ljv52

Apples, you don't sound crude, as Lori said, just needing to vent. My DB and DSis just made amends in January from the feud/fight they had when my DM died in 2003 - so trust me, I know how bad things can be!!!! Hang in there -- we're all praying for you and the family. Peaches, glad you are able to understand and see your issues -- mine aren't quite as clear to me. Just knowing what is pushing your buttons has gotta be helpful -- you are sounding mentally healthy -- I commend you. Linda

Apples, sorry to hear about your loss. Will be thinking of you, your DH and family next few days. Did she live near you? Glad your DS is already home to attend the arrangements. Glad you made it through your appt. yesterday -- don't know how you do it. Sounds very very painful to me. LauraK congrats on the exercise -- wtg -- so proud of you! Laura, I had my hysterectomy at age 31 and never regretted it, not even for a second. Hope you start feeling better soon, sorry you're having a tough time. Hugs. Posting a couple of the photographer's photos from the wedding -- decorations and her dress, etc.

Cheri, I agree whole heartedly with your thoughts that God gives us medicine and knowledge so we can help ourselves. Linda

Hi everyone. First of all, I've been catching up on reading and have been responding as I read over the past several days so some of my information might be old or repetative of what someone else said and if so please accept my apology. I'm just excited to be back and up to date again. Thanks for all the compliments on my pictures -- appreciate it. Gwendolyn, welcome and congrats on your surgery and on the 10 lbs. gone forever. I was on vacation for 11 days so was absent from the thread. In reading about how you hate exercise. . .you need to change that mindset girlfriend. I had a total hip replacement last December and according to my surgeon my hip was "one of the worst he'd ever seen" and I exercised my 100 lbs. off the 10 months before having surgery (hip was very bad for about 4 years). Plus losing the weight before the surgery really helped me recover much more quickly. So after your surgeon clears you, get out there and do what you can do -- water aerobics is great for bad hips/knees. In my experience, it probably won't hurt any worse than it already does but the benefits will be tremendous. I'm one of the exercisers on this thread -- even on vacation I went to the gym 4 days and all the other days I did a five mile walk every day on the beach. As the saying goes, "you gotta just do it." I used The Daily Plate to log my food/exercise for the first year and a half of my LAP-BAND® journey -- I recently stopped doing it because I know all the calories now in the foods i eat -- I tend to eat mostly the same foods all the time so it's easy for me to keep track of it. But you have to be honest and log every single thing you put in your mouth and/or drink. Don't forget creamer/sugar in coffee has calories too! Also as to how you are feeling -- it's only been 12 days since your surgery -- it IS major surgery -- and it takes time for your body to heal -- that's why the surgeons say not to worry about losing weight the first 6 weeks or so after surgery -- just rest as much as you can and drink lots of liquids - do not feel guilty about taking it easy - you need to do that. Plus for those of us over 50 we need even more rest and recoup time. Your doctor is not going to remove your band -- no reason for him to do so - he wouldn't have done the surgery on you in the first place if he had any doubts to begin with. Apples, hope your dental work went well today -- I've been thinking of you all day - I couldn't do it - heck I can barely do anything at the dentist even with novocane. I can't imagine not having it. Jodi sorry about your dog, but the right thing is hard to do sometimes. I still miss my former dog that we put down 10 years ago -- I still think of her at times - miss her -- she had a very distinct personality. Our current dog is getting old and I dread having to face it again. Hugs to you and Dassi. I cry every time I read the Rainbow Bridge poem - when I get there there will be over 20 dogs to greet me. I bet there will be jealousy going on!!! Hope you will not regret contacting your "friend" in Vegas but glad you'll be meeting all of us. Absolutely I think people treat us differently as and when we lose weight - -but it's not THEM, it's because WE project more confidence, etc. which is much more attractive than someone slumping around feeling bad about themselves. I do think it's OUR mindset that makes us more appealing to people. I know I am more friendly to strangers, more likely to smile at them and/or talk to them now because I feel good about myself. Julie, so happy for you that you have only 6 weeks until Mayo -- and you get to go before Vegas and before DD's wedding - such good news!!! Glad your pain doctor saw you and got some meds for you until then. As a former paralegal, the only thing I can think of is your GP is worried about a malpractice claim -- maybe she's worried she didn't do something she should have or something -- not sure as I didn't work much in that area but it's a possibility. I think it's truly aggregious that she didn't at least ask you to come in and talk with you first IN PERSON rather than send a letter, how cold and mean spirited that was.The letter should have been sent only for legal purposes AFTER she first talked to you -- so in my opinion, you'd be better off with a different doctor anyway -- I don't think much of her "bedside manner" if you want to call it that. Julie, loved your pictures as well -- and your kitty -- so cute -- I also love that china cabinet -- what a beautiful cabinet -- your DH could make a living doing that kind of work. I have several walls of family photos -- as everyone lives far away -- everyone always enjoys looking at the pictures. Like you, lots of oldies with new pictures. Thanks for the update, unfortunately I still read it all anyway -- I hate to not read everything which is why it takes me so long to catch up. PPP -- wow! Congratulations on your weight loss -- hope you'll stick around. Welcome! Had a wonderful time on our vacation -- just wish it didn't have to end -- I definitely am ready for retirement and hope within 5 years to do that!! My DB has lost so much weight from his illnesses -- about 35 lbs. -- he wasn't big to begin with -- he has no energy -- several days he just sat and did nothing in the condo -- not at all the usual for him - he's usually Mr. Go. . So my sister and I are worried that he isn't telling us the truth -- he had a collapsed lung and had surgery in April when they scraped his lung they said it was due to him getting huge amounts of scar tissue in his lung from when he had radiation 40 years ago when he had testicular cancer. He also says he needs to have his gallblader out after he's recovered from the lung surgery. He says that's why he's so thin -- he can't hold much food down. My sister is convinced he's got cancer and isn't telling us. Time will tell I suppose. He didn't really say much to me about my weight loss - said I looked good and looked "healthy" -- I think he just feels so crappy he can't really function well. We ate out every single night -- and had quite a few nights where we had multiple drinkie poos too. Some meals I had to go with the group (one night pizza, one night cuban sandwiches and then the rehearsal dinner was at a private home and they served pasta and of course the wedding was limited food choices as well and OF COURSE fabulous cake). I even ate real butter on a roll at the wedding (well, only a tiny part of it, I got too