ReneBean

Hey Y'All Just stopping by to check in. I started fighting the insurance company at 348 - 59 BMI and was down to 331 by 2/06/06 day of surgery. My official weight - according to the scale at the Surgery Center of Richardson on 4/20 is 325. My unofficial weight is 316 on my scale at home this morning. Louie - Dr. Fox is Da Bomb. You having your surgery at SCOR? I had mine there and it was all good. Maybe I will see you at the Doc's office sometime. Josie! look at you go?!? Rock on! Amy - please don't die trying.... :] Good luck! When are you scheduled? Molly - eat more - or drink more calories. 500 just isn't enough. Try Meal Replacement drinks, if nothing else. Hugs! And even if the scale says you aren't shrinking - you might be anyway. I didn't lose any weight for like a month after the surgery - but I lost inches! Don't ask me how. My body does some weird thing where it holds onto liquids. Maybe yours does, too. Ron - congrats! Hope you get the final date, soon. Teresita - don't fret those 3 lbs - I can gain that much any day of the week from swelling or Water retention. At the rate of speed you are going, you are going to pass me on the way down! Great Work! Wheetsin - try not to be discouraged. Plateaus happen to the best of them. I am having better restriction since my second fill. Hopefully, a little fill will make a lot of difference for you, too. Shackdog - go, go, go! When did you get your band? 35 lbs is nothing to sneeze at. Alison - 34 lbs in five weeks is AWESOME!! Keep on eating the Protein. Can you order some Protein powder on-line and make your own shakes? Some of the powders are ok - Carb Solutions makes one that mixes up pretty well - and there are hundreds of others. Try www.fitRX.com Trish - HUGS! You are down 50 lbs in a year... That ain't bad, chickie. Heal up quick for your re-banding. Signing off - with my BMI at 53. You've all done very well... (who here watches Are You Being Served?) :]

Drink Water AND take Calcium. I hear that Calcium does something good for your ability to burn calories or something. All I know is that when I drink enough water, take my chewable calcium and exercise - the weight disappears. Good Luck!

Hey Darkwing! Don't wait for them to call you... Are you using insurance? or are you Self-pay? If you are using insurance - you will have to wait for pre-authorization from the insurance company. Again - do not wait for them to call you. Call them - ever couple of days - until you get the answer you want. If you are self-pay - call today and ask them what is going on and when you can expect to be scheduled. If I had waited for the Doc's office to help me get my insurance approval - I would STILL be waiting - instead of banded and loving it. Good Luck!

Hey Crystal How's the Great Northwest? A trip to Powell's Bookstore is always an adventure - and we used to enjoy another one called Cameron's. It is much smaller - but if you like to rummage - it's a great place. If you haven't tried coffee People - it's a nice alternative to the obligatory Starbuck's. Wave at a mountain for me. I haven't seen one in AGES... one thing you don't get ANY of in Dallas is Mountains. HUGS! Let us know how the whole testing thing comes out.

Hugs Donna! I hope that walk was a good one. Great job at taking your negative desires and turning them into positive action!! (I hope you didn't walk to the nearest fast food joint! I know how hard it is...) Do you feel a sense of accomplishment from exercise? I hope so. You can do this. You really can. Hugs!!

Moderation in all things... How many drinks are you having? I understand the concept of hanging out - but if you go for a low calorie option - Rum & Diet Coke always used to work for me - and try to limit yourself to 2-3 drinks a night - the damage should not be too bad. Besides - you can have fun without being blotto. People used to swear I was drunk when I wasn't - just cause I was laughing so hard... Enjoy - in moderation. Or maybe you can be the designated driver or something? :]

Dashing in for another quick visit... Pat - hope you survived the day. How was the Seafood Alfredo? Sounds Yummy! Cindy - swearing more... Hmmm. I don't know if I could do that and not get arrested - or fired! LOL! I hope everyone here will smack me if I get out of hand. I try to control myself, really...but DH says I swear like a sailor! Mary - Hugs! Good luck with your hearing. Sad about the Cousin. I will never understand the whole Suicide concept. How can anyone have lived a life so devoid of joy that they would kill themselves? Or is it just that one moment when they hate life so much? Would they change their minds, if they could? Very sad. Darcy - happy news about the ddog. I am sure she will learn her limits very soon and be happy as can be within her invisible fence. How is your fill going? Is it working for you? I hope so. Hugs! I will try to stop by again later. I really can't believe how quiet it has been today. :]

Naw - not Second Helpings - a Second Fill! I asked the friendly folks at SCOR to crank that baby tight - and I think they have. I made a point to ask about how much fill I have - a total of 4.6cc's in my Vanguard Band. That's a bit less than half full. So far, it seems that the restriction is holding. I went in on the 20th - so this is day five. Again, I have just the right restriction. I can eat everything that I have tried - but am not compelled to eat a TON. I am staying full between meals - for at least 4 hours - and if I WANT to eat more - well, I can... or I cannot. It's up to me. If I can keep this level of restriction forever, I will be happy. The control is all in my hands. All I have to do is chew and take it slow - which gives me time to think about what I am eating, and why. No PB's to date - but I can sometimes feel the bites go down. Not exactly a golfball - no slime or anything - but maybe a Pre-golfball. Just a reminder to chew, chew, chew - and then chew some more. I went to Catherines this weekend just to try on clothes - I was a little disappointed that the clothes still look as crappy as before - but I guess that I will have to lose another 50 lbs or so before I can really see a dramatic difference in the clothes. It doesn't help that the bulk of the fat is centered - hanging on my belly, butt & thighs. It's pretty hard to buy shirts when the top fits fine - but the bottom part is sucked up tight to your belly. *sigh* On the brighter side - a few more things could be scrunched on - in size 28 vs 32/34 - and given a little more time & weightloss, I will be able to have more choices in what to try on and whether I want to go a size up or a size down. My first Mini-goal is to be under 300 lbs. My lowest scale weight at home has been 316 so far - and I puff up every time I go to NY (every month!) so the weight chart would look something like a roller coaster on an overal downward track. Day before last trip: 316. Weight upon return: 325. Yeah. I don't think I gained almost two pounds a day over a five day trip. But then it takes about a week for the puffies to go away. Great. But, I know that I can still be losing fat without losing weight - so I keep on plan while the swelling goes down. One leg is still puffy (LOVE the Venous Stasis - NOT) but the scale is teetering between 316-317 today - so I am hoping for the continuance of the downward trend. I am trying to hit that 299 mini-goal prior to my next trip in May. My second mini-goal is to be able to shop at Lane Bryant and Torrid and all those other really awesome stores for Fat Chicks that top out at size 26/28. I have been banished from those stores for a long time - and I am ready to go back. I want to get one of those sexy corsets. The size tops out at 24 on those - so I guess I will call this a Third Mini-Goal. ESPECIALLY since that 24 has to be true of the PANTS size, too. Of course, I am looking forward to not having to ask for a seatbelt extender on the plane... I am only 5-6 inches from that now. I don't know where that will fall into the ranks - but it's definitely one of the short term goals. One of the things I am doing NOW for myself is not waiting to put together a costume for the Scarborough Faire. I thought I would wait until I could fit into one of those cool & groovy bodices that they sell - but I have decided that waiting sucks. I want to be able to Play this year - vs next. Since they don't MAKE bodice patterns in a size 30 - I went to the store and got one in a size 20. Then I looked through the pattern books for fat-girl patterns with similar shapes. *I found one that is almost exactly the bodice shape - just not laced up the front/sides. I can modify for that by studying the pattern pieces for the size 20 and adjusting the size 30 pattern to make it work. PLUS - the pattern for the top also comes with a skirt pattern that works, too. Woo Hoo! So, that is my "Fun for me" project over the next couple of weeks. Now all I have to do is figure out how to put the bones in - and what to use for bones! I guess I can go back to the fabric store for those. Thank goodness for Joanne Fabrics! Well, let's see. Exercise - nope. Not happening right now... but I am trying to do more moving around type shopping and stuff. Diet - Low Carb - high protein. Doing pretty well, except when I travel. Weekends - I have been allowing myself some carbs - during the week, I am a Carb Nazi. Water - not getting enough over the last several days. I had gotten so good about slugging back that litre in the car every day - and I have not done very well with it since my fill. I think it has to do with how much/how quickly I am able to drink. I am going to have to drink more in the car. It was a good habit. Vitamins - Taking a multi + calcium. Thank God I am almost done with the nasty Viactiv waxy horrid vitamins. Give me those chalky childrens vitamins any day. Thank goodness I didn't get Viactive Calcium supplements, too. I use the Caltrate - chalky chewables - to scrape the waxy vitamin residue out of my mouth. My PCP says I need extra B vitamins due to my meds - but I haven't been taking any. I guess the multi has enough, since my last bloodwork said I was fine. Official weight: 325 (3/20 - last visit to Surgery Center of Richardson) Unofficial Weight: 316 - my scale - this morning. (my scale about 2 lbs low from SCOR or Dr. Fox's scale) The official weight was artificially high due to still puffy from flying on Friday April 14. Two days earlier - my band doc weighed me in at 327. I have made a point to schedule my next visit with him for the very first day of the month of June. That way I will have had at least a week to recover from any trips to the NY office. Well - work is calling. I haven't managed to win the lottery, yet - so I guess I had better get back on task.

Naw - not Second Helpings - a Second Fill! I asked the friendly folks at SCOR to crank that baby tight - and I think they have. I made a point to ask about how much fill I have - a total of 4.6cc's in my Vanguard Band. That's a bit less than half full. So far, it seems that the restriction is holding. I went in on the 20th - so this is day five. Again, I have just the right restriction. I can eat everything that I have tried - but am not compelled to eat a TON. I am staying full between meals - for at least 4 hours - and if I WANT to eat more - well, I can... or I cannot. It's up to me. If I can keep this level of restriction forever, I will be happy. The control is all in my hands. All I have to do is chew and take it slow - which gives me time to think about what I am eating, and why. No PB's to date - but I can sometimes feel the bites go down. Not exactly a golfball - no slime or anything - but maybe a Pre-golfball. Just a reminder to chew, chew, chew - and then chew some more. I went to Catherines this weekend just to try on clothes - I was a little disappointed that the clothes still look as crappy as before - but I guess that I will have to lose another 50 lbs or so before I can really see a dramatic difference in the clothes. It doesn't help that the bulk of the fat is centered - hanging on my belly, butt & thighs. It's pretty hard to buy shirts when the top fits fine - but the bottom part is sucked up tight to your belly. *sigh* On the brighter side - a few more things could be scrunched on - in size 28 vs 32/34 - and given a little more time & weightloss, I will be able to have more choices in what to try on and whether I want to go a size up or a size down. My first Mini-goal is to be under 300 lbs. My lowest scale weight at home has been 316 so far - and I puff up every time I go to NY (every month!) so the weight chart would look something like a roller coaster on an overal downward track. Day before last trip: 316. Weight upon return: 325. Yeah. I don't think I gained almost two pounds a day over a five day trip. But then it takes about a week for the puffies to go away. Great. But, I know that I can still be losing fat without losing weight - so I keep on plan while the swelling goes down. One leg is still puffy (LOVE the Venous Stasis - NOT) but the scale is teetering between 316-317 today - so I am hoping for the continuance of the downward trend. I am trying to hit that 299 mini-goal prior to my next trip in May. My second mini-goal is to be able to shop at Lane Bryant and Torrid and all those other really awesome stores for Fat Chicks that top out at size 26/28. I have been banished from those stores for a long time - and I am ready to go back. I want to get one of those sexy corsets. The size tops out at 24 on those - so I guess I will call this a Third Mini-Goal. ESPECIALLY since that 24 has to be true of the PANTS size, too. Of course, I am looking forward to not having to ask for a seatbelt extender on the plane... I am only 5-6 inches from that now. I don't know where that will fall into the ranks - but it's definitely one of the short term goals. One of the things I am doing NOW for myself is not waiting to put together a costume for the Scarborough Faire. I thought I would wait until I could fit into one of those cool & groovy bodices that they sell - but I have decided that waiting sucks. I want to be able to Play this year - vs next. Since they don't MAKE bodice patterns in a size 30 - I went to the store and got one in a size 20. Then I looked through the pattern books for fat-girl patterns with similar shapes. *I found one that is almost exactly the bodice shape - just not laced up the front/sides. I can modify for that by studying the pattern pieces for the size 20 and adjusting the size 30 pattern to make it work. PLUS - the pattern for the top also comes with a skirt pattern that works, too. Woo Hoo! So, that is my "Fun for me" project over the next couple of weeks. Now all I have to do is figure out how to put the bones in - and what to use for bones! I guess I can go back to the fabric store for those. Thank goodness for Joanne Fabrics! Well, let's see. Exercise - nope. Not happening right now... but I am trying to do more moving around type shopping and stuff. Diet - Low Carb - high protein. Doing pretty well, except when I travel. Weekends - I have been allowing myself some carbs - during the week, I am a Carb Nazi. Water - not getting enough over the last several days. I had gotten so good about slugging back that litre in the car every day - and I have not done very well with it since my fill. I think it has to do with how much/how quickly I am able to drink. I am going to have to drink more in the car. It was a good habit. Vitamins - Taking a multi + calcium. Thank God I am almost done with the nasty Viactiv waxy horrid vitamins. Give me those chalky childrens vitamins any day. Thank goodness I didn't get Viactive Calcium supplements, too. I use the Caltrate - chalky chewables - to scrape the waxy vitamin residue out of my mouth. My PCP says I need extra B vitamins due to my meds - but I haven't been taking any. I guess the multi has enough, since my last bloodwork said I was fine. Official weight: 325 (3/20 - last visit to Surgery Center of Richardson) Unofficial Weight: 316 - my scale - this morning. (my scale about 2 lbs low from SCOR or Dr. Fox's scale) The official weight was artificially high due to still puffy from flying on Friday April 14. Two days earlier - my band doc weighed me in at 327. I have made a point to schedule my next visit with him for the very first day of the month of June. That way I will have had at least a week to recover from any trips to the NY office. Well - work is calling. I haven't managed to win the lottery, yet - so I guess I had better get back on task.

