ocotillo

Week 17 of weekly weigh-in 7-20-09 239.5 start of weekly weigh-in 10-20-09 228.5 at least it's the right direction 10-26-09 228.5 same same but not up. 11-3-09 228 11-10-09 226.5

I'll take you up on that 1/1/10 challenge too. I'm going to loose that 5 pounds by 12/25 however....since I'm still in the big losing mode, I should set a higher goal, but I'm trying to keep it real, at least for me. I don't like Mondays.....issues with having to get up and going to work...not that work is horrible, just the getting up is. My favorite day is Thursday too. Don't know why, but it is a relaxed day usually and it's my sushi day. Eva

Quick post....went to the all Souls Procession last night and it was fun. We've decided to go and participate in the parade next year. Cheri, nice writing. Good luck on the job search, if that is what you end up doing. Apples, sorry the reality is hitting you. You will be alright and I'm sure your "mom" and her children really appreciate what you are doing. I can't even imagine 1900 lunch bags....did you buy Costco out? Lori, my DH's great aunt and grandmother lived in a assisted living place that was very charming and they treated the ladies so good. I really like some of the independent living, assisted living, and nursing facilities they have here and I think once someone has decided to live that way...it's an ease to their concern that someone will be around if they need it. It's just tough to give up the total independence of living on your own. Sounds like your knee is really doing well. Phyl, sounds like you are really enjoying your new mobility. Also sounds like you are having a great time and keeping very busy there in your winter location. I'm going to meet Janet on the 21st....hope you can join us? Went to work late and didn't do anything today....very non-productive, but it was a nice break. Tomorrow, I'll actually have to do something. Off to bed...late night last night and I need a little catch up time. Take care everyone. Eva

Patterba, I'm not sure what you did is cheating.....but it's not smart to screw up your post-op diet. For the next few weeks you are healing...meaning the band is settling in its spot around your stomach, the port and tubing are settling on your stomach muscles...you really want those things to heal without them moving. I'm sure you know this and understand this, but it's crucial that everything heals in place so you don't have issues later. Yes, you do need to come first but you need balance too. In time, you will find the right balance, but for now, please follow your doctors directions for food intake until the band and port heals. After almost three weeks of liquids, I was pretty sick of them...I started solid food two days early. I had eggs and they were the best eggs I've ever had. I also eat pizza once in a while. I have a very hard time stopping, because I really like pizza, so it is an exercise for me to eat only one piece. Pizza goes down very easily for me too. You will find what works for you and yes, you will beat yourself up about doing this "bad" thing or that "bad" thing, but really, it's life and life is a series of ups and downs. Good luck to you and take care of yourself.

Really impressive ladies....especially kll724....I've never even been in a Victoria's Secret for the past 10 years...they never carried my size. It's pretty cool about the elastic waisted pants falling off....I've had that happen too. I've been using the drawstring on most of my elastic pants. I'm really holding off on buying much of anything until I'm down to a size 20. I was a 26 and I've wearing 24's because I have a bunch and they fit (loose) and a few 22's again. I have a bunch of shirts that are big, but they are "big shirts" so I put a t-shirt under them and off I go. Now here's a great thing for me....I have a huge pile of t-shirts that I haven't been able to wear and now I can. I actually put a couple on that were big. As for bras...I still had 1 size smaller bras that I couldn't wear and now I can, so I have double the number of bras. I might have to buy undies however, I actually threw a pair away yesterday because they are too big. I still have enough clothes to get buy for another 20 pounds or so and at the rate I'm losing, I'll have until spring...so that seems like a very good time to go shopping again. Congratulations to all you new bandsters. It is a lot of work and sometimes the weight just doesn't come off like you want it to, but keep in mind that as you change your eating habits and exercise habits, you are not gaining weight and that is a good thing. I'm learing all sorts of things about the way I eat and how it affects my body. I'm also trying to deal with my head hunger....not fun, but in the long run, I'll be healthier and feel better. I am looking forward to that. Have a great night.

