singand_dance

Tina- I'm so enjoying all your old work clothes! I feel like I should pay it forward. Maybe I'll buy cute clothes in whatever size you're in and get them back when they get too big for you! I know I need more support. Our once a month meeting just isn't enough and the Monday night EG meeting is more like work than support. Post that list girl! Congrats Annalynn! You have done an amazing job getting to goal while dealing with a horrible situation. I'm really proud of you. John & Lee- Way to go on those double-digit lbs! Coco- New edition? Candra- Where are you honey?! I'm worried about you. Miss you girl! My trainer is sick so no training for me tonight. I should have been a good little girl and still gone to the gym but I didn't. What a rebel.. not in a good way. We're cleaning and packing the extra junk in the house. It's a little overwhelming but it's got to be done. Oh, and my two cents- I love having everyone together. I'm still stuck on the pre-op side but I still feel like I can support my post-op sisters. We all have something to contribute.

Oh Tina! I'm so sorry. I've been thinking about you all morning and then I read about work. That's just crazy. I've determined that I must be naive, because I expect people to be honest with me (ie-Kaiser) and tell me (you) why they're withholding. Are they trying to teach you a lesson? Is it about exercise? Do they expect you to go on liquids for 3 weeks before a fill to "earn" it? So I just don't get it. It just seems so unfair. And we do deserve a Kaiser fill center in Sac. Aren't over half Richmond patients from Sac? They need a fill center here and a support group. Tina, I'm beyond frustrated on your behalf with both Kaiser and work. Can't wait to hear what good news is waiting for me in 45 minutes...

Turbo Jam! I always sweat a ton. I've heard good things about P90X, but I don't think I'm fit enough for it yet!

Tina, that is just crazy. I can't believe their answer is still "No". It seems like you should be able to take that up to someone else in the dept. Who can we complain to if we have an issue with our surgeon? In my mind, they just don't understand your situation which is why they are withholding fills. I can't fathom why you can't get a fill if Baggs and Robin both understand the situation. Don't they want you to succeed? Jeez... I'm so sorry you're in this situation. What a nightmare!

Tina, I think you just need to tell them you feel like you have no control and that you're on your own, because you are! I think Baggs will give you a fill, just a feeling I have. I've attached two photos, the first is me at the wedding. I ran out of time to paint my nails (red, to go with the whole look) so my mom and I snuck to the bathroom to paint them. The second is what my mom came up with comparing myself last year on my b-day and this year.

Where is everyone? Candra I'm worried you're stuck with a 10 day migraine or your forced to do wedding prep. Hmm. Miss you! I just got back from my session with the trainer. Each team has a board up and they put a star next to your name for every % of weight lost. I've got two stars! (A tie for best of my group!). As of my weigh-in tonight I've lost 9 lbs. I still feel like I'm plateaued though. Gotta do an official Kaiser weigh-in this week. *sarcastic "yay"* I wish Kaiser gave us gold stars! Lol. One guy has lost 7%. He apparently owns a local pizza place and he simply stopped eating pizza and has dropped the lbs. Jerk. I so wish I had started this 10 months ago when I started the pre-op and was dropping weight like crazy. Oh well, still getting a great workout! Oh, funny thing with my trainer yesterday. We went over nutrition and he wants me to snack now. I told him today that I measured everything (yay!) but I didn't snack since I wasn't hungry. He told me to try! I don't know about that, I just can't justify eating when I'm not hungry. I've worked so hard to be able to eat 3 squares -no snacks. But I figure I'll plan snacks in case I get hungry (like the yoghurt I don't finish at b-fast etc). I really hope I can bust the plateau for real! I don't know if I'll make it to the walk on Saturday, we might be really busy with house stuff.

Hello hello! I realized why my pedometer seems to show really low step counts. I reset it while it was in my pocket! Seems like that reset button shouldn't be so easy to push... I'm off for my torture ahem, training. Have a good night!

My cousin's wedding went well. They had karaoke, which would have been cool if it started with people a little less smashed and it wasn't so loud. They turned the volume up for karaoke. My brother and sis both sang, but I got a bit of stage fright. Funny, since I took voice lessons for a few years and was a (vocal) music major. I did have a cupcake at the wedding. I'll sure miss my sister's cupcakes after I get my band. When we go to weddings I make the fella dance with me once. All I ask for is one dance. Last night there were only two slow songs, the first one was in the very beginning, and with the second he was chatting with my brother. I was kinda bummed we missed our dance. But I posted pics on fb. I also have pics from my b-day, my mom did a side-by-side from my pic from my b-day last year. What a difference a year makes! I hope to post it here soon. I met with my trainer today to go over nutrition. He suggested I stick to 1200-1400 calories. I was glad! When I did the body fat testing they kept saying 1200 was too low. But he agreed with 1200 calories but wants me eating small snacks (like a hard-boiled egg or string cheese) between meals, going no more than 3-4 hours without food. He also helped me to realize that my plateau is most likely caused by my failure to weigh my food. I keep thinking I'm having 3 oz of protein but I bet it's 6-8 oz. So my goal for the week will be to weigh/measure everything. He said we're going to bust this plateau! Yay! He also acknowledged my efforts during our workouts, he knows I try my hardest and really do give 100%. I'm glad he notices, 'cause I'm trying! And I'm sweating! My other goal is to go to bed by 10 pm. I'm a few minutes late now so I better get!

Where was everyone today! We missed you all! (Pam, Maria, Tina, Reggie, Candra!) Meeting was good, Angel had a lot of free stuff for us this month. I couldn't go to lunch since I have to leave for a wedding. But I had a quick second to say hi! And Donna, thanks for all the sweet stuff you said, you almost made me cry! After that, I had a woman ask for my email address because she needs support! I'm a little bummed since I don't have time for my workout- gotta leave in less than an hour. And I was all lazy last night and didn't get to the gym. Sunday is my day, I'll be rocking a 90 min workout to make up for these two days. Have a good weekend everyone!

Pat- Having a migraine doesn't count as wimping out! I'm still pretty sore today- 4 days after my killer workout. I hope tomorrow gets better. I finally have my 1 on 1 meeting with the trainer. We'll go over nutrition (lol) and set a game plan or something. I didn't get to the gym at all today. Just too darn busy! In my office we usually plan a lunch thing for the birthday person. The last b-day was in Jan and we did Nachos. Well, for my b-day they did a salad bar! I was so touched that they remembered that I'm eating different and they respected that. While they picked up 3 dozen cupcakes, they also got 1 dozen mini cupcakes (110 cal each). It was nice to know they remembered my diet and didn't try to sabbatoge! After work we had dinner at an amazing restaurant (Gormet Chinese) and it was just dang good. I didn't bring leftovers home, they stayed with my folks. I had a little ice cream and some cake but I didn't eat the whole thing. My b-day gift from my parents was amazing. My mom has been scanning all of our old photos for the last year and a half (maybe longer) and she made me an album, and put together a video that had pictures of my first year, and videos they made from the day they brought me home from the hospital thru my first b-day. (And I got some cutco knives and a propane tank lol!) I just want to thank everyone on this board for being so wonderful. I started my journey about 10 months ago but I would probably have given up if I didn't know you people. Thanks for being amazing! I can't wait to see everyone this weekend!

I have the Wii Fit Plus, EA Active and Jillian Michaels Ultimatum 2009. Of the three the EA Active is the best. I actually get a good workout. Any other games for a good workout?

-Chicken- (not spicy, just tasty!) 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 jar salsa verde (any size) dash of season salt dash of tapatillo (or any hot sauce) Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high 4 hours. I've cooked it using frozen chicken for 8 hrs on high. Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred with a fork. I usually add about 1 cup of the salsa juice from the crock back in to the chicken. It keeps it moist even when reheating. * I've also used green enchilada sauce instead of the salsa. Works good too!

Tina- I so admire you committment to this. I can't believe it's really been six months since that crazy too-tight/unfill incident. Perhaps Robin and Baggs just didn't realize that you've been without restriction for that long. Or that you've been without restriction for a longer period of time than you had it. I just can't imagine why they'd refuse to fill you up! I know Dr. Baggs has a big ol needle with your name on it! lol. I did end up at the gym tonight. I just fell asleep on the couch first! But I still got an hour in on the elliptical. Coco- were you guys talking about the bridge on 3/6?

Today is my first day with my pedometer. I did 5,000 steps before I got home tonight. Now it's time to make dinner and head out to the gym. I really don't want to go (this is staying home weather!--- John, your rain showed up!) But I'll still go. Last night I asked the trainer how much exercise I should be getting on my non-training days. He said 60-90 mintes of cardio, and if possible, break it down to tw 45 min sessions about 6-8 hours apart. So, I set my alarm for 5am, I figured I'd ride my stationary bike for 30 min and get ready (I usually get up at 5:30). Wouldn't you know, I not only ignored the 5am alarm, I slept right through the normal 5:30 one and finally woke up at 6! I think I was just that worn out from last nights workout.

I just got home from the gym. I can barely type. I know I said that I love being sore but this is major sore! I can only imagine how tomorrow will feel. I've got spaghetti arms! I got quite a workout! My Omron pedometer came in the mail today. Now I just have to figure out how to set it and I'll start tracking tomorrow!

No time to post everyting I want... I'm headed to the gym. I'm full of energy tonight! Happy Bandaversary Riley!!!! Pat is planning a walk in March at the wetlands (right?) And I'll be there Saturday at Point West.

Howdy. We got up and went for a walk first thing in the morning. I'm guessing we did about 2 miles and finished just as the rain started to fall. Talk about good timing! Tomorrow is Day 3 with my trainer. It's about time, I haven't been sore in two days! I hope the scale finally starts to move in the right direction. I think I need to throw mine out and get a new one. I just don't trust that sucker any more. Hope everyone has a great week with good choices. (Me included!) I've been making some sub-par choices in the food dept. Why is it so much harder to get back on track than it was to get on the track in the first place? After orientation the 1200 cal was hard, but I was super motivated. Now, I'm having trouble resisting temptation. What is that about? I think I need to start doing other things, like crochet a few rows when I want to eat something between meals. And why is it so hard to stay on track in Feb? With V-day, his b-day and my b-day I have all sorts of excuses. Ugh. Did I mention that I really want my band already?

So, about how far is 10,000 steps? I ordered my Omron pedometer online last week. Should be here Monday!

Oh, and Tamra- Do not lie to them. Lying does nothing to help you. If you're eating something you know you shouldn't eat (or drink) then change it otherwise just tell them why you ate or drank it.

Pam, how often do you pb? What if you're too tight? I think you should make an appt with Dr Im and find out what's up. Maybe a Robin appt would help too. I went to the gym after bunco tonight. Yeah! I wasn't totally feeling it since I've got this cold but I did it. I was looking around at everyone else at the gym, and they all seemed to be just going through the motions. No one was actually working out, they were all half-ass exercising! I think I was the only one trying to burn as many calories as I could (approx 500 cal!). One of the things my trainer said is every time we go do cardio we will burn more calories than the last time. He wants us to track our calories and do better each and every time. I like that. I'm also trying to think of outdoor walks, since I need to walk more for sure. Would anyone be interested in meeting for a walk on American River Parkway? I've never done it myself but we could meet at Watt access or something like that. Just a thought. I should be at the meeting next Saturday. My cousin's wedding is that evening. I'm thinking of getting my hair done in the morning before the meeting and pray it still looks good 10 hours later! lol. Mee thinks it's time for bed. Night!

Good morning! Whoa, it's noon. So It's my day off and I'm sick. Luckily I have no plans or appts today. I can just sit on the couch being sore and sick. Have I mentioned how I love being sore. It makes me feel like I've actually done something worth a damn. Last night we did 30 minutes of intervals on the elliptical/arc tranier thing. Then we went to the outdoor basketball court to do some core work. I could see the steam coming off me! So cool. Reggie- I bought the pesto, how much did you use for that chicken? Were those chickens swimming in pesto or just marinated? I need to make some chicken! lol. Coco- I have more soup if you want. We're kind of souped-out. Robbie can definately have the recipe! John & Lee- Do they let you see your stomach before they dispose of it? I'd kinda want to see mine in a jar so I could say a proper goodbye. Is that wrong? Of course, when I was 16 and in my first car accident I almost lost a toe, and I wanted them to get me a mirror so I could see how bad it was. (The ER nurse lifed the toe and said "cool" so I really wanted to see it too) Funny, since the boyfriend can't handle anything like that and I've got this sick curiosity. Anyway, I'm hoping to get out for a walk around the neighborhood for at least a few minutes. Oh! And I wore my MBTs to work yesterday, it was our 1 jeans and tennies shoes day of the month, so I wore thos MBTs and felt great. I can't tell if they made me sore or if that's the trainer's fault. :confused:

Hello hello! I feel like all sorts of terribleness today. I've been sore for the last five days (which is great, actually) but this cold is threatening. My asthma only bothers me when I'm sick, and it sucks! I got to go visit Coco today! I hope you liked your soup, lady! I'm planning on going to bed early tonight. (For me that's any time in the 10:00 hour) We'll see how that goes. Luckily today is my rest day so no gym for me.

I've got my first real training session tonight. I'm excited and nervous. I just finished baking boyfriend's b-day cake and I'll frost it soon. He's out to dinner with his friends, I figured I shouldn't go out to dinner right before training. lol. And yes, he's a keeper! This long weekend has me out of whack! I will work Tues, Wed and Friday this week. Thursday is my day off! Woohoo. I'm so thankful for all the lovely weather too.

Ali- The weight check depends on where you go. In Elk Grove, they told me I have to make an appt (which is stupid- but I still do). Nicole told me Point West doesn't require appts, but that's during normal business hours. As far as I know, no one is open there over the weekend. I just got my b-day present 10 days early. My boyfriend got me MBTs! I'm stoked! They were recommended by my podiatrist which is why I wanted them over the shape-ups. I'm loving them! So far I'm just walking around the house. I'm excited for my new shoes! The cool thing about them is that they make my shins feel great. I'm still a little sore when I wear any other shoe but I put on the MBTs and my shins feel great! I did the body fat testing this morning. If you ever want to pay $40 to feel like you're drowning, do it! lol. I'm glad I did, and I'll do it in the future to see how far I've come. You go in to the trailer and they have two little dressing rooms, you (swim)suit-up and hop in the tank. The water is heated to 90 degrees. They put a little weight belt over your back half because you're essentially laying face-down on a scale under water. You start out propped up on you hands or elbows and the guy tells you to breathe in, and breath out relaxed. Then breath in and exhale very fast, when you think you got the air out, go under water and keep exhaling. He's shouting "keep blowing keep blowing, blow, blow, blow" and when the bubbles stop you hold it until the guy knocks on the tank. Then you repeat two more times. They take the best of the three. The throught is that each time you do it, you get a little more air out each time. Then you get dressed and meet the other person with your print-out that has your resting metabolic rate, your body fat % and a list of how many calories you burn for various activities. I'm most excited about re-testing after I've lost a bit of weight.

Hey ladies! I did end up at the gym this afternoon, did about 30 min on the treadmill and I feel less sore already. I was sore in the shins, the hips and the muscles on the outside of my back. Good times! I actually like feeling a little sore since it reminds me that I did something worth doing. We don't really celebrate Valentine's day, both our b-days are in Feb so it's a lot of celebrating. We get eachother cards. I made my favorite soup tonight. I planned on buying Macaroni Grill's Chicken Toscani soup but when I called to order it I was told they took it off the menu a few weeks ago. So, with the assistance of my friend Google, I found the recipe. It's pretty bomb. Nicole- let me know if you want some. I don't know how it will puree, but even strained it's pretty good. This weekend has been beautiful. We had great weather on Saturday when I did my 5k, and today was so nice too. I walked at the gym today because I found out the tie-breaker rule for the challenge is based on attendance. So I'm going to get to the gym as much as possible, even if its just for a few minutes! lol. Tomorrow is my fella's birthday. And I have my appt to get my body fat test in the morning, better go find my swimsuit! Anyone hear about the Kevin Smith/Southwest incident? I'm so glad I know I fit in airline seats now.