Apples2

Great...I think you have made a LB research discovery! You will need to start a new thread titled "The 5 day/5 Nugget Pouch Test". That would get a lot of attention!!!! We have extreme wind here today and also very cold. Just a typical MN spring day. Not out in it though. Setting up the books for another year for our agricultural tiling business today. We have two separate programs for it that tie together. The accounts receivable and payable are separate. The only way it works cuz it's also tied into the farm books because we are incorporated. So, been at it since 6 this morning and want to complete it all by tonight. Can't let this work take away from my lake time when I can finally spend some time up there. I, too, have anxiety about dental visits. I'll correct that and admit I have EXTREME anxiety. It all stems from the rough treatment of my childhood dentist. He was the male version of a "B". He used no novacaine or gas and was very rough and stern. I have always forced myself to go for my checkups and whatever work I needed done but the days prior to my appts. are not good ones. It has been a tough decision for me to take that first step to do the work I want done cosmetically. We were so careful to not have our boys have a fear of dentists or doctors. (Which they don't and so happy about that). We found a dentist that specialized in children's dentistry. He was so wonderful. So was their pediatrician. Gotta get back at it...Hope you are all having a great day!:thumbup:

Great...I was super-surprised when I asked DH yesterday morning what kind of cake he wanted me to make. I already had lined up everything to make the choc cake with fudge frosting that he has been requesting for over 30 yrs. Could it be that hiding those choc chips over the last year cured his chocoholism???????? I think not. Yeah, I hear you on the shopping. I have about everything I need and have really been watching any impulse buys. Just don't need a thing.

Julie..fingers crossed and prayer said that these shots will give you some relief. I imagine it takes a bit for the affect to take. Yep...did a nice supper. Turkey cutlets baked on low heat for 6 hours, stuffing, brocolli/cheese sauce, baked potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce and carrot cake with ice cream. The house smelled wonderful all day. Melissa...honestly...tell your DH that having chocolate in the house triggers these things in you. He sounds like a very loving partner and I bet he would understand. My DH is a chocoholic. I have to hide the chocolate chips to help his cause. He would eat a bag every day if they were in the pantry. I take a look at your numbers (weight lost and weight till goal). You are are the other side of the mountain having lost more weight than you still want to lose. You are ahead of the game. Try to have something band/weight loss friendly in your house to replace the chocolate craving. What is your favorite fruit? Have that on hand instead. You can do this...forget the little setback you had today and tell yourself you are on your way down the other side of the mountain!

I bet your Grandfather was not really arthritic...he was just sooooooooooo afraid that he could not capture your beauty!

2plus4 could use it after dealing with that kid that was never taught manners!:thumbup:

I don't know about the rest of you, but, I am having Janet withdrawl symptoms. Anyone know what to do to get rid of these feelings? Is there some kind of pill I can take?

2plus4...:mad:sorry you had to experience that with the little "brat". You know how kids can be. Try not to feel bad. You know what you need to do to make yourself healthy and you took the first steps by getting the band. And, 14lbs or even if it were 2lbs lost...it's something lost. 14lbs is nothing to scoff at...you are doing great. Just keep up with what you are doing and stay with your doc's plan and you will be where you want to be. It's work but it's all so worth it. :thumbup:

Told DH that all you girls wished him a happy bday. He said "Really? Tell them thanks". Told him you guys know EVERYTHING about him. His eyes got big. Great...only a 45-50 minute drive to lake. Yep, I have all the comforts of home there. Did a bit of a downsizing at the end of last year. Too much to keep up and was working on vacations. Now we have the perfect size and DH and DS built a new deck that is more than triple the 16x8 one we have on the house. Yet to be installed but soon. Joyce..forgot to compliment you on your sweet ride! Looks like it would fit me just fine, too. Hey Laura...that 5lbs will come off....don't be blue about it. Do a couple of days of really sticking to it with no exceptions and you might just see a movement of the scale. Fingers crossed for you that you can hope right back on the horse.

The first two photos are of a bench as you come up the stairs to the kitchen. The other is in our sunporch...a little tough to see the design with the window behind it.

Well, Eva, what you did with the brick looks wonderful. I love doing things with paints. I have a number of frames and mirrors I have "antiqued" without going to the bother of buying kits, etc. I love going to auctions and garage/rumage sales. I buy old wooden chairs, strip them down and paint them. It's what my friend get for a gift when they move into a new home, birthday, etc. I will usually try to tie the detail on them to fit their decor. I will attach a photo of a couple of things I have done. Don't have photos of the many that were given away. I just love doing it though.

Wow Eva...what a difference. You guys have put a lot of work into that place. Looks great. You'd never know it is the same place! No wonder you are always sore. I think you have said b/4 about the brick, but, did you need to sandblast it?

OK...now will see if I can catch up. Got company over the noon hour and just left now. I did make it to the lake about 4pm yesterday. Took up a load in my truck and got everything moved in and situated about midnight last night. Tanker was so excited and smelled the vents all the way up cuz I kept talking to him about heading to the lake. About five miles from there, he started crying (never does that). He was way too excited. But, we were running neck in neck with the excitement factor. So nice to be back there. Not sure when I will be able to get back up but at least it is ready when I am. Had coffee on the deck this morning. I thought I died and went to heaven. Then had to lock it up and reality hit and home to do the books, help the guys, etc. Eva...sounds like you are having a great day. And, thanks for sharing the photos of Glimmer and your backyard project. Glimmer is special. Can tell by his kind and gentle eyes. You asked how youngest is doing. He's good. Just really struggling on his decision to move and follow GF to CA. We are staying out of it all unless he asks for advice. His decision and it's a big one for him. LauraK....fingers crossed for DD and the job. Would be nice not to have to move her twice. Been there, done that many times with our 2 sons. Julie...wise decision to put Mimi in daycare for a bit until you know how all this will go. As Eva stated, it's good for her to be exposed to other children. You can always change your mind and take her again if it works for you. You have stepped in for your DD quite a bit and that's so nice but Grandma's need to take care of themselves also. I bet there's a time in the near future when you will feel good enough to have her again. Maybe try to start slow and have her once in awhile when you think you are able? Melissa...nice photo of you and DH. We have not been to a movie forever. Just haven't fit it in. We do buy a lot of movies so we do not miss out but I like going to the movie theater as a date. Back row and pretend like we are young. I always bring a surprise for DH in my purse and pull it out half way into the movie. Have done that since we started dating. Our first movie was Grease. That certainly dates us. Great...Congrats on the once again empty nest. You guys can now run around necked again! Linda...the brownies/beanies sounded different. I probably would have had to spit them out. I am not a huge fan of brownies to begin with and made with black beans????????????????? I am sure you are a wonderful baker and good for you for trying them, but, YUK! I will mark my calander for 12 yrs from now and will come down and pick up your DGD. Only problem is, if I ever give her back, she'll be spoiled rotten. No girls around here and we'd be having weekly trips to the Mall of America. Arlene...hope your achey pain has eased. Hope the crackers don't affect your weigh-in. You deserve the break. I'd better get back to work or I might get fired and have to be at the lake full time...Oh No!

OK...this is a photo of DH on his Schwin that DS and I got him for his bday today (yes, Eva, you are sharing a carrot cake with him!). He's always wanted the bike he rode as a kid and we found one for him last week. He's so happy with it. It's actually in really good shape....and so is he!:thumbup:

Quick post here...will talk more once my men are out working again after lunch. 2Plus4... Here's a couple photos of my baby, Tanker. He's an 8yr old lab/human cross. Tractor photo is for Nelson. Implement behind is a planter

Eva...Happy Birthday, Dear Friend!

