Apples2

Tennessee...think you hit the nail right on the head...key word being "deprivation". Depriving oursleves sets us up for failure. LP allows us to eat but just in smaller portions. I never feel deprived. When I first had the band I stayed away from so many "naughty" foods. Now I allow myself anything. I do have some foods my band does not allow me to eat but not many. If I want some pasta salad, pototoes, etc., I eat. Once you get the hang of it, it's easy. Keep a food journal, get enough protein per day, take your vitamins, don't get into the routine of eating "slider" foods and enjoy your life. See this as a way of life, not a life of restriction and deprivation.

Good morning! I envy you girls...going shopping in warm weather. We won't see a day like that until at least April. Hope you just have a really good time together. Was another 4am morning here. Had a quick cup of coffee and homemade blueberry muffins (made with no fat...just applesauce and ground almonds) and he was out the door to cut in some more fertilizer. Have a big day. Bookwork this morning and then meeting my friend for lunch (which is also my ins agent) to go over our farm renewal. The scheduled items are the bugger. Gotta grab DH long enough to have him go over it with me to make sure we have nothing to add or delete. After lunch we are going to hit my friend's "overstock" store (all new items he buys in bulk....no two things alike but high end brand names) and also hit the consignment shop in town. I was doing some "scouting" for her yesterday. This overstock store has some really nice things and everything is under $20. A lot of Loft and Ann Taylor, Pendleton (the BEST wool creations), Jones NY, etc. My friend has had a huge gain in the last 3-4 yrs. She was always about a size 6. Type A diabetes and mega weight gain without eating much. Anyway, found her some cute stuff and maybe it will make her feel better. She is an absolute beauty. Looks similar to Melanie Griffith (b/4 the botched face lift) and she is still under 200 but such a slam for her to go from a perfect figure to gaining 75lbs. I feel for her and you know with diabetes you don't just crash diet (it would cause her to crash). So...... that's part of my day. Need to do some things outside this morning and do some Christmas wrapping. Pretty close to done with shopping for everyone. I bought personalized glass domes for everyone (even little great grandkids) in "mom's" family. They we a little spendy but something to treasure forever. She was an angel collector. There's beautiful angels inside the dome and instead of snow it is teal colored glitter. She turns and plays "The Lord is My Shepard" . "Mom's" favorite. On the little plaque is just put "Our Mom, Our Angel" and then had her name written below. For the little kids (4 of them under the age of 7) I ordered "Protection Angels" in the globe and put their name and "Remembering Granny" and then Granny's name under it. Not sure what I will get DH yet. Gold toed socks are always a staple but usually come up with something else too. Just a box of Russell Stover makes him smile and then he tries to see if he can eat it all in one sitting. Yes, Janet, was sick about the bracelet. Didn't even want to tell DH cuz he gave it to me. He just said not to worry "It's just a thing". All I know is that it made me nervous to wear it and I don't know why I was wearing it that day. I usually save it for special occassions but, no, I had to wear it for trying on coats? I just can't figure me out!

Good Evening everyone...things are better and thanks to everyone for your encouragement. It's not such a bad thing to cry and feel the feelings but I just knew I could not be alone again all day and repeat yesterday. Sooooooooooo...I finished up my books, went to the bank and then took off for the lake and just walked around. Was so peaceful up there. We are used to being there when all the leaves are on the trees. Seemed so bare. But it was a nice trip there and back. Even found time to stop at a consignment shop. And, when feeling a little low, buy four purses. They were $8 each. All new looking. In fact not even a spot on the inside and looked like they had never been used. A black cloth DKNY, a brown leather Nine West, a kind of woven Anne Klien, and a tan and taupe Liz Claiborne. "Mom" would have approved and if she were alive today most likely would have been with me and bought many more than I did. I really am dealing with things just need to not spend as much time alone as I have been. I appreciate being able to unload with you guys. Good goin' on the knee decision, Lori. You won't be sorry to have them both behind you. And, an added bonus to get in on this year's deductible and out of pocket. At least you will know what to expect. Well, gotta go surfing the net...I can't remember if I told you guys I lost a diamond bracelet on Friday while I was trying on coats. Anyway, someone got an expensive treat if they picked it up. It was insured and no deductible. Not going to replace the bracelet. They make me too nervous and rings seem to stay on fingers. Going to just check out some styles and go to my fav jeweler to see what she can do. Great job on the walking and the pound dropped, Cheri. You will be at goal b/4 you know it. Yep, it sucks to walk indoors but I am looking at that soon also. You all have a great evening. Again, you guys are great and thanks for the support.

Chapamar....that's a VERY good guess...went back and looked and I think that is the Scarecrow!

Welcome Mimi...let me start out by saying congratulations on the decision to have LB surgery. Do all the reading that you can on this site and get yourself educated on LB surgery any way you can. It will help you in the long run. Sounds like you have already changed your way of eating. That's a total plus in preparing yourself. Good luck on your journey to a new/healthier you!

It really doesn't bother me...my friends love me...I do the DD all the time. I don't judge others that partake (as long as there's not getting in the vehicle). My body just does not like booze and reacts in a negative way. I think it majorly affects my central nervous system. A "normal" person should be able to handle 2 drinks without too extreme of side affects. 1/2 beer just about does me in. It wasn't quite as bad when I was heavy but my 98lb friend could have 5-6 drinks and I was still on my first and litterally be walking tilted and tripping on my way to the restroom. I sometimes wonder if it is due to the vertigo which I have had since early teens. :redface:

Darn....I'm a few days away from turning 54! No Grandkids...been years since Sesame Street. Ugh!

OK...another, please!

I LOVE a good party. My body has never processed alcohol the way it does for most. All our friends partake and so does DH. More than one makes me slur and walk crooked. After LB tried but was much worse so had to give it up. Not like it crimped my style. I'm still the first at a party and the last to leave. Even when my son has his "after parties" in his shop in town. I'm there. Love to socialize.

Debbie Reynolds?

That was one thing that I was soooooooo paranoid about. I would keep my coat on at times just to cover the back rolls. Wishing you all the success you deserve. Just imagine how good you will feel and how much more confidence you will have a year from now. Follow all of your doc's rules. Make good/healthy food choices. Get out and move and you will see results!

Ditto what CW said. For some, the hair loss just happens. Be patient, don't panic, it will all come to an end. I notice also that my hair came back looking better. I do think that the mega-dose of Bioton I have taken since b/4 LB surgery has done wonders for my nails and hair. Never hurts to try it. I am 54 and have been at goal for a year. I remember looking in the mirror and almost jumping back....I felt that my face looked distorted. Well, happy to tell you I grew back into most of it. I used a good moisturizer daily on face and neck. The chicken neck is almost all gone and the face has really tightened up. Give it some time. Also, we have to realize we have been heavy for quite some time and we are not going to have the same face after weight loss. Good luck!

That would be my guess also, Samantha. Think you got it! Hey Diva...this should be fun. Thanks for the entertainment.

Janet...I got the dye job and highlights and cut on Monday. Always makes me feel ten years younger. I cannot dye mine myself. I have white hair underneath it all and it is very course. It turns out splotchy if I do it. When I was young, I had almost black hair. I have lightened it up in the last ten years or so to soft brown with just a bit lighter highlights. My hair grows extremely fast (a little over an inch in a month) so it gets a little spendy. But, got rid of the skunk stripe. :redface:

The roosters crowed at 4am again this morning. Oops...don't have roosters...it was DH. We are in that time of year where you grab sleep when you can get it. This last week has been the 4am. Cutting in fertilizer and have to work when the ground is frozen or else it gets mucky. The other half of the crew is tiling so don't even bother with a meal on the table. Packed lunches last night and this morning threw it all in the cooler. Made a HUGE roaster of scalloped potatoes with ham and corn last night and only had one person that ate. They all spread their separate ways after work. That doesn't happen very often as they are hungry but each had something going on. A little warning? Nope. Potatoes do not freeze very well so will be adding a little milk and they will get it tonight. Still have not gotten into the fields to harvest the corn. DH is thinking Monday to start. That's going to bring us until late December b/4 we get done. Guess that's the thing that drives me nuts about farming. No for certains. Every aspect of it is dependent on the weather. I notice lately that I feel like I am at the end of my rope with it all. (And no one to take it out on cuz they are gone all day. LOL) I am sure I am feeling this way due to all the stresses lately. And, now that the major packing and stacking is done in mom's apt, I am here along with only the dog to talk to. (No, not time for the Funny Farm....me and the talk both talk to each other all day long). I was home yesterday by myself from 4am till I picked DH up in the field at 8pm. I cried most of the day. I would look down and my shirt would be wet. Guess a person just has to work through the feelings. Never good to delay the grief. Today I will make a point of getting to town. Have another truck load that is all packed up and sitting on my truck and ready to go to Sal Army. Then to the local Town and Country to get my boy some dog food. Maybe stop for some milk. I know, I know....waaaaaaaaaaaaay too exciting of a day. Back home and hit the books and maybe for some real excitement I'll walk to the mailbox. (Yep, I've got some pouting going on...in a funk). Julie....Like Cheri, I also wonder about if the PT you are getting is causing more harm than good. I wish you could see someone that could put their finger on what is really going on with that shoulder. Better get the bills paid b/4 the mailman does his drive-by. The stack is not going to take care of itself and nothing more dreaded than a messy desk. You all take care and have a good day. Think I will grab the dog and take a walk around the farm to see if a little nature will renew my spirits.

