Apples2

Oh shoot, Long...was hoping we would know today if you won your competition. I guess if you have to wait to find out, we can also. Got all dug out from our blizzard. Actually had snow drifts in our garage that is attached to the house. Sifted in...unbelievable. Ventured to town today to do some the last of my Christmas shopping. We have this cool farm store with Columbia and Woolrich clothing and everything was 40% off. Glad I went today and didn't wait. Have a feeling that it will all be weeded out b/4 the end of the week when the sale is done. Even found a sweater for myself. (Of course). Hope you have a great vacation, Cathy. I am sure this week will be stressful catching up to have some time off. (Vacations can be work!) Everyone have a great evening. We are not venturing out ANYWHERE. Will be in front of the fireplace!

Phyl...do you still have your gallbladder? What did you eat for the dinner b/4 the episode???:confused_smile:

Congrats on hitting 90lbs lost, Allie. Every mini goal hit is such a good feeling. You will be hitting your major goal b/4 you know it!!!! Sounds like you have a fun vacation planned. We don't have to travel for Christmas this year (15 miles is it). My DH has a very large family and we had Christmas at our home only every 7 yrs. My kids were up early on Christmas mornings and in the car for at least a 4 hour drive. They never complained...got to see their cousins. I don't have family so there are not decisions on whose family we are going to see for holidays. DH and I were talking this morning about upcoming vacation to FL. We leave in less than a month and will be staying a little over a month. After the storm yesterday and they freezing temps (-12) today, we are ready to get the "H" out of here. It will take my DH most of the day to clean the snow out of the yard. Snow plow went by a bit ago so I can get out of here if I get stir crazy!

Yep, Becky O, I am in MN. 9 degrees here today with at least 50 mile an hour winds. Our interstates are closed out state and visibility is down to very little. Cannot wait for our trip to FL. STAY AWAY FROM THE COOKIE DOUGH!!!!!!! Actually, I am a believer in some treats now and then but plan on what my treat will be and never treat myself on an impulse. I know it's tough to do but also know that you want to get through the holiday season without a gain. Just think about how good you will feel if you can maintain your weight during this time and not gain. You can do it!

Good luck tomorrow, Long...hope you win that $$$. Snow storm here. Big drifts and cannot see across the yard. Even snow drifts in garage (actually blew in under door that is closed). Not sure how many days we will be stuck at home but hoping today is the only one. I am just sitting and watching my DH sleep and working on one of my volunteer projects. Our wedding was so nice yesterday and DS looked so handsome in his tux. Had fun dancing with DS and DH and enjoyed some singing that my DS did with the band. He does a great Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, Jr. Hope everyone is having a great Sunday. Off to make some 100 cal popcorn. Have to make three bags...dog, DH and self!!!!!

Those couple little pounds will not mean much to you girls months down the road. I know how frustrating it can be when the scale does not move for weeks. I plateaued for so long a few months back. The scale WILL move. Just keep plugging away at. I think Strike's idea of making sure you get sufficient liquids in is something to look at. I'll be really excited for both of you when you post in a few days that those pounds are off!!!!!!!

Thanks for the compliment, Janet. I figured early on that you most likely were a professional woman. Really makes me miss my job but I have the best life I could have right now. Not much stress and get to work with DH an DS. What's everyone up to this weekend?????????? We have a wedding which my DS is a groomsman. Should be a fun one. They are talking snow storm coming in late tomorrow. Hope it does not ruin things for the wedding. DS lives in town so we can always stay there or get hotel room if we get caught in it. Have a great weekend!

Forgot to add: the cookies have about 50 cals. I make them about the size of a tsp.

