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Lori glad you're feeling better today -- have a great time in Hawaii!! Linda

Morning all TGIF!!! Have a good one and a great weekend. Taking Aylah to her first real high tea tomorrow -- will post pics on FB. Can't wait. Kiskis --you're doing great -- keep it up -- the walking is so good for you. Linda

Meredith, we all love you too! Glad the 5 DPT is working so well for you - it really does remind you of how the band works and as a bonus, you lose some weight and it feels good. I was wearing my Junior size 11 pants tonight with the studs on the back pockets -- I got a call to fill in at the last minute for a card club -- all the ladies are older -- than even me -- and they got a kick out of my pants and noticed those studs. LOL. Quite the difference. One of my pre-band experiences was one day I stopped in a grocery store after work to get a few things. We were still living in Long Beach then -- I was in line at the cash register and this young woman came up with an over flowing cart, one kid in her arms and another hanging onto the cart and rudly told me to let her go in front of me "because you are fat and probably live alone cause no one as fat as you could have anyone waiting for them at home" or something to that effect. I've mentioned this story here before but thought it was worth repeating since we're relating our stories about what our lives were like pre-banding. I remember how mortified I was -- it was a store I was in all the time -- and the worst part is no one came to my defense - not the cashier, no other shoppers no one and she was loud and obnoxious, etc. I just started to sob and left the store. And still I didn't do anything about my weight for about 5 more years -- that's what's so unbeliveable to me. I didn't deserve that treatment but I sure wish it had caused me to have my "ah ha" moment - could have saved my life. Well, it's late, I gotta get to bed. Janet, I'm so glad Andrew is okay and wasn't working during the robbery - that's terrible - I agree with you -- if I'm going to go to jail for ribbing, it would have to be for more than $200 -- but then again, I'm not on illegal drugs needing a fix. Glad no one got hurt. Poor girls were probably scared to death. What an experience. Joyce, glad you are changing doctors, and I' commend you for doing as well as you have under the circumstances. Same with you Julie, with all you've been dealing with, so glad you've been able to maintain. Meredith, sorry about your fight with Andrew -- but that''s a normal/healthy relationship -- glad you made up quickly. Gotta get some sleep. Later. Linda

Lori/Great - hugs on the fall -- I thought you were still in Denver - when do you leave for Hawaii? If you still hurt tomorrow, go get checked out to make sure everything is okay. Yes, take advil or something for the pain. Welcome and congrats to Kiskis on being banded - hope you'll come back and get to know us a bit. Jodi, I can't wait for the Bat Mitzvah -- it's going to be a wonderful party -- your life is very hectic - but I think all of us were at that same place when we were about your age -- kids sure keep you busy. Have fun Friday night - that guy sounds nice -- hope the chemestry works - it would be so convenient to date someone in your building -- worth checking out anyway. Home from work/chiropractor -- will cbl. Have a good evening everyone - I too am enjoying reading all the "lapband stories" -- it's so inspiring and should help keep us grounded. . Linda

