Great2BThin

I thought it might be fun to start a thread to report on our weight losses so far. June is half over so we are about half banded. It would be exciting to see and motivating for those yet to be banded. Counting your pre op liquid diet, if you had one until now how much have you lost so far?? For me I started losing as I started researching bariatric surgery and lost 10 lbs by the time I went to my seminar, but from the time of my first consult appt. with my surgeon and now 9 days post op I lost 22 more. For a total of 32 lbs. but not sure if I should call it 32 or 22, either way it's good. And might as well count from my highest! LOL

Good evening, read really fast to try and catch up. Just got home from taking DD to airport. Had a wonderful weekend visit with her even though the time went way way too fast. And I ate a little too much we roasted marshmellows each night and I had a smore each night. Plus we went to In & Out burger twice but there I just had a patty. She loves her in & Out and they don't have them in Denver. We had fun looking at baby things and she even went into a maternity store and ended up buying a top on clearance for $7. Wow maternity clothes are expensive. Happy bandiversaries to all the July bandsters. Janet, you are such an inspiration and a hero to so many of us. Congrats. I also went to the pool this afternoon with DD, it's so hot here it felt so good. And I have sort of a catty story, but it'll tell you how warped my mind still is about my body. First thing I always did was look around to see if I was the fattest one then. There was a gal that I really identified with, she was quite large and trying to get on a floating air mattress type thing. I told DD I'd love to have one of those but am so afraid they wouldn't hold me. She asked if I was serious, that I couldn't possibly think I was as large as she was and she pointed out all the other gals at the pool that were larger than me. Heck I was on the thinner end of things, but I still see myself as the large version even though I 'know' it's not true, I get warped thoughts still. So it felt good even though sounds kindda catty, I didn't mean it that way but it was helpful to get a more realistic picture.

Wonderful news on the flights, Julie. I also arrive on Delta ( of course) I get in 2 hours before you and I think apples is an hour after me then you so maybe we can hang out and wait for ya. On the way back I leave one hour after you. This will be so fun I am really looking forward to it. I had a funny thought what if all us lsoband gals went to a buffet and tried to pay the kids price can you imagine the confusion and looks that would cause. I just got a chuckle out of the thought not saying we need to do that

Greetings, well my friend may not come, she has a sore throat and cough, will let me know this afternoon, but DD is still coming regardless WOOHOO!! so all is not lost. I just went and looked at the new Droid X that looks pretty neat, will see what Apples big announcement is today about the Iphone, my contract isn't up til Aug. 3 or 5th, gotta verify that. I've only done two garage sales ever, one to get rid of baby stuff and the other when we left Utah the last time for a small CA house, had lots of furniture to sell. I don't have much in this one either, just a few things that I thought when my friend asked me, why not give it a shot, I don't even have to help her work it as DD will be here, they just wanted more stuff to put in it. Phyl, you sure are quite the traveller, are you driving cross country then? DH & I have to work til 66 or something to get SS now, they are gradually raising the age I believe by birth year from 62, I think if I understand it right. Should start paying more attention to that since it's 62 is in 10 yrs. Arlene, how do you like your ring from QVC? When I got mine it was too small, guess I got over zealous in a smaller size especially considering it was such a wide band. So I sent it back for an exchange, I finally got an email yesterday saying the replacement has shipped.

Janet, did I miss something did you get a puppy? Linda & Laura, have a great time on your vacations! I have my daughter coming in tomorrow for the weekend as well as a friend of mine so I will be scarce this weekend too. I'm very excited. Took some stuff over to a friends who is having a garage sale, let's see if it sells, had no idea what prices to put on it. Funny I was going to donate it to charity, now that I priced it I was so concerned about what price and squabbling over a couple bucks. Anything is better than nothing.

Janet, darn you anyway I so wanted to skip the gym today I had my excuses all lined up but then I thought of you and made myself go. I even did a whole body workout and cardio since I won't be going til Monday Now that I went I am so glad I did I will have to bottle this feeling for next time i don't want to go Julie I guess I don't understand how mayo works can't you call them and make an appt? Anny you are doing great keep up the good work Eva I guess I've reached the age when people hear I don't have a job they assume I'm retired. I used to be considered a stat at home mom or homemaker now I am retired lol sorry for the typos on my I touch my cell contract is about up any recomendations on phones or providers? I have tmobile now and hated my coverage but it's better now. Ds was going to give me his old iohone but he asked if I minded if he gave it to his girlfriend instead as her phone died. I hear bad reviews on the new iPhone which is what I was considering