full, but first time in almost 2 years that I had REAL butter on a roll). My DB asked me to make sticky buns (which I'm famous for) and I even ate a few bites of one of those! So I was feeling sort of out of control with my eating -- but I didn't gain -- stayed exactly the same, so I'm grateful. Of course I did exercise -- but at home I do the same amount of exercise and eat healthy and still don't lose, so I really do think I'm stuck at this weight forever and maybe this is where my weight will stay. Interesting, isn't it? But I'm not complaining -- just passing the information along to anyone who might need or want to hear it -- I think it's partly my age and also I believe my body needs to catch up to my weight. My weight is fine -- I look fine. Yes, I'm not as thin as others and not as thin at this weight that I was years ago when I was at this weight - our bodies change as we age -- my belly is much bigger than it was years ago -- and my arms/legs/neck are terribly thin now also -- I wore much smaller sizes in the past than I wear now - but I know I'm healthy and feel great and so far this weight has been easy to maintain and I pray it stays that way. Lori, LOL on the tatoo -- I would never be brave enough for a tatoo. I teased my brother that his daughter and I were going to go get matching tatoos and piercings while we were there. I should have bought a fake one to cover up the bruise, but alas, never thought of that. LOL. Congrats on your DH getting through the trial -- that is tough but sounds like he did a fantastic job! I hope the guy gets many years in jail. Glad to hear DD is okay, but glad she checked with her OB/Gyn. Congrats on the new Granddog -- I love dogs -- glad he chose a shelter dog. They are great! Hope DS gets the promotion -- am thinking positive thoughts for him!!! What island in Hawaii will you be visiting? I'm also highly allergic to cats -- when I was helping my niece move to her new apt. during vacation I could smell cat urine very strongly when I walked in the door -- mentioned it to my sister who said "no, they replaced all the carpets you can't possibly smell it." I said, "well, I can" -- well after a few days my niece (also allergic to cats) started having breathing problems and called the landlord -- sure enough -- the carpet in the front bedroom was not redone -- so they are ripping it out while they're on their honeymoon and putting new carpet and pad down. I was impressed with my nose!! LOL. Laura, loved your pics -- you look fantastic!! Also makes me want to go to Disneyland NOW. Lol. I love Disney. Nelson is so adorable - he looked so happy in every picture. He's a lucky boy and I hope as he gets older he remembers that! Happy anniversary -- our 16th was on the 16th -- the day we left -- it was nice to be on vacation for it. Sounds like your trip was perfect -- hope I get to Europe one day. So much history and beauty. Hope your throat is better by now. Nelson was probably relieved to be rid of the tooth - I remember being like that when I was a kid -- so afraid to pull it -- my GF used to threaten to tie a string around it and slam a door closed. I remember running away from him screaming in fear. LOL. But I NEVER ever didn't eat -- I always ate -- so that's good -- might mean that Nelson is truly not a food addict. Seriously - my DM used to say I was first at the table at all meals even as a very small child, so it's no wonder I grew up to be an addict. Glad you're going to visit your folks -- will be great for all of you. Janet, that picture of you is incredible!!! You look so fabulous -- you deserve it all and more!!! Love you and so happy for you -- what an amazing difference -- even your face looks more "relaxed" and less stressed. It's amazing what losing weight does to our bodies. Wow the phones sound great -- I may have to check those out more. Must admit -- just reading your description of your "triggers" made my mouth water -- LOL. We are too much alike. Like you, fruit doesn't trigger me either - I really enjoy my fruit every morning with my yogurt - which is Greek, so has protein and it fills me up until lunch. LOL on the toilet/electricity story -- we have the opposite here at work. We have customers that call and say "we lost power cause there's a storm, can you still turn on the lights?" Gee, duh, no, if there's no electricity, we can't turn on lights. . .people are so funny sometimes. But I loved your response "where does your toilet plug in? LOL. I was laughing so hard. Just a note about carbs in fruit. I am a bonafide fruit lover and could not imagine not eating fruit. I ate 1 banana and about 1/2 cup of strawberries/blueberries EVERY day since surgery and consistently lost 2 lbs. per week during my weight loss phase. However, I was never diabetic so of course this might be different if you were diabetic I imagine. I also ate a couple of pears every week and occasionally I would eat melon also. My dietician at my surgeon's office includes fruit in her dieting plans, but no other carbs -- no rice, potatoes, breads, (white starches). I'd be in for the Riverwalk - always wanted to go!! Might be a great place to meet!! Eva you are incredibly amazing!! I can't imagine doing the kind of work you do OR planting a tree that size or the cement work and other landscaping work you do!! You are one heck of a woman!!! I am a total wimp and do not like that kind of physical labor at all. Good for your MIL -- that's a tremendous accomplishment -- bet you and DH were very proud of her!! I agree that that's what we have here, it made me tear up to think of us in 20 years!!! I truly love all of you in here and can't imagine life without any of you!!!! Glad you had a good time with your in-laws -- so nice of you to give up your bed and your room -- where did you and DH sleep?? Judy, sorry about the fridge -- and a great way to clean out the freezer - now you should have nothing tempting you in there!! LOL. I sometimes get stuck while eating -- if I get stressed or get upset I can almost feel the band tighten and then things I usually eat I can't eat but after waiting awhile can get it to pass and like you, eat it with no problem. Maybe that's what happened - or maybe you didn't chew the first bite well enought. For the newbies -- Papaya enzyme (which is a chewable tablet you can buy at Walmart) can be helpful when you have these kinds of problems -- I chew a few and wait and in about 10 or 15 mins. it usuallly clears up. Jodi, you said you drank tea when you were stuck -- you were lucky -- the few times I've been stuck if I drank anything it made it worse - now I never try to drink if I'm having that problem. Had a few problems on the trip -- once was pretty bad -- at the Italian Restaurant. They didn't have much on the menu (small restaurant - had only pasta dishes and no chicken or fish -- I was shocked -- just a small place that makes homemade pasta). and I ordered lasagne and ate only a couple of bites but it just sat there -- and I had big problems. Then two nights later went to rehearsal dinner and was served spaghetti and meatballs and a some meat ravoli and even a piece of garlic bread and had no problem at all with that food -- truly weird. Congratulations Jessica on your acceptance into the nursing program. So proud of you -- getting back on your meds will help -- hope your new psychologist will work out for you. Try to stay positive on the eating -- you can do this - even without restriction. Posting another pic of me and my DGD aylah -- took this a month or so ago when we were baking cookies for Papa - she loves to get on that step stool and do anything with cooking or baking! Just had to share with you girls.