Hi all, feeling sooo much better today. Ended up not feeling very well last night - in fact went to bed around 8:45 cause I just felt horrible after work all day and then Zumba last night. I had bought some spring mix at Walmart and after Zumba and my shower discovered it had all gotten slimy (even though it was not at the "use by"date -- in fact -- supposedly good for three more days!! It was horrible -- it had a lot of Water in the container - this is the second time I've bought it and had problems so I won't be buying that any longer. The one they sell at Sam's Club is great -- lasts me more than a week. So after Zumba and my shower I had to go back out in minus 15 degree weather to buy salad fixings - I was not a happy person last night -- so never got my dinner done until around 8:00. But today is gorgeous -- sunny and now is at 26 ABOVE zero -- whoo hoo!! My struggles are much like everyone else's. However, with one additional twist -- because I had a bad hip, I couldn't even put on socks or shoes or even shave my own legs or put lotion on my feet for about three years-- and they probably would not have done my hip replacement until/unless I lost weight first - I never went to find out, but I certainly would have been worried about having my hip replaced while weighing 250! I wore sizes 4x in tops and 3 x in bottoms - I was unccomfortable wearing real bras -- and wore sports bras instead - AND I was wearing size 54 DD. I was literally as large around as I was tall. My legs and arms were never fat I carried ALL my weight in my belly -- the worst place for my health. Between my hip and my bad back and FM, I could barely walk. We went on a vacation to a resort in Puerto Villarta that had a water park and I couldn't walk far -- and it was not that big of a place -- my DH got a wheel chair to take me around the pool area and the restaurants -- so embarassing -- and I remember struggling to walk just from one of the pools to the other or to the river area -- and I couldn't fit on the inner tubes of course - so I just floated with my body. It was shortly after this vacation (also the first one where I needed the seatbelt extension) that I checked out lap band. Then about 3 weeks later (following vacation) I became very ill with kidney failure - another wake up call. I had already been approved for lap band by this time and because of the kidney failure, had to postpone the surgery for 7 months. So I realized during that time that I wanted to LIVE and be around to see my GD grow up. Oh my, that is horrible remembering that. I hated my picture being taken - and in looking back at them I look so miserable - I look like I'm in terrible pain (I was) and so sad and unhappy (I was). Now I exercise every day -- and can walk and walk forever -- such a great feeling!!!!! Oh, almost forgot, I also had high cholesteral and was on cholesteral meds, high blood pressure meds and had sleep apnea with a machine and within 3 months of my surgery got rid of all meds and the machine - I only take thyroid med now and my blood pressure is always fantastic -- 116 over 75 usually -- unbelieveable! Oh and the BEST news of all -- recently my surgeon told me I could skip a colonoscopy that I used to have to do every 2 years because of my weight loss!! Yippee!!! Joyce, I'm so sorry your surgeon is the way he is -- that's what gives doctors doing this type of work a bad name -- you should defintely demand some care from him!! That's just terrible. Yes, I think you might have some good results with the 5 DPT -- it can't hurt anyway. Well, I'd better post this before I lose it - have been working on it and working all day -- I'll CBL. Linda

Hi all, site was DOWN again this am during my regular time so I was frustrated -- honestly they need to get their acts together. I like to read and catch up when I first get up in the morning. LauraK and Meredith, I've been posting a lot about the 5 DPT and the no carbs cause I 'm trying to share information with those of you who may be struggling like I was last year and I 'm hoping to save you all some of the frustration I went through last year when I didn't listen about the no carbs. In fact before I got banded I kept asking "why do I have to eat sugar free when I'm not diabetic" cause in the past I ate sugar and still lost weight. I also went through 8 months of being too tight and it wasn't until after I got the UN-fill in August that I was able to eat Protein correctly and start losing again. So as Cheri likes to say, take what you can use and leave the rest. I'm not trying to be a know it all and hope it's not coming across as such. Meredith, as far as losing 4 lbs. after 2 days on the 5 DPT I have heard that some people lose as much as 10 lbs. during the 5 DPT. I myself lost about 3 the first time I did it so yes, I think it depends on your body and how much you have to lose -- I know I lost huge amounts of weight immediately following surgery when I was on liquids for two weeks. I hope you reap some benefits from it -- even though you don't have much in your pouch, it will be curious to see how you feel when you start to eat the soft protein. Julie, glad you are proactive in your health care -- sorry you are still hurting from the fall, hugs on all of it. Hope DD's appt. goes well today. Thinking of you. LauraK, glad you are getting out and enjoying yourself -- that's the best way - just hanging with friends --that way you don't feel pressured about having just one person in your life. I lived that way 15 years and always had a good time, then when I met Mr. Right I recognized he was Mr. Right pretty quickly. Apples and Eva -- you two are so much fun -- sounds like you're all having a blast. Wish we could all be there and join in the fun. Well, gotta work. Hpefully the site will be up and running tonight/tomorrow morning. Love to all, Linda

