annecolorgreen

Hi Holli-- My other son is at Ft. Lewis! He and his wife are expecting a baby in April. Did you have your kids there? How is the hospital situation? She has a high-risk pregnancy and will likely deliver early so I'm concerned. I'm sorry your dh has also had trouble with weight. My son came home at Thanksgiving and has lost 30 lbs this month with the med and prepackaged foods. I really hope his new habits "stick" even after he goes off the med. ~~anne

wow, melboyd, you are doing awesome! KarenK--I'm not diabetic but I am a nurse. Have you called your doctor yet? I would definitely think you need to maybe do some "as needed" meds instead of routine now. Mollyjo--he didn't do a fill. He said I'm doing great and should save my fills for when I need them. I have to agree! He said I can call anytime and come in for one though. I went to a support group meeting tonight and several "old" bandsters were saying they cannot eat oranges or it makes them sick...from the white pulp. They said if you eat them, eat them like a grapefruit and cut in half and use a spoon. Just thought I'd mention it.

Well...it's almost time for my first fill and I'm still doubting whether or not I need it. I guess that's a good thing. I've been trying to exercise 5/7 days a week and am losing regularly and doing well with my eating. Thanksgiving day, I went on a 2-mile plus fast walk and then had dinner with family (I ate all I wanted...small quantities) and lost a pound that day! Two days later, I had my second T-day dinner after going on a hike with a friend that morning...and lost TWO pounds! I think I know what's going on...I'm pretty sure I'm building muscle and that increases metabolism. Initially, I had 49% body fat...I'll be anxious to recheck that (I'm going to do it this week). I would bet I've increased muscle while decreasing fat. I'm not doing any big muscle building exercises...just using some hand weights and doing some basic things like curls. Hope this helps someone!

I've lost 28 lb (four this past week). I saw a man tonight who had surgery the same day that I did...he's lost 60 lbs! The doctor did NOT do my fill today as he said I'm doing great and I should "save my fills for when I need them". I agreed but can come back whenever I want. Good luck Glenny!

I do an easy chai tea that doesn't make me miss the expensive chai tea lattes! I just use a chai tea bag (with or without caffeine depending on the time of day), brew it, and add a small amount of SF vanilla creamer and enjoy! Hope this helps! ~~anne

Sweet Potato Casserole Large can of yams—2 lb 8 oz (drained) 1/3 cup ICBINB 2 eggs ½ cup skim milk ½ tsp vanilla Mix in mixer—put in sprayed casserole dish Topping: One cup brown sugar (I used brown sugar splenda--the conversion is only 1/2 cup) 1/3 cup flour (I used WW flour) 1/3 cup ICBINB (soften don’t melt) Fork it together Cup of pecans mix in and put on top Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon Bake 350 for 40 min without a lid (can be prepared ahead--when ready to bake, add the topping)

Well...it's almost time for my first fill and I'm still doubting whether or not I need it. I guess that's a good thing. I've been trying to exercise 5/7 days a week and am losing regularly and doing well with my eating. Thanksgiving day, I went on a 2-mile plus fast walk and then had dinner with family (I ate all I wanted...small quantities) and lost a pound that day! Two days later, I had my second T-day dinner after going on a hike with a friend that morning...and lost TWO pounds! I think I know what's going on...I'm pretty sure I'm building muscle and that increases metabolism. Initially, I had 49% body fat...I'll be anxious to recheck that (I'm going to do it this week). I would bet I've increased muscle while decreasing fat. I'm not doing any big muscle building exercises...just using some hand weights and doing some basic things like curls. Hope this helps someone!

LoveIsLovely--you ARE obsessed! :cursing: You're right, taking a day off occasionally is a good thing. I think I usually take 1-2 days off exercise a week. WTG everyone! ~~anne

I have to share this with someone and thought it might bring encouragement to you all as we go through the holidays! I was worried about Thanksgiving but made it a point to get up that morning (actually I was still up as I work nights and didn't go to bed) and walked a little over two miles in the cold sunshine. I went home and prepared my part of the "feast" and then went to my mom's house. I ate everything I wanted...just small amounts and spent more time TALKING than EATING! The next day...I lost a pound! :cursing: Fast forward two days and it was time for Thanksgiving day #2 at my in-laws. Again, I went out in the morning and hiked with my friend (cold day--sunny) probably about two miles but I don't know as we were in the woods. Finished the prep and then went to dinner. I ate what I wanted (including DRESSING and an iced sugar cookie) and weighed today...I lost TWO more pounds! :blushing: I really think my gym time is catching up as building muscle increases metabolism. Just an idea to help us get through! Focus on exercise and enjoying the company more than the food! Happy Holidays! ~~anne P.S. My first fill is Monday!

I have to share this with someone and thought it might bring encouragement to you all as we go through the holidays! I was worried about Thanksgiving but made it a point to get up that morning (actually I was still up as I work nights and didn't go to bed) and walked a little over two miles in the cold sunshine. I went home and prepared my part of the "feast" and then went to my mom's house. I ate everything I wanted...just small amounts and spent more time TALKING than EATING! The next day...I lost a pound! :cursing: Fast forward two days and it was time for Thanksgiving day #2 at my in-laws. Again, I went out in the morning and hiked with my friend (cold day--sunny) probably about two miles but I don't know as we were in the woods. Finished the prep and then went to dinner. I ate what I wanted (including DRESSING and an iced sugar cookie) and weighed today...I lost TWO more pounds! :blushing: I really think my gym time is catching up as building muscle increases metabolism. Just an idea to help us get through! Focus on exercise and enjoying the company more than the food! Happy Holidays! ~~anne P.S. My first fill is Monday!

I ate what I wanted (turkey, ham, dressing, a bit of gravy, sweet potatoes, yellow pepper slices, hummus/baked pita, a taste of ww mac/cheese, probably a small handful of caramel corn/peanuts/m&m's, and a very small slice of carrot cake) all over the course of about six hours. Today, I got on the scale and weighed a pound less! Woo hoo! I must add that I also walked 2 miles that morning and the first part was uphill! My first fill is Monday. I hope it goes well. I'm a bit nervous...probably more nervous than I was about the surgery itself! Weird, huh? Happy day after Thanksgiving! ~~anne

Hi! I am SO excited because I will soon have my first fill. My question is--it is three days before Thanksgiving and I'm wondering what I'll be able to eat on Turkey Day? Any ideas? Only a few close family members know about my surgery and I really want to keep that info private for now. Thanks! ~~anne

I'm so sorry . Did you ask if you could eat soft foods Thursday? Call tomorrow and ask. ~~anne

Well, I did have a Thanksgiving lunch at work last week but that was easy. No one paid attention to what I ate or drank. Last night, dh and I went out to dinner with some friends we regularly eat/drink with. Although my doctor said it's okay to drink alcohol in moderation, I have decided not to for now. We arrived at the restaurant late and 3 of 4 people were already drinking (the 4th was the designated driver). One immediately started pushing me to order a drink and when I quietly said, "no", pushed again. About an hour later, he started pushing again. Of course, when he did this, everyone paid attention to me and the fact that I normally drink but wasn't. I halfway wondered if I should have bought a drink and taken a sip occasionally? Hmmm. These same people will be at a holiday get together with us on Dec. 13th. I did well with dinner. Dh and I split a meatloaf order and he got a side and I did (creamed spinach). I drank lots of Water before eating and then quit. ~~anne

Sounds like you are ready!!! ~~anne

I did think of that one! I'm actually on one (and have been for years) that states on the label not to drink alcohol with it! I think it's easier in large group settings. ~~anne

Congrats on both realizing you needed someone else AND finding someone else!

:smile2: everyone is doing so great! Don't they say that "patience is a virtue"? Hard, isn't it? Have a healthy holiday everyone! ~~anne

Hi Cyndi! Everything I've read said this is the way to go. It took awhile to put on, it will take awhile to come off. Besides, the skin will have a better chance of recovering if it's a slow loss--and that's what I want! I've lost ALMOST 24 lbs now but I've got TWO Thanksgiving dinners coming up. Of course, I'm exercising at least 5/7 days and even doing a two mile walk with dh on Thanksgiving morning! :smile2: Nazzy--that sounds like a great idea in general...but maybe not right now for me. My life is SO crazy right now I'm not sure I have the energy for a new project...but maybe later! Everyone--let's keep it up! Have a HEALTHY holiday this year! ~~anne

I called the office and they were shocked that the girl had scheduled me for right before Thanksgiving. They said that would not be a good idea as sometimes the first fills can be too restrictive and it may be difficult to get back in with the holiday. The first day I would eat solid food would be Thanksgiving. I'm scheduled for Dec. 1st now and happy even if I may eat a little more or be a little hungrier for the next week. Thanks for your help! ~~anne

You all are doing great! Maggies--Amen to that! On a personal note, I may find out what "kind" of grandmother I'm going to be in April tomorrow--my DIL is having an ultrasound (she has to have them regularly as she has a bicornate uterus). It's so exciting to be becoming a grandma...but so weird too! (I'm 40) ~~anne

I take tiny bites of mine.

I did see the Oprah show and thought it was great that most had learned great new habits. Ali is amazing! ~~anne

When I drink Water too quickly, it makes my throat "tickle" and I cough...does anyone else experience this? Thanks, Anne

Yep, my dh says I'm a cheap date now! :thumbup: ~~anne