Here's the last of them. I was so mad cause a few days before the wedding I ran into something at the gym and got a huge bruise on my arm. It was awful!! First pic is DS, bride, DN and me. Second is me and DH.

First pic is BIL, Me and DS at rehearsal dinner. Second is DN and DS (Mother of bride). Third is me and DH.

First picture from left to right is my SIL, DB, Me at wedding. Second picture from right to left is me, DN, DS, BIL at an art festival. Third picture is DB, Me and DS at wedding. Fourth from L to R is nephew's gf, nephew (brother's son), neice (brother's daughter), DS (mother of bride), SIL, BIL (father of bride), DB, Nephew (brother of bride), me and Neice (bride -- in her going away outfit).

Hi everyone!! Just a quick hello. i'm on my sister's computer and the keyboard is terrible and I can barely type on it. First of all, happy band anniversaries to Julie and Janet. Arrived safely - having a great time with my sister's family. DB and his family arrive today and we check into condo at the beach -- looking forward to some pool/ocean time. Just wanted to say hi and catch up on the posts. Went to the gym yesterday and an hour walk already this a.m. Love to you all -- love the new puppy Janet. Jodi, new guy sounds interesting. Linda

Hello all, just a quick note to say bon voyage to Laura -- have a wonderful time in Paris -- will be thinking of you -- not sure when you get back. And I need to say goodbye to all of you as I'll be gone until the 26th -- off to Florida for my neice's wedding and to see my family - haven't seen my brother and/or his family for about 5 years so I'm very excited. Our plane leaves at 11:30 - direct flight -- I love it. I'll try to check in but I don't have a laptop, so depends on who has a computer and if I can get on it -- plus I'll be spending so much time swimming etc (I hope -- IF the weather cooperates). Anyway, have a great weekend/week and I'll be thinking of all of you. LauraK, thanks for the nice message, very sweet of you. Hope DD is doing great with all her stuff at her new place. Tell her hi for me. Lori, good going on the gym -- keep it up. Linda

Welcome back Jodi, we missed you too. Don't forget to tell us how the weekend house guest got along with Dassi. I've been dying to hear all about it. I got my nails/pedicure done and packing tomorrow night and then flying off Friday morning. Can't wait. Sweet dreams everyone. Linda

OMG I am dying here -- that is too funny -- I can truly relate!! Your poor mother, but very funny.

Great article, thanks for sharing that Janet. Cheri, those are funny -- sounds like stuff my DM used to say.

