Grandcanyon

snow days - I don't recall ever having a snow day while growing up. I lived in northern Canada, northern Montana, norther Idaho and Washington. We also had to walk up hill both ways to school in the snow - but we had no shoes so for traction we would wrap barbed wire around our feet. Our school here at the canyon has had to cancel school for "cold" when the furnaces went down - it was too cold for the children. I can completely understand that - I get too cold and my brain shuts down.

Texas - Having lived in Texas for years, having a native Texan father, husband and son - "I" think it's because Texas was it's own country and don't like being lumped in with any one else.

I use the Protein shake to boost my protein in-take, not as a Meal Replacement. Also, Herbal Life sells a Protein Drink that is a flavored beverage - mixed with Water not milk - and it is good! - it also meets my low sugar requirements. They have a berry and a peach mango. I mix them with twice the amount of water and feel like I'm getting a real treat. I highly recommend it. I agree that the EAS whey is the best tasting shake mix. Again it meets the low sugar vs. high protein requirements. I get mine at Target. And you can mix in all kinds of stuff (Peanut Butter, banana, etc). Hmmmm. Isn't funny how when you're not gulping you're food and reducing what you eat you really appreciate the taste more? I have been totally down lately about my exercising. I was doing good until August when I had minor back surgery. Then I had minor surgery on my feet - then got infections. The snow and ice nix any outdoor activity and our community center doesn't open the workout room until 6am so I can't get in there to exercise. I feel so blah. On another note, I eat nice small meals but I refuse to make it taste like cardboard. - I don't want to feel like I'm being punished. So if I'm serving a sauce with the food I still put a teaspoon or so on my food. Personally, I have not counted calories. I watch my protein in-take and do my best to eat properly balanced meals. I was banded May 2008 and have lost 86 pounds and life is GOOD! Jacqui - do you sell pin up posters? You look good!!

Don't forget "Isn't that darling?" and "How nice." with their variations. Usually said in a very sweet tone and with a smile. BTW - I'm trying the recipe on (I think) page 3 for the talapia. Even though fish makes me gag. If it's good I'll use it on my piggie (we have three: Leonardo di Piggio, Petey Punkin Pie and Sebastion). Or maybe the dog (Papillon named Elliot) Or the cat (adopted named Ivan - the terrible) Or the female beta (Rain - Storm died and we need to replace her). Or Sally the Salamander (who is way past her expected life span and probably too tough to eat. The end of August a mountain lion ate our other cat, Little Bear, and out other dog (also a Papillon), Bugsy McRoss of Skidmore. The kids and I are pretty broken up about that I went in yesterday and had .5 cc taken out. Man I feel so much better today. It was wonderful to chew!:sneaky: Not the way to lose weight. I had to stay in town until I'd eaten something to make sure I was okay this time. The nurse said they're getting a lot of people up from Phoenix to get fills (who'd had their surgery done in Mexico). I love this thread!:thumbup:

I don't get it with the men and long hair thing. I told my husband he was welcome to grow his long. When mine was down to my butt it took me an extra 1/2 hour just in the shower. Some day I'll get brave and cut it long enough to spike. My cousin actually shaved her head. But it takes a nice looking head to do that - I think more men should be told that.

Well, I've been lurking here for a while. And finally decided to introduce myself. I read the first 80 pages - then skipped to page 573. I read some of those firsts posts to the DH - especially the ones that made laugh until I cried. I was amazed. Said they can't say those kinda' things on the Disney threads he reads. Anyhow ... I had my band done May 19, 2008 and I've lost 85 pounds so far. I really had to back off this fall with the exercise. I had minor back surgery and then ingrown toenails removed on both feet. Figured I'd met my deductible so I might as well get some other stuff done. I had my second fill Dec 16th. It took me awhile to figure out it was too tight. And the doctor's nurse I spoke to the first week after the fill didn't seem to think there was a problem. Hello, I still can't do anything but liquids. I finally got to speak to the doctor's bariatric assistant and she has me in to get an unfill on Tuesday. I wanted to tell all you "old-timers" (definitely not a comment on any woman's age!) a great big THANK YOU! My motivation has certainly gotten a kick in the pants. I sure needed it. And, although I hate fish, thanks for the recipes - I eat a lot of it now and like to be able to cover up the taste. Michele

After reading gobs of unsatisfied posts etc I have to add here that my lap band surgery experience to this point made me feel like a poster child. I had my surgery May 19, 2008 - and I have lost 80 pounds so far. My goal was to be at 200 lbs by the end of the year and I beat it! I have another 50 lbs to goal. Then I maintain for a while and get that tummy tuck and get those breasts put back where they belong. If only I felt better right now. As it is - I live 1 1/2 hours from town and can't get in there until next Tuesday - even if the doctor can see me.

I had my second fill on Dec 16th. Since then I have had severe pain behind the breastbone, pain in the "gut", what appears to be gas, burping, retching (sometimes with results and sometimes without). I called the doctor the week after the fill when I still was having trouble with liquids. The nurse called me back the next day. The doctor was in surgery the next two days and didn't call back. The nurse called again to see how I was doing and I told her I was still having trouble with protein drinks. I still haven't heard back from the doctor (or, now, the nurse). The pain is so severe I want to cry. I have no energy - I don't want to eat or drink. I will be calling the doctor again tomorrow morning and actually demand some attention. (I'm great at sticking up for my children - not very good about being forceful for myself). Per everything I've read my fill is to tight. Please give advice on what to do in the meantime to help relieve the pain, etc.