Congrats Coconut....you might be a wee bit sore for a few days...that port site is a little irksome sometimes, but you'll do fine. Good luck!! Apples, congrats on the anniversary. You and Lori with 30 years...it truly is an amazing thing these days. I'll agree with Lori, 1979 was a good year. Hope you both aren't too tired to enjoy your day. 1979 was the year I moved to Tucson and it changed my life. I've never regretted that decision. Went shopping with my sister, she needs a new oven since her's doesn't bake, it only broils. She found one and it will be delivered Wednesday. I cut and cleaned a pumpkin and am baking it instead of boiling it for a future pumpkin pie. And I have enchiladas in the oven...made with fat free greek yogurt and low fat sour cream. That's about all for today...the cat and I took a nap. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

PHYL, CONGRATULATIONS ON ONEDERLAND!!!!! That is so cool and I am very happy for you! What an accomplishment!! You knees will love you for it too. I'm going shopping with my sister....bbl ee

Laura, I know what you mean with even the softest protein getting stuck if you eat too fast. I'm getting much better at this, but still forget once in a while (usually when I'm distracted about something.) Hey, we are at the same weight right now. Glad Nels is okay.....living in Florida and Arizona, we keep an eye on those moles and spots. Hey, it's cool to hear about your cats...they are family too. Oh Janet, it really does help to hear that even you slip. I don't wish that on you, but knowing the struggle affects everyone is sort of reassuring. Glad you pick yourself right up and get back on track too....that's what is really inspiring. Lori, you sure said it right...it is a life changing journey. Glad to hear your knee is doing well. Just think two months from now you will be running all over the place. It's another work day...........hi ho hi ho it's off to work I go.....la la la la la la la la hi ho hi ho................ Eva

1 day....let me do some research this weekend and I'll let you know what I find in the way of some easy yoga.....at least the breathing technique. I used to have a book....but I don't know where it is.

Laura K.....it's hard, but make sure you take really little bites especially of any hard protein and chew it really well and eat really slow. It's a painful lesson and I'm still learning it, but with the protein, I've really had to slow down. Hopefully, you'll not have to get an unfill. Apples, Popcorn time for me and the puppa. Nightly ritual. He's sitting in his popcorn position and waiting for momma to get it done. Talk to you all tomorrow. Maybe I will have time to catch up with everyone a little bit. My dog doesn't like popcorn....won't touch it. She is a food snob...it's her dog food or meat, that's about it. Oh a little cheese is okay. Now the cat eats lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, cantaloupe, but doesn't always like meat. The cat will also eat the dog's food, even when she has food in her dish...go figure. Short post tonight....I'm brain dead. Walked to to mall tonight and did a little X-mas shopping for DH. I'll need to do a couple more trips before Christmas. It was nice and not crowded. Julie, have fun with that carpet cleaning. I have oatmeal colored carpet in my bedroom and it was the darkest color I could get at the time. I really wanted dirt colored but they didn't have it in the pattern I wanted. No more carpet after this. Okay off to buy calendars for gifts (on line). Have a great night. Welcome back Meredith!! Eva

Apples, thanks for the kind words. Farming is a very tough business because there are so many "dependent" things like gas prices, weather, labor, markets and I do not envy you your ups and down with that...though I do have a little farm envy. It's great that you are there to help the family....just like a family member would. I think the packing up part is part of the healing process also. Hey, I think we understand you have thing to do and we know you'll be back posting like before when you have a little time to breath. Take care of yourself. Lori, I agree with Janet, few of us have that Norman Rockwell type of family. If you love your parents and yourself, the best thing you can do is let them know you love them by telling them you do. Beyond that, it's really hard to force others to feel or act they way you want them to. Sometimes you have to take care of yourself first...love yourself and then you can accept their behaviors. Obviously your parental family doesn't thing the same way you do....it's frustrating, but it's their problem, not yours (I am speaking from experience). It's really hard to accept and step away, but sometimes that is the best thing for you and them. I wish you peace and serenity through the holiday season. Glad to hear your Grandma is doing well. I also very glad you do have someone special like your Grandma to watch over and she does the same for you. What kind of pan does your daughter want? I love good cook wear but I'm not sure I would pay $400 for a pot. But then again........it would depend on what it is. It would be really cool to get it at $100 off, that's a gonga deal. Janet, thanks for the support...and yes, you do just need to be you. You can't fix the world or even your family. But you do a fine job with supporting us lapbanders. You are a very strong and intelligent woman and I admire your determination and positive spirit. Thanks for being here. Sorry to hear your sis has COPD, that's a tough one, but maybe you and she will have a great sistership (sister friendship) now, especially if she is fairly close. Julie, sorry the family negotiation didn't go so well. Also, that your step daughter doesn't get along so well with your DD. At least you have your GD and she bring joy and brightness into your life. Christmas should be a blast with her this year. When they are little like that they aren't all stuck on the materialism, but enjoy the attention and the stuff they get. It should be lots of fun for you. How come DH didn't go hunting? I sort of planned on retiring at 55....we'll see. Your rolls sound great, but fortunately, those aren't my downfall either. Phyl, great story. I think I've experienced all three states, but you know its a great thing to keep in mind when faced with adversity. 1day....I'm so sorry you still have the stress at work. It's just the pitts to feel stuck...not just in the banded sense. As for the food, well, we got banded because we have eating issues. Do you do yoga by any chance? If nothing else, the breathing exercises can really help with the stress. I think the stress contributes so much towards our eating issues and out ability to block out common sense. Calm down, and focus on your breathing..........at least it's not food. One of the things I try to practice is if you can't change the situation you are in, try and change your reaction to it. You do have control over that. Cheri, great job on the walking and so sorry to hear about your grandson. I do hope he recovers fully. You are doing really good with your weight loss. Don't worry about the saggy skin...you know it's only skin deep and the sags will decrease with time. I'm glad to hear how good you are feeling. Sure makes this all worth it. Laura, good for you going to the gym. Isn't it amazing how winded we can get if we stop the exercising? The sugar thing is rather scary too but it's how we are conditioned. The food industry makes all that stuff so yummy and our bodies and brains send us good endorphins (I think) when we eat it and it's a cycle...we eat it, feel good, want more, feel good, etc. Hard to break, but you can do it and so can I. You've been under some very stressful situations lately so don't beat yourself up for a slip...it's life and you are picking yourself back up and will continue on. I bet you will go to the gym regularly now that you started back and you will feel better. Don't forget what a fantastic person you are and there are people that care about you. You will do just fine.:thumbup: Arlene, sorry about your Mom....it seems to be tougher for them because they don't know or sometimes want to know what alternatives are out there to help the deal with the blindness. My mom had macular degeneration and it was tough on her. You are allowed to whine, we all do it. That's what a support group does, support. I hope you manage to cope with your mom's situation and she can accept what's happening to her. Take care of yourself...you are important too. I couldn't get to the web site last night...kept giving me a error page. Oh well, it's working tonight. More on the retirement thing. They posted an information sheet and how this will affect me is I won't gain the year and 4 months age credit towards my retirement. All the "additions for age and years of service" will be discontinued. However, the retirement money is still there and it will collect interest every year as MANDATED by law. So I feel a little better that at least that lump of money will still be growing a little bit. I will lose $6-10K overall, but that isn't the worst thing in the world, at least I will still have some $$ when I retire. Now when I end up retiring is dependent on many things...I've been eligible since I was 50, but I took an 18% penalty because of my age...now that doesn't matter. Mostly it depends on when we can afford to retire. I still have a house payment....so off to work I go...I like to travel...so off to work I go....I do like to shop sometimes....etc. I was sort of looking for other jobs, but gee, I don't want to go to work for someone else at a greatly reduced income with less than 7 weeks vacation....so off to work I go. I'm okay with that. It wasn't a bad day at work and I can deal with it. I walked last evening for an hour along the River path. It gets dark really early now. Towards the end of the walk my leg and back were really starting to hurt. It was bad enough that I had to take Vicodin last night and still woke up again at 2:30 and took ibuprofen. I really had a crappy night, but got up in fairly good spirits this morning. My leg (caused by the herniated disk) is still bugging me today so I didn't walk, but will again tomorrow, maybe not 3 miles though. When I got back to the parking lot last night my DH texted me to see if I wanted to go out for dinner. I wasn't hungry, but he suggested salad and there is a Sweet Tomatoes next to work so I told him I'd wait for him in the parking lot. He pulled up behind me and said he really didn't want salad, "how about PF Changs?" So we went to PF Changs. Here's what I really like about the band. I ordered spring rolls and a side dish of snap peas. Yes, I know everything is drenched in oil, but instead of eating an entire dinner plus the appetizer, I ate 1 spring roll, about 1/4 of the peas, 1/2 cup of DH's moo shoo and a pancake. I took the rest home for lunch today. I was full last night and felt really good about not eating everything in sight. I'm finding that I'm relaxing more about eating out. Before the band, I would never order spring rolls because I knew I'd eat all of them and I don't need the fat. Now I order what I want and nibble at it and I'm good. I also don't order really fatty foods most of the time anyway. I usually order seafood and salads. I also know I'm not losing weight very fast probably because of this, but you know, I need to change my relationship with food. If it means I lose 1 pound a month, then that 1 pound is one pound less than I had before. I actually feel pretty good about this especially with the holidays coming up. I do not want to do the 5-10 pound gain over the next 2 months. I don't think I will. Oh, by the way, I can't wait to meet you guys. I really hope the trip to Florida happens. Lori, if you can't make it, I'll probably try and see you when I come Colorado next year. That is if you want to. It is hot here tonight. It's still in the 80's. Weird weather. Okay, I've written a book here. Hope you all have a great night and an even better Thursday. Eva