Morning everyone. I'm home from work today -- didn't feel great yesterday and decided to stay home and rest and hopefully feel better tomorrow -- having a bout of vertego and felt all achy last night -- feel a bit better after sleeping well but hoping a day resting will do the trick. I think I just go go go all the time -- I can't remember the last time I had a day where I did "nothing" and rested -- so today is it. Julie, so sorry to hear about your fall -- but Laura is right - it's gotta be from the pain meds. Hoping you heal quickly -- I'm so sorry that happend to you. Arelene, your poor, sweet mom -- God bless her -- hope she heals quickly too --- I feel so sorry for her. How do they treat an injury like that? Do they put her in a back brace or something to allign everything and keep it in place? Janet, I agree that we love our newbies and always want to be available for them, so I 'm glad in that way we can't have a private thread. Your messge is perfect - and in red -- perfect. Laura, you already look gorgeous -- no need to panic about meeting your MIL -- you've already met the SIL haven't you? Just purge the carbs and start exercising and you'll do just fine -- I have lots of tapes that I use at home during bad weather or on days when I just don't feel like going to the gym. I used them last year when I was recovering from my hip replacement. Just one hour every day for you -- you can split it up into 15 min. increments you know or 1/2 hour increments -- whatever works - just do 1 hour every day of some type of real exercise -- because you want to lose weight don't sub housework for it -- really try to do it and you'll see results. Meredith -- yes I think the 5DPT will work better for you -- be sure to get enough calories -- especially if you are exercising. I think you'll be happy with the results because as I said it's what you eat, and eating all Protein is truly what it's all about. When I mentioned that Reader's Digest article the other day what I forgot to also mention is that it said if cutting out the fat of our diets worked, we would all be skinny by now. During my band experience I was very very diligent about eating very low fat - I didn't even eat eggs until very recently because I wanted to cut the fats -- I ate egg beaters - I was eating ONLY non fat cheeses -- never ate any oils -- (ie., I wouldn't eat fahitas cause I knew the meat was cooked with oil). I only ate non fat/low fat everything -- and I was miserable -- AND I was ravenous hungry between meals. I was making my journey so much more difficult than it needed to be. Then I made the UNwise decision to add some low fat, low calorie carb Snacks into the mix and over the course of a few months, gained about 8 lbs. -- that's when I woke up and thought "WTF is going on? How can I possibly be gaining when I'm only eating 1100 calories per day and exercising every day?" So I decided to try the 5DPT and check it out and that's how I learned that Cheri was right all along -- we can't eat that crap. Now I'm eating more cheese, real eggs, more meat, using oils and and I'm staying fuller longer and feel so much better -- more energy -- my skin is even less dry -- it's an amazing difference. I'm eating a diet much higher in fat (but they are GOOD fats) and I'm losing weight again -- I haven't bothered to track calories cause I figured it would make me insane to do so. I'm now back to where I was at my lowest weight (which was right before my hip surgery last December). I didn't lose weight this past week but that's normal for me -- I usually stay the same a week or two and then drop a pound or two. I don't really care at this point -- the important thing for me is HOW I feel. I hardly ever feel that "ravenous" feeling any more -- remember too that I got fills trying to get rid of that feeling - and all that did was make me too tight and when I did eat protein I would immediately get stuck and pb! So I learned to eat "sliders" cause they went down easier and I could eat -- thank goodness I got a .500 unfill in August -- that started me back on the right road again -- if I had done the 5 DPT before the unfill I probably would have realized I had too much fill cause I doubt I could have eaten any of the soft Proteins on Day 3. That's why I recommend the pouch test-- Joyce you might want to try that and see if maybe you are too tight - it sounds like it to me. I struggled most of last year with that and truly, you don't need to be that tight - the band will work if we are eating right and are not too tight. Meredith yes you need to say "NO" -- don't be like me - I'm old and still trying to please everyone. For instance a week or two ago one of my co-workers invited me to a dinner at her church. She's always trying to get me to come to her church - I think she thinks I need saving or something. Now I am very spiritual and religious -- went to church all my life but after one particular sermon I decided organized religion wasn't something I needed to do -- I dislike it and so I don't attend churches any longer. Anyway, I almost caved in this time cause I felt guilty that I didn't want to go -- I thought "oh it would mean so much to HER" I can do that. Then I started thinking about it -- did I truly WANT to give up an entire evening for this -- it wasn't for me or my DH -- it was to make her feel good, not me. Plus it's a total LIE cause I'm not going to start coming to church every Sunday anyway. I know that. So when she asked me Friday I just said, "no thanks -- PERIOD" Didn't give a reason just said "NO THANKS." It worked - she didn't ask why or anything else. So I recommend you start now to say no thanks and not let people guilt you into stuff -- I think we have signs flashing on our foreheads that indicates we are easily manipulated or something. Don't do it -- cause I know exactly how you will feel -- you are very much like me in that way I think and I'm here 30 years later telling you that I did a lot of crap for 30 years that I didn't want to do to please people and truly it wasn't worth it. In your head pretend that you only have a few days left before Andrew leaves for a year and see what you would tell your friend then. And then do it!! You certainly would not choose her over Andrew if that were the case would you? And, more than likely, that friend would ask you to do so even knowing he was leaving for a year -- cause all she cares about is having someone to go with her -- she can find someone else -- you aren't her ONLY friend I'm sure, but you're probably the easiest friend to manipulate. Jodi, where have you been? Missing your posts -- hope everything is okay. LauraK -- love love love you -- you are so cute and fiesty. How's everything going with you -- you don't say much about your life on the thread any longer -- hope all is okay -- any new guys lately??????????? We gotta find you a good one -- maybe we can find one for you in Chicago - in my head I'll think of you meeting someone on the train to Chicago -- how romantic -- see -- that's why I'm a writer - -I have a whole scenario figured out -- then he'll cut his trip short so he can surprise you and ride back home with you -- he'll be so perfect for you you won't believe it's true -- it's going to be great!!! So if I think of that every day between now and June, I bet it will happen. Positive thinking! Apples and Eva, be careful on your drive south - so jealous -- take lots of pics and have a wonderful time!! Better quit rambling and go watch the news -- oh, by the way it was MINUS 10 when I got up this morning at 7:30. OUCH! Love you all. Linda

Oh ouch Arlene, sorry about the pb'ing episode - sounds terrible. Sorry that happened -- hope all will settle down - liquids for a few days should help. Hugs on that. Laura, I had giggled when I read your quip, KNOWING it was a joke -- OMG i can't believe you received personal messages re this -- all of us here KNOW YOU SO WELL, we all KNOW you were joking -- I would think if someone is lurking here they should BTOB -- if you aren't sharing with us why are you reading our thread? Don't understand that at all and sorry that happened to you. I noticed on "the Neighborhood" which seems to be the exact same layout as here that they can make their threads "personal" and outsiders can't get in to read them. Maybe one of our brainy techie people here can check that out or ask Alex about that? That would be great - especially with some of the other issues we've had. Especially since we do get quite personal at times. I just never really think about other people reading what we write -- I figure it would be boring if you aren't involved. I would never criticize someone I don't know in a situation like that. Sorry that happened and hugs on that. By the way I also think you're correct in what you say about why -- if we normally need a fill after losing 10 lbs., I'm sure you probably do need an unfill after gaining 10 lbs. -- that only makes sense. Gotta run -- working. Linda Anyway,

Eva, just remembered that I don't think I ever responded to your question about taking the train to Chicago - yes, I plan to take it -- there's a station just 30 mins. from us and we can take that right to Union station in about 6 hours, so yes, I'm planning to take the train. I had some "crap" yesterday - -planned it but boy I feel crappy today -- not worth it. Hope I feel better after today. Janet, is this week your Furlough Friday? I'm so glad Eva and Apples are coming for a good visit -- should be a fun time. Yes, the pics of you and Kaitlyn from vacation are great and yes, you are making great memories with her and Brook. Another reason to be happy we got healthy -- no way would either of us be so healthy today if we hadn't lost the fat. Linda

Joyce, loved your description of "true joy" re Aylah's pictures - that is a great description -- she does seem to have true joy in her -- and for all she's been through with her disease and her mom's illnesses that's an amazing thing for her! Linda

