JoannMarie

Ouch - the timing won't work out for me. We have a friend at Ft. Leavenworth whose husband is deployed. She has to have a radiation treatment for thyroid cancer, and can't be around her small children for 5 days (kinda radio-active!) It won't hurt for her to be around other people, but she has very small children who won't be able to understand why mommy can't hold or hug them. Her mom is coming to stay with the children, and she is going to stay with us during the week that she is unable to be with her children. Her treatment is Feb 12, so that week I will be spending with Julie and rented Project Runway episodes. She is a friend of my DD, was stationed in Korea when DD and her family moved there 2 yrs ago. She is a wonderful person, very creative - she wants to learn to knit - maybe I'll teach her. She will be a captive student with lots of time to practice! I hope you all have a great time! Would love to do this some day...

Gosh, thanks for the quilting props. I appreciate your compliments - would love to do a quilt for each of you, but probably could just manage a post card! I'm about to abdicate responsibility for any more large quilts and going to wall hangings and art pieces. Too much time and work involved. My kids are still asking, though, and I've always had a hard time saying no. The only quilt we actually sleep under is one my MIL made and I machine quilted for her. I have others, but I don't use them because I don't want the wear and tear of using, washing, etc. They will be going to my 3 children, as they are the hand-quilted ones. There will be others, but I am no longer hand quilting - right thumb joint is arthritic and it's just too painful to hand quilt now. I make up for it with hand-guided machine quilting - pretend the machine needle is a pen and move the fabric under the needle. I love the process and the results, so still happy with my quilts. I missed the stuff about a trip? Please share... Lori - great to hear from you so soon! Be a good girl, do what you are told (!) and use the pain meds as you need them!

p.s. Do y'all realize you fill up about 3-4 pages in a day's time? No way I could ever catch up! Serves me right for being gone so long! Thank you all for the warm welcome back. I've missed you...

Hi All - I'm thinking of Lori this morning as she heads out for her second knee surgery. My first one was 7 years ago this month! Time sure flies... The right knee is bone on bone and has been for a couple of years or more. Oddly, the weight loss has improved it to the point where I am not in a hurry to have the replacement done. DD wants me to wait if I can - till they return from the Korea posting and she can be here to help out. I'm okay with that now, though before the weight loss I was not hopeful about that. I figure with another 40 pounds off next summer the knee may be willing to wait even longer. I hope Lori's surgery goes well and her recovery goes as well as the first one. At least now she knows first-hand what to expect and what to watch for. All this talk about Christmas goodies... I have a few things on the to-do list for kitchen treats, will probably tackle them this weekend to take to the Christmas day festivities. This week I am working on a quilt for older DD who lives close by. I've had the top here for quite a while, working on the quilting and hope to have it finished by the end of the week. I have to be very careful, as she stops by unannounced some days - I don't want the surprise spoiled. Sooo - back to work. Hope everyone has a great day! Joann

Hi All! Joann is back today - it's been a long time since I posted. Lots of travel over the late summer and fall, DD, SIL, and the two little boys who live in Seoul were here for 2 wks in November - over Thanksgiving. SIL's parents joined us for the first week so the little family would not have to travel even more to visit with them. We had a great time, but it was a lot of go-go-go, and a lot of cooking/eating. I held to my plan pretty well, but frankly I did not worry about it too much. I am well restricted and my band just won't allow me to eat too much. I avoided the mushie and sweet foods as much as possible, as they go down too easily and can trip me up. I was up about a pound after everyone left, lost that and 2 more quickly as soon as I was watching the protein and water intake more closely. I DON'T have anything resembling holiday treats in the house now - it just makes it so much easier to do what I'm supposed to do and, frankly, I simply don't want them. DH and I both are in agreement on that plan! I still am losing slowly - about 4-5 pounds a month - but that is plenty fast for me. At least when I buy clothes I can figure I'll be wearing them for 6-8 weeks before they begin to slide off my body. I've been visiting the resale shops with a friend, and find them to be good alternatives for nice clothes at a bargain. Takes a little digging... My first year bandiversary was Dec 4th. I've lost 67 pounds in this, my 67th year. Happy about that! I have learned so much about my body and how it reacts to food, and can apply that information so much more successfully. My DIL asked me what would happen when I started to eat normally again. I'm sure she was wondering how long it would be before I gained it all back, a valid concern given my past history. I had to laugh. Sweetie - this is NORMAL now. And I LOVE IT! The question about pizza - I've been fortunate in that I have not had problems with any particular food. This can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how good or bad that food might be for you overall! I choose the thin & crispy crust, and chew VERY carefully. I also choose the more healthy toppings, primarily vegies and chicken if available. Limit is 2 smaller pieces and I usually eat less than half the second, as I am full. I don't eat it often (3 or so times in the last year), but I like it and don't feel it is a good idea for me to turn completely away from foods I really like. I believe deprivation has led to over indulging for me in my past life. I'm confident my band and my resolve will allow me to enjoy treats occasionally. Cheri - you are so close to goal! Congratulations on your success! You have done a great job. I have not taken the time to go back many pages to catch up on everyone - but saw Lynn's posting about her fill. You have really done well, Lynn - I hope the extra cc will be just what you need to feel back on track. I have 7cc now - my last two fills were 0.5cc in June and 0.5cc in late September. I have had good restriction with both of these. My next appointment is in January - don't know if I will need it or not as right now I feel I am where I want to be. I'm getting so used to this whole thing I don't think about it much.

Surprise, surprise! It's Joann - not forgotten I hope, just been gone a long time... It's been a busy few months, visited with MN friends (Duluth) in September, quilt show in DesMoines in October - 2 week visit from our DD, SIL, and both little boys from Seoul for Thanksgiving, which included SIL's parents for the first week. It was a crazy time. The baby was baptized on Nov 29th and we had a reception for them that afternoon. Lots of friends and relatives invited and we had a so much fun. They left on Dec 3rd and we MISS them. It was not enough time. I'm continuing to do well - losing about 4-5 pounds a month as I have from the beginning. I have to say there is a benefit to losing a little more slowly, I guess. At least when I buy clothes I know they will fit for 6-8 weeks before they are beginning to fall off my body. My friend took me to her favorite resale shop last week and I vowed to go back to that one and find more of them around town. Good prices for some very nice clothes. My first year bandiversary was Dec 4th. I feel like a new person. I've learned so much about myself and how my body reacts to everything I feed it. I've learned to be patient with myself and kind to myself. I've made mistakes along this way, but nothing that can't be fixed by following the basic rules and staying the course. My DIL asked me what would happen when I started to eat normally again. (I'm sure she was wondering how long it would be before I gained it all back...) I had to laugh. Honey - this is eating normally! and I LOVE IT! I have not taken the time to go back page after page to see what has been happening with all my friends. I did see that the news about Laura's father has not been good. Laura, I am so sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to you in this difficult time. Please know your family is in my prayers.

A call from my surgeon's office this week cleared me for a surgery date of December 4th. I'm excited and I'm looking for others who have a lapband on their Christmas list. Come join me in my Quest for holiday party ideas for those of us on clear liquids! Does this mean I can't even have eggnog??? No Christmas Cookies??? We should be able to think of some fun and interesting names for our December group. Any ideas are welcome! Winter Wonders Holiday Belles (might be a bit sexist...) December Stars _______________ (your ideas here...)

I'm HERE! I've been trying to catch up with all the news, but found that to be futile! Y'all are just too talky-talky to keep up with. I returned from Korea (great visit with the little family - had fun with grandsons and their parents) on Sept 1, and had multiple deadlines to work on. My art quilt group was finishing up a "round robin" and the exchange date was mid Sept - I still had a lot of work to do. A couple of baby quilts for friends whose babies are DUE... I'm slowly but surely catching up - will quilt the last baby quilt this week. I'm trying to finish up a knitting project that was supposed to be a b'day present for youngest DD (in Seoul) - it's already a week late and I'm considering making it a Christmas present instead. Retirement is great, but I get myself into these situations way too often. DH and I have had some time away together. We were in Duluth and on the North Shore of Lake Superior for just under a week 3rd wk of Sept., visiting friends who have been friends for over 50 years. We had the most incredible weather, the lake was absolutely stunning, ran into several other friends from high school - all in all a wonderful visit "home." Last weekend we spent in So Missouri near Bennett Spring State Park, where we have a camper parked at a campground. We were so busy (and out of the country) during the summer, we did not get to visit our favorite haunts much. We vowed to go 2 weekends in October before we have to winterize the camper. We were lucky to have another beautiful stretch of weather and several of the campers we have made friends with were there for the weekend, too. We're going again Friday - it'll be colder this time, but it will probably be the last time before spring. We got great pictures on both trips. DH has always been the photographer in the family, but I must admit I took some awesome pics in Korea, and have taken possession of the little elph digital for myself. (DH can have the Nikon - I like the little one!) He is getting a kick out of "showing" me - and I've been tutoring him on composition... We are funny... I'll try to post some of the pictures. I'm happy with the losses I've had. I am still slow but steady, headed in the right direction. Sometimes I have to wait a couple of weeks, but then I'll drop 2-3 pounds. Had one of those days today. I'm having issues with hair loss - my hairdresser, who is a nutrition "nut," tells me to up my Protein, make sure I'm getting healthy fats - and my hormones are probably whacky, as that happens when we lose large amounts of weight. I had not heard that could be a problem, but I'm going to research it. She tells me the best way to stabilize the hormones is to EXERCISE! THAT is the answer to everything apparently!! Back to the gym tomorrow... Great - I'm glad to get a little more info on your knee, been following you on Facebook, but that leaves something to be desired. It sounds like you are doing well. As you know, it does get better. The therapy hurts, esp at first, but it's essential to your recovery. Stick with the walker a while longer - the dizzy spell could have come at a very bad time, keep the walker handy. Soon you will be done with it and graduating to the crutches and cane. Laura, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis. My prayers are for his recovery and for your family as you help him through this. Hugs to your mom - she must be so worried. And you - sweetheart - just do the best you can. That's all you can ask of yourself. Your presence is precious to both of them. I did not mean to take up so much space, but I guess I had a lot to share. I hope everyone is doing well tonight. Hugs to all... Pictures: #1 Joann playing Grandma with Josiah; #2 Joann just playing with Jack; #3 The bridge over the Niangua River at Bennett Spring; #4 DH and his favorite (only) truck

Hi All! Still in Korea visiting with DD and her boys. We've had beautiful weather most days, and my visit has been great. DD and I have been working out at her gym 3 days/week, and walking quite a bit on other days. Wherever we walk we have the 2 yr old in his stroller, DD "wears" the baby in her Ergo carrier. So here's the grandma pushing the stroller and 32 extra pounds of boy in it up the hills of this Army post for a mile or more! Not even a huff or a puff! DD certainly offered to push - but I tried it, and had no problem. Today the family took a bus tour of Seoul and toured the N Seoul Tower - large tower at the top of the mountain around which Seoul is built. From the bus stop to the tower is about 1/2 mile - seems almost straight up. DD took one look up the road, turned to me and asked if I was sure I wanted to try it. Sure - I can always turn around if it's too tough. No stroller this time - DSIL had charge of that. Just propelling myself. OMW - it was steep and long, but I made it without stopping, and without a huff or a puff again. It was almost harder coming back down - so steep it was dizzying. NO pain in my knees, either with workouts or the walking. It feels so good. I can't even begin to tell you how my life has changed since Dec 4 of last year. To those of you considering the band - it is not easy, esp at the beginning. But please have patience with yourself, work the plan, give it everything you've got. I am only halfway there and I am a slow, steady loser - but I am already 20 years younger and so much stronger! Will head back home on Sept 1st. I miss that hubby of mine and the kids/friends at home. But I will hate to leave this little family here. DD and I have such a great time together - I am blessed to have her for my best friend. We both love Project Runway and she is unable to get it here - we love Netflix! Been on a PR marathon since the first discs came in the mail! Once the boys are in bed we are right there with Michael Kors and Nina Garcia choosing who is IN and who is OUT! Love to all my LB Friends - I hope you are having a good weekend!

