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Phyl, I didn't see it but it brings back memories of my youth. Poor Brenda, if she didn't know what it was, WOW would she be in for a surprise. Great...sorry about the stressful day. Being able to identify the emotions is one of the ways to stop the eating to make us feel better. I have so much work to do on that. Hope your next few days go much better. Oneday....I didn't know that's what caused the emails to stop. Hummmm. I'm going out of town again for a few days and won't be on the computer, so I'll be reading pages again when I get back. Charlene, that's cool that you are going to a nutrionist. I hope that really helps and gives you insights. Logging your food is a great way to keep you in focus too. Laura, good job on the WL. Sorry the conditions weren't optimal, but a pound gone is a pound gone. Sorry to hear about your Dad. It will be good for him to have you all there again. Do you have something in mind for your Mom? My Mom was really hard to buy for. She just didn't want anything. Julie, so sorry about the flat tire. So glad you have friends to help you out. That's pretty special. Four vehicles and nothing to drive....sounds like my house hold. I have two and my DH has......uh......more. Not that I can drive any of them because they are all weird. My DH is 6'4" and has very long legs, some of his vehicles have seats that don't adjust and I can't reach the pedals, especially ones with manual transmissions and they are all manual transmissions. Guess that's how he keeps me from driving his vehicles. I have to finish packing. Our flight is at 5am.........yuck. Have a great weekend everyone. Eva

Meredith, you have something to crow about...no junk is quite an accomplishment. Keep shouting out about that. It's certainly isn't something I've managed to do. You will do wonderfully with your attitude. Apples, sounds like you are having fun. What great meals you are doing!! That's a much better way to go than ones that are heavy and bad for you. 1day....you know about the stretch marks...I've had them since I was a kid....I don't like them, but I'd rather have the skin and marks than the fat. I guess I don't show them to anyone and then they don't bother me. Thanks goodness for shirts with sleeves. Julie, glad to hear you have a special "old lady" to take care of. I feel they enrich our lives and I hope we do the same to theirs. Are you feeling a little better now that you are moving a little more? I hope so. Not feeling well is the pits. Cheri, thanks for the play by play on the fill. I haven't had one yet and will be going next weekend for mine. Ooooh it sounds so weird. I hope my doc lets me see whats going on with mine too. I have to go to sleep...I'll catch up later. Have a good night. Eva

Lynn, Good for you in going ahead with your PS. At this point in my life, I believe if it makes you feel better. Hope everything stays healthy (no infections) and your recovery goes smoothly. I swore I would not have a face lift...I've only lost around 30 pounds and my face is already sagging and has some interesting new wrinkles. So when I get close to goal, the first thing I will probably get done is the face. I will get a TT in my future, but that I can hide for a while. Phyll, good luck with the knee surgery. My friend had both of hers done and she is able to move much easier now. She actually had to have one done twice because one of them broke. But all seems better now. I'm fortunate right now because my knees don't really bother me, but I do have hip and back issues. I am completely off my prescription antiflammatory and wish to stay that way. So it's weight loss and exercise (gentle in the pool exercise). When the pool gets too cold, then I will be walking. Have a great night ladies. ee

Week 4 of weekly weigh in for me 7-20-09 239.5 7-28-09 238 gained 1 lb since my last ticker update. 8-3-09 238.5 was up to 241.5 now going down again. 8-10-09 236.5

Meredith, great pics!

Sharon, Wow, all that canning....I'm envious. I grew up canning veggies/freezing veggies, canning fruit, etc with my Mom. She did most of the work, but I helped and it's always been a warm memory. I've also done some canning, but there just isn't a lot of stuff for canning in this area. We do have a U-Pick-it farm about 90 minutes from here and I plan on going down there at the end of the month and see what they have. I did applesauce a couple of years ago and it was wonderful. Today was a non-exercise day since I had to be on the road at 6am to get to Phoenix for work. I did get out of there early, but DH was home early and we ended up going out for dinner. We really don't do that often, so it was sort of nice. Shrimp cocktail made with cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, chilies. Very healthy. Tomorrow will be pool day, one way or the other. Great.....camping can be fun, but I ended up working harder to get ready, then to clean up afterwards than I normally do. However, finding that perfect spot where the air is clear and smells good and it's quiet....no cars, or people, maybe a little Water running....or the sounds of elk bugling at night...that is so nice. Of course, the really nice hotel with a comfy bed is very appealing too!. Janet, I know you are right....exercise is important and I will exercise, just probably not at the gym. And I know it will get easier as my muscle tone improves and the weight comes off. I'm actually looking forward to that. Ifyourstomach.........thanks for the info on the incline board. It's something I am considering. I don't have the stretchy tendon thing....just the oppoiste, I'm tight and very inflexible, but I think the reverse strech sounds like the right way to take some of the pressure off the hips and spine. Yoga feels great to me, but I've also damaged myself with it. It's one of those things you have to be careful with and there are some poses I don't even attempt now. Julie, I'm so glad the party went well for your DH. It's very special that the girls appreciate him and he appreicates them. It not something that happens every day. Laura, glad you are home. The picture was cute. Take care of yourself for a while and we'll be praying for your Dad. Charlene, glad to hear your band is helping more now. I'm having the eating too fast thing too, mostly because I haven't had any side affects from it yet. I'm still trying to remember to slow down. You too....it works better that way. I have an 80 something friend of the family person that lives in Colorado that I'm trying to keep an eye on. It's a little hard from 800 miles away, but she finally called me tonight while I was out at the restaurant. She has macular degeration but refuses the accept help from me. We have offered to help her move here and to help her set up in another place close to us so we can help out, but she is stubborn and wants to stay there. I'm hoping she changes her mind and will move close so we can help her. She has no one else. I really like this woman. She is smart and self reliant and speaks her mind. She was a good friend to my Mom and that is important. Hope everyone has a good night. Eva

I've only lost 29 pounds and I can already see the new wrinkles in my face. One cheek is definitely crinkly and I have at least a year and half to go to get close to my goal. I can just imagine how droopy I'm going to be by then. Fortunately, my husband doesn't mind. I think he wants me to be healthy and keep moving rather than be fat and immobile because of my fat. I'm also saving my money for PS. I swore I would never get a face lift, but let me tell you.....that's probably the first thing I'll get done when I get close to goal. I'm just not ready to have a flabby face. I can hide the rest, but not my face. ee

I think I was told go back to everything at three weeks. I was on a total liquid diet for three weeks then started with solid food. No mushies. I wasn't told not to pick up things either....oh well, I really didn't do too much. I also think being active helped in the healing part. As for the constipation.....I just use a little MOM almost every day. I got so bad that I was seriously worried, after that cleared up, I don't ever want to do that again. Oh, I'm 5 weeks out July 2nd and have lost 15 lbs post band. You know that averages to 3 pounds a week and that is fantastic weight loss. My weight loss has slowed a great deal also and I'm good with that because 3 pounds a week isn't normal for me and I keep telling myself slow and steady is the way to go. I think now that I'm two weeks into solid food and my body is finally figuring out what I did to it, it's better and the WL will happen as it should. Good luck everyone. ee

DH and I went out for Breakfast this morning and I walked home from the restaurant. It's 2.3 miles and most of it is up hill. I used to walk a lot, but haven't in more than a couple of years, so this was good for me. The weather was hot, but not miserable. There is another thread with a link to a "TIME" article about how exercise doesn't always help you lose weight. I think the article has some merit. The premise is if you exercise hard, but eat a high calorie "treat" because you exercised, you really haven't helped in the caloric intake/caloric burn off department. Of course it does state that exercise really helps with other health issues such as diabetes, blood pressure, cardiac, etc but it doesn't always help with weight loss. Okay, I'm going on a little rant here. I hate to exercise. I don't run, jog, or speed walk. I don't like to sweat, pull muscles, feel the burn, what ever. I do like to walk, hike (when I'm in better shape), work in my yard, pour concrete, play in the pool. I understand about how muscle burns more calories, I understand I need to have decent "core" strength to support my failing spine and pelvic area. I understand a body looks better with a decent underlying muscle structure, but do I have to get that from a gym? I don't feel everyone has to "work out" to be healthy or to lose weight. I do feel everyone needs to keep moving. IMHO people need to move, either by walking, or working in their house & yard, or at a gym, or with exercise videos, or dancing to the music on the radio, whatever even if it's their jobs that keep them moving. The movement and continued movement is a good thing. I rarely sit for hours at a time....sometimes at work I get too engrossed, but I usually get up and walk around or go "down the hall" several times a day especially if I'm not out in the field. I am out of shape for extended walks, hikes, and I doubt I could pick up that bag of concrete today, but with the weight loss and my increased activity because of the weight loss, I know I'll get there. (Besides, I really need to finish my sidewalk) Janet is truly amazing because she goes to the gym faithfully and I applaud her and everyone else that does that. Those of you that can stick to an exercise program are amazing. Those of you that don't, what do you do? Do you still keep moving doing other things besides a regimented workout? Are we bad because some of us don't stick with the exercise? I think I will feel guilty the rest of my life because I don't like to exercise. I would rather park at the far end of the parking lot and walk to the store or take the stairs a couple of floors up than go to a gym. Okay, I've ranted enough. And a little FYI, it took me over a half and hour to type this because I went and did another load of laundry and some other stuff in between paragraphs. Thanks for letting me rant. Eva

Laura, sorry to hear about your Dad's labs. I am glad to hear you are going home and your DH is willing to fly back with you at the end of the week. That is too cool. I also remember making forts and tents with the couch cushions and sheets or blankets. It was fun! Take care and thanks for keeping us posted.

Wow, I'm newly banded, but I've been reading that some people do belch a lot even after a couple of years. I think the best advise is to go see your doctor. Maybe his body chemistry has changed enough that he is reacting differently to the foods he eats.

It will be interesting to see what more comes out on this. I hate working out in a gym. I feel it wastes my time and money because I never keep it up. I would rather mix and pour concrete in a wheel barrow than work out at a gym. At least when I'm doing concrete, I'm accomplishing something, like building my sidewalk. Now I don't mind walking, hiking, swimming (or playing in the pool), but as I age, then gym thing appeals to me less and less. I remember being a kid and playing out doors a lot, riding by bike all afternoon, or swimming in the public pool. I was fat then too, but I was active. We ate out maybe twice a year and mom always fixed healthy meals with a Protein, a starch (potatoes) and lots of veggies and fruit. I just ate too much of everything. Hence I am here. ee

Banded 7/2....I haven't been walking either....too hot and too out of shape, but I did start getting in the pool the first of June and actually move for an hour twice a week. So if you have any pool options, try that. It's so much easier on your joints and it's a great way to get movement in....you have to do something in the pool like jog or vigorously tread Water, but you can work up to the real tiring stuff. You can also do leg lifts and work the arms with resistance to the water stuff. I'm really liking the pool work because I'm tired (but not totally exhausted) when I get out, but nothing hurts. You could try a stationary bike too. Less impact on the joints, but it does work your leg muscles. Start slow and go as you can. Any exercise is better than nothing. ee

You guys are going to be in my neighborhood, can I join?

Cheri...."Julie, I actually hang from an incline board because I have trouble with my whole spine. My neck has been particularly bad. It can be very difficult to tell what comes from my herniated discs and what is internal issues. A tight band gives me pain in the same places my neck does. For a while, I had referred pain going back and forth between them. Hope you get relief soon." Does the incline board help? I have a herniated disc also and a new pain has cropped up on my other leg.....one that feels like a nerve pain, but I just can't tell. I keep thinking I should also try an incline board. The weigh coming off isn't going to happen fast and any pressure I can take off my spine might help, I'm just not sure the include board is the answer. Meredith, we are going to get our fills around the same time too, mine is scheduled on the 22nd. No, I don't dream about McDeath (my not so nice name for McCrack). I only use the restaurant for their bathrooms when I'm traveling and desperate. Actually, I can't remember ever having food dreams...I dream about that when I'm awake. Linda, Vegas is fun but I can't stand it for more than a couple of nights and a full 24 hours. Of course I don't have family there either. The heat there is as bad as here. You are brave to go there in the summer. You can soak up a lot of sun but I live in AZ and get a lot of sun anyway. Have fun in Vegas, it is fun to see what's new there. LilMissDiva, cool on the weight loss and the WW plan. What ever works is cool. Laura, glad to hear things are turning around for the better, for you, your Dad, and son. If you get to go home tomorrow, have a great trip. Julie, have a restful and enjoyable weekend and hopefully next week will be better for you. I know I eat badly when I don't feel well. Of course with me it's any excuse. Take care. It's Friday night and I'm here posting....how sick is that. My husband went out to see a band and I didn't want to go. I actually fell asleep for a while, but now I'm up again. TGIF and I have no early morning obligations. Our weather has sort of cooled off a bit and I'm hoping it will be nice enough to walk in the morning. I really need to do that. Then maybe I'll be able to get something done this weekend. Have a great night everyone. Eva

Sooverit, You have a wonderful attitude and it's something I need to find. I also like your signature line....this isn't for wimps. Even with the band, it's still work and the weight doesn't come off fast. Good for you, I bet you'll lose even more weight as time goes by. I'm having head hunger issues and think I'll probably have a long way to go before any of those issues are resolved or where I'll be able to ignore them. When I get stressed at work I want to eat. I am eating, but trying to eat stuff that isn't detrimental to the diet. I have had chocolate (less than 1/2 of what I used to eat and only the very good dark stuff) and I eat popcorn. Now that one is interesting...I used to eat one of those big bags easily. Now I eat maybe 2 cups worth and I stretch it out for a long time. I think after my fill, I won't be able to do this. I keep having the "I don't want to work anymore" thing and that is adding to my stress sometimes. I know only I can change my attitude and I am working on it, but I sure would like to retire. I have a million other things I want to do but that pesky work gets in the way. Of course if I don't have the income, I can't do the million other things. Dang. Just in case you're wondering I've worked for 33 years at the same company. I've had many different jobs, but basically it's been the same company. I worked out in my friends pool again last night without my sister (she's out of town) and my friend didn't come out to visit. I had a better workout even if it was shorter. I think this is a good thing to do every now and then. It's supposed to start cooling down a bit next week so hopefully I'll get some real walking in. Enough rambling. Have a wonder Friday. So looking forward to the weekend. Eva

I was banded in Tijuana and I'm going back for my first fill 8-22, but I might use one of the fill centers in the States after that. Don't know yet. I live about 7 1/2 hours from Tijuana driving and 1 1/2 hours flying. I think we just have to plan the time and expense into the process. I think of how much money I'm saving on food right now, so I think it might work out to be the same. I have been quite happy about my treatment in Mexico and I'm hoping the fill experience will be similar. I also work out in a pool (it's too hot to walk here right now). I love the pool. ee

Charlene, sorry about being too tight. I haven't had that yet and I really hope I don't. Good luck with your tweak. Meredith, pretty funny dream. Hope you had a good Breakfast this morning so that $35 of greasy fried stuff doesn't haunt you in your dreams again. Laura, hope your Dad is doing a little better? How's Nelson's sniffles? It's very nice your sister is able to help you with your food. I'm still working on my sister. She has some foot issues and is very stubborn, but there are improvements going on. Just a quick post this morning. Have to get ready for work. I finally lost the 4 1/2 pounds I gained when I started eating real food. Yipee....it's only been a week and a half, but I didn't want to go the other way. Now I feel that what I lose is not Water weight or just post surgery weight but I'm actually making progress. I'm hoping to lose 15 more pounds by October 17th. I have a wedding to go to in Texas and would like to be able to wear some clothes I haven't been in since 2004. Everyone have a good day! ee

Laura, I'm so sorry you have to go through this. My father decided he was "ill" 15 years before he died. He sat down in a chair and basically didn't move. He fell apart and the doctors medicated him to death....he was on morphine for several years. He had no cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, he just didn't move. In the end he had senior depression (which I didn't know about until after he died) and he took his own life. He could have lived a full and wonderful life, instead he chose to sit. Your father is still active (or will be again soon) and seems to have the will to keep going. As hard as this is on you and Nelson and him, you will get through it. My heart goes out to you all and I wish you the best. ee

Scout, you keep us posted on how you are doing too. Maybe you can share insights into our behavior too, especially if your therapist is a good one and can truly help you. ee

I don't think I can keep up with all that's been going on with this thread. Janet, great pics!! I know you posted them few days ago, but I just saw them. Yep, it's really nice and cool "up there" compared to where we live, but they do get snow. I never did like working and living in snow. Long/Great, Colorado is beautiful....if you have a good life there it would be very hard to move to a new place. Your husband is a wise man to put his family before the paycheck. Charlene, good job with the walking....I haven't been motivated to walk here because it's too hot. My sister and I have been doing some pool work instead. Glad to hear your husband is doing well. Meredith, I bet you will do just fine with your GPA. What a great career and future you have! I believe our weight will go up and down as we go through this journey. Please don't let the scale depress you. It's just a number and that number will go down again. It just takes time and patience. Laura, sending you and your Dad positive thoughts. Thanks for checking in and keeping us updated. You are so lucky that you can be there to help with your parents. Cheri....you have good advise. Great teachers are so important...glad you are there and doing a great job. Doodle, I agree with the "big picture" the loss is great, whether it's every week or every month. It's still a loss. I think we have to mess up now and then. It puts everything in perspective and sometimes it will help us deal with those feelings in the future. You just can't do it every day. Julie, I hope you start feeling better. How was the wedding? Linda, the best to you and your DGD. I'm not good at saying the right thing when our loved ones are sick, but my heart goes out to you and your family. Apples, WOW are you every busy! Glad you have the chance to spend time with your daughter. Farm life is tough and although I envy that life sometimes, I don't know if I have the stamina to keep up with it. If I missed anyone I'm sorry. I'll try to keep up better. I'm struggling a little, nothing terrible, but I can see where I could slip back to my old habits very easily. Taking time to read and post keeps me busy at least and away from the food. Now if I can keep the stress level under control at work and not keep sticking stuff in my mouth, we'll have some of the battle licked (pun intended). It's late and I have to go to bed. Take care everyone. ee

Somedayslim, you are doing great!!! I was banded 7-2 and I'm struggling a little with what I'm eating since I can eat everything. But then again, I'm still eating a LOT less than I used to. Weight loss slowed way down, but I'm still okay with that since the previous loss was not realistic. Just got back from two small vacations and need to get back to a normal routine. Sometimes that is tough. Need to just stick to what is right and remember I don't need all the extra food. I have a problem with old habits and head hunger. I guess I have time to work on it though. Good thing. ee

I haven't done raw oysters in specific, but I eat sashimi with no problem and I eat several types of raw fish. I think it might be a bit of a slider food, but it shouldn't hurt you as long as you are on solids. Enjoy your meal.

Sorry Emjay...I got so carried away with cat's post I forgot your initial question. Yes, I am having problems with wanting more than I need....my eyes sometimes are much larger than what I can hold. I still want to eating everything I'm used to eating and I really am not hungry and I still want to eat. Head hunger. I think with time, we will be able to adjust our eyes to fit our stomach. ee