Deb...you are such a good girl at taking advice from others. As I stated in my last post...it's cuz we care. It's work learning how to slow down while eating. It's work finding out what foods work and which ones don't. It's work figuring out what it takes for your body to lose. It's work and takes scheduling to find time to get exercise and move the body. But, it all does eventually fall into place and seem like second nature after a bit. I'm almost two years out and have to think hard to rember the early stages and what it was like for me pre-band. I feel as if I have had it forever and it is just part of me and my life. But, I will forever pre-plan and be prepared for situations and know there are times I have to accomodate my band life every day. With each day, it becomes less of a chore. You'll get there. I would love to go to NYC...a place I have never been. Lucky you did not put that needle through you nail. My mother owned a department store that had a fabric department. Ppl would come in and choose their fabric and us girls (six of us girls in the family) would sew their outfits or whatever and usually have them ready for them within a couple of days. Sewed since I was very young (about 7) and up until about 15 yrs ago. I think I burned out on it. Have a Bernina machine with huge oak sewing center just sitting in the basement. I really should pick it up again just to make things for special occasions. I used to make anything from swimsuits to winter coats. Someday...maybe.

I envy you Melissa. Getting to go back to work. I have been on one long vacation for 10 yrs. I miss going to work and seeing "real" ppl. OK...enough whining about that subject...you've all heard it b/4. Just not an option for me. It's been discussed and discussed with hubby and me and I make his life so much more stress free by "kinda" being here when the farm needs me. OHHHHHHHH, but to get in the car on Monday morning and go to work....whoever first said "The grass is always greener...." was a very smart woman! Phyll...hope you are back home and enjoying the family again. If not....watch the crossroads and have a safe trip.:confused:

Hey Deb...sounds like you got the "spring cleaning bug". I had that the last couple of weeks and it feels so good to open up the house and get some of those things done. Good way to get the body moving also. I'm with Laura on the too tight issue...gotta really watch it. Give yourself this week. Really make an effort to take pencil eraser sized bites and chew as good as you can. Then after a few days see how it is going. It should be a true test to whether you are too tight or just not watching the way you eat. It truly is not good for your esaphgous and PBing can cause irritation for days. Just saying cuz I care. You can't have so much in your band that it does not allow for the times when the band just tightens up on it's own. Examples: stress, illness, etc. I have little or nothing in my band and when I am under stress, it's like it is filled to the max. If you feel that after a week you are still too tight, just have a bit taken out. OK?

OK Janet...saw your post. Sounds like you are making a busy weekend for yourself. Have fun at the "street fair" or whatever one wants to call it. I love things like that. Sorry for your tiff with Andrew. Kids cause those, ya know! Arlene...sorry for your flare-up. Maybe because the weather is going to change???? Laura...thanks for sharing photos of the "happy-faced boys"!

LauraK....I am one to not really like things like crab cakes reheated in the microwave...they are kind of like EGG FOO Yong and better reheated in a pan. Just spray pan a bit and reheat on low-medium heat. BTW...I should include my Egg Foo recipe when I have time. I make it all the time and it is very band friendly and full of protein. I make it when I have some leftover chicken to dice or some leftover pork. Easy to make and freeze. OK...I read through the posts but going to be lazy and just "talk" from memory. Did not make it up to the lake yesterday as planned. OK though. My friend called and wanted to get together for a drink. Her son just got back from a year mission in Iraq and wanted to see me. Oh my, has he matured. Nice young man b/4 he left for his second tour (he was 18 when he was there with my son the first time) but he has just grown into a man in that year. We had a very nice visit. So cute....I filled a rather large gift bag with baked goods. He sat at the bar and grill and ate about 1/2 of it with his beer. He was shoving it in as fast as he could pull it out of the bag. Guess he missed baked goods while he was gone. Jodi...you really have a great attitude about this LB journey you are on. And, yes, it does help that your DD is on board with you and proud of you for what you are doing. And, this all helps her in the long run. To see you eating healthy and exercising, etc. is setting the tone for her. You are so smart to not bring up the "not-so-good" things about her father. Letting her idolize him does not hurt a thing and makes her feel better, I'm sure. Good going, Mom! You need to borrow Melissa's MOM avatar. Julie.. happy to hear Mimi is back to her spunky self. And, I'm with others...try not to lift her. You are only setting yourself back by doing it. She's old enough now to not have to be lifted. Let her know that GM just can't do it and that she has to be a big girl and help GM out. Where have you been Janet? or maybe I just missed a post yesterday? Linda...you look wonderful and love your new tops. That GD is the cutest little thing. Can I have her????? Eva...sorry for your pain troubles. Isn't Ibuprophen hard on your stomach? Does your band doc say anything about you taking it? I am such a worry wart when it comes to my pouch. I have taken 3 Tylenol since banding. But, I am so lucky. Never have had headaches and I simply have no aches or pains....well...kidney stones but nothing touches that pain anyway. Hope you got some sleep. Motor bikes make me scream....you want to see a panic attack? Put me on one. I did ride to a party one time on one but felt safe cuz was riding with the owner of 2 Harley dealships. Thought it was the safest ride I could have. Wrong...we wiped out on gravel but he pulled it back b/4 losing it. Be safe but have fun today! Great... congrats on the new vehicle. Not shame in letting someone else pay for the depreciation! Enjoy it. OK...gotta go. "Hi" to everyone I missed. Not intentional....just being a flake and too lazy to go back to the posts to comment. Have a carrot cake about ready to take out of the oven. DH's 56th bday tomorrow and I always let him choose what kind of cake he wants. He surprised me with the carrot cake. He has been picking devils food cake with fudge frosting for about as long as I have known him. You all have a great Sunday!

Don't ever lose all of it, Melissa. Smarta$$ness tends to be a good quality at times. In fact, I just had to use a bit of it with DS and a joke he tried to pull on me about an hour ago. Maybe when I am in a retirement home, wear diapers and a bib he will be able to out-smart his momma...not quite there yet!

Not all of us have the same "feeling" from being overfull or stuck. I am almost 2 yrs out and have only had a couple of "stuck" or "sliming" incidences. Usually come from eating too fast, being nervous when I ate or eating too fast. From your explation of how you felt, I would say the same as Betsy...most likely some of the food you already had in the pouch were not going through and then you added the peanuts on top of it making you feel like you were blown up. It's important to watch that overfilling thing. #1 reason I say that is that you do not want to be so full that your food sits in your esophagus. If you are feeling a little irritated today, you are wise to baby your pouch today and do soft or liquids. The first few months can be quite difficult in figuring out when you get to that full feeling. Try to avoid eating more once you have had your meal. I found that it really helped to weigh and measure in the beginning and also to push myself away from the table when done or got the feeling I was one bite away from pushing the limits. I would get myself out of the diningroom and kitchen and find an activity to take my mind off of eating if I still felt hungry. I truly believe it is true what is said about it taking 20 minutes for your head to realize that your stomach is satisfied. Wishing you the best.

Julie...You have very positive thinking about spring finally being here. I think what I will do is enjoy today and the nice weather. Just cannot hold out false hope that spring is here for good. LOL. Tomorrow could be in the 20's again. Ya never know...and I know you know what I am saying. Not going to set myself up for a disappointment. Laura...have a fun day with Nels and his BFF. Used to take my boys to the Sunday matinees. My Charlie (youngest) would not even sit in his seat. He would place his big bucket of popcorn on the seat and stand with his back to the screen and just shovel it in. Don't think he ever really saw a movie until he was at least 6.

Mornin' to All! Beautiful day here on the farm. We are surrounded by wildlife ponds. Got my spotting scope out this morning to watch the geese. Already 48 degress and not even 9am...might just sneak off to the lake today and take a load up. I bet my puppa would be up for the ride also. Nothing really to add...just wanted to say Good Morning and have a good day!

Joyce...I actually was quite active b/4 weightloss, but, IT WAS KILLING ME. I noticed with my last 40lbs gained, I got so out of breath with everything I did. But, still had to plug away at it. I was fairly slim until about the age of 38 and very active. I killed me to think that I could not move like I used to. I am so happy now. My dream car has always been a red Mercedes convertible....the last couple of years I have had my eye on an aqua colored Tbird convertible. Maybe someday I will open my garage door and it will be there?