Apples2

Kelly...do you get that hour walk in every day? I make a lot of stews and chilis. So easy to break them down into one to one and a half cup and throw in the freezer or leave in the frig for lunch for the week. Janet (Indiogirl) our leader makes one she named "One Pot Wonder". Acutally dishes like that have everything we need in it. Hopefully, your winters aren't too bad and you can continue to get out and walk. Or do you do a treadmill then?

Happy Day! You have done so well, Christie. Caught your photos when you put them up the other day. You are such a cutie. No wonder you got hit on!

Good Morning All.... Janet and Phyll...glad you had a good day together. What a nice thing for Phyll's DH to have dinner made for you. And, way to go on the good deals, Phyll. Laura...congrats on the wieghtloss. Nice that you were able to visit with your doc on your feelings about your testing the limits, maintenance and what you want to shoot for as far as weightloss. I think he is setting a reasonable goal for March. Gives you a number to keep in your mind and it isn't an overwhelming own. You have had a lot of stress in your life this past year and have done well to not gain, maintain and now to find out you have even lost. That has to give you that "kick" to want to get to the numbers he would like to see you at. I am hoping that this unfill does it for you. I don't have a lot of fill in my band and have never experienced a true relux since banding. But, I need to be ever vigilant not to eat anything too rich at my evening meal. Just doesn't set right. Maybe try to stay away from any fats with your evening meal and try to do as doc says and watch your portion. I am the opposite of how Janet eats. I get 3/4 of my calories in by 2pm. It's just something I need to do for my body to fuel my physical activity I do during the day. Anyway, hope this unfill resolves the problem. No fun. Tied to the farm this morning. Not sure if I have ever mentioned it but DH and his buddy invented a farm implement in 1986 and they have been sold all over the US up until 2 yrs ago. Well, this is the time of year they are being used and we sell parts for maintaining them. Either I ship the parts out or if a farmer lives close enough, he will come to our farm to pick it up. The pickle is....I've never known a farmer to be anywhere he says he is going to be at the time he says he will be there. So, even though I should be leaving to do a banking, errands, etc., I sit and wait. I know I am the most impatient person God put on this earth but I don't think he put me on this earth to make me sit and wait. Ugh! Whine, whine, whine. There, got that done for the day! We have ANOTHER wake and funeral Wed/Thurs. DH's best buddy's mother passed away. Him and his wife left (driving) for AZ on Friday and she passed on Sunday. They had to do a turn around. "They" say things come in 3's....I'd like to let "They" know we are well over a dozen for the year and it can stop now. Beautiful day here in MN. Sun is shining. Aha...my guy is here for his part. You all have a good day.

Eva...when I get projects like that done, I just feel a cloud lift. It's almost like it's nagging every time a walk into a room or closet that is a mess. I am going to tackle DH's office out in his shop while he is away doing tiling. He has brochures from 1982. WTH? I won't throw anything special away but I know the dumpster will be full. You have a good night also. I'm off to bed.

Dogs might think their owners are crazy but who else could you do certain things in front of? They love us no matter what. I bet you are excited to start classes. If I weren't so old, I'd love to go back to school.

Well Kelly...at least some of us ladies will be able to see your print..LOL. Note to Phyll...did you notice I didn't say "Little Old Ladies"?????? Sounds like you get your daily exercise. As you stated in your PM, you live too far to go to gym every day. That's the case for me also. But, I've always been a believer that a person needs to keep moving to stay young and stay healthy. Good going!

Arlene...gun safe is for oldest DS. I bought DH one for his bday about 5 yrs ago. That one weighs over 700lbs and took quite a few guys to move it into the house. Figured it was a good thing to buy him since he has an 8 yr old and a 5 yr old in his house now...I detest guns and when young ones are around, there should be absolutely no sign of them. Just ask Cheri... Sounds like quite the "themed" funeral. I've been to a few like that. Fishing rod in the casket, etc.

Good Evening...just made it home from my day out. What a nice day! Got to 58 and sun was shining. Gonna enjoy it while we can. Got what I went for but couldn't bring it home. Ordered a gun safe online (as I stated this morning) over a week ago and supposed to be free shipping. Well, found out yesterday it is back ordered and the shipping would be $189. Nope. Had to drive an hour one way to get to Fleet Farm where they have the same thing and had to leave it in the store cuz it weighs 450lbs. Will have DH go with me to pick it up in a couple of weeks. All in all a great trip. Except for the dog....he was so tired of momma singing Christmas songs by the time we got home. His ears were down most of the trip. That's what you get when you travel with mom. Kelly...welcome. We are a nice close group but we love new blood. I know that for me, this was my soft place to fall when I was needing some help. Sounds like you are doing quite well. Also sounds like you live in some interesting country. Just wanted to say "hi" and better go get dinner on the table. Later.

Catherine...just gotta tell you...I LOVE your blog. And, all the designer dresses....a girl after my own heart.

Thanks for the congrats....I get to name my celeb. I lost Paris Hilton...Honk...Kim Kardashian?????

Eva....ducks for Prez...cute. I went as Pat Paulsen for Prez one year. I have many places to hide a gun safe and am very creative. We have three large storerooms in our house and almost anything can be stored under a tarp that is strapped. Have a fun day cleaning. I need to get out of here so I am back by 8pm to feed my guys. I can find more things to do to delay myself.

Yes, Janet, that's why we are all here...to get the love. Whether it be tough love or the just the love you throw our way every day...thanks for the love you give all of us....(tears)

Janet and Phyll....enjoy your time together and hope you find the best bargain ever at Coach. I bet with Christmas shopping sales, you will find something. And, keep in mind....if you have any little women to buy for on your Christmas list, maybe can find a little wallet or something for them. I needed a red (blue red) purse for winter since I love that color with almost anything. I found the perfect one on sale. A Liz Claiborne that was last year's model for 80% off...is perfect size (big...I like big). I get excited about buys like that. Hectic day yesterday. Not bad just a lot of time running to the field. No time to start things I wanted. Nerves with my two guys are a little frazzled trying to get things done b/4 the ground freezes. It stresses me so I just do any of the menial jobs and stay out of ear shot. They always take on too much. I can only last a couple of days without getting off the farm. After I get things done around the house this morning and get my books caught up, the dog and I are going to take a drive. Had ordered (online) a gun safe for DS but found out yesterday it's backordered and worried it won't be here in time for Christmas. Cancelled order and just gonna drive the 2.5hours and go pick one up in the sports store. My two have plenty of guys lined up to help them so I am off the hook. Great...congrats on getting all 50 states. You'll just have to order that spoon online and pretend. Hope you have a good time the rest of your trip. TX...so how'd it feel to get your first A$$ kicking from Janet????????? She's good, isn't she? Bet you won't be nibbling on any chocolate donuts any time soon. You jumped on this train and we are not about to shove you off over one donut but we might make your ride a miseable one if you sabatouge yourself. It's all cuz we care. I always looked at those treats we should not have as "undoing" the good a person has done so far. Not only is it about the calories consumed, it's about staying on task and taking care on your new stomach and heading towards your goal. Band friendly treats are great and something to enjoy as long as you plan for them in your food plan. Honestly, half the battle with trigger foods is to not have them in your house, truck, etc. The way I handled things around here was that everybody at the same thing and it was healthy. I figured if I was going to change my lifestyle, I certainly wanted my DH and DS to eat as healthy cuz I want them around when I am 100. I do make them a baked treat once in awhile but have learned to cook and bake low fat low sugar. They cannot tell the diff. Most of my baking does not even have any fat it in. My substitute is sugar free applesauce that I make in the fall and freeze in portions for baking. I also use whole wheat flour instead of white. The applesauce adds the extra moisture. DH raves more about my baking now than he ever did....not sure why but I think it's because he know how hard I worked to make his little treats healthier. Arlene....those steel cut oats are just so satisfying, aren't they? And, they stick with you. I am still getting up about 3am for me feeding and oats are my food of choice. Makes me feel all satisfied and they don't sit in my throat once I head back to bed. After DH's mother died I was concerned about is diabetic father eating the right things. When I make a batch, he gets enough for a couple weeks to put in his freezer. Well...better get supper in the crockpot, hit the shower and get on the road. It's gonna be a good day. Sending the love.

I think you just answered your own question with your last statement. "It's my ultimate decision what goes on my plate and what goes in my mouth". If you do not want to sample the foods that you feel are not something you want to indulge in, then do not put them on your plate. The food traditions that our families make year after year will always be there. The way I feel about food during the holidays is that a person can indulge in a small portion of some of their favorite foods. Just like every day life. We all need a treat sometimes and cannot deprive ourselves of our favorites forever. It's all about portion control and not about never having our favorites again just because we are banded. But, you make the choice. If you feel you are not ready to be tempted by all the choices during the holidays, then stick to your plan and make the food choices you want. Those first holidays after banding and during the weightloss stage are a bit scary. Look how well you have done so far with your weightloss. Just rely on your own good instincts when the time comes. Good luck!

TX...back away from the donuts!!!!!!!!! Are you on solids already? There are ways to get your chocolate fix but be very careful to not have too much around if that is your weakness. My usual breakfast is an Atkins PB chocolate covered protein bar. You can cut them up to just get a taste or you can make it your breakfast. Close to 20 gr protein and 240 calories. They are very tempting so watch how many you have on hand so you are not tempted to overdo it. Good to hear your shoulder is better. I imagine you will be having some PT?

Cheri...have you introduced a new spice/condiment into your diet the last couple of weeks?

Cheri...I've seen others posts where ppl say that Immodium does the trick for them when it comes to gas. You must be eating things that have intensified this in you. It's not fun. I have certain things that can trigger bloating and gas. I just have to completely stay away from them unless I want to have some misery. Good luck.

Laura...I contacted "Them". Told them that their ads made me want to eat an entire pie.

Reverie...sounds like you are working very hard at sticking to your weightloss plan and new lifestyle. As stated above...hide the scale for a bit. Try to introduce a new type of exercise to your program and drop one for a short period of time. Try dropping your cals to 1000-1100 a day a week and stay where you are at the rest of the days. I remember this frustrating phase. The scale just didn't move for about 30 days. But, I went down sizes during this time. It was probably the time during my weightloss that my body changed the most. Patience, patience, patience is the key word at this stage.

I've never been a gym person but admire ppl who get on the schedule and do classes, trainer, etc. With my life it just does not work. I did do Curves for awhile but just didn't stick with it and gave up. I ride bike with my dog Tanker (100lb black lab) and walk and am on a dead run most days around here.

No toes involved!

Hey Kelly....we meet again:biggrin: Next it will be subliminal messages within our posts! LOL

Laura....wish my thighs looked that good. You look wonderful and should be so proud to post your pics. And, 90 some pounds is not small fete. Congratulations. Now...you are going to be saying thank you all day and tomorrow with all the photo comments you are going to get!

Onehotmomma....that's one hell of a year you have had...so sorry for all the stress. As ISA stated...get back on the horse now...don't wait for that fill. Make a plan for yourself and don't let other's eating fast food or whatever get you off track. Respectfully ask others to not have your "trigger" foods available to you. Hopefully your fill will make a difference for you. Getting back on plan, maintaining your band will hopefully bring some calm back in your life.

Kelly...I am by no means the "Lapband Poster Child". I struggled like anyone else during the weightloss stage to get to goal. I will admit and am proud of the fact that I diligently worked towards the goal both myself and my LB doc were shooting for. I hit it, upped my calories (was consuming 1200-1400 during weightloss stage) to 1800 and we took off for 2 months vacation in FL. About 2 weeks into it and still consuming 1800 daily, I noticed that my jeans were dropping lower on my hips. Went out and bought a scale. SHOCKED and SCARED. I had dropped 23lbs in that 2 week period. Upped my cals in 200 cal increments throughout the next 6 weeks and figured I needed at least 3000 to maintain where I was at. I am fine. Came back home and had tons of medical tests and then had a second round of them. Explanation from docs is this: I always weighed around 118-120 my entire adult life until I hit a brick wall with menopause at the age of 38. It was really tough on my body cuz I gained weight really fast during menopause. Sometimes 40lbs a year with not eating any differently. Well, docs figure it is natural for me to be where I am at and my metabolism is where it was prior to menopause (early onset and have been post-menopausal for almost 10 yrs). My body has set itself to where it was b/4. Prior to the age of 38, if I would gain a few pounds I would be able to lose 5lbs in a week just by dropping cals down to 2000. Huge surprise for me when I started gaining at such a rapid pace. Long explanation...sorry. I am 5' 7", very small boned for my height and I am very, very active. We farm and have a agricultural business on the side so there is not a day that I am not on the run. As far as working out at a gym...not driving the 15 miles one way but I get a mighty good workout just living here.