Apples, I really like your attitude. Death is just another state of being (I believe) and if you can send the people you care about out with love, it's the best way to go. I truly hope I can do that with the people I love. The cooking and baking passion is interesting too. It's something I really enjoy, but it's hard to do if you don't have a crowd to eat it. Maybe it's why I have such lavish dinner parties...gives me a chance to do something I really enjoy. Janet, sorry about your computer...that is the pits. We have many computers in the house but only 1 is mine. So if it fails, it's a pain to use my DH's. Hope that problem gets resolved. Lori, thanks for the nice understanding words. It really bites that the corporate world cares so little for it's employees. Us with over 30 years will be retiring with in a few years and the company's profitability is not decreasing anymore so why not carry us a couple more years. Oh well, I will have to try and figure out how to contribute more to my 401K. I really agree with you about gift cards..........I love to shop with them....it's like "FREE". Laura, sorry you are having such a hard time with that candy....I bet your DH just doesn't even think about it because it doesn't affect the same way. Hope the cleaning crew will take it. Have a better day. Okay, off to work....yipee. I have to meet a customer that is going to move a Habitat for Humanity HOUSE through town. Some of our cable may be too low for it to pass. This is going to be fun.

Week 16 of weekly weigh-in 7-20-09 239.5 start of weekly weigh-in 10-20-09 228.5 at least it's the right direction 10-26-09 228.5 same same but not up. 11-3-09 228

I went to Costa Rica two years ago and I'm not sure that's where I would want to go for plastic surgery. It's a beautiful country, but it wouldn't be a choice for health care. I really like the Tijuana idea because it is accessible for many of us and I found their facility (at least the banding clinic) clean. Many people cross the border for medical care in Tijuana. Last time I went for a fill and was coming back I talked to a mother and her son while we were standing in line. The mom was there for medical reasons and she knew a couple other people in line that had stuff done in Tijuana too. This was regular health stuff, not just PS or WLS. I also found the people nice. I won't be ready for PS for a couple of years, but I sure am interested in the process. I know my flap isn't going to go away and it's something I really want gone. Don't know about the rest of me....maybe some inner thighs and upper arms.....just don't know know. Phyl, your pictures on FB were great. Looks like you ladies have a lot of fun.

Julie, the pictures of Mimi are so cute!! Is that your DH? Looks like you both have a great time with her. Janet, yes, that was my DH and my sister. She's the one with the lizard eyes. I used to think gift cards were so impersonal, but now, I really appreciate them. Laura, wow sounds like you had one heck of a day. I've thrown stuff away that I just couldn't stand to have in the house. I feel like it's such a waste, but better it than me. It's interesting that you have the same issue of not being able to say "no" to whatever it is. Really happy to hear your wallet found it's way back to you. That sure saves a ton of trouble. Hope you have a better day tomorrow. Lori, glad to hear your therapy went better. Those pain pills are nice...but a little scary. Can't you shop in SD? Where will you be? I can't stand shopping with so many people. I get people claustrophobia. HappyHomeCC, welcome and good luck!! Why did you fire your top surgeon? Had an interesting day today. A "letter from Human Resources" came out late this afternoon to let all Management employee know they will no longer have a retirement. After December 31, 2009 the company will not long contribute to any retirement accounts. Which means what ever is in my retirement account as of 12-31-09 is what I get when I retire. Period. I've worked for 33 years for this company and stayed here because of the retirement. Guess that incentive is gone....and oh by the way, there will be no wage increases next year either. Now, don't get me wrong...I'm very grateful to have a job. I also realize that most people don't get a retirement paid for by the company, but when I started here in 1976, that was one of the benefits to working here. It's one of the reasons I've stayed here. I will get what's in my account when I retire, but I can't do anything with that money now....like invest it so it will grow. I would have to retire to do that. I could find another job, but that means starting over with vacation....yuck. I get 7 weeks vacation and I won't get that anywhere else. So now I get to work for my paycheck and that's all. Gives me a lot of incentive to work those 45-50 hours a week for 40 hours pay. Guess that's not going to happen anymore. Okay, I'm done whining. I'm still lucky and employeed. Hope everyone has a great night. Eva

Janet, love your pics....your "babies" looked pretty interested in that candy. You Brooke looks just like she should look for Halloween....like a ghost. Glad to hear she had fun. Good for you going to the gym....I love your determination. Laura, Nelson was pretty cute as army man. What elaborate party stuff...guess the kids can't complain about being bored. The hay ride sounds fun. I love those. It's nice Nelson was the first to visit his friend's house. He should feel special. Sorry your Dad isn't feeling so good. Hopefully the infection will clear up quickly and he can get on the his other treatment. Will your DH go with you at Thanksgiving? Holidays are tough for the medical field. Meredith...hope you are enjoying the wonderful weather and having a great time with your sister. I love to visit California, especially the coast. We had a devilishly good time last night. Drank a little too much but it was great fun. I still need to download the pictures...depending, they may get posted. I made "eyeballs" (cheese balls) three flavors and they came out great. I love doing creative things with cream cheese. It's a sickness I know. After a slow start this morning, I finally got my tortoise burrows winterized. I moved the babies back out side until it gets really cold again and the yearling can probably stay outside. I worked on his miniature burrow and it now has a couple of bags of dirt on top of it too for added insulation. All the shoveling and moving bags of dirt is a lot of work. I'm beat now and taking a break. Good muscle building work however. Hope everyone is having a great Sunday. BBL Eva

Well, we are dressing up and going to a party tonight. I am making cheezy eyeballs (cheese balls decorated as eyeballs) and DH is the Devil 2.0 and my sister and I will be the devilettes. I'm just painting my fingernails now.....pretty much a disaster since I never paint them. But it's only for one night. It's mostly the FNSC crowd, so it will be funn. I have a glittery set of horns and tail...with faux fur...pretty funny. We don't get kids here at the house. It's too far between houses and there are no street lights. The kids (and their parents) would be getting way too much of a workout in this neighborhood. They usually hit the subdivisions where the houses are on top of each other. DH left a bowl of candy out on the front porch with little Milky Ways in them. Hope everyone has a great night!! Eva

Oh my God, how very special.....this just blows me away. I hope my Mom meets this woman...she needs this sort of influence in her life. Take care of yourself this weekend.

Apples, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your "Mom". Please take comfort in the fact that you knew her, loved her, and she loved you. You are blessed to have a friend that you could call mom. She will be with you in spirit and in your heart always. Much love to you. Eva

Balletgirl, Welcome! I'm in Arizona too. As Great said, only you can decide to write a letter about the PA, but I might. Seems like he was a know it all without actually knowing. He probably wasn't trying to insult you however. Glad to hear you are getting help for the body image issue. I really believe some of us will never feel like we are "normal" when in actuality we are. Great, the tortoises can flip themselves back over sometimes....if the dirt is hard enough and they can get the leverage....they use their heads as a pivot point. It's weird to see it. Yes, they can die if they can't flip the right way up...especially outside in the heat. All of the hatchlings stayed in the house last night in the terrarium (small fish tank) and tonight most of them are piled up in a pot. I put small flower pots on their sides for little turtle houses. Sorry about the crappy weather everywhere. It was cold again here today. Below 60 again. It's supposed to be in the mid 60's tomorrow and and warming back to the 80 over the weekend. Janet, you sure live in the wrong place if you like cold weather. I'm cold when it's 60. I bet it's just because it's a nice change and a relief from the heat. When you retire you'll have to become a reverse snowbird and go to the snowy country in the winter. So then your next furlough day will be the day after Thanksgiving? Do you usually have that off? I do....management gets the day off after Thanksgiving. I one of the very few perks I get. Julie, yep, the Vicodin does slow everything down. I talked to my doctor about it and that's what he said. When I take it, I do the Milk of Magnesia thing the next day. Before banding, I would eat salads. That usually kept things moving. Chilie is a great freezer food. Tastes great before and after freezing. Too bad my DH doesn't like it so much. I don't make it too often. Arlene, glad to hear you are feeling better. I hate that achy all the time feeling. Guess I'll apply myself to something this evening. DH isn't home yet and I should do something.....like exercise or make a card or something......I can't believe I'm so unfocused tonight. Hope everyone has a great night!! Eva

I at about the same weight loss too. Also the constipation thing is probably the change in eating. I now have MOM on hand when I need it. I also try and eat salad which helps a lot too. I always seem to have space for greens. I'm realizing it's not worth getting frustrated with slow weight loss because slow is better than nothing.

All you new bandsters...........calm down, enjoy what weight you've lost. This is not a rapid weight loss program no matter how much weight you've lost in the beginning. The band is a tool and your body is healing from the insertion of that tool. It does take time. After starting to eat mushies and solid food, your body needs to make another adjustment. So stick with your program, drink water, walk, and slowly the weight will come off. In the end, it's a matter of calories in and calories expended. Don't short yourself either, you can't live on 500 calories a day. Find a balance that works for you and vary the amount of calories you eat each day. One day eat less 900 and the next eat 1000. Don't eat exactly the same thing. Eat your hard protien slowly and chew chew chew (of course you have very little restriction, but trust me, you'll appreciate already being in the habit of eating small bites and chewing a lot.) You will get there, it just takes time and work. Good luck to all of you.

Jill, everyone seems to have given you great advise. Vary your calories....900 one day, 1000 the next, and up to 1200 then back down. Sometimes our bodies get used to the routine and just stays where it is. I'm losing very slowly now too.....only about 24 since banding and most of that was the 3 weeks after surgery. I'm terrible about sticking to a "diet" so I know where my issues are, but hey I still loose 2 or 3 pounds a month and it's going down. Be patient and learn to work with your band.

Week 15 of weekly weigh-in 7-20-09 239.5 10-20-09 228.5 at least it's the right direction 10-26-09 228.5 same same but not up. __________________

Another prolific couple of days ladies. Our power was off and on last night....at least 8 times and maybe more. Turned the computer off. We had a lot of wind, but something else must have been going on. Lori, you mentioned holding on to things you never really liked and why do you do it....because you might need it someday. You spent money on that item and you just never know....at least that is the excuse I use. I like your ticker.....very appropriate. Phyl, I like not having daylight savings time....I don't want anymore sun in the summers. But, we have to keep track of what the rest of the country is doing. It does get confusing. I'm so happy for you being able to walk longer and stand longer. It's so freeing to be able to move easily. Congrats on no gaining after traveling. That is really good. I envy you the pool. It's too cold now for pool work unless I go to a gym or the Y. Cheri, I love pizza and it goes down way too easily. I don't eat three pieces anymore, thank goodness. You've been doing fabulously and it shows. Good luck with this fill. It seemed to take a few days to really feel the restriction and I definitely have restriction just not always the best food choice. You'll reach your goal. You are very determined. Janet, you are busy too. Hope your visit goes well. Is this your furlough Friday? Linda, your bedroom sounds great. Basements can add so much space to a house. My Mom's was finished and had 2 bedrooms. I spent a lot of time down there. Vicodin can be your friend....I have nights when I have to take it too. Laura, sorry about your Dad....such a roller coaster. It's good to get back to "normal" life isn't it? Too bad we don't live closer....I'd go walking with you. It really helps to have a walking buddy. I bet Halloween is a blast around your house. Do you get oodles of kids? Apples, not having sun would drive me nuts too. I think it's one of the reasons I live in my sunny hot desert. I love the rainy weather for about 2 days, then I want to see the sun. I haven't had much luck with trying to resell my clothes. The resale shops will barely give you anything for brand new in style stuff. I would rather donate to an organization that will appreciate the items and use them to help someone. We have a couple of places like that here. Porcupine....there's a lot of encouragement here. You have to just start posting and sharing and people will respond. I was banded in July and my weight loss is very slow because I'm not really dieting, but I'm not gaining and I lose a couple of pounds here and there and it's good. I was banded in Mexico as a self pay so I don't have a program for support. The clinic will answer emails and phone calls with questions, but a lot of the information I'm getting is from here and from my fill doctor. What sort of diet are you on? What exercise limitation did they put you on? Hang in there, you'll get used to the posting and the threads and the terminology. It just takes time a practice. Meredith, sorry about the 2nd house. Yeah, men can turn off on house stuff. My DH (live-in boyfriend at the time) acted like I was killing him when we bought this house. It took him a couple of years to get over it and it was years before he would stop salivating just at the thought of selling it. He's calmed down and of course with the market so bad, he's willing to hang on to it for a while. Goofy guy. He's happy living in a 600 square foot trailer. Well it's cold here too!!! It didn't get above 60 today. It's supposed to be in the 30's tonight (but not freezing in the city). I brought my babies in and so I have 10 babies in the terrarium. They warmed up, so there are a couple of them wandering around and falling upside down. I'll fix them better quarters this weekend. I lost one of the babies last weekend, he fell upside down and couldn't turn himself over and I didn't catch it in time. I can't be home all day and checking on them. The edict came down from above (work) that we will have to do our trench detail drawings in AutoCad. We had a very brief class last week and most of us don't have the program nor are our computers fast enough or have enough memory to run the program. We are supposed to be getting faster, bigger, better computers and the license to run the program and all be up and running by January. Autocad is a very big and complicated program. I had a little training on it earlier this year and tried to take a class, but it was too much. The company let me download one of the programs on a personal laptop and I took that to work yesterday and have been "learning" how to use it. I finally have something that looks like a drawing. I still have some work to do on it, but I actually might learn this program in a year or two. It will be great to actually learn it because it has cut and paste which our current scketch program doesn't have. Hope you all have a great night. I'm going to get some sleep. Eva