Laura, sorry to hear about your unfill -- wtf is right. I just don't get it. Hope it fixes the problem. Your DH is too cute -- glad his new favorite team won -- I was cheering them on too (only one in this house - the rest were Pittsburg fans so I was sooo happy my team won!) Did he buy a cheesehead while he wsa in Wisconsin? LOL. I was so disappointed in the commercials -- didn't see any thing great -- last year there were several really great ones. I didn't even really like the budweiser one this year -- kinda boring and stupid. The halftime show was for young people -- I would have fast forwarded through it if the kids hadn't been here. LOL. But did Christine A. do a great job on the national anthem. Wow -- really moving -- also loved the girl from Glee who sang America before that. Really pretty Cheri, hope you can get to the doctor today -- sounds like you'll need some meds. I was so mad this site was down again last night -- they sure are having problems with it -- hope they figure it out soon. Arlene, hope you enjoyed the party and happy to hear that shot fixed up your thumb. LOL on the wrinkles -- I bought some new Mary Kay stuff -- supposed to help -- we'll see. When I was getting my hair done at the beauty shop Sat. I noticed my neck is starting to look pretty bad. EEEEEeek -- I hate turkey necks. Before I lost the weight I never could see that neck -- too many chins - so at least a wrinkled neck won't kill me. Lori, how is DD? Is she having more labor? I know your e-mail said you'd be home Wednes. unless she went in to labor. How exciting! How did the family shower go? Hope everyone behaved well. Hope you all have a great and successful week -- Meredith I'm thinking of you this morning as you start your new two week plan -- I know you'll do great and have great results. I'll be back! Linda

We're back -- not big winners, but only spent what we could afford to -- DH ended up $10 ahead but not me. LOL. We are seldom lucky at the casino on the same day. Everyone watched the big game tonight? I made a pot of kraut and kielbasa yesterday for the gang to have sandwiches and just popped my famous carb free stuffed mushrooms in the oven. Here's the recipe -- I have been perfecting this recipe for about 20 years. These keep well and are just as good reheated in the microwave -- actually I think they get better with age. I line two cookie sheets with foil. 3 packages of fresh large mushrooms 2 8 oz. pkgs. of "light" cream cheese (not fat free) softened to room temperature 1/2 C. shredded swiss cheese 1/2 C. shredded smoked gouda cheese 1/4 C. fresh grated parmesean cheese 4 green onions, sliced thinly including greens 2 teaspoons Worcheshire sauce 1/2 C. butter, melted 1 T. lemon juice Garlic powder, salt and pepper Clean mushrooms by wiping with towel and remove stems witih spoon -- gently scrape around opening to make it larger and reserve these tender scrapings in bowl. Place mushrooms on cookie sheets. Melt butter and add lemon juice after melting. Spoon butter/lemon juice onto each mushroom cap. Season mushroom with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Mix cheeses together with mushroom scraping, onions and worscestshire sauce. Add about 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder into cheese mixture and mix well. Heap cheese mixture on top of each cap -- be generous - use all the cheese. Bake at 375 for 25 to 30 minutes or until slightly browned on top. There will be juice -- remove from cookie sheets with slotted spoon. Please don't switch out the cheeses -- I really have been perfecting this for 20 years and these cheese give it the best flavor. Enjoy -- lots of fat in them, but no carbs. Not much else happening here -- my DH is out shoveling the driveway from the 2 or so inches we got last night - but it's over 30 and warm so not too bad. Arlene, how's your thumb? Melissa, I am so very sorry you fell -- glad nothing is broken. Please be careful. Talk to you all later. Linda

Cheri, I know how you feel and you will do it -- you're at exactly the place i was when I first went back to basics with the 5DPT. Meredith, you are wise to wait to start until tomorrow. I think your doctor is a little low on his calorie though -- why only 700 calories? I'm like Cheri - it's not the calories -- it's WHAT you are putting in your mouth. If I ate 700 calories of only carbs - I would be ravenously hungry and weak. However, if I ate only 700 calories of Protein I'd probably make it through the day - but after a day or two would feel pretty weak on so few calories -- especially during exercise. Most Protein shakes are around 150 to 200 calories. Julie, so happy to hear from you but sorry you're suffering. Have you had any doctor visits lately? I just don't understand why no one can seem to help you. It makes no sense to me. When is your new GB due? I can't remember -- May? I bet the girls are both getting excited. Kristi congratulations on your decision to get the band. Hope you'll keep coming back -- we're all here for you -- if you have any questions feel free to ask. On our way to the casino -- snowed a bit but think we'll be okay. Will it ever end????? I'm really sick of winter. Linda

