ljv52

Hi everyone, it's a boring day at work, so have been looking at some news articles. This one was in Livestrong.com -- Daily Plate -- talking about people suing restaurants for having incorrect and/or misleading information regarding nutritional values of food -- here's a quote from that article: "Even though many restaurants offer healthy alternatives, you could still be at the whim of the kitchen's cook. A recent E.W. Scripps lab investigation found that "responsible" menu items at chains ranging from Chili's to Taco Bell may have up to twice the calories and eight times the fat published in the restaurants' nutritional information." For more on this story visit msnbc.com This is a good reminder to us all that we need to be responsible for what we are putting in our mouths - just like Janet recently discovered Lean Cuisines aren't that accurate either. Whenever I order from a restaurant I usually ask for everything separate -- i.e., if I order a salad that has cheese on it I ask that the cheese be on the side (you would be surprised how large the side of cheese usually is) and of course I take my own low fat dressing with me, so no dresssing. That way I figure I can realistically calculate the calories in my meals. And, it's probably a good thing after reading this article -- as it says "you are at the whim of the individual cook at the time the food is prepared" -- you might get a cook that uses double the amount of oil to cook something in than is actually required and that would up the calories and fat grams. I know most of us don't eat out that much, but still, this is an eye opener. CBL Linda

Good morning all. Apples, I totally agree with what you are saying about our sports "heros" - just sickens me that they are made out to be such "heros". Look at Tiger Woods and the mess he is in now. People need to realize who the real heros are -- our military, police, fireman, and even just everyone's parents who work hard every day and take care of them. Deb, love those scarves -- I would have to buy every one of them -- those are all my kind of colors -- I wear a lot of color -- I'm lucky cause I can wear almost anything and I look good in it -- way back in the day when we used to have our "colors" done I remember I was a mixture of spring, summer I think something like that anyway. Oh, the 80s!! Lori, glad your DD and her fiance are meeting with the pastor - I'm sure that will help. We are having bad weather again - woke up to a couple inches of snow, lots of wind - heck, my street was badly drifted in several places -- nasty day to have to come back to work. Then, the ONLY handicapped parking space was taken by a corporate van - so I had to park way out in the parking lot and walk on ice. But my co-workers are glad to see me. Very unbusy today -- weather is bad all over the country so no one is calling us. Just wanted to check in and say hi. I had a tough time going to sleep again, didn't drift off until after 2 so when the alarm went off at 5, I had to reset it and didn't have time to exercise this morning. Hopefully I'll get back in the groove after today. Hate to miss exercise and since I don't get home until 6:20 or so, I can't do it in the evenings. Have a great day everyone! Linda

Hi everyone, just on my way to bed but had to check in. Very disappointed the Vikings threw the game away - should have won by 3 touchdowns, but just too many stupid mistakes, including Brett Farve's fatal mistake at the end of the game. Jeez! The Saints are going to lose BIG to the colts -- Super Bowl will be boring as He!!!! in my opinion. Oh well. I'm very disappointed. Did a two hour work out, then spent about 1-1/2 hours cleaning then another 2 hours in kitchen -- made a chicken/rice casserole and banana choc. chip muffins and kids came over for dinner -- they stayed and watched half the game and then took off. Nice to spend some time with GD. She wanted to spend the night, but I have to go back to work tomorrow so couldn't let her -- she cried -- made me feel horrible. So, I must get to bed. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep so I can get up bright and early in the morning to exercise and then work. Happy anniversary Eva -- hope you will have many many many more happy years. Laura, hope you are feeling better. Julie, glad you had a relaxing day. Janet, diinner sounded good -- I had leftovers tonight -- tilapia and part of a baked potato from dinner out last night -- no casserole or muffins for me. TTYAT. Have a great Monday. Linda

Good morning everyone. Phyl, thanks for posting those beautiful pics. I miss the mountains so much -- so beautiful. Janet, wtg on the Gold Rush. I'm like Apples, have never ordered from QVC (but have many friends who do). I figure I spend enough money as it is -- why get involved in QVC also. LOL. Apples, sorry about the weather - we are in a reprieve - in the 40s today -- overnight stayed warm the past two nights also -- it is nice to have all the ice melt and snow is melting - but still cloudy -- supposed to have some sun today -- I think it's been over a week since the sun has been out - it will be nice if it happens. Sorry you had to delay your trip -- that stinks. Oh, and get that bra off as soon as your co. leaves!!! Got up late, but for once I slept really well - went right to sleep and I think got a good "catch up" on my sleep -- need to get busy though -- lots to do with going back to work tomorrow. Laura, hope you are feeling better -- I hate being sick -- I seriously think my hip surgery was easier than my cold that I;ve had for past two weeks -- I think cold was more miserable than the total hip replacement. I know, I'm a little weird, but seriously, this cold really kicked my butt big time! Lori, my heart goes out to your DD. But from experience, postponing a wedding or canceling it altogether is much better than going forward when you aren't sure. Seriously, my first marriage I wanted to cancel but was afraid my parents would be mad, etc. Eight years later, the problems were still on going and I had to divorce - and I had a son -- it was very sad and very hard, but I always said "I should have listened to my gut" that week before the wedding when I felt I should not get married but did it anyway. So I will keep positive thoughts for her. I know you are suporting her in whatever she wants to do -- but don't be afraid to say the words out loud -- like "we won't be upset if you cancel". It might help her to actually hear you say that if you haven't already. Just cause I know if my mom had said that I would have jumped at the chance to cancel -- and I would have done it IMMEDIATELY. I was just a stupd kid, afraid to voice my doubts and worries. But, I always said it must have been meant to be cause I have my son out of that marriage but it sure was hard going through all that at the time. I'm so envious of those of you who have been in long marriages -- I'll never have that -- and wonder what it must be like. I love my DH and we have a good, strong marriage, but we'd have to both live to be 80 to be together 40 years. Of course, yes, that is possible -- especially now that I'm so healthy. LOL. Well, I must go and get my exercise in. Hope everyone has a lovely Sunday!!! Linda

HI everyone! I absolutely loved Avitar -- I didn't expect to like it (not my type of movie usually) but I was just so mesmerized by it all -- if you haven't seen it you really should go -- it's this generation's Star Wars I think -- very very enjoyable. What a nice way to spend the afternoon. So because we had to "run" to the movie and I was late getting up, i didn't get my exercise in today, but that's okay, I needed a day off -first one off in 2 weeks, so I was due. I will get back at it tomorrow. Then we went to a nice steakhouse we have here in town for the "early bird" specials -- smaller portions between 5 and 6 for a lot less money -- they have broiled talapia that is delish. I make my own tarter sauce out of low fat mayo and also take some low fat sour cream with me and order a baked potato - of which I eat about 3 bites, but I do enjoy it. I bring it home and DH will eat it tomorrow. Did any of you see the Oprah show on Monday -- about the dangers of talking or texting on a cell phone while driving -- well if you didn't it was scary --even if you have hands free and talk on the phone you are still 4 times more likely to have an accident and are comparable to someone driving legally drunk - if you are texting you are EIGHT times more likely to have an accident. They have proven that our brains will not allow us to multi task in that way (although I can multi task at home and at work they say the type of multi tasking needed for driving and talking on the phone is completely different) -- there was a guy on there saying that our brains are unable to see things like pedestrians, stop signs, etc. -- we have LIMITED vision when we are just talking -- because our brains are concentrating more on the conversation than on the driving (all of which we are unaware of). Anyway, it was pretty scary -- I'm not a texter -- don't even have it on my phone, but I have on occasion talked while driving and my DS does it ALL the time. I'll have to try to get him to stop doing that also. Too scary. I had tivo'd it earlier in the week and just watched it tonight. Laura, glad you're home, sorry about your being sick - I'm still getting over my crud - it's been over 2 weeks and I still have issues -- I took antibiotics for 10 days -- no infection but still blowing my nose more than normal and having drainage and coughing from drainage. Boy, your sister does need to get some counseling -- did she get the surgery because SHE wanted it or did she do it for some other reason? I hope she gets her head on straight -- would hate to see her gain weight back -- gosh, I couldn't eat that and still lose weight -- I barely lose weight and I eat 800 to 1100 per day and exercise 2 hours a day! Does she get any exercise in? I can see why you're worried. Eva, glad you're home, please, please be careful -- that's a lot of fill and it will make a big difference -- just go slow and easy with the food -- I only get .25 ccs at a time and it makes a huge difference in my ability to eat so please be careful. I'm at 6.25 in a 10 cc band. Be sure you stop eating at the first sign of heavy feeling in chest area. Julie, glad you had a fun time -- it's been years since I played pinocole -- love that game -- we played in the military and then again I played 20 years ago when I lived in Reno -- don't know anyone here who plays it -- I used to play it on Pogo once in awhile. Deb, where does your Mom live? I'm from about 1 hour from Pittsburg airport -- East Palestine, Ohio originally (outside of Youngstown) -- still have a brother there. Just curious since you said you'd only be a couple of hours from your Mom when you're in Pittsburg? Can't you run and visit her while you're there -- too bad you'll be so close and can't visit. Okay, gotta get to bed -- need to get up and get moving tomorrow. TTYAL. Linda

Morning everyone. Jessica, congrats on the 3 lbs -- that's great -- keep up the good work. I know my DS and DIL took out a lot of student loans and grants to get through college -- good luck with getting all that done and behind you. All the hard work will be worth it though when you get the money you need to buy all the books, etc. -- once you are done and are an RN you'll make good money and it'll all be worth the trouble. Having trouble with FB this morning - makes me grumble. Apples, hope you made your appt. -- all of our ice melted over night -- well it started yesterday afternoon, but temp stayed up overnight and all the ice is GONE -- only supposed to rain tomorrow -- no ice in forecast so I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that you can get out of there and head south. We lost quite a few branches off our trees in back yard. Poor trees. Julie, I understand where you are with DD and Mimi -- I have same issues here with my DSD and DGD -- no father in the picture and we are IT for DSD and DGD -- no one else to help out so we do -- I grumble a bit but when it comes down to it I'd rather have DGD with me than with others -- DSD will say, "well my friend will take her" - no, I don't want some "friend" that we don't know to watch her, I want to KNOW she is safe and well taken care of. My DS was 21 when I met DH and then he had 3 kids who were 3, 8 and 11 at the time. I was all set to be an every other weekend step mom but then their mom decided drugs were more important than her kids so we had to get custody and raised them. Now DSS is turning 21 in March. And DSD better start taking better care of her health (she's 5'7 and down to 110 because she can't hold food down plus she's juvenile diabetic). I am so worried about her health- she is waiting for a "magic" pill to cure her but there isn't one. I keep talking to her about it -- how she has to WANT to get better -- she has a 3 year old depending on her to be HEALTHY -- but it doesn't seem to register. I do worry she will die - she's only 26 but is very unhealthy. Then if that did occur, of course, we'd raise Aylah but boy oh boy at soon to be 58 it would be very tough -- but of course, I'd do it. As we all would - you all know you would. LOL. So, Julie, you aren't the only one out there with this situation -- and I admire you for all that you do - we are both very lucky that we have wonderful DH's to help -- and mine is wonderful with DGD - she loves her "papa" very much. Arlene, my Beck books shipped a few days ago, hoping they come soon - can't wait to read them. Janet wtg on treadmill -- I need to get busy now too. Couldn't sleep again last night -tossed and turned until after 3 so slept in again and so far only have cleaned bathroom. Eva, hope you have a safe trip, take care and hope the fill puts you at your sweet spot. Yeah, like Janet, I think 65 miles is a long trip for my fills -- don't envy you at all - too bad you can't find someone in your area to do fills for you so you don't have to travel so far. Well, better get to my exercising -- we are thinking of going out of town for Avitar movie this afternoon since the ice is finally melted. CBL Linda

Hello again. Finished up my 1 hour step aerobics and 1 hour walking -- then showered, ate lunch, did a few chores, and caught up reading here - you've all been busy today. Lori, if it's humanly possible, I will try to make it -- depends on a lot of stuff -- I don't think I can, but I'll check it out when I return to work next week. I know I'm going to miss out a lot if I don't come - and I would love to be there, but don't think it will happen. SLC -- I've never been there - so I'll show up some day on your door step to visit -- heard it's really a beautiful city -- I love mountains, so anywhere with mountains, I'd love. I hear ya on the Morman issues - had an aunt and cousins who were briefly morman, then of course, living in Reno, there's lots of Mormans there too -- most of my son's friends in H.S. were Morman (which wasn't a bad thing -- they didn't drink) -- of course, some of them did, but for the most part between them playing football, weight lifting and being Morman, they didn't drink. LOL. There are nice ones too that leave you alone - just gotta be strong and say, "not interested" -- I never had anyone treat me badly - sorry you had that experience before -- I think now you are older and would probably say something back like, "well, since I haven't seen you at my church either, I guess maybe you're not worth meeting either." Or "why do you have to be such a B___hy Morman? You're hubby must not be very good in the bedroom." That would fix her. Apples, I do hope the weather won't keep you from leaving. We are having a slight reprieve today - a LITTLE of the ice has melted from the patio, but trees are still heavily laden and most of the town is without power. I am SOOOOOOO lucky to live in a neighborhood with underground wires. DH went to Walmart to buy something and they were closed due to power outage -- so you KNOW it's bad out when even the 24-hour Walmart is CLOSED. He said all the traffic signals are out - traffic is backed up. We have generators at my office so they're open. You gals talking about a job -- that's what I have -- my retirement job -- it's fun, without stress, and I don't have to think very much. Unlike my previous job (paralegal for civil trial attys.) it's a breeze -- and they actually pay me to show up every day -- truly a fun job -- customer service. It's exactly the kind of job I used to dream about -- pay is not great, but then I don't have to think much. LOL. And, we have tremendous benefits, so it evens out. Jessica, I'm a little concerned cause you seem to throw up a lot. I'm concerned you are too tight and maybe a slight unfill would be helpful -- either that or you really need to slow down, cut that food up into tiny tiny (size of eraser at end of pencil) bites -- seriously -- I'm worried you'll damage your band with vomiting -- my surgeon told me if I ever had problems like that to call for an unfill IMMEDIATELY -- he said thowing up is the absolute worst thing for our bands -- I'm not trying to scare you, but please please take it easy and/or call your doctor's office and let him know whatis going on with you. At least if he knows and he says it's okay you've got clearance from your surgeon so if anything happens, he'll bear some of the responsibility for it. Remember, the band is not a magic cure -- we still have to work hard at keeping track of what we put in our mouths and be accountable and move our bodies with exercise to help the band do it's job. Please understand, I'm not trying to be preachy, but I'm just concerned and sending hugs. I'm a year out and I've never vomited -- and only had one actual pb episode and that was just last week -- so you can see why I'm a bit concerned. Laura, sorry about Nelson's hand - he was very brave -- you look HOT in those pics -- you are looking prettier and younger every time I see a new picture. I bet your mom and dad are proud of you too -- how's your sis doing with her food and her bypass? I know you were saying around Christmas that you thought she was over eating or eating the wrong things -- hope she's doing better now. Okay, preachy linda will go do something and cbl. Have a great afternoon!! Stay dry and warm everyone. Linda

Arlene, my neice is getting married in Florida on July 24 - that's why I have to miss the get together in Feb. -- cause I don't have enough vacation time to go to Fl. in both Feb. and July due to my surgery -- I had to use all my vacation/sick time before I could collect disability. Ordered the zumba tapes but boy are they expensive -- hopefully I'll be able to do it. janet, I love the olympics too - always watch as much as possible -- I'm riveted to the tv. Always inspires me so it'll be good to have it to watch -- keep me eating healthy. LOL. Glad you are doing well after your fill, don't forget to take it slow and easy for awhile, cause I'm sure you will see a big difference when you start to eat solids. Okay, gotta get busy -- couldn't sleep last night so got up late -- think I got to sleep finally around 3:00 a.m. Two nights in a row -- hope I can get up on Monday morning -- for sure I'm going back to work. CBL. linda

Way to go Phyl - that was great exercise -- so proud of you. You didn't let that rain stop you or make you stay inside -- you got out and moved!!

Hi everyone, Janet so glad you got your fill, I was worried with the rain storm you wouldn't be able to get there. I'm like you with the books - I either read really fast or take forever -- it depends on what's happening in my life -- so I rarely get books at the library either. I think it boils down to watching too much tv rather than reading - I usually read 3 to 4 books during a 10 day vacation (including reading on planes) -- so that shows you what I'm talking about. But it's also cause I read while lounging at the pools. Oh, I'lm going to really be envious come Feb. 11. Sigh. Eva, you sound better tonight, glad you are feeling more positive and doing better overall. Have a safe trip to Tijuana. I hope the fill does the trick and gets you to your sweet spot. Mine is great -- it's been two weeks and I rarely feel any hunger between meals, even after I do a lot of exercise. And a hot drink during those times seems to kill the hunger, so I'm a happy camper. Ice is still pretty bad -- trees are even worse than yesterday -- we need to warm up and have the sun come out to melt it all -- doesn't look like it's going to happen any time soon -- more freezing rain forecast for Sat. morning. Apples, I'll have to look for that eye wand -- I have bags, really big bags. Thanks for sharing that. Sparkle, I tried to stay away from any soups that had cream in them -- because they usually have high fat content -- i.e., cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, etc. but the creamy squash soup you mentioned would be fine -- just remember you also need to have some form of protein as well. But also during your initial recovery after surgery the emphasis is on healing not weight loss, so you could still have something with a little more fat content at that point to help you get through it. One more thing I wanted to share and forgot about last nigiht -- when I feel like grazing at night and have already eaten all I should or want for the day I go brush and floss -- that way I'm less tempted to eat -- I have an electric toothbrush that takes 2 mins. and then flossing takes awhile and certainly not a chore I want to do twice in one night -- so it helps me not to eat. LOL. Just thought I'd share that -- maybe it will help someone. Watched the movie Julie & Julia tonight -- what a joyful movie - I loved it -- I loved Julia Child -- I love to cook -- I love to eat -- what a feel good movie. If you haven't seen it, rent it, it's fabulous. It was much better than I expected it to be. DH also enjoyed it -- Meryl Streep did such a great job with Julia. Very believeable. I am embarassed however because I always thought Julia was French!! Come to find out she was born and raised in Pasadena, CA. I was shocked --had no idea -- what was with her accent then? Just upper brow accent? LOL. Also enjoyed the story of Julie. Taped all the tv shows tonight - only had time to watch the Mentalist. Really enjoy that show also. Can't wait for the next survivor -- starts Feb. 11 Janet -- you'll have to be sure to set your Tivo. Am trying to line up a time share for the wedding - have RCI doing a continuous search -- honestly, it's ridiculous -- you almost have to book 2 years out to get the size and area you want -- of course, it's tough cause I have a specific week and I cannot be flexible. Hopefully something will open up during the next 6 months. Is so nice to have a 2 bedroom condo so I can have DS and DDIL and may my DB and his wife stay with us and save on hotel bills. Plus it's a nice week's vacation for all of us. If we don't get something by mid March I'll probably have to check out some other condo rentals like we had before. It's just easier to do an exchange (and cheaper) all we pay for is the exchange fee. DGD went home around 5:00 - she was pretty hyper today - still taking daily steriods so she can be quite hyper. We had a busy day -- exercised in the morning (I took a break and did only 80 mins. today), played some games (Candy Land, Chutes & Ladders), watched some Dora. Well, I'll check back in the morning. Hope everyone has a happy Friday!!!! Linda

Thanks Apples, I appreciate your nice comments. Lori, what a great idea -- I'll have to see about where to train as a Zumba instructor. Probably not anywhere close by though. I'm so terribly jealous I can't come to Florida too - so sad, but glad you will all be making it. Hopefully next year will be a much better year for those of us not making it this year. Hugs to Mimi -- hope she feels better soon. CBL. Linda

Good morning all. Eva, sounds like you have everything under control -- your machine sounds neat -- nice you don't have to get dressed or put on shoes to use it -- sounds like it was a great choice for you. Deb, I'm so jealous - I'm dying to do Zumba -- we don't have it here in my little town -- so I can't do it -- I checked it out on line almost a year ago and keep asking at our local Y (only real gym we have in town that has classes) and they say they dont' have an instructor -- I keep telling them "to find one" -- it's so frustrating here cause we have such limited choices -- I pay a huge amount of money for a Y membership -- the facility is 40 plus years old -- they have crap machines, few classes (only 1 water aerobics class every day at 7:00 a.m. and one 3 times a week at 1:30 p.m.) I keep saying we need some competition in this town. There is a new gym opening soon but it is small and will offer no classes and has no pool. I was used to living in larger cities where I could get whatever I wanted -- that's the one thing I miss the most about living in a small town -- that and the shopping. Oh well. that's why I buy DVD's -- Ill have to see I bet there's zumba dvds -- never thought of that before. By the way, I purchased the Beck books used on Amazon -- got the workbook and the regular book for $14 including shipping -- one was $1.99 and the other $9.99 plus shipping. Not even sure I'll need the workbook but thought it might help. The other book says it has the "diet" in it - what to eat, etc. I figure we don't need that one, we already know what we should and shouldn't eat and we're so limited with our bands anyway. I made a one pot wonder last night that turned out great - took a couple chicken breasts and cut them up small (like fajhita sized pieces), cooked them in a small amount of EVOO (probably about 2 teaspoons) with a whole chopped onion and about 10 cloves of minced garlic. Added salt, pepper, oregono, basil, cumin, smokey paprika and a large can of diced tomatoes, two cans of white beans, some taco seasoning, a can of rotel tomatoes and enough broth to make it look like a stew -- put a lid on it and simmered for about an hour then added a bunch of fresh spinach and ate it -- it was pretty yummy -- I think I was hungry for beans. Anyway, it was pretty tasty and rather healthy I think. Kind of an italian/mexican combo. LOL. Made enough for probably 10 meals. I'll have to freeze some. Was quite filling as well. Couldn't even finish a cup of it. Anyway, DGD here this am so didn't get up as early as I wanted. Ice is still out there but it says its 33 so hopefully it will melt a little today. But schools were closed again -- I'm glad I wasn't back to work and hopefully this will be the end of this for the year -- usually it only happens once a year and usually in January. I'm hoping for an early spring. Lori, you'll get back on the program when you're feeling well enough -- your knees are much different from my hip. I'm very impressed that you have been able to maintain though all of this -- you rock!! Okay, gotta get busy here -- cbl. Laura posted on FB that Nelson slammed his hand in the car door -- poor baby - took him to an ortho -- has a small fracture near the thumb (I think). Hope he's doing okay -- keep him in your thoughts. She said "alligator tears" - just pulled at my heart strings -- boys are so special. Have a great day everyone! Linda

Eva, hugs and more hugs to you. I know how you feel and I truly am sorry you are in the middle of this at this point in your journey. Are you hurting only after you exercise or are you hurting even if you don't exercise? My point is: for years I hurt -- I had major back surgery and they put rods and screws in my back -- I hurt worse afterward than I did before so I convinced myself I couldn't exercise -- so I didn't -- 9 years later and 100 lbs. later I decided I wanted to change my life, so I had the band installed and I decided I would exercise whether I hurt or not -- well, as you know my hip was also bad and it hurt like hell, but my back hurt (and I also have fibromylgia and so I hurt from that all the time too). Anyway, to make my story short, I hurt when I sat and did nothing and I discovered that I really didn't hurt any worse if I got up and moved and did some exercise. I mean, I hurt regardless -- so I did what I could and the weight started coming off and then it got easier and easier, but the point is the pain never got worse (never got better, but truly was never worse from exercise either). I had my hip replaced and even though I still have pain in my back, but I have so much less pain than before. Again, my back hurt when I was sitting and watching tv while recovering from hip surgery and it doesn't hurt any worse now that I'm back to exercising. I'm just relaying my experience -- you may have a different experience. I do think if it hurts to exercise you could try to do water exercises -- either water aerobics or water aerobics combined with some lap walking/treading water -- this is all good exercise. I started out doing a lot of water aerobics and perhaps that helped build up some of my stamina in the beginning too. As far as the food issues go I think it's all hand in hand with how you are feeling -- hurting and tired, etc. Your line of work is tiring and physical as well. Are you getting enough rest? I know you've been busy lately - lots of company, holidays, etc. Maybe you're just overly tired and need some R&R. Also remember that you need to start slowly with exercise and build up your stamina. I didn't start out exercising 110 mins. per day and Janet didn't do as much when she started either. Plus, you burn more calories at the early stages of your journey than you do later on -- so you don't have to exercise as much to burn more at this point. Also, maybe try something less strenuous -- a nice brisk walk burns lots of calories. I highly recommend my Leslie Sansome walking tapes -- check out how much you can burn by walking at 5 mph for one half hour -- I think you'll be surprised and it's not as strenuous on your joints as other forms of exercise. As far as the food issues go, you just need to remember why you had the band put in in the first place -- remember how you felt, remember the reasons. Look at some of your before pics and compare how you look now -- force yourself to acknowledge the changes and imagine and picture yourself at goal -- it is truly helpful to actually write out affirmations -- write out something like the following: "I, Eva, will eat only protein, veggies and fruits that are band friendly and will provide proper nourishment for my body and help me gain control and succeed in my journey to be healthy." May sound silly, but write it out about 100 times before you go to bed and see how you do the next day. And try to do it every night for a month and see how you feel at the end of the month -- are things better? Are you eating better? Are you making better choices? While you are writing it out, really try to visualize yourself eating healthy and feeling great -- it really truly is a great tool that I've used in my life in many areas. I think at this point with the pain you are having you may have to rely on just a small amount of exercise combined with eating correctly. I also agree that if you start journaling everything you put in your mouth it will help you see your problem areas, although it sounds like you kinda already know what they are. It's really tough especially cause you are married and you and DH travel and go out, I know how hard that is. But remember, you need to do this for YOU, not for anyone else -- but it's what YOU want for YOU. I do think the fill will help -- can't remember how much you've lost since your last fill, but in my experience, I seemed to need a fill about every 15 to 20 pounds. Hope some of my suggestions might help -- I am sharing with you only as suggestions and with love - you've done so well and you need to continue your journey. I know you will continue to succeed -- and any way we can be of help to you, we're all here for you. Have a good night and start fresh tomorrow and you'll do great!! I'll be thinking positive thoughts for you. Linda

lol -- not trying to creep anyone out - you guys are cracking me up. I had to correct my previous post -- only divorced 15 years -- I get carried away -- making myself older than I am. CBL

Hi all, yeah, Lori, I think it's the lying about the game playing that turns me off -- but again, I still think if I was there I'd just want to lose the weight and not do the game playing. But, at least this year they aren't fighting among each other (yet). LOL. Yes, I agree, the mom seems to be more into the game than the son but maybe this will scare him into doing better. We can only hope. I thought at the beginning he'd be really gung ho and I'm surprised at his attitude - heck, maybe he's game playing and thinking if he doesn't lose much he won't be considered a big threat -- could be -- lol. You never know with that. Attaching a couple of pics of the ice storm -- it never really warmed up today to melt anything. The tree branches are usually no where near the ground or the deck -- they are so heavy with ice. I'll have to check out those Beck books - I'm all about affirmations -- sounds like something I could use as well. Lori, hope you start to feel better -- hope you aren't coming down with a cold -- that's kinda how I felt the day before this last cold hit me. Apples, you're so sweet to remember my bandiversary - thanks so much. It's the 27th. As far as the man issues - I was married young, was married 8 years then divorced for 15, now married for 16 -- and I can tell you if anything happens to DH I am DONE for SURE. No more for me -- I'm perfectly happy and capable by myself. Maybe we can all live together when we're old with white hair. LOL. Many, many years from now (hopefully). CBL. Have a good one everyone. DGD is here -- gotta go entertain her.

Thanks Janet, so my average in one year is 8 and 1/3 per month -- pretty darn good afterall!! That's a much better way to look at it than so many per week -- it just gets too frustrating. Did anyone watch Biggest Loser last night? If so, what did you think of the red team girl player -- she lost the first week and then gained a pound last week (cause her team had immunity) and then this week lost only 1 pounds cause she knew only her hubby's weight loss would count. I figured that was going to happen and I was kinda hoping the gray team would pick the red team to switch so her weight would have been the one that counted. But I couldn't believe her attitude when Bob and Jillian called her out on game playing - she swore up and down she wasn't and actually argued with them. Unbelieveable. Yeah, like we all know if you are exercising 6 hours per day (that's what they do at the ranch) and you weigh about 240 -- you're not going to lose weight every week -- give me a break -- even I lost two pounds when I only exercised an average of 2 hours a day last week. Who does she think she is kidding? Her comment about "I just want to have a cheeseburger and give up" really pis$$$$d them off you could tell -- where do they find these people they put on the show? Why can't they all realize what a great opportunity they are getting - why is she wasting her time game playing? She needs to just get the weight off and start feeling better and better and quit with the b.s. The Tongan guys have the right spirit -- good for them. Linda

Good morning everyone! Yes, I got up at 6:30 (a little later than I wanted, but it's a start) and I got my two hours of exercise in by 10:00 - so hopefully tonight I'll be a little more tired and go to bed a little earlier and try for 6:00 a.m. tomorrow. It's a plan anyway. I did a 4 mile walk with intervals then a 2 mile imterval walk and then a 30 mins. walk with weights which is supposed to be equal to a brisk 2 mile walk. So altogether 110 mins. -- it's not too terribly boring -- I have enough different tapes (about 8) that I can mix up the walks so I'm not doing the same ones every day. I think the weight one is really helping me, especialy since I haven't been able to get to the gym to do the weight machines. Hopefully I'll see results again next week. I'm so happy to get those Christmas pounds off. Yippee!! Anyway, I figured out that I've lost 16 lbs. since August 9 which was when I surprised my sister in Vegas -- so that averages out to 3 lbs. per month which is pretty darn good at this stage. So I'm going to just quit b&m so much -- you know we get in such a hurry to get this weight off. I feel confident now that I can indeed make my goals -- there for awhile I was feeling so frustrated and worrying I'd never lose any more weight -- some times you just have to take the time to look at the big picture - that's why weighing even once a week can be so frustrating. Heck if I can lose another 16 lbs. in 5 months I'll be thrilled - I think the key is to never stop working the program no matter what you think or feel or how frustrated you get. Sometimes it just seems like the scale never moves, but then when you stop and look back over several months you realize it did. The key is to continue and not give up. Jessica, you're doing great -- congratulations on those 3 lbs. I get first bite syndrom a lot at lunch time when I am in a hurry or I get it if I'm trying to eat and I get stressed out for any reason, I just can't get food down. I have onlyl PB'd really once -- but I get the pain in the chest and first bite syndrom a lot more often -- at least several times a week, especially this soon after a fill (it's been about 2 weeks) It's the only time I have a problem -- so you gotta make sure you are eating stress free for sure and also to slow down. And after you get your first fill you'll have to be very careful as well. Has anyone told you about Papaya enzyme? They are great tasting pills that you can chew when you have first bite syndrome and it can help clear it out -- I chew them and walk around about 10 mins. and then I can usually sit down and finish my meal with no problems. I buy mine at Walmart -- $4.50 for a bottle of 180 tablets. We are having a terrible ice storm -- freeaing rain -- lots of limbs hanging low - lots of branches breaking off - power lines down in areas -- interstate 80 is closed east of Des Moines and I 35 closed south of Des Moines -- all the schools are closed - I had an appt. witih podiatrist and they even called and canceled -- that's unusual -- must be really bad out. I'm glad we have no where to go. DH went to grocery store yesterday so we have everything we need. Apples, I buy the whole frozen strawberries (unsweetened) and frozen blueberries -- I think I pay about $2.50 for a bag -- I use two bags of strawberries and one of blueberries each week -- I put them in a tupperware container in fridge and then the next day they are thawed enough to slice -- usually still slightly frozen -- they are much better than the already sliced frozen ones -- those are always miscolored and mushy for me. These keep well for the week -- I put a little splenda on them when I slice them and they are good. That keeps me in strawberries/blueberries until spring cause I must have my berries!! Laura, glad you are in NC - hugs to you and your family. Thinking of you. Hope Nelson feels better soon -- hope the cold gets better and doesn't hang on like mine has. Julie, sorry about the MRI -- I don't understand insurance that denies finding out what is causing pain. Hopefully your doctors will figure out a way to find out what is causing the pain and keep it under control. Be careful picking up Mimi again -- i don't pick up Aylah -- she's 32 lbs. -- and she's pretty small for her age but between my hip and my back, I'm not supposed to lift anything more than 10 lbs. so I'll never pick her up. So you might want to try to not pick her up as much. Janet, hope the baby will do better and get medicine down today. Apples, hope this weather clears up so you can go south by next Monday. It sounds like it's supposed to. CBL. Have a great day everyone! Linda

Eva, thanks so much and congrats on getting that work out on the machine!! I'm proud of you -- keep it up!!! Linda

Hi everyone, on my way to bed but wanted to stop and say congrats to Melissa - good going on all your successes!! Arlene, sounds like the meeting was really good -- I'll look for Mary Jo tomorrow -- hopefully that means the show will be airing some new episodes soon (I hope). Lori, sorry to hear about DD problems -- sounds like the fiance is a little immature -- hope she sticks to her guns -- cause it could be really big trouble of she lets it go -- future headaches for sure -- did they go to any kind of pre-marriage counseling? I know my DS and his wife went before they got married and a lot of things like this were covered -- I think it was through the church they attended at the time. Even if she puts off the wedding by a few months that would be better than dealing with future financial problems --especially if she wants to start a family right away. Hopefully he'll wake up quick and realize what an immature idiot he is. Apples, you missed the amount of the vet bill cause you forgot to add in the So. Cal. high prices - lol would have been correct here in the midwest probably. Janet, hugs on the doggie issues -- hope she takes her medicine and gets well soon. My Ex was in Vietnam -- hard time for all of us -- we ended up getting divorced afterwards, he changed so much. We lasted about 3 years after he came back but it was never really good. Glad your son made it home, Arlene and you too Apples and Julie. As an ex military wife I know how challenging it is to have a family member in the military. Also had an uncle who was killed in Korean war -- my current DH was a Marine, but never saw any action -- he was lucky --young enough to miss Vietnam. Arlene, I also loved your quote today - I had never heard it before either and yes, it is so very true. Good reminder for all of us. Well, all, I'm off to bed and will be up at 6:00 -- at least that's my plan - trying to get back to a work schedule. TTYT. Linda

Hi everyone. Went to a bunco party tonight and made a great low fat dip (we each take appetizers or dessert to share). I adapted the recipe to lower fat ingredients and it turned out delish and no one even guessed it was low in fat. 1 can Members Mark chicken Breast (13 oz), shredded 1 8 oz. pkg. fat free cream cheese, softened 3/4 C. Hellman's Light Mayo (1 gram fat per 1 Tablespoon - has green lid) 1/4 C Fat free Mayo 1 C. fat free shredded cheddar cheese 1 can mild green chili peppers 1 Tablespoon Worcheshire sauce 1 jalepino pepper, diced very fine Shred chicken, stir in softened cream cheese, blending well. Add mayos, shredded cheese and stir to mix well. Add mild chili peppers, jalepino (if desired) and Worcheshire sauce. Spray a small casserole dish with Pam and bake at 350 for 30 mins. or until bubbly. Eat with low fat crackers (I used Special K crackers and they were excellent). Enjoy! I did the entire recipe on Daily Plate and it came out to 20 grams fat and 900 calories per recipe. It makes about 3 cups total. It's very filling and I think I ate about 4 tablespoons of the dip on about 10 crackers and was very satisfied (which was the majority of my "dinner"). Anyway, it's a good recipe for parties and I hope you'll give it a try. Linda

Oh my, just had a long post written, got a phone call and came back and my computer had restarted so poof!! the post was gone! Oh well, probably nothing immportant anyway. I did 1 hour of step aeobics plus a 4 mile walking tape that has intervals built into it -- so total of 110 mins. total -- didn't do any weight today --did weights 5 days in a row so thought I'd take a break. Figure if I was at work I'd be at work 9 hours so why not spend 2 on exercising while I have the extra time. It's either that or watching tv. LOL. Now that I'm back at my 100 mark, I want to get past that and start losing new weight again. Never happy, am I? LOL. Julie, good for you on getting down on floor with Mimi -- it's amazing how important those "normal" things are for us after we lose some weight - I'm proud of you. Out of the mouths of babes -- DGD was leaving to go to babysitter's about an hour ago and was putting on her coat -- I said, "Uma can help you with your zipper." She said, "No, I'll do it it's too hard for you!" LOL. I didn't think she knew how to do a zipper, but sure enough, she got it and pulled it right up -- I didn't know kids started this kind of stuff so young - she's only 3 and already she's deciding what I can and cannot do. LOL. DSD still sick -- we will probably have DGD again tonighit. It's so frustrating - if she would take care of her diabetes (take a reading, take the proper amount of insulin) she wouldn't get so sick -- trying to just keep my mouth closed as it does no good to open it -- all that does is cause problems. Lori, congrats on the coat -- what a great deal -- and good for you for checking that coupon and making them make good on it -- as consumers we all need to be more diligent -- good going! Well, I will close -- got some things I need to get done. Hope you all have a lovely day. Janet, too bad this isn't your furlough Friday. Just think how super busy you'll be when system is back up -- you'll have to catch up on all you couldn't get done now. Eva, hope the rain has stopped so you can get more work done. It's supposed to start raining here tomorrow -- rain/snow mixed -- not sure what to expect and we have to go to Des Moines in the afternoon. Hope it will be okay. Apples, preach all you want, I listen and get good confirmation while I'm reading - we all need to remember this stuff every once in awhile -- it's easy to forget when we are so busy with our every day stuff. CBL, take care all love you all -- have a good day with food/execrise. Linda

Good morning to all. Apples, you give such great advice adn counseling -- Arlene and Julie, I understand exactly how you feel -- I feel like I lost my DS when he married -- my dil is just so different, likes her "privacy" -- heck when they lived here (in the town we moved to to be closer to them) we didn't go to their house the past two years they lived here. I was so very hurt - DS and I were very close - he was my "only" child until I married DH and inherited three step kids. But I learned to let it go - took several years (and probably 50 lbs.) but I did it -- I let it go and just accepted it as "she is different" it will work out eventually. They don't have kids (and no one is allowed to ask about it) which at this point I'm grateful for that so I don't have to feel left out of their lives. I think our relationships with our children are the hardest. They moved to vegas in October 08 and in many ways I was relieved -- it helped me not to dwell on not seeing them as much. NOw I barely hear from them -- we call and leave messages and we hear back once in awhile -- usually they say, "oh, we didn't get a message" -- well, when you leave a message on the house answering machine and a cell phone you know they got it. I was never a nosy mother in law -- I never went over unannounced - I never asked questions -- heck I really don't know what we ever did, but I don't think we did anything -- it's just "her" in my opinion and I can't change her and I've accepted it. It's her loss really cause I'm a great person with tons of friends -- some times I think maybe my relationship with my son was threatening to her so I backed off -- I miss him, but I want him to be happy and he is. I have my sweet GD to keep me company now so I'm happy with that. Sorry you all are going through this -- it's so hurtful. Well, the scale is back to where it was before Christmas -- exactly 100 lbs. now -- I had to work my butt off to lose those 2 lbs. -- took 3 weeks of exercising - and I've been good on the food -- so I dunno -- why is it so hard to lose weight now? I counted up. I burned 6,989 calories in past seven days -- so I guess that does equate to two pounds 3500 equals one pound so 7000 equals 2 pounds. Whew -- it's tough. DGD was here overnight - DD sick again. She worked a few hours yesterday and left early sick - why is she only sick when she is at work? Grumble. Lori, go to Florida -- Oh, by the way, it's official wedding is set for July 24 -- DS put deposit on wedding reception site - Gulfport Casino (near Clearwater Beach, FL) this morning. So, hopefully I will make a reunion next year. I'm so sad I can't do both -- but with the surgery and losing vacation time I just can't. I'll be with you in spirit -- and you better all take tons of pics and post them IMMEDIATELY. Okay, gotta get busy exercising -- everyone have a fabulous day!!