Hey at least you shorties didn't always get sent to the back of the class, back of the line, back of the class photo, because you were too tall. LOL I had to hold on to DH when I met him in HS as I could wear my platform shoes (when they were in style the first time) and not be taller than him. LOL

Good afternoon, I came to the computer to pay bills, but, alas, here I am. LOL Who wants to pay bills anyway? Kindda like the gym, it is just something that's got to be done though! I have a similar 'grass is greener' type story, Linda. For me it was my sister. Growing up all I ever heard was (and I am using a different name not her real name) Sally was the 'perfect size, she can put anything on and it will look good on her' whereas, I got, 'you have to be really careful with what you wear and will always have to watch your weight'. Also, Sally is so graceful and I was the clumsy one. After marriage, Sally was so lucky to have a great career whereas I was 'stuck' at home with the kids (my choice btw). And Sally was so lucky to have a houseboat, boat, camper, fancy cars, etc. Sally even liked to rub it in and made comments about being around snot faced kids, etc. Don't get me wrong I never doubted my decision to have kids and stay at home, but comments like that made me feel like a 'frumpy housewife' which I was also called and continually asked 'don't you get bored'. Well over 10 yrs into her marriage in the middle of the night her doorbell rings. Her stands her husbands girlfriend, holding his baby. Needless to say her marraige ended as did another one and more relationships after. She ended up disowning me for 7 yrs because I 'was never there' for her and said in her last email that I had everything she ever wanted, it was her dream to be a stay at home mom and have kids. So while I was admiring her grass, she was insanely jealous of mine. Ironic, huh? She speaks to me now but we are not close, she is in her 50's, never had those kids and single. So even if someones grass looks green, you don't know what kind of weeds are growing in it. HMMM, maybe I've had sod on my mind too much this past week. LOL I'm constantly out watering it as it's so hot and dry. LOL Linda, you are so right about being rewarded in the weight loss phase with the losses on the scale but not only that with all the comments from people about how much you are losing, how great you look etc. After being at goal for awhile that all stops, the scale stops and all your 'rewards' are gone. We just gotta come up with our own rewards for maintainance. Cheri, my parents are in failing health as well and it's so tough. You know how they call us the sandwich generation as we have aging parents that need help and care as well as our own kids many times. When DD has her baby I will have 2 generations older than me and 2 younger, so does that make it a double decker? LOL It's so hard to bring these issues up to the parents, but you are so right that it does no good to argue. Janet, preach it!! Arlene, curious to hear if you metabo test changes.

Really? I thought I read they had no lottery. HMMMM maybe my legs have a chance! LOL

Thanks Apples, you are much more gifted in words than me. I grew up with nothing ever being 'good enough' that I always felt someone or something else was better. It's taken me a long time to come to acceptance that I am who I am and how God made me and be good with that. Unless of course I win the lottery (kind of hard though with UT and being one of only 2 states without a lottery) and decide to get my legs done. LOL Heck even with my extra 15 lbs it's not the extra 126 I had and it will come off. My kids are close too, we moved a lot so they had to rely on each other a lot. They fought some but are super close now, I like seeing that. Does a mother's heart good.

Good morning. DH comes home today! Wish I would've went with him they had an awesome hotel in San Francisco and the weather was perfect he said. Laura, sounds good to me about the pedicure. LOL I'd take a pedicure over the gym anyday. Then again I'd take about anything over the gym except maybe the dentist. Apples, have a great time at the lake. Enjoy both those boys being home. Are they close? Have they been hanging out a lot with them both there? Well I sortta had a light bulb moment last night. It started out when I was typing my post to Arlene about Apples and her struggle to maintain with more calories. You know the grass is always greener type thing. I'd think I'd trade places with her any day, then I read how she sometimes gets up in the night just to get some calories in and has to really schedule her eating. Then I remember when I was 305 lbs and would hear folks at Weight Watchers or something say how losing the weight is the easy part, maintaining is the hard part. I'd think the same type things and actually in my mind (ok this is the not so nice part of me) would think only a fool would get to goal weight and think it was hard and gain any weight back after that struggle. Well here I am, was at goal for a year and now have 15 lbs or so to take off again, who's the fool now in that line of thinking? The thing is, it is all hard, and we all need to take care of our own grass that we've been given and quit wishing for someone else's greener grass. they are working just as hard to maintain their grass as we are at our's if that makes sense. Even folks without weight problems have their own issues and think someone else has it easier than they do or they aren't happy with their bodies, etc. So it's time to accept myself as I am and stop thinking others have it easier or better, they may or may not, and make the best of what I have. Who knows while we are thinking someone else's grass is greener they may be thinking the same about us. Hope that makes sense if not ignore it was theraputic for me just to get out there.

