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WELCOME!!!! Definitely get in for that fill! Hopefully it will help a lot. I've lost about 30 since surgery and have been stuck bouncing a few of the same lbs. for awhile now. And "they" say surgery si the easy way out!!!!

*WhooHoo, Beth! Prayers for a great interview!! *Kat, like the water/vinegar idea. I need to do what you do when I eat. I'm WAY slower than I used to be but I know I still eat too fast. *Hi Brandy! Congrats on being so close to goal!!! *Slim, I just can't seem to do FB either. Actually went there and got off as fast as I could. Never got past the signing up process. Had 'em cancel me. *Glouc, LOVE that DD loves to cook and tried so hard to make better-for-you cookies, but 260 calories? Yikes! Are you sure?!! *Lu, I wanna come! Can I? Huh? Huh? Please? :redface: If this is a go, can we try to set a date ASAP? I know it's A LOT to ask but DH has to turn all of his vacation requests for 2010 in by Sept. '09 and I'll need him home on vacation to stay with DD! Otherwise I can't come for sure. June works better for me. DD's school ends end of May and it's also her b-day, so that's out. *g4e, bite your tongue woman! Don't mention that name here, it might appear!! LOL!! I don't know if I missed it or not, but how's your pain level? Hopefully VERY low! Prayin' for you sister! *Slim, no you aren't bad for preferring you friends to your family! Sometimes your friends make for better family! You get to CHOOSE them! *Fireworks, banned here due to fire danger. Live in the mtns. Fine by me. There's a big display at the lake. They actually have a barge on the lake and shoot them off from there. I stay home. Too many crazies and my DDog hates the noise of 'em. PJTP: Thanks for all the well wishes on my truck. It's gonna be bad. They finally narrowed it down to the transfercase. I know most of y'all have NO idea what I'm talking about and that's okay, you don't have to. BUT they have to tear it apart and see what's busted up and then order parts. He's going to call tomorrow with an estimate. AND we found out today that our wonderful governor got his wish and has ordered another furlough day for all state employees. This makes a total of 3 non-paid work days a month which cuts DH's check by 15%! He has to work them anyway b/c you can't close the fire station for a day so they'll build up those days and hope they can take them later. This SUCKS! :biggrin: Who'd a thunk that working for the state, in a pretty darn secure job, that you'd have to worry about a pay cut? I just thank GOD that he still has a job!!!! Sheesh! No wonder I have a migraine! Sorry about my bitch-fest! 'Night all!! TTFN!

*Beth, Ebony and Slim, Thinking of you and hoping y'all are able to work out the head stuff for yourselves. I'm finding the head stuff to be the hardest part so far. Tho waiting another month for a badly needed fill just may change my mind on that point! *Beth, that dog needs to GO! It needs to find a home where the owner will step up and actually BE the alpha. If it's not too late. I'm afraid it may be in which case, unfortunately the dog will need to be put down. I HATE irresponsible dog owners. It's always the poor animal that ends up paying the biggest price. Have a safe trip! *Ebony, YOU are a responsible dog owner. You KNOW your dog and it's limitations and it's issues and deal accordingly. THANK YOU! *Glouc, sorry about the house stuff. I think that's ridiculous AND criminal!!! *Lu and Tap, no sky diving or bunging jumping for me! I'll watch tho!! LOL! *Mac, glad you got your bag back! How'd that happen? And was your stuff still in it?! *Eating, I have to pay attention too. It's too easy for me to start inhaling w/out chewing! Or swallowing too soon! *PJTP - truck is still at the shop and we haven't heard from them yet. Not looking good. I know it's going to be bad and it's going to have to go on a CC. :crying: My poor truck and our poor finances! :crying: A friend called tonight and she's taking her son to see Ice Age tomorrow and wants DD and I to go. Should be fun. We're going the the early showing so it's a lot cheaper. Thursday another friend and I are taking our kids up to the high country to paint some trail signs on a trail that our 4 wheel drive club adopted. Picnic and playing in the forest! Great day! Starting Friday we'll be hibernating at home to avoid the July 4th craziness. The lake, 5 minutes from our house, has fireworks every year and it's popular. YUCK! It's already crazy in town with all the tourists making a week out of it and it's just going to get worse! That's the only problem with living in a popular tourist area. Summer sucks sometimes! They all go home eventually tho! Okay, off to bed! Have a great night! TTFN!

