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Karla--Hi! I don't remember--are you able to drink protein shakes, or add protein powder to soup? You might try getting in some protein. I appreciate your frustration about developing curriculum and then not "owning" it. You gotta wonder why some decisions are made! Janet--How are you doing with Andrew moving to his dad's? I have a feeling that's going to be rough for you? I sent you an emial yesterday about flights to Canada, but since then Luke heard that he was accepted to a dosimetry program (something to do with calculating radiation doses for cancer treatments) in Buffalo. We may decide to drive to Candice's and then go to Buffalo to help them look for an apt. I'm holding off a little longer with booking a flight, but I'm still planning on going! Steph--great to "see" you too! I sure hope you can find a way to get to Candice's. Well, today I have to drive to Milwaukee (about an hour) to pick up some stuff for DH. I may do a little shopping too, but for the first time they're talking like we might actually reach 70 degrees. I really want to just go on my deck, close my eyes, and feel the sun. Haven't felt that since I visited Janet and Phyl in the desert! I'm kind of afraid to put shorts on, though. They may not fit. . . I tried on a pair of capris last week and while they zipped up, they looked terrible.

Hi! Remember me? Now that it's "summer" I'm hoping to jump back in and reconnect with everyone. Classes are done and I am getting my life back. It's been a wicked year. Had some LB complicatons and needed surgery just before Christams. It felt so good to feel good again that I promptly gained about 10 pounds, so now I'm working on losing that along with the last 10 that I should have lost last year. I've missed you all (even Phyl and Janet who I did get to spend a little time with in March, and Candice and Stephanie who sometimes show up on Facebook) and I look forward to catching up with everyone.

I still can't believe what happened last night! I was sitting on the couch watching What Not to Wear. DH was watching some money show in his little office which is just off the living room. DD didn't come home from work, but we thought nothing of it b/c she IS 21 and usually does stuff with her BF in the evenings. Well, any way, I heard her car pull in the garage (we gotta oil that door) and I heard footsteps in the kitchen behind me--she's wearing stilletos, so without turning around I yell "Hi." A male voice says "Hi, how are you?" Thinking it was her BF, I replied, still without turning around, "Actually, a little cold at the moment," but something doen't feel right. Finally, I turned around to see my DS from LA standing there next to her! I haven't seen that son in over a year! I expected to see him in Boston next weekend, but never in my wildest dreams did it occur to me that he would come here first!!! Needless to say, that was the end of any TV watching in our house last night. I did however have more than my share of Long Island Ice Teas and Margurittas! So the fun begins--Tim will be here until Wednesday, then he leaves for Boston. We leave Thursday. One of my other sons, Andy, and I are flying up to a resort area in N. Wi tomorrow (Sunday) to pick up some local wine for the reception and do a little shopping. Say a prayer--the "airport" is a little paved clearing in what is essentially a wooded area where another friend keeps an old car. We can't buy too much wine, or we won't make it over the trees when we take off!!! I probably wouldn not have been able to do this a year ago--if I even could have gotten into the little 2-seat plane!

Hi All! No wt. change this week, but that's ok. Spent the day helping DH clean garages in prep for reception in 2 weeks. Lots to do! DD got a unbeliveably fantastic job offer, so looks like she'll be moving in 3 weeks. Just waiting on the official contract before we all believe it. Looks like things will be "normal" after that. Then I will settle down and get serious about the last 10. Ditto on Janet's reasons for Canada. It would be nice to have more visiting and relaxing time and less pressure to do something, plus Candice's place sounds great!

Janet--I noticed that this morning and was going to post something, but got distracted. Hourray for you!!! That has got to make your day! You've exceeded your own expectations, but I never had a doubt. What an inspiration. Kari--I must have to same scale as you--the stuck one. We will just keep plodding along on together.

Steph, When my oldest was 14, I was ready to sell him to the Gypsys. It was a constant struggle with him. He terrorized his 3 younger sibs, and was always causing problems. He didn't have many friends--we switched schools a couple of times in hopes of giving him a fresh start. We would not sign for him to get his driver's license when he turned 16 and when we finally did, we also took it away a time or two. He learned to drywall when he had to repair the holes he put in the walls. (The bedroom door never did recover from his attacks.) We were not going to waste our money sending him off to college after he graduated HS, so he stayed home and went to the local tech college. He had to repeat some courses b/c he couldn't get himself out of bed in the morning (remember, there were 3 younger kids that had to deal with all of this). Then, somewhere around 19 he started to figure some things out. He put a little effort into school and got A's, he was able to move into an apartment with another guy, he got a job (where I worked!) and a girlfriend. He has since finished college, gotten married, bought a house, and has a really good job. He has thanked me for teaching him life lessons, and he acknowledged how difficult it was. Both my DH and I enjoy his company, and best of all, he is going to be a daddy in a couple of weeks. I know he's going to be a good father. You asked if it will ever end. Yes, it will. My advice to you is to not give up on him. Enforce the limits, keep talking to him, let him know that you love him, but that you are not going to reward poor behavior. Life's choices have consequences--spell them out for him, and then follow up. It's really hard, and it will seem that he hates you, but in the end he will come around.

Janet--Thank God for your good news! I'm so happy for you!! Phyl--so good to hear from you. I totally know these family things. It's amazing how much revolves around food. How much longer is this going to go on? Karri--amazing pics! You've got to be so pleased! Steph--hope all goes well with your son and you get some helpful advice in how to deal with it. Be patient with yourself. None of us are perfect parents--we just do our best and pray alot. I lost it with my dd this morning too, and said some things I now wish I had said differently. It's tough. Take what your PCP says with a grain of salt--you know more than he/she does about LBS. Candice--I miss you! I don't know, just losing my mind these days. Maybe going back to work will be a good thing? Denise--wisdom teeth are a piece of cake as long as they give the kids good drugs. Keeps them quiet, and makes your life easier! Looks like today will be the last of my "quiet" days. DH will be home tomorrow, so I'll have yard work (weeding, mulching) in the AM, and shop with him for a new suit in the PM. I do love quiet summer days!

I did OK at DS's anniv. party. Not great, but OK. Mari--just last week I was telling Candice that Puerto Rico is one place I'd love to go to sometime. I am facinated by hispanic architecture and art, and I love to hear spanish spoken. I've been trying to learn it for the last two years, but am in no way able to carry on more than a very basic conversation. I need to go somewhere and imerse myself in it for a while--maybe when I retire! Yeah, I've been worn out too since our trip. I thought it was just depression that comes with knowing that I have to go back to work in three weeks and summer for me is winding down. Steph, if you don't start feeling better by Monday, I'd suggest a call to your PCP. Janet--I went to our local J Jill yesterday and bought the green (retro-hippy) blouse! It's cut really well and looks good on. Now that I've got my wedding wardrobe nailed down it's time to think about back to work clothes. I am one size smaller than I was last spring, so for the most part, I'm going to have to start all over again. I need another excuse to go back to M of A!

Oh Steph--nasty thing about the nail! I'm glad you got to balance it with something good (QVC). Kari--Yeah on DH's job! What will he be doing? I hope it's something he'll enjoy. Marivail--Most of us were banded in July '70, so this would be a good thread for you to jump onto. It looks like you've been really successful. Congratulations--5 dress sizes is amazing! Isn't it fun to go shopping and try on stuff that fits AND looks good? As for the plateau, I am on one now, but I know that I've been less disciplined about it this summer than I was last winter. My focus this summer has been on maintaining; I will get serious about losing the last 10 pounds in September. Yeah, I've been looking for Phyl to check in, and Janet's been unusually quiet too. So today DS and DIL are having their 5th anniversary party. Another food-fest to deal with! Gotta go make some fruit salad.

Ruby--was today a better day? If so, celebrate your victory! If not, I'd suggest one piece of chocolate, and then no more. Show that demon who's in charge here!

