NewBeginnings2018

Mandy I love the striped one the best. I think it matches your personality more and is way more fun. Very cute! Ummm...Sherry I have a recipe you goober. I made you mac n' cheese, remember?? lol. But you know my recipes - no exact measurements. But here you go: Half gallon Milk (I usually use 2%). Heat in large pot on stovetop. Don't boil, just warm it. Add Velveeta, Cheddar and American cheese. I usually do a small block of Velveeta, 1/2 a block of cheddar and 1/2 lb of american cheese. Cube the cheese and add it to the milk, stirring until cheese melts. You can fiddle with the amount of cheese or types of cheese depending on your taste. Once cheese is melted add salt, pepper and parsley. Par-boil some egg noodles and put in baking dish sprayed with pam. Cover with cheese mixture, which will be very soupy. Top with breadcrumbs and a little butter and bake at 350 until bubbly, brown and the cheese thickens up. Yep, very band friendly but not so calorie friendly. lol

Congrats on the new truck Manatee! :huggie: I know what you mean about looking in the mirror and still feeling huge. I still just as fat as I always was and it's not until I look at an old picture that I realize that I look better. JC, when I was exercising I was walking, biking, and doing exercise videos. I really need to kick it up and hit the gym. It's hard though - I work long hours and don't get home until after 6 most nights, then I do some volunteer work, and there's always laundry or cleaning to do. I know that it's all just excuses though and that I need to MAKE time for myself. That needs to be my one priority. So....update on my love life. Mike and I are still dating. Haven't had a talk about being exclusive. I think he's just kind of assuming to be honest with you. lol. It's going fairly well and I like him, but we have hit a little bump in the road. He's a workaholic. I understand he owns his own business and there are some times he works day and night (literally) because his business is seasonal. I get that he likes to work and I think this is great. I really do. But, and this is a big BUT, I absolutely have zero interest in being in a realtionship with someone I see once a week. I don't want that. I've done it and it's not fulfilling. I talked to Mike about it last weekend and asked him to be honest with me about how often his schedule is like this. He told me 6 months out of the year, he usually works like a dog. I then explained to him how much I don't want to be with someone who doesn't have time for me and that I'm done sacraficing what I need from a relationship for the other person. I've been there, and I won't do it again. He understood and said it's been a problem in past relationships. Then I told him it was Murphy's Law because it's not easy for me to find someone I really like, and he acted kind of shocked that I said that and then said hey, we can work it out. So I think he thinks I was serious, but I'm not certain. lol. He did call me on Wed and we went for dinner and he spent the night, which was nice, and we're supposed to go out tonight as well although it's 6:30 and he's still out working. Grrr... So I don't know. I'm really struggling with this. I don't need to be with someone 24/7, but I don't want to be in a relationship to be alone either. WHY does this dating crap have to be so difficult?!!!! Ugh!!!

No derby, I didn't I have to sign any kind of statement that I wouldn't throw up again. That's weird. It's not like you can totally prevent that when you're sick. My docs didn't give me medicine to prevent me from throwing up either, but they did tell me if I was worried I could call and they'd give me something. On another note, I've been stalled all month myself. I think it's mostly due to the fact that I stopped exercising and that I've been drinking more since I'm going out more often. My love for watermelon martinis is not helping matters. lol

Hi Jetti! :welcome: It seems just like yesterday that I was where you are now. It goes by quickly for sure! Good luck with everything!

Would you ever have imagined a year ago that these words would come out of your mouth? lol

No problem Shelb. PB = productive burp. I'm not sure why it's called that because it's not really a burp. For me, it's more like throwing up. If something gets stuck or if you eat too much, it's not going down it's coming up. It can be rather uncomfortable and sometimes you body produces foam to help the food work it's way up and out. That's my best explanation.

Kristi girl you look GREAT!!! My band was covered by insurance so I didn't have to pay but $1,000 ($500 fee for program and $500 co-pay for hospital). Manatee I think you're handsome, and you look great! I don't know what you're worried about. I'd be happy to be set up on a blind date with you! Denise sorry to hear about that bad PB. I haven't had one that's lasted for hours. That can't be fun. Congrats Derby girl on dropping a couple pounds this week! :Banane20: I went up one. :car: Yvonne, no ugly ducks here on this thread! We're all swans!

This is not off the topic at all, and part of what this forum is all about. Surprise, surprise but I have done speed dating a couple of times. It's kind of interesting, but can be fun. It's usually at a bar or some similar setting and you get 8 minutes with a randomly selected group of people. They have egg timers and when the bell dings you move on. At the end of the event you fill out a card that says who you'd be interested in talking to again, and if you both marked each other off then they exchange your info for you. You don't get to meet everyone there at the event, but people usually hang out before and after the event to mingle. I didn't meet anyone either time I did it, and did have a few particularly PAINFUL 8 minutes. lol. But overall I'd say it's not a bad idea and not a bad way to meet people without having to invest a lot of time. Soo....that is my long answer to your short question. Linadu personally I have not noticed a change in my sexuality but I have never been married and therefore have no idea what it's like to go through a divorce. I do have a friend who, after getting separated from her husband, went a little wild and had some one nighters. It was a phase for her, which she grew out of fairly quickly.

Denise you are so nice and too kind. There is plenty more to lose, trust me. lol I'm not looking to be thin, just maybe a size 14 or a 12 if I'm lucky. I'm having a rough time lately being motivated. I don't know if it's because I've found someone I'm happy dating, or because I'm still dealing with the emotional stuff from losing my friend. I don't know, but I need to get serious again. My scale jumped 4 pounds this week, granted 3 were gone by today, but still. It's because I find myself eating to eat - not because I'm hungry. I know I could get full off a very small amount, yet I still keep eating. I get so frustrated with myself sometimes. grrrr.... So no Leona lately, huh? Girl's been hiding out with her new beau. lol Manatee, what did you decide about the date? JC that is too funny about the ex's. It always seems to happen doesn't it? I try to remind myself that they are ex's for a reason. lol. Any luck meeting any ladies lately?

Lorna with no fill the food does pass right through to your bottom stomach. In my opinion, I think it is near impossible to stay under 1000 calories at that stage. If I were you I would focus more on eating healthy foods right now, eating your protein first, then veggies & fruit, then starches. You're in what they call "banster hell" right now. You've got the band, but it's not really working at this point. Even after you start getting fills you will at times be surprised about how much you can eat. I try and tell myself just because I can eat it, doesn't mean I should. Also, it took me almost 8 months to find the right fill level that really helped with squashing my hunger. It's the head hunger that's the hardest to deal with, and that just takes time. Still call the docs if you're really worried though or if something feels off.

JC you look amazing!!! So trim. No one would ever guess you were overweight at one point. Way to go!

Awww thanks JC. Better, but not awesome. Glad I got my waist back though. lol I want to see YOUR pics though. Down 130 lbs!! That's amazing!

Oh you all are cracking me up with the psych's visit stories. I had a similar expeirence which I posted way back somewhere. The best is that you have to PAY out of pocket, and she sits there and takes phone calls to discuss other patients. Unreal, and totally unprofessional. I gave details in the survey I completed for the Bariatric Unit so they would be aware of how much she was violating HIPPA. And she also tried to get me to go the RNY route myself. It was just weird. KayDot good to see ya! We haven't planned anything yet. Things are so busy for everyone it's hard, but we do need to get together soon and somewhere where we can really chat and share stories and expieriences. Dez - you're doing great! How are the baby-making plans going? Newbies - good luck with everything! It seems like it takes forever but all of a sudden it flies by and the next thing you'll be creeping up on your one year anniversary.

Ok guys I took some recent pics and thought I'd post them for you. This is down about 58 or so pounds. I say I'd like to lose another 40 and then see how I feel from there. I'm wearing 18's on the bottom and 14/16's on the top and can get into some XL tops. I'd love to see everyone's pics too if you're willing to share!

Patty I'm glad your doc was open and listened to you. That's very important. I'm a firm believer that being banded is not about being in a race to lose the weight, but rather about using it to help you change your bad habits and your lifestyle. Mandy is the perfect example of this after having been unfilled. It's not an easy journey but we'll all get there! Beanie girlfriend, good to see you! Congrats on the new job!! Kat I still can't get over your new pics and over 100lbs lost. You're such an inspiration to me. Not much new here other than work is hectic and horrible lately. lol. A guy at work has "semi-retired" which means he's working part time and I'm picking up all his slack. Ugh. I spoke to my boss about it and we're going to rearrange my book of business a little bit so I have more time to devote to my monster account. Other than that I'm just getting ready for Disney w/Sherry and hanging out with Mike when he's not working, which is not often. lol. But overall things are pretty good.

Manatee I say you go for it! What do you have to lose? I say meet up for a drink after work, a lunch date, or something simple like that. Low key and low pressure. You're just meeting up to see if there is anything there. If not, maybe you made a new friend and it was still a night you did not have to sit at home. If there is something there, even better. Give it a shot! Welcome Yvonne! Glad you found us. I'm so sorry to hear about your marriage and that things aren't going well with the separation. I'm sure it will be difficult to get through, but it sounds like you have the support of a loving family and, of course, us! Denise I'm glad you're enjoying your trip to Arizona! JC you always amaze me! When do you see the doctor again? I'm pulling for you! So not much to update with me other than that things are going pretty well for me and my man. No big "talk" yet like Leona, but we're doing well. lol

OMG Kat you HOT thing you!!!! You look PHEONMENAL! I have to tell you how pretty you are too! You must be so happy! Heck, I'm so happy for you! lol. You really do look great, and what an amazing transformation.

haha derbygirl! I had a date with Mike on Friday. He's been working the rest of the weekend. So just that one date for me. It was pretty hot though. lol

I haven't done a barium swallow since I was first banded. All my fills are done sight unseen and the amount we decide to put in is based on our discussions. But barium is this thick yucky stuff they have you drink, and they kind of x-ray your insides at the same time so they can watch and see the liquid go through the band. I'm not sure if it's the same thing as a fluro though.

Happy Belated Birthday Eileen! Glad it was a good one! I've been around, just busy. What's new, huh? lol. Things with the man are going pretty well. I'm finding myself a little nervous about falling for someone and getting hurt, so I'm slowing it down just a bit. I'm still dealing with some emotional stuff from my friend passing too, so sometimes it's a bit overwhelming. But overall it's good, and I can't complain! Mandy I am soooo looking forward to Disney and we definitely still want to meet up! We've been so bad with our planning and don't have much scheduled yet. I still have the schedule you sent me though, so I'll take a peak at it this week and talk to Sherry and we'll pick a day to meet you guys for lunch.

Hey Kristi! Glad to hear this new guy is so great. My tattoo boy was a real winner too - note to all you girls on this thread - stay away from the tattoo boys! lol. I am in the same apartment I have been in since January, and I love it! I'll be here for a while no doubt. I'm fairly happy with my weight loss. I know if I went balls to the wall it could come off faster, but I'm moreso trying to really change my habits and lifestyle. I'm afraid to get to the fill point you are at Kristi. You sound over-filled to me. If you can't get your water down and you're having reflux, that's a sign to me. Just keep an eye on yourself, ok? JC - so sorry to hear there is a problem. Even if they have to remove the band, remember that doesn't mean they can't put one back in after your stomach has had a chance to rest. Did they say why the slip occurred? How much fill did you have? Geez, I'm just noticing that you were banded 3 days after me and look how much more you lost than me! Wow! You really did rock and roll, didn't you? lol. But JC if there is anyone who can keep it off it will be you with all that exercise. You are such an inspiration! Welcome to the newbies who found our thread. There are some really great people who post here. So Mike and I went out last night for the first time in over a week. He has just been so busy with work, and where he owns his own business I can't blame him. I told him as long as he makes time for me once a week during his busy season I'll be ok. I can handle that for a couple of months. He told me last night he bought some deodorant and a toothbrush to keep here, but he forgot them. That cracked me up. We haven't discussed being exclusive, but apparently he's going to start keeping stuff here. lol. Too funny. I like Mike a lot, but have been feeling hesitant lately. I just want to give myself some time to get to know him and to make sure that he can really give me what I need from this relationship before I really left myself fall for him. Like I really have control over that, but I'll try. lol

Denise, I really have to say that I think you're losing at an ok rate. We were told this would take 2-3 years for us, and honestly I haven't lost a whole heck of a lot more than you, especially when you consider that you started at a lower rate. Don't beat yourself up. If you're eating a healthy diet and getting some exercise, and still lowing - even if it's reaaaallllly slow, you're still doing GREAT! JC I can't wait to hear what the docs have to say. I hope it's good news! Leona I totally agree that guys are weird and I don't understand them 95% of the time. So much for my dating expertise. lol

Heeeey Kristi!!! I've been wondering how you've been doing! I was just thinking about you the other day. I'm so glad you checked in! :tea: So is this guy your tattoo boy, or someone we don't know about? lol. As far as my fill level, I can eat probably about 2/3 of a protein bar in one sitting and I know for sure I don't want more fill. I do get sick every now and again and it does take me a while to eat even a small amount. My scale is moving slower, but I could defintely kick up the exercise notch a bit and I'd rather do that before I get another fill. I don't want to get overfilled because I think that can start a horrible chain reaction. JC way to go on losing 4 of your 11 pounds! That is GREAT! I don't blame you for being anxious and worried, I would be too. I say little prayers all the time that you and your band will be ok. Leona - congrats on your first boyfriend! Yeah!!!! I'm glad you guys spoke and I'll be pulling for you! I'm 5'6" by the way. I forget who asked. lol

Congrats Pigsr! Welcome to bandland!!!!!! The gas pains were definitely the WORST part by far. You're on your way now. Wahoo!!!

Welcome donnaj! Glad you found us! This thread is great, I agree, and it's not just because I started it. lol. But I think a lot of the people who are posting aren't really dating right now or don't really have a lot of topics to discuss about being single and dating. If you have a topic you'd like to throw out, please do! JC, one thing I used to do on liquids was to get Cambell's Broccoli & Cheese soup, and to melt some cheddar cheese in the soup. It added flavor and consistency, and it was yummy. So let's see...update on Mike. I haven't seen him much since last week because he's a contractor and owns his own business, and so often times he has to work off hours. We talk a lot on the phone and we're looking forward to seeing each other tomorrow (rain - yeah rain! lol). I'll be honest - I really like him and I'm struggling with allowing myself to trust him and fall for him. But I keep telling myself that I have to just let go and trust him until he gives me reason not too. It's hard though, but I know it's just my baggage really. Whoever said this dating thing was easy didn't know what they were talking about!