FemmeOne

Hi, everybody. You've all been posting a lot of things to really think about deeply. I really appreciate people talking about their sons in the military...those posts made me cry. I can't imagine how hard it is to see your son go off, and then come back with problems. I don't think we realize just how much those folks have to go through. My heart goes out to you moms. The same with the posts about PTSD; I was diagnosed with it a while ago, and like Apples, it took me several years in therapy to deal with it. I don't suffer nightmares like I used to, and feel that in some ways I've gotten past most of it. I did want to report that I'm feeling better. Went to my head meds doctor (psychiatrist) and got a tweak in my medication for the depression. I've been seeing so many doctors this week! Got a fill (well, that was last week), and also saw my doctor to get some more thyroid meds prescribed. That should help the depression as well as the tiredness I've been feeling. So I'm on the mend and trying to get better! Still keeping up the exercise, too. As a matter of fact, at my LB support group meeting on Monday, we had a Zumba instructor come and teach us some dance moves. It was so much fun that I've already signed up for a Zumba class. It's a type of aerobic exercise that is dancing to Latin and Bollywood-type music. Very energetic. I've always loved to dance, and since I've gotten really fat, I felt too embarrassed to get up and dance in front of people. Not any more! I go to my first class tonight. I also checked my library and they have the Beck diet books, so I'm stopping there today to pick one up. Maybe if a bunch of us read them, we can talk about what things helped us. I'm having food issues and I really get what someone said about once you let the barrier down, the floodgates open. If I get "out of the habit" just the least little bit, then watch out. I'm eating bad stuff again. Or too much of the good stuff. Eva, I wish you didn't have those pain issues. But you seems to be dealing pretty well with them, in my opinion. Just doing a little is good. When I first started exercising a few months ago, I could only do 5 mins on my elliptical. Now I'm up to 40 mins. Love all of you--hope you all have a good Thursday.

Hi everyone! It's been a pajama day for me too...I had off today and slept in, egad...had the weirdest sex dreams all night. Woke up sort of amused!! I did clean my kitchen really well today, so that was at least one thing I accomplished, and I'm getting ready to go down to the sewing room to do some work. Now, I'm watching "Hoarders," which is my guilty pleasure. Don't know why that show is fascinating, but it is...it also makes me feel that my "collecting" isn't that bad. Hee.. Got to make sure I do my elliptical today. Even though I got a fill last week, I'm still able to wolf things down, so I'm really having to use will power. Meredith, how horrible a thing to happen to your friend's mother. I hope that she will be found soon.

Hey, where is everybody today??!! Cheri, I know what you mean about being in a funk. It seems that you know how to get yourself out of it though. I have certain techniques, too, but they don't always work. I hope you feel more "up" soon.

I'm another Catholic schoolgirl---didn't have any terrible experiences, except for a semi-crazy nun in the 7th grade. She let us make snowflakes all year. I wanted to be a nun too, when I was in the 6th grade...we had Sisters of Charity, which wore those big white wing-looking headdresses. I overdid it last night at a get-together with friends. We call it the "Exchange Club" because at every meeting we bring stuff to exchange. There's a different theme every month, clothing, jewelry, kitchen stuff, books, etc. Anyway, people bring really good and rich foods, and I just kept putting it away! Need to get on my elliptical today for an extra long session! Last night was the "unwanted Xmas present" exchange, and I got some good stuff...some Shiseido soap, a mortar and pestle for my spices, a good book, and Barbie and Ken salt and pepper shakers! What a gloomy weekend! It's so gray outside and I feel Blah! I need to run a few errands, get to WalMart and buy some protein powder, and get some prescriptions filled. So far I've been lazy this morning, playing on the computer and listening to some radio shows. We are going out tonight with some friends to listen to a band that a friend of ours plays in...should be fun, although I need to bring my earplugs. Hope you all are doing well. And hope it keeps warming up!

Hi there, everyone. I'm at work, but I have a few minutes...it's been pretty busy. Laura K, how artistic you are! I love those leaves... Julie, nice tractor...I have an old Chambers range sitting in my garage that need restored. It was a project that I started a long time ago, and hope that someday I can finish. I need a husband as interested in old stoves as yours is in old tractors! Laura, hope your dad is feeling better. And I hope you have a good time in Miami...wish I were someplace warm too!! Actually it hit 40 yesterday and everyone was out walking and running with light jackets on---amazing how warm that feels when it's been below freezing for weeks on end. Sparkle, I think you'll do fine with the surgery. I was off work for a week, but I really could have gone back on day 5 if I wanted. Yesterday I went in for a small fill, 3/4 cc. My surgeon saw me and was really enthusiastic about my weight loss...51 lbs yesterday. They told me that was 40% of my goal, and that most people didn't reach that until a year after surgery. So I was psyched up! I only have to be on liquids after the fill for that day, then back to normal foods today. I'm going to really watch it though, and eat pretty easy stuff today because I don't want to get swollen up again and get those bad sticking situations like I was having. Linda, I really miss it when you don't post as much!! The other day I pm'ed Apples for info about the Florida trip, thinking that perhaps I could find a cheap flight and come to meet you all. However, those dern flights are just too expensive for me right now. I hope I can make another get together if you do it next year. I'm disappointed, but I still feel like i "know" you all on here. Hi to everyone else I didn't mention. My memory is so bad, I sometimes wonder how you all remember so much to comment on!! I need to take notes when I read posts!

Lori, I also forgot to mention how gorgeous those pheasant ornaments were...and those trees! I'm a crafty person, but I don't know how you did those... I have some pheasant feathers from a friend who hunts...I might have to try to see if I can do one of those balls. And the dress is great! Very beautiful and you look great in it! I keep forgetting things I want to say, and have to go back and read old posts...

I'm hypo too, but I haven't had a problem so far losing. As a matter of fact, I even had to change thyroid meds right after my surgery, because they are no longer making Armour thryoid. It did cause a change in my energy level and caused me to be slightly depressed., but did not seem to affect my weight loss.

Hope everyone's having a good Sunday. I got up this morning late, listened to This American Life (my fave radio show), ate steel cut oatmeal, then got on the elliptical for my longest time ever (30 mins---don't laugh!). It's getting easier all the time, which makes me realize that I'm making progress. Even DH commented on it, "You were on that thing a long time today!" Of course, that's pretty wimpy compared to Janet's exercise marathons!! I'm also doing arm workouts using 5-lb weights (gotta try at least to get rid of the "mudflaps"). Still haven't joined a gym yet, but I'm doing an hour of pilates or core workout at least 4 days a week at work. I can really feel my "core" getting stronger. Cheri, hope the fall fallout isn't too bad...sounds like you know what you're doing with that hang-upside-down thing. My husband used to do that when his back was really bad. It really made him feel better. Apples, I've always been amazed at how rude people are, although they don't always realize it. It seems like everyone feels that they have the right to comment on another's body! On Friday, I told two more people at work that I had LB surgery. (I'm sure it'll be all over the whole place now.) They were commenting on my weight loss, and I just felt dishonest not tell the truth. Up to now, I've kept it quiet at work, just because I can't stand the idea of people talkin about me. But, it seems the more weight I lose, the less I care what people think. It also, in a way, gives me more incentive to keep on losing (and especially for not gaining any back). I've been struggling with food the past week or so...craving chocolate and sweets. Some of it is that I need a fill but a lot of it is head hunger. Ack! At my last LB support group meeting, I mentioned it, and people said that around the 4th month, the honeymoon period is wearing off, and it gets harder. Maybe that's it. But I think I'm eating too much now and the scale isn't moving. Most of the folks in our support group are having trouble, because I think the one's who are successful don't feel like they have to come. There are people who have been banded over a year and have lost almost nothing. It is scary for me. I like hanging out here with all of you successes, because it gives me the incentive and the idea that I can do it too. But I'm not dissing those other people who are haivng trouble, because we all do from time to time. I'm not known for being a sunny and optimistic person, but I am optimistic about my band. (I'm not a gloomy person either...probably people would describe me as somewhat shy and thoughtful and quiet...but I'm not very quiet after you get to know me!) Eva, wish I could go outside and do yardwork...i love working in my garden, but it's about -7 here with the windchill...not as bad as some places, eh, Apples? It's interesting how far-flung we all are. I find it fun to read about how people in other parts of the U.S. live. Here in southern Indiana, we have beautiful springs and falls...ths summers are too hot and humid for me and the winters are grey and gloomy. I would love to be able to go south for the winter somewhere. A lot of my friends here are retiring (they are slightly older than me) and spending their winters in lovely warm places...envy envy envy! As a matter of fact, retirement has pretty much broken up an old gang of mine...people just aren't around very much anymore. And they mostly do have more money than I do, so they can afford to travel more. Tonight is my book club night...we read the autobiography of Hoagy Carmichael...he grew up here in Bloomington. Should be fun. I don't know what I'm going to make to take (it's a potluck dinner too), probably will send hubby to store to pick up something for a casserole. I'm famous for my grilled veggies, but the poor old grill out on the deck is covered with snow! Egad, am I longwinded today or what?!

Argh! I lost a long post I had been working on, so I'm not going to try to recreate it. But first of all, thanks for the good wishes on my "bad day." Today I've been feeling much better, and I appreciate your kind thoughts. I know everyone has bad days, but I get worried when I can't seem to pull out of it. Apples, thanks for the offer on those bras. Right now, I'm wearing a 40 or 42 D, so it'll probably be a while before I'd be in a 36. Hopefully not TOO long though.

Nope, Janet, no more TV at work today; I actually tried to get some work done. I have a bunch of work backed up, but can't seem to get my a** in gear! Apples, that seafood lasagna looked wonderful...but I'd hate to see your food bill!! Oh, BTW, I also wear those La Mystere bras. Aren't they great? I get them on eBay though for cheaper. I scheduled a fill for next week. At this point, I'm hungry too soon after I eat, and am being tempted way too much. I haven't gained, but I'm not losing anything either. We got a bunch of snow last night and it is sooooo cold...luckily I have a little Honda CRV and it goes good in the snow. Had to pick up DS and give him a ride to work this morning so I got in late. Same for tomorrow. Linda, I admire your working on your writing. I was taking writing classes for a while at the university, but I haven't kept up with it. Got lots of good feedback and have a few short stories, but haven't sent them anywhere yet. I'm feeling a little down tonight...not sure why. Just one of those days. You guys always cheer me up though.

Hi, Amanda. My hair is getting thinner too, and it has me worried. Just the other day at our support group meeting, my surgeon's PA said that she's noticed people complaining about hair loss at about month 3 or 4, and that it usually continues until month 7 or 8. She also said that protein intake doesn't seem to affect it.

Apples, your posts sometimes makes me think I'm reading Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" books. Do you have a rope guide leading to your barn so your hubby doesn't get lost in the blizzard??! I love it! And both of those recipes sound great. I'm going to try them. (And did you leave a little something out!!?:thumbup: Just kidding!) Linda and Janet, you're both going hot on the exercise...it's an inspiration to me. Janet, I hope work isn't too boring. I've been bad at work lately...yesterday (I hate to admit it) I was watching episodes of Masterpiece Theater on my computer! Egad, if I got caught I'd be in trouble! Laura, good on you for being generous with your trashmen. My hubby loves those orange slices too; I'm more of a chocoholic myself. I've had a bag of Lindor truffles in my kitchen that I MUST give away before I succumb. JUlie, I hope you soon get some resolution to your shoulder problem. Eva, good idea on the date night thing. It's something I should do with my DH...we've been in such a rut lately, and I hate going out anywhere in the cold. Jessica, I hope everything is going well. You'll be eating mushies before you know it. The last couple days of liquids gets really boring. I couldn't WAIT to try some mashed potatos. Just a couple more days before the students get back. ACK! The town is so nice when they're gone...then 35 thousand of them descend and the traffic gets crazy. Of course, I wouldn't have my job without them, but still, they get on my nerves.

I've been in AlAnon for years (rampant alcoholism in my family), and I'd say that there are a lot of people who have been affected by alcoholism and other addictions that have weight issues. Also childhood sexual abuse. I'm addicted to food---it's just like a drug for me. It helps me to comfort myself and push down all those emotions that I don't want to deal with. I notice now that I'm controlling my addiction with the help of the band that I've become more depressed. I think part of that is that some of those feelings are beginning to come to the surface. I know I have to deal with this stuff, and it isn't easy. I haven't felt the urge to pursue another addiction yet...not shopping, not sex, not alcohol, and I hope I don't.

Aw, gee, thanks, Apples, for the compliment. Actually that's a "geode" not a gourd. It's a rock that is very common in Indiana, but not so common in other places. You've probably seen these broken open, because they usually have all sorts of crystals inside. You see them as bookends and decorative items.

I'm not sure how to do this but I'm going to try to upload a photo. This is one of me standing next to the largest known geode in Indiana. This is from a few years ago before I gained a bunch of weight. I'm still heavy in this photo (but it got a lot worse!). I'll have to find a more recent one.

Hi JB. I'm an editor, mostly a copyeditor, at our state geological survey. We're part of Indiana University, a huge state school. So mostly I'm reading scientific papers that others have written and correcting and editing them. Then I also format those papers into books and booklets, so I'm a desktop publishing person, as well. I also write a quarterly newsletter for the general public. It's just me and one hourly assistant in the editorial office so there's a lot to do. Luckily I don't have too much deadline pressure...I always joke that we do things around here in geologic time.

Eva...great photos. What a lovely place to live. What type of work do you do? I used to dream of early retirement (it ain't happening!), but I'll probably have to work until I'm 75! :thumbup: But you know, I do enjoy having a routine to my day, and sometimes when I'm off for too long, I get sick of being home all the time. I also like the social interaction at work. I'm lucky in that I have a fairly low stress job, and a lot of autonomy; I have my own office, which I've decorated how I like (even put up draperies) and it's my home away from home. Can you tell I"m trying to talk myself into enjoying work today??? :blushing:

How do you early risers get up at the crack of dawn!!?? :blushing: I'm a sleeper-inner, but I wish I could get up earlier. I even have my work schedule so I get in at 9 am and work till 6. I'm going to start setting my alarm for a little earlier every day, so I can start getting to work at 8. Also...I'd love to be able to get exercise in the morning, but that'll probably be too much for me!

Jewel, you'll be fine. I was worried about my liver too, but my doc didn't have me do the pre-op diet at all, and it was just fine. You'll do just great, and before long you'll be really losing the pounds!

Eva, that is SO cool that you have tortoises! And I loved those pics...you have a bunch of critters! I've often wondered what life "in the desert" would be like. I've only been to California once, to San Diego for a work conference. I wish I'd had more time to travel around while I was there. And just last fall I got to go to Arizona, my first time in the SW...it was great. I've always loved to travel and see new places, and I've done a little, but I haven't had many opportunities lately. (I keep thinking about Florida with you guys, and I just may have to splurge!) Did some cleaning today, got on the elliptical, made another pair of pants that fit (yay!) and spent a whole bunch of time reading earlier parts of this thread. It's nice to find out more about you guys! Now there are chicken thighs baking in the oven for dinner and I am HUNGRY. I definitely need a fill, so I'm going to call the dr's office on Monday. I've been being pretty good about tracking my calories on My Plate, and I've been staying between 950 and 1100. Do you all think that's OK as far as weight loss is concerned? I seem to keep losing.

Wait a minute...Eva, you have LIVE tortoises living in a bin? Wha?

Happy New Year! Quiet night for us last night...nothing special. And then we slept in until almost 11 this morning! I did put away some of the Christmas stuff (2 bins for me!) and my DH is doing laundry and cleaning up a bit. I guess that little talk I had with him the other day about the house being his "job" when he isn't working did some good. It isn't his fault that he's out of work, but I do get a little upset when I'm working a regular full-time job and still have to do most of the housework. I used to have someone come in every two weeks to do the heavy stuff back when we had more money. But that's been a while. I realized today that the reason I was so tight over the holidays was nerves. Now I'm ravenous and want to eat everything! So I guess I'm ready for another fill, even though I just cancelled my appointment for one. Luckily, I can usually get in right away when I call. Everyone sounds so up, it does me good. I hope I can shake the depression that hit me last year. I've always had periodic depressions (it's a disease I just have to live with and that I take medication for), but since my mom fell and broke her hip, then ended up in assisted living, I've been really down. I think it's mostly guilt because I'm so far away and can't help her very much. sorry for unloading this, but you are all so very understanding. Part of my "therapy" for myself is connecting with people, because my usual MO is to isolate myself. So I try to do more social things with friends, and being on this board is also very helpful. So thanks for being there!

Hi, everyone. It's been a while since I posted here, but I wanted to check in. Looks like you all are doing great. I was excited this morning when I weighed in...I've lost 50 lbs! Getting close to the halfway mark to goal. I'm very happy with that amount.

Janet and Linda...Wow! Va va va voom, girls! Thanks so much for posting those pics; it really gives me the inspiration and impetus to keep on going. For the past few years, I've felt so frumpy and matronly-looking. I can't wait until I can wear cool clothes again. And shoes---I have to wear clunky orthopedic-type shoes now and would love to be able to just have a nice pair of shoes! By the way, Janet, I happened to notice in your photos that you have a lovely gap in your front teeth. I love that!! Do you know there is a film about gap tooth women? My DD was so upset when she got her molars in and they closed her front teeth gap! I was pretty excited this morning to get on the scale and see that I've lost 50 lbs!! (This isn't my "official" weight, cause I like to go by my doctor's office scale. I also haven't updated my ticker in a while.) That's almost halfway to my goal!

Apples, I'm glad the agony is over and you passed the stone. Yippee! Sounds like you've hit the ground running! I'm having a very lazy day today...well, I did go out in the cold and walk for 45 mins this morning. Wasn't so bad and two walks in the past two days have made me realize that I don't need to stay inside when it's cold. I got warmed up pretty quick. I also have some new workout gear that I got at TJ Maxx with my daughter. She helped me pick out some badly needed stuff; I didn't have anything nice to wear to my exercise class, and I also got a fleece jacket that is great for outside walking. When it's really cold, I'll need some sort of shell over it also. But at least I'll be stylin' when I go to the gym. That what my husband and I got each other for Xmas this year---a membership to the gym. Linda, you're an inspiration to me with all your daily exercise. We all went out last night to hear my DH play guitar at a local pub, and it was nice for us all to be together. DD and her partner left today---I miss her already, but I'm also glad to get back to my routine. I'm going in to work tomorrow, but that'll be it until Monday, when I'll have to really get back in the swing of things. Lately I've been terribly bored at work lately, and have trouble getting things done. I need to shake that off! Well, on my shopping excursion I couldn't find any nice workout pants (I'm still in the plus sizes), so I need to make a pair. I can sew some stretch pants in an afternoon, but today I was too lazy. Probably will get some done this weekend. I also have to take in more pants, as I'm still losing! Yippee! That makes me happy.