Hi all. Arlene, you and me will have to link our arms and stay strong cause we both have similar problems (fibromylgia) and I think you said you are short too (or am I confused?). We WILL win this battle, but we do have some special issues to deal with. I have a true story about the grass is always greener -- I hope I'm not repeating myself if I shared this before, please forgive me for the repeat. I have a friend here who was completely drop dead gorgeous, successful and married to a handsome and successful man -- they had moved back to Iowa after living in Vegas for many years and appeared to have the world by the tail - they traveled the world -- she would fly to NYC just to "shop" and they had a gorgeous home and bought new luxury cars every year. She seemed to have it "all" UNTIL one night in the middle of the night she got up to go potty. There was a cell phone on the bathroom counter and she head it "beep" with a message. She thought it was her phone as her and her DH had the same phones. Well, the text message she read was a love message (extremely detailed by the way) to her DH from another woman (someone she knew). Come to find out they had been having an affair for quite some time (later on her DH confessed that he hadn't really wanted a divorce as he didn't want to "lose" so much money and his GF didn't mind!)So at that moment, her life as she knew it was over -- it totally destroyed her and she's obsessed with revenge - she literally had to move to a different town (several hours away) because she couldn't control herself -- she would attack the woman at the mall, supermarket, etc. -- physically attack her (this is a very small town with a population of about 1400). She still talks about her ex constantly to the point where no one wants to be around her because we are so sick of hearing about it and want to her "move on". I will admit to you that I was one of the ones who was envious of her "before" -- I thought how wonderful her life was, etc. LauraK, good luck with everything with your ex. I've always told my kids that "things happen for a reason" and I truly believe that. I had a very long relationship with someone that was on again/off again -- mostly "off" as he lived in Vegas and lived in Reno -- it didn't bother me at the time cause my DS was young and frankly, I wasn't interested in getting married while my DS was still at home so I let it go on forever. Well, after DS grew up, I wanted more and the BF said he did too, so I quit my job of 12 years and moved to Vegas to see where the relationship would go. Well, it didn't go anywhere. 18 months later we were still "friends with benefits" so to speak. I was so ready for marriage and he obviously was not. I was embarrased (because I had given up so much for this guy) and also terribly hurt. I spent so many nights sobbing into my pillow -- and then one night I met my current DH and our relationship moved at rocket ship speed - it reconfirmed for me that everything truly does happen for a reason - had I never moved to Vegas I would never have met my current DH and if I had wound up with guy No. 1 I wouldn't have met the man who truly loved me as I had always wished someone would love me. It's weird how things happen sometime, so you just never know. If you can just let it go with the flow or whatever the saying is. Janet, as always, well said! Yes, my huge fear is going back to 245. I am so afraid that I over worry and over stress I think. I'm not enjoying this weight loss like I did last time I lost it -- I worry constantly about it. I think I really need some counseling about it - I obsess over it (as you all obviously know already). So sorry about Ryder, hugs on that. That is tough, but you did the right thing. He probably wasn't happy being cooped up in a house either -- I've always had small dogs cause they're a better fit for me. At least someone took him that you know so you can see him and/or ask about him occasionally. Another good lesson for Andrew and a hard one too. Lori, you also said it well -- I agree it seems almost harder being at goal than at the weight loss phase cause during weight loss we are constanly "rewarded" with weight loss where during maintence we don't see anything really happening. I was constantly excited and emotionally on a "high" every time I stepped on the scale when I was losing - now it's just ho hum. We need to get our "weight loss mojo" back some how. I think our trip to Vegas is helping a lot - makes me excited to think of meeting everyone!! Something to look forward to. Laura, have a great time -- I loved the picture of "little Nelson" -- how precious he was -- and still is. You, your DH and Nelson all deserve to have a really fabulous time -- you've had so much on your plate this year -- please cut loose and have a blast!! Well, girls, it's 98 degrees real temperature and 90 something humidity for a heat index of 112. Now that's miserable! Thank goodness for central air. Apples, enjoy this week and weekend! Cheri, sorry to hear about your DF. It's going to be tough to deal with all of that and your poor DM will have a tough time and need support as well. I think it's harder on those that aren't afflicted than on the afflicted. Stay cool and I'll cbl. Love you all!! Linda

Would love to get that test done as I never eat more than 1100 and exercise 6 days a week (3 days cardio at 60 mins. per day and 3 days in the gym with 70 mins. cardio plus 30 to 40 mins. on weight machine) and I'm staying the SAME. So I definitly need that test big time. Plus I am ALWAYS cold -- just took my sweater off and turned my heater off at work -- I'm like an old woman who needs a wool shawl. Apples, welcone home, missed ya big time -- glad to hear your DS visited you. Hugs on the vertigo issues - I haven't suffered lately -- but knocking on fake wood as I type this. Did you all hear about the sink hole in Tampa? That's the condo my neice and her DF are moving into next weekend - so not sure they will be able to move there now. She wrote on FB that they are on the other side of the complex, but still, wondering if it's safe. What were the odds of that happening? I'm working 3 10 hour days -- one of my co workers in on vacation and she normally works early shift so I'm working from 8 to 6 next three days before my vacation - will be able to save a little vacation time which is good for my Oct. trip to Vegas. Anny -- I would think you can go to TOPS -- just don't tell them - really none of their business -- if it helps you to go, just go. Phyl, little Zoey is so adorable. I can just see her sitting in her little basket riding with you -- so cute. Wish she could come to Vegas with you. I'm looking forward to visiting my doggy neice, Coco, in Florida -- packing a special treat to take to her. Lori, congrats on the weight loss. I'm going to check into this test when I get home. Julie, hugs on the pain. DH is only sick of the pain, not you -- I know he didn't mean anything by it - the pain is making you feel this way. Forgive him and not lose any more time worrying about it. He loves you very much. Well, I gotta get home. CBL Linda

