ljv52

Hi everyone and thanks for the kind words about my reaching "overweight" bmi. It's still a thrill to say that. LOL. My friend died this morning. I'm glad she didn't suffer, although this was such a quick moving cancer. Just two months ago, she was still working and had no idea she had lung cancer. Just a reminder that we all need to appreciate each and every day we have with our loved ones here on earth. We spent yesterday with DGD in Iowa City getting her second infusion of steriods. It went okay -- it's just hard for them to get the IV in - we all have to hold her down and that's upsetting when a beautiful 2-1/2 year old child is so scared and literally kicking and screaming -- she's very strong -- all the nurses can't believe how strong she is. Afterwards we went out for a nice dinner. I had visited my friend before we left as they didn't expect her to make it until today. I'm so glad I got that visit in to say goodbye and hug her family. It's not surprising that so many of us have similar stories -- Apples, like you, I too had sexual abuse by family members when I was a child. My mother also defended the abusers. It took me until my late 30s before I finally learned that what happened to me wasn't my fault, but my mom and I never had a close relationship, we always had so much friction between us. My brother and sister don't speak anymore due to problems when my mom died. I'm the middle child, "the peacemaker" so I still speak to both of them, but I know they will never be part of each other's lives which is sad because they both have kids and now those kids have lost their extended families as well. I only had one child myself, my DS as I had terrible endometriosis and had a hysterectomy when I was 31. I was lucky to have him but then I inherited my three step children -- which was a struggle but also rewarding. My DGD is really my step granddaughter, but it makes no difference to me -- she actually has a lot of my personality and even smiles like me. LOL. Everyone thinks my step daughter is my daughter anyway as she looks so different from her siblings. Laura, all the Nelson pics are fabulous -- I loved the curly hair -- my nephew (who is now 19) used to have curls like that!! Hope he had a great first day at school. I did used to vacuum right under the crib while DS was sleeping -- I used to get up and get all my housework done early in the morning before he woke up. Wow, that's been 37 years ago!! LOL. Time flies, so enjoy it now. Phyll wrote on FB last night -- she's doing well. Glad that's over for her so she can now begin the recovery process. Oh, I do love my DVR -- couldn't live without it now -- that's the one technology I truly love. I also pay all my bills on the computer -- wouldn't want to go back to the old ways with that either. My DH is NOT very computer savvy so it drives him crazy, but I'm the one who pays the bills, so I do it my way. I do have a few credit cards for traveling only. Meredith, sorry about your disagreement with Andrew - this too shall pass - you have such a loving relationship i'm sure you'll get over this bump in the road. Got -- take Janet's advice and log your food -- I still do it everyday and it keeps you accountable -- www.dailyplate.com or www.sparkspeople.com are both good ones and easy to use. I got up early yesterday and went to the gym -- did 30 mins. on treadmill and weight machines and then did a 7:00 a.m. water aerobics course -- this will be my new routine when I start working days in middle of September. It was great to get it over and done with early in the morning. I had extra energy yesterday. Julie, hope you're feeling better and glad you are going to the doc today. Great -- thanks for the congrats -- I read a story in today's paper about a bear in Colorado who got stuck in a skateboard park and couldn't get out because of the steep sides -- so they lowered a tall ladder and the bear climbed up the ladder and got out -- wow, those bears are so intelligent -- but of course, I thought of you immedately. Cheri hope your first week of being back at work is going wel. Larry, welcome and good luck to you on your lapband journey, we've all been in your shoes and will be happy to help out when you need support. Eva, thanks for your kind words about my weight loss -- I just hope that sharing my success will help those who are just beginning the process. Oneday hope all is going well with you. I'll CBL hope everyone has a good day. Linda

Hi everyone. Janet, hugs to you -- hope today is much better. I'm glad Kim stood up for you too -- that should help -- your boss was out of line -- sounds like he's PMS. Hope he apologizes to you. I know how you feel -- I worked with attys. for 35 years and most of them were unappreciative and demanding. I worked with one atty for 15 years and he treated me like crap the whole time -- after I left he sang my praises -- but then it was too late. Heck, I never even wanted a pat on the back -- just common courtesy, as I'm sure you do too. I'm glad you didn't let it affect your healthy lifestyle. Well gang, I couldn't weigh yesterday (regular day) cause we have a contractor redoing our shower and my scale was in that bathroom and I couldn't get in there to weigh, and especially couldn't have weighed naked. So, I weighed this morning and the scale shocked me -- I've lost 2 lbs. (since I returned on Friday) and I'm officially overweight, NOT OBESE!!!! I'm so happy and thrilled. It's almost 7 months exactly since surgery. This is so much more than I ever expected. I never dreamed at the beginning of this process that I would be at this point in just 7 short months (and it has gone so quickly). Julie, hope you feel better today -- please go to the doctor -- you probably at least need some muscle relaxants to help with your whiplash. I do hope it resolves itself quickly. Meredith, you are amazing -- I can't believe how mature you are -- and not to be techonology dependent -- how refreshing -- I only have a cell phone cause I use it for long distance. I hate talking on the phone - I much prefer e-mail over talking. Just got a call from my friend's DH -- not looking good - I gotta run down there for a quick visit before I take DGD to Iowa City doctor's appt. Have a great day everyone! Linda

Apples, that recipe sounds great -- thanks!! Lori, Great is not stuck up -- you deserve it and more. LOL. You crack me up with saying you were worried the cell phone alarm might not work when plugged in charging -- you sound like me -- always worrying about everything. We need to relax more. Wow Charlene, can't believe it's already been 6 wks since your DH's surgery -- that's gone fast. Congrats on your bandanniversary!! Julie, hope you're feeling better and Phyll, I'm thinking about you. CBL Linda

Lori, I forgot to mention that whenever I get nervous about an alarm not waking me up, I set the alarm on my cell phone as a back up. You might try that next time your power goes out as the cell phone alarm works without electricity and then maybe you could relax and get some sleep. Thank goodness for cell phones -- don't know how we lived without them, or our computers either -- most of us lived over half of our lives without them, I'm sure Meredith can't imagine what it was like back in the "olden days" LOL. CBL Linda

Hi again, well, I woke up this morning realizing that when we rented that condo it was July, so it may cost more during the "season" in Feb., but we could still check out the prices anyway. So, sorry if I'm giving false hope on prices -- I didn't think about that until this morning. Gotta run and get to my water aerobics class. CBL Linda

Hi everyone, Julie and If good luck on your fills this week. I was supposed to have one Wed. but will have to reschedule as DGD has dr. appt. in Iowa City Wednes. and I can't do both in same day, so I can wait an extra week or two. I'm so close to my sweet spot, but want to try one more tiny fill as I still think I can eat more than I should be able to. Want to get it done before I start working days again in middle of Sept. Apples and Janet, I never noticed any difference in my band after flying -- I know both of you have mentioned you get tighter when you fly. Nothing seems to make my band tighter. I don't get very nervous flying, maybe that's why. Laura, I'd rather check out places on the Gulf side (St. Pete area) rather than go to Miami -- we stayed at a lovely condo a year ago at Redington Beach and it was only $900 for an entire week - 2 bedroom, 2 bath, slept 6. I love the beaches on gulf side. But that's just me, I'll go wherever the rest of you want to go. Flying in to Tampa is just as easy as Orlando I believe -- I get good flights and good rates going there all the time. Especially if you book in advance. I finally got some exercise in today -- I spent yesterday cooking for my friend's family (one who has cancer) as all her family came to town. I spent about 5 hours in the kitchen cooking and then cleaning up of course - probably got some calorie burn from that as well. It felt good to do some aerobics again today though. I just don't want to get out of the habit. TTYL. Linda

Doodle IMHO = in my humble opinion. I agree, the fan needs to be in the middle of the room. LOL, men are such different creatures, aren't they? Why in the world would they put a fan up in a corner? LOL. Too funny. Glad he's willing to move it for you though. Meredith, forgive yourself -- just go take a few laps around the block to make up for those croutons and bread. Remember, we all allow for some treats some days and I'd say Andrew's birthday was a day for celebration and having a little treat is okay on special days. Remember, I just got back from vacation where I indulged in some extra treats for many days and I stayed the same weight. We have to remember this is a lifestyle change and not a diet. I think we constantly panic if we eat something that normally would be a "no no on a diet." In our new lapband reality, we are never going to ever diet again -- rather, we make healthy food choices and exercise to control our weight. As Janet says, she eats healthy 98% of the time -- that is what we all have to aim for. So a few croutons and toast are not going to keep you from losing this week. Just make sure you get back track and eat healthy today. CBL Linda

Hi everyone, I'm back and finally finished reading all the posts I missed during my trip. You've been busy and it took me a long time to finish reading. Welcome to all the new people, so glad you found this site -- this is the greatest group of mentors you could ever hope to find anywhere. I missed you all so very much! I would think of you throughout the days -- wondering what you were up to, how you were all doing, etc. I did have a few minutes two days on my DS's computer, but didn't have much time -- I wasn't able to read more than a couple of posts. Okay, first things first, Janet, WTG on saving Lucky! And congrats on becoming a GG (I also have "grandkitties", so I'm a little jealous that I don't get to become a GG). Laura, sorry to hear that your dad is still in the hospital, I am keeping him and your whole family in my thoughts and prayers. Thank goodness you and your DH are medical professionals and are helping to oversee his care. Is Nelson excited about starting school next week. OMG, I almost forgot! I'm in for February -- I like Janet's suggestion about Pres. weekend -- that works well for me too. Got some other good news when I went back to work tonight -- my move to days was approved -- I'll be working 9 to 6 starting week after Labor Day. Yeah, no more crazy night shifts and working on call overnight. I'm so excited and happy to get back to a regular schedule again. Plus, it'll get me up and out of the house every morning to do a water aerobics class from 7 to 8. Right now the only one I can get to is a 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. class that is only held 3 days a week instead of 5. So, I'm happy about that too. Whoo Hoo! Had a wonderful, relaxing vacation -- first week was with my DSis and her family -- and yes, I gave her the ultimate 50th b-day gift -- I had my DS and DIL meet them at baggage claim (he told them our plane was late getting in), so I could walk up to them and see if they recognized me. They did NOT -- I walked right up to them and stood next to my DS. My DSis looked annoyed at me because at first she thought I was some stranger intruding on their private conversation. LOL. Of course after a few seconds, it finally registered and she just screamed. She could not believe that I could keep my secret that long. It was great, it sure kept me motivated during those months. She called me the "incredible shrinking woman" when she id'd me on her facebook page. By the way, now that my secret is out, I'd like to invite any of you on Facebook to be my friend. My name is Linda Vilcone on facebook. My last name is very rare, so I'm easy to find. I'd love to have all of you be my friend on there as well. Julie, congrats on your bandanniversary! You've done excellent -- you have a lot to be proud of -- look at what you've accomplished this year -- besides 101 pounds, all your medical problems, etc. You've come a long way!! I understand all the concerns about flying -- I also had to have a seatbelt extension when we flew home from Hawaii on Jan. 13, 2009 - but when we flew to Vegas in April I no longer needed one -- just 40 pounds or so makes a HUGE difference -- so for sure you won't need one any more, trust me. If your DH can't go, I fly out of Des Moines, so if you want to come here and fly with me, I'd love to be your travel partner. I like the idea of the condo/house. We had a condo for the first week in Vegas and it was great -- I had my usual breakfast/lunch and then we went out for dinner each night -- saves $$$$ plus you aren't tempted to eat naughty foods. I am very happy to report that after 12 days in Vegas, skipping 5 days of exercise and eating 8 buffets I maintained - no loss and no gain! I'm so happy -- it was a great test for me as I worry constantly about what it will be like when I'm done with the weight loss phase. I had a few "treats" but basically still ate protein first and didn't eat any starches to speak of, but did indulge on many occasions on dessert treats -- but did apply the one bite rule -- take one bite and passed it on to my DH or else it got salted -- but did enjoy quite a bit of gelato. Since my DS lives in Vegas we were able to get some great buy one get one free buffets during the week and with 8 of us, that saved us quite a bit on money. Also, with our Lapband cards, I was able to get child's prices on buffets when we didn't have a coupon. We find it ends up being cheaper this way -- but you have to tell yourself that you are going to control what you eat and not overdo. We love buffets cause we LOVE crab and shrimp -- as I've mentioned before, after my surgery I discovered that I love crab with cocktail sauce instead of butter - which was a shock to me, but I really do like it better than the butter. Who'd have thought? Meredith, congrats on finishing up summer school -- you are one heck of a young lady -- finishing beauty school, going to college, having lapband surgery -- all before you're 30 years old! You are a role model for your generation - too bad 60 Minutes or Oprah doesn't find you and do your story -- I'd love to see that. I tried to do college while I was working full time, married and had a baby. I managed to get 2 years done before collapsing in exhaustion. So we all know how tough it is! Well, I must get some sleep -- sorry if I missed responding to anyone -- please don't take offense - it'll take me some time to catch up. Oh, forgot, bad news on my friend who has lung cancer -- she had some sort of terrible reaction to her chemo last week and now they are saying she only has 1 to 2 weeks to live - they called in hospice. I'm glad she won't suffer, but this is so quick for her family, they aren't ready to say their goodbyes yet. So sad. Janet and everyone who had car problems -- glad that's over - was it a full moon or what? Apples, I laughed so hard at your "feeling" the men at meals - loved that typo -- or was it? LOL. So glad to be back. Love traveling but there's no place like home. Linda

Hi everyone. Janet, yes, I agree with you -- I bank my exercise calories too. I never eat more than 1200 a day no matter how much I exercise cause those days when you exercise less or not at all, those "burned calories" help to even you out for the week, at least in MHO. I feel very lucky I'm able to do the aerobic exercise I need to do -- so lucky I don't have knee problems. Charlene, I guess I misread your post, I was thinking you thought Livestrong.com cost money, rather than the nutritionist. I'm also surprised that your nutritionist costs extra -- like Janet, mine is included as well. My bicep was feeling much better but last night it started bothering me again. I did check with my trainer at the gym and she said I can ice it for 15 mins. and then use a heating pain for 15 on and off during the day and that should help it heal. I'm continuing to stay away from weights until I know it's better. I'll just continue with my aerobics for now. I'm sure a few weeks away will take care of it. Great, we do time share exchanges -- we have a two bedroom condo so my sister and her family can stay with us -- we are staying at the Grandview in Vegas -- it's about 6 miles away from the strip toward Henderson -- my son lives (and works) in Henderson, so it'll be convenient for them for us to be on that side as well. I lived in Vegas back in the early 90s, so the strip does not hold the fascination for me as it does for some. I just want to relax, swim and maybe see a few shows and enjoy my family. We'll probably head out to the strip at night (when the weather is slightly cooler) as my sister and her kids haven't seen most of the newer casinos. I like downtown too. After the week at the condo, we will stay the extra few nights at my DS's. I'm looking forward to 10 days off. I'm working back to back shifts this week (80 hours) in order to save some vacation time. I work weird hours -- I work 10 hours on Fri., 7 on Sat. 20 hour on Sunday and 3 on Monday. In order to have 1 week off (Sun. to Sun.) I have to take 60 hours of vacation. So, one of my co-workers traded his shift during the week this week for my Sunday so I don't have to use so much vacation time. That's the only thing about my shift that I don't like. Other than that, it's great. Meredith, sorry to hear about your PB, sounds like it was over quickly though, which is a good thing. Gotta get busy with my work out, have a good day everyone. Linda

Hi Charlene, So glad you are feeling better. The Livestrong website is where the daily plate is which is the food log I've been using since January. It's fee and I think it's very very easy to work with. Just go to www.dailyplate.com What I like best about it is that you can search for almost any food and then search by brand or restaurant, etc. I think you'll find it very user friendly. You can also input your height and weight and how much you want to lose per week and it will tell you how many calories to eat per day to do that. You can also log your exercise and it takes the amount of calories you burned right off your calorie count. Good luck with everything. Linda

Laura, so glad to hear from you and the update on your dad. Hugs and more prayers coming to you and your family. How's Nelson's sniffles? I hope he's feeling better. Charlene, so sorry to hear about your being too tight. Although I have nearly the same amount in my band as you, I've not experienced pb'g or slime and I hope I never do. So far I think my restriction is good - I seem to stay satisfied for 4 to 5 hours after each meal, so maybe I am at my sweet spot. To everyone who shares their struggles with being too tight, thank you, I do appreciate it cause it's a reminder to us to be more mindful of our bands. At least it reminds me to not take it for granted and to try to "listen" to what it is telling me. Hope you get the unfill soon and feel better. I exercised today at home with my walking tapes. I did 8-1/2 miles - 105 mins. That's about 12 mins. per mile which burns about 1300 calories! I didn't want to take a chance with my bicep injury. Even in water aerobics we use weights, so just want to rest it until we get back from vacation. Speaking of that, leaving Sunday the 9th and not back until the 20th. I have no laptop so may not be checking in much - there are computers at the resort but not sure how available they'll be. I'll try though, cause I'll sure miss all of you. Julie, hope you got a nice new "do" -- did you decide to cut your hair? I just got my second perm yesterday. It's a nice, soft perm (not an old lady perm which of course, I worried about). I'm letting mine grow out some and that's the only way I can stand to do it - -my hair is thick and poker straight and without a perm I spend hours with a curling iron. Plus with working out and swimming in the summer, I just want "wash and go" hair and that's what I have with the perm. I wore it this way about 15 years ago and I love it again. Meredith, you are so funny -- I loved your McD story -- what I love most is that when you woke up you thought it was true! LOL. Take care everyone and have a good day tomorrow! Linda

Hi everyone. Scale was good to me today after not moving much for past 4 weeks and showed a 3 lb. loss today. I was thrilled. Only 3 more lbs. until I'm no longer obese -- I'll be "overweight." I can't wait! Only another fat chick could understand how thrilling that is! Apples, did your Aussie daughter know you as thin or heavier from 10 years ago? If you were heavier was she absolutely thrilled for you (I'm sure she was). Laura, hope all is well with your dad, still keeping you and your family in my prayers. Lori, congrats on getting your screen name changed, it fits you perfectly! It's so great to have your grandma there with you, that is smart of you to take her to a buffet. These seniors can be so weird about spending money. Janet hugs to you having all your medical stuff at once! Doesn't sound like fun at all! Hope your DGS is doing okay -- er visits are such a pain, they take so long. Julie, hope you are doing great this week. I had a weird injury Monday. A week or so ago I was working out on the bicep machine at the gym and I felt a little pull in my right bicep, felt like it was a bit strained. I hadn't increased the weight, so it was weird. I immediately stopped and didn't use that machine for a week. I used it this past Monday and it was fine, felt no pain, no strain, etc. Later, I was putting my gym bag (that held my wet bathing suit and towel from water aerobics so it is a little heavy, but not any heavier than usual) in the van, so I opened the passenger door and swung it up a little (remember I'm a shortie, only 5'1") and I felt the bicep rip! OMW the pain! I got home and got an ice pack on it right away and managed to get dressed and go to work. I noticed it was quite swollen (I wish my bicep were really that defined). Anyway, make a long story short, it still hurts when I flex it but okay otherwise, still a bit swollen but I'll live. I just wanted to warn you all about over doing it -- just be careful. Part of it is probably my age (you know I think I'm young still). Meredith, your salad sounds okay to me -- I also eat a lot of main course salad with chicken -- I just LOVE salad -- and I crave it if I don't have it. I do put spinach in mine to get some extra vitamins, and I normally use a fat free or low fat dressing, but I think you'll be fine with the EVOO. I know some doctors say to never eat salad, but I don't want to give it up, cause I truly love it. I put beans in my salads sometimes for extra protein as well and I can't see why it should be a problem. I've never pb'd (thank goodness) or had any issues. IMO I think docs say no salads because they want you to eat your protein first, but if you have the protein in the salad, I can't imagine why anyone would object to it. Just be careful with the dressings and like Janet said, the "extras" like cheese, nuts, bacon etc. can make a salad high in fats and calories. Lisa, welcome -- congratulations on getting your surgery date. I hope you'll become a regular here, it's a great group and everyone is so helpful and supportive. Got a new perm today, getting ready for my trip to Vegas where I'm surprising my sister with my weight loss -- she has no idea - I'm getting so excited - we leave Sunday. Hope everyone has a fabulous day tomorrow. Linda

Doodle, take a deep breath and forgive yourself. Do not dwell on what happened yesterday - it's not important. Sounds like you're already back in the groove. Who knows why we do what we do? If we all knew the answers none of us would be here to begin with (I know that's hardly consolation, but true). I have learned that for me if I get up and do my exercising early in the day, it tends to keep me motivated to keep food out of my mouth -- because I work out hard and don't want to jeopardize all that I accomplished with exercise. Next time you feel like eating something you shouldn't try taking a walk -- even if it's just to the end of the driveway and back and see if the craving goes away. Sometimes that helps even though it only takes a few minutes. I also sometimes go take a bath or even allow myself a nap -- or give myself permission to sit down and watch a movie instead of eating. Try replacing the craving with doing something for yourself instead -- that's the mindset we all need to be on. Sounds like you have it back under control, but remember, this is not a diet, it's a life style change and every once in awhile it's okay to have a treat like a brownie. Hope you are having a better day. Laura, hugs and prayers - hope your DD is doing okay. Linda

Pen, I was so glad to hear from you! Congrats on your weight loss -- you're doing great -- just remember, everyone loses at a different rate and sounds like you have your hands full with school and your hubby's recovery! I'm doing very well but I work very hard at it -- I log all my food on Daily Plate, work out at least 2 hours every day and watch my fat/calories. My goal is to get the weight off and start maintaining asap. I'm the type that if I don't attack and be super strict every day I won't do it at all, so it's good that I can work that hard and keep myself so motivated. My first mini goal was to be 160 by the time I left for vacation next week -- I will be close to it if I don't make it. We are meeting my sister in Vegas (who has no idea I had surgery and no idea I've even been trying to lose weight). It's her 50th b-day celebration and I'm surprising her, so that really motivated me as well. Would love to hear from some of the others -- Carolina Mom, Ms. Kelly -- hope you're all doing fine. I've had a lot of little fills last 2 months -- I'm at a total of 5.75 right now in a 10 cc band and I've never had a problem with PBing. I've had a couple of instances where I've gotten that golf ball feeling, but it went away after 10 mins. or so (walking seems to help that go away as well as chewing some Papaya enzyme tablets). My problem is that with all the exercise I do, I do feel quite hungry between meals and I feel I can still eat more than they say I should at meals. I think however, when I slow down on the exercise I'll feel the restriction more. I think I'm very close to my sweet spot -- but I'll keep getting small cc's -- last time just .250 cc cause I never want to be too tight. Would love to hear what kind of restriction everyone else has. I'll be gone til Aug. 20 but will check in then. Hope everyone is having a lovely summer. We're enjoying our cool temps. Linda

Hi everyone, Laura, hugs hugs and hugs to you. Will be thinking and praying for your dad and your family. Glad he was able to send a private jet for you - so much easier and less stressful-- plus I'm sure Nelson will enjoy that a lot!! Julie, hope you feel better -- maybe it's stress, but you should call your doctor and have him check it out. Sounds like you have a busy busy week planned. Janet, my DGD has a disease called Dermatomyostis -- it's a complicated disease -- it involves small blood vessels and causes a terrible rash, but the worse part is it also causes muscle degeneration. So she has to be on mega doses of steriods and is also on a chemo drug (small doses compared to cancer patients, but it's still scary). Anyway, she came home from hospital yesterday. First thing this am she called and said, "Umma (my nickname) I want to come to your house. I miss you." So she'll come over as soon as I'm done working. I work from home on call today until 2:00 p.m. You'd never know what trauma she's been through this week -- she just acts like she always has - kids really are amazing the way they bounce back from things. Thanks to all of you for your prayers, support and concern. I swear, there are times I can actually feel the prayers out there! Well, gotta run and get back to work. CBL. Linda

Hi everyone, just a quick post to say I am alive. Have been super busy this week with DGD in hospital and driving back and forth 1-1/2 hours each way each day. She's doing okay -- her blood pressure is way up from treatment and they kept her overnight an extra night to keep an eye on that but are releasing her today. She's having some swelling in her hands and knees. She's been a trooper. It will be great having her back home again. Laura, hugs and prayers for your dad, hope all is well there, will be keeping him and you in my thoughts and prayers. Long, congrats on goal!!!! Julie, hope you are feeling better today. If, loved your video -- and thank you for devoting your life to teaching. Janet, loved the pics and Phyl looks so pretty in all of them too. Your lucky 7 group is a great inspiration to me, congratulations to you all!! Meredith, I really agree with Janet. If you'll look at my progress click on my tickler and then press show all data and you'll see that I stay the same weight some times for several weeks and then I lose 3 or 4 pounds in one week -- usually I lose those 3 or 4 pounds when I've had a few "off days" where my calories were up a little higher than normal and when I've maybe exercised a little less. It sounds strange, I know. In truth, our bodies just do what they want when they want and we don't have a lot of control except that if we stay on the program the weight does come off! The key is to never give up! My surgeon and his office are very very strict when it comes to snacks and they say to NEVER EVER EVER eat snacks. Well, I'd rather have a little 100 calorie bag of light popcorn to stave off my head hunger (or real hunger after I've worked out 2 hours that day) or have 1/2 cup of fat free ice cream occasionally than to go completely bonkers and eat something really bad for me. What I'm trying to say is that in MHO we need to figure out what works for our own bodies and not that you should disregard what your weight loss clinic is saying, but you need to experiment and figure out what keeps you happy, satisfied and still losing weight. I hope you can figure out what it is I'm trying to say -- I know previously you mentioned you are "following doctor's orders" and I agree with that most of the time, except only to say that some times we need to experiment and figure out exactly what we need to make ourselves successful. Hope that makes some sense. I had a really nice day yesterday. A dear gf who moved away a year ago was in town and a few of us met for lunch and then visited our friend who has lung cancer. Afterwards, several of us went to another friend's house and swam in her pool and then had a bonfire and talked and drank wine and had a fun night. We never did eat dinner (I didn't even think about it until I was going to bed after midnight) but did have some 100 calorie popcorn with our wine. LOL. What a nutritional disaster that sounds like. Oh well, it was fun. Hope everyone has a great day -- I need to leave for the gym. Linda

Thanks Doodle for your concern and prayers. Kath, keeping you and your family in our prayers as well. You did the right thing, it was hard, but it was the right thing. Linda

Happy Sunday everyone. Kath and Doodle, I understand your pain. My DD also was a drug addict -- she lost her parental rights for her son (whom we never even got to meet as she was living in Oregon at the time and we were in LA). It is in an "open" adoption, so maybe someday we will get to know our GS. He just turned 5. We get pics once a year or so, but that is difficult. DD is actually my step daughter, but I raised her and her brother from young ages, so she is just like my own. She was a meth addict (started at age 15 and she went to 4 or 5 rehabs over the course of 6 years. She's only been clean 4 years. She is the mother of my DGD who we just found out has Dermatomyostis and so I pray this will not put DD back at risk - I always worry that anytime there's a "problem" she'll turn to drugs. She is also a juvenile diabetic so that is why we stay very involved and live very close by to her and DGD. Thank you all for your prayers for DGD, I do appreciate it. She is doing well with her steriods - had her first one yesterday and didn't seem to affect her at all. Her muscles continue to seem quite normal - she was here yesterday running, dancing, playing as usual, so we continue to pray that because we caught it so early that she will have minimal problems. Julie, your boating adventure sounds lovely and your outside service today as well. We used to do that when I was a kid - we always had an outside service followed by a picnic at a lake that lasted all day -- it was always a highlight every year. Our church here doesn't do anything like that. Laura, loved your vacation pics -- it looked like fun and of course, Nelson is so darn cute! I remember when my DS was that little --he will be 37 this year -- which seems utterly ridiculous to me! Enjoy your time with him in these pre-teen years, cause it goes soo fast. Meredith, happy to hear your incision is finally healed up. Welcome to the newbies. Well, my DGD is here again so I must go play!! Have a good rest of the day! Linda

Hi everyone, How are you all doing? Would love to hear from some of you, hope all is well. Think of you often. Linda

Sorry Charlene, for some reason I thought your DH got a band, but glad he's doing so well with his bypass. Laura, don't be so hard on yourself you'll get back on the horse and get the job done!! Besides, you know you are retaining water from traveling. Do yourself a big favor and stay off the scale for a few days. But above all, forgive yourself -- it's okay -- just get back to it in full force now that your home. Linda

Hi everyone! Took me awhile to catch up on all the posts. Meredith congrats on that 30 pounds!! Isn't it a great feeling of accomplishment? JoAnn, congratulations on Onderland, again Whoo Hoo on that! As Long said, you never have to see a 2 in front of your weight again. I've had a busy week. Had to take our DGD to specialists in Iowa City Tues. for more tests. We have now learned that she definitely does have Dermatomyostis. It's a disease that starts with a terrible skin rash, moves to the joints and causes some calcium deposits on those areas, like the knees, knuckles, etc. The worst part is that it is an auto immune disease and it causes muscle weakness. The rhemutoidologist (sp?) says we did catch it very early, so far she has tested positive for muscle weakness, but hasn't exhibited any sign of muscle weakness in her every day life (she's still walking without problems, running, dancing, being her usual happy, active 2-1/2 year old self). She will be on Methotrexato once a month by IV and will be taking sterioids as well. They need to do an MRI so we'll be taking her back next week for that (they have to put her out to do it cause a 2-1/2 year old isn't going to lie still for 40 minutes). Anyway, we feel confident and are thankful that we have such wonderful doctors and drugs and treatments available. I'm sure she'll do just fine. Thank you all for your prayers and if you'll continue to keep her in your prayers I'd be thankful and grateful. On to less dreary news: Apples, I know you're gone, but LOL that dream was too much! I keep laughing about it and it's been over an hour since I read that post. I'd be happy to travel anywhere to meet all of you -- that would be so wonderful, so count me in. Laura, glad you had a great time in Quebec -- sounds like a great place to visit. Eva, have fun on your family reunion. Charlene, how's your DH doing with his band? I'm sure he's doing great as he has such a fine helper. I watched Big Medicine (a rerun) the other day and always think of you. Julie, glad to hear you're doing so well -- just continue to take it easy. We went out to a restaurant Tuesday after our long day with the specialists in Iowa City. For the first time since I started my liquid diet in Jan. I ordered just a regular meal. It was a special restaurant that serves family style food -- it's in Amana, Iowa and if any of you ever visit there, it's fantastic food. Anyway, to make a long story short, I ordered the roast beef dinner. The meals all come with cottage cheese, a little salad, fried potatoes, gravy, corn, homemade bread and homemade jelly. Well, I took a slice of the bread (it was thin) and smeared jelly on it and ate that. It went down just fine. Then I ate cottage cheese which is the best cottage cheese I've ever had -- in fact I don't like cottage cheese you buy in the grocery stores, but I like their cottage cheese. I also had a few bites of salad. Out came my plate of roast beef. Now I'm not a big beef eater, in fact, I haven't had any beef since my band. Well, I ate a few bites (it was drowned in gravy and very tender) and ate a few bites of spaetzle (yummy) and then I was miserable and so full I could barely breathe! LOL. It was so wonderful! I said to my DH, "well, aren't you the lucky one to get my whole dinner to take home with you." But the reason it was WONDERFUL is cause pre-band I would have went in there and had at least 4 or 5 slices of bread, ate the whole plate of food plus the potatoes, corn and more gravy and then ordered pie and ice cream for dessert! This just confirmed to me that getting the band was truly the very best decision for me! I just loved the fact that even though my head was saying "the Heck with your diet, you're going to eat a really bad meal anyway no matter what you want" that my band stopped me and said, "NO MORE FOOD"!! It was truly my ah ha moment. I will never attempt to do that again (it was just such a waste of money). But I'm so glad it happened cause it is proof to me that I really truly cannot eat the way I used to -- there was no way any more food was going to fit in that tiny little stomach pouch! I just loved it. Anyway, gotta run to work -- have a great and lovely weekend everyone. Linda

Fantastic pics Janet -- you are soooo tiny and the kids handsome and gorgeous! Apples, glad you are fine, we did miss you. Phyl happy anniversary and happy traveling to you and Janet. Meredith, you ARE the perfect bandster -- keep up the good work, you're doing great. I haven't stopped for weeks, have another busy day tomorrow and then I may be able to actually have a day to just rest, that is after I go to the gym and work out. LOL. This new life is busy. Have a good one everyone! Laura, have a great time, sorry you had problems with dinner - chew, chew, chew and enjoy! Linda

Hi everyone. Congrats Julie, I'm so happy for you! What an amazing accomplishment! JoAnn, so happy you can go and spend more time with your DD and DGK! I've never been on a plane more than 8 hours, but it'll sure be worth all the discomfort of flying once you land! Janet, when do you leave? Hope you have a great time -- I think it's wonderful that you all stay in touch and get together - sounds like fun. Long, congrats on the engagement -- once they set the date you'll have another goal date that will keep you motivated as well -- just think of all the dress choices you have now that you wouldn't have had before your band-days. Janet, my DS got married in 2000 when I was huge - I think my dress was size 26 and I cringe everytime I see the pics -- oh well, at least I get comfort knowing how much younger I look and how much healthier I am today than I was nine years ago!!! Laura, how long are you going to be gone? Quebec sounds lovely - I've never been there, I bet it's a beautiful city. Charlene, glad to hear your DH is doing well and is sleeping and is without pain! Good for him. You've been such a good example, he's got a real edge to success. I do hope we hear from Apples soon, sure do miss her and hope all is well. Have a great week everyone! Linda

Hi everyone! Congratulations to Janet, Phyl and Charlene! Also congrats to you Julie, you've done an amazing job -- you'll lose that 100 before your anniversary. Good for you! Welcome to the newbies, this is the greatest thread of Lap Band Talk. Meredith, glad to hear you had your soup -- sounds good and I'm glad you enjoyed it. I weigh my protein and I always eat it first and then eat my veggie. I hardly ever eat carbs, and although I never measure out the cupful of food, just eyeballing it looks to be about 1 cup at each meal. IMHO, if you aren't eating carbs, you shouldn't really have much to worry about. I wouldn't over stress about the amounts as long as you don't try to stuff yourself with unhealthy foods and feel miserable you are most likely just fine. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Linda