Vickie, I'm so sorry to hear of this setback. Try really hard to stick to the band "diet" of Protein and veggies while you are waiting to get back on track. The South Beach program is a good one for this type of eating plan and may be helpful to you. I have heard from several people about this happening out of the blue. Usually the surgeon just takes a little bit out of the band, but your primary was probably very nervous about the situation and wanted to be on the safe side. I can't blame him/her for that - what you were experiencing is dangerous for you and could cause problems with the band if not treated. I hope you will be able to get back on track soon. As far as missing stuff - my friend asked me that the other day - I will have to say the thing I miss most is hot food (as in temperature, not spicy). I can eat just about anything, tho I avoid the bad slider stuff most of the time - no more shakes at the drive-thru! But it takes me so long too finish a meal, much of my food is just warm by the time I finish. Not complaining! I don't mind eating slowly and thoughtfully. This is the first time in memory I have done that and it feels good. Losing slowly - 4-5 pounds a month, but I'm not complaining about that either. I am going in the right direction and that's the important thing. It's good to hear from everyone...

Hi All! I enjoyed the comments about cruising. I think that's what I've experienced, too. Food just does not have the same appeal as before banding. I began to notice this feeling as I approached that sweet spot that has come with my last fill in June. Still well restricted - can eat anything, just not quickly, and definitely not very much volume. I fill quickly and am satisfied with small amounts - just what it's supposed to do for me. Chasing a 2 year old helps, too! I'm definitely losing more quickly since that's part of my daily routine. I AM HALFWAY TO GOAL! Best to all... Love your band.

Hi All! I enjoyed the comments about cruising. I think that's what I've experienced, too. Food just does not have the same appeal as before banding. I began to notice this feeling as I approached that sweet spot that has come with my last fill in June. Still well restricted - can eat anything, just not quickly, and definitely not very much volume. I fill quickly and am satisfied with small amounts - just what it's supposed to do for me. Chasing a 2 year old helps, too! I'm definitely losing more quickly since that's part of my daily routine. Best to all... Love your band.

Congratulations, Lori! It is so good to hear your good news! I respect your doctor and his plan for you. I, too, think we get too hung up on numbers and we have to look at the whole picture and what is good for the individual. You are a size 8!!! Baby, that is thin! The fact that you have not lost in 2 months makes me feel as though you are where you should be. You are now officially an ADVISOR to this thread! I'm in Korea - with DD and her boys. These boys are absolutely beautiful and fun - and I am enjoying the time with them and their mom. DD and I are working out at a gym on post - got started this morning bright and early. The 2yr old DGS is in his first gymnastics class and we went to that following our workout. Very funny watching 2 year olds starting their gymnastics experience - kinda like trying to herd cats! Then an hour at the park, home for lunch and naptime for everyone but me. Even the dogs are asleep. I know if I nap I will not sleep tonight. Jet lag is not bad this time, but I don't want to disrupt the normal sleep pattern anymore than I have to. The flight here is brutal. From wake-up time on Thurs morning (3a.m.) to arrival time in Seoul was about 28 hours. I slept (dozed) about 2 of them. ugh. I'm so happy to be with this little family, though. DD is enjoying being on the larger post - lots more activities for the kids, and for her, too. She is getting back into working out - hires a babysitter 4 mornings a week so she can run with a running group or workout at the gym. She is looking great and is back to pre-baby weight. Back to chasing a 2 year old is good for me... I've already started to lose a little faster than at home. A month of working out here will make a huge difference for me. DD is my "coach" - will NOT let me off the hook. Good for her! I'll be well prepared to continue when I'm back on home soil. I hope everyone is doing well today and having a good week.

To Dyanna and DianaG - spelling aside - best of luck to both of you! You are taking a big step, have great attitudes and I know you will be very successful. Be patient with yourself, lots of liquids, Protein shakes if your doc allows, pain meds if you need them, walk as much as you can (helps with post surgery gas). Follow your doctor's rules about eating to the letter. The next few weeks is the time for healing, not losing weight. You probably will lose, but if you don't, DON'T FREAK!! It is normal to lose and normal not to lose during this period. All you should be thinking about for the next few weeks is healing, swelling going down, band snuggling up against your tummy and looking forward to success. Come back for questions and support. I'm excited for you!

In our case, armadillos, remember? You get bears while camping - we had an armadillo cross our campsite! What can I say - it's southern Missouri vs Colorado mountains... Julie - I hope you are being gentle with yourself. You have more healing to do. Take care. You bandiversary girls - Happy day - You are amazing role models and I love knowing you. It is so good to have such caring support from you.

