ljv52

OMG I had "green" yogurt instead of greek ROFLMAO! What will they think!

Here's what I wrote to Dr. Oz: I watched your show on the Lapband procedure. I am two years out, had my lapband in January, 2009. I lost 106 pounds (reach goal) in 11 months and have maintained that weight loss since December, 2009. I enjoyed the show until you had the food segment. It is a grossly incorrect representation of how lap band patients eat on a daily basis. First of all, we eat Protein -- at least 70 to 80 oz. per day. The rules of lapband (which you NEVER mentioned) are protein FIRST, drink 64 oz. of Water daily, exercise and no snacking!!! You even showed foods as "snacks" which is clearly breaking a lap band rule!! The lifestyle changes include all of the rules mentioned above plus limiting carbinated beverages, limiting carbs, and limiting alcohol intake as well as learning to eat slowly, small meals (we use small plates and bowls to help our minds adjust to new portion sizes) we exercise. That's how the tool works -- not the way it was represented on your show. I belong to Lap Band Talk -- there's a group of us who have been meeting on one thread for three years -- most of us are seasoned, are at goal and follow the rules and have for several years. There's also an expert on bariatric surgery by the name of Kaye Bailey who has a very helpful website -- google 5 day pouch test and you will find her site -- she's devoted her life the past few years to bariatric surgery patients and is a successful patient of bariatric surgery herself. Here's a sample of what I eat every day: Breakfast -- green yogurt with strawberries and blueberries lunch - 1 egg omelet with turkey sausage, onions and peppers and sometimes sliced green olives and a wedge of laughing cow cheese. dinner -baby spring greens with onions, tomatoes, another wedge of laughing cow cheese and 4 to 5 oz. of grilled chicken breast tossed with Kraft low fat sesame/ginger dressing. I work 8 to 5 but don't have a lunch hour until 1:00 p.m. so I usually have a snack of PB2 (powdered peanut butter) with some celery sticks mid morning. In the afternoon or evening I snack on sugar free popsicles and to cure any sweet tooth or hunger I make sugar free fat free pudding with a scoop of Protein powder added in. I make it with fat free milk and portion it out. I exercise every day -- 60 mins. of cardio and 3 times a week I do weight machines although I have to be careful because of neck and back problems. I've lost thousands of pounds in my life, but never learned how to eat until I had lap band surgery and found my on line support group at Lapband talk. Support group is necessary for accountability - those who belong to a support group and sign in every day and hold ourselves accountable are the ones who are succeeding. Feel free to check our group out -- www.lapbandtalk.com -- go to "mentors" forum and then find "I'm here to help" -- that is our group that's been together for years - we actually travel once or twice a year to get together personally - we've all become good friends and go through our journeys together - keeping each other motivated. That is what life with lap band is like - not how it was portrayed on your show. Any of us would be happy to discuss this further with you or any one from your staff. Feel free to contact me any time. We love you Dr. Oz, but you need to get this information correct - it's too important. Hope none of you minded that I invited him to snoop on our thread!

Kristi wtg on the weight loss!! So happy for you - you're doing so great -- It's fun to get rid of those big clothes -- It's just a wonderful feeling -- i still get to see some of my old clothes as I gave them to co-workers and occasionally someone will wear something I gave them. It's kind of strange. The Canada heath care system is interesting -- and scary to think of having to wait 3 to 5 years for surgery -- very scary. I didn't realize you had to pay anything at all -- thanks for sharing information. No news on DB -- nothing changed -- hoping for good new today. This state of limbo is very hard -- thanks for all your prayers and thoughts -- so appreciated - my ex sister-in-law wrote on FB about how many people are praying for him -- and when I think about it it's amazing -- probably in the thousands and I truly believe in miracles. I have hope and I have faith that whatever God's plan is will be the right one. Julie thanks for your little post about it being in God's hands -- I needed that reminder -- once I gave it back to God I felt much relief. I found the Dr Oz episode on the dr. Oz website - Jodi -- I liked your doctor too but the food was ridiculous!!! OMG -- that is such a lousy portrayal of how we eat -- I too may write a letter -- we need to get on one of these doctor's shows -- they need to get cameras and follow each of us around to show what successful banders are really like -- need to get that done and then at the end reward us by giving us all free tummy tucks!!! Melissa, start with your diabetes -- take your readings, eat properly for that -- keep your blood sugar under control and try to do at least 15 mins. of exercise every day -- not a lot just start out little steps -- you can do that -- take a walk around your neighborhood -- that's all -- just baby steps -- then gradually you can start thinking about losing weight again -- but start with doing those things so you feel good -- without controlling your diabetes you aren't going to feel good enough to do anything else. Also I agree -- talk to a minister -- visit some friends -- meet them at a park or somewhere where there's no food/drink (no restaurants or bars -- stay away from that when you are socializing -- try to socialize without eating/drinking). You CAN win this addiction -- trust me - it's a struggle -- not easy -- if it were 600,000 American citizens wouldn't have had bariatric surgery last year - you are not alone - we are here for you. Try to be positive -- think "I WILL, I CAN, I AM" and not "I'll TRY, I'm a failure, etc." I truly believe that any thing we think our brain picks up and reacts to --so if you can put only the positive thoughts in there you will get better results. Jessica, hugs -- I know it's hard - especilaly this time of year -- you're so close to being finished with school for the semester -- hang in there -- you'll get through it -- get Jake to bed early and then hit the books -- sometimes if you stop and just spend a half hour with your little ones then they are more likely to not mind playing without seeking your attention - I see that so clearly with my GD and her mom -- of course, I was guilty of that when I was a mom too -- it's natural - but something you can try - say, "I'll play for 1/2 hour with you but then you need to let me study" and see if that helps. Just a thought. Janet, I go to PT tonight and supposedly will get my firsrt treatment for my vertigo - I'll let you know how that goes. Apples, sounds like spring in Minn. with the flurry of activity - enjoy it. Gotta run -- CBL. Love and hugs to all of you. Linda

Morning to everyone. Hope all is well. Have a great trip, Meredith -- enjoy that warm weather. Our weather is back to crap -- only 32 right now -- and was cold and very windy yesterday. Such extremees but at least we know spring will arrive soon. My DB is very bad shape -- he's now in septic shock and they still can't figure out what is causing it. If they can figure it out quickly there would stll be a chance for him. All the cultures came back normal. The Fluid they drained from the abdomin was normal - no blood, pus, etc. It's just unreal. It is just unbelieveable to me that this is happening. I just dread it whenever the phone rings. Went to Zumba last night followed by Water aerobics -- felt so good after Zumba to get in the water but boy I was tired. Heading out now for my deep water water aerobics. Unless more people start showing up for the evening water aerobics they won't have it -- there were only two of us in class last night and they need at least 4 to keep it open. I'll have to try to round up some people to come. Arlene, I'll have to look for that Dr. Oz on Hulu -- sounds interesting -- I didn't know it was going to be on. Lori, sorry to hear that your uncle passed - hugs and hope you have a safe trip to WI. Have a great day everyone. CBL Linda

Good morning all! Jessica - wow wow wow -- what great pictures - you look gorgeous - loved that dress and those shoes were stunning! Beautiful son -- what a cutie -- and handsome DH! Happy to hear you had a wonderful time -- jet skiing -- I bet you wouldn't have even tried that before your weight loss -- good for you! Also thanks for sharing how to post pics -- will try it soon!! Sandy -- very nice picture -- you look fabulous and your daughter is very beautiful. No further news on my DB -- hopefully today we'll hear something positive -- Apples, I would think they would have found that on the CAT scan if that was it, but will ask my sister and neice about it anyway - just in case - thanks -- many of you might not remember my brother is a testicular cancer survivor -- he's been cancer free about 38 years -- then had heart failure when he was 49 and has had many near deaths since with his heart -- has a pacemaker, etc. About a year and a half ago he had a lung collapse and it took them months and months before they got it inflated again-- had a couple of surgeries -- then about a month ago was readmitted with Fluid in other lung -- and they discovered some super bug and thought IV antibiotics would fix it -- now he's back in hospital and no one seems to have any answers. All very strange and scary. We have RNs and respiratory therapists in the family and my nephew (his son) who is studying to be a PA in heart care, and it makes no sense to any one. I have peace of mind if I don't see him and he passes -- although it will break my heart -- even thought we live far from each other, I'm very close to all of my family -we spent a wonderful week last summer together for my neice's wedding and had a great time. We had planned to visit him this spring/summer so if he makes it through we will definitely be heading that way fairly quickly to visit him. Kristi - you are doing great - what impresses me is your ability to cook for yourself and your family -- I love to cook but found it difficult right after surgery -- you don't seem to have that problem -- good for you. I also hated anything pureed - yuck -- I just gag on that consistency, could not do that. You've adapted yourself so quickly and so well -- very impressed with that. Janet, hope you're feeling better -- glad your gf took you to ER -- nice o fher -- and she was worried about you. Ii have a gf here who lives alone and her kids made her get that emergency alert thing where you wear the necklace -- she was embarassed about it at first but then had a fall and was happy she had it - -and she's not much older than me -- I think she was only 56 when she got the thing. LOL. My vertigo seems to have gotten a little better over the weekend - the PT did a few quick things and I think it may have helped -- you might want to ask your family physician to refer you to physical therapy to get treated for it -- to get the Epley procedure -- surprised they didn't do that in the ER. I also have always blamed mine on sinus problems -- I even did the nettie pot every day for a year to see if that woudl help -- didn't seem to do much so I now do it only a couple times a week -- but I never get colds. I read somewhere that people who exercise every day seldom get colds -- and there is ALWAYS someone at work who has a cold and I never catch it -- so maybe we're on to something there -- interesting, isn't it? Cheri, hope Bob's note to you about the Ipad was helpful -- sounds like he uses his a lot in his classroom. Yes, I'd seen Rachel's pics on FB -- your entire family is also gorgeous -- how is she coping without the hair? Did she end up with a wig? My gf never wore a wig - she opted for hats instead and she always looked so stylish with her little hats/berets, etc. When her hair came back, it was completely different texture -- much thicker and curlier. She likes her new hair much better than her old hair - she calls it and her tummy tuck she got during reconstructive surgery her "cancer benefits" -- she's 3 years cancer free now -- she too is in her early 40s. Well, gotta get going, time for showering. Thanks again for all the prayers and support. Will keep you posted. Oh -- yesterday afternoon we were feeling a little "warm" -- I checked the temp on the computer and it was 86! Wow -- we had no idea LOL. Great day -- we did get outside a bit with Aylah before she went home. Had a nice Breakfast - made homemade waffles with real buttermilk -- alas I couldn't get more than two bites down -- but those two bites tasted great -- first time I've tried waffles in almost 3 years. CBL Linda