Great definition on introverts, Janet. I actually am not around people 24/7..that's one of the reasons I volunteer. I work out of the home and 15 miles from town and miss seeing people. Heck, there are times that I would not leave the farm for a week at a time. Too much for me. When I had my business I had enough of people by the end of the day and loved just being at home. Yes, had severe physical and sexual abuse as a child but took care of business and sought help when I was in my thirties. It's something that is always inside of me but I learned how to deal. Plus, broke the pattern and was (and still am) the best damned mom in the world!!!!!!!!LOL This is the recipe I use for Cookies. It only makes a few and I just stick them in a baggy. When I have a large amount of people, I use the regular recipe. But for me and DH this is the one: 3 TBLS non fat ricotta cheese 3 TBLS light butter (I use I can't believe) 2/3 cup Splenda brown sugar 1/4 cup Splenda white sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1 egg 3/4 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup slow cook oats 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp baking soda about 1/2 cup choc chips (more if you like) 350 oven. Not a crisp cookie but pretty good As far as my insurance life...I sold all lines. Independent agent. Towards the end it was really difficult keeping up with all the laws and regulations for all lines. I spent a great amount of time getting educated. Got my last CIC designation the month b/4 I sold. I have been asked a number of times to work for agencies in our area but "Been there done that"! I do miss the clients though and the work scene. Hope everyone is having a nice day. I am sitting in front of the fire place with my Under Armour on. It's a cold day here and the coffee is wonderful!:wink2:

I owned two insurance agencies in two different towns for many years. I sold in 1997. I knew the stress on the farm was not going to let up and my husband was begging for a break and had started his business in 1996 so I sold mine. I had built up a pretty big client base so at least I got paid for all the years I was in it. The business we have besides farming is a drain tile business which we do almost every waking hour from May until December when it freezes. My son is taking it over next year but I will still do the books for him. He does all the estimating, quotes, etc. (besides doing the tiling with other guys including DH.) I hate to say anything about diuretics or laxatives..not a dr., but, if I were you, I would take on Sat. and then really watch sodium intake, etc. on Sunday and fast until weigh in on Mon. Charlene...LOVE Chex mix. And, with pecans and cashews. God made pecans and cashews JUST FOR ME:omg_smile: The puppy chow snack is that chocolate and powdered sugar covered thing. Actually makes me so sick to think about it I could slip my band. Turns me off. (not a sweet eater). OK girls..off to my lap band support party. My house smells of garlic so time to get the stuff out of here. Have a good evening everyone. Allie...haven't talked to you for awhile. Can't remember if I complimented you on how great you looked in your new sweater. You've got the HOT chick thing going on! Enjoy:thumbup:

NEVER in my lifetime would I guess that you are an introvert, Janet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:wink: Long story but I grew up taking care of a lot of people in my family at a very young age. Worked 30 hours a week by the age of 13, put three square meals on the table three times a day for ten people, went to school, did drama club, glee club, etc....Made my first two batches of white and wheat bread at the age of seven and continued to do so every weekend for the rest of my growing up years and many years later. And yes, type A...very much so. Even when I was heavy I didn't spend much time on my A$$. I just think it's normal (but in my mind I know better)! I do so wish I was "normal". But, darn it, I love me the way I am 98% of the time.

OK...one more thing...we are done with farming for the year...I swear my husband stands out by the mailbox waving people in and inviting them to eat!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Long....try not to get discouraged with your plateau....I had a few of them during my year of losing...try doing the 5 day pouch test that Phyll talked about. It just might kick start you. HOPE YOU WIN!!!!!! My volunteer jobs entails: Scheduling all the volunteers (I do my calender at home), filing medical records and putting in order b/4 filing, ordering for gift shop and setting up gift shop once orders come in, etc., etc., etc. I love it and I still am able to somewhat keep up at home. My DH loves the fact that I don't have a "real" job anymore. It's been 9 yrs since I sold my businesses. With farming 2000 acres and having another full time business on the side, I shouldn't be working. I volunteer cuz it's good to give back, plus, I get to see some "real" people three times a week! LOL Have my lap band support group Christmas party tonight. I am making scallops and shrimp. Have been marinating since yesterday morning. For gifts I am bringing Oikos yogurt (since everyone wants to try it but have never picked it up) and a box of Pure Protein Bars. Got cute ornaments on my Christmas shopping trip yesterday to put on the packages. Should be a fun time. My DH was joking and asked if we all are assigned to bring 1/2 cup of food. Better get after it. Have 7 guys at my kitchen table and time to get after the dishes. You all have a great day!