Cheri very well said. I agree -- when I did the pouch test I eliminated all fruit during that time -- I followed all the rules of the 5 day pouch test -- including eating for only 15 mins. when I was eating Protein and I discovered how little it takes to satisfy my hunger. After doing that pouch test I was able to get my eating back on track and lose weight -- as you know I do eat fruit -- but it doesn't trigger my hunger -- it satisfies my need for fruit -- and that's all. I do limit the amount of it I eat however, and I do try to eat the fruits low on the glycemic scale. I have been consistently losing 1 to 2 lbs. per week and I have increased the fats (good ones) in my food intake which really satisfies my hunger - I never really feel hungry between meals and therefore can follow the no snack rule easily. When I was at the beauty shop today for my getting younger appt. a new issue of Readers Digest was there talking about the same thing -- cutting carbs, increasing fats and eating mostly protein -- not a diet but a lifestyle change. Part of the article that interested me was about how 20 or so years ago we were told that if we cut the fats out of our diet we would lose weight -- well, I believed that and followed such diet and did lose weight but boy was it easy to gain it back -- I did keep it off for several years but once I stopped exercising and eating carbs, the weight came back so quickly and also MOSTLY IN MY BELLY that it was fairly scary -- this article mentioned that exact phenonomen. So live and learn -- that's what it's all about. Melissa, stop agonizing over what you've lost and regained. Please look at it as a new start -- just start again and quit thinking "oh, if only I hadn't gained this much back" -- it isn't doing you any good -- it's depressing to think about it and it probably makes you want to eat more. Try instead to say, I will eat no carbs JUST for TODAY - Just TODAY I will do it -- even if it means going to bed early. Try it --- get up and be determined to make it just ONE day -- and when you get hungry EAT PROTEIN and nothing else. You'll find you're hunger is satisfied very quickly. I found Day 3 of the 5 DPT the most interesting -- after two days of liquids only you eat soft protein -- like canned chicken or tuna and she says to eat it only with lemon juice or if you must, a very small amount of mayo -- like 1 teaspoon for the entire can -- that's what I do -- I mix 1 small teaspoon of mayo into one can and it's still very dry - then you eat it slowly and chew it well but only for 15 mins. -- but what is amazing is you find you get full long before that 15 mins. is up. And you stay full -- try it. It's amazing. That's why I recommend the 5DPT -- because after you do it you realize that that small amount of food (1/2 cup or so) is really truly enough food for you to eat and stay full for hours. Jessica I think since you're unable to exercise right now that if you could do the 5 day pouch test you'd feel better and you'd probably lose a few pounds and that will help lift you out of your funk. The first time I did it I felt amazing afterward - yes it's hard the first few days and yes you will have cravings but you can and will make it through. Several tricks -- brush your teeth and floss so that you are not tempted to eat anything in the evening. Or I've even gone to bed early when I've had food cravings. Arelene, glad you didn't get the snow -- sorry the kids were disappointed - I'm sure they were. In LA they used to truck in some snow at one of the amuzement parks for the kids to play in -- they should do that down in your area. Enjoyed my zumba class this morning -- would like to have it every Sat. The instructor said maybe every other one -- she'll think about it. Then I did 15 mins. on the elleptical and did my weights -- so I'm good. Watched Robin Hood with Russell Crowe tonight -- pretty good movie - I have netflix and I only get one at a time so I'm a bit behind in my movie watching. It's so nice out (high of 35 and very sunny today again) we are giong to the casino in the morning. Hope we win money too! Going to post some pics of Aylah on FB -- some of her in the deep snow. She's so cute. They're coming over tomorrow to watch the superbowl. I made some crock pot pulled pork today for them to eat tomorrow during the game. Linda

Good Morning! Thank Goodness it's back. What in the heck do these people do? I did send Alex a PM. This morning I looked for the thread I started and it's not there - so weird. It was sunny and 35 yesterday! Wow -- hope it gets that nice again today. Currently it's 12. My neighbor across the street knitted me a pair of mittens with the fingers/thumbs open -- so sweet = but they really help -- I wore them last night - it helps keep me warmer in the house -- I just can't get warm enough no matter what I wear -- my DH will be sweating and I'll be freezing. That the worst drawback to having had this surgery - yesterday at work I wore 2 long sleeve sweaters, wool socks with boots on and still had to have my heater blasting away -- everyone else was fine -- in fact some were complaining it was too hot. Kab welcome back -- as Janet said, let us know what your food is. Did you surgeon stress the 4 rules? They are: Protein first, no snacking, drinking 64 oz of Water each day and exercising. Through my experience I have learned to remoe the carbs from my diet. Here's what I ate yesterday (and is my normal daily food). Breakfast: 1/4 cup strawberries/blueberries (no sugar) and half a banana mixed with greek yogurt. Lunch: 1/2 can of canned chicken breast mixed witih 1 wedge of light laughing cow cheese, sugar free Jello cup and sugar free popsicle. Dinner: Baby greens, onions and tomato, another wedge of light laughing cow garlic/herb cheese, grilled chicken breast tossed with light sesame salad dressing, sugar free pudding with added Protein powder and sugar free jello. Sometimes I add a Protein shake in the morning -- a couple times a week. If I do get hungry between a meal, I'll eat some sugar free jello or pudding to satisfy it or maybe a cup of coffe -- that seems to help stave off my hunger. Once a week or so I'll have a bag of 100 calorie popcorn as a special treat. I'm trying to lose the last 6 pounds or so. I exercise one hour every day -- occasionaly I take a day off - when I feel I need it -- sometimes I feel so energized I don't. Today I'm going to a Zumba class and then will lift weights. I lift weights at least twice a week -- it's important to build your muscles so you can burn calories more efficiently. Don't worry about what people at the gym think -- just do it for you - maybe the guy on the treadmill next to you used to weigh 400 lbs. - you don't know -- so just do it. Hope some of this can help you. this is not a diet, it's a lifestyle - a lot of us here have lost the majority of our weight and are either maintaining or fine tuning -- so between us we do have a wealth of information, but the bottom line is: it's not a magic cure -- YOU still have to work at making the lifestyle changes. You've accomlished so much in your life -- you can tackle this one too. Congrats on getting the band and continue to check in here daily -- it really really helps -- trust us, we all did and we're happy we stuck around. Apples, glad you liked costco - I haven't been in probaly almost 25 years -- been going to Sam's club the past 15 or so. Woudl be fun to see the difference -- when I come to Tuscon (some year) you and Eva can take me. You better believe I'm heading directly to Tuscon when I get that motor home. LOL Janet I'll have to check out those cookbooks -- love taste of home anyway -- thanks for the information. Lori, hope you have a good time in Denver -- my DS adn DIL are there this weekend -- skiing. Our bookstore in town is having a formal tea next Sat. for 4-6 year olds, so guess who I signed up? I can't wait - she's going to love it. Arelene, did you survive the storm? Gosh that was terrible weather for you. Hope all is well. Cheri, hope you're doing better too. Have a good weekend everyone. I have Zumba at 9:30 -- not normally held on Sat - she's making up for that one day when there was a storm -- Iwish she'd do it every SAt -it's a nice time to go and much more enjoyable than working out all alone. Linda

Just a fly by so you all won't worry. Got to work around 10:30 or so - been busy -- only two of us here (normally 5) so busy. Roads are passable but icy. Stay safe everyone. Linda

Morning everyone! It appears that the worst is over. Sandy, we have drifts in places that high too - I saw on FB this a.m. where ALL the streets/roads in my entire county are CLOSED -- they say do not drive. Since I work in the call center, I am expecting my boss to call at any minute and tell me he's picking me up (which I told him to do -- he's young and can get his driveway shoveled out -- my poor DH and his little snow blower will probably struggle all day). We are officially closed until noon but those of us who live in town will more than likely need to go in -- my boss will not be able to handle all the calls from home - we normally get over 1000 calls per day. The rest of the country doesn't even know (or probably care) where our office is -- they are always surprised if they ask to hear it is in small town Iowa. LOl. So I have a pot of ham/bean Soup on the stove already and plan to try to get a work out in soon. It's very pretty -- but oh my the winds were so bad -- big drifts everywhere. Have not seen any cars anywhere - no plows out yet either. Will be an interesting day. Cheri, so sorry to hear about your accident -- please please take care of yourself and yes, do not shovel at all -- I'm sure you won't take any chances, but don't even think about it please. Hope with rest and soaking in the tub you will feel better by tomorrow but if not, stay home and take care of yourself -- the last thing you need to do is fall or slip and do more damage. How much damage to the car? I love love love the idea of doing a 5K with my lbt buddies -- oh my - it will be such an amazing accomplishment!! Hope there's one -- I think the dates were around the 10th of June Sandy -- that weekend, but not positive. Arlene, how is your weather? Heard there was snow in Texas -- hope you are okay - those abrupt temp changes are hard on you -- stay safe and warm. Well, better get going. To those of you in the middle of the storm right now -- stay inside and stay safe. CBL Linda

