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Wow wow wow!! Long, you are just gorgeous!! You look at least 10 if not 15 years younger. I am so inspired. Thank you for sharing those pics - it renews my determination. What a difference a year makes. Gonna, JoAnn gave you great advice -- she's spot on with everything. Janet, congrats on your hike -- sounds tough, not something I'm ready for yet. Laura, how's your sis? It's Sat., so I know you're there with her and I hope all is well. You'll be so much help to her, I bet she's very happy you could travel to be with her. Don't worry so much about your eating on vacation -- you'll find yourself automatically choosing the correct foods -- I know when I went to Vegas in April, I found that when faced with the temptation of eating carbs and other unhealthy foods, I actually didn't even want those anymore. Another thing, food used to be my whole world -- so when going on vacation the first thing I thought about was, "oh, what wonderful food will I'll be able to eat" -- I used to go and google up all the restaurants in the areas I was going and drool over the menus!! Sick sick sick! Now I've learned to dwell on the other things on vacation -- like the beauty, the PEOPLE I go to see, the sites (museums, etc.) the sun, enjoy the weather, etc. etc. you know what I mean and food is the LEAST important thing now. That's just the way it has to be for the rest of my life. And you know what? I like it this way much better. Meredith, so sorry for that rude woman. I think we've all had a similar experience. Over the years I've had many occasions to say (mostly to myself) "there's worse things than being fat, I'd rather be fat than be a B_____h, a cheat, a liar, etc., etc. you get my drift. It's all true, but unfortunately the people who say things like that wouldn't understand what we mean -- they are the self centered, self righteous, selfish people of the world who think it's their right to judge all other people. What a sad, sad world they live in. Honestly, I would rather be pbese than be like that, but fortunately, we have the skills and determination and courage to know we need to change, but they don't even realize they need to change. Laura said it best, it would be great to actually be able to say something like, "you need a lobotomy". LOL. Maybe in my next life. Julie, glad you are checking in and doing well, sounds like you're getting better every day. Linda

Hi everyone, just checking in - had a lot of reading to do to catch up. Charlene, congrats on your DH's surgery date, we'll all be thinking of you both and wishing him a speedy recovery. Laura, I too was surprised at your post about your surgeon's attitude -- I'm like Long, I just expect that because you and your DH are in the medical profession that you would be treated much better by doctors and surgeons than us non-medical people. I think that your decision to get the band was your personal choice which was best for you and your family and your surgeon should honor that decision instead of being so negative. I'm glad you're a strong lady and can deal with that, so many people would be devastated by a comment like that. I had a very small fill today -- 1/2 a cc -- my surgeon agreed with me that a tiny fill was in order but he thinks (as I do) that I will be at my sweet spot after this one. I'm hoping so. He had a little bit of trouble finding the port again -- but no pain this time and it wasn't nearly as bad as the first but he did make a comment, "I hope it hasn't flipped" while searching that made very VERY nervous. A few seconds later he thankfully found it, thank Goodness! Julie, you are sounding good and glad you are getting stronger every day. Just keep it up. Meredith, if I didn't say congrats on the date yet, congrats. Glad you were strong enough to talk to your Dad and give him good information about your surgery. There's no need for such negativity. We have such marvelous medical miracles being performed everyday. I mean, yes, we all need to be cautious and abide by doctor's orders, but as someone else pointed out, they put you through enough screenings before surgery and they wouldn't perform surgery on you if you weren't in good enough shape for it. Rose, congrats on your Onederland!! It's so exciting. We're having a garage sale with our neighbors this weekend and I'm getting rid of some newer clothes that are already too big as well as some of my original big clothes that I kept back when I got rid of the first round. I'm also clearing out some other things I know I'll never use again, like my deep fryer, my onion blossom thingie, a huge pasta pot, etc. I'm done with all that kind of cooking for good! Apples, I'm sure i missed you, but have a good time at the lake this week. Hope everyone has a lovely Thursday. Linda

Long congratulations on that 125 milestone! That is so inspiring to me, thanks for being here to share such great news with all of us. That's the one thing that my weight loss support group does not seem to have -- anyone coming to the meetings that has been a long-term band patient -- they seem to come the first month or two after surgery and then disappear. That's why I've made a committment to continue to go each month even though it is an hour and a half drive for me. So I really really appreciate all of you experienced bandsters who take the time to come here and keep us inspired. Your son is smart (must take after his mom) and called you right away to take him to the hospital before his appendix ruptured. JoAnn you're right, we just all need to keep on keepin' on -- that's a good way to think about it. Laura, good luck tomorrow with your appointment. I go Wednes. for a fill but I'm going to ask doctor to be very conservative -- maybe just 1cc or even a half a cc. I just never want to get too tight -- but I do want to feel a little restriction. And, Laura, I do know what you mean about your DH. Mine isn't even trying to lose any weight -- he eats candy bars and pizza, fat burgers and fries, biscuits and gravy, etc. etc. - and still he's lost about 10 lbs. since my surgery. He "rides" the lawn mower, but other than general yard work once a week or so, he gets no real exercise. Oh well, I guess we should be happy for them that they don't have to struggle as much as we do. Take care everyone and have a great week! Linda

I regularly substitute fat free evaporated milk in my quiches instead of half and half with very good results. That's another way to cut down some of the fat in the recipe.

Meredith, forgot to say CONGRATULATIONS and GOOD LUCK.

Hi everyone. Before I forget, Phyll, love your new photo! TV, welcome and sorry for all your troubles. Regarding your losing your job, I don't know what kind of work you do, but it was my experience when I moved to Southern Cal. in the early 90s, I started working right away with a temp agency. If you do any kind of clerical work, you might check that out -- I know they have temp associates for all kinds of professions now, not just clerical. I ended up being offered a job through one of my temp associates which is nice cause you have a little knowledge about the company and those you'd be working with before you make a decision. Anyway, for what it's worth, I thought I offer that suggestion to you. Change is hard and it's upsetting. I think you got plenty of good advice from everyone, but know that everyone here will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and will be suportive of you. You have us now to care and support you too, so hang in there and keep us in the loop, okay? Also since February, you've LOST weight -- probably normal for you before the band (as it was for me) I would have either stayed the same or gained a few pounds between Feb. and June, so you have that to celebrate. Hang in there! Julie, you are sounding so good, so glad to hear you're back at water aerobics. Remember, small steps - you had a major illness, you can't be back to your normal routine for awhile longer yet. But, you're doing good. I bet your fill will feel good to you after all this time of being empty. Good luck with the fill. Kath, welcome. I think everyone here can say that they loved to eat and miss it. I have to say that once I made the decision to get the surgery, I also decided right then and there that food was no longer my no. ONE reason for living - we all had to put food into better perspective. Janet, do you still have your "breakup letter to food" -- if you do maybe you could post it again, I found it very helpful when I first saw it and that was my first month after surgery. Maybe some of the newer people here would benefit from reading that as well. I've had a good week, lost my 3 lbs. this week (was catch up from week before), have been exercising like crazy. Went to bunco tonight and had a few "planned treats". I did a five mile walk and 40 mins. of step aerobics today to make up for those goodies. I just wish we could avoid food altogether, but unfortunately, we can't, so we have to be strong. I hope everyone has a great weekend! Linda

Hi everyone! Meredith, glad you made some progress with surgeon's office, but I do hope you will still tell him about that woman. She is too much! How dare she call you back and accuse you of complaining to the office manager. But, I can imagine you're probably a little worried about irritating this woman any further until you get your date -- after that, I'd be sure to complain to the office manager and the surgeon. Unbelievable! Apples, you are so lucky you can get away so much, I'm sure you manage to make it through the harsh winter just dreaming of getting back to spending time at the lake each spring/summer. Sounds lovely. Long and Phyl I love traveling too and am so happy that I can fit in an airline seat so much more comfortably now. It makes so much difference! I cooked food for DH and DD and GD yesterday, but really wasn't even interested in eating any of it -- I just ate my usual green beans and turkey tenderloin. I let them have all the fattening stuff. It's funny that I don't even care about eating food like that anymore. I just don't get it, cause any other time I used to watch my eating, I'd be looking forward to eating on holidays -- any excuse to eat -- now, I don't even care -- what is it about the band that causes that I wonder? It's weird. Janet, thanks for your kind words. I do work hard at my eating and exercise and it's nice to have the scale reward me each week. I really thought I'd have more trouble losing (since I'm waaaayyy over 50) than I have, so I'm thrilled I've been able to do so well. I have a question for you experienced bandsters -- I've had two fills so far, and have another scheduled for next week. I don't really get hungry and my meals keep me satisfied for at least 5 to 6 hours. I have never had a PB and have only experienced a stuck feeling in my chest for a few mins. when I've forgotten to chew as well as I need to. I don't really ever feel "hungry" so I'm wondering if I'm at my sweet spot. I can't seem to get a lot of info about what that really should be like. Before I had my second fill I did have a lot of "hunger" and I could eat a lot of food before feeling full. Now, I eat about what a bandster is supposed to eat -- 4 oz. protein and about 1/2 cup veggies and I do stayed satisfied. I'm just trying to decide if I really need a fill or not. If any of you can help me out I'd appreciate it. I am really afraid of getting too tight. Maybe I should just postpone it until I start to feel hungrier inbetween meals? I do lose at a steady pace, but I do feel a lot of it is my own willpower as well as the foods I choose (low in fat, low in sugar, etc.) and I stay withing my calorie budget to lose 2 lbs. per week. If any of you have any suggestions on this, I'd appreciate your help. Thanks so much. Linda

Hi everyone! Laura thanks so much and high five back at ya! You're also doing a fantastic job! This is the first week where I did exercise every day for 7 days straight. Usually I take Sun. off, but I managed to do about 45 mins. of step aerobics this am before it got too busy (I work on call from home from 8 a.m. until I come in the office at 4 p.m.). I'm trying to make sure that scale moves this week more than the one lb. from last week. I forgot to mention that finally people are starting to notice I've lost weight. LOL. I took my pic to put in my lap band book and it was an incredible difference. Rose, I'm so so sorry about all your troubles, I too will keep you in my prayers. DD and DG will be over tomorrow for barbeque -- I'll eat my own food and make them some goodies. Seedless watermelon was on sale so that will definitely be on the menu. Have a lovely and safe Memorial Day everyone! Linda

Sarah, Congratulations on your decision. I too struggled with my decision and I waited 6 months after my pre-op required physicals (psych., sleep clinic, etc.) Even on the morning of surgery, as the nurse was putting my IV in my arm, I kept thinking, "do I really want to do this?" I walked into the Operating room and laid on the table still wondering if it was the right thing. Well, I can tell you four months post op that it is and it was the correct decision for me. I had my surgery on 1-27-09 and my life has changed all for the better since. I understand the nagging doubts, especially when reading about some people's problems with the band. What I've discovered, it that those problems are few and far between. I have NEVER PB'd, never had anything "stuck" never have had any problems. If you follow your doctor's orders and follow the band rules, I'm sure you won't have any problems either. Welcome and good luck to you. Linda

Janet, do NOT worry you are fabulous! No stinky breath -- just pure love and inspiration. I think everyone is just busy with their own lives. Even I'm busier than usual with my exercise regime. Everyone have a great long weekend. Even I'm off on Monday. Whoo Hoo! Linda

Laura, me too, I was so disappointed in Idol last night. I like Kris, but just don't think he has as much talent (or voice) as Adam. But, the good news is almost all the final 5 or 6 will have great careers -- they were all amazing this year. I'm checking in here just to get motivated to get to my exercise today -- feeling a little sluggish. Oneday, hope you are feeling better today and sorry to hear of your illness and wishing you a fast and full recovery. Julie, glad you are taking time for yourself -- you deserve it. Long, you are such an inspiration - you're not even at your one year anniversary yet and look how great you've done!! It helps keep me motivated for sure. Barb, hope your nose gets better soon and everything I said about Long goes to you too, you've done great. I only lost 1 lb. this week, but I know I'll end up with a loss next week - my body is so weird the way it reacts. Made some tasty salmon patties for my lunch -haven't had much fish lately, so thought I'd better have some. Going to card party tonight where I'll have to be very firm and take only a few bites of whatever fabulous dessert is offered. Went out for dinner last night and had crab with cocktail sauce -- my new favorite way to eat steamed crab -- who would have ever thought I'd forego butter!! Amazing! Meredith, I'm hoping you have good news when I check back in later. Laura hope Nelson is feeling better. Wow, that is a great gift you got from your wellness center. I'm jealous! Have a great afternoon and evening everyone. Linda

Happy Birthday and welcome back Long. You were missed! Congrats on not gaining and actually losing while on a cruise -- sounds impossible to me, but way to go! Funny, when I went to my LB support group meeting last Tuesday night, the woman I sat next to who isn't yet banded said they are taking that same exact cruise next month before she gets banded. Thanks for the support Janet, yes, I know some days we have to relax and enjoy ourselves, but it makes me nervous when I do give in to the head hunger even though I keep the calories in line. I guess I just feel weak or somethign. Will see what my weigh in tomorrow brings. Meredith, I agree with everyone - time to stop being the nice lady. I'd call and talk to either an office manager or even leave a message for the surgeon and let him know what is going on (as Apples said). Good Luck and keep us posted. Laura, you are a fill ahead of me -- I go for my 3rd on June 3, sounds like you'll have to work with this a bit, which is what I'm expecting next time too. My first was 3 cc and this past one was 2 ccs and occasionally I've had a few golf ball chest moments since the last fill, but I think it's cause I was eating too fast or not chewing enough but I've never had a pb and the feeling didn't last more than a few seconds. I've been lucky. Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes. I'lll certainly be keeping all that in mind when I get my fill next month. Apples, loved your story about your son, he reminds me of YOU. Everyone have a great night and a beautiful day tomorrow. Linda

BLK and Barb - Well, it IS a small world. My hubby is from Monterey, and he still has a a brother and sister, neices, nephews in Salinas. And San Francisco is my most favorite city in the world. If I ever get back there, I'll for sure will give a shout out. We love living in our small town here in Iowa but do miss a lot about California (like the weather -- we lived in Long Beach). My hubby would love to come for the garlic festival - maybe some day we will. I had a weird day -- maybe it was the weather -- rainy and cloudy and it was my day off from exercise, but I ate more than I usually do -- nothing bad, but had some extra food that I normally don't -- still stayed at around 1200 calories, but still it was the first time since my surgery that I've really caved in to some extra eating. Hopefully I'll get back on track tomorrow. Have a lovely week everyone. Linda

Hi everyone and happy Friday. Laura, my hubby has lost about 30 lbs. as well -- again, cause I'm not cooking for him and because we no longer have junk in the house. It's amazing how fast these men can lose weight without exercising (and without really trying in my hubby's case - -he eats whatever he wants darn him anyway!). Blklab, I too occasionally get that same kind of pain in my chest -- it's only been since my last fill. If it happens when I first start to eat, I think it's cause I ate too quickly or didn't chew well enough. Once I take a break for a few mins., it usually goes away and I can continue to eat but have to slow down and chew better. Other times I get that toward the end of my meal and I take it as my signal that I'm full, so I stop eating right then. I've been staying full on each meal for 5 to 6 hours, so I do think that I'm at a great restriction right now. It's rainy and cold here today but next week is supposed to be sunny and beautiful all week. Looking forward to that. Have a great weekend everyone. Linda

Congratulations Peanut, it is very exciting!! Is this your first baby? My hubby was born when his mom was 45 so don't worry - everything will be fine. Woman who have babies later in life seem to be much more relaxed with parenting. I think it's great. I only gained 22 lbs. with my pregnancy and had a 9 lb. baby so you don't have to gain a lot - I did water aerobics and walked 5 miles a day during my pg. and that helps to keep the weight off. You can still eat well. As my dietician told me, "white carbs are not a required part of any diet" so you can provide all you need for your baby with protein, milk products, veggies and fruit. Keep us posted on your progress. When are you due? Again, congratulations, such exciting news. Linda

Meredith, sorry you have to wait to get your date! Hopefully that nurse will get to it soon. I know how frustrating can be, but you're on the right road and it won't be long now! Nothing much new to report here. Yesterday was weigh in day and I lost 4 (because the scales didn't budge last week). It's so weird how our bodies act. Did any of you watch the Biggest Loser finale? The 47 year old woman, Helen won in a close contest -- she beat out the 20 something and the 18 year old. She's a great role model for women over 40. Todays food: omelet made with 1 serving of egg beater with 1/2 serving of Morning star sausage crumbles and 1 slice 2% borden American cheese; Yoplait non fat yogurt, one banana, sliced strawberries, steamed brocolli, grilled salmon steak and a McDonald's ice cream cone (my special treat this week). Total around 888. Exercise today was recumbant bike, 30 mins.; circuit training 30 mins.; water aerobics 60 mins. Laura, that Biggest Loser Scale sounds great -- I'm going to look for one -- so far I've been pretty much guessing on my weights of protein (using deck of cards visual), unless I buy things that are packaged according to weight. Bev, welcome and good luck to you on your journey! Charlene I hope your feeling better soon. I have 5 cc's in my band and feel restriction so I think I'll just keep it here for awhile -- I'm due to go in June 3, but don't really think I'm going to need another fill. I have never had anything stuck, but have had a few instances of the golf ball feeling in the chest when I first start to feel full or if I eat too fast. Janet glad you had a nice visit with your family and happy to hear they're home safe and sound. December, welcome - -this is a great site, you'll have lots of friends here to support you. Julie, you sound like you're doing great -- glad you have an appt. for a fill -- cause that means your healthy again. Apples, have fun at the lake! Linda

Hi everyone. Ms. Kelly, you've done great -- so good to hear from you again. Carolina Mom, keep up posted on what's happening. Pen, where are you? I hope you'll come back and let us know how you're doing. Linda

Hello hello hello, I feel like I've been gone forever. Had to catch up tonight on all the news. JoAnn, so glad you are home safe and sound and had a nice visit with your DD and grandkids. I don't think anyone really sleeps on planes - I never can either, and it sounds like the majority of us in here don't either. It would be so nice if we could. For some strange reason, I want to be fully awake in case something happens. That's so dumb. Julie, so happy you are feeling better and able to watch your grandbaby. It sounds like you are getting stronger and stronger every day. Just remember to not overdo it. Recovery takes a lot more time than we realize. Meredith, I do water aerobics 5 times a week. My surgeon cleared me to start up again at my one week after surgery check up. I also ride a recumbant bike and do weight machines at the gym. Walking is such good exercise that I recently got a Leslie Sansome walking tape which is also good and my son bought me a Wii and Wii fit for my birthday/mother's day gift. Exercise is truly the key to successful weight loss. Not only do you burn fat with aerobic exercise, but you increase your metabolism and increase muscle mass with exercise which helps us to become fat burning machines! It's funny how quickly my body became adjusted to exercise again. I think our muscles have excellent memories. Janet, your visit with DS, DIL and grandkids sounds ilke it went well. I had to work all day yesterday, but that doesn't bother me. I still had a nice Mother's Day. All the kids called so that was lovely. Meredith, as far as pureed food went, I had a tough time with that. I had a bad gag reflex from it for some reason and so my doctor advised me to eat very very soft foods, like salmon patties, tuna, soft scrambled egg beaters, refried beans, etc. soupy oatmeal, soupy soup, non fat yogurt, non fat cottage cheese, sugar free pudding and jello. I made and ate a lot of homemade split pea soup and some bean soup that I was able to eat pureed. I also supplemented with some protein shakes during that time. Even though the food was soft I still ate very slowly and chewed it very very well. I know egg drop soup is another favorite in the lap band world. If you go to the food section here there are lots of suggestions for recipes for pureed foods and mushies, etc. Hope that helps. Just remember, to always follow your surgeon's guidelines and to always talk to your surgeon (or dietician at your clinic) before eating anything that is not on your recommended food list for each stage. Each patient is so different and your surgeon or dietician needs to be aware of what you are putting in your mouth. Apples you are so cute with your blackberry addiction -- I love all fruit, always have. For some reason though, when I was eating badly (fattening foods), I tended to not eat much fruit -- now that I'm back to eating healthy again, fruit is again just a natural part of my diet. Laura, so glad your Mom's okay -- that was a great Mother's Day gift for both you and your mom. Barb, thanks for joining our group. Us newbies need as many of you experienced banders to help us along our journeys. Congratulations on doing so well with your band and for maintaining it. I think coming here and sharing is all a big part of the whole experience that will help us all stay accountable. MeMe, it sounds like you're struggling with food choices but trust that everyone here is here for YOU and wants you to succeed. I know it's hard to give up some favorite foods, but I can honestly say that I feel so much better now that I don't eat fried foods (they gave me terrible heart burn EVERY day) and foods full of fat. I have found that planning my meals and always having my food stocked in my fridge and house is very important. If you would log your food intake on a website like thedailyplate.com you would be able to compare the difference in calories and fat grams between a baked chicken leg and a fried chicken leg which would probably help you make better decisions. I wish you all the best and hope you'll continue to stay with us on your journey. Well, I didn't mean to write a book here, but just wanted to check in. Today's food: Brunch was 1 Morning Star Sausage Patty with 2 servings of Egg Beaters Original scrambled with 1 slice of 2% Amer. Cheese, a few strawberries and 1/2 banana mixed with non fat Yoplait yogurt. Dinner was grilled chicken breast and soured green beans and snack was sugar free pudding and sugar frree jello. Around 1100 calories. I rode recumbant bike for 40 mins. did weight machines for 30, and did 60 mins. of water aerobics. My weigh in day is tomorrow and I hope the scale moves (it didn't budge last week). Have a good Tuesday everyone! Linda

Hi everyone, Julie, happy belated anniversary -- sounds like you had a lovely time and sounds like you're doing better. Meredith, sorry about your having to wait til next Wed. for your date. I know how exciting it is and I hope you can be scheduled soon. I gave my ddil a Pandora bracelet last year for her b-day, sounds like a great idea, may buy one for myself. They are really neat bracelets. Phyll sorry about your knee. If it's not one thing, it's another. I have a bad left hip and all my docs told me that if I lost 50 lbs. they thought it would be much better. Well, it's still the same after 60 lbs. I keep hoping it will improve, but so far, no such luck. No one ever x-rayed it or anything, they just looked at me and said, "well, your too heavy, that's why it hurts." Another good reason to get the band and lose the weight -- then maybe a doctor will DO something besides telling me "it's cause you're fat." Oh, well, sorry for the rant, just got off the subject, I do hope you can get your knee fixed or at least stay as pain free as possible. Everyone have a lovely Mother's Day and enjoy your families!! I didn't lose any weight this week, but all my new clothes are just too big. I realized that today when I was getting ready to go to a parade -- everything I bought for my trip to Vegas last month is already too big. It's great!!! I'm losing inches faster than pounds I think. I was complaining to my DH who said, "oh well, just go buy some new ones" -- that's a great perk about this weight loss. Janet, it sounds like you're doing great on getting rid of your 2 pounds -- I hope when I'm done losing and trying to maintain that I'm as good as you are. We went to a parade today (tulip time in Pella, Iowa) and I had no carnival food at all -- I was so proud of myself -- I took some grapes and snacked on them instead of partaking of all the goodies like corn dogs, dutch letters and funnel cake! My DH had my share and then some! Welcome to the newbies -- you've come to the right place for support and advice. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Linda

Kawasaki, so sorry to hear of your troubles, but so glad you took action and got it taken care of. Hopefully after you heal, you can go back and start over with your fills. I've only had 2 fills and don't go for my third until June 3. I currently have 5 ccs in a 10 cc band and have little to no restriction now (it's been about 2 weeks after my fill and I did feel great restriction at first). Did they put you liquids for a week or so? I know I've heard that it's important to heal your stomach after that kind of trauma. Hope you are feeling better. Thanks for sharing your story, as it's something we may all face in the future. Congratulations with your weight loss! You've done fantastic!! Linda

TxSue, I was cleared for water aerobics the week after surgery (really surprised me). I did that for the first month and then started riding a recumbant bike (started at about 15 mins. per session - you have to start slow, remember) and now have slowly worked up to 40 to 45 mins. each session). By 6 weeks after surgery, I was cleared to do anything I wanted, including using circuit training machines. However, brisk walking is one of the very best things you can do for yourself - it's aerobic and builds muscle which is why I bought a good walking tape and am doing that 3 times a week. Whatever you do it's important to work different muscles -- to get good results and to keep from getting bored, mix up your exercise. I do bike, water aerobics and circuit training on M, W & Fri. Walking and step aerobics on Tues, Thursday and Sat and I take at least one day completely off each week, sometimes I take both Sat. and Sun off. If you do strength/circuit training, be sure to give your muscles rest time -- many people work upper body one day and lower body the next. Good luck to you on your journey. Linda

Julie, so glad you are hiring a sitter for the baby. You are one heck of a lady and I'm sure everyone appreciates all you do, but right now you need to heal and get your strength back. I'm sure the baby will do just fine and this way you'll be ready to babysit again that much sooner! Sorry to hear about your brother's surgery, and I'm sure you'll be very helpful to him -- you have a lot of knowledge that would help him if he'll let you. I hope he can stop the smoking -- I am a former smoker and can tell you that it was the hardest thing I ever did in my life -- and I did put on lots of weight when I quit. I'm proud to say it's been over 5 years since I quit and I know I will never ever have another cigarette -- it's not something I even think about anymore and they are available to me -- my hubby still smokes (in the garage or on the patio only). It's not easy but I hope your brother will be able to overcome that habit. Keep positive thoughts for him. Laura, your son is so adorable, it makes me miss those years when my son was young (he's 37 this year) and when my step son was young (I raised him from the age of 3 and he's now 20). I adore my granddaughter but there's a special place in my heart for little boys too! Apples, I'm so glad you have your lake place -- you deserve to enjoy a few days of rest -- you work so hard. I was raised on a farm and I know it's constant WORK. My grandma was also cooking and baking bread. When you write about the meals you make it makes me remember my childhood -- it's lovely to have such great memories. Janet, glad you're feeling better. I'm bad about remembering my vitamins too (Flinstones) but think I could benefit from some B complex too with all the exercise I'm doing. I had my interview for that new job today -- it went well, I should know something by end of next week. If that doesn't happen, I think I could switch to days in my own dept. as one of the day girls gave notice today. So, either way, I think I'll be changing schedules. When I had my sleep study last summer, the sleep study doctor told me to quit working nights -- that it's not healthy to change your body's natural rhythm. It's been bugging me ever since she said that. Did I mention I bought one of those Jennie O Turkey tenderloins? I saw it on Biggest Loser a few weeks ago and then bought one at Sam's club. I baked in my convection oven with my probe and it turned out great -- nice and moist and delicious. Has only 1 gram of fat and 110 calories per 4 oz. Just thought I'd pass that info along. Have a great Tuesday everyone! Linda

Hi Carolina Mom, 40 pounds is great, but why no fill? My suggestion is to get a fill. Is there some medical reason why you haven't had one? Other than that, you might step up your exercise or switch it around a bit -- if you've been doing the same thing over and over try something new. Also, if you aren't logging your foods, try to do that and try varying your calories -- one day 900, the next 1300, etc. etc. That seems to help people get off a plateau. But you're already doing great -- with 4 kids you probably don't have time to even eat! Glad to hear from you. Linda

My doctor is much more aggressive than yours. I too have a 10cc band and had surgery 1-27. First fill was 3-11 was 3 ccs and second fill on 4/22 was 2 ccs. I had good restriction for only about a week after each fill. I think it's cause I'm losing quite fast and the fat pad is decreasing quickly. But I've not had any problems with pb'g or being stuck or sliming or anything. Linda

I'd agree and wait until after vacation. That's what I did. I got back from Hawaii on Jan. 12 and started pre op diet Jan. 13 and had surgery Jan. 27. I was more than READY to begin my journey. Enjoy your trip and you'll be even more successful when you do have surgery. Linda