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Another Bandster Hottie!!! OOOhh Baby, Ooohh Baby!:lol: John, You have to come up with a third goal now! AND tell us how you celebrated your successes! Dr. K is looking pretty cute too! xxxooo, dee~

Ditto me in on that one too Shel! Lap you look great! Your complexion is flawless! Not one blemish! I'm so jealous! I'd have the worst skin! AND now that I'm losing weight, my face is starting to hang and I'm starting to look like a marionette. You know how their mouths are! What am I going to look like after I've lost all my weight?

That's cute Greenie! Isn't it nice when people notice? I'm loving it!

Yup! It's frightening me! I can't look at it! Even in clothes, it looks horrible! I am going to try the Target brand of Spanx. Have you tried them? I'm sure I'll need a special tool to get me into them! A giant shoe horn!!! HAAA HAAA What a visual! dee~

Congrats! :smile2: That's great! I'll take some of your clothes. It might be a while before I hit the 18-20 range, but you never know! I won't take them all - because there might be some others who need them more! Thanks! That's sweet of you! I have some 30-32's and some brand new 26-28's that I can offer too! My arms are horrible and getting worse the more weight I lose, so there are some brand new items I can never wear because of my arms! AND because of my stomach! It's getting worse too! I hate my arms!:eek: By the time I lose all of my weight, I will have enough skin to donate to the burn center to help hundreds of people! The burn center in Albuquerque accepts excess skin for grafts. Something good can come out of this mess! Love ya, dee~

Brandy! I missed you at RR, BUT I know exactly how you feel! I have done that before! AND I was so upset with myself! It happens sometimes, esp. when you're a busy busy lady! Next month, we'll try to remind you early! Hugs, dee~

Lap, LA is right that picture is a kick! All of those pics are great! I hope you don't mind but I'm going to send them to my Mom so she can see what is involved. She's pretty scared about me getting fills and told me that people have died from that! I have no idea where she gets her information from, but I corrected her -- promptly! You're right, Colorado is absolutely lovely! I returned here because I had such fond memories of Colorado from college. My bestfriend and roommate was from Longmont and I spent several spring breaks at her house - all the while wishing I was lucky enough to live in Colorado. It's a blessed country where we can move freely and enjoy the gifts of God. Whether we live on either coast or in the midwest, the north or the southwest, there is beauty to be found. From the red dirt of the southwest to the beauty of the green mountains of the northwest. We truly are blessed to be Americans. I'm feeling so blessed to have been born in this country. I worked in Haiti as an English Teacher in the 80's and fell in love with the country and the people and they are currently dealing with more unrest and my heart just breaks for them. It reminds me to be thankful for the treasure of America and all it's freedoms. LA, I have only had one fill and I made the appt about a month in advance. I'm not sure how far out his appts are now. You could call and talk to Marilyn. I haven't met Tom yet, that I know of. Dr. K did my fill. And yes, he did have a little time to talk to me and ask me how things were going. I know I can be quite verbose here, but I try to keep things down to a minimum while I'm in the office, NOT because I feel that is what he requires, but I just get my important questions out there and after I get my answers, I'm good to go. I've never felt rushed by Dr. K. If you have a lot of questions or want to talk to him at length you might ask Marilyn is she could give you a little longer appt. time. Mal, How's your Monday going? I've been looking at homes off of Smoky Hill. I love the Sorrell Ranch area! I honestly don't need to be near a big shopping center, BUT hey, if it happens I won't complain! Anita, did all your snow melt down south? I heard it's going to be in the 70's today! YEAH BABY!!! Michelle, how is live in the Land of Love? I hope it's still blissful. Enjoy these moments - for they are sweet memories to relive later. Lifesaver, thanks for checking on the straw mystery. I found the same in my post-op paperwork. It's like when we have a Mom after a c-section, no straws! Shel, how's life with you? Is everyone wearing their oxygen masks and getting on with life? Marcy, are you still enjoying those 16's? My boss asked how much I've lost and I told her, she said, "yeah, I can tell from your clothes" I told her, I'm going to wear these scrub pants until they just fall on the floor! (I paid enough for them!) AND she laughed, then I had to say, "I just hope that doesn't happen at work!" See ya Kidlings! Love, dee~

I really missed you guys too! It just wasn't the same. Lifesaver is really nice and you guys will love her! But without having anyone else from the group, it just felt like another night at RR with a friend. I'd love to get together anytime! On my way there, I remembered the camera and didn't dare go back to get it since I was running a little late. I was hoping someone else would bring one. Oh well... My face looks the same -- same Dee, just a little smaller! I was just thinking your one year Bandiversary was coming up soon! Wow! You've done great! I hope I do as well! You and Michelle and Lapdancer were all banded around the same time, right? Stay warm, it's 445am, I'm going to ride my bike and then go to work! I'm so wired this morning and really hungry! I've been doing the Plateau Buster diet since Monday! Hugs, dee~

Hey Kids! Well, I just got back from Red Robin's. It was just me and Lifesaver. She's really sweet and I'm so glad she came and we got a chance to chat. I missed you all! But I know that you had things to do! Sorry though, no pics this month. I forgot my camera! See ya Peeps, dee~

Good Morning!!! Marcy! Hey wait! I need a man! But I don't see one in sight, so I'll just continue learning to love myself. Michelle! I'm thrilled for you! I hope Ed knows what a lucky young man he is! You're a treasure! Tina! I haven't noticed the irritation, but if I have to take something, I crush it and take it with a pretty thick Protein shake on an empty stomach and then wash it down with about 20 oz. of Water. I don't drink the entire Protein Shake, just enough to get the crushed meds down. I'm loving the new Mix1 drinks made in Boulder. That's how I take my meds in the morning. I think if I take it with food it just sits in the pouch and I don't get the benefit of it. L.A.! I was worried about you! I'm so glad that it's not an erosion! I think reflux is workable. Do you know what causes a slip? I need to figure that one out. Is it vomiting? Or are there other things that can cause it? I'm just glad you get to keep your band! Well, guys, I finally lost 2 lbs this morning. I'm really struggling with the swelling and it just gets me so frustrated to see the scale go up after I've worked. I measured my waist yesterday and it's now 50.5 inches! When I started it was 58inches! My clothes fit better and I'm losing sizes so I just need to remember that! Have a Sweet Day! Hugs, dee~

Anita! I saw the weather report! ARGH! That's horrible! I don't want to be at RR by myself, BUT I totally understand! If the weather is bad, don't even chance it! You're life is worth more than a drive up north! Send us a picture of you and we'll be happy! Darn it! We miss you!!! love, dee~

Marcy, That's a great NSV!! Wow!!! While in Lincoln this weekend, I went shopping at Avenue. A store I used to shop at in ABQ. I tried on several items because they had a huge sale. The 3xl's were huge on me and I had to get a 2xl. Pants and shirts for $4.99 and there were plenty of 2xl's available. don't you love your Band? I do! I can' wait till I get to a size 16! Yeah!!!

LA, I am so sorry to hear about your problems! That's horrible! I really will be praying for you and sending positive energy your way. You have done so well with your band. You were banded just a little shy of 2 weeks before me and you've already lost 55lbs. That is impressive. You're dedicated to making this tool work. I hope with all of my heart that you'll be able to keep your band, the doctors will find what the problem is and you'll be well soon. Bless you, dee~

Lap, Everything here says we are meeting on Wednesday, the 9th. I can't meet Thursday or Friday. But maybe everyone else can. Send out a post and see if people want to change, since we were all meeting to see you. Maybe Michelle will be able to join everyone on Thursday or Friday. Take care, dee~

Kidlings! HI! I am about to get out of Dodge. I'm traveling with the Band. Doesn't that make you think of a really fun time? Traveling with Rascal Flatts, Nickelback or Casting Crowns? Just you and the Band, town after town, concerts, fans, autographs? Well,not the same band, I'm traveling with my 14ml AP band. Ha! Sorry to disappoint all of you! I'm hoping to not gain during my mini-vacation. I lost when I went to ABQ, but stress helped me there. I'm heading to the hopping town of Lincoln Nebraska! I am going to hang out with some College friends. Alumni weekend! Fun Fun Fun, peeps! Anita! 9 lbs is not so bad considering you were eating food that Grammy made! I remember my Grammy - she was the best cook in the world. She made fresh cinnamon rolls daily - along with fresh baked bread. I remember spending a summer with her - after 2 months returning home as a chubby 10 year old. None of my clothes fit AND that was the start of my weight problem for the next 34 years. My grammy was pretty much square. She was, maybe 4-10 and weighed probably 300 to 350lbs. She was soft and mushy and just the sweetest woman ever! I remember she had no lap - but she want us to sit next to us. She was a very accomplished piano player. Amazing the music that would come from those short fat little fingers of hers. I have such sweet memories of my Grandma Grace. Both of my Grandma's died of Breast CA. I was blessed with the two best Grandmas in the world! Mal, when you throw your scale out, could you run by my house and pick mine up? I weigh 3 or 4 times a day! ARGH! I'm addicted to that scale! Thanks for your kind words. I just am a regular squirrel. Michelle, I will miss you at RR. BUT IF there was a sweet man desiring my company, I'd be so thrilled -- and I'd probably forget RR ever existed. Red Robin, what's a Red Robin? Enjoy!!! :thumbup: Lap, I can't wait to see you at RR. My first goal is 10% . My scale goes up and down down and then up and down down! The dependent edema in my ankles makes it move up every time I work!:eek: Shelbi, Setting mini-goals is the way to go. I took my starting weight and plotted out 10% goals. As my weight decreases my goals decrease also. I have 10 - 10% goals. Each one I reach, I have rewards set up, massage, facial lasering, Tiffany's bracelet.... :thumbup: Shelbi, you're very sweet. I appreciate your words. I don't get to see Sandra's family since they live in ABQ and I live in Denver. I hope the other nurses and friends get the journals completed. I gave them to my bff. I hope one day, they can read our words about their Mom and know how special she was and how much we loved her! I believe the kids are doing pretty well. They have great grandparents and a great father who has told them that their Mom is in heaven. She is an angel now. Her oldest son talks about it freely. I think that is healthy. I believe the way you do about death. My Mom never sheltered us from death. As kids we attended funerals and it was just a part of living. I appreciate that way of thinking. It's not scary, it's very sad, but death is a part of life.:sad: When my father passed away, it was very bittersweet. Mare, I was so glad to hear from you! I've missed you Lady!!! Congrats on your weight loss! I hope we can see you at RR next Wednesday, but since it's your birthday, I understand! Happy Birthday, Lady! Brandy, Thanks for the Hug! I felt so 'needy' after I posted that! BUT it was honest and how I feel. I'll take all the hugs that are offered! I've got years to make up for! :wub: Well, I better get my soon to be smaller hiney moving! Hugs and Love to you all! Red Robin Banditos gathering. 7pm, I-25 and Arapahoe: Woofay Lap Dancer Brandy Dee

You're welcome Sweetie! I'm so happy for you! I hope one day to find a new love! I'm so lonely and sometimes the lonliness is palpable. Human touch is so vital for our health and well-being. I miss that so much. I always loved hugs, but now I find I crave them. Just to feel the warmth of another person helps me make it through my day. I've been dealing with my grief. I will be okay and then I find myself thinking and missing my friend, Sandra. I start crying and then I can't stop. Death is so final. Not a day passes, I don't think of her children. I pray they are able to find their peace. dee~ oh yes, I think it's the 9th of April. Lapdancer - is the 9th the day?

Good for you Linz. I'm glad you had a good weekend. I know it's not easy to focus on ourselves when our loved ones are going through a hard time. Being a Mom, we feel selfish and guilty, but as I've mentioned before, WE become better Moms when we're healthy and happy. We are also more adequate supporters when we are spiritually fed and physically healthy. I hope your husband's doctors can make a diagnoses and your husband can start feeling better. Take Care, dee~

Great! We usually meet at 7pm, but we should double check with the group to make sure that is the time, we'll be meeting on the 9th.

Hi Liteweight! As far as I know we've only met at Red Robin. I used to eat their fries, but I'm not even tempted by them anymore. They do have some pretty good options there. I always get their Ensenada Chicken Salad. It's two Grilled Chicken Breasts with a small salad. I usually can eat half the salad and one of the small chicken breasts. The chicken is really moist and pretty thinly sliced. Michelle got a different chicken breast last time and a side salad. I hope you can join us!!! Mamato3! It would be great to meet you in June! dee~

Hi Mal AND all the other Banditos! Shelbi, I agree it's a good reminder. I have to remind myself often to be good to myself! Today, I wore an outift that I hadn't worn before. I love going into the back of my closet and trying on my smaller sizes AND having them fit! One Happy Bandito - am I! Lifesaver - please join us at Red Robins. Everyone is so nice! You're going to love us! We're still on for April 8th, right? Red Robin - I-25 and Arapahoe. Be there or be square -- or in our case, rectanglar! Ha!

Greenie! I love Free Diet Plans at SparkPeople! I love seeing what I've eaten, my protein, fats and carbs! I thrive on information! I am such a nerd!

