ShelbiCallie

Mal -- What's new with you? How are your boys doing? Greenie -- I hope I do as well with fill #4 as you are! Cardio yoga, yeah baby! Brandy and Woofay -- Come out, come out wherever you are! Sunshine -- How's that port incision looking these days? GBear -- You may want to hold a pillow firmly against your incisions when you cough for support --kind of "splinting" will help with that stretched feeling. mdargen -- Welcome! Dr. K gives you PLENTY of liquid Vicodin for post-op -- no worries-- I've got 3/4 of my bottle left. Sidann -- Yay!! Another problem child on the loser's bench!! Hey -- let's tie someone's shoe laces together or throw some spit wads. Watch out -- here come the restraints again...... Mini -- I hope you're enjoying your treehouse weekend! I can't wait to hear about your bringing Gracie home on Monday! Dee -- Yep, I hanging in there with our little challenge! It's become second nature. I don't miss the red meat at all -- there are too many good substitutes -- ground turkey is big around here. I feel bad mentally and physically if I miss my exercise, so a morning walk before work is doing the trick. Enjoy ALBQ -- we drove through there in '83 (God I'm old) during a hot air balloon festival -- I thought it was so beautiful! Lifesaver -- How are you? Been thinking of you. I'm still catching up here. Forgive me if I haven't responded personally yet. I'll get to you, my pretty!! Got to go with hubby to an eye appointment this morning. Have a great Friday, friends!

Denver Girl -- Hi and Welcome! I had surgery on Wed and back to desk work on Monday, but everyone is different -- take extra time if you can! No, I wasn't worried at all about not staying overnight. Most all uncomplicated surgery (especially lap) is outpatient now -- gall bladder, hernia repair, etc. Uptown -- Hi and Welcome! Lap Dancer is a great resource on FL travel, but I think she's got her hands full right now with baby Christopher. She got lots of travel details in her posts here, though. Bella -- ((((hugs)))) You've had so much loss, friend. Stay strong. About advancing to mushies: I went back to Paula's pre-op consult handout and read that mushies/soft start after day 9, during the second week, and I remember following that without problem. 14 days of liquids would have done me in! Do you still have a copy of Dr. K and Paula's pre-op consult stuff? you can't go wrong with their guidelines. If you don't have a copy, I'll email you one.

Lap -- Congratulations!!! A boy!! That is so cool!! Welcome to the world, little man. I couldn't get the slide show that started with the hospital to work for some reason, maybe it's just me? Post a update when you get a chance. Maybe you can add some manly pirates to his mermaids? ARRGH, matey! That is the best birth story; I love it! Ador --Sophie is a doll baby and now you've got your built in walking partner! You are doing fabulous with fill 3, girlie. I'm hoping to get back to that restriction with next fill -- it's been over 3 months since my last -- but what a great feeling when you hit that sweet spot, right!!? Munch -- Beautiful tat! I have no artistic genes at all, but I trust Lap's eye; her suggestions sound spot on. Brutus has the most soulful eyes -- what a sweetie! Hotmama -- Welcome back and have a good time at the lake! You are always on the move and doing so well -- it is amazing that you are so close to goal already!! Deb -- How's Tucker today? I'm going back to read some more posts and then I'll update again.

Oh no! Barkley and I are sending big prayers and positive thoughts for Tucker!!! Please keep us posted and take care of yourself too, Deb.

I do telephonic patient assessments for a disease management company. Basically, I work in a phone center; but, thanks, to technology (gotta love it) I work from home. There are positives and negatives, of course. Barkley comes to work with me daily and no holidays or weekends. Plus, I'm available whenever for my boys -- that is the biggest selling point. It was hard to meet my children's needs when I worked at the hospital. They frown on patient abandonment, imagine that! :thumbup: I really have never had a back up person for my children -- won't go into that tired story here. Anyway, it's the perfect mama job so I think I'll keep it until I can no longer meet the ever increasing production quotas. I've always wanted to do hospice work at some point. Mini -- Hang in there, sweetie. I agree totally with Dee -- your body's adjusting to the change. Big hugs.

Good Morning everyone. Started the morning with a walk, so that always makes me feel better when facing a 12 hour shift on my arse. Mini-- Love, love ,love the name Gracie May! She looks like that would be her name. Munchk -- That's great for your sister and you, too! Dee -- I never pictured you as a cheater! LOL! Sounds like you have great memories of Haiti. Make it a good day everyone! (Or, fake it until you make it!)

