Mrs. Bubba

Morning gang.... I'm just not feeling well these last few days.. don't know what it is... My stomach actually hurts at times... not upset, but pain..... chiropractor says my upper back was out so bad and the nerves there are connected to the stomach.. Hoping to feel better soon... We have a big day today with a wedding and being in charge of Laromi while DD is a bridesmaid.. I have to try to get myself and her ready to go... Took her up to Great Grandma for a couple hours so DH can do a few things and I can get mine done.. She was awake at 4:00 this morning after falling asleep at 8:00 last night... Too much energy for me to handle her.... Anyway, I am getting a little nervous about not feeling well.. I've had so much go wrong the last few months that I'm getting gun-shy!!! And I ate too much yesterday trying to eat away my stress I think.... no more of that!!!! Laura, I'm thinking you are a little scared right now and that's understandable... It's good that you can go and be there for your dad and mom.... Sometimes that's all it takes to make a difference..... My prayers are with you... and don't worry about Nelson..... he'll be a joy to them, too......Just let him be his little self... Keep us informed.... and enjoy your plane ride... I don't like planes....don't know if I could even get in a little one... Big chicken, here!!!! Meredith, listen to these gals... you're doing great and you have yet to settle into your weight loss routine.. Our bodies have minds of their own... I stay the same for a while and then lose...... and on and on... but am down 101 so it all adds up.... it will for you, too....... just keep doing what you're doing.. Linda, hope you're taking care of yourself with all this worry about DGD..... Sounds like she is a little trooper and she must get that from someone... Maybe Grandma!!! you take care and let us know what we can do to help you..... Prayers are on the way.... Charlene, glad you and DH are doing well.... keep up the good work... Well, time to see if I can find some energy to iron my dress for the wedding.... and a shirt for DH.... Laromi's clothes are ready... I had to dig up a sweater to go over her little sundress as we have gone from summer to spring here... It was only 61 yesterday and supposed to be about the same today... chilly!!!! You all have a great weekend... I'll hope to check in tomorrow...TTYL............. Julie

If, what a wonderful testiment to your profession.... you and your school are making a difference.... Bless you...... Julie

Morning to all.... Apples, sounds like a full and fun weekend.... You must do as much cooking there as when you're at home.... have a great time... We'll look for you back when you get here.... All the rest of you sound like you are doing so well... It's a wonderful thing.....wish we had thought of this lap-band thing a long time ago!!!! I had a bad day yesterday.. Didn't feel right......slight upset stomach, a little headache, a big backache and just plain blah.... Went to Bismarck with DH to get new tires on the car and just sort of limped through it... Didn't sleep well either.. I'm on this mega dose of Vitamin D from the doctor and those are some of the side effect symptoms.. Have a call in to the doc before I take anymore... don't like feeling this way... I'm hoping to get a few things done today, but am going to go easy.. We have a big weekend coming as DD is in a wedding of the daughter of one of my best friends.. Need and want to be at my current best... I'm keeping my fingers crossed.... DH just took the little one to my mother for a couple hours until DD is up and ready for her... So, I'm going to go slow and try to shake this whatever-it-is off.... You all have a great day.. Julie

Long, congratulations.......... You must be in heaven....... Awesome............ You're going to be great at maintenance, I just now it.... Now you really do have to change your name....... "Great" wasn't it??!!!! Happy day.... Julie

Apples............. girl you are stuck in a Murphy's law whirlpool...... It's gonna spit you out one of these minutes and it'll all be over but the remembering... Any one of those things would get most of us teed off, but they are piling up for you.... At least you still have your ring and the diamond... Back when I had my surgery in August last year, DH lost my wedding ring while I was in the hospital... Never found it..... it was the most beautiful ring and I was just crushed... but couldn't let on too bad as he felt so awful..... I have a new one now, but still pine for the old one... Just remember, this too shall pass and you'll be back at the lake before you know it!!!!! On the bright side, you will get a few of your cleaning tasks done before your Aussie company gets here... Refrigerator is clean now I'll bet............ and the oven will be.......... you sure did get your exercise today running after mail....it'll all work out..... Don't know what to say about the burnst steaks........dogs are happy?????? Thanks goodness for the peach cobbler.... you needed something to get you through all that.... You hang in there.... My supper is cooking and no dilemmas, yet!!! take care.... Julie

Morning.......... I decided to chance a bath this morning.. Didn't use too much water so it didn't cover my incision.. One little part is still weeping a bit.... But, oh, did the soak feel good... A shower is refreshing, but I love to sit in the bath and relax...... So, bath accomplished... I feel pretty good.... Had a long day yesterday and need to regroup a bit today... Doing dishes, planning supper and ironing my DD bridesmaid dress for Saturday wedding is what's on my work list for today.. Should be able to get that done.. Apples, love your menu.... BBQ's spare ribs is about my favorite meal.... But DH isn't that fond of barbeque sauce, so don't do it too often... I may do ribs and kraut for supper... He loves that... and I like it, too... Now, the homemade rolls would be my downfall... I love bread and fresh homemade smeared with real butter.... Oh, I'm in heaven....... Glad I'm not there today.. I'd be cheating!!!! I totally hear you about losing a freezer... It's such a mess and what to do with the things that don't save well...... We lost our garage refridgerator a couple weeks ago... The stuff in the freezer part belonged to our other daughter, so no big loss as she didn't take it when they moved... But the extra fridge space is sorely missed... We are looking for a replacement, but just want something old and cheap!!! I have a spare freezer just sitting empty you could use if you were a lot closer!!!LOL!!!.......... Anyway, good luck... You'll be fine and those butts just need to stay out of your way!!!!! Laura, I'm thinking your weight gain has more to do with other things than food... Just wait it out and you'll be fine... If, I suffer with your problem sometimes, but a generic stool softener from Wal-Mart does the trick for me... You'll have to find what works for you.... Well, off to my chores... Everyone have a wonderful day.... TTYL.............. Julie

Hi friends, I'm back from my trip to Bismarck to the doctor today... Saw my GP for lab results and ect... I got a very good report in general... however, learned that my Vitamin d levels are very low.. Got a perscription for mega doses for 3 weeks... Mine was 16 and should be 50 to 80.... I had never heard of this before, so got quite a lesson about it... It is evidently something that has been overlooked here in ND far too long... Our lack of sun exposure makes us more prone than other areas of the country... Anyway, she says that with these mega doses of Vitamin D and some good healing time, I should feel like a whole new woman by my birthday in October......... I'm all for that...... The trip was a bit exhausting for me, so will be taking it easy for a spell to catch up... Had a good day yesterday, too, with outside church and such.. The meal wasn't that great... I have really turned a corner about that.. I no longer eat anything and everything just because it's there.... If it doesn't taste wonderful, I don't eat it... And this was not great and I left it on my plate and went home to get something decent.... I was proud of myself and glad to realize that this has happened to me... I can't count the number of times I ate something and felt full and miserable afterwards only to admit that it didn't even taste good.... NEVER AGAIN!!!!!.... 1 day, love your picture.. Your family is beautiful.... Soon you'll be just where you want to be and so proud... Apples, I'm glad you had such a proporous weekend... Just makes the smile even wider!!! I'm thinking you're right about the trip to Fargo or Valley City... Let's try for fall sometime when I'm stronger and you aren't so busy.... It'll be great... Whatcha cooking today??? We're having leftovers for supper... They gotta go, too.... and after a long day, it really works for me.... God's blessing to all of you struggling with family addiction problems... My husband is a 37 year recovering alcoholic, but I never knew him then. But I do know what it means to have an addiction.... Duh!!! That's what this food is for us... I always wished my addiction was alcohol or something I could quit, instead of food that I needed to stay alive... I don't drink or smoke and have never done drugs, but I sure have abused food.... So, bless your hearts for continuing to do what needs to be done for the ones you love so much... Best of luck.... and like Apples said, it's great you all have found this common link with each other.... Well, DH is home and mowing a little before he goes to get our little one for the night.... I better go figure things out before then... TTYL................. Julie