Hey Janet--You got back just in time! Hope you didn't experience any damage. DS called to say he's OK--at least we heard from him. I didn't gain any weight on our weekend adventure! O Happy Day!! Now to lose those 3 before the wedding. . . Kari--I'm glad you're seing some success. I've been on a plateau too all summer, but in my case I know I haven't been following all the rules as closely as I should.

It occured to me that I should explain my parenthetical comments: "Run Bubba Run:" We had lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp, and on the table they have a sign. If you need something, you just flip the sign to say "Run Bubba Run" and the wait staff run to your table to help you out. It's great customer service, and the food was wonderful! "Did Earl notice yet?" Phyl got a second set of ear piercings. As of noon yesterday, her husband hadn't noticed. Actually, Candice got second piercings yesterday too, so we're waiting to see how long it will take for her DH to notice as well! I didn't mean to be rude. I'm sorry.

I'm home, Candice is on the ferry on her way back to Canada, Phyl'll be on her way to Buffalo, and Janet, Steph, and her mom are leaving for home toinght. I wish more of you could have made it. It was amazing to spend time with other women who truly understand the banded life. It was a wonderful weekend. I outshopped everyone--even Janet! We ate well but the weekend wasn't just about food--it was about us. We talked and laughed, and found so much in common. I will never forget it. Thank you Candice, Phyl, Steph, Ruby and Janet. Candice is the best roommate/driving buddy ever! Phyl is even more fun in person than she is online! (Did Earl notice yet?) Steph, our dining critic, (Stop, Bubba Stop!) couldn't be cuter, and her mom is a stitch! Janet--what can I say? Q-V-C!!! Janet is one TINY, put-together lady! She was our "Clinton and Stacy!" I love you guys! Please, everyone else, start saving now for next year.

You're right, of course, and I have to remember that I'm not the only one going through this. If you all can stand firm, so can I. Thanks for being here while I had my temper tantrum. Today's a new day.

Man, I sure am having an awful time staying on track. After a good week last week, I blew it over the weekend, and then again today. You'd think that with only 9 pounds to go, I'd see the end and press on, but Noooo. I am sick and tired of saying "No." The demons know this and are on me all the time. 80% effort's not good enough. This has to be 100%effort 100% if the time. ITS NOT FAIR

OK, That sort of worked. If you click on the pic, it will enlarge. We have (from the left) DD (in blue dress) and BF; me (coral top, denim skirt) and DH; pregnant DIL (green and white dress) and DS#1; future DIL (brown and white dress) and DS #3. DS #2 never made the trip So there you have it.

OK Ladies, I'm going to try posting a pic. If it works, I'll let you know who's who. If not, someone can clue me in as to what to do. (I went to advanced, clicked on the paperclip attachment icon, browsed for my file and attached it.)

I got home form the Salvation Army clinic last night and as I was washing up, DS called and asked if I wanted to go night-flying with him in the "little" plane." He has to do 3 take offs and landings every 3 months to keep up his certification in that plane. It's a little two-seater that I wouldn't have even been able to get into a year ago. I love flying, but never went in the little plane. I guess getting into it was a NSV in itself, but the fact that I could go was huge. What a high point (pun intended!) Kari--Congratulations on aother milestone! You deserve to celebrate! Please, please talk to DH and get in touch with Candice. There's plenty of room at my house and we're staying in a suite at M of A so I'm sure there will be enough room there too.

Janet, Candice: You both ROCK! Congratulations to you both. (Janet--I had no doubts--you are one determined woman.) I am so happy for you guys. Enjoy your day ladies!

Kari--You do realize that Candice will be shooting right past you on her way from Port Huron to Muskegon? OK, but start planning now on next year. We have a bond like none other, and we need to celebrate that! Yeah, I think you guys in MI have about the same weather as we in WI. It sure is a funny year.