Fantastic job, Debbie!! I have yet to even hit the treadmill. I've gotten to where I hate that thing! Guess I'm going to have to get up at the crack of dawn if I want to get outside to walk!

1. Were You Named After Anyone? *No, tho my middle name is sort of a family name, it's been used a lot! 2. When was the Last time You Cried? *Last week, doesn't take much! 3. Do You like Your Handwriting? *Most times. 4. What Is Your Favorite Lunch meat? *Turkey or Roast Beef, depends on my mood. 5. Do You have Kids? *Yes, 1 DD. 6. If You were Another Person, Would You be Friends with You? *Yes. 7. Do you use Sarcasm a lot? *Yes, it's gotten me into trouble too! 8. Do You still have Your Tonsils? *Yes. 9. Would You Bungee Jump? *NO!!!! 10. What is Your Favorite Cereal? *Right now, Roman Meal Hot Cereal w/peanut butter and honey. 11. Do You untie Your Shoes when You take them off? *Yes. 12. Do You think You are Strong? *Sometimes. 13. What is Your Favorite Ice Cream? *Depends on my mood and what's available. Any thing with caramel or coffee is a good choice! 14. What is the First thing You notice about People? *Their approach. 15, Red or Pink? *Pink, preferably darker. 16. What is The least thing You like about Yourself? *My attitude sometimes stinks. 17. Who do You Miss the Most? *Our cat Clancy. He was the coolest cat! 18. What Color Pants and Shoes are Wearing now? *Denim shorts. 19. What was the Last thing You Ate? *Tortilla chips w/melted cheese and salsa, yes I'm having a rotten night! 20, What are You listening to now? *The fans in the windows, the crickets outside and the TV on low on the DIY channel (I have NO idea what's actually on). 21 If You were a Crayon what Color would You be? *Blue, my favorite color. 22. Favorite Smells? *DD after her bath, camp or fireplace fire/smoke in the chilly AM. 23. Favorite Sports to Watch? *Football! 24. Hair Color? *Dark blonde. 25. Do You Wear Contacts? *No 26. Favorite Food? *Right now I"m on a mexican kick. I have a new cookbook! Yummm! 27. Scary Movies, or Happy Endings? *Depends on my mood. 28. Last Movie You saw? *The Nightmare Before Christmas, yesterday evening. 29, Color Shirt/Blouse You are Wearing? *Sage green tank top. 30. Summer or Winter? *WINTER!!!! 31. Favorite Dessert? *Ice Cream. 32, Favorite Place ever Traveled? *Lake Tahoe. 33, Where would You like to Travel Next? *Alaska. Tho I'm going to Oregon for a family reunion in Sept. Can't wait! 34. What Book are Reading now? *If There Be Dragons by Kay Hooper. 35, Where were You Born? *Northern CA 36. Big Band or Rap? *Big Band. 37. Interesting Fact about Me? *I've had the chicken pox twice. I'm special! 38. What did You Watch on Televison Last Night? *Food Network. 39. Beatles or Rolling Stones? *Stones. 40. Do You have a Special Talent? *People say I'm funny and that I sing well. Guess those are special talents.

Oh! You two don't know what you're missing! Making pineapple upside down cake with a pan, cardboard and aluminum foil. Making yummy dinners in the fire using the dutch oven or aluminum foil. eggs cooking over the fire in the AM. Smell of campfire in the cool night. The quietness of the evening with just the crickets and frogs singing to you. Talking quietly with your loved ones and friends beside the campfire. Watching the stars blink on as the sun goes down. The fun of exploring the forest around you during the day. Watching the deer and the chipmunks and squirrels go along in their daily tasks. Anyway, I could go on but I won't! Guess you can tell I like to go camping! LOL! As for the Q, haven't answered that yet. Being rich sure would be nice. Not having to worry about paying for my truck repairs. Yes, it's in the shop right now. There are some charities here that we would love to help in a big way. Set up trust/college funds for our daughter and nieces and nephews. Pay of our bills and those of our parents. BUT I don't want to be fat anymore. I'm not huge anymore, I'm still big and have a ways to go yet and don't want to stop. So, no answer as of yet.

Actually, I CAN understand your frustration. I also think you're doing well. You've been averaging 4.25 per month since surgery. That's actually right on target. The surgeons say 1-2lbs a week so that would be 4-8 per month. I do 2-3 if I'm lucky. For 3 months I bounced the same 3lbs and THAT was frustration itself! Seems I finally got rid of that. I hope! With what your telling me about your exercise, in all honesty, I don't think you're eating enough! I'm using dailyplate and entered my weight, height and age and that I do moderate intensity exercise and it has me eating a little over 1300 calories a day! And it REALLY doesn't matter how many fills you've had or how much is in your band. If you are not feeling restriction, then you need more. If you are, then you don't. Simple as that. Don't focus so much on the numbers, either how many fills or how much is in there. Doesn't really matter. Hang in there, keep working hard and try to be patient. I think you're doing a great job!

Thanks. The 55lbs tho is since I started the process in March '08. It's 30lbs since surgery. I had to lose 10% before surgery. It amazes me that I'm 55lbs less than I was over a year ago. I saw myself in the mirror the other day, actually SAW myself, and was shocked! And kinda proud of myself. I'm not huge anymore. Yes, I still have a long way to go and I'm still big, but I'm not HUGE and I can function better and my clothes, well the ones that aren't too big, look better. I'm not having to continuously adjust my clothing. It's been an interesting journey so far! Enjoy the ride as much as you can!

I use daily plate at livestrong.com. It's free and easy to use. ~~~~~ Haven't walked since last week again. We're hitting 100+ degrees here and it's just too dang hot by the time I'm able to get out there. I'm going to have to suck it up and use the treadmill. :tongue2:

Thanks, working on the 'tude! I've dieted for so long, it's hard to NOT go there. I totally agree with you. The OP is SOOOO NOT a failure!! And the band experience is so different for each of us b/c we are so different! Some have major head issues, others, not so much. Some have physical issues, others, not so much. Etc. It's just so different for everyone. Just yesterday, I was so frustrated. I had to miss my fill appt the other day due to truck failure and can't get in til the 23rd now. And I was so looking forward to the fill! I am SO hungry and can eat a lot right now, but trying not too. I just was thinking that I should have just done by-pass and gotten it over with. Of course in the next minute I'm bucking that thought b/c I did/do have valid reasons for NOT going with by-pass for myself. I look forward to the day when I can stop tracking calories and when I am only hungry when it's time to eat a meal. And you're welcome! LOL! And, Chantel, welcome newbie! :tongue2: Hang in there!

itsachoice, I totally agree with your concepts. For ME tho, I discovered that I was snacking more than I thought and not even hungry most times while doing it. So, in essence, I was eating around my band. :crying: NEVER thought I'd be the one to say that!! I don't have restriction yet either and won't be able to get in to my doc til almost the end of July! I'm kinda on my own right now as I can eat HUGE amounts of food right now. Tracking on dailyplate, keeps me aware of what I'm doing. If I go over, fine but by how much and with what! I've still been managing to lose but it's VERY slow and may come to a standstill til I can get in for my fill. So, I do agree with you and hopefully I can get to the point that you're at. SOON!!! :rolleyes2: In the meantime, I have to track. Oh and I have noticed that when my 3yr old isn't home, I don't eat. Most of my issues are running to the kitchen to get her something so I grab a handful for myself. Or pick out of her bowl as I walk by. Really BAD!!!! And mindless. I didn't realize how much it was adding up til I started tracking again. Like I said, I really need the awareness right now. I remember reading about your problems when it happened. Sounds like your issues are finally resolved. That's FANTASTIC!!

Prednisone is HORRIBLE stuff! So sorry you're dealing with all of this. It doesn't help that every one, besides yourself, is frustrated. Have you been tested for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Or Fibromyalgia? My dad has both and he has a really hard time getting motivated enough to move, let alone actually MOVE! He's up and down with the depression and weight as well b/c of all the physical stuff. A lot of what you describe reminds me of my dad. One thing I thought of when I read your post was swimming. Have you been able to try that? Is there a public pool that you can use to get in the Water and just start doing your own thing? Don't really need classes as you can do a lot of leg and are movements on your own and maybe start trying to slowly add a lap or 2. At this point, I'm afraid you're going to just have to mind over matter your way thru this right now. The band WILL work but until you start getting to a proper fill level, it's just not going to work well for you. I'm sorry you're struggling so hard. Have you tried sitting down with BOTH doctors, at the same time? Is that even possible? Might be an idea. They can get on the same page and you can explain why things are so hard for you right now. Put everything down on paper so you don't get off track or forget anything. If you can't get them together, sit down with each one individually, with your paper and have a serious talk. You need to have help from you doctors, not reprimands. Take care and I hope things turn around for you soon.

I think you're doing well. I've lost nearly 30 since surgery. Sure I wish it was a little faster but I know why it's not. The biggest thing for me is no major gaining which is what would ALWAYS happen before surgery. And yes, I've had a few gains here and there but it's only been a couple of pounds and has come right back off. Hang in there. You CAN do this! I've discovered that on top of exercise, I must track my foods. Especially since I don't have restriction. I've also discovered that I'm a snacker, even when not hungry. I have a 3 yr old and every time I'd go in the kitchen to get her something, I'd grab a handful of {whatever}. Not even realizing how many calories that added up too. If you're not tracking, I'd really recommend it. I use dailyplate as it's free but there are several other free sites out there as well that I hear are just as good or better. I know it's frustrating! Best wishes!

AND the gas can't come out in farts or burps as it is in the abdomen, NOT the stomach! If it was in the stomach, it could either come up the esophagus, hence out the mouth, or thru the intestines/bowels to then come out the other end. The gas in your abdomen has no easy way to escape and must be worked out of your system, hence the walking. Helps move it around and get it distributed and broken up, so to speak. Gas-X, despite being touted as the only way to go, won't tough the surgery gas. It will help with gastro-intestinal gas tho, so do keep some on hand. As far as getting him to understand, I have no easy answers for you. The above example given is really good. He's in the military so make it physical in nature as far as explaining things. Best wishes to you!

THAT WAS AMAZING!!! The song is an orchestra version of Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters." I don't remember if it was a whole tour or just a few shows but they did some dates with a full orchestra. Have heard a few of the songs they did and it is amazing. Wish I'd been able to see it in person! I love them! Tho AC/DC will always be my absolute favorites! Thanks for sharing, Fanny!

*Ebony and Beth, I sure hope you two find out something soon! All this waiting is driving me crazy!! LOL!! Good for you for finally acknowledging it! LOL!! J/K!! Can we say "YouTube?" Me too! Ouch! Sorry! Yikes! That's HOT!! YUMMMMM!!! Ummm, what kind of meds are you on again? What she said! My mom was working full time and going to school while I was in HS. I was trying NOT to fail and she was making all As! She got her masters a few years after I got married, she was in her early/mid 40s. She's now 62 and still working in a professional field. The only reason she thinks about retiring is b/c she's having too much fun bike riding, kayaking, horseback riding, traveling, etc.! UGH! I finally lost another lb this week. I fear the drinking right now. I gain really bad and I'm trying to get to 179 by July 4th. Oh great! Just realized that's next SATURDAY! Crap!!! I do actually REMEMBER those days! LOL!!! Trust me, it's shocking that I remember anything! Have a good night everyone!! TTFN!

I want to reiterate again that Biotin will not help you KEEP your hair. It will only help you GROW more! I was losing hair and getting plenty of Protein so that theory doesn't hold true for everyone. Mine literally stopped falling out when I added veggies and fruit back in to my diet. Once I did that, all was good. So for ME it wasn't protein, it was other Vitamins and minerals from fresh veggies and the little fruit that I do eat. Make sure you're eating a balanced diet along with that protein.

