angel bear

Congrats! Yoda. I think that even the lack of compliments from the others means that they noticed but aren't saying anything - could be jealousy??? I know that one of my good buds hasn't made any comments about my losses but yet co-workers have made very much to do - just wait till they see my new "sexy" track suit!! And it's a size 14. I can't remember the last time I fit into that size. Depends on the make of clothes cause I got a pair of jeans for Christmas size 14 and they are bit painted on.... but they're doable in the next few months - I hope. Feeling NO restrictions yesterday or today. Now I'm off to the gym. Have a great week! Hugs.

Kkk, you are dating yourselves...BeeGees My daughter just downloaded a bunch of songs onto her Ipod and I don't recognize a soul!! I must be way behind the times. Glad everyone is having a great holiday. Way to go Mandi with the compliments and positive reactions.

Well, I have done it in public but made it to a washroom. I carry a small bag in my purse for just such emergencies. I feel better after. I didn't pb this year at Christmas dinner - I made sure I only took a little of each and I ate very slow - I was the last one finished. I've only eaten out in a restaurant once and I've learned that evenings are best - lunch is a waste of time and money since the band seems to be very restrictive. Now at least you know what will happen and be prepared.

Loriely, Wow! Congrats on the halfway mark. Happy Boxing day!! and Best wishes for better health and lots of happiness in the new year

Shopping was a blast - hubby didn't care for the crowds but my daughter really enjoyed it. It was great exercise - the mall is HUGE! but the first person we run into was our next door neighbour - small world eh? Good luck YODA with the in-laws - you'll do great. See the lovely couple of snowflakes? Just enough to make you yearn for more - or so my son says as he longs to make snowmen.

Becca, I think a new hobby would be great to take ones mind off food. Our family got into a few different ones just after my surgery. Guess what my daughter and I started?? Belly dancing! Don't laugh ...well okk laugh cause it is funny to see uncoordinated me try to whip that waist around! But we love it and it's fun (and we don't think of it as exercise). We also started Aikido classes together - that is fun. I get to throw the kids and they get to throw me. I did another first and started ceramics. I love to paint and found some animals that I wanted to learn how to paint. Great therapy and occupies my hands - evenings are the worse for me after dishes and chores are done - idle hands want to snak!!!! So what I'm trying to say is find something that interests you or that you want to learn and dive in... knitting seems really popular now and so does painting. Have fun. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do.

Becca, I think a new hobby would be great to take ones mind off food. Our family got into a few different ones just after my surgery. Guess what my daughter and I started?? Belly dancing! Don't laugh ...well okk laugh cause it is funny to see uncoordinated me try to whip that waist around! But we love it and it's fun (and we don't think of it as exercise). We also started Aikido classes together - that is fun. I get to throw the kids and they get to throw me. I did another first and started ceramics. I love to paint and found some animals that I wanted to learn how to paint. Great therapy and occupies my hands - evenings are the worse for me after dishes and chores are done - idle hands want to snak!!!! So what I'm trying to say is find something that interests you or that you want to learn and dive in... knitting seems really popular now and so does painting. Have fun. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do.

I had a wonderful turkey dinner Yoda! My little guy enjoyed his light sabre but at this point the noise is driving me crazy grrrr..... but it is Christmas. He has a toys r us gift card so guess where I'm heading tomorrow??? shopping in boxing day madness. I must be crazy! Thanks for the advice. I did ok today - didn't mix liquid with solids and I had a variety. It did feel great!

Well, hubby went out and braved the crowds to buy it for him - I'll not hear the end of it!! Boys will be boys. I think he thought it was too coooool not to get it. Sigh.....I'll have to take some tylenol to stop the headache I can feel coming on. I haven't seen the Darth Vader Potatoe heads....now that would be coooooollll!

Yoda, I've reconsidered and I've talked to Nancy about a de-fill in January. She says it sounds like I'm too tight as I'm sliming too much. Figures! I haven't lost or gained for the last 7 days (at least it's not up!) Must have to increase calories again to get it going. Have a great christmas. Kids are in a pageant for Christmas eve. I'm tired just thinking about all the company over the holidays. Hugs everyone. Merry Christmas!

Me too Yoda! Guess I'll be knee deep in StarWars after Christmas. Little son has on list for figures and lego (and elves have made lots) with Star Wars theme - but Mrs Claus isn't letting light sabre with all the bells and whistles in the house - annoying! Yoda is his favorite. HELP!!!!

Yoda, You haven't posted in your thread for awhile. Are you ready for Christmas??? Got plans? Have a great Christmas and say HI to MR YODA! I made PIZZA Tonight and I even managed a couple of bites but it was the kids and husband who devoured it in a matter of minutes. Sigh..... the sliming is getting worse. Maybe I need a defill after Christmas.

I'll be happy if I stay the same too. I have BIG plans to head to the gym over the holidays but I may have to settle for walking. Merry christmas all!!

I'm as ready as I ever will be - it sort of snuck up on me this year and the kids are older (but the youngest - 8 still believes) It's been hard to keep it a secret but an e-mail received from Santa's village with personal tidbits did the trick. Keeping the little ones busy for that long will certainly be a challenge but it sounds like you have a plan. Good luck and have a great holiday. Merry Christmas.

I'm jealous Gaffer - just being in Calgary. My son is living there (after we moved east) and goes to U of C. About the stitches, mine were on for about 2 weeks before I could soak in the tub - my one stress reliever. Have a Merry Christmas and Great choice!!

I'll carry that motion. Merry Christmas and safe holidays to all!

Wheezy, That is very good news and I hope you enjoy your holidays. Christmas is not time to be sick in a hospital - been there and got the Tshirt 5 years ago and my family still have nightmares as Christmas rolls around and they all call just to make sure I'm healthy and not in intensive care. Congrats that your mom is ok - I'll add her to my prayers. Merry Christmas and have a great New Year.

Devana, Yes, I agree with argon, what a great idea. I discussed it with the other half and he thought it was a great way to use Christmas money. Thanks. Have a great Christmas.

Oh Argon that is just so sweet! That's the kind of advice I would have given Dawn - whisper softly though just to tick him off a bit more - better yet make sure you've eaten some garlic just before getting that close to him.... ahhhh sweet revenge!!

Thanks Ladies. I'm planning on having fun at the Mother in laws in Valleyfield. She tells me she has cooked up a storm. I'm sort of anxious since I haven't finished shopping or wrapping yet :0( but I know it'll all come together. mmmm now if I can just get the cards in the post I'd be one more step ahead. Congrats to all and see you thinner in the new year.

I'm obsessed with crafts - doesn't matter whether its ceramics, knitting (latest craze is cross stitch and it takes FOREVER) but they seem to keep my hands occupied and away from food - oh the baking experience this Christmas has been outstanding. I've actually managed to brainwash myself when I bake NOT to taste test - and I baked alot of Cookies, squares, breads etc. I was not tempted and some of them are my favorites. I'm hoping I haven't buried it deep - but I have stayed away from chips - something tells me once I get started I won't be able to stop so they are off limits in the house. The kids and husband eat them at school or work but they can't come in the house. Sigh... has to be something. Have a great Christmas and I hope you find something to change your cravings.

Blownaway, YODA has some very good points. Niserine will guide you thru it but you do have to ask - you can e-mail or call her - I found I often received a reply within hours of e-mailing her. I too was on the 2 week pre-op diet and the first week was chicken and yogurt (I can't even stand the smell of cottage cheese) and the second week was yogurt and TONS of Water. It sure works after the first few "headache" days. This board is a great meeting place and so is the reception area of the TLBC so use it to your advantage. If others aren't talking strike up a conversation - chances are they have been thru it before or have the same questions you do and someone there will be sure to answer all your queries. I love "visiting" when I go down for a fill - and that's another story! Have a great Christmas and let us know how you're doing.

I have a good friend in Melbourne. Just received her Christmas card. Water restrictions are playing havoc on her garden. I remember the water restrictions when we lived in Victoria BC. Everyone is experiencing the global warming - east coast is having more rain than ever and my mom is in New Brunswick where Christmas usually has tons of snow and they too have green grass... sigh... I will really miss a white Christmas. Hope to see you all thinner in the New Year. Good luck with your potlucks and family gatherings and Best wishes for a happy and prosperous new year filled with good health and love.

I like a little fluffy stuff now and then but the kids are dying for snow! I know we'll get it soon enough. Hopefully not before we travel to QC to visit the grandparents. I hate driving in the stuff (especially slush!) Hope everyone is having a great week!

Delta Dawn: Wonderful that you made it to your goal. Congrats! Have a great Christmas!