Talked to me neice a couple hours ago. My brother is on a ventilator -- his blood hemoglobin is very low, they are having problems keeping his blood pressure stabilized, his kidneys are failing and his abdomin was very hard and they believe he's bleeding somewhere so took him for a CAT scan and will start dialysis. She said they will most likely do an abdomin surgery once the CAT scan shows what is going on . No one understands what is happening - no one can figure out what is wrong. He's in a good place - University of Pitts. hospital - so I know he'll get the best care and they'll do whatever they can. Thanks for prayers. I believe that prayers work. He's got a 20 year old, 23 year old and two older daughters and 4 small grandkids -- they all deserve to have him around a lot longer - he's too young. Please continue to pray. Thanks. Linda

Good morning all. It's so nice out - stayed warm over night - think our high was around 70 yesterday and is 55 now and sunny but alas it's raining north of us so not sure how long the sunshine will last. We still haven't heard anything - my neice had e-mailed my sister and me a few days ago saying he was readmitted and they weren't happy with the amount of Fluid in his lungs and now were finding fluid in his abdomen -- and my neice who's an RN said she had no idea what the H was going on and would let us know. Then yesterday afternoon we got home from Hop (very cute movie by the way) and there were statuses from my one neice and her mom saying "please pray for David, he's taken a turn for worse and is in ICU". I called my sister and she doesn't know anything either. Hopefully it's not as bad as it sounds, but I'm worried cause you'd think someone would call us -- there's 4 kids -- they are all pretty close to my sister and I -- so that's why we're so worried -- either it's not as bad as it sounds or they're so distraught they just can't call. Last time I spoke to my DB -- about a week ago -- he was off the meds and although he still felt weak, believed he was doing better. Cheri sounds like you're out of your slump - sounds like you're ready to get back to work. Glad the end of the week had some nice weather for you. Sandy, how exciting that your TT is just a month away -- I need to get my act together and go in for a consult and see if I can get my insurance to pay for it -- I have complained of rashes since losing my weight. I've been at the same weight for over a year so hopefully I could get approved. If I don't put baby powder on every day I get very bad rashes. I also think the hanging skin pulls on my back and causes my lower back to hurt more than it should (after losing all the weight) -- i was hoping after losing the weight that my back would be much improved, but it hasn't really helped and I think it's cause of this heavy skin. I also have loose skin around my waist which I think they could fix too -- then I would be able to wear better fitting clothes. But if my insurance won't pay I won't have it done, simply can't afford that. Took Aylah to see Hop -- very cute -- first time she's ever been to a "movie theater" -- she did well but was a little antsy. Cute story - we took our own Snacks -- I had taken her a fruit roll up, couple tootsie rolls and a granola bar - DH had taken some mini hershey bars -- she had a few of his -- we took bottled Water for each of us -- and halfway through the movie my DH was having another candy bar and offered her another one and she told him, "I don't want any more - I've already had enough sugar". Seriously -- she's 4 going on 25. LOL. Hope everyone has a good Sunday -- I'll cbl. Linda

Please keep my brother in your prayers -- he's in ICU and not doing very well I don't know what is going on -- just know that all his kids went to his bedside today -- it's not good. I'm just so worried, it's hard cause no one has called my sister or me yet to tell us what;s happening. Linda

Meredith - have a great time in Florida -- say hi to the sand and beach for me -- when I was there last year I walked one hour every day on the beach -- ate and drank whatever I wanted all week and didn't gain -- just an idea for you -- loved walking witih feet getting wet in the Water -- was a great workout. Joyce -- when do you leave on your trip? Can't remember -- you may have already left --hope you have a great time as well. Phyl, are you in Mexico yet? If I've left anyone else out please forgive me -- I suffer greatly from CRS. Did any of you check out the eagle cam link I sent a few days ago? One of the eggs hatched this morning. Linda