Hi all, just checking in. Slept in a bit this morning and by the time I messed around drinking coffee and playing on FB it was 10 -- i went to the gym and by the time I got back home and showered it was after 1 -- time sure flies when your busy. Cooked several dishes up for myself for the week and DD and DGD were here for dinner -- DH grilled me some chicken breast and made burgers for them. Watched some tv and it's almost midnight here. I wish I had a three day weekend every week - 2 days isn't long enough -- I live in a perpetual state of exhaustion I think. Phyl, so happy Zoey did so well with her surgery -- it's so much easier to have it done when they're young. She just adorable. Eva, our last dog had leakage problems and it was a hormonal thing -- gave her some pills and that solved te problem. Hope it's that simple for your baby too. Our dear little Merry has a fatty tumor on one front leg -- they did surgery on it three years in a row and it keeps coming back -- it gets more aggressive each time. DH took her in Thurs. to have it checked but the vet doesn't want to remove it again as she thinks there's not enough skin to sew it back together - it doesn't seem to bother her and it's always been benign -- it's just so ugly and looks like it would hurt. Laura, looks like we'll be leaving the same day on our trips -- you to Paris and me to Florida -- how long will you be gone? Picture of Nelson was great. Judy, heck, I think I'd go for an unfill if I was told I only had 6 months or even just a year left to live. Might as well enjoy what we enjoy during our last days. Julie, sorry about your pain. Glad you had a good visit with your cousin. Lori, the lawn looks fabulous! So nice of you to give that sod away -- I would have cried too -- that was a very nice gesture. Well, I'm about asleep - I'll check in tomorrow. Have a great Sunday everyone! Arlene, wtg on the steps -- and yes yes yes it will show on the scale!!! Phyl you too - good going on the exercise. Eva the fish sounded really good -- did you bake it or broil it? I can't wait to get to Florida and cook some fresh fish on the grill - my DB and his family love it too -- we'll be eating fish/seafood like crazy. Linda

Hi everyone, Just checking in. We have Relay for Life here tonight, so have my tee shirt and walking shoes on for my one hour of laps after work. DGD and DH will come down and join in on some of the festivities -- should be a nice night -- just checked and our humidity is only 37% so we couldn't have more perfect weather. LauraK so happy to hear your DD got her stuff and can finally settle in - at long last. I would have went crazy that long. Glad she's enjoying her new job too. Cheri, I had to laugh at your driving off with your purse on top of the car - at least you never drove off with your baby carrier on top of the car - I've heard of that one too. I'm sure you're very competent -- you're probably just a perfectionist who expects to be perfect every second. It can drive you crazy. Lori, I can't believe that surgeon wants to charge you that much for those services -- I could see $100 but $350?? wow. I bet he charges your insurance a bundle for the fill as well. I wouldn't pay it -- no way. Pedicures here in our little town are outrageously expensive -- $35 is the cheapest I've found - and they aren't half as good as the ones I used to get for $15 in LA. Congratulatons on the big Grandma news!!! Wow, you'll love it -- it's so much more fun than being the parent!! LOL. Glad to hear you'll have sod tomorrow -- no more dirty dogs to deal with!! LOL. Do not stop coloring your hair. It's not that I dislike gray hair but honestly I work with women who have gray in their hair and they do look older than the ones that color their hair -- and some of them are in their middle 40s -- I think 70 is about the right age to let the gray show - but that's just MY personal opinion. I'll probably be like Joan Rivers and be blonde when I'm 100. lol. Glad to hear Apples' son surprised her - so happy for her!!! Julie hope you enjoyed your massage and slept a little better last night. Hugs on the pain. Arlene, we have a lot of mosquitos here too due to all the rain. Bugs are really bad this year. I use Cutters usually - had to use it last night and probably should have brought it today for my time in the park tonight. Didn't think of it. I use light mayo and haven't tried greek yogurt in place of it - I usually can tell a huge difference with substitutions like that and don't usually care for it. Well, gotta run cbl. Linda

