ljv52

Forgot to mention that we did go to see King's Speech yesterday -- loved that movie! Really great acting --and what a great story. I taped that movie with Betty White last night Arlene, but haven't watched it yet -- will probably sob through it all. LOL. I love a good cry. Gotta get back to work. Later. Linda

Oh, Eva, I keep forgetting to write about the card exchange -- I'm willing but will warn you -- I've never actually made any so I'm quite the beginner. I'd be willing to try to do Easter cards -- what do you girls think? Linda

Good Morning! Yes, we too are in the winter storm watch -- supposed to get some snow starting this afternoon through Wednes. with possibilities of up to 18 inches. Hopefully NOT. Don't need/want that. Yuck. I'm ready for spring, not that mess. Arlene, i did look at your pics - your Mom is so cute -- as are all your family. Loved that recent pic of your sister Linda and her GD -- so cute. That is quite a story about your Mom and her first husband. My DH had an aunt who married a young man who then went off to World War II and when he came back he had developed a mental problem and was put in a mental aslym. She had had a baby with him who had been still born and she chose to keep all of this a secret from most people for the rest of her life -- she never married again. Such sad stories. That's probably one of the reasons your mom is the way she is - she's known and lived through a terrible tragedy/loss and knows what's truly important in life. Meredith, hope all goes well with your clients -- I have a feeling they will be very supportive of you -- it's not like you've kept your schooling a secret. Melissa, good going on the tennis--not only is that good for your body but good to be connecting and spending time with Alex -- it's a win-win situation for sure. Keep it up. You'll get the food under control -- just start with one day and then add another and another - just keep your goals small at first -- soon you'll get excited again and start feeling so good you'll want to make the right choices. Since I've taken the carbs out of my mouth I have felt so much better -- have a lot more energy, etc. It's amazing how much better I feel. Phyl, glad you checked in and glad you had a nice trip! Jodi, I saw on FB where you got home safely -- just in time for this next storm (ugh). Glad you were able to enjoy the small amount of great weather - such nice pictures -- looks like you and Dassi had a wonderful time. Time to get ready for work -- have a wonderful Monday - stay safe to all in snow country -- I made Soup yesterday and did all my grocery shopping over the weekend so we could survive a good month -- lol. no worries here. Lori, hope you have time to post all about the shower!! Linda

Sorry about junking up the thread -- I can't believe it actually posted this morning - it just sat and sat and then just timed out . Oh well.

Oh no, it did post -- it timed out this am. -- very strange.

I wrote the following around 8 a.m. but it wouldn't let me post -- luckily I copy & pasted it and didn't lose it. This site is terrible Goooood Morning All!!!! I agree that we need time to laze around and yakkity yakkity yak while in Chicago. That's why we need a week! LOL. I'm hoping most can come Thursday evening and leave Sunday or Monday. I myself will probably plan to get there Thurs. and leave Mon. Morning since I'm taking the train -- I'm in no rush to return to work. LOL. Apples -- are there trains from your area? I'm excited -- I love travel by train -- so interesting and relaxing. Sandy, I too used to be like you -- I was soooooo clean it was sickening -- I'm still fussy (no one can ever clean to my satisfaction -- I always end up firing any and all cleaning people I hire), but I'm not nearly as bad as I was in my younger days. My ah ha wake up moment was when I had kidney failure -- that was when I decided i wanted to live and get healthy and enjoy life. I agree with you about the 50 thing of realizing we aren't going to be around forever -- I quit smoking right after I turned 50 but it took me longer to realize my weight was also killing me. I used to say I was a "healthy fat woman". Wow, who the heck was I kidding? I used to say, "I'm never going to deprive myself of anything again cause it doesn't do any good." I also used to say "I can't exercise cause of my back - it will make it hurt worse" when in fact it doesn't hurt any worse and often feels better after exercise. That was just the fat chick inside me determined to take over and kill me! Once my GD was born it made me realize I wanted to be around to see her grow up. I'm so happy I made those choices. Eva and Apples sounds like a fun day - even if you aren't into sewing I'm sure the quit show was interesting. Apples, I am like you -- I have gotten away from all my creative projects as well -- especially sad I have not finished my book. We must vow to get back to these things this year. I too have a huge stamp collection and never make cards -- I have all these supplies and they sit, year after year unused. I must stop procrastinating and to it this year!! My DH was not feeling well when we returned from Des Moines yesterday. Tried a new bbque place that someone recommended and it was good -- I had turkey and a few bites of Beans -- couldn't eat much - DH had brisket and garlic bread (including mine), beans and french fries so not sure if something he ate made him sick or not. I felt fine -- it might just be the regular flu - -he had chills and aches and upset tummy. Hope he's better today - he's still slumbering - I really want to see the King's speech. Hope we can go. Aylah called and said she made us some refrigerator magnets and wants to stop by and bring them to us. She's so darn cute -- she's so excited. Spent about 2 hours in the kitchen after our return cleaning my chicken breasts and butterflying them in preparation for freezing - bought 10 lbs. of breasts - and it took awhile. Then I took the meat off the rotissiere chicken for DH - will make him some more homemade soup today -- that will cure him. Julie, sorry you are still having problems -- have you been to any doctors recently? When is your DH having his shoulder surgery? When is your DD due? Is it March? I can't remember. Sorry to hear about the weight gain -- try to eat mostly Protein and maybe some sugarfree puddings with extra protein in them -- that will help your hunger and shouldn't put on pounds. Have some protein drinks when you get hungry -- it's quick and easy - add a banana in it -- some Peanut Butter (or our powdered peanut butter) really helps fill you up -- DH is right - you need to have food to keep up your strength -- but the right kind of food is what you need --not carbs -- they don't build up your strength. Hope things turn around -- maybe you'll start to feel better when the cold weather passes -- it may be linked to cold, damp weather. I'm trying to remember when all of this started -- was it during winter? Hugs to you Julie, we think of you often. Hope it gets better. Cheri, Kaye has information on dumping syndrome on her site -- from what I remember reading it sounded like we could get it -- not just the by pass patients -- if I see that article again I'll send you the link. Arlene, you mom sounds like quite a lady -- I'd love to see a picture of her. I'm so glad she's doing better and ready to get back to her old life -- she's quite a fighter by the sounds of it. Good for her - you are such a great daughter -- glad you have such a good relationship with her - it's nice to hear about. I miss my mom and wish I could have some more time with her now that I'm older I think we'd have a better relationship. So please hear me when I tell you to enjoy her and be thankful she's still in your life -- once she's gone you'll miss her everyday. Well, DH isn't up yet so I think I'll get dressed and go work out. Have a good day everyone. Linda