My computer posted that before I was done! Michelle, Bless your heart for reminding us that we have to let go and let God. Being in ABQ for the weekend really brought back some bad memories. I saw some of the old neighbors where I lived for the last 14 years with my exhusband and daughter. It was bittersweet. They all knew long before I did that my ex was cheating on me and not one person said a word to me. They came to my home for BBQ's, for graduation parties, for holiday parties, all the while knowing he had had women in my home, my bed while I was out of town or at work - and yet not one said a word to me. When I allowed myself to think about it - I felt stressed and I wanted to stuff those feelings down with food. The head hunger hit hard - but luckily I had nothing to eat and before I could get something, those feelings turned to sadness and I had that familiar lump in my throat and didn't feel like eating anything. I felt angry! Angry at myself for not leaving sooner, angry for giving him so many chances and angry at all of those people who claimed to be my friends. I'm glad to be home again. I need to be positive, I need to learn to love myself again - I don't need to be re-living those moments! It was a devestating time in my life. Michelle, I'm so glad you have a therpist to help you with your shrinking issues. I know that no matter how petite you become, you will never become invisible. You have a smile that brightens the room, your warmth and sweetness is huge. I thought that the first time I met you at RR last October. You're presence is not shrinking - and as you become healthier and happier, you'll just blossom more. Your confidence will help you become more visible and able to reach out to others who need your support and love. I think you're awesome. How was your date? Ms Greenie - Congrats on your planned indulgence! Do you enjoy your leftovers from Outback later? I'm loving my leftovers from when I eat out! Yummy! BE proud you can pass up that bread and Awesome Blossom. Realize that that is the ultimate control and something to be appaulded! Brandy - I can't wait to see you at RR. I think it's great that your MIL was so sweet to compliment you in front of everyone else. You deserved it! Shelbi - Don't be so hard on yourself. You have been through so much with your family issues, your son. Take a deep breath, write down your goals and work to get back on track. I hope you were able to get an appt. with your therapist on Monday. Good luck with the nicotine gum. I'll say a prayer for you. It's a daily struggle to give up smoking. I come from a family of smokers. My father smoked his entire life. Sometimes Shelbi, we give so much of ourselves to our families, that we forget what is important to keep us healthy. It reminds me of the pre-flight instructions - before applying the oxygen to your child, you must apply your own oxygen. Honey, before we can give of ourselves, we have to give to ourselves. We minister to our loved ones from what we have within - feed your soul and your body in a healthy manner, so you have the reserve to offer those you love. Hugs to you! Have I been verbose enough? A post Hog! Luv you guys, dee~

Hi Everyone! I've been Traveling with the Band. I drove to ABQ on Easter for a Dentist appt. on Monday. Yes, I travel over 400 miles to see a Dentist. Insane! NO! I have had the same dentist since I was 10 years old! I have only seen 1 other dentist in the last 34 years. I'm never nervous! He is a good friend of mine! AND I was the Lap Band Marketing Queen! I had some of Dr K's cards from my previous appts. You know the ones they give you with your time on the back - well I passed them out like candy! Everyone noticed my weight loss! It was such a pat on the back! Everyone knows someone who needs the surgery, so I would give them a card and my speech and then I would remind them that is has to be a very personal decison. And if someone had asked me last year at this time if I would have WLS, I would have told them absolutely not. They need to be patient and loving with their friend or family who is overweight. Give them the information and allow them to do the research and make the choice. The funny thing about seeing my friends and family was that everyone said I look like I've lost more than I have. I think when a person is my size, they wear very baggy clothes so they appear much bigger. Yes, I am huge, but I think with the baggy clothes I looked larger than that! This weekend I wore more form fitting shirts (my same huge and now very baggy pants - I only own one pair of 3xl - so I have to wear my suspenders.) and people were shocked! Someone at work said, "Hey you have boobs!" I replied, "I have always had boobs, but my tummy is now smaller - making my boobs look bigger." I guess you can call that a NSV! Okay Friends: Tina - we do need to see some recent pics! You my dear need to see some recent pics! It's such a pat on the back to see yourself in pics after you've lost weight, even if it's just 10 lbs, it's good to see the change. You're not a bad bandster! You're human and I think you're doing very well! I think I was like you before surgery. I never really ate poorly, I ate whole grains, lean proteins and a lot of veggies and fruits, but I was a bulk eater. Now I'm thrilled to be able to be satiated on a small amount. I think that is why I force myself to get a take-out container when I'm out and separate the food out before ever taking my first bite. Then I close the container and put it on an empty chair. What is on my plate is for me to enjoy and savor and what is in my take-out container is for tomorrow or later. It keeps me on track. Because I know my weakness! Amieru - Dr. K told me I could start riding my recumbent bike at 3 weeks and I could start swimming after I saw him at my 4 week appt. I think it's fine to start exercising, BUT I'd just send a quick email to Natalie and clear it with her. (how's that for a response from a former Telephone Triage Nurse?)

Lap, You have done so well! Don't allow your mind to take over and make you feel defeated. It's hard when our restriction decreases, because our old habits want to rear their ugly heads! I see a big difference in your pictures and it makes me feel so inspired. You give me hope! dee~

Mal! Sweetie, Baby, Lovey, Honeychild! Where are you? I miss you! PM me or post so we know you're okay! Pretty please? dee~:ohmy: