ljv52

Hi all! I'm back on line and I'm sooooooo happy to have my computer back up and running. I was missing the card for the ethernet connection for my router -- it was just a quick download but I don't have the techie knowledge to know that -- a co-worker was kind enough to stop by and check it out - he used to work as a computer tech so it was a less than 5 min. visit!! I went home and double clicked on a download he put on a disc for me and voila! I was back in business. Makes me feel kinda old and stupid! I had a corroded registry which the Dell tech (from India) told me she could fix for $288. So I asked her what the problem was -- she told me and the IS dept. at work told me to reinstall windows. Well, I'm happy to report that that was good advice - my computer is running like it;s brand new which is a relief since it's less than two years old and was not a cheap computer to begin with. So I should be back full time. I have been pretty well been keeping up with the posts -- probably missed a few as I was doing it quickly at work. Cheri, I'm just so saddened by the violence you and your students have been forced to endure -- such a senseless, selfish act -- have they arrested anyone? I get so angry at these types of crimes -- I just can't imagine that anyone at all close to sane could commit such acts. There is evil in the world but why does it have to occur to those we love and cherish? Just makes me so terribly sad. Eva, glad you made it home safe and sound and not frozen - yes, it can be very cold in the midwest -- looks like you missed a lot of snow -- I'm from about 70 miles south of Erie where they had the biggest amount of snow this week. We are sunny but cold, no snow here yet and it can just stay that way!! Unfortunately, we're supposed to get hit with a big storm Sat. and that's the day of my company's Christmas party! We have 484 rsvp's but if it storms that will keep most away -- problem is we can't really cancel after Thurs. because the caterer would have to be paid anyway so typically they just have the party and then donate excess food to the shelters. I'm on the committee so have a busy weekend with the final preparations -- decorating the facility Friday afternoon and Sat.. morning - we use the center of our mall -- it's the only building large enough for us to hold a party. So we can't put out the table decorations until the night of the party as they might be messed with by the shoppers. We're having Dueling Pianos as the entertainment -- it should be lots of fun. I will dance away any calories from the booze and food. LOL. Janet, welcome back -- loved the pics -- I have to tell you that you looked much younger than your DDIL -- she really looks so miserable -- reminded me of how I felt when I used to vacation when I was heavy - I was pretty miserable. I wish she'd take control of her life and lose the weight - she'd feel so much better. Looks like a great time was enjoyed by all -- you looked great on that parasail!!!!! Apples, glad you got away -- hope you are having a great time -- shopping and visiting -- sounds like a good lifter upper. We took Aylah to Bass Pro Shops for some Christmas festivities - it was cute - she made an ornament and wrote a letter to Santa, etc. but would not visit Santa (she's still terrified of all characters in costumes). She won't even push the button on our singing Santa at home. Then we did some shopping, drove through the Holiday Jolly Lights display (for Make a Wish) and came home. Katie then got sick and we had Aylah until yesterday afternoon. Never seems to end. Sandy, wow, a triathon -- I'm so impressed!! I'm also in awe of your motivation -- you go girl - I'd love to be there in person to cheer you on -- when and where is it to be held? Jess, you too -- good luck on your first 5K and you're doing so well in school -- you just keep impressing me more and more -- I'm so happy and proud of you. Julie, hope you're doing okay, sorry you're having more and more difficulties -- my BIL had a year of constant pain and no one could find anything and he went to what seemed like hundreds of doctors and had all kinds of MRIs, x-rays, etc. etc. with no results. Finally someone decided he had a problem with something in his neck, did a surgery and he's back to his old self - his pain was in his groin area - who would have thought? My DS is an RN and he's a respiratory therapist and they had access to lots of doctors and it still took over a year before they found out anything. So don't give up -- the next doctor you see could figure it out. Hope you're enjoying babysitting. Arlene, wtg on joining WW -- I'm like you - I'll keep learning all I can to try to lose/maintain - I'm open to anything if it helps keep me at my weight. I think being accountable is very important and it's nice of you to join to support your DD too. Oh, today I started taking my Corvalen Ribose - three doses - they say you need to take it awhile to see results -- I'll keep you posted. I'm excited. I've been really suffering the past few weeks since the cold temps started -- I'm so stiff too -- and so much pain from FM every day. I need to work a few more years before I can head to a better climate - can't wait. Chris -- glad to hear you're doing great. Laura, so happy your folks are coming for Christmas -- it will be great for all of you. Enjoy enjoy -- take lots of pictures. What a special holiday it will be for all of you. So happy you'll be all together with no one left out like last year. Lori, you truly are a travel nut -- I couldn't do those trips -- it takes me several days to recoup from just a couple hour's drive in the car -- lol. Glad your DD is taking the opportunity to visit while having some work training -- my DS used to do that but hasn't had many opportunities/trips the last year or so. Laurak, glad your DD is coming for the holidays. Hope you do go and visit Reno and Tahoe but I recommend you go in the summer (unless you snow ski). I do miss it -- used to love going to the ski resorts in the winter and sitting and getting a tan with snow all around. Also, we used to camp every weekend in the summer at North Shore -- miss that -- such a beautiful area. Joyce, hope you are feeling better -- probably should be careful going to Water aerobics when you're sick -- we don't want you in the hospital with pneumona. Glad you enjoyed your trip, sorry for your recent drama at home. Melissa, congrats on the new job -- that's great!! So glad you're getting away from that job. Well, I know I'm missing some of you and I'm sorry - will try to CBL to catch anyone I missed. Going to get nails done after work -- have to get hair done at lunch tomorrow (OMG I haven't had the roots done since before Vegas -- my hairdresser is too busy and can never fit me in when I need it done, so I'm going to someone else tomorrow, so you can imagine how bad it needs doing). I work out every morning and i feel like all I do is rush from one thing to another every day -- rush to gym, rush home, get ready for work, rush to work, rush home for lunch, rush back, etc. - it's my life every day. I can't wait to retire some day!!! Love you all - take care and I'll be back. Linda

Hi everyone, just a quick hello, checking in. I have no home computer -- hopefully I have a friend coming to fix it, but not sure it's fixable. If it's fixable I'll be checking in more often. Been busy at work too. Have a busy weekend planned -- taking DGD to Bass Pro Shop -- they are having arts/crafts, writing letters to Santa, free photo with Santa, etc. and then have a ticket for Make a Wish Foundation lighting display to drive through after dark tomorrow. Sunday we are heading up to our casino so DH can buy smokes and then getting together with some friends to play cards. Got all my decorating done last weekend -- was a busy one but so happy it's all done. I canceled my appt. for a possible fill this week -- I have plenty of restriction -- I had made t he appt. for "just in case" so I could get one if needed before the holiday. But I'm doing great and think I'm done with fills unless/until I can lose more weight. But think I'm done-- have been maintaining for a year and I'm fine with it. Cheri, I wrote a note to you on FB -- I'm so saddened by this news. It just breaks my heart and scares me cause of the way my step daughter lives her life - she can be so reckless and stupid at times. Took Aylah to the Christmas parade here in our little town last night - very nice -- it's our family tradiiton -- she gets so excited -- so fun to just sit and watch her watch the parade go by. We always park the car early and sit in the dar to stay warm although last night wasn't too bad. So far we've been lucky with the weather which is why we're cramming everything in this weekend just in case, Next Sat. is the company Christmas party -- I'm on the committee so will be busy with that. Lori, by my "what did I do wrong" post I was referring to the letters in my post and how hard it was to read. I don't know why it turned out that way, so I'm just typing this in regular small letters. Meredith, sorry to hear of your band troubles, but so happy you will be pursuing a good resolution - you've worked too hard to go back - that's what keeps me going -- I love knowing how healthy I am now compared to before. Janet, hope you're having a fabulous time. Phyl, so happy Earl gave you that early Christmas gift -- how's Zoey doing? Laura, sorry to hear about your Dad, but hope you will all continue with positive thinking -- I truly believe that it,truly works. Your decorations were so beautiful. Loved all the pics. LauraK -- you are doing great -- miss you -- are you going west for the holidays? Apples, sorry about your weather -- thinking of all the shoveling/snow blowing you've had to do lately -- hope you get a break soon -- when are you leaving for AZ? Eva, hope your trip to Ohio is going well -- I'm from there -- haven't been there for several years -- maybe next year. Need to visit my brother. Had my first counseling session yesterday -- wow, I really think I'll like it. I'm sure I'll benefit from it. Plus it's free for the first few sessions through my employer. Great deal! Melissa, that woman has NO business going through your purse--definitely not cool -- she needs to have boundaries with her employees. Sorry you're having a tough time with looking for a job with benefits. Hope the new years brings you some new opportunities. Chris, proud of you -- you're doing awesome!!! How's Debbie's finger? Hope it's healing well. Arlene, hear ya on the fibro -- I've had some problems the last couple weeks since the colder weather has set in . I have a new recommendation from a co-worker who's mom has it - it's called Corvalen-- check it out on Amazon -- some of the reviews sound good and my friend says her mom has been doing so much better since she started on it - I ordered some and can't wait until it comes -- probably early next week. I'll keep you posted on how it goes I'm so excited to get some help with this. Julie, hope you're doing okay -- I think of you often -- how's your weather? How's DD feeling these days? Joyce, sorry to hear about the family drama -- I understand - it's why I'm going to counseling. Thinking of you -- glad you had a great trip. Kelly -- WTG on the 3 lbs!!! I'm so happy for you-- keep it up!! If I missed anyone, I'm very sorry, I'm at work and typing this quickly so have no time to reread anything or check on missing people. Just know that I love you all and miss everyone and hope to be back on a daily basis very soon. Computer problems really suck. Linda

what in the heck did I do wrong?

Hi everyone. Just wanted to say hi -- my computer is down at home so wasn't able to do anything over the long weekend. I had to reload Windows and that wiped everything out and now I need help getting my wireless router reinstalled, so am waiting on a tech to call me back, hopefully soon. I'm so bad at computer stuff. Had a lovely Thanksgiving, enjoyed my DS and DDIL visit, got all the Christmas decorations up on Saturday/Sunday and feel great -- didn't gain any weight over the holiday -- enjoyed a few "treats" but didn't over do and got my workouts in as well. Had dental cleaning this a.m. -- glad that's over for another 6 months. Thinking of you all -- will try to get caught up on reading at work and will write more when I can. Love to you all. Linda

Good Morning everyone and Happy Thanksgiving. I doubt I'll have time to wish you a happy holiday tomorrow so thought I'd do it now. Hope everyone has a nice and safe holiday. Busy week -- taking DGD to Disney on Ice tonight. Everything here is fine, just super busy. Hopefully will CBL. Linda

Just a reminder to everyone -- read this article from the 5 day pouch test web site. 5daypouchtest.com/articles/art014.html Since I did the pouch test, I've felt so very much better -- I think we really need to quit trying to "eat like a normal person" -- afterall, we are NOT normal -- or we would not have been obese to begin with. I know I too have been guilty of this thinking -- I "got it" that I had to change what I ate to "lose" the weight - I "got" that I had to exercise to "lose" the weight, but I was getting very defensive about "I want to eat everything again" -- well, fact is I can't - I will never be able to so I might as well get that through my thick head now. If I want to stay this way I must follow the original rules -- Protein first, Water, no snacking and no drinking with meals. I was getting lazy and mad that I was in a plateau but I was lazy about my food intake and trying to "be a normal person". I feel darn lucky that I didn't gain a bunch of weight -- I only gained a couple before I got my brain back on track. Just wanted to pass this along to helpfully help someone else avoid this dastardly path. I was lucky that i was feeling crappy -- losing my pep and energy -- and just with a few days eating correctly that energy has returned. Hope this helps someone else. Love to you all. Linda

Apples, I can't believe your colonoscopy surgeon did that! Honestly, they need to realize some people do not know what the prep is like when it's their first time. They do now have pills which worked fine for me last time -- I can't drink that stuff with the band -- made me vomit -- and I called and they gave me the pills right away. So any of you out there needing one - just tell them the last time you tried the drink made you vomit and you want the pills -- you take them with a full glass of Water -- they too are salty, but better than the drink -- I can't remember but I think you take 8 pills with a full glass of water every 15 mins. - something like that. But they work!! I have to have one EVERY year so trust me, I request the darn pills. Hate the prep. I'm still way behind on reading, just trying to write a few responses as I read. Lori, your family situation is very troubling. You need to go talk to a counselor (minister anyone) about how to deal with this. I say this cause I've finally decided to start going to counseling myself -- have an appt. for Tuesday after Thanksgiving. I want to learn some coping skills -- I have lots of issues from childhood, former marriage, relationship with my mom, etc. that I've never addressed and I don't cope especially well -- I tend to react as you do -- angry and then hurt and I think we need to start to react correctly to put an end to these types of problems. So, maybe you and and I can try to have a healthier mental health year. Sorry you are going through this. I agree you should just say no and not offer any reason. Just say no and be done with it. You do enough for them all without doing this. Makes me sooooo angry. LauraK -- congrats on your progress -- like Apples said, I don't always notice people's tickers either. You're doing great!!!! CBL. Linda

Good luck tomorrow -- it IS exciting -- you'll be happy you did it. Check back in when you can.

Hi everyone, I'm still not caught up in reading but did want to check in. I'm fine -- just still busy. I did start a 5 day pouch test last Friday so today is last day -- what a great reminder of how we're supposed to eat!! It's been enjoyable -- I really need to jump start and get back to basics. I feel so much better -- feel cleansed. Hoping to try to lose my last ten pounds before January 1 -- even with the holidays -- at least if I try I might make some progress. Some is better than none. I feel more inspired than I've felt in awhile. I'll try to cbl. Have a great Tuesday everyone! Linda

Just wanted to comment on this post as I am still behind in reading. Arlene and Julie, I was on Lyrica for a year before I was banded. It really increases hunger -- I gained about 20 pounds in a very short time -- so please be very careful if you are prescribed Lyrica. Katie (DSD) is on it now and she's up to 140 since her low of 103 -- this in about a month. I would never go back on Lyrica -- I'd rather have the FM pain than fight that hunger issue again. Maybe it was just me, but did want to chime in and warn you both. Maybe with a tight band, it wouldn't matter, but boy oh boy, the hunger was bad before banding and DSD is saying the same thing. Cheri, laughing about the gas - I have had terrible gas ever since banding -- nothing helps, I toot all day every day and all night every night. But mine seldom are stinky -- but boy can some of them be loud!!!! I have to be very careful at work!! Will try to write more later. Linda

Hi everyone, I wayyyy behind on reading -- only up to Nov. 2 so I'm not current. Just wanted to check in and say hi and that I'm fine -- had a work "thing" last week that kept me busier than I expected -- put in about 14 hour days and no time on the computer. It was a challenge food wise (as we ate out every lunch and dinner and they ALWAYS ordered appetizers, drinks AND desserts). I managed to do okay but boy, it was a struggle - I did exercise everyday to avoid problems and came out okay. When I got back home (out of town Mon - Thurs.), we had Aylah's b-day dinner on Thurs. and then a party on Sat. so have been busy, busy and busy back at work this week. My computer at home is really horrible and I can't get on the internet easily, so I need to work on that -- it takes forever so I haver pretty much given up using it at home. Still under warranty though so need to find the time to get Dell troubleshooters on the phone and get it up to normal -- it was too expensive for this to happen and less than 2 years old. It's frustrating cause I'm not a great techie like some of you. A few months ago I got a virus on it and managed to get rid of it (or at least I thought I did) but obviously it's not fixed cause I can't load pics or even navigate most websites. Pics of the wedding were wonderful Julie -- you all looked gorgeous - loved the pics of the little ones too -- so precious, they sure look alike enough to be "blood" sisters. You and Hubby looked great and of course the bride was beautiful. Loved her dress. Food looked fabulous too. 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. Apples, loved your costumes too -- glad you enjoyed yourself. You kinda looked like Cher. LOL. Tex - congrats on the weight loss -- and glad your recovery is going well. Joyce, if you're reading, hope you're having a great time! Laura love all your pics on FB -- looks like you had a great Halloween. Did I read somewhere that NElson kissed a girl on the LIPS? LOL, he's really a ladies man. LOL. Love it. Lori, glad you got some shopping in and enjoyed your DS's visit - I know how tough it is to say goodbye -- I do that crying thing myself. DS and DDIL flying in late on Thxg, night and then driving up to her folks on Friday to visit -- so won't have them very long but have food requests. LOL. I'm just glad to spend even a little time with them as they are so busy. Her dad had bypass surgery and she's homesick so they decided to fly in at the last minute. Janet, glad you had a good visit with your DS. Sorry for the circumstances, hope all is going okay with her. Will keep you both in my thoughts/prayers. Cheri, hope all is well with you. Well, I must go, I promise to try to write more soon. -- I will keep reading until I get caught up. Love you all, sorry if I missed some of you -- just running out of time. Love, Linda

Hi and happy Sat. everyone! Apples, wow -- love those costumes but yes, why in the heck didn't you dress up as a slinky, sexy girl since you had recently gotten to goal? Funny how our minds work. Eva, glad you got the book -- it is a great one -- very helpful. Tx, hope you have a good day and are feeling a somewhat more comfy. Hi to Debbie too! Gotta get to the gym. CBL Linda

Hi all! Congratulations Tx/Chris -- great news on the weight loss -- sorry about the pain in the shoulder -- but just think how great it will be when it heals. This is being said from someone who's had a very bad pain in her shoulder today and I was thinking, it better just go away and not be a problem! How long will you be off work? Apples, had our first hard freeze last night - sorry about your snow -- had to wear a pretty good coat this a.m. but it did get quite nice this afternoon -- hope you had a good shopping trip. Julie, hope you get some good rest now that the wedding and babysitting are over. Sorry about your grand-dog making a mess. Glad the kids had a good honeymoon. Sandy, how is your Charlie? What did you ever find out about his leg? I never heard or I missed it if you posted it here. Merry continues to amaze us with her running -- the other night she did 4 laps around our yard - and it's a big back yard. I'm so grateful that it all turned out so well. Merry does not tolerate "dressing up" -- she hates all clothes -- so I'm a little jealous to hear of all of you having your doggies in halloween costumes. LOL. Arlene, hope you are having a good day, I'm having an okay day -- I don't know what is up with me -- jut not feeling great -- aches and pains everywhere. I've been exercising - feel bloated -- I've been good with food but feeling bloated and fat. Lori, have a great time with your DS. Janet have a safe trip to visit your DS. I hope she's feeling somewhat better. Does she live in California? Phyl, hope you start feeling better! goodness, you don't need all that -- you're missing too many parties. Sorry to hear you're under the weather. Hugs. Joyce, sorry about the stress -- you have a great trip and try to forget all your worries while you're gone. Eva, hope you're having a good day. Jessica, congrats on the honor society -- for sure join that -- great job. We're all very proud of you. JOdi and Cheri, hope you're having a good week and enjoy your weekend. Laura, is Nelson all excited about Halloween? Hope he has a great time. We only had about 8 trick or treaters -- so sad -- I really miss having so many like we had in LA -- it's just cold here and we're the only ones on our street that turn on the lights and want trick or treaters so they don't really come to our area -- plus it's on the edge of town and almost in the country. I miss it. I was good -- no candy for me -- I love spitting in temptations face. Love it. Gotta run -- more later. I'm resting this weekend -- well, I'm going to the gym but resting otherwise. Linda

Hi all, I only have a few minutes, so a fly by. Kids do the trick or treating tonight -- I love that -- I have on my halloween shirt, necklace, earrings, etc. Can't wait to get home and pass out goodies. Great -- hope DD can get the surgery while she's pg so she doesn't have to suffer -- I'm sure it will be safe -- they can do so much now -- but if she needs it out it would be such a long time to suffer and I would imagine it will get harder the further along she gets. Glad she can go to a surgeon you have so much faith in. Apples -- funny dream -- hugs to you on your day of remembrance - -I get that way too with my loved ones. My mom's anniversary of her passing is coming up and I always have a tough time. Arlene, you are doing good -- when you get the munchies for the bad things, try to eat something healthier -- I agree the popcorn is good -- did you know it even has antioxidents in it? I eat one bag every evening -- gets me through the night and I look forward to it -- I trick myself with Snacks - I tell myself I'll eat it my snack foods later -- it works for me -- if I'm at a buffet with DH I leave when he is done and is going to the dessert table - I just go to the car, I don't want to eat that stuff. I get on that exercise equip every day and it's long, hard work to burn off 500 calories -- the sweat pours off me - so I tell myself "remember how long it took to burn that off" -- it seems to help me. I find if I eat my little treats every night it keeps me from cheating any other time of the day. Tx, congrats on the band and Debbie, thanks for letting us know he's doing okay. Hope the shoulder recovery goes well also. Later, Linda

Hi all. Happy Tues. We are having same weather as Apples -- strong wind, rainy, cold and miserable. I'm wearing a flannel shirt, leggings and boots today -- winter is coming quick. Chris, good luck tomorrow, will be keeping good positive thoughts for you. We are all emotional eaters -- you'll get through the day -- one minute, one second at a time - stay stong and just keep thinking of how great you're going to feel in a few months -- and you will -- you'll be a new man with so much more energy. It's what keeps us going -- I keep reminders around so I don't forget how far I've come -- you need to do that too -- take pics of yourself today and post them where you see them or can look at them. As you lose weight, look at them so you can compare how you look -- you'll be surprised really how quickly you change -- you've probably already lost quite a bit and already look differently from when you started the pre-op. Congratulations on getting throught that phase so successfully. Arlene, Sandy and Phyl, wtg on setting your new goals -- so proud of all of you! Cheri, hopefully you are doing better this week - I think your week away did you some good. The grieving process is complicated. Glad you're doing so well with your weight issues during this stressful time. Proud of you too! Jodi, glad the job interview went well -- sounds like a good job for your future, after Dassi is a bit older. But it's always good to get out there and check out what's there. Julie, happy to hear the wedding went well -- I'm sure it was beautiful and all the food was delish. Can't wait to see the pics. Joyce, hope all is well -- did your DS get moved yet? Have a wonderful trip if I don't get to write before then. Several of you have asked about Katie's health. She's back to where she was before the lung incident -- where she's good for several days and then has problems -- back to her stomach problems caused by her diabetes. Not sure if that will ever clear up -- hopefully by taking better care of her diabetes (which she SEEMS to be doing) it will eventually get better. We've still had to take Aylah for several days -- at least twice a week. But, she has gained weight -- says she's back up to 130 (from a low of 104). So hopefully she will eventually get better. She still eats too much processed food (in my personal opinion, I think that is part of the problem). Thanks for asking and keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Eva, hope you're doing good today as well. Gotta run, CBL. Love you all.

Hi everyone, Sorry, been busy, but have been reading and trying to stay on top of the thread. Took GD to Disney Magic Show on Sat. in Des Moines. Went to the gym at 7:00 a.m. and had to leave at 11:00 a.m. and do some other errands before the show and then stopped and had dinner afterwards and didn't get home until 8:30. So a long day. Yesterday I went to the gym, grocery shopping and made lasagne for the family. I had some leftover homemade sauce and lasagne sounded good. I had a small piece for dinner - hadn't had lasagne for over 2 years so thought I deserved a little. It tasted good -- froze the rest for DH for quick dinners for him. Had him bbq me some chicken breast for the week since the weather was decent yesterday. Weather turning ugly for rest of this week. My DS called and he and DIL will fly in on Thanksgiving evening and then drive up to her folks on Friday night. Her dad just had triple by-pass so they decided to visit over the holiday. That makes me happy too as I miss them - especially at holiday times. I like mixing the two PB2s together -- 1/2 chocolate and 1/2 regular I like the taste of both better that way -- for some reason. I'm just weird maybe. It's good though. I pay $4.50 for a jar in my stores here Apples, so you might want to stop and stock up on your way through this spring -- sounds like it's a bit cheaper to buy at the store. Eva, congrats on the new job -- sounds perfect for you -- I hope you can take off when you want as well -- any resolution to the missing 25 years yet? I do hope that gets straightened out quickly -- very scary. So sorry to all of you who had cc problems in LV - I didn't use any so I did not have any problems. I did use one when I placed the reservation at DR but so far have never had any unexplained charges on that card. Hope it gets fixed soon. LauraK -- great deal on the coat -- where did you get that deal? Glad you are enjoying Yoga -- it will be very beneficial to you as you get older -- will keep you nice and limber. Is DD caming home for Thanksgiving? Jessica, wtg on the 5k run -- I'm so impressed that you have decided to do it -- good for you -- I'm impressed -- I bet a year ago you never dreamed you'd be running a 5K. You are doing fabulous. Sorry your DH is on nights -- will that be ending soon? Congrats on the fund raising -- great job! Great, so happy you had a good visit with your parents -- I do hope your mom gets some relief with surgery -- sounds very painful. Glad you were able to be there beforehand to see her. Hope you have a great trip! Chris, so happy your lapband day is almost here -- I know how you feel -- feels like you wait forever -- but then the day comes and it's such a good relief -- you're doing great and I know you'll do great with the band as well. If I'm not back on here, best of luck with the surgery -- I'll be thinking and praying for you Tuesday morning. Hope the shoulder surgery goes as well as the lapband surgery -- as Phyl said you are so brave to do them both at once. Phyl, so sorry to hear about your GS -- poor kid - -IHope he heals well and isn't too uncomfortable. Will be thinking of him. Hope they won the game with his extra effort -- must have been a great catch! Hope he gets the lacrosse scholarship -- he must be a very talented athlete to play both sports that well. Hope Earl is feeling good -- those pics on FB he looks great - were those taken yesterday? Would never guess he's recovering from surgery. Zoey running sounds like Merry -- she does the same thing - even with only three legs -- runs back and forth like a crazy dog!! That's how they keep their girlish figures!! Melissa, glad you checked in, have been wondering about yourjob. Congrats on the swimming -- I think you'll enjoy that kind of exercise. You should check and see if they offer Water aerobics there as well - it really is a good workout and would break up the monotony a bit. Arlene, I'm having some fm issues as well -- I went to the gym both Sat./Sun and water aerobics this morning. I've been having wierd pains in my legs, feet -- lots of back pain too. I think some of my back pain/stiffness is from my weight loss (redistributed the weight) cause I have more pain now than I had before I lost the weight. Of course, some of it could be related to my kidney issues as well. Glad you're not letting it get you down. Janet, happy to hear you are going to visit your DS. Sounds like you got Andrew all ready for the big move -- I bet he's excited. Apples, sorry to hear you are getting rain -- we got only a little overnight Friday -- it was supposed to be worse, but i guess it all went north and east. Supposed to get cold this week -- today was cloudy, but in the low 70s. Supposed to be a high of only 49 on Thursday -- of course, that's the day the kids are trick or treating here in our town. Gotta run, I've been typing this for hours and now it's time to go home. I'll try to do more later. Linda

Hi everyone, just a fly by, just wanting to say hi and Happy Birthday to Julie!! Janet, how's your sister? Hope all is well -- let us know what is going on. Phyl, so glad Earl is doing well -sorry about the uncle issues. Great-- hope the trip to Fla. goes well - what did you think of the first peek of your grand baby? Arlene, great going on the exercise. Gotta go will try to write more later. Linda

Not much happening here. Apples, ironic -- I've been having problems with a rash under my apron the past week or so -- I need to get it all documented too -- will take a pic -- if I can ever download my photos then I'll have it. The procedure sounds great -- I'm planning to do it too if I can get the insurance company to pay for it. Joyce, OMG -- both me and my DM were Diet Center counselors in the 70s -- lol. Too funny -- the most memories I have of that is the crackers (started with an A) and the little things that were supposed to be like bacon bits or something. Another commonality. Funny how that works out. Sad that we both still turned out morbidly obese -- guess that program didn't teach us what we needed to know did it? But it was a fun job! I enjoyed it too. Lori, glad you got that ear fixed before your trip tomorrow -- good luck with the ultrasound Can't wait to hear the results. Hopy your trip to Florida goes well. I'll be thinking of you - stay strong - don't let them get to you. You are strong -- you can handle them -- I know easy to say (I remember well). If you need to vent give me a buzz -- I'll be happy to listen to you as you know I understand. Jodi good luck on your interview tomorrow - I know it will go well - you have newfound confidence -- they will want to hire you immediately! Just FYI that the papaya enzyme are 10 calories each. Glad you found them. Good going on the spinning!! I ride a bike and go fast at times, but there's no spin classes for me to even try in my tiny town. Arlene, sorry to hear about your DD sleeping problems. It's so tough with a new baby and she is lucky to have you -- such a good GM Janet, what's the latest on the apt? When does he move in? Tx you are doing so great -- congratulations -- just another week until surgery, right? I've been to Water aerobics on Mon and today and gym on Tues and tomorrow. Hope everyone has a great night. Glad to hear Earl was doing okay after surgery. CBL Linda

Charlene, do share that recipe with us -- that's one food I truly miss -- pizza -- sounds yum and I haven't had any really - a bite here or there, but that's all. I can't eat the crust usually. Congrats to Jakob -- what a great accomplishment -- good for him -- he must be a great kid. Okay, Aylah was with us yesterday and her mom sent aover a halloween gingerbread house for us to make/decorate. It was a "cheap" one she said and it was one that you have to put the house together - well, the icing was not holding it together -- it was premade so I know I didn't do anything wrong -- just would hold together long enough for us to start decorating the roof and then it would all fall apart as soon as we starting putting stuff on the roof -- so after an hour of wrestling with it I said, "enough, I give up!" and tossed it in the trash. Aylah looked at me with horror in her little eyes and said "I think my heart is breaking!" OMG -- so I said, "okay, get your shoes on, we're going to Walmart" and so $9 later, we got another one. At least this one the house was already put together and all you had to do was decorate it -- much more fun -- and turned out really cute. If I ever can get my pics off my camera I'll post them here. Had a busy weekend -- Kate back in ER so had Aylah -- went shopping with my $$$$ on Sat. to get some winter clothes -- spent most of the day/night Sat. shopping and then yesterday ran to the grocery store, etc. My DH said "I thought you were going to take it easy this weekend." Yeah, it would be nice. Went to the gym Sat. but took yesterday off. My hip is still bugging me and not sure why. Did go to Water aerobics this morning -- I was so stiff and sore -- must be the weather. Cheri, google 3 ingredient recipes, 4 ingredient recipes - etc. There's some good ones out there. In the summer we usually bbque on Sunday and I have DH grill me marinated chicken breast and a couple of hot dogs or turkey burgers and that supplies me with lunch/dinner for week. I almost always eat the same foods -- boring but it's what i like so why not. It's easy and I don't have to think -- usually at night I have a salad with chicken on it -- I warm up the chicken and cut it in tiny pieces and it hits the spot -- not sure why but it's what I like at the moment. For lunch I usually eat half of my turkey burger (no bun) with my zucchini dish that I make every week. Just throwing out ideas for any/all of you. I'm very boring. Usually once a week or so I'll cook myself a piece of fish, or that's what I almost always order when we go out. That way I get my fish in as well. I don't really snack much -- at work I usually have a handful of my Special K low fat granola if I get hungry or these "Mary's Gone Crackers" crackers which are really delish -- they are very thin (like potato chips) but very healthy - and I'll eat about 6 to 8 of those when I get hungry at work -- a box lasts me a long time. I order them on Amazon -- google them - a coworker introduced them to me. At night I almost always have a snack bag of popcorn and then a little sugar free ice cream or frozen yogurt with sugar free hot fudge or fudgecycle or one of the yummy skinny cow truffle bars. Those are my goodies. Laura, loved the pics of the pumpkin patch AND all the hot babes with Nelson at the backyard pool. You must keep that pic!! Too adorable. Sorry about the wake up call - would scare me too. Glad everything was okay. Tx -- doing great -- congrats on the 3 lbs. Phyl, glad you're hip felt better today -- hope it continues. Julie, hope you get though the week okay - will be thinking of you. Apples, lol, just as I finally read my e-mails you changed back to Apples -- I'm a little on the slow side these days, but glad you're back. Lori, welcome home albeit briefly. I'd be so tired -- but you sound happy - can't wait to find out the results on Thurs. -- it'll make the baby so much more real I think. Do they already have names in mind? well, I gotta wrap it up and get home -- sorry I can't respond to everyone -- but you know I love you all. Linda

Morning girls and TX. Hope all is well. Went to casino last night -- enjoyed my crab leg buffet (for $8) and then hit a royal flush on a quarter poker machine -- $1,000 -- wow that was a nice ending to a very tiring week. I hit it on my 3rd hand too so I didn't have to spend any money to win it. We cashed out fairly quickly and high tailed it back home. LOL. Gotta get to the gym. Jodi, Janet is right - once you start doing classes/things at the gym you amaze yourself. Arlene, you are being soooooo good -- I can't wait till our next get together to see the "new" Arlene - you are doing so well, so proud of you. LauraK -- any new dates this weekend? Hope you have a good one if so -- how's dd doing these days? is she coming home for Thanksgiving? Julie, when is the wedding? I can't remember? Is it next Sat or is it the 30th? Thinking of you and all the work you will be doing - hope you get through it as pain free as possible. Lori -- hope you and your family are having a great time in Hawaii - enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!! Eva, looking forward to your return -- missing you. Apples, how's harvest going? The farmers here are hitting it hard -- supposed to rain Monday - looks like they are almost done - our field in back is done. Jodi, sounds like you are busy as usual -- I always exercise in the morning before work and that way I am sure that I will get it in, before life interferes. I know it may be tough for you with Dassi still at home -- you could think about getting some tapes to use in the morning (walking dvds or other aerobic exercise dvds) so you could do at least an hour at home in the morning and then if your schedule allows, you could still stop by the gym at night. That way you'd be getting at least a little every day. Just a suggestion. I use dvds in the winter more cause of the snow, ice and cold it's harder ro leave the house at 5:00 a.m. when the weather is miserable. Phyl, zoey is just as cute as ever -- how did Earl's surgery go? Beeen thinking of you both. Sandy, how's the deer meat? Does your DH butcher it himself or take it to a locker? YOu could make some Deer Jerky -- it's sooo low in fat. Tx, how are you doing with the preop? You have an amazing attitude -- you're like so many of us were who are here -- we were so sick and tired of ourselves - I know you are going to do really well. So glad you are posting here -- as Apples said, we love new blood. Kiim, are you doing well today? Hope so. Just take one day or even one hour at a time -- it's not a race. Go back a couple of pages and print out that list that Janet posted from the magazine a few days ago -- I printed it and put it up on my fridge with a magnet. Every little reminder helps. Cheri, hope you're doing well - hope the week went fine for you. Joyce, when do you leave? You may have already left. Hope you have a wonderful time spoiling those grand kids. Enjoy yourself. Laura, Nael's trip looks good -- he looks relaxed and happy -- so glad he went -- it's gotta bring him closure -- you are such a loving wife -- he's a lucky guy (and so are you). He's a great guy I know. How's Nelson doing? Skype makes it so much easier to be away from each other. Glad you had such a good day at your NP volunteer day -- I wish I lived there so I could come and be your patient! Wasn't the mining rescue amazing? I was so relieved when it was done. It made me crazy cause i am so claustrophobic -- i can't imagine having to endure that but I suppose I could if faced with that challenge. I'm so happy they are all out safely. Janet, hope you have a good weekend. Are you going to be shopping for apt. stuff this weekend? Loved the pic of you in the "star" - so adorable. You did look hot at size 14 by the way!!! Well, gotta get to the gym. Love you all. Linda

Just a fly by - I'm heading to a meeting then off to go with DH to Indian casino so he can buy his cheap cigs and we eat crab buffet. I've read, but have only gotten this far with my responses. Promise will catch up over the weekend. Welcome to Kimberly -- we are here for you -- you live in Ohio, which is my home state. I grew up outside of Youngstown. Take an old picture of yourself and then one of you now and put them side by side in your line of vision where you HAVE to look at them -- that should help you remember why you traveled all the way to Mexico to have and pay for major surgery. You might also purchase the Beck Diet which is a very helpful book re psychological changes that you must overcome in order to make the necessary lifestyle changes to succeed. As Janet says, if only they could band our brains! You'll get there -- as far as exercise, start out slow -- join a gym (the cost is minimal compared to meds you'll be taking if you put the weight back on) and start out doing 5 mins. on a recumbant bike, 5 mins. on a treadmill, 5 min. on an elleptical or a stepper -- do that every day and increase it by 5 mins. every week or two. Then ask someone to show you how to use the weight machines and do light weights -- 3 sets of 12 reps. every other day (never do weights every day) You can do upper body one day and lower body the next if that's easier. Before you know it, you'll be doing lots more exercise. The key is not to make it some Major or Impossible task - get yourself there and tell yourself you can do 5 mins. and then do the 5 mins. and congratulate yourself. We know it's hard, but it's doable. We've all been there and done it and so can you! Good luck and congratulations on your success so far. This morning we had a bring your boss to Breakfast day at work. Here's what the menu consisted of: Breakfast pizza, orange juice, HUGE cinnamon rolls and coffee. No fruit, yogurt or anything low in fat -- what are they thinking? We just had our Wellness checkups and I'd bet 90% of the people working here have high cholesteral and need to lose weight. Honestly, it makes no sense. I didn't eat anything -- instead I treated myself to some of my low fat granola.

Hi gang, not much time, still at work. We've been super busy and busy at home. Have had Aylah a few nights - katie not well and visited the ER a few times. Sigh. Tx - you are doing fantastic!!! WTG on getting your mindset in the right place -- you'll do great. Yes, if you do the cooking at home it's going to help you a lot. Apples has lots of good recipes. I feel horrible -- we have that PB2 in our Hyvee store and I could have brought it to ya all in Vegas -- I think it's about $3.50 in the store -- did you look on the webste -- they have a store locator on there -- before you all order from Amazon (Apples, how much was it on Amazon?) you might want to try that. It's very good I think -- I don't eat it often (I'm not a big pb freak) but I do like it. Arlene, you are doing fantastic!! WTG on the exercise - I'm so proud of you. Apples, glad you bought the jeans - -I'm sure they look wonderful - you look wonderful -- doesn't matter what you put on. Janet, thanks for the tips from LHJ. Always need reminders -- especially that it's not about size - need to paste that one on my forehead. Julie, wtg on those buckets -- what a deal. Glad you're feeling a bit of relief -- try to keep it that way -- glad your DH was there to help unload the car - I always make sure my DH or someone is home to help me whenever i go shopping -- I never carry heavy stuff -- I am the queen (or so I act). Janet, I was surprised that Andrew is getting an apt. Hopefully that will work out okay -- Bryan did that at 19 and as you know is back with us -- I wish he'd get his own place. He told his dad the other day that he's tired of being the house "B ch" -- cause we have him do most of the cleaning as he doesn't pay rent. So that irritated me so I told him he has many choices and if he'd like to pay $300 in rent then I'd make sure the house would be clean and spotless or he could choose to move out!! OMG if we'd had that attitude with our parents they'd probaby have taken a strap to our backsides! I gotta run -- I'll try to CBL but no guarantees - i'll catch up over the weekend. Have fun in Hawaii Lori. Love you all Linda

Good afternoon everyone. Heard a great quote today and want to share it as it is PERFECT for this group: "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you want" By Dr. Seuss Tx it's okay to enjoy a final meal, but you need to start with retraining your mind set. I think someone recommended the Beck Diet book and I was re-reading some passages over the weekend. For sure it will help you -- i.e., the past couple of weeks I've been feeling sorry for myself -- saying things like "I deserve to eat such and such" etc -- well, it's my choice to eat whatever I want but if I want to stay thin and healthy, I can't eat it all the time, just occasionally as a special "treat" so just throwing that out to you as you start your journey. We have to rethink everything -- we have to stop using food as our "celebrations" etc. The Beck Diet is really a wonderful tool to use with your band. Arlene, wtg on your exercise -- I'm happy you're sticking to it. I got up this am to go to Water aerobics, got to the Y only to find out the pool was closed again. GRRRR RRRR. So took today off. Back to the gym tomorrow. Sounds like you're doing good on the food too. Any word on Jakob's success at the fair? Julie sorry about your pain, but hope you can figure out what is triggering it. As Arlene said, maybe after the wedding you'll be able to get it under control a bit better. Hugs to you in the meantime. Do you still get in your hot tub like you used to? Haven't heard you mention that in awhile. Maybe that would help a bit too. i sure miss having hot tub. Cheri, great advice, thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge. It's nice to hear from others who have "lived to tell the story". Sandy, I've never read the book but have seen the show as well -- I love trying to be a dog whisperer with Merry. Sometimes it seems to work. LOL. Apples, you amaze me -- wish I had the time and energy to do all that in one day! Janet, it's okay to order and take food home for several meals -- if you enjoy it why not as a special treat occasionally -- you know what you're doing and need to trust yourself. LauraK sorry about the date -- just keep trying and you're bound to find a good one among the group Laura, glad to hear Nael is safely at his destination -- hope he has a wonderful time. Lori, welcome home from Maine I want to hear all the details!!! Phyl, hope you and Zoey are having a good day!

Hi everyone, I'm alive, just been super busy -- so busy at work and then spending time with the family who claim they just miss the heck out of me when I'm gone. DH doesn't work, so I think he really gets super lonely when I'm away. And even little Merry has been clingy --and then there's Aylah. LOL. I feel so popular. Coming home Monday and stopping at Sam's and then dinner and home - didn't get home until close to 8:30 and then unpacking and getting back into the groove of working and the gym and Water aerobics I've been bushed all week. Sorry I haven't been posting much. Arlene, thanks for asking where I am -- nice to be missed here too. I've been thinking all morning about Eva in Argentina and Lori in Maine and hoping they are both having a fabulous time. Lobster sounds so delish yum-- it's been a long time since I've had lobster. Arlene, hope your Jakob does super well at the fair -- as a former 4-Her I wish him juju and the best of luck!!! How old is he? Jewell, you look fabulous!! Great job -- gorgeous gorgeous -- and great NSV at Disney - I felt that way riding the kiddie rides with Aylah at the fair -- and the rest of my family loved making fun of me and telling me those rides were "just the right size for you" -- in truth, they are since I'm short and now small enough to fit on them. LOL. So they thought they were teasing me but in truth, I truly enjoyed that teasing - felt like compliments to me. LOL. I had a wonderful NSV myself this week. My company provides us with a yearly wellness exam where they bring a company in who takes our blood, weighs, measures us and has us fill out detailed questinnaires on line and then they provide us with the results and quarterly check ups. Part of it is they score you from 0-100 on a "healthy" scale -- my score before lapband was 27 -- my score this year -- 90!!!!!!!!! Can you believe that? All my numbers are fabulous -- only problem I have now is one of my kidneys has very low kidney function -- so I need to get that checked out with my kidney specialist -- I had kidney failure a few years ago so I always keep an eye on that. It even said that my risk of heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years is 1% -- isn't that wonderful? Makes me all glowy and proud that I have accomplished so much in just such a short amount of time!! Welcome to our new "man" -- you'll do just great -- just keep checking in here -- would love to have your wife on here as part of our group too -- please let her know we would welcome her with open arms. Nee -- I apologize if I'm remembering your name incorrectly -- but welcome!! And congratulations on all your hard work and success! You are an inspiration to us all. Maybe one day we'll travel over to the UK to meet you in person!!! Happy birthday to John Lennon - unbelievable that he's been gone 30 years --- they did a aging photo of him -- god, maybe he's glad he died young -- he looked exactly like Ben Stein (minus the ear nipples). If you haven't seen Ben Stein recently, check it out - he has ear "nipples" -- trust me. LauraK, how's the new guy? Date night tonight? Hope it's still going well. Are you still running? Laura, sorry your are missing your DH - try to find some enjoyment out of your time alone with Nelson -- pamper yourself a little -- take some bubble baths - read a few good novels -- go to the gym more often -- work on YOU while he's gone - -surprise him when he comes home with a new sexy outfit or new sexy nightie. Dwell on the homecoming rather than the away time. You will both appreciate each other much more after you have this two week of seperation -- it really is good for you. Cheri, hugs on the past week - it was hard -- I can't imagine how tough it was -- I still think of a friend of Katie's who was killed in a stupid car accident when she was 17 so it's been over 10 years ago -- it's just too sudden a loss and too tragic -- our minds have a hard time with that -- I agree with what you said about early deaths -- first time I've heard anyone express it that way but I totally agree with what you said. Apples, hope everything is fine -- when I was in 6th grade I spent the night at a gf's house -- the next morning we were awakened by the sheriff pounding on the door advising that her dad had been killed accidently by a hunter -- he was a construction worker working on Sat. -- I've always been afraid of hunting season ever since -- really is scary when you live out in the country. Our weather's been harvest perfect -- so much different from last year. It's the type of autumn that I love so much -- nice sunny, dry days and crisp, cool nights and mornings - love this weather. Julie, hope you get some relief from the tens unit -- are there other types like Phyl mentioned? Perhaps you could ask about getting one that has the ice and heat -- at least worth a try to ask about it. The wedding is just a few weeks off - the time has flown by so fast. It will all work out well - do you have some friends that can help at the last minute so you can try to stay pain free? Wish I lived closer so I could come help you cook. Phyll, you are fabulous-- loved meeting you -- there were so many of us it was difficult to really have time to talk individually -- but we'll have many many more get togethers in the future. Joyce, thank you so much for the pics -- got mine yesterday they are great-- and the nice note - I enjoyed meeting you and our pool time too. Wish that storm hadn't come up. Darn it. Janet, sorry about the drama at work -- glad you and Andrew had that talk -- it's comforting for him to know that you are there for him -- I know you miss him - I hae the same issues with my step son every time he moves in or out. Didn't he get another dog, or am I remembering incorrectly? If he moves back in will you let him bring the new one? Jodi, glad you made it home safely -- sorry but I kinda agree with Cheri on the grandma/granddaughter treats - except if it was ridiculous -- a little treat is okay but shouldn't be over kill -- I do admire you for trying to teach Dassi about healthy foods. But, your DM absolutely should have taken every single bit of junk food home with her and not left it for you -- too tempting and I'm glad you held her accountable for that, she should never leave the junk around an addict -- would she leave a bottle of booze on the counter if you were a recovering alcoholic? I truly doubt it. Glad you were strong and threw some away. I live with junk food in my house -- my DH and kids buy it and keep it right in the pantry -- but it doesn't tempt me -- don't know why -- just doesn't bother me -- my DH buys Cookies, candy bars, pies, doughnuts, sweet rolls, etc., etc., etc. and I never ever eat even a bite of it I'd reather have a dinner roll smothered with butter -- (a little roll with my butter) now that would be more tempting to me. During that dinner at South Point I wanted those rolls and butter so badly -- was truly in agony over that. LOL. When we go for dinner here I just tell my DH to put them in the chair by him so I can't look at them. Isn't it funny how different our addictions can be? So much the same but yet so different. Also, Jodi, please please tell Jeff how much we appreciated all he did for us last weekend - so nice of him to take such good care of us. He's a very nice man. Hope I'm not forgetting anyone -- not intentional-- need to get moving here -- we are bbqing tonight -- have my chicken marinating and DH and the kids are having burgers. I'm going to make a huge salad to go with it all -- bought great baby spinach and spring greens at Sam's the other night - love to mix them up. Love you all and I've been reading but just no time to post. Will try to do better this week. Tried to download my pics at work and they won't download -- so now I think it's my camera that's the problem -- hopefully I'll figure it out. Bummer. Linda