Melissa Lea

Keep those fingers BUSY BUSY BUSY Regina. You keep on typing away. Hang in there. You can do it!!! Barb --you look great! Thanks for sharing the photos. And yes, where is PinkyLee?? I hope she doesn't have what I had over the weekend (yuck!) Melissa Lea

To Barb12 --"DITO". I agree with all you said. And yes, I know I personally feel better after this Holiday Season over the last. ToBarb465 --Sounds like a plan to me. I'm going to check out the Bally's Spa (hopefully it's online). I've never been there. Looking forward to the trip. I hope so many others can come. Melissa Lea

You can count me in Barbara!! I personally like Treasure Island. The rooms are pretty reasonable for it location (almost center strip). But if we do all stay at seperate hotels we can put together an itenary of meeting places etc. Off strip has much more reasonable rooms for those watching their pennies. We might be able to get group rates if enough people want to go. Melissa Lea

Happy New Year Everyone! Wow --I sure have missed alot the past few days. I ended 2006 and began 2007 with a stomach virus. Not too bad though. Regina --congrats on the smoke free life. Everytime you feel you need a light you just come to us and type away (keep those hands busy else where). Barb4 and Barb12 --Vegas in June is great!! I recommend the weekend of the 9th or 23rd also. Holiday weekends, hotel prices go up in Vegas. I would like to fly in maybe on a Thursday night (late) and back on Sunday. Spa day and maybe a show would be great!! I'm not too much of a gambler. I too am single so no DH coming along. I might bring a friend thinking of being banded or not. It will be a blast!! Melissa Lea

Pinky --you can count me in on the new Valentine's Goal. I didn't reacy my Christmas goal either but I'm 6 pounds closer than I would have been without the goal. My Valentine's Goal is to get to 195 pounds (10 pounds). Everyone ---Have a Happy and Safe New Year! Melissa Lea

Well, I'm back from being out of town for the holiday and trying to catch up. Lisa --congrats on your weight loss and exceding your NP expectations. Julie --Hang in there, your losing weight! It does not matter about the pace. Poodles --sorry to hear that you are slightly descended. But I agree, you should be able to eat meat. I've been able to eat just about anything that I've wanted. I do think that scrambled eggs are starting to affect me. I've heard other bandsters have problems with them and I PB'd on them last week. Eggs cooked omlet style, no problem. Go figure! I'm very happy to report I DID NOT gain weight this Holiday Season!!!! That is a huge victory for me. I also have to report I did not lose either. I'm happy being right where I am. I enjoyed all of my favorite foods, of course in smaller quantities. Since I am a closet bandster --no one even noticed a difference in my eating except smaller portions. When asked how I'm losing weight I said I'm eating smaller portions and exercise ....and that's the truth!! Melissa Lea

Avilla --Look back a few pages, barbara discussed how to post a pic. Or you can do a search, photonut has written alot about how to post pics. I haven't figured it out either ....but then again I haven't tried that much. Barbara --have fun on your cruise. I hope it's PB free for you. Poodles I don't think you are werid. What ever works for you ...go for it!! I now am calling myself a "seasoned" bandster. I had my first public PB last night at the restuarant. It wasn't a major episode, thank goodness for that!!!! And the bathrooms were very clean. Happy Holidays! Melissa Lea

I agree Cathy -- There will be slips during Holidays and other times of the year as well. But you are right about one thing ....not near the slip or the amount last Holiday Season. I can't claim any weight loss for this week. Been sitting strong and steady at 205. But I can say that I haven't gained the usual 10 pounds over the holiday season like so many years past. So for this time of the year ....I'm very happy just staying right where I'm at. Happy Holidays Everyone! Melissa Lea

Poodles --your making me hungry with all those great sounding goodies. Also, I'm very glad you came back to the group. We are not here to judge you (or anyone else for that matter). Your amongs friends here to support you. Enjoy the goodies! Melissa Lea

For those that practice religion, I thought this was fitting for our journey. The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.

I agree Barbara -- The hours after dinner can be difficult. Next week I will go to the movies several times. That keeps my mind off of food and there are a lot of good movies out right now. The popcorn etc isn't a problem because I really don't like it. I've also been doing a lot of reading. This month ofcourse has been wrapping presents etc. Yes Pinky --I see your point about people triggers. Sometimes I don't even think the person realizes that they are putting you in an uncomfortable food situation. Be strong and just a few more days to get us through our first holiday stretch in bandland. Melissa Lea

Congrats on your NSV Barbara. Melissa Lea

Poodles sorry to hear that you had a stomach virus. Glad to hear that you are on the road to recovery and getting settled into your new house. I'm keeping my fingers crossed I don't get a stomach virus. I was at a store this evening. I literally ran in to grab something and get out. I wasn't even there a minute. This teenage girl got sick right next to me. I praying she actually had food borne illness. I asked her mom had she not been feeling well. The mom said she's been just fine until right now. (I hope lady luck is on my side). And Poodles --you are not a lap band failure. You are doing great. And I do believe that you will be able to eat whole meat again in the future. Well, off to finish up some Christmas wrapping (for my Aunt) who is ill at this moment with a sinus/migraine episode. Talk to you all tomorrow. Melissa Lea

Glad to hear that you are feeling better Barbara. I'm sure you will do just fine with your eating on the cruise. You will have to post some pics when you get back. Melissa Lea

Pinky --I haven't figured out how to upload pics on this site. Barb4 can tell you as she has uploaded many pics. Melissa Lea

Enjoy and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season. 1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls. 2. Drink as much eggnog as you can and quickly. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an "eggnog-aholic" or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it!!!! Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas! 3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand-alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat. 4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission. 5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello??? 6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog. 7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again. 8. Same for pies. Apple, pumpkin and mincemeat -- have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? 9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards. 10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips: Start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body. But rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO what a ride!"

Barbara you did the right thing. Hope you get to feeling better soon. Melissa Lea

I was absolutely calm and fine the day before and the morning of. The only time I got a little nervous was when they were putting me under (the mask on face), but I had less than 60 seconds to panic and not in the right state of mind at that point to back out. True ---but joking aside, I took many months to ponder my decision before setting my surgical date. So I knew exactly what I was getting myself into and had made peace with my decision and accepted the journey that I am taking now on the banded side of life. Best wishes to you. Let us know how your proceudre goes. Melissa Lea

Barbara --I hope that you get to feeling better soon after you episode of PBing. I'm with Lucy --give this a few more days before the unfill. But again, I can't remeber your exact departure date. Lucy --sorry your so cold but glad to hear that you can get a warm meal up the road from where you live. hang in there. Melissa Lea

Barbara465 --your house is lovely. Thanks for sharing the pics. You will have a great time on the cruise as well. Isn't it fun to shop in your own closet?? I still have a few things I can not wear in my closet . But once I'm passed that it's to the stores I go. Barbara --I too still think I can eat more than most bandsters but as long as I'm losing weight I'm not going to fret about it. I am very happy that I'm not experiencing PB's everyother day. I refuse to be too tight and live with constant PBs. Melissa Lea

Yes Regina your right -- It was 4 months at the ranch (for those that made the final 4) and 4 months at home and then prep for the show. And yes, it appears they do work out 4 to 6 hours a day while at the ranch. Melissa Lea

Lisa thanks for sharing your story. And you can tell your husband that the "girls" can be rejunivated when you reach your goal. Pinky --I always lose in spurts. I will lose anywhere from 2 to 5 pounds one week and not lose anything for a couple of weeks. I have noticed this more prevalent in recent weeks. However, I'm losing a lot more inches right now. Inches are good. I'm claiming those lost inches, milimeters, etc. Melissa Lea

Pinkylee you were right ....there was one of the ladies preggo from the biggest loser. And we were both right, Erik won. It was amazing seeing all the transformations in the people. Did you watch the show? Melissa Lea

:clap2: :clap2:CONGRATS REGINA :clap2: :clap2:

Lisa you look emazing! I will take pics at Christmas and compare to last year at Christmas. Last years Christmas pic of me is the straw that broke and made me look into band surgery. Pinky interesting perspective about the scale being tossed out. I think you might be right, there must be a pregnancy. But, that doesn't mean to throw away the scale. You don't have to become obese when your pregnant. Hummmm, can't wait to watch it tonight. Melissa Lea