Wow! Confidence is the very best beauty secret! You look AWESOME!! Keep up the Fantastic work!

I don't have a goal Weight - I have a goal clothing size. Right now - my goal size is a 14. I don't give a rat's @$$ about being thin - I just want to be smaller and be able to shop in a normal store. Maybe when I get to a size 18 or so, I will revise that - maybe not. :]

Jessie - I can't even express how much you are inspiring me! HUGS!!!

Morning! I am having a quiet moment - so here I am. Cindy - I am sorry about your FIL. It's HELL getting old. I am only 41 and I am figuring that out, fast. Hugs and best wishes for his recovery. Betty - HUGS! I think anyone would be depressed with all the relatives dropping like flies! I hope they are all doing better. I hear ya on the job with the food. I worked at a company that had half a storeroom full of candy at all times - and where did they keep the candy on display? Well at the end of my desk, of course! It was hell - and I think I gained 20 lbs in the short time I worked there. Try to resist. Dianne - uh - yeah. 1 day, that's it, just one day... OK - I am really supposed to do liquids for 2-3 days and then mushies - but I just can't hack that - so I step up to mushies as soon as my body will allow. The first fill - I had chili for lunch the same day. This time, I was so tight I physically had to do liquids for a full 24 hours or more. Restriction is good right now. I am hoping this level lasts. It's that magic spot where I CAN eat anything I want - but am not compelled to eat everything in sight. Good luck with your fill. Eileenie - hope you have a great time playing hookie! Give Grace a big Hug for me! Darcy - smoking is evil. To tell the truth - after about the first 6 mos, I was really fine - just so long as I didn't go into a bar. There is something about having a drink in a bar that demands a cigarette. I quit smoking YEARS ago - and to this day, I still want one every time I have a drink in a bar. Another reason I avoid that whole concept. Good luck!! Oh - and sex is great exercise. I recommend 30 minutes a day of hot sweaty sex! Donna - Oh, Honey... we just figured you were out there playing on the beach or working. HUGS!! OK - for the next two hours - you will control yourself on the food issues. Just two hours. You can do it! Hugs to everyone! I will try to check back later.