Morning all -- I see buds on my tree right outside my window here in my little home office -- that's exciting!! Apples, I stopped and paused and thought "now how in the H did she gain that much weight? Her scale must be off" -- but didn't think about it being an April Fools joke --can't believe you got us with that cause 18 lbs is a lot of weight -- we should have been much more suspicious. LOL. How's FIL? Did you see him yesterday or is it today you are going? Tiime and money two things I never have had enough of. Cheri, sorry your vacation was boring -- too bad you and Sandy couldn't have gotten together during that time. I understand though that you thought your daughter might need you and it was nice that she didnt' - she's probably worried about bothering you on your time off. Jodi, glad you are reaching out and asking for help. Don't be embarassed - there's nothing shameful about it - think of Dassi - you're doing this for her - not for any selfish reasons -- Dassi lost her father - that's not your fault -- so please don't feel embarassed -- that's part of what they are there for. I'm so excited to hear about this new guy -- sounds very very promising -- good for you -- can't wait to hear how the date goes tonight -- I'm so excited. By the way I enjoyed all the pics from the BM - and you did NOT look at all fat in that dress -- you looked lovely. We see such different things in our pictures than other people see. Arlene, I take Vit D every day along with all my other vitamines -- I'm now taking the gummy adult Vitamins -- really good -- get them at sames - 300 for $9.95 - take two per day. I also take Super B Complex marked energy metabolism -- and my Calcium. That garden is really coming along -- so exciting -- I can't wait to plant my tomatoes -- we finally got our above ground planter done for tomatoes -- missed them so much. Reminds me when I first moved to Long Beach - we moved into a house that had these huge planters in the back yard -- big enough to plant gardens-- so we did -- the kids were young and they had never been exposed to a garden before -- they really loved it -- we had corn growin gin out back yard -- unheard of in Long Beach - all our neighbors probably were afraid we were like the Beverly Hillbillies. LOL. I remember Bryan who was 4 at the time - started eating veggies after that cause he had "grown them himself." I know Aylah will be excited about the tomotoes too -- she loves doing anything with us -- she loves working. Glad the week is over -- was very busy at work and I'm worn out. This week we're supposed to have Water aerobics following zumba - -think it will be good -- feel good on the muscles so I'll be doing extra exercise this week -- so excited to have more to do that I love. Lori, enjoy your time in Denver -- when are you going and how long this time? Have you had any more thoughts about buying a condo in Denver? Be nice to have a condo and a car there - especially if you plan to retire there. The external hard drives are very easy -- install it and once a month or so I just move stuff into it -- not a big deal - very simple -- that way if your computer crashes you just plug the external hard drive into another computer and voila -- all your files are there and accessible on the new computer. Like I said I think I spent only $50 on mine and it has a huge capacity -- I'll never fill it up probably. Arlene - did you and your DH decide to go on that cruise? Sounds fabulous - wish I had the time to go -- of course, can't plan anything at all with Katie's problems -- we feel so tied down - poor DH was hoping to visit my DS over the winter in LV but never was able to leave -she seems to be doing better -- keeping our fingers crossed that she is making good choices. Janet, what are your plans for the weekend? Eva, what are you planning for your FNSC dinner for Easter weekend? Are you doing all the food for that or does everyone still bring something? Laura -- when are you and Nelson going home? From the pics on FB looks like you've been very very busy all week -- and having fun -- your Dad looks happy in the pics -- so glad you and Nelson were able to go - I know it means everything to him. You're such a wonderful daughter. Did you say your sister is working? Kristi - hope you have a nice and relaxing weekend -- your business sounds great -- you are one ambitious woman by the sounds of it. Good for you. LauraK -- I think we can breathe a sigh of relief -- I think spring is really about here. Soon you'll be out in that garden sweating. Julie, hope you're doing good this weekend -- getting stronger every day. Well, gotta get moving -- need to work out and do some shopping and Aylah wants to hang out so think we might take her to see Hop this afternoon -- looks so cute. Love to all. Linda

Melissa - have you tried the PB2 -- powdered peanut butter -- has only 45 calories and 1.5 grams of fat per serving (2 T.) -- it tastes great! Linda

Lori, now that you are GM you definitely need an external hard drive -- to store pics - -you don't want to lose any that you have on your computer -- I bought one for cheap - that has huge storeage capabilities - like $50 -- I just make sure I store important docs there -- my writing projects and pictures. Kristi -- hope you have a good weekend --you're doing a great job -- how much have you lost in total now? I tape the Doctor's show every day -- I was watching it from earlier this week and they had the results from the 17 day diet - most people lost about 30 lbs -- several lost as much as 50 in 51 days - so that was impressive - one guy lost 70 lbs. -- but they were quite large -- I'm sure their weight loss will slow down now as well. I was curious how much they lost doing all 3 phases. Never heard back from my e-mail about the ridiculous weight loss table in the book. LOL. Cheri -- your spring break is over already -- hope you enjoyed it. Okay, now I really need to hit the shower. Love you all. Linda

Congratulations Phyl on the 5.2 lbs -- wow - that's fabulous. Have agreat time in Mexico - I miss it -- we used to go every year when we lived in LA -- enjoy that sunshine and let us know how that mix is -- I'll have to look for that - that would make having a margarita not too horrible (calorie wise). Thanks for sharing. Happy late birthday to Glimmer!! So cute Eva - we do things like that for our Merry -- by the way - I made a roast over the weekend and had a nice bone with lots of marrow in it and gave it to her -- with her missing her leg it's hard for her to eat it though -- so I held it for her for awhile. Poor baby -- she really did use her little paws like hands. But she's a trooper. Arlene, I've had the same issue with my weight -- I just stopped after that first 106 and it's been really tough to get it to budge. I think cutting the carbs is really the only thing we can do to get it started again. I take Levothyroxine for my hypothyrodism -- I noticed on the information packet last month that it should ALWAYS be taken at least one hour before any other meds - -I had always taken it with my Water pill -- so I stopped and just started taking it by itself and waiting an hour to take my other pills - I think I feel better since I started doing this -- and I was just wondering if you take it and if so if you take it alone -- it might make a difference as well. I seem to feel less tired, so maybe that will also do something to my metabolism. (hoping). Nice that you and your DH can be on this journey together. I had phys. therapy last night and they are also going to treat me for the vertigo - we'll see if a professional can make a difference -- I do the exercises at home and it never seems to help -- I'll let you know Janet -- this bout has been the longest lasting one ever - think it started right after Christmas. Sick of it. Hope you are getting better. Missing my Aylah - may take her to see Hop this weekend - looks cute. American Idol -- what did you all think of them saving Casey last week? I think he's a great guy but I think they gave him bad advice (which is another reason why I think they saved him besides the fact that he is a very good musician). I wasn't sad last night to see the two girls go home although I do think Thia had a beautiful voice -- omg Fantasia -- what happened to her? She needs some fashion advice! Good god. I was never a big fan to begin with -- but oh my -- she was kind of a mess I thought. Who's everyone's favorites? I think Pia is a great singer - but don't think she can win -- no personality - I do think James might win -- he's just so darn likeable. Thought it was funny the big mansion was leaking in the rain. Eva, congrats on the house contract - that's perfect - nice little income for you. I'm very excited cause I turn 59 in a few weeks which means I can take money out of my IRA for emergencies in just 6 short months - we have old cars, etc. Not that I plan to take money out, but it's comforting to know if I really needed to I could. LOL. I've been working all my life and that day always seemed so far away and now it's suddenly here-- kinda scary as well. My brother is back in the hospital -- please keep him in your thoughts and prayers -- I dont' know a lot except that he is not any better and still has the drain in the lung and that should have cleared up by now if it was that super infection they thought it was. I worry too that he's so beaten down that he'll lose his will to live and stop fighting. He's so young -- only just turned 62 in March. Thanks I know you guys will be praying for him. I took today off from exercise - will hit it hard next two days at the gym. Meredith -- have a wonderful time in Florida -- are you going to orlando? I can't remember - you are going to get together with Laura aren't you? Please post pics -- and give her a hug for me. By the time you get back it should definitely be better weather -- it better be!! Is Andrew going to Florida too? Julie, sounds like you are feeling better every day -- with spring arriving that should help also -- I know I feel better when it's sunny and warmer out - I love spring -- love hearing the birds chirping again. Melissa -- try to have a good weekend -- sorry for all that is happening now -- I'm hoping you get a good break soon. You're a strong woman, you can handle this -- take deep breaths and try to de-stress as often as you can. Tell your DH you need some physical comfort -- he was happy to buy you chocolate at Valentine time -- now you need some hugs --which are free. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need from your DH. They don't read minds either you know. Lori, when are you going to Denver? Can't remember - have a great time and enjoy Katelyn. Have a great day and weekend everyone!!! Linda