Maybe everyone already knows this but I just discovered it today! Many of my supplements have significant calories in them! If you are tracking your calorie intake like I do, [i use daily plate] then this can add up and make a difference in what is happening. My supplements alone add over 100 calories to my daily intake!!! So the days that I'm close, at, or even over a little, make a big difference! That's a lot of calories!! Check the NI on the bottles of stuff you are taking and make sure you start counting those calories! Some examples: gummy vits, 1 dose, 2x a day = 30 glucosamine, 1 dose, 1x a day = 15 omega liquid, 1/2 dose, 2x a day = 45 Those are the big ones. The others add up to another 16 calories for a total of 106 supplement calories per day!!! YIKES!!! Just wanted to warn others out there b/c it's just not something I thought of til today.

I started Depo the month before my surgery. Not intended that way, just surgery was scheduled a lot sooner than I thought it would. I can't tell you if there is a difference or not. I'm a slow loser and was before surgery. Seems that's no different for me. At least this time it's steady and I'm not having the gains that I used too. One thing, it takes awhile to get adjusted on the Depo and you may (will) have break-thru and spotting. It's normal to even have some light periods when first starting. Usually takes a few rounds of shots for that to stop. Now. Having said that, b/c you'll be losing consistently (hopefully), expect even more break-thru and spotting. Excess Estrogen is stored in fat cells and when you lose fat, the Estrogen is released in to your system and it will throw your system off. PMS symptoms and bleeding included. Just so you know. Also, as with other birth control, it is still possible to get pregnant even on Depo. Best wishes to you!!

Great job, you two!!! I'm down another pound after staying the same last week! WhooHoo! Last week: 181.8 This week: 180.8 Weird tho that it's exactly 1 lb!! Not complaining, just thought it was strange. I was stuck in the mid 180's for so long tho that I'm afraid to get too excited about this. I'm almost out of the 180s and it just doesn't seem real! Have a great week!!

Wow! Guess I'll post first for this week. Lost a lb! Happy with that. It's been REALLY HOT! so I haven't gotten out for any walks this week and I had a couple of high calorie days so I'm VERY happy with this! For the first time, I may just reach my goal! I'll be happy if I can just get really close tho! So, my goals are: July 4th - 179 Aug. 28th - 170 Have a great week everyone!!

File:Evap cooler illustration.png - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This shows an image of one that would sit on your roof and be ducted into the house, like a regular AC. Or you can get ones that sit "sideways" and be installed in a window or wall. We've had both. Most cases they're cheeper to run than an AC. All it uses is a little fan motor and small sump pump, like you'd find in a fountain. We have AC now and we're pretty efficient with it so our costs aren't too bad anyway. Our electric bills are usually around $60-90, depending on the time of year.

*Fanny, hang in there! *Congratulations, g4e!!!!! *Lu, would he pay for mine? LOL!! J/K!!! I LOVE my permanent eyeliner! Nice when it's hot too, doesn't smear! Most days I don't even wear makeup or I'll trow on some powder. Mascara sometimes. Like the idea of the eyelashes! *Tap, I'm sorry the weather refuses to cooperate with you! *Kat, I get tired of the media. I think it's why I don't keep up with the news. Just get tired of the drama when there's no drama! UGH! Swamp coolers and humidity are NOT good friends! Our last 2 places had swamps and they worked great in the right weather. Tho here, if it gets over 100, dry or not, they can't keep up even running 24hrs a day! *Have a good day!

Oh Kat. I'm so sorry! Even when they're old, it's still sad. You miss a lot from the old ones. And when it's the young ones, it's always tragic. How cool that they combined services from her biological family and her "adoptive" family! It would have been so sad to have only done it one way and totally ignore another important side of her. NO! You're NOT getting old!! LOL!!! I'm not either! <foot stamp and arms crossed!> Dammit!!! :thumbup: Take good care of yourself. You've been through a lot in a short amount of time. I'll "see" you around! 'Night!

I don't think so. I think your comment about having to wait in line in the restroom reminded him of some irritating episodes of his own waiting times in the restroom. He did start off by saying it was barely related! LOL!