GO SARAH! Rock On!! Keep up the Great Work!!!

Oh Trish - Could this suck any more? I am so sorry you are having to go through all this garbage. But, hey - you get to start with a clean slate, right? New Band, New Port. I hope so much that you have MUCH better luck with the 2nd one. HUGS!

Hey Guys - just a quick hello! DH is cooking supper and I have to run. I will catch up with personals tomorrow. I am sure you will all be as thrilled as I was that I have made it back down to my Pre-trip weight... The puffies are done for now. So, I figure I have two-three weeks before the next trip to lose those 17 lbs to reach the Mythical 299... Everyone think good thoughts. I slugged out yesterday and didn't go to Scarborough Faire. I was enjoying my lazy Sunday too much to go out and tromp in the Sun. I am trying to get a Three Day Weekend for next week - a Sanity break - so I will surely make it out there at least once this coming weekend. Love you guys! :]

YEE HAW!!~!! Rock on, 3Loves!! You'll be among the banded in no time! Congrats!

Eileenie - I went out and bought special dishes... I have these shallow soup bowls that hold about a cup. When I am home, I eat out of these and don't (USUALLY) go back for 2nds. (stew, any meats in sauce). They came with smallish plates that go underneath - so I use those when I eat anything that is not bowl friendly. Don't ASK me about when I travel... restaurants are BAD - but I try to stick to just an appetizer. Hugs!

Just FYI Even after my 2nd fill - with 4.6 in my Vanguard band - I can still eat everything I have tried. Now, I haven't tried any white bread - but I have eaten most everything else, including a little bit of rice - so yeah - it's normal. I just chew everything very well and eat slowly. Nothing wrong with avoiding the ever so delightful PB IMHO. So long as I avoid large carb hits, I am losing weight at and acceptable pace. :]

Me - I'd be THRILLED to fit into my wedding dress from 17 yrs ago. I think it was a size 20-22. When I get to that point - I will start moving back toward high school. But for now - I think I looked pretty cute at my wedding!

Oh Crystal... I so understand your frustration. I hung out here for a LONG time before I was able to get my band... All those people - happy, losing weight - having minor struggles. I got to the point where I could hardly stand coming here.... it hurt too much. So, go if you must... but remember that we are always here for you - ALWAYS - and we want to know how you are and what you and yours are doing. Please, stop by for a visit once in a while. You will be missed. Hugs.