Morning everyone! This will be quick as I need to rush out to Water aerobics. Eva, sorry about the baby -- poor thing - I get way too attached to any pets -- so that would make me upset -- I'm way too emotional. Thanks for the recipes -- I'll be trying them both -- still make your other sauce -- with the onion, garlic and chili peppers. Janet so happy DIL is getting WLS!!! For sure she will make changes and Brook and your DS will have much healthier lifestyles -- sounds like DS has already made some great changes -- happy she is joining him. Interesting that she is choosing the sleeve - the major reason I chose the band was because it was reversible -- for me I just wasn't comfy with the permanence of any other type of wls. But the sleeve is new -- I hadn't heard of it before the band and I haven't researched it. Yes, she will be able to do so much more with Brook -- I can't wait to take Aylah to Disneyland and ride all the rides! Glad to hear the vertigo is a bit better - I've had to learn to live with it - as I seem to have it more now all the time -- like I said it only bothers me if I look certain ways -- but I can still do Zumba (thank goodness)! LOL. Apples, hope you get out of your house today -- or did you make it out yesterday? Melissa, hoping everything turns out okay for you -- hang in there -- if you think positively positve things will happen -- concentrate on that -- I know it's stressful for you - it's not your fault -- I don't want you to feel guilty - you haven;t let any one down -- it's just a tough world out there right now. I hope it gets better for you soon. Arlene, I understand what everyone's concern is -- I don't get the same impression from you - what I hear is that you aren't losing weight even when you limit your foods -- and that's frustrating (I know). Just keep plugging away -- by limiting starches I've lost all the extra weight I'd gained but now I'm stuck again at 138 and can't get past that - but I'm try to not dwell on that. Even eating healthy most of the time I just stay the same. Okay gotta run - cbl. Love to all. Linda

Janet so happy to see you posting. Miss you -- loved that pic on FB of you opening your presents!! I know what you mean about greasy foods -- I agree, just not appetizing any more. Interesting how our tastes change. Charlene I know what Janet means about dieting - you and I are always looking for the perfect combo of foods that will get our metabolisms working better. Sandy wow -- wtg on the diabetes meds - -so happy for you -- such a wonderful result of losing your weight -- so inspiring. Melissa, not quite sure why your DH is dropping the cobra -wouldn't it still be less expensive than out of pockets? I can't imagine having no insurance, especially with a teenager in the house -- I'm so sorry this is affecting so much of your life -- it's very hard -- You should talk to your pharmacy where you get your son's meds and see if they will set up some sort of payment plan for you so he can stay on his meds (and your meds too). Julie, happy to see you back writing more regularly -- really missed you. Sorry about your friend's DH -- my co-worker who has a large farm has lost 3 calves so far this year -- had to have c-sections and still lost them. Seems like it's a tough spring for them. Speaking of spring, supposed to see some 60s this week. I am ready. Snow was gone by mid-morning but still only 30 this a.m. -- but I have faith it will be better from here on out!! Apples, hope you can get out today and go have some fun - as my grandma used to say "get out and get the stink blown off you." Merry got up with me this morning and is running around -- not sure what's up with that - she usually lounges in bed until 9 or 10 -- she's just a happy girl this morning. She's so funny - she's such a momma's girl these days -- when I don't come home for lunch DH says she sits at the top of the stairs and just stares and stares, waiting for me. So sad really -- poor girl. Lori, I get moments of memories overwhelming me too sometimes -- pretty normal I think -- our families are important to us and we loved our lives being "moms" and it's natural to miss that time and mourn it a bit. Glad you found a new stylist - I bet the red looks nice in your hair but it won't last long -- red is very fleeting for some reason - i like red in my hair but it would just go away so quick I quit spending the money on it. Hope yours stays longer. Since the pool was closed yesterday morning, went to the gym last night and had a good workout with bike and elleptical. Felt good. Our zumba instructor is threatening to stop classes over the summer -- she works at the school and has summers off -- the rest of us work all the time and want the class -- we are hoping she won't desert us -- she thinks no one will come to class cause the weather is "nice" and we will all be outside. I think she's wrong, I still need my regular class to keep on track - it's okay with me if she goes on a trip and takes some time off but not the entire summer! They don't have anyone else certified that can teach it either. Phyl -- good to see you post -- glad you're having a great time - when are you going back North? Love love love all the pics of Zoey on FB -- don't know what you and Earl did pre-Zoey -- lol. Kristi - sorry about your not sleeping - what kind of work do you do? You might try the foods that don't work immediately after a fill in a few weeks -- after you lose a few pounds the band will loosen a bit and you might be able to eat them. Just cut everything very small and chew it very well -- be sure not to eat fast -- I still do that on occasion -- just be conscious about it. I can eat any meat -- even chicken breast with no problem -- but tiny bites and chew well. Well gang, gotta get going, time to get ready for work. My co-worker had her thyroid out yesterday - she'll be gone rest of the week, so it's busier with her gone. lauraK -- zipping on freemont st? Didn't know they had that -- so much fun!! Good for you! Apples, hope FIL issues get worked out and he gets to be somewhere where he has friends. They need to "let him decide" -- he only hurt his arm and leg - his brain and mind are still in good shape - he can decide for himself, can't he? Love to all. Linda

Here's something neat to check out: http://www.raptorresource.org/falcon_cams/ It's a bald eagle sitting on her nest. Enjoy! Linda

Fly by at work -- welcome home LauraK -- glad you had a great time. Let us know if you won any $$ (hope so). Janet, glad you got some rest -- hope that vertigo goes away. Like Apples, we have learned to live with it somewhat - this latest bout has really bothered me more than usual -- but happy to know it's not due to my neck. Mine only bothers me if I look down or up or lay down so I'm okay as long as I keep my head somewhat straight. LOL. Apples, sorry to hear FIL may lose some use of his hand - poor guy. I hope he can be near his friends as well. Is your DH thinking of flying out this weekend? Cheri, your DH sounds like mine as far as sleeping goes - honestly, I didn't think anyway slept as much as mine -- and he whines so much about it too. LOL. Sorry he's reacting this way -- especially under the circumstances of your daughter's illness -- he's very selfish. Glad you don't let it deter you -- you're right -- it's your vacation too. Lori, hope your hair turns out great! Arlene, I ate some onion rings Friday (see, I DO have goodies sometimes). I just wish my being so good would result in some weight loss. I just continue to stay the same -- my DH however, lost 5 lbs. eating peanuts and Desserts every night. LOL. Wish I had his metabolism. Arelene, hugs on your FM. I know how you feel. Take care and I'll CBL. Really gotta run. Linda

Goodf morning to all of you, hope it's a great day! Woke up to some white stuff on the gound - yuck. Pool is closed so no Water aerobics - I guess someone accidenetly on purpose defiled the pool yesterday - a 6th grade boy -- so it will be closed all week due to chemical imbalance -- so no water aerobics. Which means I will have to work out at the gym tonight instead. Oh well. I sure love the water on my body. Busy at work yesterday - one of my co-workers is out this week having a minor surgery -- so it will be busier than usual. Julie, sorry your family is so upset -- I can understand it after what you've been through -- bt they need to just stop and be happy that you're okay now and things should be fine in the future. You were also jeopardizing your life with the excess weight -- hopefully they understand that as well. It's tough because you have had so many unusual problems. I'm just sorry that they are making you feel so badly -- it wasn't your fault -- you didn't do anything wrong -- so don't allow them to make you feel guilty. Apples, hope your FIL did okay in surgery -- poor guy, sounds so painful as well. Lori, sorry about your uncle. I have some cousins in Utah that I was close to in my childhood and would love to see/touch base with again too -- they aren't even doing FB -- my aunt lives in upper state NY and I'd also like to see her again -- I think she's 88. It's just so hard to travel when you've got family all over the place, but I'd love to see them all again, so I know what you mean. Sandy, happy you had a great time on your trip -- that 5 lbs. will come off fast -- probably already gone. Eva, sounds like things are moving along quickly -- must see pics when it's all done and your storage barn up and in place. Hope the sale goes through on your home in Colorado. Laura and LauraK - hope you're both enjoying your visits with family -- can't remember how long LauraK said she was going to be in Vegas. Hope you all have a wonderful day --I'll cbl. Linda

Morning to all. I had a great day yesterday -- did absolutely nothing. I was so tired and sore from cooking on Sat. We watched the original "Arthur" movie -- had seen on the Sun. Morning Show that a new Arthur is being made so we watched the old one - didn't remember it much at all - very cute - Dudley Moore was so good in it. Then we watched another moview through Netflix on our Wii - great that they have these freebies now -- when Aylah is here she watches some of them too -- so if you have a Wii or other game system you should check this out if you haven't already. We don't pay for any of the movie channels cause we don't normally watch tons of movies so this is perfect for us. My meatballs are similar to swedish meatballs -- i just use mushroom Soup and a little white wine for the sauce -- I put the meatballs raw layered in a casserole dish and cover them with sauce and bake for about an hour. They are quite good. Ham balls were something I hadn't heard of before I moved here either Meredith and because I always had hated ham "loaf" I was sure I'd hate them. But no, they are really good -- it's a combo of ground beef, ground pork and ground ham (i use double beef to single ham and pork which is the flavor I like best) -- mixed with graham cracker crumbs and milk and then you make a barbeque sauce out of tomato soup, dry mustard and vinegar to put over them and bake them for about 2 hours. I thought I'd make them for Easter dinner -- so they are done. Apples, so sorry about your FIL . Poor guy -- keep us posted on his condition -- all the little old ladies will be all a-fluttering when he gets home -- it should be cute. Hope he recovers nicely and the black out is not something serious -- maybe he just nodded off -- I hope. Jessica, have a wonderful time on the cruise -- it will be so good for Jake -- and you to have some time to relax -- I know you need to study too -- but you can do that while relaxing. Your DH can spend some real time with Jake and give you a nice break from the contant parenting duties. Enjoy! Went to a charity lunch/auction yesterday -- local minister's wife who has breast cancer -- had her mastectomy late in the year last year and now needs chemo -- and she has insurance that has a $5000 deductible - and so because she couldn't afford the payment plan they set up for her at the hospital, hasn't been able to get her chemo -- so tragic -- so a lot of the churches in town held a nice fund raiser for her - they were auctioning pies, cakes, dutch letters for $30 to $50 each -- had some nice gift baskets to auction off and for $5 had a nice lunch -- then they were selling individual Desserts for $1 each too - it was very nicely done. I can't imagine not being able to afford to have the care you need to fight cancer -- she has two teenagers still home -- very sad situation. Eva -- I slept terrible Sat. night -- I took Vicodin -- but still as up about every hour and very very sore yesterday -- didn't even work out yesterday -- did take Merry on a nice little walk -- it was sunny but cold (it got a bit windy here too Apples) . Arlene, you're fine -- hope you had a nice dinner at Olive Garden -- get back on track today and you'll do great!! Kristi- you are doing wonderfully - wtg on everything! Love the comment from the client's office!!! It's so fun, isn't it? Yes, 2 cc's makes a huge difference -- even a quarter of a cc makes a huge difference later on. apples, your poor BIL -- hope DH does fly out so he can go back to his vacation -- yes, planting is very late this year - last year I believe all the farmers were done by now -- I haven't seen anyone planting here yet either. Hope that snow melts in a hurry and DH can get it done. Well, got get going and get to work. Have a great week everyone. Janet, hope you're doing okay! Linda

Morning to everyone! Wow, I'm totally exhausted from cooking yesterday -- here's what I ended up making: 1 roast with gravy ham balls with sauce meatloaf meatballs with mushroom gravy meatballs to put in spaghetti sauce another roast marinating to make sauerbraten chicken with garlic lemon sauce beef barley soup Everything cooked, packaged up and in freezer containers for DH's meals -- it was a lot -- he did the clean up and I didnt' sit down until about 8:30 p.m. Started around 11:30 a.m. so a long day. So if anyone wants to give you meat that must be cooked, be sure you have energy and lots of room in the freezer. DH will love having all the food around though -- I don't cook much for him anymore and I know he misses it -- he was so happy tasting it all yesterday! LOL. Not much else happening here - we have a lunch/auction to go to this afternoon - fundraiser for a minister's wife who doesn't have any health insurance and is suffering from breast cancer. These people are like my age - can't believe they don't have any health insurance - what a tragedy. Aylah came over and helped me a bit - I taught her how to peel carrots - LOL. She loved it! We lucked out - supposed to have snow but instead was sunny -- cold but nice - right now sunny and 28 so not bad. I'll be happy to see April 1st roll around next week. Hope you all have a great Sunday!!! Linda

Laura safe travels to you and Nelson - it will help your dad to have you both there. I understand your situation as well as when my DM was going through this she was in Florida and i was in California and it's so hard every time you go. Your mom is probalby needing some cheering up as well as help - she's probably more than exhausted. Glad DH's familiy is safe -- every time I see anything about it or hear about it I remember the pics you posted of his trip and all the sweet, peaceful looking faces in the photos. I can't imagine taking those kinds of risks -- I agree that everyone deserves to live free and have all human rights and to not be ruled by brutal dictators who steal from their own people. Eva, I know you think we're stretched too thin and I agree, right now we are thin but I also think that we need to help -- we are still the strongest/greatest nation on earth and we need to show our support -- I just pray it all ends quickly with as little bloodshed as possible. Diet books, diet programs, etc. all help me understand how our body/mind/addiction works -- so I enjoy reading them -- they somehow keep me on track -- so I don't mind having a "library" of them around -- I re-read some of them occasionally and sometimes it helps me to stay on track -- especially with exercise -- if you want to lose you must exercise - that's what every single diet plan has always agreed on -- on magic pill for exercise. There's never going to be a pill that does the same thing as exercise does! Janet, hope the vertigo is gone - I do the Epley maneuver (there's also Epley exercises which are bascially about the same thing) sometimes it helps and other times it doesn't -- worth a shot. You have to do it more than once -- usually quite a few times. Cheri, hope you get some spring weather to go with your spring break - my DS was working in Chicago last week and he was cold. Poor baby -- so spoiled living in LV. Joyce, hope you get rid of your sling and then you and I will be hitting PT together. Glad your arm healed so well -- nice that it happened before the nicer weather. Katie had a friend whose mother's freezer went out and her meat started to thaw so she was giving it away so it wasn't wasted -- they live on a farm and raise their own cattle so it's really good meat -- she brought me two huge roasts (probably 14 lbs. each) and a bunch of ground beef and ground pork. I'll be cooking all weekend and then freezing for DH - I think I'll make some good beef barley Soup, meatballs and ham balls and then just regular roast with gravy. He'll be in heaven with that kind of food at his disposal. LOL. WEll, better get busy so I can work out and then start cooking. I'm sooooo very relieved about my neck - now I can think about maybe trying to do a panni too. I'd rather do that surgery any day rather than a neck surgery. Love you all - have a great day. Linda