Goooood Morning All!!!! I agree that we need time to laze around and yakkity yakkity yak while in Chicago. That's why we need a week! LOL. I'm hoping most can come Thursday evening and leave Sunday or Monday. I myself will probably plan to get there Thurs. and leave Mon. Morning since I'm taking the train -- I'm in no rush to return to work. LOL. Apples -- are there trains from your area? I'm excited -- I love travel by train -- so interesting and relaxing. Sandy, I too used to be like you -- I was soooooo clean it was sickening -- I'm still fussy (no one can ever clean to my satisfaction -- I always end up firing any and all cleaning people I hire), but I'm not nearly as bad as I was in my younger days. My ah ha wake up moment was when I had kidney failure -- that was when I decided i wanted to live and get healthy and enjoy life. I agree with you about the 50 thing of realizing we aren't going to be around forever -- I quit smoking right after I turned 50 but it took me longer to realize my weight was also killing me. I used to say I was a "healthy fat woman". Wow, who the heck was I kidding? I used to say, "I'm never going to deprive myself of anything again cause it doesn't do any good." I also used to say "I can't exercise cause of my back - it will make it hurt worse" when in fact it doesn't hurt any worse and often feels better after exercise. That was just the fat chick inside me determined to take over and kill me! Once my GD was born it made me realize I wanted to be around to see her grow up. I'm so happy I made those choices. Eva and Apples sounds like a fun day - even if you aren't into sewing I'm sure the quit show was interesting. Apples, I am like you -- I have gotten away from all my creative projects as well -- especially sad I have not finished my book. We must vow to get back to these things this year. I too have a huge stamp collection and never make cards -- I have all these supplies and they sit, year after year unused. I must stop procrastinating and to it this year!! My DH was not feeling well when we returned from Des Moines yesterday. Tried a new bbque place that someone recommended and it was good -- I had turkey and a few bites of Beans -- couldn't eat much - DH had brisket and garlic bread (including mine), beans and french fries so not sure if something he ate made him sick or not. I felt fine -- it might just be the regular flu - -he had chills and aches and upset tummy. Hope he's better today - he's still slumbering - I really want to see the King's speech. Hope we can go. Aylah called and said she made us some refrigerator magnets and wants to stop by and bring them to us. She's so darn cute -- she's so excited. Spent about 2 hours in the kitchen after our return cleaning my chicken breasts and butterflying them in preparation for freezing - bought 10 lbs. of breasts - and it took awhile. Then I took the meat off the rotissiere chicken for DH - will make him some more homemade Soup today -- that will cure him. Julie, sorry you are still having problems -- have you been to any doctors recently? When is your DH having his shoulder surgery? When is your DD due? Is it March? I can't remember. Sorry to hear about the weight gain -- try to eat mostly Protein and maybe some sugarfree puddings with extra protein in them -- that will help your hunger and shouldn't put on pounds. Have some Protein drinks when you get hungry -- it's quick and easy - add a banana in it -- some Peanut Butter (or our powdered peanut butter) really helps fill you up -- DH is right - you need to have food to keep up your strength -- but the right kind of food is what you need --not carbs -- they don't build up your strength. Hope things turn around -- maybe you'll start to feel better when the cold weather passes -- it may be linked to cold, damp weather. I'm trying to remember when all of this started -- was it during winter? Hugs to you Julie, we think of you often. Hope it gets better. Cheri, Kaye has information on dumping syndrome on her site -- from what I remember reading it sounded like we could get it -- not just the by pass patients -- if I see that article again I'll send you the link. Arlene, you mom sounds like quite a lady -- I'd love to see a picture of her. I'm so glad she's doing better and ready to get back to her old life -- she's quite a fighter by the sounds of it. Good for her - you are such a great daughter -- glad you have such a good relationship with her - it's nice to hear about. I miss my mom and wish I could have some more time with her now that I'm older I think we'd have a better relationship. So please hear me when I tell you to enjoy her and be thankful she's still in your life -- once she's gone you'll miss her everyday. Well, DH isn't up yet so I think I'll get dressed and go work out. Have a good day everyone. Linda

