Apples2

Phyll...my first thought while reading your post was dehydtration. Were there extremely salty food at your party with adult drinks. I will notice a 3-4 lbs weight gain for a few days after I have overdone it on ham or salty deli meats. You gotta get the Coach. You WERE in Onderland and by the time you get home with that purse, I bet you will be in Onderland again. You GF's have a great time shopping and lunching tomorrow.

Good to come across your post, Cathy! I had been wondering how you are doing. Thanks for the "doll" compliment but think you are way too kind. I feel wonderful and can run circles around anyone. Will be 54 in a few days and I can honestlly say that I feel younger than I have in 30 yrs. I do not frequent this thread very often but I do keep up on what is posted. Kind of feel like I have lost touch with the Junies of 2008. Sounds like your life is a busy one and that you are doing well. Pop in once in awhile. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that you are missed.:thumbup:

Each night I allot enough calories to still be able to eat some low fat popcorn each night. During the weightloss phase I popped the 100 cal bags. Something to look forward to and takes awhile to eat. If I was hungry a bit later I would eat a pickle, cocktail onions (a little bit of sweetness and only 10 cals for 5 onions). I always have a bag of melon cut and ready to grab. A few little chuncks do the trick. Also, I have bags of prepared veggies or open up a can of veggies to snack on. As others have said, get your trigger foods out of the house. Good luck!

Thanks for posting the Coach site, Lori. I could get into them. I LOVE the plaid ones. I doubt if our closest outlet has a Couch store but sure Mall of America has a store. Maybe my reward for 2 yrs bandiversary? I think I just answered my own question. Happy you are having an Indian Summer day, Julie. We're not. Cold and windy with big chance of rain. Sitting here with a Titanium double lined workout hoody, a Columbia vest and an Eddie Bauer zip fleece jacket. Burrr. Ditto what Great said on rewarding yourself. It's difficult sometimes to feel worthy of gifting yourself but even a day off from childcare and a nice lunch with a bunch of friends would do it for me. I like nothing better than the time I set aside for my "girls". Today it is coffee with a long time friend at a cool little coffee shop in our nearest town. Tomorrow getting my eyelash extensions touched up (every 2-3 weeks) and then going out for dinner and "girl talk" with my friend who is doing the extensions and owns the salon. I love my DH but gotta have my time with friends. Only so many nights can be done sitting watching him with his head in his lap sleeping behind his lap top. I just need that stimulation. How about when you reach your 115lb lose that we meet somewhere at the half way point? I think you have done very well for what you have been through. Don't let that fear of past failure rule! I did not list my rewards with my previous post. Wanted others to get started first. I did permenent eyeliner and eyelash extensions for my 1 yr bandiversary. Then, I figured I deserved a bit more and bought three Geiger boiled wool coats (choke). DH did something very special for my 1yr. He just SHOWED UP at the lake on a Wed night. Now, you would have to know DH to know this is a huge deal and meant so much to me. He has been and always will be a classic workaholic. Now way to change him so I go with the flow. (Hence why I need the GF stimulation and time with them). Well, I could not have been happier when he actually got off the tractor during ridging the crops and headed up to spend a couple of hours with me. He had planned on spending the night but DS had some machinery trouble and headed home. Just nice that he got his butt off the tractor and thought of it all on his own. That gesture was really all I needed. But, I continue to reward here and there. A consignment shop find makes me just as happy as a Nordstroms buy. (And sometimes happier cuz of the great deal I got). I guess my point is to just treat yourself with kindness and give yourself credit for your accomplishments big or small. Sometimes I think we get wrapped up in feeling like a failure cuz we compare ourselves to how others have done. We all move at our own pace. We have many hares on this thread and many tortoises. (Eva has the corner on the market in the totoise dept...not saying that you are extra slow, Eva...just in the number of little ones you are the momma to).