Dyanna - thank you so much for posting here. My heart aches for you in the loss of your daughter. You have had much to deal with in the last 10 years. May God bless you and give you peace. I'm so glad to hear you are taking control of your life. I've been in these 60's for several years, dealing with severe arthritis - but no other major health issues. Losing 50 pounds (as of this week!) has helped me immensely - I know now this can be done and will be done. I have 5 grandchildren (newest are 27 mo and 3 mo!), and a 2 yr old great granddaughter - lots of kids I want to know as adults, too. My hubby is extremely active and I am inspired to keep up with him. These people are my inspiration to stay as healthy as possible for as long as I can. The years will add on, but they can be healthy and active years, and that's a worthy goal. I wish you the best!

I have been busy, busy - have not even had time to read all the posts, or to post myself. I AM IN ONDERLAND! As of Tuesday morning - hit my goal of 50 pounds lost and that glorious onderland. Of course, I was up a pound+ yesterday (the usual bump), but this morning down again. I guess that makes it official. I'm still dazed. It's hard to believe it is really happening! I'm working on the Cars quilt for DGS - want to take it to Seoul with me next week. Prepping it for quilting this morning, and will start the quilting process this afternoon. DH and I are planning to go to the campground this weekend - and for once the weather forecast is great. It will be a great weekend for walking, canoeing, and fly fishing. Hope to do all three... It's good to hear everyone is doing well. Safe travels to all those on trips this week. It's good to hear others are getting the hang of restaurant eating. It does take some thought and planning. But isn't it good to be thinking about food in a healthy way - not looking frantically for the next donut... I like that!

Apples!! I let out an audible sigh when I saw your post. We are so glad you are back and okay. Meredith -good on reading those labels. When figuring your daily calories, I usually figure a week at a time - do the daily tally and at the end of the week, add all seven days and divide by seven. That gives you a good average. I hear you on the restriction. I was in the same boat. As you add more solid foods it will help, but until you get a fill or two you will have to rely on that ole' willpower. You can do it! Be sure you are getting lots of Protein as it will help with the hunger. eggs, cottage cheese, soft fish, etc. You can even cook chicken and/or beef and blend them with a little broth. Get your protein in! You are doing great! Lori - the cars I was talking about is the movie "Cars." Cartoon movie featuring race cars, starring "Lightning McQueen." Great appeal for little ones. DGS carries a toy car with him everywhere he goes, sleeps with a fire truck and/or dump truck. There is a lot expected of a grandma. It's never too early to educate yourself (just don't let you daughter know you are preparing this early - undo pressure). hahaha. Another pound gone this morning. Yay.

JULIE - CONGRATULATIONS ON 100 POUNDS!!!You are doing just great - What a WOMAN!!LORI - congratulations on the coming wedding. I loved planning the weddings with my girls. We had a lot of fun. You will have a great time and look gorgeous in all the pictures. Pick out a great dress! (and show us...)

Well, no shouts today. I had such a weird food day yesterday - really did not know what to expect. I was up about 3/4 lb. This is my pattern. I know the rules and follow them as best I can given occasional odd situations. As long as I do that I know the scale will go in the right direction. I did not mention the great reaction I got from my friends yesterday. Only one of them knows about my surgery and she is always supportive and complimentary. (I just love her...) They others had never commented - probably had not noticed. I had seen them last in mid-May. EVERYONE noticed yesterday and were very excited for me! That felt sooo good. My next quilt guild meeting is Thursday night. It will be interesting to see if anyone notices, and I will keep you posted. Happy Sunday to everyone. DH is working today and I am getting ready to quilt a nap-quilt for the 2yr old GS. I'll take it with me. Subject is CARS! He loves Lightning McQueen and the movie Cars - I will probably have the opportunity to watch it many more times in the next few weeks. (it's okay - it's also a good snuggle with Grandma time...)