Hi everyone. Good news!! No surgery needed -- mostly arthritis and degenerative disc problems, but doctor feels with physical thereapy for a few months I should get relief in neck and shoulder pain -- thinks I have carpal tunnel also (not surprising since I've been typing for 40 plus years) which also is causing problems but my MRI showed nothing is pressing on any arteries so they don't think my dizziness is caused by any disc problems. I was just so relieved as I have been very worried and upset over this situation. I do not want to have any more spinal surgeries ever. They said if I still have pain after a month or so of therapy the next step would be some epidural steriod injections . I'm so relieved!! I'm not too concerned about the vertigo I've had lately - it seems worse and lasting longer than usual, but I've been living with bouts of this for about 15 years so will continue to live with it -- it helps knowing it's nothing serious. Anyway, it's late -- we had a busy day -- shopping, had a nice lunch -- had to drive in ice/snow on the way there -- but home the roads were dry. Got home and Aylah and katie came to visit. Need sleep - will post tomorrow. Linda

Apples your weekend sounds like a lot of fun!! Hope you both can relax and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!! Not much hapenning here -- going to Des Moines this a.m. Woke up to about 1/2 inch of snow -- not bad, I can handle tht. It's already 32 so wion't stay long. Pretty but I'm okay with not seeing this stuff for another 8 or 9 months! Janet, how's the vettigo? As you know Apples gets it and so did I - or so I thought -- well now I'm being told it's probably not typical vertigo but probably because of my neck problems. Hope you're feeling better and hope it goes away fast. You can google the vertigo exercises -- just put in vertigo exercises -- it's laying on one side in a certain position and then on another -- helps the tiny hairs in your ears realign or something -- should help if your problem is caused by the innner ear -- they never helped me so that should have been a clue to me. I've had these bouts of spells for probalby 15 years -- at least -- and now I'm just dizzy most all of the time -- not good. Cheri, what tremendous news!! I'm so happy for your family -- what a wonderful outcome!! I've had several friends here who've had the same treatment but always had to follow with the mastectomies so if she can avoid that it would be amazing. Laura, Syria was more int he news last night and it really was horrific. Praying for your mother in law. I hope she is staying safe. Can't remember which city she lives in - Damascas? I'm very troubled by all the mess going on in the world. And yes, we are so fortunate to live in the USA - my dad's parents came over from the "old countries" and so I grew up knowing that our freedom was worth risking everything to have. My grandfather actually stowed away on a boat to leave when he was 16 -- and never saw his family again - ever. I just can't imagine that. i've also had family members and close friends who've died protecting our freedoms. Arlene, hoping you have good news to report at the end of the 17 days! How's your garden? Lori -- wtg on the pouch test - so proud of you too -- especially for choosing to stick to it instead of movies and popcorn. Good job!! Melissa -- glad you are continuing to see your counselor - when I worked through some of my issues last fall I felt so good afterward -- it really helps -- you'll be able to get back on track -- the counselor will give you coping skills for when your addictions want to control you. I know Janet preaches it all the time but individually we have to really absorb what "this is a lifestyle change not a diet" truly means -- it's easy to say but harder to really accept it and do it. Each of us is different and I think that aha moment hits us at different stages. Continued good luck and best wishes to you Melissa -- I'm here cheering you on. Julie, you too -- bless your heart - you're so caring of all of us -- I'm so glad you are feeling somewhat better -- hoping you gain renewed strength and energy with every passing day. Keep up the positive outlook. Don't have anything much planned as of now for the weekend - we'll see if Katie can make it through 2 weeks without needing us to take Aylah. Have all my doctor appts in Des Moines today -- will report on them when I return. Meredith -- hi - saw all your pics on FB -- hope you're doing good and back on track as well. Jodi - hope you're feeling better! Eva, love hearing about your gardening activities -- makes me want to garden. LOL. Good luck with your final weeks of school -- you'll miss it when it's over. Got done early at my appt. last night so made it another Zumba class last night -- had Water aerobics in the morning -- really enjoyed being able to do zumba an extra night - just love it. Have a great Friday everyone and weekend. Gotta get ready to leave. Linda

Apples, so weird that you can't post with green unless you do the bold letter first. Mine works okay. Great picture Jessica! Yes, go to the library and study and that should help with your concentration -- between the house, Jake and everything else, it is hard to study at home. You'll be just fine -- the tutor should be helpful. Yes, Great, that's a smashing idea - fly into Des Moines -- that would be a fun day. Jodi, so sorry about all the stress -- I know how that is - lack of enough money is terrifying I know. Hopefully your attorney will be able to take care of it, sounds hopeful anyway The IRS situation is very bad -- so sorry you have to deal with this especially since it was not something you probably even knew about at the time. Happy for Dassi about her Uncle coming to visit - going to Phantom will truly be the icing on the cake - she'll love it -- such a great classic for her to see. . Cheri - so happy about Rachael's tumor -- such good news. Yes, prayer and positive thinking are very powerful. Had so much fun at Zumba last night - so weird -- the first night of new music/routines is so hard but the next time you go you really seem to get it -- it's so fun to have a challenge like learning dance steps - I highly recommend it as exercise "enjoyment" to those of you who want to do some cardio but don't like to exercise -- that hour goes by in a flash. Time to get ready for Water aerobics -- hope you all have a great day. Linda

Apples, would LOVE that visit -- but would love it more if you'd hang out and sleep over and get a good night's rest before you trudge back again. I'll let you know what I find out about my neck -- I may be recovering from surgery and then that would free me up to more availability -- but for sure would love it if you visited me - thanks for thinking of me.