jbflorida

Getting ready to pack up and head on to Orlando--whee!

Former GA teacher here--just read that UHC is paying for LapBand????? I want my $16,000 back.

1 day--RATS! I was looking forward to meeting another GA gal (formerly from). When we are together this weekend, we promise not to have any fun until you can join us next time. Sorry. :-(

White pants--no problem. Sandals, even if it is cold, no problem. CASUAL is the name of the game in FL. The only problem here is you have to eat dinner at 4--early bird special. Just kidding.....altho.......

For the Florida Gang--should we bring pictures of us BEFORE the surgery? Might be fun and will definitely be inspiring to those of us that are still working to get to goal (like me!) Mrs. Bubba--don't worry about outer appearances. Sure, we all like to be accepted, but this is a group that KNOWS the importance of being accepted and loved for who you are on the inside. This is a beautiful group and the compassion and caring we show each other will SHINE on the outside too! (of course, this doesn't mean I won't do a touch-up on my roots before this weekend---hahaha!) After all.

Shabbat and shabbos are the same thing. Some Jewish people pronounce the last Hebrew letter in the word as a T and some as an S. (I was a Bas Mitzvah; otherwise known as Bat Mitzvah--no difference. It is Hebrew for Sabbath. It is celebrated different ways according to how religious you are--orthodox, conservative, reform. When I was in Israel having a Shabbat dinner with a religious family, the toilet paper had already been torn from the roll and set aside for use. That's how religious they were. Me? Growing up, I went to synagogue services on Friday night. We usually had a nice dinner at my grandparents' house...shabbos candles were lit, challah bread was there, a brisket, some matzoh ball soup---this is making me smile and tear up. It's family time, a time to rest. God rested on the 7th day--and so do we all. There will not be a quiz.

I would say bring capris or long pants. You will need a jacket or sweater. I was just outside wearing a coat and gloves--but then, this is cold for FL. You can always go to weather.com and check on the weather for Orlando. Just remember, the weather can change on a dime in FL.

Just looked up Tuscana.net and-- there is a heated pool and a jacuzzi! Let's bring bathing suits! (and a robe!--it's chilly here)

Hi all--hope your team wins--I like to watch Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet--so funny! So we are staying at the Tuscana? Is that right? I plan on being there on Friday early afternoon. Will everyone be in the rooms? I am coming from Sun City Center, which is 30 minutes from Tampa. Curious--chicken can be tough to handle, esp. if it is dry. I do not handle chicken well. Also, the band is fickle--one night had 1 oz of salmon, next night-couldn't handle it at all. Joyce, welcome! This is the best group! So supportive--not just about the band, but about anything in life. I just lost my old dog and the love I received was abundant and so appreciated! So, I've been back to BandLand for 2 weeks now and have lost 15 lbs. Wouldn't it be great if we could lose 15 lbs every 2 weeks....from now on, it will probably drag--we'll see! I was able to get into my size 14 pants. Stay warm! Judy

Hi everyone! I guess I got lost for almost a month! Hope you are all well and happy and working that band! I am back on track after a lousy 6 months. Too tight! I got an unfill--went on a cruise and enjoyed myself--two days after I got back--FILL! And one week later, MORE fill (1st gave me no restriction). I am seeing results, but more to go. This is a lifetime disease with no cure--but I can do my best to "manage" it. SO--the FL trip is this week! I am still planning on joining you gals for a night. I think you go on Thurs. I may be able to come on Friday. Is there room for me or should I bring a blowup bed? And how much will I need to contribute? I will be bringing my car, so we can go out if we want to. (an appetizer can last me 3 meals!) Someone send me the where and when....please. Missed you...judyfromFL

I have a spare guestroom that is always ready for company. If you want to come to FL and hide, come on! I will put a little tray of food out by the door 3x a day (and SF snacks!)

thanks for the support---my sister will be here soon--not so much that I can't send Tinka home myself--but Carole and I are so close and this is something that we will share. She is as dog nutty as I am! I have another pup--Bitsy was a rescue and is about 10-12. She is not a "velcro" dog, but she knows something is going on. I am used to having 3 dogs, but this may be it. [/url] For now.....

Good Morning--I haven't checked in for a day or two and there is so much going on! When I can catch my breath, I will go back, look at the recipes, check out the dress and see what is happening with all of you busy gals. I am grateful for all of the nice words and love sent to me and my Tinka. Today, I am going to send her "home." She has "declared" to me that she is ready and she needs my help. It will be peaceful, painfree and she will be in my arms--just as I prayed for. My Punky died that way almost 3 years ago and I have been filled with serenity and comfort. It's all good. She will be a young and happy little poodle again instead of an old lady. I will be a mess! But I will heal and the memories will make me happy. Last night, she slept with me. She hasn't done that in a year. She knows. She is ready. I am letting her know that I will be fine. (LIE!) Hugs all around...Please send Tinka a safe journey prayer between 2 and 3 EST. Judy xoxox

Thanks for the messages about Tinka, my poodle. I will keep you informed. I know there is more than this life on earth. Still.... Cheri, you deserve an award for teaching at-risk kids. They are lucky to have someone so dedicated be their teacher. I began my teaching career in Baltimore City (inner city) high school. The average 10th grader read on a 4th grade level. That led me to additional degrees in becoming a Reading Specialist. I was there almost 5 years and yes, we do have stories, don't we? Just know that there will be those who have a better life because of YOU. And Linda, a published author! That must be so cool to see your name on published work! Good for you! What is the book about? Have a good Tuesday, everyone!

Jessica, glad the surgery is over and you are doing fine. I couldn't eat real food for 6 weeks! I may have to put my little old lady poodle to sleep this week--day to day watch. She is not in any pain...Just old and senile....sad to see. She slept in my arms tonight for about an hour. I am single and have no children except for my pups. I will grieve. The price of love.

A farm woman! I am such a city girl (albeit small town now). Did it "simplify and destress?" I thought farm work was one of the hardest jobs--7 days a week. (PS I love corn! with butter! and a side of dental floss) But here I am, typing away, having 2 eggs and coffee. Protein!

Sounds interesting, Deb. You have to be a detail person for that. Congrats on the 50 lbs since September--quite a success!

Have a good day back-to-work! Hope no one brought in leftover goodies to tempt. What does everyone do, BTW? I was a school teacher for 30 years, but today, I am starting my 7th year of retirement! I DO recommend it! My goal is to be retired longer than I worked. I am going to Body Pump class today--mostly weights. I may get on the elliptical before class. First, laundry and some housecleaning. I HATE that! I have a cleaning lady, but Wednesday will be her last day for me--she is sweet, but does not do a good job at all! Maybe my cleaning will burn some calories... It is in the 30's here--sure hope it warms up for our rendezvous. j

hi all--love reading these posts! Jessica--we are excited for you! Please post something soon so we know that you are okay. You'll be better than okay real soon! Mrs. Bubba--it is coldcoldcold in FL right now. I moved here from GA to be warm!!! I am not getting my money's worth right now. We can check the weather a few days before we meet. I will be driving from Tampa area, so we will have my car to use if we need to get around--it's a RAV 4 and I know I can fit you skinnies in! Cheri--good explanations about the food, sugar, etc. We should call you Dr. Cheri. As much as I love the support, I need a refresher on the knowledge. Free spirit--don't give up yet. My band became too tight months ago and I suffered, but did I do anything? NO. I just ate sliders and gained back 40 lbs. I too felt that I had wasted my $$ (self-pay). I thought the band was my answer! But as Janet says, I have to work it. So, I got an unfill (and I must admit, I am LOVING being able to eat without losing it and having pain), but I will go back to basics soon enough and do it again (at a PROPER fill level where I can actually eat the right things a little). Wait until your thyroid problem is solved. Stay here with us. You may have a change of heart. I am glad to see so many animal lovers. My little poodle turned 16 1/2 yesterday. She is fine, but has dementia. She is mostly blind and deaf, but she loves her food, her treats, a short walk and some loving. I am committed to care for her as long as she is not suffering. When that day comes, I will send her home to God. My other dog is a Bichon-poodle mix. She is a rescue, so I can only estimate her age as 10-12. I volunteer at a dog-cat no-kill shelter. There was a little apricot poodle that I fell in LOVE with! I was happy for her that she was adopted, sad for me as I would miss her. I JUST found out that friends of mine adopted her! So I can continue to see her and be her godmother--haha! Time to give your eyes a rest!! Judy

A happy and healthy New Year to all! As someone said, we get to do a do-over. Keep sending in all those good results; I plan to join you! Jewel, you must be excited about your surgery. The healing is minimal and soon you will be on your way. I wish there was surgery for the head.... My sister, who weighs 100, but has an eating disorder, does not eat any sugar. Period. Hasn't for years. I just don't seem to be able to entirely eliminate any one thing. Why can't I look at potato chips (for example) as an alcoholic looks at liquor? To know that I just cannot eat that. Can't..won't....well, maybe just a little.... Isn't it funny how someone can be so strong in some areas and the one thing that we DO have total control over (what we put in our mouths) is my weakness. I have a change of attitude coming. I think with more exercise and better meal choices, I will feel better physically and ...emotionally. Is there anyone that is starting over again, like me? judy--hugs to all

Beautiful pictures! Everyone is working hard and yet, the love and positive thinking shines through! It is so important to share this journey with people who really "get it." I guess I got lost, but "now, I'm found."

I was banded in May 2008 and Indio was already a size 6! You have been an inspiration to us. So, Orlando? I am a bit less than 1 1/2 hours away. Are you doing any of the Disney parks while there? What are your plans? Is there room for one more (one night only probably)? Happy 2010!

Thanks Charlene--who is that cute puppy in that picture? I have 2 dogs-- --one is 16 1/2 years old and somewhat senile (but still happy and healthy) and one 11-12? who is overweight--guess who my walking buddy will be? Can't wait to hear about the FL weekend! (these welcomes and sweet words from all of you have lifted my spirits so much..You're better than Prozac!)

A new knee? I have missed a lot. I bet you are the Zumba Queen of your community. I also do beading, exercise, theatre (I just got a singing role for the first time!), volunteer-hospice and dog/cat rescue. And the hobby that I loved the most was Taco Bell. I imagine the company will go bankrupt soon because of me getting back on track...) Thanks for the welcome back, Apples. Where are you meeting in FL? This is so exciting! I am near Tampa, but I can get in the car and go wherever. Who is coming? Hotel reservations? Tell me! Tell me! Y'all are the BEST! Judy

Phyl and Great2Be--you have been so successful! I am so proud of you. Yes, I was a frequent poster here...but then, I got cute and then I got cocky. And now, I am heavy....again. Then I went through some depression and food is my drug of choice. The tight band didn't help. Thank you for your nice words of support. I knew I would find no judgement here--just support. I will stay posted. I will keep a journal. Luckily, I love exercise! (I am retired and live in an active adult community, so there's lots to choose from.) Must admit, I am HUNGRY right now! I guess my body is used to being stuffed. My brain has to be retrained too. This is hard.