DH is staying home this time - I'm on my own. He works at BassPro and used his vacation time (and then some) in April on the first trip. He could take time w/o pay, but he decided that was not a good idea. As with everybody else, our retirement nest egg has shrunk a lot, and since we are partially living on that, it's good he has this job. It's retail and the pay is not great, but it sure has been a blessing for us. He is planning a trip to So Missouri for fly fishing, and will visit friends who have a farm north of us. As a farm boy, he always enjoys that and he can take Jack along for company. DS and DD who live nearby will feed him once in a while. We are fortunate that our kids kinda like us (or maybe they just like Jack and we come along with the deal). I'm not crazy about that long flight by myself, but I came back in May by myself and everything went well. I take some books - one or two novels and an art/quilting book - and some knitting, my ipod, watch movies, try to sleep. The flight from Atlanta to Seoul is 14 1/2 hours. yuck. I figure I have to stay a month - it will take a week just to get over the jet lag. BTW - congratulations on your bandiversary! I know two years ago you were excited and scared just like the rest of us. You have done so well and you are inspiring to all of us! Thank you for all your help.

Hi All - sorry I have not posted for a while. I have been keeping up with your posts (y'all have been very busy!). Had a computer issue last week, but it's resolved now. I seem to be moving the scale a little faster now. Instead of 1 1/2 to 2 weeks to drop a pound or two, it's now 4-5 days. Last week I dropped 1 pound, then a day later another one! That's my best week in a long time. I am a slow loser, but a loser just the same, so I am not complaining (well whining a little, but you understand). I had lunch today with my work-friends from pre-retirement days. It was Kellie's birthday and she chose a vegetarian place. hmmm. This presented a Protein challenge. Not a fan of tofu. Oh well - it was just lunch. I had a delightful tomato bisque and a small salad topped with a scoop of egg salad. I couldn't eat it all, but I did eat all the egg salad. This was not difficult, did I say it was small? I tried to get a good amount of protein in for dinner but I wasn't very hungry. It's only one day - it seems so funny to worry about eating too little when I've spent much of my life worrying about eating too much (and eating too much anyway). I wonder if we will ever reach the point where we just eat healthy and don't worry about it. That is a worthwhile goal. I am going back to Korea! DD and her boys did not get to fly home this summer, so I'm going to them. Her hubby is in Washington for several weeks getting certified in his new job, she's still trying to get settled after the move to Seoul - 2 babies to care for. A girl just needs her mom sometimes, and this mom needs to play grandma with those little boys! I'm leaving July 30 and will come home on Sept 1. I am not looking forward to the flights to and from, but it will be much easier on me than it would have been on DD - 12 to 15 hours in a plane with a 27 mo old and a 3 mo old. They need to come home when dad can fly with them... They are hoping to make it home for Christmas. I know that season is harder for DD than any other. She misses being home for Christmas. I am VERY close to onderland. VERY close. and yes, Janet, I know you do not advise this, but I do weigh every day. I've found my weight fluctuates so much, I can't depend on one day a week. I have promised myself I will not allow a gain or status quo to upset me or drive me crazy. It's better than missing that one day that week when my weight is down. Did I say I am VERY close??? I will keep you posted. Listen for shouts of joy from Kansas City area!

Cheri, thank you for your insight. You are bringing ideas to the table that need to be thoughtfully considered. I've started to print these off to study more thoroughly later. Now I want to do a little more research on adult ADHD. I don't think I fit into that diagnosis, but willing to consider and research it. It seems there are a lot of ways I don't "fit in" and never have. I've always wondered why... Your insight is encouraging me to wonder just a little bit deeper... I believe creativity itself is considered to be a character flaw in the minds of many people. Here again, your methods in the classroom are your own - and not the politically correct norm. You are fortunate to be working with people who are able to appreciate and willing to foster your creativity. AND - despite their at-risk status -your students are so very fortunate to be appreciated and encouraged by someone who VALUES THEM and helps them develop to their highest potential. God bless you and the work you do.

I understand you can google "5-day Pouch Test" and a site will come up that explains how to do it. I have not done it (yet), I think it is mainly a process for people who are on a plateau, lost their focus and gotten away from the eating requirements, etc. I may reach that state at some point in time, but so far losing slowly but surely. Basically it requires you to begin the post surgery process all over again - a day or so of clear liquid, a day of full liquid, couple of days of soft foods or mushies, then back to regular food. Supposedly it helps you to refocus your efforts and get back to the basics of proper "band" eating. Those who have tried it appear to be successful with getting back on track. If/when Phyllser is on the thread, she can add her comments. I believe she has done this process and can speak to it better than I can. Welcome to this thread - you will find a lot of very supportive people here. I do love these folks!