Ah Janet so sorry about having to give up the dog, but so happy he found a good home with a playmate as well. Sounds like it was the best for both you and the dog though.

My dog sits by my when I am not feeling well as well. When I had my knee surgery they both wanted to be on the bed and I had to shoo them off as they'd compete over who got closest to me and then bump my knee. Very jealous of each other and the attention one gets if the other isn't getting the same. Arlene, hope you don't mind me butting in, but how many carbs are you doing? You mentioned a grape salad and also a dessert that wasn't on your program. Are you doing that often? Just because something is low in calories or fat doesn't mean it may not have a lot of carbs, it sounds like your program really pushes the high protein (as does mine) so perhaps you are getting some hidden carbs? Just putting that out there. And try not to compare your calories, Apples is the exception and though we view her as lucky I know she struggles to maintain her weight as well. As you know I only get like 900 calories to lose weight as well per that metabolism test. Can you start some strength/weight training and build up some muscle to up the metabo? Apples to multi quote, hit the multi button on each post you want to quote, then when you are done reading them all, hit Post reply, all your quotes will be in one response then you can go in between them all and type your responses. But your way is good too. LOL Laura, have a fantastic time in paris and take lots of notes for me!

Thanks Julie I amhaving fun playing with it. I used to crochet lot of doilies my grandma taught me. I then tried knitting and just never could get the hang of it. I much prefer crocheting but like the look of knitted items better usually. Maybe I'll try and just buy some fleece or flannel. Guess I have nine months to perfect it I made it the gym today did a little cardio and lots of weights

Your welcome, I remember they had some very pretty ones and DH was overwhelmed when trying to pick one out for me. Which one did you get? And what did you have put on it? I just might have to go revisit that and tell him I finally got my Christmas '08 gift. LOL

Julie thanks for the crochet tips, I think there's a craft store near the gym and I will look for a book this morning. I've been getting directions online and they aren't too bad. Question, I bought a fleece blanket at Walmart yesterday that had some stitching around the edge and I just crocheted into those. What do you do if there's no stitching around the edge? punch holes?? LauraK, glad that guy apologized, just proceed with caution until you know if he was genuine or just telling you what you want to hear to get you back. And ignore me if that was too much advice I know you were just venting. Well I couldn't get to sleep last night and slept way too late this morning, the gym isn't going to go anywhere so I better get at it! I'm usually done by now, not just going.

Apples, sounds like you son just needed to get back to his roots and his mama and spend some time soul searching and clearing his head to make the right decision. So great that he still feels that connection even though he's not a farmer. And you can be there just to love on him and listen when he needs to talk. Well DD just announced on Facebook that she is pregnant so now I can really talk about it! Baby blanket is coming out okay just doesn't lie flat in the corners, I added extra stitches and everything. Hmmm, might have to try another one.

It sure is a hot one out there today. Just got in from watering the new sod. Dh got it laid and sprinklers sortta hooked up bout 9pm last night and left for CA today. Sure don't want it dying on my watch! Funny the people that were so grateful for the sod we gave them have done nothing with it. The whole pallet is just sitting there, it's 97 degrees outside, that stuff needs to be laid and watered it's gonna all be dead. Oh well guess not our problem now. Guess what i bought today? A baby fleece blanket in a mint green color and some varigated yarn and am trying to remember my crocheting I used to do years ago and figure out how to put an edge on it. The other Grandma is very talented in crafts and knitting so it won't be much but it's the thought. And fun for me to do and keeps me from grazing in the kitchen. Can't eat with a needle in my hand! I really have the munchies lately, even though there's nothing to munch on I got stand in front of the fridge, then the pantry. LOL Apples, has DS made any decision about going overseas? Does he miss the farm? Any chance of him moving back? Bet you love having both boys there. There's just something about having everyone together.

Drats, I posted twice today from my Itouch one is here and the other is not. Not sure where it went! I posted about my metabolism test. it confirmed what I suspected already, I have a slower metabolism. 1300 resting rate is the lowest end of normal I am still in the normal range but at 1382. Adjusted for my lifestyle my rate should be 1982 to lose 2 lbs a week I am to eat 982 plus 250 for exercise. I think I'd skip the 250 as if I am going to exercise I am not going to waste those calories I burnt by eating, I'd rather not exercise then. LOL I know any kind of justification not too. LOL The good news is I can raise that resting rate by doing some weight training so I am going to focus more on the machines than the cardio at the gym. Yes I am still going to do cardio though. Luckily I like weights better than cardio too. (if it's possible to like exercise). Good news is I was down 3 lbs since my fill there on Thurs. too!! Arelene, what's your metabolism rate? Just curious you don't have to say if you don't want to. Was wondering if this was normal for bariatric patients. OH and DH thinks that maybe my slower metabolism is a reason I am so cold all the time???

Welcome back Apples!! Missed you! ARen't you working at the shop today? Sorry you are having vertigo issues again. RE the 24 hours to live thing: a couple that used to come to the small group we hosted in our home in Denver for church every Wed night, the husband died last night, he was only 50 but suffered from lung cancer. Kindda made it all hit home for me. He spent it at home with his family. We didn't know them real well but always wished one another Happy Anniversary since we had the same anniversary date.

Forgot to add in my last post they weighed me again today so since my fill on Thursday I lost 3 lbs!!! Drinking: nope I've never been drunk either partly because I don't like most alcoholic drinks but put me in Hawaii with lava flow drink and who knows lol

Good morning, about to leave for the dr office and that metabolic test. Have no idea what to expect. Those that have had it done, do you find out right away how many calories you burn a day? What's normal? Suitcases: I tend to buy cheap and replace instead of investing in anything real nice. I've seen where it goes on the plane and how it's handled, for the most part it's handled pretty good but there are those times it's on a cart in the rain on the ramp etc. Or I've seen a lot where someone will pack like a bottle of wine in their bag and not very well at that, it breaks then leaks on everyone elses stuff, etc. I no longer get the super duper cheap stuff as it only lasts a trip or two but close to it, usually at Costco they have great deals. I put lots of miles on them before replacing though. I've discovered I have this theory in lots of things I guess. I didn't buy as expensive of furniture as I was originally thinking as we move so much or my tastes change so then I don't feel as guilty about replacing. Same goes for dishes, I like new ones every so often. Maybe I have commitment issues. LOL No I've been married for 33 yrs and have no intention of trading him in for a new one though. LOL

Good afternoon. DH has half a pallet of sod left to lay on the sides of the yard and it's done, he has to finish today as he's in SFO tomorrow. I am anxious for tomorrow and my metabolic rate test. DH thinks it is silly and wonders why I want to know if I just follow the rules and listen to my band. Guess I am just a numbers type person and think it would be great to have that knowledge. We went to lunch after church this morning and I sure could feel my restriction. I got shrimp and it came with 6 shrimp and I could only do 3, DH didn't mind 1/2 my shrimp though. I was leary of shrimp too as I have a problem with it at times but didn't. Janet, I'd probably be at that resort with you if I just had so long to live. Or with my new grandbaby if it was born yet! BTW, Apples won't be back til Tues. We still have a day and a half to junk it up ourselves. LOL Judy, I don't see any judgement here, just folks expressing that they'd do things besides eat if they knew they had so long to live. We all have our passions and interests and they vary, no judgement if they differ. High priority to one person may be low priority to another. For example, no way would I put a washer outside LOL I lived with one in the basement too many years and am loving my convenience in the hallway now. LOL Besides I'd freeze my a$$ off in the winter. (Sorry Eva but I admire what you are doing). Joyce, Laurens Hope I think was the name of a website for bracelets it had lauren in the name and they were very stylish. I was supposed to pick out the one I wnated for Christmas '08 as DH didn't know which one to get me and I never did, maybe I should now. LOL Julie, sorry about your pain but glad you got to have a little family reunion. I enjoy storms too as long as tornadoes aren't involved and well now golf ball sized hail after all our hail damage. LOL Linda, when are you leaving for FL? (gosh what happened to my font) Charlene, okay if it's a Jillian recipe it has to be ok. LOL Janet, that was kindda silly about talking about getting on track and then having a s'more huh?? But it was a planned for treat, am planning for another next weekend when DD is here and we sit out back around the firepit, she loves doing smores.

Eva, the dogs are allowed on the sod but can't play chase or fetch on it. They love to lie down on it. They gave us a palet too much sod. We asked the neighbor behind us who is putting his yard in if he wanted it (it's about $200 worth of sod) he said no as it might not match his seed. Couldn't believe it, DH drove around the neighborhood and found someone else putting in a backyard and they were so excited the woman started crying about what a blessing it was. So that was nice. We grilled steak tonight for dinnner (one of the Costco filets) and I can sure tell my fill. I could only eat about 1/3 of it, and was very happy about that. Before I could've eaten the whole thing. So I think this fill is going to be a good thing and get me back to goal as well. With the better restriction, better food choices, going to the gym, and being honest here I have the formula for success. Though tonight I am going to break in our new fire pit for the back yard and have a smore. :ohmy:

sod is in!!! Not sure why that is sideways or how to fix it but you get the idea