Phyll...fire up that RV right after Eva heads back and head to South Dakota! It would get you there just about at the right time. :redface: More shopping? Sounds like fun. We have a great Outlet Mall about 3 hours from here. Hardly ever hit it in the winter due to the bitterly cold weather. But, in the summer, I could spend all day just wandering in and out of stores. There's a little bit of everything. DH and I love the Kitchen Aid and Bose....usually hit those first. You girls have a wonderful time. Janet have any tiling jobs lined up for Eva?????

Laura...sounds like the docs are really pushing to be more safe than sorry. Will be thinking of you and saying some extra prayers for you, your dad and your family. Take care of yourself. Take some time just to get away by yourself for walk while you are down there. Everyone needs their own "thinking time". I hope you do feel some relief that the treatments will start. Get your protien, take your vitamins, try to get adequate sleep..just take care.

Kartman...let me start by thanking you for your serivice to our country. I voted "no" and my opinion is strictly based on the fact that I had a HUGE fear of the draft when my son was in Iraq a couple of years back and still have the fear as I have another son who could go over at any given time. I would just as soon my sons do their missions with others that signed up for the job.

We can just visit on this thread if you would like. There may be others that would join in to give or get advice. To PM, just click on the person's name and a list will pop up. Click on "send personal message" and type your message in the box provided. There's no question that you should worry about asking. We've all been there. I received so much help from others when I first started out and enjoy paying back. What are some of the things your are wondering about? Fire away!:redface:

We'll just think positivly for the good roads....I would feel right at home in that field 25 miles north of Watertown! I knew DH was coming and still claim the tab for lunch. :redface:

Julie...so good to here you more upbeat. We all have a low days. Hopefully your new pain meds will help. Sleep deprivation could turn anyone's world upside down. Did not realize you are so far from Watertown. That would be a mega-drive just for lunch! Great...BTW...lunch is on me. Just figured milage and you will travel 50 miles more than me round trip. That will make it fair. Hard to believe I am meeting my first LBT person and it's you! So excited that if I ate chicken right now I might just have my second pb of all time.

I am looking forward to meeting you that Sat. There are a lot of different restaurants around 5th Str SE and 9th Str SE. Also, there is a food court at the mall and a bar and grill where we could get a salad or a burger right in the mall. There are quite a few stores if you choose to shop. BDalton Books, Maurices, Christopher and Banks, Payless, Vanity, Herbergers, JC Pennys AND Fashions Plus which we would just snub our noses at cuz their clothes WOULD BE TOO BIG FOR US! The only way I wouldn't make it is if there would be ice or snow to drive on that day. I will email you my cell # and we can talk the day b/4. Your daughter sounds like a typical 28 yr old. As I am sure you know....us mothers tended to do for our kids. You can catch them being courteous to everyone but you. Working for everyone but you. When they are "truly" on their own, that's when you start to see how much they really do appreciate you and they know they need to be responsible for themselves. It will come (you are wishing soon rather than later, right?). I guess I would just set up the rules and tell her what you expect as far as what choes are hers to do. I am willing to bet if you gave her some of the day to day chores you do, she would come to realize and appreciate what you do for all that live in your home. We used to tease our boys when they were younger. DH would say that when they got their first home and had their children, we were coming to stay and were going to jump on the beds and furniture, leave our stuff all over the place and teach their kids how to say bullsh_t. Wonder if we will ever get that invitation. You will get through this but just don't let her walk on you. You deserve respect and at 28 she should be a helping hand to you not causing more work for her momma.