jbflorida

Good morning! (for another 8 minutes....) Welcome to Mishay! This site was more helpful and informational than anything! Of course, you have to listen to your doc, but we KNOW because we've been there and we are still working it. It's been almost for me and I am still learning. We're glad to have you. Today is a beautiful sunny day! I am about to get my dog and get in the golf cart. We're going to putter around my community and deliver Mary Kay to my customers. (No, I do not play golf--but the cart is so much fun and Bitsy loves it--anything for the dog.....) I did not hear any news reports of mischief in Southern California, so I guess Janet and Phyl didn't do too much damage on their day out. [/url] I can "hear" Apples's smile and I am glad. Julie, I hear the economy is improving and I think you are the one to thank. Grab the day!

Ummm....does the guy with green teeth have money? Kidding! Right now, I can NOT be bothered! I have my GF's, my puppy dog and I am happy. (check me in two weeks...) The show went well tonight--I have 2 more performances and then--done! Cast party is Sat. after the show. I love to be in a show; I love when it is over. What I'd really like to do is--direct. (Boss people around, you know....again, kidding. I just love it when I make a show come together and the cast feels so good about themselves and their performances..blah,blah,blah) Concerning the dog/cat rescue--yes, it is a NO kill shelter (could NOT do the other kind). I know that these furbabies are not in an ideal situation, but I know that they are safe, fed, clean, medically cared for and loved on by the volunteers AND there is a thorough process to find loving, forever homes. When I volunteered with the group in ATL, I did a lot of fostering. I've had about 40 fosters--not at once! The first time my foster got adopted, I wondered if I should adopt him (a little poodle boy named Joey). But the elderly, lonely man who adopted him just LIT up when he saw him. I knew at that moment that I was in this to rescue.As soon as Joey went to his forever home, I could turn and say, Who needs to be fostered now? And--save another life. The man rescued Joey, but Joey rescued the man. They even went to assisted living together a few years later. They lived there for a few years.Then, Joey died at an old age and the old man died a few months later. I stayed in touch with his daughter. Don't get me started about my furbabies! Oops, too late! Enjoy your Friday and don't forget to "spring" your clock ahead this Sunday! judy

Dear Melissa, I am so sorry about Baby's passing. Making that decision is the hardest decision, but it is also the most loving. I know Baby is thanking you that the suffering for her was minimal. Of course, the suffering we feel missing them is great. (My baby--Tinka--"went home" 2 months ago.) Sending hugs--Judy

Karen, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Hopefully, knowing all the love and prayers that are sent your way will bring some comfort. Your girlfriends care. Judy

Good morning to all! Sounds like there have been some trials and tribulations here...family...friends..FORMER friends...God did not promise easy, he just promises to be with you. This is a remarkable group of women. I learn so much from your posts--even every day living. Show is going well, but there has been some trouble with the sound system. LIVE theatre can be so much fun--(sarcastic). Oh well, it ain't Broadway! The show is again tonight and next weekend. My next door neighbor died this week. She was 74 and was in rehab (nursing facility) for some spinal surgery she had in January. She had a massive heart attack. I was told her cholesterol was over 400 and she refused to take meds. She was thin, but cholesterol is 75% genetic. Another reason to make sure we eat right. One of the reasons I got this band and rationalized the money for it (self-pay) was this thought--WHO AM I KIDDING? I have heart disease on both sides of my family. Why NOT me? Now, I am taking control. (with your support and love.....) Gotta get ready--I go to the animal shelter on Saturdays. I write thank you notes to people who make $$ donations. Then I play with dogs and cats! oxox Judy

Joyce, I remember when I could have full liquids. I put some broccoli soup in the blender, then heated it and...YUM! You would have thought I was at a buffet on a cruise ship! The scale moved a little today. We (I?) have to remember that this is not a quick fix; this is a managed journey and bit by bit--it can happen! We are slaves to instant gratification. "I want potato chips NOW!!" And so, when we decide to take charge of our health, we also want it NOW! "I want to weight 150 today!!" With God's grace, I will be here tomorrow and the next day and next week and month and so on.....so I WILL get there. But for today, I am going to make good choices and take care of myself because I am worth it. Pep talk for me and anyone else that needed one. xoxo to all--Judy

I went to the doc today. I am down 11 lbs from Jan 29. I asked him if PB'ing always meant too tight. He said no--that PB may always be part of my eating...it's when it happens too much...and I do know what that is like. I know I have the first bite syndrome and must learn to have a smallsmallsmall first bite, chewchewchew and wait. Do that again. Wait. And then sloooooowwwwwwly eat. It worked tonight at dinner. I am glad that I did not have a fill today. I also say the PS who wants to do a revision---after I lose and maintain another 25 or so lbs. We'll see. It ain't free! Eva, I bet that webshow was interesting. Makes you think. I don't ever want to be tight again, but if I ever am, I will not wait 5 months! Sleep well, my sisters....judy

Don't be scared. It will be exciting! The first few days are hard, sure, but you get used to it and the hunger goes away. I was on Optifast for 2 weeks and after 3 days, no prob! AND you will start losing weight and the motivation will be high. Try not to see this time in your life and health as a deprivation, but as a REWARD you are giving yourself. You DESERVE this--good health and energy. This is not punishment; this is a GIFT to your kids and the grandkids you will be playing with one day. It's not all easy, but it is better than it is now. From a retired teacher--

Congrats Chris--and happy birthday! Now that you have that tool--work it! This is not an EASY journey, but one that is certainly worthwhile. You're giving yourself better health, more energy, a longer life...and all of the new friends you will meet in LapBandLand! Judy

Teaching one special needs child can be as stressful as a class of 30! Good luck. It makes me sad that someone so young should be so angry--what went on in his life to make him that way. I hope the LB "sons" are all better now. All of us aunties worry. The show was fun. Six more performances to go--this coming weekend and next. The cast went out afterwards--I had a salad, PB twice, and then fine. I am going to the doc today. I wondered if I need a bit of an unfill. Sometimes, I can eat just fine! QUESTION: Can you be at a good fill and STILL PB occasionally? Or does a PB automatically mean too tight? Then I will see the Plastic Surg to check on my arms. He might want to do a revision on the scars--what does that mean?? I want him to know that I am not as happy with the breast lift as I thought I would be. I want PERKY! I paid for perky! Not that anyone, but Julie, saw them---TMI. How's that for my conclusion?

Janet--you can't help BUT look cute! Julie--I am worried about you, girl. This pain and lack of sleep HAS to be affecting you physically and mentally--do you think the PT is hurting you instead of helping? Does a good dose of Advil help? What about cortisone shots? The one I had in my shoulder has helped me. Has anyone suggested Accupuncture? When you have chronic pain, you want to try anything! Also, great going on the bread. Try not to see giving up bread as a sacrifice, but as a gift you are giving yourself--you are giving up a dependence on something that does NOT SERVE YOU anymore. The show was fun! I really like the people involved. My character is a hoot---a NY agent--and of course, I had to make her Jewish! I threw in some OY's, a little Yiddish, even mentioned matzoh balls--the audience laughed. My singing went well, but so far, I have not gotten any calls from recording studios...hahahha! One show down, 8 to go. Hope everyone has a great Friday--xo

Great-you will love Israel. The Bible is their history book. It is an amazing country. The Israeli people can be "tough," but with their history, I guess they have to be. Have a safe journey--and remember not to shave before floating in the Dead Sea--ouch! Hope everyone is doing well today. This morning I measured myself; there was some improvement, but more to go. Dr. Oz says my waist should be less than 30 inches---What?!? I guess that's from the charts that say if I am 5'1", I should weigh 105. They do not consider our ages and the way things "shift." Twenty years ago, I was appalled that I got to 140. Now, I'd be thrilled to get there! The show opens tonight. It got cold again....what happened to global warming? judy xo

Jessica--what is your goal? Sounds like med school. Women, today, can dream and pursue any goal they want. Yay!

The Young and the Restless? I feel like The Middle-Aged and the Clueless--quickly moving into The Old and the Mindless.

Joyce, welcome to BandLand! It will exciting as you tell us about YOUR journey. I am down 20 (from Jan. 25). I know it will go slower now; I am okay with that. I want to be at goal (32 more lbs) by July. I went to the orthopedist today--I've got tendonitis, arthritis and probably a tear in the rotator cuff. It is so much fun getting older!! NOT! I got a shot of cortisone and am scheduled for an MRI. Insurance companies are so funny--My MRI, no prob. Julie is suffering and hers says no. My ins. co. said lapband was cosmetic (tell that to my blood pressure). So--who's watching American Idol? (breaking the habit of snacking while watching TV is one of the hardest for me....) Judyox

Singles dances. To go to one, you have to have a sense of humor. I live in a retirement community and was probably the youngest one there. The dance is advertised--"Come! Dance the night away! Hours: 7-10." (really!) I danced some, but no one should go out and buy a bridesmaid dress! Still, it was something to do and my friend Diana and I had fun. It's BYOB and snacks. I did a BYOCL (Crystal Light) and no snacks. I will try it again--next year. The scale moved a little after 10 days of a plateau. I will be patient. I am definitely going to follow Janet's plan of giving myself a 5 lb. range. I have never done that. 5 lbs weren't so bad to gain back, but that became 10 and that became 20 and what-the-hell-give me a cupcake. I want to lose 32 more. With your help, I will do it. And then STAY THERE! (the hardest part) I would love to hear maintenance tips from those at goal. (Sat by the pool yesterday.....) Judy

Sndy--WTG! New sizes! It was so much fun to walk into Dress Barn and walk to the LEFT (misses) instead of RIGHT (women's). We can do this! Julie and others--DUST is a protective cover. Don't do it. Arm level pain is at a 3, instead of a 10. Anxious to see what the orthopedist says. Besides, "give me money." Rehearsals can be fun. They can be booooooorrrrrriiiing. I've been acting for about 30 years. I love to audition; I love to get a part; I love meeting the people in the play; I love the first week. Then I remember that it is WORK and I wonder who I have to sleep with to get out!! Then, the show opens and I seem to be fine again. To be honest, I'd rather be directing than acting. The FL girls will love hearing this--I am going to a singles' dance tonight--hahahahahahaha! All you married folk are missing-----nothing! Take a moment to kiss your DH. I know there are good men out there and maybe I will write about a DBF one day. (Actually, I like [/url] DL better--any guesses?) It's always exciting in BandLand............

What's with the pain a bunch of us are experiencing? I really think the cold weather makes it worse. Last night, after rehearsal and walking Bitsy--PAIN! I took a pain pill left over from my arm surgery--I'm not sure that the pain was lessened, but who cared? I was floating and feeling good! I can see how people can become addicts! (not to worry, my only addiction is food) Joyce, we all know the thoughts that are going through your head, especially, "What the h--- am I doing?" You are taking back your power, your health. You are giving yourself and your loved ones a gift. And you DESERVE it! We deserve to feel happy and healthy and strong. Julie--tragic experience at your friend's house. Some memories we wish we could erase. Doing a Walmart run today--could my life be any more exciting??? Take care--be kind to yourself today.

Apples--tragic experience. So sorry you had to witness---poor family. It's sad enough when someone dies, but to lose a life that way... Nice to hear from the newcomers! Welcome. I found this forum more educational that anything else. Remember, your journey may be similar, but we are each unique. Fat vs. muscle, muscle takes up less space. You could fit better in clothes, but the scale could be the same. Happy Birthday to Laura--pretty soon! I love to celebrate OTHER people's birthdays! haha I know your family must be disappointed, but everyone's health must be a priority. No guilt. It is what it is. Hope DH and DS feel better soon. I seem to have done something to a nerve or whatever. I am having BADBADBAD pain in my right arm. Doctor (orthoped) will see me on Tues. WHAT DO I DO FOR PAIN in the meantime???? I have a rehearsal tonight, and yet, I cannot lift my arm to comb my hair. It will not be a pretty sight. Moving my fingers to type and keeping my arms close seem to work. WHINE WHINE WHINE.... (or should I do wine wine wine??) Last week this time, I was packing. Scale is not moving--I am not discouraged. It will. judy xoxo

Oh my, between the sicknesses and family issues, I'd better start saying my night-time prayers now--at 3 in the afternoon! Seriously, EVERYONE feel better, know that your families are in our thoughts. Congrats to the scale moving to those who saw a change! There is no where else on earth where you can find people who understand how even one pound can be motivating---and cheer you on. Plateaus are discouraging, but they end--and the scale moves again. I finally unpacked from the weekend trip---yes, 2 days! Doing laundry--a favorite--NOT! Lost the lb. I gained over the weekend--those SOY nuts were addictive--will NOT have those in the house (but they were good). I think one of the best gifts of the weekend was the level of TRUST we were willing to show. We were vulnerable, but knew we were in a safe place where no one formed a judgement--we just listened and loved. Thank you for that. Rehearsal tonight--better brush up on my lines. Hugs to all--Judy PS I want to see a picture of Mimi in the cute hat that Julie bought!

Congrats--YOU did it! The band helped, but YOU did it!

Review of the weekend: 1. Everyone was a cutie-patootie. Especially Nelson. 2.There was eating. Our surgeons would be proud. 3. A man at the Food Court wanted to know how we knew each other. I told him we were former porn stars. 4. Julie can go from awake to dead asleep in 7 seconds. 5. Sharing scars and port placement has made us lapsisters. 6. Shopping was fun. The Florida economy improved this weekend. 7. Laura had to be restrained from running over the airport security guard. 8. How much Crystal Lite can 6 women drink? 9. I even showed Janet my scar from my breast lift. We are now going steady. 10. We missed you and want you to be there next time!! Judy

oops, wrong thread....but....YES, a few of us met in Orlando and spent the weekend talking and sharing. Come to the thread We're Here to Help.....so helpful. You'll find the support you want! Good luck with your banding on the 16th! Exciting! Post-operative pain? I had none, just some discomfort. If you follow the rules, use the band as a TOOL and not as THE answer, you WILL lost weight and find good health!

I just got home from our Florida rendezvous. Tired, but happy to have "met" such wonderful ladies. A good time was had by all! Judy