Hey Y'All! I haven't even had time to lurk! Work has been insane for the last couple of days - Monday is the last day to sign for refinances and close in the month of April - so everybody is rushing for that closing date. Dianne - No worries about the Sundae. It was a small one, right? And skinny folks get to eat the occasional Sundae - Right? Why not you? Ice cream turns to liquid after a bit, right? :] And wow, I think I tried your new exercise plan today! I was at several stores, walking and walking. First we went to Lowes, then Walmart & then Garden Ridge. Whew! Ira - OF COURSE she talked them into clearing the old debt. If you want a problem fixed - give it to a woman... :] So cool about getting her date set. Good luck to both of you! I know it has to be a relief to know that she is on her way to better health. Eileenie - Hugs back atcha, girlie. A TWO FOOT bunny? That's cruel & unusual! I made the mistake of buying some Jordan Almonds... OK, it might have been on purpose... but I thought I could have a LITTLE more control... Oh well. Paula - I think of that movie sometimes when I drive through my little town of Allen. There is an intesection right off the freeway where the birds come. There are several trees and a grassy bank beside the road - and at sunset there are hundreds, if not thousands, of birds there - in the trees, on the lights, in the grass... A little freaky once in a while. Patty - I would LOVE to come visit you in SoCal. I haven't been in ages. And it's been YEARS since I went to see the Master Mouse at home. Kat - you win the prize for "Scariest Divorce Tale of 2006." EEEK. That guys sounds really scary. Is he going to run away to Montana and become a survivalist? Good luck in your case. Hugs! And CONGRATS on your upcoming surgery! How exciting! Optifast... MMMMMMM. :] Mary - keep us posted on when you are coming to Dallas! We would love to see you again! Cindy - congrats on Summer Break. Enjoy your Boring life! I know I do mine. I really love all you guys - But DAAAAANG! I couldn't deal with so much excitement on a daily basis. Hugs to ALL of you! Anne - HUGS! I think everybody phases in and out of Band Denial. I had mine right after the swelling went down from the surgery! I don't want to even confess the stuff I was eating. It was totally WRONG. I'm better now... and you will be too. Try to lose the guilt, Hon. It won't help anything. Pat - Cats migrate... and you have all that nice land. Do you LIKE cats? If you feed it, it might decide to stay. Cats are just that way. Great news about your DS being able to visit with the baby. I am shocked every time I hear about how crazy this chick is. SHE'S going to press charges against HIM? That's rich. Kelly - HUGS! I will give you my best Sci Fi Geek farewell: Live Long, and Prosper. Hope you stop by and visit us again, sometime. Sherry! You Biker Mama, you!! I hear that the proper amount of STRUT in your walk will stretch out those sore muscles!! Congrats! Well Loved Ones.... I have to run. Tomorrow is another day. We are going out to the Scarborough Faire. The good news is - there will be lots of sunshine and walking. The bad news is - there will be LOTS of bad foods to eat. It ought to be interesting to see if I can manage to eat any of the old time favorites now that I have my 2nd fill.... I told the gals at SCOR to crank that band tight - and they took me at my word. For those that care - I have 4.6 cc's in my Vanguard band - and I HAD to stay on liquids for the first day cause I had that same "day after surgery" restriction. Besides, I was scared to try any real food! Now, I am able to eat everything that I have tried - but very slowly. I can see how this whole restriction thing is going to be good. I went to Taco Bueno today and I couldn't finish my Chilada platter... Yeah, I know. Not the best food choice - but Saturday & Sunday I eat some bad stuff - it keeps me from going crazy during the rest of the week. The point is that in the past, I would have inhaled the entire platter and had a taco on the side. Restriction Rocks! Love you guys! Talk to you later!

The Irene Of Paradise. Feel The Raw Naked Renebean Of The Road. Because I'm Worth Rusty. (so true) And I kept playing and got one more that had me rolling on the floor: Top Breeders Recommend Irene.

Cotton Lycra Sports bra and Granny panties with a comfie girdle. Standard Lounge Wear for me. It's pretty warm in the Lone Star State and we haven't cranked up the old air conditioner, yet...

Hi All! Another crazy day, here. Nothing exciting - just work, work and more work. Paula - sorry about the lack of rain. I haven't got any good rain dances handy - but I will think wet thoughts for you. (Hmm. that sounds a little STRANGE. Maybe I will think RAINY thoughts instead!) Dianne - Hugs! Look at you! Fast approaching Onderland! Keep up the good work! Anne - now I see what is keeping you so busy! What an adorable group you have there. Oh, and 101 is not unusual - just unusual for APRIL. Come July & August - 101 is common. We're Tough. :] Eileenie - hope you are having a great day! Sorry about TOM. ICK!! Pat - GREAT idea. Psych evaluation should piss her off enough that she freaks out in front of the doc. he he heh.... Hi Mary! Hug those boys for me. Patty - perfume sounds like a fine pay-back for rubber checks! Think his check for the phones will clear? Oh well, it's the thought that counts, right? lol! Good luck with the Unjury. Samples was a good idea. **oh - and go for the bigger memory on the Tivo if you can swing it. You will be surprised at how quickly those little bytes get eaten up. Kelly - Hugs! Hope everything is ok. Ira - when does your DW have her surgery? How cool for both of you. I hope that I can convince MY Beloved to go for the surgery at some point - but the only way is to set a good example. *sigh* such responsibility. Well, I have to run! I am on dinner patrol tonight. I think it's salad from Wendy's... DH will just have to have a potato. Hugs all round!