TGIF Janet...You are lucky the family picked up the room. I have had company (and not even family) that have left a terrible mess after being guests for a couple of weeks. Ok...throwing out a "subject for today". Janet and Phyll are going shopping. Phyll hit onderland and has a Coach purse in her sights. I remember on previous attempts to lose I would reward myself with food. Ten more pounds and I could introduce Cheetos back into my diet. Another pound away and I can have a peice of double fudge cake, etc. It just set me up for failure. I had yet to realize that turning to food in most every situation is what got me in trouble in the first place. So topic for today....What have you done for yourself when reaching goals whether big or small(and not saying a person "needs" rewards for weightloss...just nice to do something for yourself). I was one to feel soooooooooooooo selfish the first time I rewarded with something other than food. I think in the busy world we live in, we are forever on the run, doing for others and we get lost in it all. Meredith has the right idea with doing charms for every ten pounds. Phyll...diamond earrings and now a Coach purse. Cool...I just wish we could ALL be there to help her pick it out. By listing some things by some of us farther down the trail than others it might help new pple recognize they can pat themselves on the back and help to focus on little goals and help keep them on track.

I am thankful that Eva has surpassed her 30lb loss limitation of her past. As far as the baking goes, Eva. On most days all my recipes are "revamped" to low fat. On these days when the guys are burning more than they take in, they get the real thing. My DH and DS are and always have been very health conscious. If they would gain 5lbs, it's off by the next week. They both have the ability to push themselves away from the table. No lap band for them! As far as the other guys that work here on a seasonal basis...it's free meals a few times a day and they have to "watch their own bobber".

Laura...get some rest and keep us posted if you can. Poor Nels. Hope he is feeling better soon. Will say an extra prayer for your dad and in hopes that there are some very positive answers. Take care.

Hi Meredith! Nice to see you posting again. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we missed you! Your photos are beautiful. You look great. Wish I had your nice white smile. Great teeth. Your sister is a real beauty also. Ok...and the dog too. You did great not to gain while on your trip. Bet reality hit when you got home and had a semester to complete. Good luck with your finals and nice to see you again.

Hey Melissa..how are you doing? Better?:biggrin:

We all have our trigger foods and we are always telling each other here to GET THEM OUT OF THE HOUSE. For some it is Fritos, others ice cream, cookies scream out to some of us. If you are consuming that many protein bars in a day, I would say get rid of them and just start over with all "fresh" basic foods. Try to not add any processed foods to your diet and when you feel like you have a handle on things, introduce them as a snack...but only on special occassions or for a "planned treat". I just hate to lecture but if you are consuming that many bars, they would account for the total number of calories a person should eat in a day and still lose weight. I would dump them and replace with very low calorie snack. Try to eat your hard protein first at a meal and then a veggie. I know it's difficult to hold off eating anything for 4-5 hours, but, like Janet said, find an activity to try to get the hunger out of your mind. Go for a walk, take a bath, brush your teeth, rinse with mouth wash, pick up a puzzle, etc. I guess if I were you I would ask everyone here to give an example of the amount of calories they ate on a daily basis during their weight loss phase and examples of how they designed their meal menus. This would give you some guidelines. As far as breakfast ideas. Do some bake-ahead mini-quiches made in cupcake pans. You can make and freeze in individual baggies. I make a big pot of steel cut oats and when done I add raisins and Splenda. I freeze in 1 cup size and grab and microwave. Great with sugar free maple syrup. You need to eat adequate meals to stave off the hunger and prevent snacking. I hope this helps and was not too preachy. No, I take that back. Preachy is sometimes good to help someone get back or keep on track. If you have the time each evening, post exactly what you have eaten during the day, how it was prepared and the amount of cals you took in. Maybe we can look at it and help you tweek it.:biggrin:

Jeanie...to answer your question...I started keeping a food journal (doc's orders) about 8 months b/4 surgery and continue to do so today. I am in the maintenance stage but it becomes a habit and will probably always be part of my life. I have always kept a running total of calories throughout the day. Every doc is different in what he recommends for his band patients. I decided early on to have faith that his recommendations would work. He believes in cutting out anything "white" (white potatoes, white sugar, white flour, white rice, etc.) and keeping carbs around 35 (if I remember correctly). I was so tired of failing time after time that I just followed doc's rules to a tee to see if it would work for me. There were times that I would be very hungry but I would eat something very low in calories...steamed veggies, etc. I only allowed just so many calories per meal and learned to spread my calories throughout the day in six small meals. It must feel really good for you to know you are jumping back on the wagon and being proactive when it comes to your health. We are all here for you. When you feel weak or frustrated, come here and talk to someone. It really does help to know that we all struggle at times and we pull each other through the tough times. Sometimes there is a kick in the pants from Janet, but, listen to her advice. She is not sitting out here a couple of years later and still successful without reason. Phyll is another that is a couple of years out and continuously losing. Just know you have ppl here that care and we are all here to help.:biggrin:

Every morning I have a Pure Protein bar and pre-packaged Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal (either one or the other) when I am on the run. Aitkins and Myoplex Lite bars also work when I don't have time for a real sit down breakfast. I also cook up a pot of steel cut oatmeal and after cooked add raisins and Splenda. I put in individual freezer containers and freeze. Always ready and convenient to throw in the microwave.

Laura...thinking of you and anxiously waiting to hear how your dad handles his surgery and the rusults. Coconut...hang in there on the hunger issues. The first couple of months are the toughest b/4 you start your fills. Making the healthiest choices possible during this stage will help you in the long run. Laura K. Like Janet said, nothing wrong with raising kids that are independent. One of my biggest fears was having a 27 or older living in my basement. (Happens a lot around here and then married and the whole darned family lives together). Both mine left at 18. Sad, yes, but proud they could do it. Yeah, Julie, the pain is better. Bet you feel like a million bucks when it subsides. Knee deep in baking today, I see. Must be family recipes that they are craving? I made a light cream cheese pumpkin bread. (120 cals for a large slice), coconut/banana cream pie (way too many cals in those) and a caramel turtle cheese cake (embarrsing amount of cals) this morning. Set on desserts for my crowd until Friday. Oh yeah, made a double batch of crunchy cranberry cookies. Tonight's dinner is chicken enchilada cheese bake. Not band friendly food but chilly and like to have comfort food for the guys when they put in such a long day. Tiny...happy to see that you were excited to come back and "hang" with us. Hey Jazlady...how you doing? One thing that really helped during weightloss phase was weighing and measuring. Really helps to be sure of what you are eating. Also, keeping a daily food journal is one of the things that will hold a person accountable. Kind of like balancing the check book. When your calories are spent for the day, that's it. Janet...OK...what brought a tear to your eye? The spewing coffee and popcorn????

Oh Arlene...this just made my day! Right back at ya!:biggrin:

Greek yogurt will give you needed protein. Just buy the plain and add some pureed fruit to get some flavor. Greek yogurt is much higher in protein than other yogurts. And, everyone needs a few carbs in their diet on a daily basis.

1. I am thankful that there is not one person here that claims to "know it all". 2. I am thankful for a supportive DH and two loving sons that I am so proud of and have turned into responsible adults. 3.I am thankful and blessed to live in our US of A and to experience freedom. 4. I am thankful for all the heroic young men and women that serve our country and allow me to live in my free world. I pray for those that have been killed, injured and emotionally injured while fighting for our freedom. 5. I am thankful that I can just slide into my jeans! (I know, I know, sounds pretty superficial after my first 4 statements). 6. I am thankful for my "empty nest dog" who really does sense when momma is lonesome for her boys and does somewhat fill that void. 7. I am extremely thankful for the many happy moments and loving memories I have of my "mom" and the time I was allowed to spend with her. 8. Last but not least...I am thankful for each and everyone of you. You have all been my "go to ppl" when I needed understanding, advice, or just a avenue to vent my frustrations. You have all been my daily inspiration. You have made me laugh and blow popcorn, coffee, whatever all over my desk. You guys have surrounded me during a time that I did not know I would make it through and I am ever so thankful to have each and every one of you in my life.:smile:

I guess the best way to start is to just throw your questions out there. There are many experienced banders willing to share their experiences. I remember the waiting for insurance approval. Was my most worrisome time throughout this entire process. The lap band is the best thing I have ever done for myself. You do have to work right along with the band in making healthy food choices and following your doc's rules. If you do these things, you will see results and ultimately hit your goals. Wishing you luck. Feel free to either email me our send a personal message.

Totally agree with your original post, Janet. I am full of willpower as I am sure most of us are. Heck, the first time I lost weight as a senior in HS, my friends were all over me stating that they wished they had half my willpower. When I gained most of it back my college freshman year, nothing was said. I wish one of them would have. We have the willpower to take it off, the toughest part comes with maintaining the willpower throughout the years after weightloss. But, with the band (and if you continue to follow the band rules and eat a healthy diet) it will help you to keep it off. I think it was Linda that posted this morning and was talking about being afraid of certain foods. (cake, cookies, etc.). I truly believe that it was that fear that made me gain back weight time after time. My thinking was "Well I slipped up again...no use in trying". And then I would give up. It's almost like it put me into panic mode and I would feel like a failure and feel so defeated if I sat and ate some pasta salad (was my downfall food), pie, etc. Now I look at those foods as a "treat". When I was in the weightloss stage, I did treat myself to all those foods. But, it would be a couple of bites. Just to satisfy. Deprivation can get a person into the wrong frame of mind and I think the body craves a treat once in awhile.

OK...now I'm clear on what Costco is. We do not have a membership to Sams. 95 miles away. I do hit Walmart to save on some bulk things I use to cook for my guys and things for the farm shop (paper towels, etc.) We subscribe to the Minneapolis daily and the crosswords are both in the Variaty section. You can also get them online. You are correct...Monday is easy (not enough challenge as I tend to get Mon, Tues, and Wed done in about 10 min.). Friday, Sat and Sun and what I like. I find crosswords to be relaxing and keep my brain working. How much brain power does it take to read a recipe, drive for farm parts, make a hotdish, do a load of laundry?, etc.

Oops...missed the congrats to Linda on her 96lbs gone forever. Good goin' Eva...You were asking about the 1910 lunch bags. Don't even know if I know what a Costco store is. Nothing like that around here. We have SuperValu, Rainbow Foods, Cub, Sams Club or Walmart (and I have to drive 65 miles to get to one of them and 95 miles to get to the others. Just mom and pop stores in our rural area. (Yes, mom and pop are at the checkout). TV...not very interesting. If it's on, I go for Dateline, 20/20, Larry King, CNN, etc. DH is usually behind his laptop in the evenings and I am doing my daily LA Times or NY Times crossword and then move onto my reading. My true addiction is those two puzzles DAILY. I actually feel withdrawl if I don't get them in every day. My sons were not tv watchers while growing up and still are not. They had all the entertainment they wanted right out their front door. Could not force them into sitting down and watching cartoons on a rainy day. Slickers were put on and out the door hand in hand as little guys. I would love to make a wish and have those days back.

Laura..probably did not catch you but wanted to tell you to have a safe trip. Not sure what to tell you on the Nels with the fever issue. If he is like my boys were, they could run a slight fever on any given day this time of the year with the virus' running rampet. Hope his fever goes down. Just be careful that Nels stays a distance away from GF and clean his hands with disinfectant periodically. Will be thinking of you and your family as your dad goes through this surgery. He will be happy to be able to be free of the tube. I am sure all of this is on your mind continuously and consumes you. Take care of yourself and stay strong. Hope your DH takes advantage of his TV "scratch wherever he wants", beer drinking/sandwich eating sessions. Every guy needs to think he is getting away with something. My guys are usually "dirty". Mud and gravel on boots so my rule is drop the shoes at the door. I KNOW that when I am gone they sneak up to the fridge or down to laundry room with muddy boots. But, when asked, no one seems to know who did it. Thanks for the anniversary wishes. The day is actually today. We've had a good run of it. Could just smack him sometimes (and I am sure visa versa) but we just have always had a good life together. Guess we set these three simple marraige "rules" early. 1. Pass gas in bed and your dead! 2. Respect for each other and our children 3. Try to meet each other half way on the parenting. We have always had a tradition at our house on bdays and anniversarys. We "hide" our cards or gifts under the bed. When the alarm goes off, we take turns opening. We did the same with the kids. On their bdays, they would jump in bed with us to open their gifts first thing in the morning. Usually DH and I make cards for each other. This year I did buy him a gift. So weird. Sunday when I was in town I found him a John Deere (we are big into the green) pocket watch. A little JD tractor is the second hand that races around the face. Yesterday I had just gotten to town and he called looking to see if I had a second hand on my watch so that I could help him to calibrate his fert input while I was on the phone with him. So weird that I had just bought him that watch the day b/4. I was almost tempted to run it back to the field 15 miles away but waitrf til morning. Also had a sign made for our farm as a gift to him. We have three HUGE flat rocks. They look like a mountain range as the tops form peaks. We dug into the ground and set all three, overlapping each other. Always wanted to have them etched. Checked into it and would cost at least $1500. Travel time, etching large letters, etc. Went to our local print shop and they made me a beautiful sign with our name on it. Has brackets to hang on rock. Turned out really nice and looks great. All for under $100. Nice cranberry color with ecru printing. DH got me a Bose radio with multi-CD changer. We have had a Bose in our home for about 15 yrs. but with only one CD fitting at a time. That one will head to the bedroom or to the lake. I tend to crank up my CD's while I am cleaning, baking, cooking, etc. and am going to appreciate the changer. Now I can just put in my ppl all at one time (Fergie, Jewel, Josh Grobin, Black Eyed Peas, Pink, Taylor Swift, Micheal Bloublet (sp?), THE BEATLES, Nat King Cole, etc.). Yep, I'm all over the place in what I listen to. Heading out to dinner (finally found time for our date) to a nice Italian restaurant. Meeting long-time friends and maybe oldest DS and GF. Looking forward to it. Did some thinking on the Christmas Challenge. Not going to participate. I will be the referee. I am just going to take it as it comes. I tried soooooooooo hard all summer to gain and it never happened. Once I quit trying, the weight came on. Worried so much this last couple of weeks that I would drop that weight due to stress...and, dropped the weight and even got my cals in and then some with eating sweets, etc. that were brought to the house. I'm just not even going to stress about it and see what happens. Linda...thinking of DSD and what she is going through. Hope they can get things regulated for her soon. I am sure it is all a heartache for you and added stress. Take care of yourself. I'm still in my robe ("mom's" big fluffy pink on we gave her for bday years ago) and better hit the shower and get some things done around here. Have not paid attention to things here for the last couple of weeks as I have been gone every day. Dog needs some momma time so need to get out in the yard for some play time. Nice weather the last few days. 50's and 60's and sunshine. You all have a great day. Life is good. :tongue2:

Hey Tiny..welcome. Tell us a bit about yourself. I love this thread. It's my daily dose of what I need to stay on top of LB issues. Also, this is a very friendly and well-informed group of ppl to check in with. Looking forward to getting to know you!:tongue2:

Seems like we get on one topic each day and it carries through to the end of the day. Hum..wonder what the topic will be tomorrow on this thread. Today was "Mondays", tomorrow's will be??????? OK, someone come up with something interesting!