Blessed Sunday morning to you all..... I have a few minutes before leaving for church... We are going to our youth Bible camp for outside services this morning.. We usually do something outside in the summer and this is such a good cause... Then they serve us a nice Sunday dinner after... we just have to drive about an hour to get there... it's on a big lake... Should be nice and relaxing... DH and I went with friends on their pontoon on the river yesterday... took a drive up-river and it was wonderful..... We happen to live right along the mighty Missouri river and our friends have river front property with their own dock... I did have a little struggle walking uphill back to the house after, but mostly was just a nice time... Going to rest my muscles today... Kath, you hang in there... I've never had that specific problem, but have had to help my DD through a very terrible time in her life... PTS, survivors guilt, depression......after a car accident when her best friend was killed... DD was not the driver, and was hurt the least of all 4 girls, but suffered greatly from guilt and such... it nearly ruined her senior year of high school.... she made it and finally got the treatment she needed to get back to her life... I wish you luck getting her back on track and leading a productive life... God bless... Everyone else, have a great Sunday... rest, relax, and refresh... You'll be in my prayers.... Julie

Evening all.... Linda, I'm so glad to hear positive news about your DGD... Mine is 2 1/2 also and can't imagine the stress of having her sick... I'll be praying that they can nip this in the bud and she will be doing well real soon.... I also can really relate to your food story... That has happened to me... and I now am very content in the knowledge that I can put anything on my plate, but need only eat what I want... We were to a picnic last night... Took a brat, a hamburger, potato salad, broccoli salad, chips and a water... I ate about a third of the brat... 2 bites of the burger, one bite of potato salad ( not very good) and most of the broccoli salad.... a couple chips... gave the rest to DH and was just very content sipping my water and visitin... I did have an ice cream bar later as a treat, but I was fine.. Scale was kind this morning and it lets me know that I can be "normal" with no repercussions..... I like that... It's the security I need to keep doing what I do... I'm happier with the band than with any other "tool" I've ever tried..... Laura, relax...... it'll be better when you get back to routine at home.... You deserve a little break and this isn't going to undo all the good you've done.. Keep the faith.... I'm doing well, but tired tonight... out to supper with friends and then some cards, but feel a bit wiped out... Just going to take it easy... TTYL....Julie

Congratulations, Joann Marie.... What a wonderful happening... It must feel so good.... I always wait for the second day of a number before I count it official, too.... Our bodies are just so fickle the way they bounce.. I guess that's why lots choose to only weigh weekly.... I can handle the bouncing, so I like to do it daily.... Way to go, girl.... If, Onederland is being able to say 100 in front of the rest of your weight.... So the first "onederland" weight would be 199.9.................. get it??!! I started at 387 so hitting the 2's was a big deal for me.... Now on to Onederland....... Drove the car for the first time today... DH forgot his cell phone and had to take it to him about 8 miles away.. My ability to get around is better since getting the staples out on Tuesday... I'm moving much easier now... I colored my hair this morning and can sure tell he strain I put on my back and side... So, I'm taking it easy now... We have a picnic this evening with DH's old employer.. They always include the retirees... I might not be able to eat much, but at least I'll look good and much younger without the grey hair!!!! Safe journies to all those traveling... and everyone have a good evening... TTYL... Julie

Have a great weekend, Apples..... Mine will be quiet again, but that's okay, too.... My incision sprung a leak during the night.. I woke at about 2:30 and felt that my midrif on the right side was wet... Sure enough... Had to bandage it.... It's not bleeding, but draining, I think... Called the doc and left a message in case he is worried about anything... I think it will be fine, just need to let it drain and then the incision will heal back up again... Going to do paperwork today and try to bake a pan of bars... DH needs something baked for his lunches.. It doesn't really tempt me very much.. I may have a little piece or so, but don't overdo.... To be honest, I've never even considered traveling without my DH.... Not really my style, but maybe I should give it some thought... Might have to talk to some of my friends.... Most of them don't go without their DH's either... I guess we're a square bunch.... Have a good day everybody... TTYL...Julie

Hi everybody, I'm home from my trip to the doc... Saw my surgeon this morning and got my staples out... He gave me a good report, but said this incision will be a painful one and I must be very careful... Really can't do much for 6 more weeks..... But as long as I feel good I can handle that.... DH helped me do a little shopping for essentials this morning and now is off to work... I had a little nap and now will tackle a few little chores... nothing strenuous..... This morning while getting ready to leave my 2 year old granddaughter was sitting in the chair watching Sesame Street.. I came up the stairs dressed in jean capris and a sleevless shirt with a bit of a frill around the neckline... She looked at me and said "Wow".............. it was the best compliment I ever got!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It sort of set the tempo for my whole day.. Anyway, Janet, I love the pictures..... your GK are wonderful and you look amazing.. I love that you put your face there on the post.... I feel just like we are face to face...... Apples, your dream is great...... amazing what our minds can come up with...... So, when your Aussie friends come will you be keeping a different schedule or the same as now... I suppose they want to experience all the farm stuff as well as the lake resort..... I'm sure you'll show them a great time... Rest up a little, though.... sounds like you need a nap or two... Laura, sorry you had to have a bad food experience... but at least you didn't have to get up and be sick... Slow down and I'm sure the rest of your time will be wonderfull.. have fun.. If, I'm thankful for what you do, too, but know I couldn't do it... I don't have patience that way.. My DD barely lived through high school math... It's my strong suit, but not hers and I was not good at trying to help her... So glad there are people like you to do it... I'm a bit envious of so many of you and all your travel plans... My DH doesn't like to travel and has a bad attitude about it... He was in the military for 38 years and has been all over the US and the world... Whenever I mention something he always says, "been there, done that!!" Well, I get mad and we usually don't go... Of course I've never really enjoyed much traveling either with so much poundage to carry around, so am looking forward to trying more now with my more svelt body!!! Maybe after I recovery from this surgery I can get him to do something.. We did have a trip to the east coast planned with friends in October, but it has been cancelled as the other man has developed serious medical problems. Oh, well, I'm happy to be alive and will just have to wait a little longer. I'm gonna go tackle putting my purchases away and tidy up a bit around here... You all have a great day... Julie

Hi everybody...... I DID IT>>>>>>>>> 100 pounds gone!!!! I'm very happy and feel pretty confident about things... If I didn't still have this pain from my surgery last week I'd feel great... Still have lots of healing to do, but I'm happy... see my doc for post-op check tomorrow and hope I can start doing a little this week.. They had me on bed rest for 2 weeks... what a pain!!! can't do much by sit and stand and walk around some... But this too shall pass....... Janet, I've been very worried about Apples, too... this is so unlike her and I'm just praying nothing is really wrong... We'll hope her computer is on the fritz!!!! Joanne, congrats on the weight loss... It's great when it speeds up.... makes taking the slow times easier!!! glad you can spend more time with your DD and family... When do you leave.... Gotta go, DH is taking me for a drive as I haven't been out of the house for a week... TTYL....Julie

Janet, you are such an inspiration to us all... congrats on your wonderful success.... We should all be so blessed.... and hopefully we will be.... Charlene, congrats to you, too... Such accomplishments should never go unnoticed.... And Phyll, too.... Your picture is so nice... When I stepped on the scale this morning I'm down 99.6 pounds since August 21 2008 with 2 major surgeries thrown in just for fun.. I'm proud of myself, too... Can't wait to see it roll over to 100 pounds.... all you new folks are so welcome... This is a great place to be for whatever you need... Gotta go rest.... pain meds are kicking in.... TTYL..Julie

Morning to everyone... It seems like I'm slowly getting a bit better... I sleep well, but the pain stops me in the morning until the meds kick in... I just have the most awful side ache... But I've managed to get dressed and straighten up the bedroom and put some laundry away... Now I need to sit for awhile... and I need some food.. I can feel the shakiness set in.... Bugs, you need to quit letting others attitudes affect yours... You know what's right for you.... you go for it.. You have us here to help you past those negative people.... Good luck.. If, I'm loving your stories... Can just see you singing and dancing in the choir!!! I'm envious of all the exercise you all are getting, but I'll just have to wait again.. I'm doing well just getting around the house I guess..... Take care... TTYL...Julie

Morning all, I'm going to try to post a bit today... Just read through everything that has been going on... Long, glad you were't "beared" this time!!! Arlene, best of luck to your husband..... Meredith, hang in there,,, long recoveries are becoming my specialty and you can do this. Just be happy that there is no infection and keep plugging along.. It will get better soon.... Janet, insensitivity seems to be running rampant these days. Your co-workers were insensitive..... glad you have a strong back and can let it roll off.... We all love and appreciate you..... Where is Apples???? Linda, sorry to hear about your friend... It's so hard when you can do nothing at all but be there.... Take care of yourself... Laura. the recipe sounds great, but it will have to wait for me... Welcome to the new ones... Hope I didn't miss anyone... sorry if I did... Thanks for all the good wishes... I'm doing okay... My appetite has come back enough so I'm eating okay.. My band and stomach seem fine... Haven't had any pain meds since last night, but it is hurting.. I need to try to do a full shower today and get my hair washed... Wish Meredith was here, I could use a good coloring!!!! We have a funeral at our church this morning and under normal circumstances I would be the one in charge of the meal for 175.... But it is happening without me this time.. I'm feeling a little guilty, but mostly relieved that it is getting done..... Am going to try to fold some cloths and just be "up and around" a bit more today... Oh, the scale is moving..... I'm down to 289 today.. that's 98 pounds....... that "100" pound mark is close, I can feel it......Would rather be walking it off, but I'll take a loss any way I can get it.. Haven't been this "small" for many years..... Well, I'm off to find some thing to eat... Hope everyone has a great day... Julie

Hi, I'm here.....that's about the extent of it, though..... Gall bladder surgery at 11:00 am on Thurs... Full 10 inch horizontal incision on my right side under my port... things went okay until my blood pressure dropped off to 43/34.................so back to surgery at 4:00 pm....2 units of blood and wow...... back to that whipped little kitten stage for me AGAIN..... Had to have another unit of blood on Saturday, but came home yesterday.. Can't do anything for a month... at least my band is intact and still full to 7.2 cc's..... Sorry, I don't have the energy to read and catch up on everyone right now... Try to do that soon... Just checking in... TTYL............ Julie

Well, I'm home again.... Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow at 9:00 am.....have to be in Bismarck by 7:00. So I'll be getting up early.... Dr. says I have one very large stone and a bunch of little ones... Normally this would be a laproscopic procedure with an overnite stay in the hospital, but because of all my other surgeries and all the scar tissue that probably won't happen.. I'll need a full incision... However this will be in a new location... under the right breast area... Of course my port is on the right side so that's in the way, too... Anyway, he says there are risks because of all this... Don't exactly know how to take that.. I know they have to tell you what CAN happen, but he laid it on pretty thick.... So, anyway, here I go again... Probably more like 3 days in the hospital... And a longer recovery period... I'm getting tired of all this recovery time... takes away from my losing time.. I lost so much in 7 months and now can't stay healthy enough to go after the rest.... I guess I'm a little nervous... I'm asking you all to keep a good thought for me tomorrow... I'll need all the good thoughts I can get... I'd better go get some things done.. Have to pretend I'm Apples and put some food in the fridge for DH while I'm gone.... The laundry is pretty much caught up, so my only concern is my granddaughter.. Need a sitter early tomorrow and then not again til Monday afternoon.. I'm hoping to be home by then and at least be able to monitor her some... Hope you all are fine and doing great... I'll be back when I get home.. Don't think I'm taking a computer this time for only 3 days.... By now... Julie

Hi everyone, I only have a minute... My baby doesn't like it when I'm on the computer so I have to type fast... Just wanted you to know I got my test results and I do have gall stones and my doc says I must see a surgeon today... On my way out quick... drop baby at the sitter and stop at bank and head for Bismarck.. Don't know if I go straight to hospital or make an appointment or what.. will try to keep in touch... Everyone stay healthy... I'll be back when I can... Julie

Hi everybody... thanks for the advice, but I've had reflux before and this sure isn't the same... I was to see another doctor (regular GP who figured out the problem last time) yesterday, and she gave me pills to stop the attacks and I'm scheduled for an ultrasound today... She is quite sure that this is my gall bladder... and the attacks are just awful... I've now heard this from many people who have experienced it, too... We'll see if she's right, but for now most of the pain is gone with these little blue pills they gave me... They were coming all times of the day and night.. And, yes, they can be triggered by food, but I haven't overeaten at all.... barely ate at all yesterday and had one mid-day... almost passed out in the doc's office.... I can't have anything today until the test, but DR said to stick to broth and lemonade until she gets it all figured out... At least the ER did the CT that said it wasn't a re-occurance of the last time I had that attack.... Baby is off to the sitter today... I'm trying to get my house back in order... Haven't done a thing since I came home from ER... just lay in my chair trying not to hurt... The place can get out of hand when I don't pay attention.. DH will fend for himself, but is quite messy about it.. and I'd have to be near dead before he would do any dishes... I don't have a dishwasher...don't mind too much.... but they just accumulate on the counter until I get to them.. Just finished and then had a nice bath.. Have to get ready to head to Bismarck for my ultrasound... Hope all are well and getting back into schedule after the holiday.. TTYL......... Julie

Hi all, I've been catching up with all the posts since I was here.. You all have been busy.. Good job to those who were able to make all the right choices over the holiday.. I did pretty well myself.. I did fudge a bit and had some chips and dip as a snack after supper during fireworks.... BUT, I'm not doing so well otherwise... Woke up at 1:15 Sunday morning with horrible pain in my shoulders and chest and back... Not the same as the last time, but similar... The pain was so bad and I was very afraid that it was another episode like the last when I almost died... So off to the ER for me... They called my doc and did all the CT's and tests and he couldn't find anything wrong.. They shot me up with morphine for the pain and I relaxed... But no answer as to why... and it started again last night, so I took a pain killer and it got better... I'm just not sure what is going on... I did have a fill a week ago and things have been fine.. I'm trying to figure it out but haven't yet.. I'm hoping it will just pass and let me be back to normal... I did lose another pound and that is good news... Sorry I can't write more.. I'll be back when I feel better... TTYL........... Julie

Hi, we just got home from an evening out with friends.. just supper and a little bingo and good conversation... Was fun and I didn't overdo... Just had fish and salad.. and didn't eat all of that.. I'm doing much better with my food these days so I'm starting to "unstress" about the 3 month hiatus I was on... I am losing again and that feels good... We will do the 4th festivities at the home of another friend and her husband.. I'm taking fresh fruit, pasta salad and cherry pies and they are doing burgers and brats, so I should be fine even though there will be lots of other good things... I can handle it, right!!! Hope you all do, too..... Moochie, you need to just settle down and quit beating yourself up.. I'll bet you know all the right things to do and just need to do them.. One of the things that has helped many others in your same situation is to start over... do the pre-op diet for a few days.... protein shakes for breakfast and lunch and then meat and veggies for supper... Have you heard of the "5 day pouch test"? If not Google it and read about this way to re-start your loss.... and Meredith is right.... get the food that hurts you out of the house... If it's that tempting, remove the temptation... Get good healthy snacks... One that works well for me and others here is the 100 calorie popcorn... I like the kettle corn... And quit being so hard on yourself.. Unfortunately some are slower losers than others... But you have lost and not gained and that is great progress... At this rate, which is 5.42 pounds per month, you will have lost 65 pounds by your bandiversary... That is nothing to sneeze at ...... 65 pounds you will never have to see again... Don't know how much you have to lose altogether, but that has to be a big dent in it... Way to go... just keep up the good work.... And really concentrating on the band rules and getting good exercies may even jump start your loss..... You'll be fine... And this is a good place to come everyday to be accountable to people who really understand what you are going through... I've been stalled for 3 months due to a medical mishap, and I think about where I could be if I had been able to lose during that time, but that had to take a back seat to getting my strength back.. I'm finally able to start losing again, but it's been hard because I fell back into old habits when the doc told me not to diet... I took it as permission to break the rules... and I did... Fortunately I didn't gain, but I sure could have... You just keep the faith, girl... You are going to be just fine... And Janet, our friendly leader, will be back soon and she'll know just how to kick your butt the way you need.... Take care Meredith.....20 pounds............great job..... I know lots of you are off doing your weekend thing... Have a great time and Happy 4th of July to all of you... Our country is worth celebrating even with all it's problems.... God Bless the USA!!!!! TTYL... Julie

Morning, Janet, DD broke out in a rash from her neck to her knees a while back.. (Over 2 weeks now I think) and started itching just terrible... Finally couldn't take it anymore and started doctoring.. 1st guy sent her home and said to buy vaginal itch cream and put on her rash.. 2nd guy did a blood test and gave her Dyflucan for yeast infection and some other cream... 3rd was the ER who put her on Prednizone and zyrtec and sent her home.. 4th was a NP here in Washburn who actually did a scraping on the rash to have analyzed.. That was Monday... She cut the prednizone in half and told her she should be much better in a day or 2... Well she had gotten so sick and dizzy after the ER they figure the drugs were making her sick.. She still can hardly hold her head up and is so dizzy all the time... I'm going to take her to the chiropractor this morning.. Maybe she had a neck bone out that is limiting the flow of blood to the brain.. And we are calling the NP again to see if the test results are in yet.. One good thing is that the itching has finally subsided..... anyway she needs to be better... She missed 40 hours of work this week...Not good for the financial situation.... As for the jogging, well, you sure are right... My knees don't hurt, but my neck and shoulders do... I was holding on to the treadmill while doing it and I must have woke up muscles that had been sleeping a very long time.. Feel like I was run over by a truck today.... I think I'll stick to walking.. I actually like the walking tape better than the treadmill anyway.... 1 day.....happy Bandiversary.... congrats on your weight loss... Next year you will be all done at this rate... What a wonderful thought, huh????? You've done a great job.... keep it up!!!! Well, I should do something before leaving for Bismarck.. I also have an appointment to get a perm this afternoon... I really need one again... Keeps the nice body in my hair.... Have a great day everyone.. Julie

Hello, I'm about ready to jump in a nice bath but thought I would check in first.. I did a bunch of cleaning again today and am feeling the ache!!!! But my list is dwindling down to just a few items... My restriction after my fill seems to be a little more than it was.. I made the mistake of sharing an apple with Mimi this afternoon and boy was that the wrong thing.. I peeled it and chewed slowly and well, but it sat there like a lump.. I think I finally feel better and was able to have some supper... DD is still sick... Don't know what to do to help her... It's very frustrating and she's now missed a whole week of work.. I hate to see her lose that paycheck!!!! Especially with the medical bills she'll have now from all this.. She has seen 4 different doctors now and still not doing well... I'm taking her to Bismarck in the morning and hope to make some people sit up and take notice... enough is enough... Lady T, welcome and don't worry, we've all had to learn the ropes around here.... First off, congrats for losing 19 pounds since surgery a month ago... This is very typical, though, to stop a bit.. Your body is catching up with what happened to it... Stalls are common and the main thing to remember is to follow the rules and the weight will come off..... Sometimes it seems hard to believe... I've had my doubts, but I've lost 95 pounds in about 8 months... (was banded 10 months ago, but had a setback and didn't lose or gain for more than 2 months.) Keep the faith and you'll be skinny before you know it.... Laura, I think Janet was right about the soup... it's always a good healthy choice... I have a friend who did bypass also, and she has developed so unusual eating habits... sometimes she doesn't and just pops those protein shots from the health store... I don't think that is good for her, but it's not for me to say... I think learning to eat regular food, but just much less of it is a much more acceptable approach to weight loss.. Hope you and your sister enjoy your visit... I'm sure you will continue to be her inspiration. I walked on my treadmill today and even tried a little jogging.. I can sure feel it in my back tonight... I also tried to get on my bicycly.... DH had it ready for me in "easy" gear.... I have such bad balance from being so heavy all my life that I have to be very carefull.. don't want to crash and burn... Can't have scapes and scratches at my age!!! Anyway I found a place to feel safe while attempting to get my balance.. When I did get going the first revolution of the pedals had me crying out in pain when my right leg came up... That's the one that is giving me so much trouble right now.. So, either I have to raise the seat to allow me more room for my leg to come up, or I have to wait to ride until the leg is better... May try to have the seat raised a bit, but I can't go too high as I need my feet to touch the ground in order to balance myself... I may just have to wait a while.... Well, it was a good day for the most part.... followed the rules and the scale was down 3 pounds this morning from Monday.. I figured I was retaining fluids and also a bit plugged up... But I'll take it anyway I can get it!!!! Goodnight all, happy dreams..... Julie

Hey Meredith, glad you are back and seem to doing well.. It takes a few days for everything to come around and you then start to feel like yourself again.. be kind to yourself and follow you doctor's advice... Welcome to our world.....it's a good place... I'm having a bill paying day.. Got our finished and now have to do Mother's..... Then my baby comes at 4:30.... My husband bought another 4 wheeler today so now we can each have one when we go out with our friends... I guess I'm going to be an outside girl now.. Never have been before, but I think I like it!!!!! TTYL gang.... Julie