Hi everyone, back from my 6 week post surgical visit -- my surgeon is just so amazed at my progress . He had me lift my leg -- with my knee bent and said, "I've never had a patient that could lift their knee up that high this soon after surgery" - well heck, I lift it up during my walking tapes a lot -- to me it's just simple -- I'm very happy that the surgery was so easy for me, I feel very blessed about it. Oh, also had a NSV at lunch -- we stopped at an Applebee's for lunch and my DH was bragging about my surgery to the waitress -- she said, "oh, you're so lucky your not overweight - I've heard it's much tougher when your heavy" If only she knew! Wow that really made my day. Glad DH didnt tell her -- it's nice when people think you've always been "normal sized". He cleared me to return to work Monday so stopped by work and took care of that -- they are thrilled I'll be back -- I'm glad I have a few more days to "adjust". Plan to start going to bed at 10 (normal work bedtime) and then get up at 5 -- regular wake up time when I work so I have time to do my exercises before work -- since I work until 6:00 p.m. it's too late after work -- I'm more like Apples and am a morning person -- my DH is the opposite - he'll start all kinds of projects at 4:00 in the afternoon - not me -- if I haven't started by then it just doesn't get done. Jodi, thanks for sharing -- you sound like you're a lot of fun. Sorry for the sorrows you've had - and your DD -- hard on kids to lose a parent so young. You are doing the right thing, to get healthy for her. Many of us here made this step to "get healthy" for our grandkids -- I want to be around to see mine grow up -- and it kind of woke me up when my DGD was born how terribly unhealthy I was. Again, I feel so fortunate that I took care of my health BEFORE I had something happen. I have many jewish friends -- love all the traditiions - I grew up eating slovac foods - so very much like jewish foods -- of course all of that is the most delish food in the world -- and I do miss it sometimes, but I also love being healthy and having more energy. Lori, glad DH helped out with the housework. My DH does a lot around here - I've mentioend before that he is on permanent disability - he was a pipefitter/boilermaker at an oil refinery (in LA) for 30 years and he wore out his hips -- after both his hips were replaced he couldn't return to that kind of work and really didn't have education/training for any other work so he gets a nice check every month to sit and watch TV -- so he does do most of the housework around here -- I still clean the kitchen, bathrooms, dust but he vacuums, cleans the floors and does the laundry -- and I HATE doing laundry - he loves it. He also likes to grocery shop (go figure) and loves to save money using coupons. So I let him have these pleasures in his life. LOL. Only thing is, I still go to grocery store occasionally -- I like to keep pantry stocked up and he is type that wouldn't buy something we were out of if it bit him as he walked by. I also have to go to store if I want to buy pears or any other type of fruit (strawberries) that you have to see the color to tell if it's ripe -- he is colorblind and the last pears he bought (almost 2 weeks ago) are still green as green can be -- I bought some late last week that I've already eaten and they were getting too ripe. Meredith, so sorry about your friend's mother -- so sad and so scary -- I will keep thinking positive thoughts -- I hope she is okay, my heart goes out to her daughter- how horrible that would be -- I just hope they find her safe some where. What a beautiful church that was (in the video). Congrats on the house -- you'll have a great time -- your first house is always so special - you'll have a lot of fun decorating and making it your own. Janet, how's the computers at work? Hpefully they got it up and running so you aren't sitting around bored all day -- sounds like they need to buy an entire new system. I'm sure that's not in their budget. Doctor said sleeping problems are not unusual after surgery - said anesthesia does affect sleep some times for several months. He thinks when I get back to my regular "routine" I'll be fine -- so I will start my routine tonight. DIdn't have time to exercise this a.m. so am going to try to do a little now -- DH is napping, so it's a good time. CBL. Julie, I just got over my cold (still in my nose a bit) and it was bad, bad - has lasted almost 2 weeks -- so do anything to avoid it. I was miserable. Apples, you crack me up -- I can just visualize the truck packed with all your totes and the kitchen sink on top -- lol. Your DH probably would NOT be surprised if you did load it up. Jessica, good going on the attitude - just keep working the program -- please stay away from cheese -- it really hinders weight loss - try the non-fat variety if you must have it -- it doesn't taste as good, but it gives you a little "taste" of it without ruining all the other hard work you are doing. My weigh in day is tomorrow and I'm anxious to see how I do after the effort I put in to the exercise this week. Keeping my fingers crossed. Deb, hang in there -- hope you and Cheri had a nice, restful day off. Cheri, I'd love your church -- I love to sing too. CBL Have a great evening everyone! Linda

Helen, If you google Theresa's Gastric Band Blog you will find the woman from UK who does the blog -- here's the actual web address for it (I think): Theresa's Gastric Band Blog

Happy Birthday Melissa! Hope this year is the best ever! Janet, sounds like you had a fabulous time -- just think of all the exercise you got and calories burned when you were dancing and pushing the men away!! How fun! Great, I used to go to the ski resorts when I lived in Reno and it is amazing how warm you feel even though you're at high elevation -- just the sun is so warm up there -- I remember sitting outside at ski resorts (while my friends were skiing - not me, I'm afraid of heights) and remember sitting and getting tan on my face -- nothing like it. Welcome Helen -- there is a blog I used to read from a woman in England - I'll try to remember to post a link to it next time I'm on here -- she listed a lot of foods she ate which might help you since you are also in the UK. As I remember, her name was Theresa -- I know Laura also used to read it. As Apples said, all of our doctors here in the states have different rules -- different foods, etc. Again, just follow what your doctor tells you -- I was on a full liquid diet for 2 weeks prior to my surgery and I did protein drinks, non-fat yogurt, sf jello, popsicles, sf pudding. I didn't mind at all cause by that time I was so sick of food and so ready to take charge of my life. It's not bad and you just have to keep reminding yourself that a liquid diet is only temporary. Another thing to remember -- having the band is a lifestyle change -- not a diet -- not a miracle cure -- you must change your approach to food and you must have (or add) some exercise to your life -- for sure exercise is an important part of this journey - we don't seem to really talk about that a lot here but truthfully, we all know it's vitally important. But the nice thing is: after you lose the first 20 - 30 lbs. your body starts to want to move -- you have lots more energy. So hang in there and congrats on your surgery date! Watched the game -- was happy Vikings won - DS has always been a huge Cowboy's fan so I'm sure he was disappointed, but oh well. Did 110 mins. before the game -- I will see how this week goes -- hopefully will lose those two pounds from Christmas!!! I did a 4 mile walk which includes 5 sets of interval training followed by a 30 mins. 2 mile walk with 3 sets of intervals and then a 30 mins. walk with weight training. Hopefully I will lose that 2 pounds so I can stop obsessing this week. Apples, I know what your son means -- I grew up eating corn fed beef and butchering ourselves and after we left the farm I never really liked the taste of beef -- same with milk -- grew up with fresh milk and never liked the store bought milk either. Going to surgeon tomorrow for x-ray and 6 week follow up -- seems like it's been so much longer than 6 weeks. Hopefully all will be fine and I'll be heading back to work either Tues. or the 25 (if I can, I'm going to try to stay off until 25th -- I still am having some sleep issues -- i.e., last night was dead tired, went to bed at 11:30 but tossed and turned for no apparent reason until 2:15 -- then woke up at 5:30 and was awake until 7 -- then slept until 8:30 -- no reason for it -- just can't sleep -- I'm not napping during the day, not drinking coffee after lunch or dinner, so no apparent reason. But if I have to return to work when I can't sleep it could be trouble. Maybe i need a sleeping pill???? Laura, looks like you had a great time in Miami - saw the pics on FB -- Nelson looked happy. Have a safe trip to NC tomorrow -- your dad and mom will be thrilled you are there -- how long will you stay? I'll CBL everyone - have a great night. LInda