Thanks for the encouragement guys. You really do understand--it helps. Candice--hope your defill helped. I've been there too, and that constant waking up is horrible. I tried calling Lake Express and couldn't get a live person, but I did email them and will forward the reply when I get it. Phyl--I get you on the weather thing. It's been cold here too. I am beginning to think that we're not going to need the AC at all this year. We get one or two days of 70s, and then it's back to cold and rain. We've had so much rain that DH can't even mow the back yard in some places b/c it's too wet. (we have about an acer that he mows) I live about 2 miles from a nice Lake Michigan beach, but it's too cold to go there. Hey--one month till M of A! I am so pumped to finally meet you guys and spend a weekend together. Is Jackie coming too? I'm not going to buy anything between now and then. But when we get there I still need to get my mother of the groom dress and all new back to work clothes--maybe even in a size 10! Imagine that!!! (well, I know some of you are less than a 10, but for me a 10 is goal!) Janet--be sure to bring some things to sell! We have similar tastes--I can tell. There's still time for the rest of you to join us. THINK about it!!!

Hi everyone, I know I've deserted you. I've been struggling for the last month. I maybe lost 2 pounds. I really need to get back on track and lose the last 15. I'm just dealing with a lot of emotions about all the changes in my life. Then I look at myself and see all the loose, saggy skin, and I don't think that looks any better than when it was firmly filled with fat. As for my health, I still have to take all my meds that I took before plus my sleep study indicated that I still need CPAP! Now I am afraid that the constant reflux isn't going to be a good thing in the long run, not to mention the almost constant discomfort it causes My babies are growing up and making their own decisions--not always the best. I've spent a lot of time alone the last month remembering summers taking them all to baseball, gymnastics, judo classes, soccer practice and the beach. That's all gone now, and I don't know what to do. I'm glad we have our trip planned. I need some "girlfriend" time. Janet, you look fabulous, and Phyl--you've changed so much since last summer! You both seem to have such good attitudes. I am looking forward to meeting you in person! I do have a picture of my family from that I could post, but I'm afraid to mess it up. I will try posting it on the Progress Picture Brag. Thread.

Hi Friends, I haven't deserted you all, just too much life these days. DD is home from college--big adjustment. Internet was down for awhile and no one could fix it. DS finally came over and had us back online in like 3 minutes! My sister who was banded in April went in for a fill last week and they put too much in and couldn't get it out. She ended up having surgery Friday night to reposition the tubing b/c it had somehow become kinked when during the fill. Dr. said that was a "first." She missed her daughter's graduation. Thanks for the shower suggestions. I'm planning that one, plus helping with a baby shower for my DIL, a b-day party for DH, and the wedding reception in our back yard for family and friends that can't travel half way across the country to MA. So there are things around the house and yard that we've been putting off, that now NEED to be done. Did I mention that while we were away the dog got sick and we've been nursing her back along with everything else? I am still planning on M of A. I am so looking forward to my weekend with all of you--my girls weekend away! If I didn't have that I think I would be going nuts about now. Oh, I am still where I was before my vacation. Not up or down. Looks like I can do maintenance very well. Problem is that I have 15 pounds to loose yet. . .

I delivered 3 10 pound babies vaginally. My 8 pound premmie was a C/S. The lap band surgery was nothing compared to any of my birth experiences.

Before I went on vacation DD and I went to TJ Maxx to get me somethings to wear. I tried on a skirt in a 14 and 12. The 12 was too tight, but I liked it so much I bought both sizes and wore the 14 on vacation. So today I wanted to wear the skirt to work. I grabbed the 14, put it on, and thought, "It's kinda baggy" so I tried on the 12, and it fit perfectly. Now I last weighed myself on Friday, and my weight hadn't changed. But I still went down a size. That's the thing about sizes--they're not always related to weight. I've noticed that before too. That when I'm on a plateau weight-wise, I go down size-wise. I also still wear some of the things that I had 100 pounds ago, but believe me, they don't fit the same! On another topic: I'm planning a shower for my future daughter in law on July 5. Anyone have any ideas? The wedding will be an outdoor wedding in her parent's back yard, follwed by a pig-roast. I'm at a loss for a theme and the obligatory shower games.