Hi all! Just wanted to pop in and say hello. I'm reading along, but just don't have too much to add these days. Nothing really good or bad going on. Don't know what's up with me really -- kind of like I'm losing motivation or something. This is the place where I've been before and end up gaining back the weight I've lost and then some, but not this time. Two months from today is my birthday and my surgiversary day (plus 2 days, but close enough). I had SO planned to be at goal at that time. Once in awhile I let the thought that I might not make that goal creep into my brain. I'm just going to take it one day at a time, one meal at time. Sorry I'm so hyper-focused on myself these days. I love the Red Robin picture -- always enjoy seeing your beautiful thinning faces! Marcy-- That's a lot of work for 20 pounds of meat -- makes me appreciate the local Wally World SuperCenter, even though I hate going there. Anway, I'm still around! It is so hot here today -- 101 -- and it is NOT a dry heat, for sure! Happy Tuesday everyone!

Howdy Everyone! Congrats to the newly banded! And, welcome to the loser's bench! I promise I will keep my hands to myself and play nice (regardless of what you've heard :scared2:) I am now in 4-point restraints with Munchkin doing the JACHO-mandated nurse checks, so the the bench is safe!:smile: LA- WOW! You are doing and looking WONDERFUL!!! I'm so glad you insisted on the scan and are getting that pesky gall bladder out! Mini -- You're doing great, too! Keep up posted on the potential new puppy -- she sounds so sweet. All animals lovers out there-- Check out the www.freekibble.com daily trivia so kibble will be donated to feed hungry dogs/cats at shelters. A little girl in Oregon started it. Dee -- I'm hanging in there with the no red/exercise/oats challenge, though the exercise hasn't been every day. How are you?? I've been on the new depression med Pristiq for 5 days and my family is already noticing a difference. They say I'm much calmer and not as emotional, so I'll probably stick with this. I'm noticing that I'm not feeling as overwhelmed and not nearly as easily pissed off as I have in the past month or so. Mal -- you are rockin' that C25K!!! Inspirational, you are! For the weigh-in today: A big fat zero. I have been hitting the slider foods this week :wink2: and I know better. I'm going back to basics until I have my fill on 8/1. Time to step it up and get real with myself about what I'm doing. How is everyone doing today???

OMG! Yes, yes, yes! I was thinking the same thing! Dee - Your new man sounds like a keeper so far! Mini -- Love the science lesson! Very interesting to me. Lap -- Love the photos! Can't wait to see the art you've created for the baby's room. My PCP said I was doing "fabulous". I never heard THAT before at a medical appointment. He said my cholesterol was fine, not to worry, just keep with the heart-healthy diet. He gave me samples of a new antidepressant -- Pristiq --he says his clients have had good results with it. We'll see. It's a time release, so no chewing it, but it's small and not a capsule so I'm swallowing that bad boy. Happy Tuesday peeps. I'm off to mow the yard before it gets too hot.

Day-um, Rene. And bless your heart. If you could see me right now, you'd see that I just stood up and applauded for you right here in my living room. You, my dear, are a strong woman. You just described overwhelming stress in you family, love, work, and financial life and then you ended it by describing a healthy attack plan for dealing with all this stuff you've got going on. Kudos to you for not caving to the emotional eating. One day at a time; one problem at a time. Break it down and prioritize. It's not worth much, but here's a hug and a vote of faith in you.

Tina -- So good to hear from you! I feel you on the depression situation. I've taken antidepressants off and on for probably the last 10 years. My latest is a Wellbutrin/Prozac combination, but I'm off that right now. I'm going for my yearly physical today and plan on talking with my PCP about an alternative. Both of these medications are in capsule form and I want something chewable. I'm worried about getting something stuck in the band, though I've never had a problem. Funny thing is I've been on many different ones, but never had the no brass ring issue. Actually, many of them, except Prozac, make me really, really want to take a nap. And, as you know with 2 little kids, that's not possible. My husband took Paxil for awhile and lost all interest in even considering the brass ring and that REALLY was a problem around here. I have anger as a primary symptom too. Even though I don't want to take a medication, I know it's best for me and my family if I do. I thought I was doing ok without an antidepressant on board, but truthfully, I'm not. I don't want to be angry, over react, withdraw, etc all the time -- life is too short and my children deserve better. So I'm talking with the doc today about it. Maybe Zoloft is in the future for me too. That's one, surprizingly, I've never taken! But I really, really like the brass ring and I'm not ready to give that up either. I'll see what the doc says and go from there. Brandy -- Belated happy birthday and I'm glad your FIL is home! FW-- To change your name: Go to USER CP (right menu) then REQUEST USERNAME CHANGE (left menu). You key in the new name you want and they send you a PM when yur new name is approved. Dee & Munchk -- Hugs back at ya!! Thanks for the idea Dee on going back to pre-op and adding fruit. That is probably the best route while waiting for the fill. I think so much of my situation is mental -- I'm doing fine with the no red, steel oats and exercise challenge. I am not doing fine with the slider food, namely my arch nemisis -- ice cream. And that is horrible on my cholesterol. I know what I need to do, but I'm making excuses not to do it and then beating myslf up because I caved. Oy!! I think I need to be back on my antidepressant medication, no doubt. I am having a hard time seeing any positive with the weight loss I've had so far which is one step away from feeling the hopelessness again. I don't ever want to be there again, so I'm off to the doctor today. I'm really going to work to put on a positive face this week -- fake it until I make it, so to speak. Ya'll have a good week wherever you are.

