the TLBC party. I'm looking forward to this. I was in there last week to have a slight defill. I was opposite you, where I was way too tight. Nancy was off sick so Camilla (?) did it for me. She said that my port had rolled so she had to stick me a few times before she got the front. Didn't hurt though. She took out 0.25 cc. It was just the right amount. I still have really good restriction, but can actually eat some food and drink water, etc. I really don't think you should worry about her sticking your tubing and causing a slow leak. If anything, the port could have come disconnected from the tubing. My GF's port has come disconnected 2 times in the last few years (old lapband). Marcy: Love the pictures... those monkeys are so cute!!! It must have been an amazing vacation. You must feel great knowing you enjoyed yourself and didn't gain!!! Cazulay... WOW what amazing success you're having!!! Congrats.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. I hope your holiday was good. I went in on Wed to have a slight defill. She took out .25 cc, so now I have 6.25. I think it was just about right. I still have restriction (yeah!!!), but I can actually eat food now. Funny thing happened to me on Thurs (not our Thanksgiving). I was at a conference in Toronto with a business partner. Turns out she was banded by the same surgeon a year ago and has lost 75 lbs. I new she had lost some weight, and was noticing that she was eating very slowly and very little (sound familiar). So in the afternoon, I mentioned to her about my surgery. That's when she told me about her's. She loves hers as much as I love mine. I got great news today. In Oct. my DH started full time at the hospital. He has been working there for 5+ years part time. It's very hard to actually get a full time job. So when he was offered the 3-11 shift he jumped at it. But 3-11 is horrible for us. I travel a fair bit, so he had to do a lot of switching of shifts. Also, 3-11 doesn't give him much of a chance to see the kids. So he was pretty depressed about it. Today, his boss told him that in January he will be moving to the 10-6 shift... this is perfect!!!! We it's 23 degrees F here and clear sky. We put up all our Christmas decorations on the weekend (I know it's early for you guys, but not here in Canada) and the front of the house looks so good. Then yesterday we had a pretty good snow storm... very festive. Going on Sunday to cut down our tree! I love Christmas!!! Sunny... great to hear from you and congrats on your weight loss!! I'll put you down for Level 2 (lose 1 to 4 lbs between Dec. 15 to Jan. 2). Mango... again, got you down for Level 2. Jeanie... Oh I miss you. Way to go on the weight loss!

Cate... for some reason it provided a funny link instead of the address. So I'll try again... FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal and eDiets.com - Sorry, your browser is not compatible! Hope you find them useful.

Cate - try FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal or eDiets.com - Sorry, your browser is not compatible! Both have calculators and journals. Congrats on the weight loss so far. You're doing great.