Charlene K

Yeah, you got that right! lol Me too!

GF ditched me for dinner too. Anyway, DH text me and he got an early flight. He is on his way home, but the traffic is awful. I think Houston traffic must be close to being as bad as LA. Chris would probably know. Oh, I did finish most of my Christmas shopping today. I bought all the Gkids sweaters. I took back the Pj's. Kohl's is having a super sale. I got everything on sale plus 30% off and 40 cash bucks I can spend on Monday. Apples....Y'all didn't beat me up.......You just care. You know prophecy is someone telling you something God has already told you in your heart. I am just surrounded by prophets. Cool! "when you know better you do better." Oprahism....I have never forgotten that. Sometimes it just takes me a while to get it in my thick skull.

Arlene, the walking helps with everything, but it truly doesn't burn that many calories. The only thing that burns a lot of calories, is high intensity aerobics and for some of us, that isn't recommendable (arthritis, impact, etc.) Just keep walking lady....you'll make it. Good Morning! You can do this, Arlene! New start TODAY!! For me, too! TOPS weigh in was NOT good yesterday... up like 3 1/2 lb. I'm blaming it on med change and depression last week, but honestly.... think there is some Water weight, too because I just don't feel like I over-indulged. Definitely too much wine on Sunday and Monday, and birthday party Sunday, but I was very careful what I ate. Too many carbs that day, but didn't go crazy. Like 1/2 bagel, some casserole that was eggs, asparagus, cheese, chicken. 3 shrimp w/cocktail sauce, couple of bites of kielbasa and onions, and a small piece of cake w/ice cream. That was the only day I really blew it. OH, well... like I said... new start today. Arlene, Dr Lori thinks you do need to have a complete breakup with carbs. They tend to get you in trouble. Some people are more sensitive to them and addicted to them. Also, I don't mean to disagree with Janet, but my doc would disagree with her's. He gives fills if you are losing because he says the band gets looser and it's harder to manage the hunger. Just saying as there are different opinions out there. You, of course, need to do what your dr wants. I'm wondering if I need a tweak. I can sure tell I am eating a bit more. Like one chicken thigh was more than enough before but now I have pieces from a second, etc. But am afraid of reflux as I had that with more before and am perfect now. Arlene...you seemed to be better off when you had your appts with the nutritionist and had to be accountable on a weekly basis. I know for myself, if I wouldn't have had those bi-weekly and then monthly check-ins with my LB doc, I don't think I would have done as well. Since you are unable to attend the meetings try to either find another one to attend or try to make things work so you can attend the one that did work for you. It's time to think of you. Arrange YOUR time without thinking of what you need to do for others and go back to those weekly meetings that worked for you. You can do for others when it fits your routine. (This is my lecture for the day...down off my soup box). I agree.......with all! I did do better going,but the time is not good for me. I could get out of picking up DGD. Kelly is doing much better. The rush hour traffic starts on that side town early. And to tell you the truth......I really am not connected to the support group. It has changed since I started in March.....three times. I am gonna start going to their dietitian that deals with the surgery patients. I will see her once a month starting in January. The ladies in the support group have not had surgery. Yes, all the emotional stuff is the same, but their diet is different. I have done good today by journaling food, calories, and Proteins. I walked 2 miles too. My friend ditched on the movie, but we are going out to eat.......salad, 3oz steak, and sweet potato. I may ditch the sweet potato. This is my friend that had gastric bypass when I had the band. We don't see each other much. She has started going to a counselor for her unhappiness. She thought weight loss and plastic surgery would make her happy.....wrong. Now she blames her husband of 42 years. At least she is seeing someone. Hopefully, she can do the work necessary to love herself or her hubby will be the next thing she loses.....just saying...... Later peeps!!!

I didn't get a fill. I told her I slime when I eat too fast......she said I have restriction. She wants me to journal my food, 10,000 steps a day, and water aerobics too. Then I go back Dec 11. Then she will decide . I know I need a fill. gotta prove it. They use flouroscope now. They had it already for me, and she changed her mind. I hope I ddn't get charged for it. So, I just walked 4,000 steps......now gonna eat oatmeal and eggwhites.

Kimberly, I would definitely call the doctor. That kind of pain is not normal for a band. HUGS! Sheriff Janet,......I have been eating too much of everything. I quit journaling. I've been kidding myself thinking all this exercise would take care of the calories.....NOT! I do think I need a fill, but I will journal, exercise, and stay within my calorie range till December 11. then prove to her and myself I really do need a fill. The receptionist told me that a girl got a fill the day before. She had not had one in a year. She had to come back the next day and got it out....was not able to eat. I just think the PA(all she does is fills) is just being safe. So, I have to do my part.......then next month she can do hers. I think I am going to start going to the dietitian once a month for another accountability tool. You are my daily, but I need someone to get in my face. Julie, I know I have said this before, but I wonder if your pain may be coming from your abdominal adhesions. I am glad you are going to a new doctor. Never hurts to have a fresh pair of eyes checking it out. HUGS! Chris, good for you on the walking. You will heal so much faster. Peeps, gotta go walk. I am going to go see Denzel's new movie today......then out to eat with a friend. Plan, salad(dressing on the side) and a sweet potato. Breakfast- oatmeal, eggwhites

Linda, I thought Lyrica caused weight gain. That's why I turned it down. Xanax and Flexeril cause me to gain too.

Hey gang.......I'm back from Dr Davis'office. The PA did not give me a fill. Poo! They do it by fluoro now. She didn't even do that. She said if I slimed I have restriction. She told me not to eat fruit in the morning or the evening......only for a snack. She said all the exercise I am doing is causing the hunger. My body is trying to hold on to the weight.....ya think? She wants me to journal and come back next month. Then maybe a fill next month after she sees my journal......busted!!! She said I had a shotty metabolism, but it will improve. I think I have a sh_tty metabolism.....lol. Apples, I am sending flowers to a funeral in Albert Lea , Mn.....know where that is? My DH's coworker's dad died. I use Proflowers. I have been pleased with their service. I don't have to deal with the local florist. Great, Welcome home! Yeah, that Kinect looks awesome. Julie, I am so sorry you are in so much pain. It must be taking a toll on your emotions. HUGS!!! Kelly, my DH did two tours of Vietnam.....One son was in the Air Force seven years.....One son in the Navy for five years. My dad was a WWII vet. I am grateful for all that served.

Hi gang! Just checking in before grocery shopping for my mother and going to get a fill. I sure hope I need one.......if not......I have serious hunger issues. I walked two miles this morning and babysat. That should count for a workout. Laura.....It is good you have moms to share in the help with the kids. That is how I made it through the kid years. There were a bunch of us that kept each others kids.....and carpooled. Hope you have a good day at the clinic. Apples, sorry for your loss. I think we are at the age where the Greatest Generation is passing quickly. My mother said eight residents died last week at her retirement home. To all of you and your loved ones that have served in the military........Thank you for your service and keeping us SAFE AND FREE! God Bless the USA!

Cheri, yes, I need to watch the oatmeal. I just finished a bowl for supper. DH is in Louisiana and I don't want to cook. I am chillin watching the CMA's. I love country music. I don't listen to it in the car.....mainly listen to the Oldies...I am a 60's and 70's fan. I'm glad you found the gas culprit. I bought Fiber Choice and they are inulin. I only have gas when I take them in the evening. I know those protein bars are my culprit. What's that stuff sorbitol?.....deadly!!! Okay, back to chillin...........check with y'all in the morning.......Goodnight!

Hi gang! Yesterday, I thought there were only a couple of us on the thread.........I get on.......and I see three pages of posts. Wow! Apples, Happy Anniversary! I sew or shop to keep from eating. Sewing costs less and I stay at home. Shopping is costly if I want to divert myself from food. Kelly, glad your stew turned out well. I don't do boots. My calves are huge! Chris, sounds like you are healing well. Yep, you have to do that one no no to remind you there is a band. As for me, I can eat too much food right now. I will be going tomorrow for a fill. Eva, Thanks! My babygirl is napping in my bed right now before going to get Sydney from nursery school. I am keeping the girls this evening so her and SIL can go Celebrate her birthday. Janet, props to you for keeping us all in line. We need a food cop! lauraK.....how is the friendship going with the new guy? Laura......how is your tummy feeling? Phyl, you feeling better now? Going to walk this afternoon then Water aerobics before my fill tomorrow. Maybe I will drop a lb. I have a 3pm appointment.

Arlene, loved the Halloween pics -- very precious little ones. I'll have to try to post some of Aylah here soon. I hear ya on the FM issues -- we've had gorgeous weather here but suppoed to turn nasty tomorrow and I have the aches this afternoon -- feel quite lousy right now. Linda........I am so glad you checked in with us. I figured you were busy at work. Yep, we had a beautiful day today, but rain tomorrow. My body told me so......lol. I will take Tylenol and hope that will work for the night. The exercise has helped, but it did not get rid of FM....only lightened the pain. I am grateful. Apples.....I made a Cherry Nut Cake for my ex DIL today. It was her birthday. She stopped by to tell me what the Fair ribbons said on them. If Jakob's cake had not fallen in the middle he would have gotten Grand Champion cake. It just lacked presentation. My fault......shouldn't have stuck a toothpick in it. Phyl, yep, if DH stays home too many days this house is too small. He starts messing up my routine. I don't know what I will do when he retires.....probably get a part time job to get time away. LauraK....Scotch eggs.......never tried one.....sounds good, but I would be afraid it would get stuck. Well, my DD babygirl will be 34 tomorrow. I made her WW pumpkin cupcakes. 3pts. It was 15oz can of pumpkin and angel food cake mix with pumpkin spice. I tasted one and they were dislish. Will check in tomorrow.......Goodnight All!!!

Laura, so sorry for the problems. I'm not saying this is part of your problems, but when I was your age and pre menopausal I went through a year of what I call "itisis" I took pepcid, carafate.....basically anything to calm my gut. Then I took a .5 xanax and presto I was cured. Menopause can send your system into a tailspin. You are where I want to be on weight. My goal next year is Onederland. Take Care! You are so active you will do fine will a little less fill. Love the Pics! Nels is just so cute.

Good morning peeps! I had coffee this morning with Protein drink, walked, and now just finished oatmeal with raisins.....I am hooked. I think I could go on a oatmeal diet for awhile. Janet, My back is hurting......so the weather is going to change. It is a beautiful day today.....showers tomorrow. I am still going to get a fill even if it is just slight. Oh I dropped a1/2lb. Every ounce counts. Off to Sam's this morning to buy a case of diapers for DGD. Then going to dinner with a friend.....yep, mexican. I think I will have a chicken fajita salad. Later!

Yep, it was definitely a theme. Most of the time the deceased is dressed in a western shirt...when it is a "theme". I went to to one that even had his saddle next to his custom wood casket that looked like it was made out of fence posts. Yep, he was a cowboy. He was also my DS's best friend. He died of a massive heart attack at 29. Sorry I got to rambling. Funerals do that to me. It kicks in the "memories". I agree about the gun thing. He needs a safe with kids around, especially at their age. Are you and I the only ones on the thread tonight?

Hey gang! I am back from my friend's DH funeral and babysitting for DD. The funeral was in the country town I lived in for 30 years. Alex(friend's DH) was quite the hunter. They had him dressed in his hunting outfit complete with the hat. He had a duck caller(is that what you call it?) in his hand. All the pallbearers wore cammo . One of my friend's sang country gospel songs. I had not seen some of the family in twenty years. I was so glad I went. Then I babysat while DD went to WW. She lost 6 1/2 lbs her first week. I think it was the incentive she needed to get off the baby weight. She only lost 13lbs since the baby was born. I made an appointment to get a fill on thursday afternoon. I am gonna do it. I am just too hunger and eating too much at one time. That is what Dr. Davis said would be my sign to get a fill. Apples.......wow! DH will be thrilled with the new safe. Does he know you bought it? Kelly, thanks for the large print with the light color. The old eyes aren't what they used to be. You must live in a beautiful place. Great, my DS stayed at the Peabody last month. He loved the ducks. He went to meet his girlfriend's parents in Arkansas. Where is everybody tonight? Janet and Phyl......what did you buy?

Good morning! I have a busy day. Janet, I would love to go shopping with y'all....I want to know the bargains you found. Apples, I can't believe it, but after all these years I am hooked on oatmeal for Breakfast. I put a few raisins and walnuts in it......yummy! I will check in this eve. I hope everyone has a great day!

Thanks Gang, for all the compliments on my table setting. Jodi, I am going to use the centerpiece. In fact, it is going on my table tomorrow along with a red cloth. So, I will get at least 45 days use out of it.......and probably for the next several Christmases. Do you decorate for Hanukkah? I have so been tempted to buy the blue and gold decorations. They are so beautiful. Eva, I sure hope that camera comes in. My DH wanted to get the new Cannon, but I told him how gorgeous your pictures were of Argentina. So, Merry Christmas to me! He loves to buy stuff online. I know he wants the new Mac......you know the light weight one. Let's see......we have three mac's, ipad, and two iphones. Is he a Mac nut or what? Tx.....glad you are healing well.......uh.....Chocolate shake!!!.........Sugar Free chocolate pudding.....no, no, no doughnuts!

That sucks! Well, I am calling to get a fill this week. I am struggling with this hunger thing. I hope I can get in Thursday. How is everyone doing?

Cheri, you might try taking pepcid once a day. It could be that you have excessive acid since your stomach virus. I also found Gas-x is a big help too. Those are things I use when my gut has been messed up.

I love decorating for Christmas. It's the only holiday I go all out for. (although this Halloween I did more than ever in my life, now that Nels isn't afraid of ghost and skeleton decor). I am bummed that I didn't snatch up all the John Deere ornaments two years ago at Walmart. They discontinued the line last year. : ( We do two trees- though they don't have the same ornaments. One is mine- and one is Nels'. He's allowed to trim his tree ANYWAY he wants. : ) Mine has white lights and his has psychedelic, flashing, Laura, I bet you can find them online....ebay maybe. I haven't gotten those ADS. My DH has our pop-ups turned off, but I hate that every time I go to a sight I get an ad on FB advertising whatever I was looking at. Yep, the only way to get away from it is to get off the computer completely. Like right now there is an AD for Loft Maternity.....WTH? I having been looking at Loft or definitely maternity clothes. OH, Laura, I looked at your pictures. WOW! you have come a long way baby! You are a beautiful woman! Phyl, I know it must be tough right now. At least you know what is causing the depression. Go do some retail therapy. I did some on QVC yesterday. I bought my mother a Sunbeam shoulder heating pad. It fits around the shoulders like a huge collar or small cape. I think it will help her upper back. Eva, My DH bought me an Olympus camera for Christmas. We hope to get it in time for our Grand Canyon tour out of Vegas. Kelly, don't remember you, but welcome. My daughter's name is Kelly.

Wow! Slept till 6:20am. It paid off to go to bed late. Great, yes, and also you should have 100 lights per foot of tree. Also, have a theme. When her son left for Iraq after Christmas she had done the Christmas tree in red, white, and blue. It makes memories. The tree is something everyone remembers. She did a tree of her daughters wedding stuff the year her daughter married. She said the topper should be as much as 10 times the size of the rest of the ornaments.....like a huge bow with streamers. She took a toilet paper roller and wrapped it in green florist tape....put it on the top branch....and just hooked the bow topper on it. I had never thought of doing that. She said to go to thrift stores and find old stuff to paint. One year she decorated the Houston Symphony's conductor's tree. She went to the thrift store and bought an old french horn. She sprayed it gold then bought old sheet music and deopaged (sp) it. It trailed down out of the horn. The tree was ten feet tall. He was thrilled. Oh, aprons are big again. A return to the fifties. Okay, that's all I remember right now. I gotta go to church and greet. My back is hurting because I didn't have anyone to help me load my stuff.....well......I didn't ask. Gonna babysit this afternoon. Tomorrow is Water aerobics.......then out of town to a funeral. My friend's DH....age 59 was found dead in his office Friday morning. This is a shocker. Both of them worked at a hospital. I am sure they took every measure to revive him.....so sad. Later peeps!

Hi Gang! I am pooped! The dinner was great! Well, I know why i have gained so much weight. I didn't know the color red makes you hungry.....lol.....another excuse...lol. I did not know the new color combination for Christmas is Red and Aqua. Yep, she had a tree with red and aqua poinsettas . I don't think I will be doing the "in" color scheme this year. All of the tables were gorgeous. Another "new" thing this year mesh ribbon. They loop it through the wire wreath frames and then add ornaments and greenery. It is really pretty. I had several ladies compliment me on my weight loss. Several of us were in a weight loss bible study 2 1/2years ago before my banding. Sandy......WTG!!! Great.....have a wonderful time state "hopping"!!! Laura.......so glad that Nels is doing so good in public school. So sweet of you to give your cleaning lady Nel's toys. Doesn't feel good to give to those who really appreciate it? I bet her little girl lights up at Christmas. Apples......I thought you were going to the lake. How's your mouth healing? Joyce....so good to hear from you....we miss ya! Julie.....I am glad you posted. I worry when i don't hear from you. Linda......where are you? Miss ya!!! Janet.....I didn't read the post, but I take you are closet cleaning today. I need to drag out the few winter things I have. I wonder if they still fit. Okay, going to bed! Oops time changes tonight....I better stay up a little longer or I will be up at 4am.

Oh, I don't think it is a contest. I just wanted it to look good. Our guest speaker is an interior decorator. She is going to show how to how to Christmas decorate "cheap and easy". Cheesy???? lol Should be interesting.

Hi gang! I just want to wish all of you a great weekend. I have all of my china, cloths,centerpiece, and candles packed and ready to do my Christmas tablescape at church tomorrow. The dinner is at 6p, but we are setting the tables in the morning. Janet you would be so proud of me....another NSV. I put on my shapewear tee( is that what it is called?) and wore it all day. Not once did my port or adhesions hurt. All that exercising is paying off. Yay! LauraK.....woohoo!!! Jodi......Happy Holiday again. You just have one celebration after another. Cool! What are you cooking now? Eva.......I love Elton John! Phyll, I hope your GS recovers quickly. And for you......woohoo on the LB! Apples, SMILE! Just wanted to remind you! Sndy..... let us know about the 5K. Tx......support group is so important.....another key part of weight loss Lori, did the concrete men come? Julie, I have seen that show on the travel channel. I wonder what his secret is to keeping weight off? Cheri.....how's the tummy doing? Linda.......where are you????? miss ya!!!!! Again, everyone have a great weekend!

I just finished walking. Charlie did not cooperate with me. I haven't taken him in a week so he had to sniff and mark all his spots. Janet the air show was here two weeks ago. My friends went and said it was awesome. I could hear them practicing the day before , but it was so overcast I never saw one jet. Cheri, I take Benefiber now with two bottles of Water. Recently I found that fruit was my best source of fiber. Dr. Davis said fruit was good as long as I am exercising. You know all the problems I have. I only have half of a colon which has compounded my problems. Everyone has to do what works for them. Miralax is another one of my sources too. Okay,......off to get a mani/pedi. Later peeps!