Goooood Morning All!!!! I agree that we need time to laze around and yakkity yakkity yak while in Chicago. That's why we need a week! LOL. I'm hoping most can come Thursday evening and leave Sunday or Monday. I myself will probably plan to get there Thurs. and leave Mon. Morning since I'm taking the train -- I'm in no rush to return to work. LOL. Apples -- are there trains from your area? I'm excited -- I love travel by train -- so interesting and relaxing. Sandy, I too used to be like you -- I was soooooo clean it was sickening -- I'm still fussy (no one can ever clean to my satisfaction -- I always end up firing any and all cleaning people I hire), but I'm not nearly as bad as I was in my younger days. My ah ha wake up moment was when I had kidney failure -- that was when I decided i wanted to live and get healthy and enjoy life. I agree with you about the 50 thing of realizing we aren't going to be around forever -- I quit smoking right after I turned 50 but it took me longer to realize my weight was also killing me. I used to say I was a "healthy fat woman". Wow, who the heck was I kidding? I used to say, "I'm never going to deprive myself of anything again cause it doesn't do any good." I also used to say "I can't exercise cause of my back - it will make it hurt worse" when in fact it doesn't hurt any worse and often feels better after exercise. That was just the fat chick inside me determined to take over and kill me! Once my GD was born it made me realize I wanted to be around to see her grow up. I'm so happy I made those choices. Eva and Apples sounds like a fun day - even if you aren't into sewing I'm sure the quit show was interesting. Apples, I am like you -- I have gotten away from all my creative projects as well -- especially sad I have not finished my book. We must vow to get back to these things this year. I too have a huge stamp collection and never make cards -- I have all these supplies and they sit, year after year unused. I must stop procrastinating and to it this year!! My DH was not feeling well when we returned from Des Moines yesterday. Tried a new bbque place that someone recommended and it was good -- I had turkey and a few bites of Beans -- couldn't eat much - DH had brisket and garlic bread (including mine), beans and french fries so not sure if something he ate made him sick or not. I felt fine -- it might just be the regular flu - -he had chills and aches and upset tummy. Hope he's better today - he's still slumbering - I really want to see the King's speech. Hope we can go. Aylah called and said she made us some refrigerator magnets and wants to stop by and bring them to us. She's so darn cute -- she's so excited. Spent about 2 hours in the kitchen after our return cleaning my chicken breasts and butterflying them in preparation for freezing - bought 10 lbs. of breasts - and it took awhile. Then I took the meat off the rotissiere chicken for DH - will make him some more homemade Soup today -- that will cure him. Julie, sorry you are still having problems -- have you been to any doctors recently? When is your DH having his shoulder surgery? When is your DD due? Is it March? I can't remember. Sorry to hear about the weight gain -- try to eat mostly Protein and maybe some sugarfree puddings with extra protein in them -- that will help your hunger and shouldn't put on pounds. Have some Protein drinks when you get hungry -- it's quick and easy - add a banana in it -- some Peanut Butter (or our powdered peanut butter) really helps fill you up -- DH is right - you need to have food to keep up your strength -- but the right kind of food is what you need --not carbs -- they don't build up your strength. Hope things turn around -- maybe you'll start to feel better when the cold weather passes -- it may be linked to cold, damp weather. I'm trying to remember when all of this started -- was it during winter? Hugs to you Julie, we think of you often. Hope it gets better. Cheri, Kaye has information on dumping syndrome on her site -- from what I remember reading it sounded like we could get it -- not just the by pass patients -- if I see that article again I'll send you the link. Arlene, you mom sounds like quite a lady -- I'd love to see a picture of her. I'm so glad she's doing better and ready to get back to her old life -- she's quite a fighter by the sounds of it. Good for her - you are such a great daughter -- glad you have such a good relationship with her - it's nice to hear about. I miss my mom and wish I could have some more time with her now that I'm older I think we'd have a better relationship. So please hear me when I tell you to enjoy her and be thankful she's still in your life -- once she's gone you'll miss her everyday. Well, DH isn't up yet so I think I'll get dressed and go work out. Have a good day everyone. Linda

