PhotoNut

If youre more of a microwave person, I have some ideas for you. Gorton's frozen grilled (not breaded) fish fillets. I recommend these to everyone. They come in boxes of two, and cook in about 6-7 minutes on a plate (cover with a plate). I usually toss 1/2 cup of frozen veggies in a pan on high while the fish cooks. Easy, great Protein source, filling and low cal! Gorton's also makes scampi in a garlic or lemon butter sauce. Toss around in a skillet while cooking some mixed broccoli, cauliflower garlic sauce type veggies. Then mix the two for a great dish, with left overs for lunch the next day. Healthy Choice makes a great two entree meals that I rely on for lunches. The one I enjoy most is chicken and mashed potatoes. I usually have a bit of peas and carrots with it if I'm using it for a dinner. There are other options in those small meals, but I avoid pastas so I'm kind of limited. Still, its an easy 4 minute lunch or dinner. A can of tuna on a nice tossed salad with no fat dressing. A quick and easy meal that's got a lot of protein but is very refreshing for summer months. Then of course, there is the crock pot. A roast or some sweet and sour chicken will make vast amount of dinners. Glad makes some awesome containers for freezing. And finally, the grill. If you like to grill and if you eat pork, those boneless chops marinated in a ginger soy sauce and cooked on the grill are so juicy and fast. (if you have a gas grill) A chop with a nice salad, or some cooked veggies is splendid. I hope these help.

I've felt this way with my band empty, with a 1cc fill and even with a 1.5cc fill, which by the way was taken out because it was too tight! I think I've just decided not to let this frustrate me but rather to look at it like a blessing in disguise. I want to learn to control my eating disfuctions so if I ever lose this band I'll be better able to cope with going it alone. These days when I have to exercise self control are trainng days. The days when I'm tighter are blessings because they help balance out the entire process by taking some of the pressure off of me to make right choices. To me.. its a great blend.

What a wonderful NSV. Don't you just love it when these unexpected things hit you? They really make your day, and sharing them makes ours! So happy for ya! And hang on, there are MANY more to come! *beams*

So, is this thread just a "nice" way to pick apart what other say and do? Remember, one pointing out means three pointing back at ya. Be nice folks. There really are some people here who are sincerely ignorant about their band. Who knows why? That's why we're here right? To help them learn. If they don't ask, how will they learn? Obviously their medical providers don't help them. Where would these folks be without a board full of people who are willing to comfort, explain and encourage. Yes, what seems logical to us may seem like a shock of reality to another. So what. I originally jumped in this thread with some of my own sarcastic joking about these folks but then it hit me that I had a lot to learn at one time and I appreciate that noone attacked me for asking those "stupid questions". This thread is becoming a "I'm so much better than others" kind of thing. I sure hope that wasn't what it was intended to be when it started. So.. now the thread dies, or a war ensues. Love you all, really and truly. *hugs*

Aww Heather, that dress looks so fun and carefree for the summer! Love it and you are looking so good. I'm so happy for ya gurly. And yup, that babe of yours is a looker like her mom.. adorable! Paul - wow!! Great news about the independent film gig NSV thingie! That absolutely rocks! Again, thanks for all of the sweet comments. Trust me, the first day I get carded there will be one very noticable NSV thread on the board! LOL

Great (and interesting) news Hope! So glad to hear that you are feeling better and eating well again. Sinuses.. Who'da thunk it. hehe

er.. one more thing.. My band feels like it opens wide and beckons the entire supply of food on the planet into my stomach when its my TOM. I feel ravenous and like nothing can stop me. But reality is, I'm still not eating too much for a reasonable bandster. Are you journaling your food intake? Try it and get a clear picture of what you're eating. Throw in a bit more protein when you get hungry like that. Chicken, tuna, beef.. all great ways to feed that TOM band (fickle bitch that she is) *smiles*

You've lost 71 pounds since the end of March with no fill. If I were you, I would go through this list and see if you really need a fill. Hunger and ability will change a lot during any given month. I got my fill taken out and I'm happier with it now than I have been in a long time. It looks to me like your weight loss is going along at a very good clip, are you in a hurry now? Or have you started gaining? If not, why get a fill? Anyway, here's that list: http://lapbandtransformation.com/Adjustments.htm Whatever you decide, make sure it's because you have given your body and your circumstances lots of consideration. Don't base your decision on what others would or wouldnt do. *hugs* By the way, grats on that 71 pounds, babe! That rocks!

Awww, don't hold back Joe, you're among friends.. just say it like it is. *winks*

I see so many of us signed on right now and I was thinking about how far apart we all are from each other. Some of us at jobs, others at home. For some its morning, while for others its nighttime. And yet at this moment we have all come together, looking for support, lending an ear to someone who needs to vent, just being a wonderful group of people in general. And so.. I had this urge to stop for a moment, to reach thru space and time to give each of you a hug and a big smile, and to say, "Hello friend, how's your day going? I'm having coffee, sitting in my office at home.. its still cool outside so the window is open, but we are going to have another hot day. My mind and heart are full of hopes today. Hopes of being healthy, hopes of launching my photography business soon. What are you doing right now? How's the weather? How ya feeling today?"

*licks her thumb and laughs as it sizzles against her butt* naw.. im not hot, but dang.. thanks for the compliment!! a girl needs friends like y'all when she's about to turn 50! Sho, youre one hot mama yourself! I've seen your pics girlie! *grins*

I just realized that I am only 37 pounds from having lost 100 pounds. ONE HUNDRED POUNDS! omg. I have work to do! We had a really bad storm here about a week ago, and unfortunately we had to be out in it. When we arrived at our daughter's apartments, it opened up and poured huge drops of rain. We got out of the car and hurried across the parking lot to the stairs, covered but not enclosed. After we got inside and dried off I realized that I ran up those stairs! I Ran! Yesterday, we were at the Dr's office and when we sat down in the chairs in the waiting room I stopped, frowned and thought what feels so different? Then I realized... I sat down without my hips or legs touching the sides! I was always so embarassed to sit in those horrible chairs that have arms but no sides. You know the kind. Where your butt overflows the seat and buldges out under the chair arms? Bleh. What shocking realizations have hit you lately?

I dont know if anyone else started a happy birthday thread for this wonderful woman, but if so.. oh well. She deserves another! A very very happy birthday to you, Gadgetlady! May your next 40 be filled with even more joy and splendor than the first! *big happy b-day hugs*

Mary, you inspired me to go try on some 14s the other night and dang if I didnt get them on, buttoned and zipped! I was giggling like a school girl in the dressing room! Of course they were low cut and my belly skin was hanging over them. Back to my favorite saying, "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!" I also got on a slightly higher cut pair of 14 Lees. They didn't look half bad but $30 for a pair of jeans for only a couple of months? Nah.

Heyas Road Queen! Youre my hero. When you took off and went to Africa to live, I was so envious that you had the courage to not only KNOW what you wanted to do but to go do it! The 12s are falling off of you now? My goodness! Im so happy for ya girl! Must be all that heat and good food eh? *laughs* Hm, do I have any plans. Funny you should ask that. I've been treatening to run away from home and spend a couple of weeks somewhere by myself. I've never been able to be alone with myself. Long story. I want to take my camera and just go. Of course my wonderful hubby is all supportive, even tho he'll miss me he is willing to give me that time. Trouble is.. where do I go? It's a biggie turning 50. JoyceGA asked me the same thing because she's kind of going thru this too. I'll still be overweight, but my goal is to be at 180 by then. I'm behind on that. Wow, turning 50 is huge. HUGE! *laughs* I'm open for ideas about my getaway. Anyone have any?

Telly, what beautiful kids. I'm glad they are getting to share in your newfound enjoyment of life. *hugs* Welcome to the Club, Stitchy!! Glad you joined! Hiyas Mo Thanks for the compliment on my avatar! Kathy, DSL?? Finally? Yay!! No more dial up! Mmm coleslaw has been one of my downfalls lately. But.. but.. its just cabbage, right?? *laughs* And Kathy, here are the page those pics are on: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=4642&page=30 By the way.. *snicker, giggle, claps hands* I can wear size 14 jeans now! Down from a very tight 26! *bursts out in a big yell of YAHOO!!*

Heyas Girl, Glad to hear you came thru surgery ok, sorry you had to experience it tho. I've managed to hang onto my gallbladder even after having some very severe attacks about 8 years ago. They mentioned taking it out and I was adamant I wasn't going to have surgery. Fortunately, it just stopped being a problem and has been happily doing its job since then. I can see why people would say you look too thin. They just aren't used to seeing you like you are now. But if you compare yourself to healthy people your age, I'm sure you don't look too thin at all. In fact, I've seen your pics and you look GREAT! Thanks for the update. Hope you heal quickly. *hugs*

I remember when I last looked great. I was 17 and thought I was fat. When was the last time you looked great? Got a pic? Share it! I posted once about a picture that my grandson saw of me, it was in a framed collage of many pictures and he pointed to this one, out of all the ones he saw and said, 'Gamaw!' I was stunned. I look enough like I did in the picture for him to recognize me? Wow! Anyway, I know I'll never look this young again, but maybe just getting back to looking like me will help.

*laughs* I hate pics of myself, but last night I got a bit tipsy (I know, you're all shocked about that.. oh shup. *laughs*) Anyway, I'll be darned if I didn't end up with pics I actually am happy to look at. In fact, I'm posting them all over the place. *laughs again* Soo... I did this little experiment and ya know.. There just might be some hope for me yet. Another 80 pounds and a little PS on that turkey gobbler I've got going on there, and hm... maybe.. just maybe there's some life left in this old girl afterall. *winks*

*gasps* You too??!! LOL!!

Oh my gosh. I got my package today and it took me so long to go thru it all. It started with the most awesome letter from my SWS. She put so much time and thought and care into that letter, I had to read it again and again. The gifts she sent were so special. It seems that we share a love for photography too! I'll list the gifts now and probably wont post pictures because of the type of gifts I got. Ok, here we go... A canister of Crystal Light, pineapple Orange A package of Lipton's Iced Tea to Go (measured for bottled Water, how cool!) Two packages of little fudge Cookies, made with healthy stuff. (I have to admit to letting my family scarf these. One bite of a cookie and I'd be toast. But they sure did enjoy them on my behalf!) A canvas bag with a quilt pattern on the front and back, in colors that I adore! This bag will be with me on every photography outting! It's perfect for all my reference books and journals! The Change-Your-Life Quote Book by Allen Klein (awesome quotes! can't put this down!) My favorite quote so far: The tragedy of man is what dies in himself while he still lives. And my second favorite: When skating on thin ice, you might as well tap dance! *laughs* Love that one! Rising Venus, a book of poems by Kelly Cherry. I haven't had time to read a lot of this yet, but just flipping through the pages I have been touched by the depth of the authors words. I look forward to a quiet morning, a cup of coffee and this book. A darling little book, hard bound, about 4 inches square, entitled What I Ate. It has pages for journaling what I ate, favorite restaurants, etc. There are pages with funny quotes, like, 'food is an important part of a balanced diet' *laughs* Great book! And last, but certainly not least, four very lovely note cards with historical pictures of Savannah, Georgia on the front, complete with envelopes.. which will never be used because I'm not giving these up! I love them! So yes, my Secret Working Stiff is in Georgia. She is a lovely woman with a talented and gifted spirit. She is a writer and also enjoys photography. She loves historical photography and supports local artists by hanging their work in her home. (Maybe I'll get her to hang one of mine someday.) She enjoys travelling and Broadway. She has really touched my heart with her gifts, but her letter to me showed me what a caring, thoughtful, and very interesting person she is. So, JoyceGA, I send you big hugs and thank yous. What a truly wonderful package. I only hope I can do as well for my SWS. Eeep.. I'd better get shopping! :Banane27:

Hiya Jill! Two months to lose 10 pounds. Shake up the routine a bit. Re-examine what youre eating and drinking. I know that its been slow going for me over the last couple of months, primarily to my discovery of wine *drools* I'm trying to limit the consumption of this wonderful gift from the gods to weekends only and it seems to be working. The scale is finally letting go and moving again. Hmmm.. maybe there is something to that saying.. "all things in moderation" :Banane27: Naaahhh.. *giggles*

Wow, I'm sure sorry to hear about the complications and that you had to give up the band. I skimmed over everyone's responses, so if I'm asking a question that's already been asked, please forgive.. Would it be possible to put you in a bigger band? Say the VG band? Do you have any hopes or plans to try again?

Hippo's Hope just brought it to my attention that I am only 11 pounds away from 100 gone. Wow.. it didnt really hit me until she said it in a PM. Woohoo! So close now. *beaming*

:rockon: Ohhhhh Yessssss!!! :rockon: