ljv52

Hi everyone, before I forget, want to welcome both Jewel and Deb. Jewel I hope you will be able to get the support from both your DH and in-laws that you need. This is not an easy road and you need their help and support. Deb, I agree with Janet, not sure why your doctor would not want you to count calories at the beginning -- I have used daily plate since the beginning and feel the accountability of knowing how many calories has been very helpful to me -- I make better choices because I know that that small slice of cheese is 100 calories and I know how long it takes to work that 100 calories off at the gym. Most of us here have also found better success by fluctuating our caloires between 800 and 1100 -- and most of us don't subtract our burned calories either. Good luck to you both and hope you will become regulars here - it really does help to have the support of all these lovely ladies. We understand each other better than anyone else can. I'm in for Florida. But I'm a bit confused -- aren't we piling as many people into each condo as we have beds for in order to keep the costs down? Are those prices good if only 3 people stay in the 3 bedroom condo? Lori, hope everything works out for you -- I know about moving around too -- I've lived in Ohio, Minn., Texas, Alaska, Nevada, California and now Iowa. We moved here cause my DS was here and then he transferred out to Las Vegas last year! So you never know! But we like it here. Had a busy couple of days. Went back to work Thurs and worked extra long to make up some of my hours for my doctor's appts. this week. Had my mammogram Thursday, already got the results, everything is fine with that. My leg looks better. Called my surgeon on Friday morning and let them know what was going on. I had my meeting witih the OR nurse for pre-op interview on Friday and more x-rays, etc. Surgeon will see me Monday morning to decide if he can do surgery. The nurse sounded hopeful and it is looking better, so I have hope it will happen. My brother in law had emergency surgery Friday morning -- he's been suffering for over 8 months with pain in his groin area -- no one could figure it out. Well, he finally had an MRI of his upper spine area and low and behold he had a huge bulging disc -- so they did the surgery on Friday morning. He did well -- hopefully that will be the end of his constant pain. Won't know for sure until he gets off the pain meds and sees how he feels as he recovers. Took DGD to Christmas parade on Thursday night. We always park the car along the square and sit in the car as it's always so cold. Well, she was just a blast as usual, actually spent most of the parade literally jumping up and down in the seat -- sitting in the front with me -- without her car seat is a "big deal" -- and she was yelling "merry missmas" out the window. It was so cute. I love this age (3)! She is just too much fun. I love being a grandma -she's my only grand, so I do enjoy her. But she is petrified of Santa claus -- she went to a Christmas party today at one of the churches and her mom said she just screamed and cried and won't go anywhere near him. Not sure why this is, but we are not forcing the issue. I just hope it passes in the next year or two. It's too sad to be afraid of Santa. She called me this afternoon when she got back from the party and said, "Santa scared me so bad!" I just don't understand. Finished up my Christmas shopping on line today for my DS and his wife -- having everything shipped directly to them. With my surgery Tues., it needs to be easy for me. Got some presents wrapped today and found my Christmas cards so I can take them with me to hospital -- figure I'll have lots of time to do cards while I'm there 3-1/2 days. Plan to take some of my own food to the hospital -- 100 calorie packs, FF jello and FF pudding cups for sure -- just want to make sure I will have what I need while I'm there. I'm worried they might not have FF things - it's a small town hospital. Tomorrow we will babysit GD and I had taped the Thanksgiving Day parade for her which I will sit down and watch with her. I was busy cooking and didn't see it all on Thanksgiving. Laura, hope you're feeling better - loved the pics of Nelson -- loved the JD cake -- it was beautiful -- did you decorate it yourself? 85 pounds is a lot -- of course you look different!! Meredith, hope you don't have a leak -- you probably don't -- it's probably like Laura said -- just a kink in it or something. Haven't been able to exercise all week with my leg infection, so feeling really lazy -- looking forward to getting surgery over and getting back to it in Januaary. Oh, speaking of cards, my email is lvilcone@yahoo.com Okay, gotta try to get some sleep -- tried earlier, but wasn't tired. Hopefully by now can get to it. Hope everyone has a great Sunday!! Linda

Hi everyone, just a quick update since I need to get going this morning. Have a mammogram at 8;30. Well, doctor says it is not shingles and it is a skin infection and gave me antibiotics. It seems no better today and in fact, hurts very badly when I walk. Not sure what is going on or how the heck I could have gotten a skin infection as I had no cuts, no scrapes, nothing on that leg. How could that occur? It's just too weird. He said to wait and see how it looks Sat. Now, this was my PC physician, not my surgeon. I have my meeting tomorrow afternoon with the OR nurse so will keep that and maybe stop by the surgeon's office and let him make the call. I'm so disappointed -- I was so ready for surgery, but it doesn't look very good unless it somehow greatly improves by tomorrow. I'm heading back to work although not sure I'll make it a full day as I still have a slight temp and get hot/cold all day and feel pretty miserable. Thanks for all your thoughts/prayers. CBL. Linda