Hey everyone!!!!!!!!!!!! Not ignoring you guys...just tooooooo busy the last few days. Will catch up with everyone tomorrow. Gotta drag my butt to bed so I am alert for my volunteer job at the hospital tomorrow. Hope everyone is doing well. Till tomorrow...........

Hey Sooverit. Thanks. Yes, I never thought the weight would come off withing a year. I started on November 22 last year, banded June 17 and hit goal October 15 this year. I feel wonderful. I know my metabolism is now in full gear as I have been having a little difficulty hanging on to my goal weight. (Never thought that would happen in my lifetime!) My dr.s are fine with where I am at but I would like to gain about 5lbs. If not, will be satisfied where I am at. You were mentioning in another post about how time is dragging since surgery...hang in there. Once you start eating solids and start running around again...life will seem normal once again. Happy to hear things are going good. Just keep focused on a year from now and where you want to be. Happy healing!!!!

Long...I have been at goal for two months now and I still feel like I do not belong in the "normal" section even though I am wearing small-med tops and 6 slacks. It takes awhile to wrap your head around what has happened to our bodies. I worried that I would come out of this with a poor body image. I guess I didn't cuz I promised myself I would just embrace my good health and accept what Mother Nature gave me in the end. I have to say that I am happy as I could be and thankful every day for the lap band. Gotta get back to the books. Volunteered at the hospital for 4 hours today and now have to catch up with computer work at home. Hope everyone is having a nice day. Will catch up with you all later.

I'm so envious, Kathy, that you got to meet fellow bandsters from LBT. So happy that you were able to. Some of us were talking about a month ago that it would be fun to meet in Vegas in April or May. I hope we will be able to get it all together and do it. We just haven't done anything about it yet. We'll get through Christmas and see about making some plans. Have fun on your trip and hope you are able to spend some time outdoors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So nice you didn't OFF Boos...I love her. Cannot wait to meet you, Phyl, Boos...all my friends here and on a couple other threads. The Fashion Bug jeans and slacks fit pretty true to size. The six is slightly baggy on me and the 4 go up my butt. So, have the 6. I have skinny legs and love the cut of the legs on them. Have your friend try them. She can always order two sizes and return on of the sizes. Yes, I guess I will have to give in and post a b/4 and after. Will only do it on this thread though. I had DH take one the other night and will see if I can get DS to help me post it. I'm not in my new xmas outfits though. Just a plain ole' farm woman in jeans! I am not extremely tall. Was 5"8' 20 yrs ago. Now I measure about 5"7'. I am just all legs and arms. At 249# I always heard from my friends that I was not "fat" enough to do the band. Oh yes I was...I carried it all in a VERY dangerous place. From the boobs to the waist. Never did have much on the arms or legs. In fact, came out of this with no bat wings cuz there was not fat there anyway. Still decorating. Of course had to buy MORE when I was in town this morning. Also, making 4 different kinds of fudge this afternoon and also making date mini muffins and pumpkin mini muffins. Peppermint fudge, Peanut Butter crunch fudge, chocolate cashew fudge and choc/butterscotch fudge. My DS's girlfriend's parents flew to FL, took a week off of work and helped the kids move to Georgia and want to send them a little something as a thank you. I moved them the last time and I know what I big job it can be. Well, back to work. Hope everyone is having a good day.

Hey JoAnne....feeling a little more back to normal today? Every day gets a little better. I was lucky to not have any incision or port pain but I did get the horrible gas pain in the shoulder for about a month. No fun. Hang in there. By the end of the week you should feel pretty good.