Morning everyone, Janet, loved all the pics -- I can't wait until it's our turn in Vegas -- sorry it was so cold. You should have had some brandy to warm you up. Julie, glad you finally have all your med records ready to go -- can't wait for you to go to Mayo and find out how to get you all fixed up. My brother-in-law had a similar problem last year and he suffered and suffered and they finally found a bad disc in his neck that was causing the problem -- causing pain in his groin area -- that was wild - so you never know. It took about 10 months to figure it out and he had had all kinds of scans, x-rays, etc. and saw probably at least 8 different specialists during that time. Plus, he's a respiratory therapist and works at a hospital, so he has access to all the doctors and specialists. After he had neck surgery all the pain went away and and he's all fine now, but he had to miss out on lots of things last year - including my sister's 50th b-day celebration/vacation in Vegas. He had so much pain he couldn't do anything -- so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you that they'll find a fixable problem and you'll be good as new again! Keeping positive thoughts!! Laura, I'm so jealous -- I agree, if you can see Paris for the same price as Vermont, then by all means, go to Paris!!! What a great learning experience for Nelson. You didn't mention if you've been there before -- I know you've traveled quite a bit. I'd love to go to Italy and Croatia (my grandma was from Croatia) so someday. . . hopefully. Apples was planning on spending this whole week at the lake and then she'll work next Monday so we won't hear from her until next Tues. probably. Charlene, wtg on the walking -- I'm proud of you!! Hope you did lose a little - even if it's just a little, it's good -- I know how hard it is to see the same numbers on the scale week after week after week. I seldom read the horoscope in the newspaper but for some strange reason I wanted to read it yesterday -- obviously I was supposed to get the message because it read something like "if you stay on the path you will succeed, no matter how long it takes you as long as you don't step off the path you will eventually finish." As you know, I've been struggling with my plateau and I feel like I'm never ever going to get to the goal my surgeon set for me (I'm now 6 pounds away). But this situation forced me to look at it a little differently than I did before -- so now I realize there is no "end" -- this is my life now and I have to eat healthy and exercise to continue to enjoy this new life I've made for myself. So what's the hurry? There's really no hurry -- it's just "daily life". It's been a valuable lesson for me cause I'm one of those people who rush to get to the finish line and it caused me to really face the fact that this time there is no "finish line" really. Hope that makes some sense. Pam, so good to see you post -- you sound happier than last time -- hope you put some great music on that MP3 player -- get some oldies on there and groove to the music!!! Speaking of that, the Family Stone (used to be Sly and the Family Stone) are going to be doing a free concert at the Iowa St. Fair on Aug. 22. I will be there - I saw them at my h.s. my senior year -- that's the only place concerts were held back in "those days" lol -- I was in the second row -- it was fabulous! So if anyone wants to join me at the Fair, drive on over or fly right in and I'll put you up and drive you around. The Iowa St. fair is really terrific!! Lori, I can't imagine flying all the way to Paris and spending so little time -- you are energetic - I'd be exhausted if I did that. I wouldn't even fly to Chicago for that length of time. But I suppose if I could go for free or cheap, I'd make it happen too. LOL. Joyce, you are a fabulous GM and your GD is so lucky to have you - I'm sure she appreciates you. You remind me a lot of my neighbor across the street - she has great fun with her adult grandchildren. Hope you have a great lunch today and share any new information you get from the bander you are meeting. Cheri, you do sound busy -- but as you said, being busy keeps you from eating which is good -- I know boredom can be the worst thing. Speaking of eating, I went to a party Sat. and had some food I don't normally eat -- some carbs -- and ever since I've been HUNGRY and craving more carbs -- I haven't given in to the cravings but it proved to me that eating carbs does make you want more carbs. It's been a struggle the last few days and I hope it ends soon - just another reason to stay away from carbs. Had a long day yesterday worked 8 to 6 and then had a hair appt. after work -- didn't get home until 8:30 -- got my new perm and boy did I need it - it's been 4-1/2 months - I put it off until closer to my vacation and the wedding next week -- love it - it's so easy when the perm is new. Well, I need to get back to work -- I type in between phone calls but it's getting busier. LauraK -- how's your flowers? How's your DD doing since you left? Is she enjoying her new job? I hope so. Been thinking of her, hope she's doing well and meets lots of nice people. Have a great day everyone and I'l cbl. Linda

Lori, you'll get those pounds off!! Just keep working the program. My 8 year plan (and I hope sooner) is to get rid of everything, buy a motor home and get out of here and just travel and stop where ever we want and enjoy life!!! LOL. Peaches, safe travels home - thanks for the update -- glad you all had a great time, I loved all the pics on FB. Linda

Pam, good to hear from you -- sorry to hear about your headaches. I don't get migraines but yours sound like what I've always heard about migraines. Hope you can get some relief from your doctor and hope you can find a way to reduce your stress. I know it's hard. Hope you enjoy your vacatio this week and I'm sure spending tie with your GD will be wonderful. Enjoy the movie - I loved it. Lori, yes, I agree your plan to attend the seminar sounds like a good one -- and having someone local for emergencies will make you feel more secure. I'd want that too if it were me. And yes, I agree, rewarding yourself afterwards by going to the AT Loft store will be perfect -- lol. I meant to tell you last time I posted how smart you are to buy cheaper furniture to fit into your new homes -- really so smart when you know you won't be staying there long term. I know my furniture is getting old but I won't be spending big money on it when I replace it either - hoping to be out of here within 8 years and hopefully much SOONER!! I agree -- the pics on FB Janet looked like she was absolutely shivering -- poor thing -- that's how I feel much of the time - and it's so hard to get warm when you're cold. I just laughed so hard seeing the mittens/gloves on their hands -- looked more like October or November than July. But they looked like they were having fun. Melissa, hope you didn't mind me butting in and offering advice -- I just know how hard it is to be "stuck" in that situation and what I've learned (in old age) is that we can only do what we can do and no more and it isn't fair for bosses (especially) to make demands on us that are unreasonable and it sounds like that is what is happening in your situation. I've had similar experiences, always worrying if I didn't do the overtime I'd be fired, but then after I'd leave a job find out the new person just flat out refused to do it and they scrambled to take care of the problem by hiring more help or passing around some of the work. I do think if YOU go to HR and specifically say the following phrase "my job responsibilities are AFFECTING MY HEALTH" you will get some results -- they will be afraid of a lawsuit or a worker's comp claim. If you are similar to me (when I was younger) I'd be all stressed out but then I'd act like it was "nothing" to my boss and/or HR people. You need to be honest for your own sake and make sure you get this situation under control - it IS affecting your health and your mental well being and soon it will affect your family as well. I just hope you know that I really do understand your situation and offer suggestions only from the perspective of someone who's been there and done that and now at 58 years old I know it wasn't worth it and wasn't even necessary!! Hugs to you and I hope you'll figure out a way to fix the problem. Eva, lol on watching 7 episodes in one day -- we've done that with shows on dvd also - it's a fun way to spend the holiday (especially when it's raining). I hate to admit it but we finally watched a movie we've had from Netflix since March - never had time to watch it until yesterday -- finally got it watched!! Guess maybe I should cancel my membership and I don't seem to have time to watch movies? I think that means I watch too much tv on TIVO. CBL gotta get some work done. Linda

Hi everyone. Melissa, your job sounds like the last one I had in LA --I used to have to work at least 20 hours overtime the week before vacation and an extra 20 the week I returned -- in many ways it's a compliment that your boss wants only you to do the work - but believe me when you leave that job she'll adjust -- she'll have to do some of it or get HR to find other people to help her new assistant -- so you need to go to her and say, "I can't do this any longer -- it's affecting my HEALTH (which is NOT a lie -- weight gain is a big part of your health) and my FAMILY life -- and I can't work this much overtime so WE have to find a solution. If you make it "we" instead of "you" she should be more receptive. You should also suggest that the two of you work it out with someone from HR attending the meeting. If you're afrraid to do this, then please go to someone in HR and tell them you need a solution to the problem. You are a valuable employee that they won't want to lose. You really have nothing to lose at this point - if this will fix the problem then you're all set -- no more problem - if it doesn't fix it then you're in no worse shape than before and you can still be looking for a different job. If you keep going this way you'll end up just walking out one day and with this economy the way it is that would definitely be very harmful to your family. You owe it to yourself and your family to get this fixed. I wish I could come and do it for you -- would be your spokesperson if I could -- just take a deep breath. You've worked too hard to let this problem ruin your health again. Anny -- I used to put fruit in my shakes when I was on full liquids -- like strawberries or bananas and a little yogurt made it creamier -- ask your doctor first though. I'm sure that's allowable. You can also use flavorings which works well too. You're doing great -- but stay off the scale -- at least for the first few weeks -- the first six weeks after surgery is not about weight loss - it's about healing -- the last thing you need to do is stress yourself out about "only losing this amount of weight" this week -- take a break from the scale and then when you weigh in at your surgeons for your 6 week check up it can be a big surprise -- that's what I did - I stayed off the scales until then -- and I wasn't disappointed. Okay everyone, I'm home from the gym, took my shower and ate a bite - now it's time to watch a movie with DH. Love being off today!! Yippee!! CBL Linda

Hi everyone, Happy 4th - sorry I didn't get on here earlier -- been busy today. Had planned on a relaxing weekend but ended up being busy. Yesterday got up early and went to the gym and then stopped at grocery store to get a few things, then home and prepared a few snack items to take to the get together and by the time I showered and got ready it was almost 4:00 -- so we enjoyed the pool party. I ate amd drank more than I have since being banded - but enjoyed it very much. In looking back it wasn't too terrible I guess but I was feeling guilty -- would love to stop that - I need to be "normal" now -- at least some of the time I would think. Was a lovely day. Today I got up and did my step aerobics and then we went to pick up our GD -- DD was not feeling well again -- seems like she feels fine unless she has a boring day ahead of her -- when she's running around with her friends she seems to be okay. Anyway, then we came home and made a batch of homemade ice cream (our tradition for the 4th) -- GD wanted to help and she did -- so cute -- she decided we should make strawberry so we did -- I had some extra berries on hand - turned out great. Had a few people over for brats, burgers -- made baked beans. I had stopped yesterday at a veggie stand and got some early sweet corn and oh my it was so good -- DH has perfected the art of grilling it and it is just fabulous. I use my spray butter and honestly, I don't miss the real butter at all - really enjoyed my small ear -- I love living in Iowa cause it truly is the BEST corn. Had some home grown tomatoes to put on the burgers so it was all good. I did skip the ice cream though -- figured I'd over did it enough yesterday. GD is spending the night - our fireworks were canceled due to rain as well -- rain held off until just about 9:15 and they were supposed to start at 9:30 -- oh well, we watched the NY Macy ones-- very nice show I thought. Melissa, sorry to hear of your struggles - it's hard but you can do it - try to get back to the basics again -- remember why you wanted to lose the weight -- remember how success felt and strive to get back to that frame of mind again. As many others have said, try to get on here several times a day and post how you feel - we are all here for you -- cheering you on we want you to succeed. Are you going to join us in Vegas? Just planning for that might help get you back on track - hope you can make it. Junibug, PB and the other newbie (sorry I can't remember your mame) welcome and congratulations on your decision to get the band!! This thread is very helpful and there's lots of wonderful ladies here that will help guide you on your journey -- lots of success stories here -- and Janet is simply the best of the best -- she'll be back posting in a day or two -- she is joining her Lucky 7 group celebrating their 3 year band anniversaries!!! We are planning an Oct 1 get together in Vegas and all are welcome. Tell us a little more about yourselves and how you're doing. The best thing right now is to follow your surgeon's orders and read and learn all you can about being banded. Ask lots of questions -- someone or all of us here will try to answer them. Good luck and be proud that you have taken this step to a new healthy life!! Laura, hope you're 4th was great and hope the family you shared it with had a great time - especially Nelson's little friend - hope he has a new happy memory to replace the old bad one. LauraK, glad you made it back home safely - sounds liike a stressful flight -- congratulatons on your weight -- it's wonderful isn't it when you weigh yourself and discover you stayed the same or even lost when you were on vacation and not being so strict with yourself. Lori, glad you enjoyed the movie and happy your DH is moving along so quickly on the yard -- it's great he's so talented with that kind of work. Eva, hope you had a great 4th. Sounds like you scored with your sister's leftovers -- I use evaporated milk when I make homemade cream type soups. Can't imagine having an entire case of it though. LOL. My dad used it in his coffee when we were kids. Julie, sounds like you had a nice 4th as well - sounds like you kept it fairly simple (for you). Hope you all had a great time. Joyce, glad you were able to meet your friend for lunch -- sounds delightful -- a nice surprise. Arlene, happy to hear your rain has finally stopped -- and wtg on the exercise - you are making it happen gf -- so proud of you!!!! Hope your DS does well on his new program -- my DS also inherited the fat gene - and I pray everyday he'll start a new healthier lifestyle -- one of the problems is his wife doesn't really like to cook so they eat out and eat fast food a lot -- I worry cause he also works so hard -- very stressful job. Well, it's late and I need to get to bed as DGD will probably be up by 8:00. Can't wait to hear from Janet and Phyll about their weekend. Cheri, hope you had a good 4th -- sounds like you understand your situation and are doing a good job with your cravings and head hunger issuses. Linda