Hi everyone. I've had a busy couple of days. Got my tree and all decorating done Sat./Sunday -- it's always a two day project - have lots and lots of decorations. Needed to get it done before surgery. Went to work Monday, but around 4 or so got terrible chills - I was so cold, I turn my floor heater on but still was shivering. Temp on the thermostat said 78 and I had on a long sleeved sweater with a long sleeved jacket -- no way I should have been cold. Had terrible body aches - finally got home and went to bed still shivering - I was nervous I was having kidney problems again cause that's how I felt during my kidney failure last year. No temp though. After a couple of hours under tons of blankets I warmed up enough to come upstairs and eat a little dinner. Had terrible pain all over - like the flu -- but I had a flu shot. Yesterday morning I got up and had a rash on the bottom of my left leg - very bright red -- and painful on the one side -- I had DH rub some cortizone cream on it for itching and it hurt so bad when he touched it. Anyway, I thought it would go away by this morning. Today it is worse and hurts when I walk. I'll be going to the doctor - I'm worried it's shingles. I spent yesterday hot/cold all day - I'll be so angry if it's shingles cause when I had my physical a few weeks ago I asked about the shingles shot and the doc said you have to be 60 -- well, I also have Fibromylgia which is immune deficiency so I should have argued with him and made him give it to me. If this cancels my hip surgery Ill be really angry - I'm all geared up for it. Will try to stay positive until I get to the doctor. Just need to vent here, but by all I read on line, it sure looks and sounds like shingles to me. I'm so irritated. Janet, great pic of you and Andrew - I saw it on FB. Love that he bought you tennis shoes -- how sweet. My SS started his new job yesterday - I'm proud that he got a job - he's working at Walmart and getting 35 hours week/so happy he found something in this economy. Apples, your baby is gorgeous -- I noticed how gorgeous he was but kept forgetting to commnet -- he looks so huggable. I love dogs more than people most of the time. They are so faithful and loving. My little doggie laid next to me the other night, trying to give me her body warmth -- she is so sweet -- we call her a "nurse dog" cause she's always so attentive when we are sick or hurting. LOL. She's special. Glad everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I am throwing out food today. I'm proud that I didn't gain either (didn't lose but didn't gain). I haven't been able to exercice since Monday -- hopefully will be able to get back to it soon. Laura, the cake was beautiful -- especially the sprinkles. My DS loves Deere too -- so we always decorate with green/yellow - I usually buy him JD presents for Christmas/birthday cause he has everything. I bought him JD Christmas lights one year -- they were little tractors. So cute. I'm keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers -- you're doing great -- glad you didn't gain -- I'm sure in the past we all would have been like your DH and gained. I only ate Thursday and had a few leftovers on Friday but stayed away from that food after that. Sure tasted good though. Well, will close -- need to call the doctor. Janet and Phyl, you girls be careful with that fudge -- let Earl eat it all. Great -- I had low potassium too -- after LB surgery they gave me an IV of potassium -- ever since I make sure I eat a banana every day - this time my pre surgery was fine -- no low potassium. Everyone take care and have a good day. I'll CBL. Linda

Meredith, my surgeon went .25 ccs after 5.0 -- I finally found my sweet spot at 6.0 - but it was slow going from 5 to 6 and I think that helped me adjust. I think you should go with getting .25 out - and if you're still too tight, you can always go back in and get another .25 out. Linda

Great picture -- you both look gorgeous!!!

Laura, you look so beautiful! Great pics -- also loved the ones of Nels in the limo on FB. Glad you made it home safe and sound. Thinking of Lori and Apples and wondering if they are together right now. I finally got my butt back in gear this morning and walked 8 miles. Did a little Black Fri. shopping yesterday morning and got a few things at great prices. But just went to a couple of stores in a town about 30 miles south of here -- didn't go to Des Moines where it would have been more insane. It was bad enough where I went. At one store they had those snuggies (blankets with arms) for $3 -- I wanted three -- I was trying to get to the bin to get my three and this woman practically pushed me down as she pushed past me with a huge trash bin (I was in a home depot type of store) and started filling it up with the snuggies. She ended up filling it to the brim - I actually couldn't resist so I said, "what are you going to do with all of those?" She said, "sell them on E-bay." So I'm going to call the store manager and let them know i think they should put a limit on how many people can buy of those types of things. For some reason that really bugged me. But, I got the three I wanted. Then I stood in line for an hour. But we also got my step son a $50 jacket for $10 so it was worth it. I don't think I'll bother doing that again. Apples, you got some good deals, good for you. Truly enjoyed my Thanksgiving meal and a couple of my friends came over yesterday and we enjoyed some of the leftovers. Now I'm cooking the bones to make soup. There's still some leftovers, but hopefully DH will get them eaten up or I'll be thowing them away. I don't want to eat any more of it. I did enjoy it all so much, but was a little surprised at how much I could actually eat. Stuffing went down a little too good if you know what I mean. And, that layered pumpkin pie went down pretty easily too. LOL. I did use the lower fat cream cheese though, so it probably isn't too bad. Going to a 50th wedding anniversary party tonight. Looking forward to seeing a lot of my friends. I've been so busy last few months, haven't seen too many of them. They're having a full dinner/dance. Should be a lot of fun. We got our tree up last night and I need to get back to getting the rest of my Christmas out. I have at least 12 huge tubs -- I do a lot of decorating for Christmas. DH is getting lights up outside. Our weather has been gorgeous -- in the 50s today -- in fact have the back door open it's so nice and sunny. It's been beautiful the past several days as well. Phyl, sorry you had dry turkey. I have a convection oven and used convection roast and my 12 pounder was done in just under 3 hours and was good and juicy. That's why I love convection ovens. Should have bought a bigger turkey though cause DH is grumbling he didn't have enough leftovers. LOL. Typical. Julie so glad you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving, glad you are feeling better. TTYL. Linda

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Getting ready to work out for an hour then tackle my dinner. Made deviled eggs, 3 pies and jello salad last night. Making stuffing, turkey, mashed taters, sweet taters, green bean casserole and corn for dinner. I'm really looking forward to eating -- lol. Meredith, when I got to 6.0 that was my sweet spot and I've had restriction ever since. I never pb'd though so I'm thinking you might be a little too tight -- maybe try just .25 out and see how that is. Be careful since you have to wait until Monday. You're probably a little swollen from pb'g also. I still have to eat slowly and I get full so quickly, which is great (not complaining). That's why I said LOL when I mentioned I was looking forward to "eating" -- it'll be interesting to see how little makes me full. I love it! When I got full on one taco the other day I was so thrilled cause not only was I full, I was SATISFIED. That's an amazing feeling. Janet, we truly are twins -- I make the same layered pumpkin pie you do -- 2 boxes of pudding in it. It is the BEST pie - it's a tradition at my house too. I made one regular pumpkin and DH has to have pecan so made one for him also. I told him he could have some for breafast this morning -- he said, "really?" -- I've never allowed him to eat any holiday food before dinner -- he can't believe I'm allowing that -- but it's just us here for dinner, so why not? Phyl, sounds like you had a great birthday -- including the cake -- nice you didn't have to buy a whole cake but still got to blow out your candles and make a wish. Julie, hope you make it through your day pain free. Apples, you are unbelievable in your generosity. You are amazing. As everyone else has said, they need to keep on playing -- I hope you were able to convince them to do so. We were supposed to get snow overnight but they were wrong -- I'm almost disappointed - it would have been pretty and since I have no where to go, I wouldn't have minded. Anyone else watch the biggest loser last night - they had former contestants on to show how they were doing. Only Eric from 3 seasons ago has gained back all his weight -- everyone else is doing great -- Matt is heavier but still 100 pounds down from when he started at the ranch, but definitely needs to lose some again. But they showed his journey in competing in an Ironman Triathon (swimming I think 13 miles, then biking for 110 then a full 26 mile marathon). In order for it to be an official finish, he had to finish in 17 hours. He was 3 mins. late but finished. I was impressed. Susie (his wife) looks pretty good after 2 kids. It was fun and they talked about their struggles with maintenance. Oh, Betty Sue was on (I loved her) and she's at 160 and looks fantastic!! It was a great show. Well, gotta get busy. Love you all and happy happy Thanksgiving! Linda

Happy Birthday Phyl! Hope you have a wonderul day. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. Cheri, you are such a wonderful teacher -- those kids and the school are so very lucky to have you. My brother and sister in law just retired this year after 35 years teaching at risk kids in Ohio. So I do know how tough your job is. Janet so sorry you didn't win at Bingo! But win or lose, Bingo is always fun. Enjoy your family! Can't wait to leave work -- almost 3 more hours. It's not busy, very slow today. It's windy and cold out, supposed to get snow tonight. Thanks so much to all of you for the encouragemenet. I am dreading the thoughts of surgery but I know I will feel so much better, so thinking positive here. Laura, thinking of you and your family. I do hope you will find a way to have a nice Thanksgiving. Eva, how are your babies doing? Hope you and your DH have a wonderful holiday. Julie, hope the pain is better today. I think of you so often and hope you will get some relief and have a good weekend and holiday. Apples, safe travels meeting Lori -- can't wait to see pictures. To everyone -- Happy Happy Thanksgiving and I'll CBL. Linda

Janet, hope you won at bingo!!!! Linda

Hi everyone, Went to my "joint class" today and then had my pre-surgical physical this afternoon then back to work. The surgeon and the hospital I'll have my hip replaced at is about an hour's drive from where I live. I am happy to go there, however, as it is a much better hospital than our local one. Everything appears to be moving ahead as scheduled. Two weeks from right now it will be done and I'll be in my room recovering. Getting ready for Thanksgiving. I think my DS and DDIL may surprise me with a visit. I spoke to him Sunday and he was saying he was "working" because none of his employees would work longer days Mon -- Wednes. so he was having them work Fri instead - doesn't sound right to me. So we'll see. He said before he might visit before my surgery and I just have a "feeling". Apples, happy belated Birthday! I know you aren't complaining, but it's good to vent sometimes and you can always do it here. Great, have a safe trip and enjoy your visit with Apples. I ate at Taco Bell for lunch today - first time in over a year - I had 1 crunchy taco and a side salad (it was a KFC/Taco Bell combo) and was stuffed. So fun getting full on just one taco -- in my past I would have had at least 3 plus a taco bell pizza. I had a bite of the pizza that my DH had. I did lose 2 more this morning - so now I'm at 98 - just creeping along but I WILL get to 100! I'm still averaging 1 lb. a week, but it just takes several weeks between losses, which is fine as long as it continues. Thanks for all the congrats on my weight loss. CBL. Linda

Eva, so glad you made it home okay, but so sorry for the battery ghost! I hope that's the very last of that one! Phyll, the jewelry you made is gorgeous -- very nice and looks like fun. Chili recipe sounded good too, I printed it. I made a big crock pot full of lean stew -- it tasted yummy - haven't made it in a long time. I used some lean round steak, carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes and a few potatoes. Sure tastes good in the winter. I forgot to tell you all yesterday. I toasted one of those new flat breads -- Arnold's == the 100 calorie little bun things and put fat free I can't believe it's not butter on it and some jelly -- OMW did that taste like heaven - I haven't had toast and jelly for about a year and it was so good. I don't eat many white carbs, so for me that was a real treat. The last time I tried to eat that bread I couldn't so I was happy I was able to eat it -- I think putting jelly on it helped make it a slider as well. Lori, have a safe and fun trip. Apples, so sorry about the fire, sounds scary and glad your damage was kept to a minimum. I don't mind making turkey - I think they're easy -- but that's just me. I enjoy it so much -- only make them once a year. I'm really looking forward to cooking for Thanksgiving this year. Have a good Monday everyone! Linda

Hi everyone, I'm so excited that I finally caught up today and am able to post a little. Have had a busy couple of weeks -- had my DGD until this morning as DSD was back in hospital. The results from her gastraparesis test came back negative so they did some further tests on her gall bladder, everything negative, is looking more and more like she just needs to take better care of her diabetes in order to get well. Just like obesity, there is no "miracle pill" that is going to fix her up. She was in hospital this time for 8 days -- and was only home 2 days last week but to sick to have GD with her. Also had a "surprise" a couple of weeks ago. My step son took a bus and moved back from Oregon. He is 20 and had been a problem and he had gone to Oregon because frankly, we just couldn't trust him in our home any longer (his mother's side of the family all live in Oregon). Well, so far he seems to be doing okay -- he told us he learned a lot while he was gone and asked for our forgiveness. He's been taking care of some business (doctor and dentist appts. and looking hard for a job) so all seems to be okay for now. We were supposed to be going to Branson Missouri for Thanksgiving but decided to cancel since SD has been so sick and he is now home. Anyway, I have news myself -- I'll be having hip replacement surgery on Dec. 8. I've had trouble for 3 years -- last time I went to orthopedic surgeon two years ago he didn't even x-ray it -- all he said was "lose weight and it'll get better" -- well, as you all know, that didn't help, so I went to my GP for a physical on 11-13 - this is the first doctor's appt. I've had since losing weight. How differently I was treated -- OMW -- unbelievable. It's how we should have all been treated all the time. I noticed a huge difference -- starting with the doctor apologizing for the exam room being "cold" and asking the nurse to turn up the thermostat. LOL. He was very complimentary on my weight loss and said, "you are the first patient I've had who's had this surgery, do you recommend it?" I told him it was the smartest decision I ever made (he even tried to talk me out of it in January when he did my pre-surgical visit). Anyway, he decided to x-ray my hip and said it was very bad and made me an appt. for the ortho surgeon here in our little town. The appt. wasn't until 12-9. That surgeon also wasn't board certified and with ortho surgeons, I insist on having a board certied one. A girl at work recommended one in a town about 30 miles away and wow, he had a cancellation and got me in on Tuesday (11-17) and had a surgical opening on 12-8 so I am thrilled. I am of course, nervous about it, but know I will be much better off afterward, so am trying to be positive. Someone posted here about positive thinking. About 30 years ago I took a class on positive thinking (the Air Force paid for both DH and me to take it). It was a wonderful class -- it was 40 hours -- we did it everyday for one week. I have used the information and knowledge from that class throughout my entire life and I can attest to the fact that there is nothing more powerful than positive thinking. The trick is to really use it and like everyone else, you stop or forget for awhile and then get back to it. Julie, so happy you went to your GP and she is taking control and making affirmative action for you. There is no need in this day and age to live with pain and sleepless nights -- anyone would be depressed -- just glad you have such an understanding GP. You deserve so much - you are such a "doer" for your family -- and you've worked hard at your weight loss -- you deserve to enjoy your life. Laura, hugs, thinking of you - hope all went well with your drive and chemo goes well Monday. Loved all the pics of Nelson. Meredith -- hope the house goes through quickly -- woudl be a nice early Christmas present for you. Janet -- you know how they say everyone has a twin? Well, girlfriend, you and I truly are twins -- even our closets are very similar -- I too am a clothes horse -- and shoes everywhere. I quit smoking about 6 years ago (when my DM was diagnosed and died of lung cancer). However, I was working in downtown LA and it was such a "taboo" thing to do that I would smoke my last cig at home, then brush my teeth and put on my clothes and go to work. I would chew Nicorette gum all day (and they were 10 hour days) until I got home and would smoke all night out on the patio. Then I finally quit altogether, but was addicted to the Nicorette gum (which is even more expensive than cigs cause I chewed a lot of that gum -- much more than they say you should), and I didn't stop chewing that until last summer when I was so ill it made me sick to chew it. LOL. But, I am truly happy and thankful that I no longer smoke - I had lung problems -- had brochitis all the time and was wheezing all the time -- my DM had emphazema and I'm sure I would have ended up with it had I not stopped when I did). It is great to breathe and not wheeze -- however, DH stil smokes in the garage -- and in the car, but it doesn't bother me or make me wheeze or anything. I am very excited about making Thanksgiving dinner -- we usually go away for Thanksgiving and I love stuffing -- can't wait -- hope I can eat it - I am determined -- I also love mine with gravy. Also looking forward to pumpkin pie. Attaching a pic of me and Aylah (DGD) doing my walking tape this a.m. She loves to get up and do it with me. So cute -- now that top I'm wearing used to be too tight for me to wear -- and now of course it's falling off of me, but I like to exercise in it cause I get so hot when I exercise. Still not losing -- I think part of it is cause I am so cold all the time I think my body knows winter is coming and is trying to keep the fat on me to protect me from the cold. Seriously. I have 4 pounds to get to 100 and it's taking forever, but I'm not gaining, just stuck, and it's okay, I'm still following the program and exercising. Someone told me I should increase my calories, but I'm really afraid to do that. I'll see what eating over Thanksgiving does -- if I lose weight at my weekly weigh in after, I might then think about increasing my calories. Eva I am so jealous -- hope the shopping and visit was fun -- I'm sure it was. Great and Apples, I even looked at how far of a drive it was for me to meet you two - over 445 -- so no go . I do hope we can all get together in Feb. in Florida. Apples, sorry you had a bad day the other day. But if you're like me, some times I just need a day like that to cry and get over it and then I'm fine for a long time again -- it sounds like you do the same. Your isolation is very tough -- I don't think I could do what you do -- I know your DH appreciates you and what you do, but I know how tough that is. I have a GF who's DH is a work alholic farmer and she travels ALL the TIME - with friends, other family members, etc. She just can't stand to stay home any longer now that her kids are raised. Her DH refuses to travel, but is glad to let her go do her thing - she is always going -- cruises, Europe, Hawaii, Austrailia, constantly on the go. Great, glad you are getting your other knee done before the end of the year. I also wanted my hip done quick cause of the deductible but also cause this is the slowest time of year at work, so I don't feel so guilty about missing. My surgeon said I'll only be out 4 weeks (we'll see). I can't imagine I'll be ready in 4 weeks, but we'll see. I know I'm missing people, but please forgive me. Cheri, love all your stories about your kids -- hope you have a great time when you visit your sister for Thanksgiving. I hope to be back here everyday or a little more regular. Ive been lurking trying to read, but could never get close to catching up. Arlene, hope you're doing better since your unfill. Oh, all the talk about chocolate, sweets, etc. I have a very small amount (1/2 cup -- and yes, I measure it) of fat free vanilla yogurt with 1 T. sugar free hot fudge and a sprinkling of low fat granola with a few extra raisins EVERY night and have throughout my journey. I don't drink milk so I eat non fat yogurt every morning and have my frozen yogurt every night for my calcium. Of course, I do track all my calories and these are all within my calorie budget. I truly think it keeps me from craving any other sweets as I have no problem turning down candy, cookies, cake, pie throughout every day as I know I'll be having my "treat" every night before bed. And my DH has candy bars, cookies, cake here all the time and I never touch any of it. Just throwing that out there -- we are all different. For you newer bandsters -- I never had much restriction until my last fill (which took me to 6.0) -- like Cheri I lost weight between fills and was losing that fat pad so I would have restriction at first but within a week or two it would disappear. I found my sweet spot at this last fill, but it was 8 months after being banded. Like Janet said, this is a life style change and not a temporary way to eat. I truly like the way I eat now and enjoy my food - I love my band - -I only wish I had done it many years sooner! Well, I've probably filled up an entire page by this post, so will close -- hope to be back more often -- missed you all. Linda:smile2:

Welcome TinyaK, looking forward to getting to know you and all the other newbies. This is the greatest place for support. Linda

Hi everyone, thanks for all the congrats on the 96 lbs. I appreciate all your support and good wishes. Julie, hope you can get a good night's rest, sorry you are in more pain again tonight. By the way, loved the pics you posted of Mimi -- her ladybug costume was so cute. Laura, thinking of you and Nelson - hope he's better and of course, praying for your mom and dad. Hope all goes well tomorrow. Cheri, good idea, I'm thankful for my improved health, my band, my family, my dear friends and lap band buddies. I'm grateful to have a good job with great benefits with a company that hasn't yet had any effects from the bad economy. I'm thankful for the strength God has given me for all areas of my life, but especially for the strength to take hold again of the reins and get my life back to good health. Janet, thanks for the willpower post -- it's all very true - we do have great willpower -- most of us have lost over 1000 lbs during the course of our lives. It's much easier to lose the weight than to maintain our new lifestyle -- especially to keep active. Meredith, any news on the house? Forgot to mention earlier how beautiful our weather has been - we've had a week of high 60s, low 70s, sunshine every day - and it's November! Unbelievable. Eva, I'm so jealous you get to visit witih Janet and Phyll. Have a fun time ladies! TTYL. Linda

Hi everyone, just a quick post to say I finally caught up in reading all the posts! Whew - it's been a busy couple of weeks. DSD still sick - still in and out of the hospital about every 3-4 days, so we've had DGD a lot, which is great, but keeps me off the computer. Also this is busiest time at work for the year, once holidays hit it will slow down there as well. I've been doing great with food and exercise, but just can't lose any more weight, but not complaining, it will be 10 months Friday since I started the pre-surgical diet and I've lost 96, so I'm well ahead of what I ever dreamed was possible. I just keep plugging away and I will join in on the challenge Janet. Apples, congrats on the anniversary, you and DH are still like newlyweds. You are an amazing person -- such a loyal, wonderful friend. Phyll, congrats on ONDERLAND -- you are such an inspiration -- and I so enjoy all your pics on facebook -- you look gorgeous! Coconut and Happy congrats on your surgeries -- glad to have you here, hope you will continue to hang out with us. Porcupine, I went to an ortho before my surgery about my hip pain and he told me losing weight would fix it all - well, gee, I've lost 96 and have worse pain than before. I have doctor's appt. Friday to get referred to a different ortho - let's see what they think now. It is frustrating to have daily pain between my fibromylgia and hip and rods and screws in my back which cause pain. I really thought after weight loss I would have less pain, but unfortunately, it seems to be about the same -- however, it isn't any worse, so that's a good thing with as much as I exercise. Janet, thanks for posting about your falling off the wagon train -- I made cookies one night last week and had DGD birthday but was afraid to even have one cookie or one piece of cake for fear of overindulging. This is something I need to work on too. I need to quit being afraid of food. LOL. One night I accidently grabbed theregular mayo out of fridge instead of the low fat stuff and had to rinse my turkey burger off. I'll try to be more regular here everyone. Laura, keeping you and your family in my daily thoughts and prayers. CBL Love to you all. Linda

Apples, I'm way behind on catching up on this thread but wanted to send you a hug for your loss. So very sorry to hear about this and so sorry I am so late with my condolences. I know how tough this is on you. I think it's especially hard because of all she's gone through the last few months. Linda

Hi everyone. Sorry I've been absent, just busy with family and work. Couldn't sleep tonight, so got up and caught up with reading posts -- you guys have been busy. Laura, such great pics of your folks and their view - beautiful and your mom is just so young looking! Dad is handsome too - but your mom is truly amazing. Glad you are home and spending time with the boys and glad your company left a bit earlier than originally planned -- you need some time to just be with your boys. Laura K. glad you had a great girls weekend -- sounds like fun. Eva, love your house -- you do amazing work -- love the tile and mozaics -- so talented you are. Loved your kitchen and the stainless appliances. We had to replace carpet when we moved here - house was 28 years old and still had original carpet -- long rust colored shag in bedrooms -- also had carpet in the kitchen - I'd never seen carpet in a kitchen (not the dining area but the actual kitchen) before in my life. We put laminate in kitchen/dining room and I love that, but our entry door is not in the kitchen area. We have a split foyer house and we have a huge bed - it's a California king with towers and a pedestial. We bought it when we remodeled our house in Long Beach and we remodeled and made a master suite and made our bedroom quite large. Well, when we moved out of that house, we had a tough time finding a house with a bedroom large enough for the bed. So, with the split foyer house, there was a bathroom with a shower in the basement in the laundry area and a large storeage area that was unfinished. So, because the rec room was quite large and had a nice large window in it, we made that our bedroom and built a walk in closet in the old storeage area. So, it worked out nicely for us. It's also nice during tornado season cause they make me nervous and I feel quite a bit safer sleeping in the basement rather than upstairs when it storms at night. GD goes back to Iowa City tomorrow for her steriod infusion. Hopefully will be the last one for this year -- we are hoping and keeping fingers crossed. DD has been a bit better - she went to a specialist Monday in Des Moines and he changed her meds and explained how she can help herself with changing her eating habits. I've had a crap week --work has been stressful. Sometimes I think we just get in these funky moods and feel depressed and blue -- I'm sure I'll snap out of it in a day or two. Julie, hope you can get some relief. I need to get to a pain specialist myself and keep putting it off. It's just something I dread although I know I need to go. Normally I can take my vicodin and go to bed and sleep, but tonight, I just can't relax and get to sleep. 5 a.m. will be tough in the morning. Janet, hope you have a great time with your family visiting this weekend. Phyll, you're amazing - you are just doing so great with your knee and exercise - glad you got back to Water aerobics - bet it felt great. I always feel so much better after I exercise in the water. Apples, way to go on cleaning out your closets - I need to do mine again and take some more to the consignment store -- I have clothes I've barely worn and they're too big - it's amazing cause I haven't been losing pounds but have been losing lots of inches the last couple of months -and I can sure tell when I go to put something on and it's way too big. Good feeling and I've worked hard. I forgot to weigh myself this morning -- so hopefully I'll remember tomorrow a.m. How ridiculous is that? I weigh first thing while I'm naked - so if I forget and I'm already dressed, I just wait till the next morning to weigh in. LOL. Great, sorry you had such a tough time with your mom. I understand completely how tough that is and how hard it is. Sounds like you did a great job handling it though. Also, you are doing great with your recovery from knee surgery -- I'm impressed -- you are just so amazing, nothing keeps you down. Welcome to the newbies, like all the others said, the band is only a tool, you must still fight the head hunger issues and make the right choices. I personally got the band to help me from regaining the weight after I've lost it all. I definitely think maintenance and making the lifestyle changes is the hardest part of our journeys. I am inspired by those here who have been maintaining and continuing to live their healthy lifestyles long after they are done losing their weight. It's important to check in here and stay in touch and accountable to each other so that we can stay on track and keep succeeding. Meredith, hope the house goes through -- I know how tough it is to wait for that to heppen. Have a great time in Huntington Beach -- weather should be fairly nice -- might need a light jacket in evenings, but definitly can wear sandals/capris, etc. Have a safe trip and enjoy your visit. Well, will close - love you all -- One Day hope you are doing well on getting back on track. Ifyourstomach, congrats on the weight loss -you're doing awesome. Phyll, congrats on that one pound - that's really wonderful. Have a good rest of the week everyone. Linda

Julie, so sorry, I aged you another year, thought you turned 58. So sorry. Please forgive me. Linda

Good Morning everyone. Laura, hoping you and your famiily have a pretty good day today and your dad can get the port in tomorrow. I know you will feel better knowing it's done before you leave. Yes, it does sound like DH will be very happy to get you back home. Sorry to hear about his sister's troubles too. Eva, I lived in Fairbanks 37 years ago -- so I was young -- I couldn't do it now -- it was hard, but it was a fun adventure - I lived there for 4 years. I doubt I could handle it now. But back then it was more the isolation issues that bothered me -- no satellites -- so TV wsa delayed -- phone calls were expensive, etc. Now at least it wouldn't feel so isolating with all our great technology. Meredith, sorry to hear about your crap day -- hope today is better. Liliana, I was doubting my decision on having lap band surgery even as they were putting my iv in -- I'm so glad I fought down my fear and indecision because it is the best decision I ever made. Janet glad to hear the furlough won't be too bad. I would love to work 4 days but like you, wouldn't want to give up the $$. Phyll, sorry you can't make it to Florida -- but hopefully we'll do a reunion more than once so hope you can make it another time. Enjoy your clothes shopping today. Well, gang, gotta get going, running out of time this morning. Have a great day. Linda

Happy Birthday Julie! Can't believe I forgot that earlier. Have a wonderful 58th - I'll be joining you in April. Yea, I hear ya on being grateful to get older, I'm feeling that way myself. Have a happy, happy day. Linda

Lilana, good luck with your surgery and welcome to this site. You'll get lots of support when you check in here and ask anything you want -- we've all been though it and experienced it so ask away. Thanks everyone for your kind words and prayers. Had to pick DGD up again a little after I posted last night. SD is having a friend take her to a different ER today for a "second opinion". SHe was violently ill again because she ate hamburger and fries yesterday afternoon and that kind of food difficult to digest. They told her a "soft low fat diet" and that was her choice! Picked up GD who seemed a little shell shocked to say the least --how difficult it must be for a not yet 3 year old to understand seeing her mother vomiting and having constant abdominal pain. I'm pretty much a girlie girl too -- I made and sold crafts (it was my Christmas money when I was a single mom) for over 20 years. I miss that at times. I am a cleaner although I don't always have time to do it myself - I just fired my last cleaning peopple cause they just weren't doing a good enough job for the money -- just barely skimming the surface. The house was looking dirty the next day or so. So will do it myself until I decide to hire the next people. I'm also a clothes hog -- no matter what my size I have my closets stuffed with clothes -- love clothes -- though when fat I only could buy from catalogs, so have to get back to "shopping". When I lived in Vegas and Long Beach (when I was thin back then), I loved to shop at Ross and Marshalls -- got some great bargains. BUt I truly do not like shopping -- I will go shopping when I need something but I go and get out fast. LOL. I do love to spend money though. Janet, I'm with you, I've only not worked 2 years since I was 16 -- once was right after my son was born and we moved to Fairbanks and I took some time off to get settled and the other was when I married my DH and his son was only 4 so I stayed home to take care of him until he started kindergarten (plus he also needed some one on one attention from a female at that point - he'd been through a lot). Although I have plenty to keep me busy, I prefer working -- like Apples, I miss getting up and out and the people. If I don't have that I have a hard time just getting motivated to get out of my nightgown. Well, gotta run. Laura, hope you're doing okay this morning, keeping you in my thoughts - hugs to you as always. Love you all, have a great Wednesday everyone! Linda

Hi everyone. It's been a hectic few days. Step daughter was sick again and came here Sat. with DGD. She was so sick all she could do was lie in bed -- couldn't hold any food at all down and refused to go to the ER. Finally on Sunday, we got her to agree to go to hospital and they admitted her (again - she's been in and out of hospital 4 or 5 times during past 2 months). So we had GD until this afternoon. They finally came up with a diagnosis for step daughter - gastroperosis -- which makes sense given her symptoms and problems. Problem is, will we get her to do what she needs to do to make it better? Part of it is caused by not taking good care of her juvenile diabetes. It's going to be a tough journey because she doesn't like to "listen" to what anyone (even doctors) tell her to do (she's 26 years old and thinks she knows everything). It's very hard to be supportive when her lack of taking care of business effects my life so much (because we are her only family/support and will be the only available caregivers for both and GD. She just wants a "magic pill" to make it all better and there isn't such a thing with this disease. Oh well, I'm taking deep breaths. But compared to most of you, I have no real problems. Laura, hope DH and Nelson do get to visit -- it will be good for all of you but especially your Dad. I know how hard all of this is and I'm thinking positive thoughts -- I do hope things aren't as bad as they first thought. It's good you are able to be there -- that's the one thing that was hardest when my mom had cancer -- I had to just take time off (without pay of course) and fly back when I could (I was in California and she was in Florida) -- which wasn't as often as I would have liked -- I think I made 4 or maybe 5 trips in about 10 months - and I wasn't there at the end which was very hard for me and my sister who was mom's caregiver. I wished I could have been there to support my sister more. So, I do understand how hard it is and how helpless you feel. But it sounds to be like you are doing everything perfectly - for you, your Dad and your mom as well as DH and Nelson. You are strong and gracious and I know you are a tower of strength to your family, so glad you have us her to vent to, so always know that we are here for you. Lori, your family should be kinder to you, but glad you are learning how to handle the disappointments their behavior causes. It doesn't really do any good if you get upset -- although it's hard not to. I always loved my mom even though I could never please her, so when she died most of my family/firends didn't realize how sad I was to lose her -- it doesn't matter if you fight or not, you still love your mom and your family, so I do understand how you feel. I just wish with all my heart we could have had an open, friendly relationship -- which is what I think you wish you had with your mom and sisters. It's been 6 years since my mom passed, and I'm sitting here now, crying over it still. Meredith, hope the house thing works out and glad you are enjoying your exercise classes. I LOVE step aerobics -- 20 years ago I did them and then I started again after surgery -- it kicks my butt and is pretty hard for me to do at my age (and with all my hip and back problems), but I just love the way the time flies by while you do it -- and it burns so many calories and gives you such a good cardio workout at the same time. Janet, hugs on the work situation. I hope that since they are saying the recession is almost "over" that it will be a temporary thng and your business will pick up again quickly after the first of the year. I just hope they are nice to you and with your senority allow you to take a Fri. or Monday off for long weekends and not make you take a day off in the middle of the week. That would suck. It is nice of all of you that you chose to reduce your salaries/work days instead of having them lay so many people off. Julie, sounds like you're doing better, hope it continues!! I bet you'll miss having little Mimi around as much now that DD has a day job. When I came home tonight, I sure missed my GD screaming in happiness that I arrived. The house feels empty when she goes home. It's so nice to have someone be so happy and excitted to see you when you get home, or when they wake up from a nap or in the morning. Hope you continue to enjoy your sleep! Phyll, jealous of you being in Gilroy, my DH was raised in Monterey -- we miss both the artichokes and the garlic from up there. Glad your doing well with your knee. Charlene, hope you get good news from your doctor. I've never even really looked at QVC much and it sounds like I better just not ever start. LOL. I know my friend who died in August loved shopping on QVC also. 1 Day hope all is well with your family. I'm having all the same problems with sizes as you and Julie. It is so discouraging to try to figure out what size to even try on in a store sometimes. I bought some size 12 jackets at a used store which were all designer jackets but yet when I tried on a jacket at JCPenney that was a 16 petite, it was way too small - too weird since most of my 16s from all other stores are way too big on me. Go figure. It is too strange. Cheri, hope you enjoy your retreat, I'm sure you'll do great with the food issues. Apples, you always give great advice and are always so positive. However, you are NOT old. We only get better with age, you know. Gotta run and get dinner. CBL. Linda

Apples, love your kitchen - I think we having matching stove/microwaves -- love the red/green china.

Happy Sat to you all! Charlene, hope all goes well on Monday with your tests, will be hoping for the best and no slippage. Apples -- Wow! Such beautiful long legs . I was thinking the same thing Janet was when I looked at your pics - you are NOT too skinny (all those jealous women in your hometown are just plain WRONG and jealous) you look absolutely PERFECT and truly, truly you do look at least 10 years younger for sure, maybe even more than that. Love your collarbones too. I am also apple shaped, with a huge belly, so glad to see how tiny your belly ended up after you hit goal -- LOL that sounds weird, sorry, hope you know what I'm trying to say). Janet, that was a scary situation, thank goodness they caught them all so quckly before anything happened to anyone. And, congrats on your anniversary party -- I'm glad your company finally realized how stupid they were being. IMO, you deserved $100 for each year, not for each decade, but glad you got something. Laura K, sorry to hear about your mom, will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Laura, thinking of you and your family every day. I know how tough it is. Glad DH is making sure Nelson is having some fun too. Felt good to sleep in this morning. This is my first weekend in a month without company or babysitting GD. I need to get ready and go to the gym. Cold here, only 37 now but the sun is out (hooray) and supposed to be in low 60s tomorrow (another hooray). Apples, how is your weather? Any luck on getting back out in the fields for harvesting? Julie, hope you're doing good today. Question, congrats on your surgery, like Apples said, the time truly does fly by during your lap band journey. Eva, your card sounded so beautiful, hope you got it there safely and hope you have a wonderful time. Globally, congrats on losing over 100 lbs! Love your "babies" -- so cute. My dog really dislikes wearing sweaters -- my last dog loved them, so even though they are same breed and size, etc. it's funny how they can be so different in personalities/needs. Pets are just the best! I can't imagine life without them. Phyll, safe journey as you travel, sounds like you're having a great time. Lori, hope the knee is doing well this morning. Cheri, thanks for sharing what the speaker said, it's so very true, not only for learning disabled children, but truly every child deserves to have someone like that in their life. Meredith, how are you doing today? Hope the house sale is going better for you. Sorry if I missed anyone, not intentional, love you all, but my little brain can't remember what anyone else has had to say lately. Gotta get to the gym. Have a great weekend everyone! Linda