Yep, all were fixed at the same time and I was home 2 hours after coming out of recovery. It was actually a pretty easy surgery and worst part was having to be careful not lifting, stretching or pulling. There have been no after affects from the surgery and am happy it is behind me. I have had other hernia and adhesions surgeries (3). Just in the genes, I guess. Sorry to hear of your troubles. Sounds like your reflux is worse. Hope you can get a handle on it. Not a good thing to have happen. See if you can get this worked out with your doc. I have been so lucky. Have never PB'd or slimed. I am on this side of hungry when it comes to being filled. I have had two fills in a 14cc band. I get hungry every 3-4 hours and that is fine with me. My biggest fear is the next fill would put over the edge and start causing problems. Good luck with your dr. visit!

Long...The Macys, Nordstroms, etc. are about 3.5 hours away in Mpls. The closest clothing store in our area is 70 miles from my home. Herbergers. Fashion Bug is in that same town. I swear that if anyone tries their jeans they will be hooked. Like I said b/4 a fit for any shape. They are called "Right Fit" and have denim and dress slacks. Yep, Long, we are on a farm 15 miles from anything or any town. We live on a county tar so not a bad drive. I have an addiction that I would like to confess to my friends here. I am addicted to Christmas! It takes me 10 hours to decorate my tree and three other days to decorate the house. It's a sickness but I am so happy doing it!!!!!

Welcome to bandland, Teach. So happy to hear you are feeling so good so soon after surgery. Take care of yourself and don't do too much too soon.

Hey Allie...wow you looked so pretty on your way to that party. Love the sweater. Strike...I tried to not set goals when it came to losing weight. Main reason was that I had failed at dieting too many times and was disappointed in myself each time. Decided that with the band, I would accept whatever and not worry about any time frame to lose. I would plateau for a few weeks and would just put the scale away for awhile so I didn't drive myself nuts. Those numbers on the scale can ruin a day if you let it!

Janet...so funny that you and Phyl were talking about meeting on the internet. My DH and I were having that conversation just the other day. Was telling him that I was discussing going to Vegas with my band friends. He got worked up saying that I didn't even know who I was meeting and better be careful that "those people" are who they say they are. If Phyl and Janet turn out to be serial killers, I will just sit down and have a little talk with them and I am sure they will change their nasty ways! It is difficult to find a good fit jean, Janet. But, I'm the opposite of you. I love the low rise jeans. I know they were made just for ME. The problem I have is that I need a 34" inseam so usually end up ordering on the internet. I found some great fitting ones online at fashion bug. They had a great sale when I ordered. Got them for a little over $16. Now they are about $30. Anyone looking for jeans should go to their site and take a look. They have a fit for all figure types. I tried them on in their store and then came home and ordered the talls. I also got dress slacks there. They really are cute and good quality. You can get high or low rise. I started with size 10. Thought for sure I wouldn't get any smaller than that...a month later ordered 8's. A month after that ordered my 6's. Each time I ordered black, light blue and indigo blue. Felt bad each time I had to reorder but then I starting thinking about what most jeans cost and let it go. I try not to feel as if I "wasted" money on clothes as I was changing sizes. I was able to pass the clothes along to Salvation Army. We had great Christmas parties this weekend. We have one each weekend until Christmas and then a big weekend at a hotel for New Years Eve with all our friends from the lake. We reserved 15 rooms. A week or so after that we are heading south. Cannot wait to get out of this snow, cold and wind. Everyone have a nice peaceful Sunday. I need to finish putting up my Christmas stuff. But, a nap might be good first. 2am two night in a row is too much for this old lady. (And, of course, got talked into a yag bomb with my MUCH younger friends). It made me happy for a really long time!

Wanna post more but on my way out the door to our guards awards ceremony. Nervous...have to get up and speak in front of at least 500 people. I'll pull it off but that beef Jerky I just ate for lunch is jumping around. After that, it's another xmas party and then off to see a friend of our son's band perform. Will catch up with you all tomorrow. Happy that you are both doing well JoAnne and Sooverit!!!!!!!!!