Hi anyone out there? Would love to hear how everyone is doing -- a friend of mine is attending her 3 year anniversary party this weekend so it made me think of our little group. They were banded July 07 and they are still posting and keeping in touch -- makes me sad we don't. If any of you are still out there would love to hear from you. Linda

Good Morning everyone! Cheri great advice -- very well written and helpful to all of us. Yes, hasn't the weather this week been just perfect? Wow, low humidity, low 80s - not too hot, not too cold, but just right. I even had to put on a light jacket last night at the concert in the park -- it did't end until 9 and by then it was getting chilly. I loved the story about your Dad - wow, I really miss those good old days from the 50s. Life seemed simpler -- more innocent. Arlene sorry about the rain and your friend's home -- flooding is such a terrible thing. We had 30 inches of rain the month of June and normal for us is 13. They released an overflow reservoir in Des Moines yesterday which may cause some flooding in some areas, but hopefully nothing major. This is the first week since the first of April we haven't had rain. Good job of choosing the stationary bike rather than just skipping your exercise -- hope your weather clears by Sunday. Eva, we are both lucky we can see the fireworks from our homes -- much nicer than having to deal with parking, crowds, etc. They're forecasting rain here for Sunday night -- so hopefully it won't ruin the fireworks -- I guess they'll have them Monday if it rains Sunday. At least that's what I heard. Laura, yes, yes, you definetly need me time - when I was a single mom and lived in Reno -- had no relatives there -- lucky for me my DS made friends with really nice people who would occasionally invite him to stay for the weekend with them -- they were such a wonderful family and my DS enjoyed "family" stuff with them - such good exposure for him as he didn't have any siblings. Every few years he'd go visit his dad in Ohio for a few weeks in the summer and boy oh boy did I enjoy that freedom! I missed him, but it helped keep me sane (or kinda sane). Hope you get to find some "me" time. Do you think your mom and dad could visit in October and stay so you could come to Vegas? I hope you'll find a way to make it -- won't be the same without you. Lori, wtg on the new furniture -- sounds very comfy. Hope DH enjoys his landscaping duties this weekend -- sounds like a hot, dirty job - I'd hire it done if it was up to me. Has your one dog gotten better adjusted to the new house? I know you had some issues when you first moved -- hopefully she's better now. Hope that trial starts and doesn't get delayed any longer -- it'll be nice for you to have that whole ordeal behind you and over and done with -- such an emotional thing to deal with. Thinking of Janet, Phyl and Peaches - hope they're having a blast. Jessica, hope you and your family have a wonderful July 4. Joyce, I'm suffering from CRS and can't remember what you have written lately -- but hope you and your fun lovin' DH have a nice 4th. Julie, hope you had a pain free night or at least tolerable pain -- have you heard anything from Mayo yet? Jodi where are you? Back at Fire Island? Have a great holiday weekend. CBL Linda

Not much happening here. Just found out a friend is having a get together Sat. starting at 1:00 -- she has a pool so I can work on my tan for my Florida trip. Plus, we haven't been to a get together in ages (usually I have the get togethers) so it will be nice to relax and let someone else be the hostess. Julie, nice to see you posting more regularly again. Laura, I feel so bad for that little boy -- what tragedies he's experienced so young -- breaks my heart. I'm glad he has Nelson and you and your DH in his life. I'll CBL. Linda

Arlene, Congratulations on the 3 lbs!!! That's simply marvelous!!! Hope you are doing okay with your rainy weather -- glad Alex didn't do more damage than it did. Safe travels to Janet and her lucky 7 gang and hope they have a fabulous time!! Junking up the thread -- who else will join me today? Let's see, a subject would be nice -- how about "what was your most memorable 4th of July - good or bad?" Hhhhmmm should be interesting. One of mine is a very bad one - when I was sick a few years ago - I remember going out to the patio to watch the fireworks but my fever was so high and I was so sick I was shivering and freezing and ended up going straight back to bed. The next day I was in the hospital with kidney failure. Some other better memories are spending it camping at Lake Tahoe with friends/family and watching the fireworks show at the stadium in Long Beach - always a great show. CBL Linda