I posted some pics of our storm on FB. With the wind chill it's about -15 here right now. Linda

Just a quick note to you all - I'm home safe and sound -- our office is closed until tomorrow at noon --the call center (where I work) will be manned tonight and then tomorrow by on call people from home. If the storm is as bad as they think they may cancel work tomorrow afternoon as well. I work for an amazing company - I've never had a "snow day" anywhere else in my 42 years of working!! Wow. Just wanted to let you know - gotta go eat some lunch. CBL Linda

Arlene, want to clarify -- I can't run (due to hip/back) so if you look at the couch to 5 K training schedule, replace the jogging with fast walking - just wanted to clarify for you so you'd know what I meant -- It'll work the same as jogging. Love ya. Linda

Arlene, it's 5 months until Chicago -- google train for 5K and see if you can try to work some of the exercise in -- walking it would be a great goal for you to set for yourself. I will walk with you! LInda

I'm going to click my heels three times and say "I wanna be in Tuscon" and see if it works. Here I go - -Eva and Apples, if you see me you can verify it worked. LOL Linda

Arlene, ouch -- shot sounded painful but hope it helps. Cortizone shots never hurt when I get them -- I just never look at that needle for one thing. LOL. Hope it starts to feel better soon. So far no snow yet -- but they canceled school anyway -- in our rural community where snow is supposed to fall and then get windy they cancel -- don't want any kids to get stranded. I always offer my guest room to co-workers who live far - and many do -- once in a great while someone takes me up on it -- we are tough here in Iowa -- most people who live out in country have 4 wheel drive and they can manage. I'm a wimp -- after living in So. Cal. but of course, I lived in snow country (Ohio, Duluth, Fairbanks and Reno) so I know what I'm doing too. I just don't like it. LOL. Well, gotta work -- check in later. Janet, glad Andrew took you out -- such a sweet kid. Linda

Morning all! Blizzard warning today -- we have snow/ice on the ground but expecting 12 to 16 by tonight, should make for an intereting day. Don't worry about me though - our town is so small that no matter where I go I am never more than 2 miles from home -- that's the beauty of living in a small area. I am never too far that I can't just walk home if necessary. Lori, glad the shower went well -- I too can't believe you carried a cake on the plane! Glad it all went well with DD's MIL. As far as tje 5 DPT goes, I don't know if you'd get the full benefit from it if you don't do the 2 days of liquids -- as I never did it without doing that first. I needed to do it to know that I did have restriction -- but you may not need to that part of it. Laura -- sorry to hear you and Nels are not feeling well - hope it passes quickly. I think it'd be great for your parents to join you on vacation - much better than having the PET scan -- you're right on that too - why bother doing it now? Atlantis sounds much better than that! Apples, glad you were able to find your humble abode in Tuscon -- it's nice to have a definite destiny for every winter -- sounds lovely -especially with the crappy weather we are getting today. Don't be in any hurry to return. Watched the Betty White movie last night -- very sad -- very good though -- it was heartbreaking. I'm sure that happened more than we realized. Had Zumba last night -- did some new songs and boy oh boy, for the first time I felt a bit sore afterwards. New moves must have used some different muscles than I'm used to -- Weird to be sore when I exercise all the time. Apples you and I probably walk about the same pace, so we'd be a good match up for the 5K -- I'm excited -- hope Sandy finds one for us to do. Well, gotta get ready for Water aerobics -- then work - ugh. Have chiropractor this afternoon. Stay safe everyone -- cbl. Linda

I could speed walk a 5 K - and would be willing to join in -- sounds like fun. Linda