Hi FW, I've never thought of that before, but thinking about it now...seems to me if a band is completely filled then no fluids could pass through the stomach, so a person couldn't physically tolerate that level of fill. I don't know that a band can be completely filled. BTW, will you be using a local fill doctor or will you be going back to Dr. k for fills? I pay $175 for local fills, because it's less costly for me than the CO trip. I lucked into a good after care doctor through Fill Center USA, but I know that's a rare find after reading about other after care experiences. It can take several adjustments to get to/maintain restriction -- I'm getting ready to have my 4th fill. Lifesaver -- Have a great weekend! The Incline sounds like a blast (I think you mentioned that a few pages back???)

Dee, You are simply the best! Thanks for your kind words. I needed them this morning more than you'll ever know. This hasn't been the best week for me on many levels -- you always make me feel better just at the right moment. We WILL meet someday for sure; maybe Dr. K will make his BBQ an annual event! Wouldn't that be awesome?? Maybe ticket prices will in the doable range for me next year. A girl can always dream, right?? Have a great weekend and get some rest, super star!

I'm up 3 pounds! I'm scheduling a fill, since it's been 3 months and I am sliding back to pre-band habits. I am eating healthy meals, just too much and I'm hungry again in no time. Last night, I sauteed chicken breasts with onions/peppers and a black bean/corn/salsa relish and I ate way too much and was ready for more food within an hour -- so I ate ice cream!?? I know better, so what's the deal. I am making a fill appointment ASAP. I've come too far and need to get back in control! Congrats to the losers this week! And may we all be in that category next week.

MARCY! Wow! You've done a great job and you look beautiful! LA -- Your new PCP sounds wonderful -- you are so lucky to have found him -- a lap-banded doc who cares and has his shit together -- a rare bird, indeed! I am so glad things are looking up for you, my fellow PCOSer! Munchk-- Glad you've decided to stay put! I miss working nights/weekends-- had a blast and the $ is so good. But I stopped being able to flip my sleep schedule successfully and needed to be home for my boys -- my body/mind couldn't do it anymore. But I loved it when I was there. Brandy -- Thinking of you and FIL. Sometimes it takes many medication adjustments to get the rythmn (sp?) regulated. Keep us posted. Denise -- I'm jealous! I would LOVE to see those bands, especially HEART! Didn't Ann Wilson have her lap band removed?? FW -- I feel you on the lap band vs. RNY decision. I even had an insurance benefit for RNY which made it a harder decision. In the end, for my research, I just couldn't accept the increased mortality risk, future osteoporosis, Vitamin deficiencies, etc to lose weight faster. For me, WLS was about learning/practicing healthier habits and not so much about rapid loss. I feel bad for the lady with the bypass eating candy at your store -- she's putting her trust in the malabsorption and not making healthy food choices, but eventually that becomes unreliable and since there's nothing to adjust, well, she's heading back to where she started. Just my opinion, for what it's worth. Mini -- Enjoy your weekend in that fab tent house! Sidann-- Congrats on quitting your BP meds and your normal blood sugars! I'm with you -- I only wish that I had done this sooner. I feel like things would have been better for both me and my kids if I had gotten healthier 10 years ago. Woofay! Belated happy birthday! Welcome to the 40's, baby!!! Deb-- Convertible weather --- i'm jealous -- nothing but thunderstorms here lately. Taynuh-- How are you? I don't type fast enough to do chat rooms! Mal-- Howdy! How are you and Buster Boy this week? Dee - Check on the oats and no red; no check on the exercise yesterday (boo hiss). I'll spare you the excuses! Today's good, though! Hugs back to you, sweetie. FW, GBear & Lotza -- It's your week, ladies! Jilly -- you're up soon. GOOD TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Green -- You are doing so great with your progress!! I loved your blog post "Resolved" -- I'm with you on the cranky feelings lately and I'm noticing the same thing as far as exercise being the nyah, nyah to temptation. Never thought I'd think of exercise that way, did you? Happy Weekend Everyone! I hope we hear from Lap and baby Clara soon!

Oh, Brandy! I'm sending you a huge hug and prayers. I know this is a scarey time for all of your family. Keep us posted. Man, the thread is growing by leaps and bounds!! I'm busy working the last couple of days, so I'll post more when I can read everything. Hurry up, weekend! Dee, no red-check; exercise-check; oats-check! How 'bout you?

GBear -- Welcome! How'd you slip in without me noticing?? Glad to have you here! Deb & Mini -- Love the wheels, ladies! Jill & FW -- I think everyone here went through the same pre-op jitters. Take it one day, one meal at a time. FW -- I haven't given up my regular coffee. I hope I'm not steering you wrong, but no one ever mentioned it to me. :confused2: This may sound gross, but if you've got to have something low carb,crunchy and salty -- try pork rhines (sp?); they fit in with Dr. K's "No sugar, no potatoes, no pasta, no bread... not even so much as a cracker!" instructions I received, but they are of no nutritional value so not a good frequent choice. I remember getting Gatorade and Propel when I went to Walgreen's to pick up my prescriptions after my pre-op appointment and I drank those after surgery. Hang in there, this part will be behind you soon! Dee -- Today's stats: Exercise -- Spin class tonight and walked a mile this morning. Steel Oats -- check. No red meat -- check. I even drank 4 oz of unsweetened grape juice tonight -- but I don't know if I'll do that routinely -- too many carbs!! How's your day been??? Things have changed for me the last 2 days with my eating. I think I may need another fill. I am hungry too soon, can eat more than a cup at a time and I'm obsessing about food. My fills are $175, which is alot for me right now. I had hoped to make it through the summer and get a small fill when I'm almost at goal to keep me at a good spot. That's still the plan, but I'm having self-doubt. I know that it's probably all in my head -- I know I can't afford a fill, so I'm freaking out that all is doomed and I'm going to gain and I'm not going to make goal. I need to relax. Sheesh. Thanks for listening.

Hi Mini -- I just got back from the cardiologist appt with hubs (BTW -- he's doing well and doesn't have to go for another re-chcek for 6 months) we parked beside a green mini cooper and I said to hubs, "Hey, that car's like Mini's" and he said "No, that car IS a mini" and I was all "I know that, but it's like my friend Mini's mini." and he was all "Who?" and I had to explain you to him. It's so funny -- you banditos are so real to me that I forget that you're not with me in person, all the time, and don't know the same people I know! Wierd how the mighty internet changes your perspective on friendship -- all of you here have become such a big part of my life. Hope you're feeling good today!

Brandy! Yowza! 120 minutes of cardio! You are my hero -- that's amazing, woman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Boo hiss to the metoprolol! Have they started you on something else??

What a great daughter you've got!! The last time I came home to a healthy , tastey meal was....um....let's see.....ah....NEVER. Yes, I love my Greek yogurt -- it is my treat to myself -- more pricey than regular yogurt, but healthier and worth it to me. I'm loving my oats, too!

With all this activity, I can see why you need to go to work to rest!! Hang in there, Woofay!

Mal -- I love the weight comparison chart! Too funny, especially when I saw that when I make my goal I will have lost the same amount as the amount of red meat that an American eats in one year -- and I just happen to have sworn off red meat this week. Coincidence??:thumbup: I LOVE me some Greek yogurt. Here's a link to my favorite Stonyfield Yogurt - Greek Yogurt it has 22 g of Protein and no fat per serving in the plain yogurt. Greek yogurt is thicker and richer. I buy plain and mix in a little SF instant pudding for a treat. The only store around here (in BFE :biggrin:) where I can find it is WalMart, but you've got access to everything there, so you can probably find it easily. I read that they've got blueberry flavor now! Yum!

Way to go Dee! I did ok -- walked this morning about 1.5 miles and did 10 minutes on the stairs at lunch break; had tuna, Protein shake, Greek yogurt; and had my oats this morning -- delish! One day done! I'm feeling good about this; you??

:cool2: I love it too!