Here's an article by Kaye Bailey that really hits the nail on the head. Sounds very familiar to me for sure. My only saving grace was I did manage to exercise every day but the rest sounds just like me (and to be honest, like some of you as well). WLS-Split Personality Syndrome by Kaye Bailey If you have undergone a bariatric surgical procedure to control the metabolic disorder causing you to suffer from morbid obesity then you understand what it means to jump through hoops. Unlike any other life threatening illness people suffering from morbid obesity have to prove they are sick enough to undergo surgical intervention and mentally healthy enough to adapt to that treatment and its consequences. I jumped through the hoops to get treatment with hell-bent determination that if I could just get this one break, some help from the good doctor, I would follow the rules and comply with every request. I would never be "one of those people" who get the surgery only to briefly lose weight and gain it all back. I did everything in my power to convince myself, my doctors, my insurance company, and even my Lord that I would die a miserable sickly death of co-morbidities if I did not have surgery to lose weight and save my life. And that hell-bent determination carried me well, for a time. I did lose weight and I did comply with the rules and restrictions of surgery. And I did praise my surgeon, and my insurance company, and my Lord that my life was spared and I was healthy, alive, and living. I suppose with all that praising going on I kind of lost sight of the path, left the course really, all in the name of living. Pretty soon I wasn't eating Protein first or drinking lots of Water. My daily exercise was hit-and-miss and a little snacking never hurt anyone, right? Somewhere the fighting survivor personality gave way to a what-me-worry wanderlust personality that didn't bother to look at the map. We cannot successfully manage our health with this surgery if we enable split-personality behavior. The minute we give up the hell-bent fighter and survivor personality in exchange for the happen-chance dieter of lost-pounds-past we are at risk of gaining weight, of feelings of failure, and worst of all: we are at risk of succumbing to the metabolic disorder we fought so damn hard to have treated with bariatric surgery. We cannot have it both ways. If we truly believe our obesity is a medical condition -and by medical definition it is- then we must yesterday, today, and always consider it a medical condition. We cannot be gut-whacked one day for the sake of saving our life and the next day abandon the dietary rules like we could a few weight loss programs back when on a whim we joined a strip mall diet program advertising "Join Now! Walk-ins Welcome." You see, this bariatric surgery, it is serious business. There is no whimsy in the decision to get gut-whacked, no neon sign blinking "Walk-ins Welcome." No lose 10 pounds or get your money back promotion. Think back to the days and weeks prior to your surgery. Like me, you talked the subject to wearisome repetition with your closest confidant. You put your personal and financial affairs in order. You signed a liability release praying not to be the rare death-on-the-table, a risk to one out of a hundred of us. You set goals. You made your expectations known: what you expected of yourself and what you expected from others as you beseeched their support in this - your last hope at saving your life from a slow painful death from the complications of morbid obesity. Your claims were heartfelt and emphatic: You wanted to be there to see your children grown and maybe grandchildren too. You wanted to live. This bariatric surgery is serious business. It is a funny thing, the way the mind works. The healthier we become the less we remember how truly sick we were before surgery and before weight loss. Similar to the memory of pain reported following childbirth, findings indicate that the more positive our experience is with weight loss, the less vividly we recall the pain (physical and emotional) of obesity prior to weight loss. This suggests when we fall off the wagon of dietary compliance it is not so much about a moral breakdown or environmental pressure (think food pushers) but perhaps we just don't remember how bad obesity felt. The same is likely true for a recovering addict who returns to the drug of choice: they simply do not recall the agony of the addiction. This could explain why highly intelligent people often repeat the cycle of recovery and relapse befuddling those around them. Toddlers are taught very quickly not to touch a hot stove. It only takes three little sharply spoken words, "Hot! Don't touch!" and one breach of the command and even the dimmest child learns not to touch the hot stove because doing so causes immediate pain. Behavior modification therapy works in a similar manner for adults. Some are taught to wear a rubber band on the wrist and when temptation for relapse occurs the band is snapped in a "Hot! Don't touch!" alert that danger looms. The problem we encounter in the recovery from morbid obesity is that the environmental factors that feed our metabolic disorder don't burn when we touch them. chocolate cake tastes good and macaroni and cheese feels comforting when we eat it. There is no sting from the snap of a rubber band, no burn from the heat of the stove. A 1972 love anthem recorded by Luther Ingram gave us those memorable cheating words, "If loving you is wrong, then I don't want to be right." Remember that classic? How easily it could be the theme song in our forever battle of the bulge. I dare say the best "Hot! Don't touch!" snap for us comes when we understand the risk for split personality behavior following a bariatric surgery for weight loss. While it doesn't seem desirable to dwell upon the pain we suffered from our obesity it would serve us well to not forget it. Photos are a good reminder. I suggest not just the usual "before" picture, but how about a photo of your prescription medications or the CPAP breathing machine you had to wear at night, or the cane or walker you needed because your mobility was impaired? Those photo reminders will feel very much like a snap on the wrist and catapult your personality to being hell-bent on sustained recovery. At LivingAfterWLS we use the Quarterly Self-Assessment 2-page worksheet (download here for free) to take inventory of where we are and where we want to go. The second assessment question is "What was my original goal when I had WLS?" This personal contract is an accountability tool to help us keep our morbid obesity in remission. And I'm pretty sure that for most us keeping morbid obesity in remission was the original goal. More free downloads from LivingAfterWLS Peer support also effectively nurtures our hell-bent personality in recovery. We can learn from those who are further down the road from us and we can tap into the enthusiasm of those new to recovery to boost our resolve when things feel redundant and routine. And who doesn't like having a cheering section when those baby steps become big accomplishments? Join our online safe haven circle of friends - the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood - to learn what I'm talking about. Keep learning. Continued education works to keep us informed, trying new things and having new hope that a remission from our medical disorder is achievable. And reaching out to support others becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy as we benefit from the give and take of a generous spirit. Learn, teach, share. We are in this together. Now that I have laid this out for you I want to bring back the pom-poms and the cheerful optimism. The surgical tool gives us something no strip-mall "Walk-ins Welcome" weight loss program ever will: the ability to bounce back time and time again. We can get back on track and we can work our stomach pouch to manage our metabolic disorder. We have learned how good it can feel to manage our weight and we can do it again. So harness that hell-bent personality. Grab your original goal by the love handles and take charge of your destiny. I am here for you and we are in this together. Not for just a few pounds; not just to goal weight. We are in this together for the purpose of living. You can do this! I say Amen Sister to Kaye Bailey - she said it all so well. We're off to Des Moines -- love you all -- have a great weekend!! Linda

Morning to everyone. Woke up to a nice sunny morning, already 30 degrees!! I can't believe this nice weather. I'm sure those of you down south are chuckling -- but truly, it feels so lovely and it's so nice to have sunshine!! The one thing I KNOW we have to do in Chicago is go walk the Magnificant Mile shopping as we go -- must hit a Garrett Popcorn shop so I can bring home some evil popcorn. It's just too darn good - cheese/caramel mix -- but so evil. It will be one of my "special treats". Since I was only in Chicago in the winter, I'd love to see the Navy Pier in the summer - so I vote for that. Unless the weather is unbearably hot (which it shouldn't be in June) I'll be more interested in outdoor activities than indoor, but that's just me. I love dinner cruises -- sounds great -- is there anyone coming who has never seen a Great Lake? Peaches, glad to hear from you -- I didn't realize you had been to Egypt during your recent trip -- so this must be especially sad for you. I'm like Apples, I just can't imagine not living in a free society -- I just cannot fathom it. We are planning to go see King's Speech tomorrow (I hope). It's one movie I've been wanting to see since I saw the previews several months ago. Sandy I'm in the same boat you are -- I have at least 5 more years before I can retire - we just plan to get a motor home and travel around staying at parks for long visits -- like a month at a ttime. Then if we decide we get tired of that we can always pick one to stay for a "season." I'd like to spend each summer exploring various areas - i.e. one summer drive to alaska, one summer travel up to Maine, explore Canada, see each and every national park. Of course, I'm hoping we'll be able to take our Aylah with us for part of each summer. That's my major plan and I can hardly wait. Janet have a wonderful birthday today -- Know you're busy witih family, but should you check in just want you to know we're thinking of you. Eva, glad you are enjoying your writing assignments - I know how you feel -- they are so much "fun" - not like other classes. That's another reason for retirement - to have time to write -- would love to be retired and writing every day,. Maybe this year I'll find more time. I've been a good girl and have kept carbs out of my mouth and my scale has been showing slight weight losses. I weighed in this morning and Im back down to 138 -- which I was at "briefly" a few times in early 2010 but kept creeping back to about 142-143 during most of the year. Then I had a wake up call in November and realized I was more like 148 so I've been behaving ever since and this morning I'm back to the lowest weight I've ever been since surgery -- 138. So, now to see if I can manage to lose the 5 lbs. to be at my original goal of 132 and then stay there. It's confession time and I'm only relaying the information because it may help some of you, I'm not trying to preach or brag, just throwing it out there. The no carbs thing seems to be working for me. After surgery I followed my surgeon's rules to a "T" and never waivered and lost those 100 pounds in about 11 months. Then I decided to go on my "own" eating plan that I used to do -- more of a low fat type of diet that worked for me in the past. And I allowed myself to have what I thought were low calorie Snacks -- 100 calorie snack packs, rice krispie bars, fruit crisp bars, etc. etc. I was only have about 1000 calories, but I couldn't lose -- then I decided I was at a plateau and decided to "ride it out" -- I had had a fill last January and was too tight -- I figured I'd lose 10 pounds and it would loosen up -- well I was pb'ing all the time and couldn't eat much Protein and instead of losing, I maintained -- then I got tired of not losing so stopped getting on the scale and then when I had my health check up in November I found out I'd gained quite a bit. I finally went in August and had a .500 cc unfill and that helped the pb'g issues but I was still eating incorrectly. Around November I re-discovered the 5 day pouch test and tried it and re-read and reminded myself about the rules and why I'd had surgery and started to follow lap band surgery rules again. Now I could have saved all this heartache and trouble if I'd just listened to Cheri all year, but I AM a Taurus and very bullheaded. lol. Sorry Cheri. I've increased fats and I'm eating only protein and I'm so much happier, have more energy and am hardly ever hungry. I used to get ravenous between meals because I was not feeding my body enough protein. Fats and protein make you more satisfied and helps you burn fat because it takes more of your body's energy to burn it than it takes to burn off simple carbs. That's the facts and it's true. So instead-- I'm eating more fat than I used to (more satisfying) and I've cut out all snacking between meals. I'm still having my small amount of fruit with greek yogurt with Breakfast or lunch but that's really all the carbs I eat and they are the good kind. I eat half a banana and about 1/8 cup of strawberries/blueberries mixed in my greek yogurt every day. And I still seem to lose eating that so it seems to be okay. I love fruit and really feel it's vitally important to my body to have that every day. I'd love to have much more but I'll limit it until I decide to maintain again. Anyway, just thought I'd share -- I've done the 5 day pouch test a total of 3 times since the first of November. I now approach my eating differently -- I allow myself a special day once a week where I have a bag of 100 calorie popcorn and maybe a small dish of sugar free ice cream. I make sugar free pudding with non fat milk and add Protein powder to it and it's delish -- that's my special treat during the week and it satisfies any and all of my sweet cravings and it's good for me and has protein. I stay completely away from everything else the rest of the week and look forward to that one day where I have what I'm craving -- I look at it as I can do anything for 5 or 6 days - that's how I've approached it and it seems to work. By the way, we seem to have a lot of food pushers at work and here's how I've learned to handle them -- rather than saying "no thanks" which no longer works because then I get a lecture on how skinny I am -- I just take whatever they want me to have and take one small bite in front of them and then go to my desk - and proceed to throw the rest in the trash. This only happens occasionally at work -- so it's not an every day issue but about once or twice a month I've encountered this and I've discovered this is the best way to handle this type of thing. Like I said, I thought I'd share to see if it rings true to anyone out there struggling or who may struggle in the future. Anyway, thanks for letting me unload my guilty conscious and share my most recent success with all of you. Linda

Hi all. Everyone must be busy --Eva glad you and Apples and her DH had a nice afternoon -- hope you enjoyed your nap! It was 42 degrees and sunny here today! That's the warmest we've seen since way before Christmas. It was like Spring -- honestly -- I came home for lunch and it was so beautiful -- it was tempting but I went back to work and didn't play hookie -- would have been too obvious. But, I felt so good after work that I decided to go workout at the gym -- so I did 40 mins. on the eliptical and about 1/2 hour on weight machines - came home and showered and made dinner -- watched the news -- just terrible about Egypt - really scary. Well, hoping all of you have a nice evening and weekend. BBL Linda

Morning everyone. Newbie Kelley welcome and yes, please don't be shy about speaking up and telling us about yourself. We are here to suport you every day -- actually several times a day if you need it. When were you banded? By your ticker I see that you started at about where I did -- 245 -- You've lost 28 pounds -- congratulations on the band and the weight loss. Are you exercising? Do you journal your foods? Just tell us a bit about where you are at so we can help. Apples, you are going to make me cry - thank you for the kind words. So exciting you are buying a place in AZ -- I love the western U.S. and Sandy, we drove through Flagstaff on our way to Iowa -- in fact we spent the night there and I loved it -- it reminds me of Reno in many ways -- it will be a lovely place to retire. I never understood why people love Florida so much - I prefer the dry heat to the humidity as well. I think that's another reason Vegas grew so much -- people liked the weather, among other things. AI has been so much better this year - now girls, I didn't expect to like either Steven Tyler or JLo as judges but boy was I wrong -- I am in love them as judges. Steven just cracked me up the other night -- he's so funny but also so sweet -- and JLo is just as sweet as she can be but not a phony sweet (as Paula was) and not irritating. I never liked Cara -- not sure why -- just didn't care for her. Of course, Randy has always been a good judge. Nice change and so happy they are showing more of the good singers during auditions than the crap that they used to show -- limiting it nicely this year. WTG AI!! That last girl last night -- Wow!! I can't believe how many fabulous singers the 15 year olds have turned out -- unbelieveable. So happy they changed the age limit - but surely they will have to have parents witih them in Hollywood. I hope. Took today off from exercise -- was going to get up early and do something at home but had some trouble falling asleep last night. We had Aylah for a few hours and I somehow managed to cut the heck out of my left index finger while making a salad. I love my shart knife! A friend called while I was making it and I was so hungry I didn't want to stop making my salad and the phone slipped and well, I cut my finger big time. And the bad thing is we use that finger for everything. LOL. So that's my excuse, flimsy though it is for taking the day off. LOL. Janet happy birthday tomorrow -- want to be sure I don't miss wishing you a wonderful year of continued success and for it to be the best year of your life!! Hope you're enjoying the family's visit. Not much planned for the weekend - I want to go to Des Moines and go to Sam's -- I'm out of everything -- chicken, my salad greens, etc. So hopefully the weather will continue to be good and we can get up there tomorrow. It's been cold but decent here -- even sunny yesterday. Great -- thinking of you in Denver - hope all is well. Eva -- Made the sauce and had with my chicken the other night -- Wow really really really delish. Thanks again. Cheri - so happy for you to have a principal and her daughter to help you and the school! Those kids are so lucky to have the three of you! Time to get ready for work -- at least it's TGIF!!! Have a good one everybody. Linda

Janet, have a wonderful time with the kids/grandkids!!! Sorry about your BIL - they are doing great things with that cancer now, but still a worry -- hopefully it will be treatable with good outlook . Your poor sister, so hard on her with her health issues -- hugs to you and the family. Had another chiro appt. this afternoon -- have another one scheduled for Tues -- he said just once next week. It amazing how much he's helped me with just a couple of "adjustments," Gotta run and get dinner going. CBL. Linda

Good Morning everyone! Tried to do the orange but the color looks too light this morning - at least for my eyes! Meredith -- good for you -- I think it's time - you've worked very hard in preparing for your career change and now it's time to make that jump. Your clients will understand and should be happy for you. Although I'm sure losing you as their stylist won't be easy but they'll find someone they like. Good luck!!!!!! You'll be just fine! When we say bbque we mean we are cooking something (anything) on the grill. Had my Zumba class last night -- it's so much fun. Go back to the chiropractor again tonight -- it's been a busy week - something going on every night. Well, gotta get going to go to Water aerobics - have a great day everyone!! CBL Linda

Morning everyone. Not much new here. Katie is doing better -- she always does better when she goes off the crap -- we'll see how long it lasts -- she told her dad she is going to go back to church, etc. etc. Keeping my fingers crossed she won't fall off the wagon again. Had lunch with some gfs yesterday -- don't get to do that too often and I decided I really miss it and need to try to do it at least once a month - good for me to be out around people I really like and relate to. Charlene, hoping your cousin gets the job done! It's nice that she's willing to help out. Good going on not buying junk food!!! Whoo Hoo!!! LauraK, thanks -- you are just too sweet. You look fabulous too. fI didn't know you weren't doing zumba any more -- thought you were. The class I'm taking is taught by a good friend of mine who just recently learned and became certified to teach it. So she's not all that great either -- we're all learning together -- there's been huge numbers of people coming to her class - like 30 to 40 and for a small town that's incredible - just shows how many people want to exercise when it's fun. There's a good mix of people too -- young, old and fat and thin - everyone is having a good time. Love that music!! Janet, thanks for the kind words. You are an inspiration to all of us - without your guidance and love, don't know if any of us would be where we're at today -- or if we would have stayed there. I credit you and this group with helping me to stay on track -- being accountable -- that's important. Great -- have a wonderful time in Denver -- enjoy the shower -- wear something fabulous from Ann Taylor - have a great time. Cheri - too funny about the "beast" - love it, love it , love it. I hope you growled!! LOL. Apples, I am PROUD of you for sleeping in and relaxing - you deserve it -- keep it up!! Hope you find the perfect place to buy!!! Gotta get to work -- happy hump day!!!! Linda

Great -- it's an anti depressant -- that's what they prescribe for FM. Enjoy your time in Denver this week - sorry about the snow. I hope it's not coming this way -- I'm sick of that white crap!!! Linda

Laura, I've been Atlantis advertised on tv a lot lately - looks like a great place - you go and have a great time!! I can tell you from a mother's point of view that if it were me, I'd want my kids to enjoy a nice vacation rather than spend it with me having a PET scan -- I'm sure your dad will feel the same way - - will make him happy just thinking of you and Nelson and Nael have a fun time. He's got your sister there. If you go spend an entire week in April, he'll be happy with that, trust me. Thanks Janet, you're right of course, I do feel at least 10 years younger and at least 110% more energy -- in fact I noticed in my Zumba class that I was one of the few not huffing and puffing -- I sweat but i'm in great shape compared to most of the class -- and most are in their 30s and early 40s I'd say. Okay, back to work. Love you all. Linda

Boy, does this make me feel "old" - it is Thurs., the 27th, NOT tomorrow. LOL. Linda

I guess my bandiversary isn't until Thurs. -- I was sure it was 1/26. I'll have to go look at a calendar from 2009 and see which day was Tues. LOL. Linda

Morning everyone! At work so this will be quick. Did my Zumba last night (love love love the class - much different from that tape that I couldn't get) and early morning deep Water water aerobics this a.m. (starts at 6:00 a.m.). Enjoy it. Had my very first (ever) chiropractic "adjustment" last evening -- and for the first time in about 15 years I had absolutely no back pain when I woke up this morning. I am now a believer. Wow. I go back Thurs. night - he's seeing me twice a week at first. I went cause my neck/shoulder area has been very sore -- it's already better too. I have a lot of abnormalties in my spine -- hence the rods and screws but my neck has lots of arthritis and other problems. Old age is tough. Apples, I agree - relax and enjoy -- so sweet of you to bake for your FIL's social club - good luck in your search for a place -- understand the problem, but maybe you can fine a house on the "fringe" of town - that's what we have -- our backyard faces a cornfield and that's enough country for us -- we are 5 mins. from town and we love it. Chris, glad you checked in -- when are you going back to work? How's the shoulder feeling? Eva thanks for that sauce recipe -- I can't wait to try it - sounds like something I will love -- anything with garlic, green chilis and yogurt has got to be good. Yum, making my mouth water. Happy Anniversary!!! Julie, keep hoping your new doctor will be able to help you - yes the Lyrica can make you gain - just try to be careful what you eat - but right now ust concentrate on the pain more than worrying about anything else -- once you're pain free then you can concentrate on the rest. Hugs. Arlene, hope your DM is doing good today -- did you get that table out of there yet? Melissa, sorry about having to spend the birthday money on bills -- some day you won't have to -- but i understand -- when I was a single mom I always had to use birthday and Christmas money on bills. It gets better, I promise. Tomorrow is my 2nd bandiversary -- wow, it's gone pretty fast. CBL Have a great day everyone!! I have a massage tonight after work -- can't wait. Linda

WTG on the exercise Lori!!!!!! Proud of you!!

Phyl, yes, i forgot to comment on your poem -- very very very cute -- thanks for Sharing!! Okay, Lori, time to quit making excuses -- give yourself that one hour a day to do it for YOU. It's worth it -- just that one hour every day -- only one out of 24!! You WILL do it, starting now. Laura, sorry about those thin mints -- I refuse to order any more GSC -- figure none of us needs them. I just gave my gf $8 as a "donation" told her to go ahead and pick out two boxes for herself as I don't want them, but did want to contribute to the GS. It's a great organization and I like to support it. But don't feel too bad -- just get back on the horse today and be thankful you have your band to help so you don't eat like that everyday anymore. Later, gotta work! Linda

This is a drive by -- gotta get ready for work. Janet, congrats on those ranch books -- wow, that must be a difficult job -- sounds like a royal pain in the a$$$. LoriNewbie -- welcome and congrats on getting the band and your 28 lbs.!!!! I'm surprised your surgeon hasn't given you information on fills -- you should call his office and ask when you are supposed to have it. My surgeon does first fills at 6 weeks and then on a monthly basis after that until you are at your sweet spot. However, that was two years ago and things have probably changed by now. Good luck and keep coming back to get to know us and tell us more about yourself. Meredith - have you checked out the 5 day pouch test? The reason I mention this is it really put me back in the "groove" and made me realize the proper way to eat. There's also lots of information on that site - kaye Bailey runs it and is a NP who specializes in weight loss surgery patients and had weight loss surgery herself -- it's called "The Neighborhood". It has helped me get back on the "losing" track again -- and I was plateaued for a year. Had a good day yesterday -- went to the gym and did 70 mins. aerobics and then weights. Then came home and cooked for DH for the week -- made homemade chicken noodle Soup from some broth I had frozen and another chicken dish -- witih stuffing. One of his favorites I haven't made in about 2 years. He was happy. Watched parts of both games -- happy for Lori that her team won. I really didn't care who won either game. Phyl, saw your pics on FB -- looks like you all had fun -- you looked great -- I think you look younger now than you ever have -- with each pound you lose you look younger so Earl better watch out!! LOL. And, lol on Zoey jumping in the pool - how cute -- she's still a juvenile, getting herself into heaps of trouble!! Arlene, have a good day -- hope you can get that table out of your mom's apt. today -- lol on the wrinkle cream - that's probably how I'll be behaving at that age -- worried about "wrinkles" . How cute. You'd think they would have checked her for a stroke -- you should call the doctor and ask. Well, gotta run everyone, have a great day!! Ughhhh it's Monday, BUT, hey it's 20 degrees -- quite a warming trend. Love to you all, Linda

Good morning everyone. No, Janet, computer thermometer says it's 9 degrees (above zero) right now. But, I didn't sit around afterall yesterday. Have a clothing store in our little mall that had a 75% off sale that I had stopped in one night and got a few things. So after I got my house cleaned yesterday I decided to check it out. Well, parking was full and I had to park by Penny's so went in through Penny's and was stopped dead by signs of $2.97 shirts -- and 80% off sale signs. Never did make it out of that store!! They had long sleeved thin cotton tee (my favorites) for $2.97 -- originally $38.00 -- so guess who bought a ton of those? Then they had some sweaters at 80% off, I got 4 at $6.95 I think. Then I went over to the Jr. dept. and found a pair of size 11 junior black denim for $7.50!!! Tried them on -- fit perfectly -- I haven't lost weight, but have lost inches this year and that's my proof!! My receipt showed I saved $440 and only spent $120. I ended up with 3 pairs of jeans, 4 sweaters and 8 tees. Even my DH said he wouldn't have passed up those bargains either. So that's my NSV for this month -- being able to take advantage of those types of sales. So I was soooo glad I ventured out in the cold -- I arrived there shortly after they opened, and they had just put everything out, so I had a great selection of colors, etc. Katie returned home yesterday -- she said they released her which I don't believe -- I think she probably signed herself out -- she claims she's had no "food" for a week -- only intravenous Fluid -- so why would they ever let her out? Anyway, her brother was staying with her and Aylah so we took advantage of that and ended up driving to our casino for crab/prime rib dinner. DH needed his cigarettes too. So I ate crab and a few bites of prime rib. Played quarter poker machines and I hit 4 of a kind twice and DH hit four 2's so we ended up coming home with all the money we took plus a few extra bucks after paying for dinner, gas and 4 cartons of DH's cigarettes. We got there at 3:30 -- gambled until 4:15 -- had dinner and drove the hour and 10 mins. home and were back by 7:30 -- that's the secret to gambling -- just play until you hit and then walk away with $$. LOL. It works for us. With my lapband card my meal was only $8 -- DH paid $20 so I'm also a cheap date. Laura, good going on throwing away the cupcakes -- it's tough with a little one around. Of course you don't want to deny him - so that's a great plan. Do they still sell Jiffy cake mixes? They would make a lot fewer cupcakes I think - I remember they used to be like 39 cents. LOL. Haven't priced them recently. I saw a woman on Paula Deen one day who owns a cupcake bakery in Savannah -- and she made some cupcakes and then scooped out the middle and filled it with whipped cream and topped with berries. Those looked good -- we could make those for a special "treat" and that way we wouldn't have as much "cake" to eat. We could use greek yogurt/cream cheese pudding to fill ours - yum. Never did work out yesterday - -between the house cleaning and shopping I figured it was enough. Getting ready to go to the gym now. Sandy, I tend to agree with the ones telling you to wait until you lose the rest of your weight because I think if you have it done and then lose 20 more pounds it will sag again. Maybe not - see what the expert says -- will be interesting to hear. I'm going to work on that this week too -- I need to go get a consult - someone referred some names to me so I need to check them out. I didn't do it the first time I lost 100 pounds (over 20 years ago) and I truly feel like if I had done it I might not have gained the weight back. I think like our bands, if we are desparate enough to undergo a knife I think it makes a big impact on our minds. Yesterday as I was zipping around that store grabbing all these cheap clothes I kept hearing myself saying "I LOVE being skinny" lol, seriously, it was like my brain was sending me independent thoughts to inspire me. Cheri, the article will be hard to write, but I know it will also be quite theraputic for you -- it may be helpful for you as well as way to help your healing process. It will also help everyone who reads it. It's wonderful for you to volunteer to do that -- it's a tough job. Eva hugs on the drains and doggie illness issues -- hope it's all better by now. Apples, so happy you are in good weather and enjoying yourself -- if anyone deserves it you do!!! I'm sure your FIL is very happy to have you so close -- especially if you are cooking him food and sending it home with him!! He probably hopes you never leave!! Janet, can't wait to see the pics on FB - sounds like you had a great evening with Jodi, Dassi, Phyl and Earl - bet the doggies enjoyed having someone paying attention to them also! Well, gotta get moving -- need to go do a good workout this morning. We will probably get Aylah this afternoon -- as Katie is probably not going to be well enough to care for her and get her off to school in the morning. Julie, hugs on the pain. Arlene, you are a fabulous daughter -- your DM is so lucky!! Tell your sister she can't have the stuff -- she doesn't need it. LOL. Sell it and give the $$ to your mom instead. Or better yet, use it to buy her something she does need. Later, Linda Have a great day everyone!

Morning everyone. Phyl, congrats on the weight - that's great news!!! Congrats. I see from the pics on FB that it looks like the groomer never showed up -- Earl was bathing the baby??? LOL. She didn't look thrilled. Hope Jodi, Dassi, you and Janet have a great time today/tonight - will be thinking of you. Well my computer says it's 19 but it sure feels colder than that. I am ready for spring. My left hand is all crampy this morning - I always have weird stuff going on. Yesterday I had a pain all day in my left side - think it must have been gas - but lasted all day. LOL. Julie, Lyrica will definitely make you gain weight -- I gained 20 lbs. on it when I tried it (pre band). It did help with pain, but I was constantly hungry-- try to stick strictly to the lap band diet while you're on it and see if that will help you not gain weight. If it helps with your pain, it will be worth all the trouble. Nothing new here to report -- Aylah is doing fine -- we are having a great time together. Arelene, sorry to hear about your DS FIL - always something. HOpe your mom is doign okay - you're right about moving een with the fm flaring up -- I have learned that I hurt no worse if I exercise -- it's the same so I might as well exercise cause I'm less stiff. Lori, haven't heard from you -- hope everything is okay with DD and baby -- getting close now and you'll soon be a grandma!! So exciting!! Sandy, glad you enjoyed your dinner and good for you on telling your sister to give you a weekend off. You need that! I've never been to a Cuban restaurant - sounds yum. I love Brazilian food - is it similar to that? Apples and Eva -- have a great time this weekend - how was the FSC? Bet it was fun!! Brownies sound good -- haven't had one of those in two years -- lol. LauraK - hope you enjoy a relaxing weekend - any new dates? Laura, sorry about your gf's FIL. That's way too young. Glad you enjoyed your time at work this week. I bet your patients love you! Kelly, good luck with school and by the way, you are a BABY!! Turning 50 is so young!! Celebrate it -- my mother always said her life didn't begin until she turned 50 -so just think of all the good things to look forward to!! I love FB - I've reconnected with several friends and then those friends have reconnected me to some others -- people I haven't been in contact with for about 20 years -- I really do love it. I don't know how the heck we ever lived without our computers!! Well, gotta get going. It's so cold I'm thinking of just staying home to exercise -- I'm sick of being out in this weather. Have a great weekend everyone!!! Chris - hope you are doing okay -- did you get back yet? Jessica -- hope you're enjoying you're DB and DF's visit. Cheri - what are your big plans for the weekend? More babysitting? Love you all Linda