ladykcusa

7 lbs. until I can join you. I can hardly wait. Congratulations to you.

Bigbirney - Keep your eye on the prize. So many have been successful with the band, and you CAN do it too. However, it is OK to whine sometimes.

Kendra and Peaches - It was nice meeting both of you on Saturday. Let's pledge to keep going until we hit our goals. Joyce in KC

Apples - When I was young, I loved having my picture taken. Made TV commercials for 7 years and had my picture on billboards on the freeway. BUT - that was 30 years ago and 65 lbs ago. lolol I also tear up photos of me now (or delete). That will change. If I sat on DH's lap, I'd crush him. Just asked him what he weighs - 170. I need to lose 37 lbs just to match him. NOW - lets talk fiber. Three weeks tomorrow from surgery date and I'm beginning to really have difficulties. Still on mushies on no raw vegetables. Started adding benefiber to fruit. Happy B'day to Mr. Eva. Love all the pictures. We are so diverse and love the idea of fish ponds. KC has been cold and gloomy. So ready for spring. Joyce in KC

Cheri - Love the blue font. Like Phyl, I struggled to read the green. Oh well, Phyl & I are the same age - until next Tuesday - then I'm 67. Does that make me the winner on the thread for the oldest??? Joyce in KC

Majj - they are adorable. Enjoy them and now you will be very healthy to run after them too. Joyce in KC

Happy Saturday, ladies. Loved pix of Janet and Apples. Also love to hear Apples is returning to happy self. Went to support meeting this morning (monthly). Several complainers who want the band to do all the work, but overall I ignore them and enjoy all the positive info from the successful banders. Gloomy day in K.C. and 38 degrees last night. Went to the mall for a short walk and realize how I need to build strength. Spring - where are you hiding????? Joyce in KC

Mrs. t - Glad you are joining us. Lots of great info here as you begin this journey. We are all doing it together.

Oldone - Welcome. Lots of great info here. Ignore the negative and focus on the positive. Joyce in KC

Hi Ray, How long since you visited with your doctor?? He could help decide if you need a fill and could advise how to get you started again on the road to losing that 120 lbs. You DESERVE the life you desire and the band can help you get there. How about joining the meeting tomorrow @ New Hope Bariatric @ 10 a.m. for inspiration and support. There are other men there who would share, as well as ladies. Joyce in KC

Jodi - welcome to the banded ladies. So sorry you had a difficult time. Apples - good that you slept last night. Will allow you to think clearly. I spent the afternoon helping GD with her bookkeeping for her salon. She is only 23 and I'm so proud of her. So sweet and appreciative of my help. Gizmo spent the day at the groomer - so Mom's day out for me. He is a malti-poo and very affectionate. My buddy. Gloomy and cold in K.C. But spring buds are pushing thru the very cold earth. Joyce in KC

Kendra - Day 3 of pre-op was the toughest for me. After that, it became routine and easier. Hang in there - it will be worth it. Joyce in KC

Diana, So sorry you injured your back, but I give your sweet husband an e for effort. He was soooo trying to show support. Hope your back heals quickly. Joyce

I'll be there too. Hope we have some very positive banders at this meeting. Joyce

Apples - writing always helps me to express my feelings. We are all here, feel free to write. When my mother passed away it was like an emotional toilet overflowed. Does that express how you are feeling??? It was awful. A hugh mental cleanup was necessary and that takes time. Know that others are sending positive energy your way. Joyce

Indio - congrats on weigh in today. You rock. Eva - cards are gorgeous. Laura - great weight in and congrats on smaller shorts Great (is it Lori?) - you look beautiful and hubby adores you (easy to see). Hate when they serve the tail (and sometimes head) when fish is served abroad. Yuk. Our Japanese DIL eats the eyes - Yuk again. The pix really make me want to travel again - but not until I begin to master the band. My brain can't remember how to respond to each comment. Just can't hold it that long. But sending hugs to all. Shan - hour workout then 2 hrs. volleyball - what an animal - your exercise will rocket you to goal. You go girlfriend. Joyce in KC

BTW - my picture was last year on my 66th b'day trip to Florida (Destin). Next Tuesday, I'll be 67. Can't believe it. I feel much younger than that.

Julie - Thank you so much for the recap. As a newbie, it is difficult to get to know all these great ladies. Now if I can learn their sign in names and match to real names....... Phyll -- So very sorry that you pain is so severe. Hope you can find relief from pain. Congrats on smaller size swim suit. I'm hoping onderland will happen by the end of April. Would be nice to hit it before first fill. Effort on my part will be needed to make it happen.

Had annual appt with opthamologist today. Pressure is 24 in my eyes. She would like it under 20. At this point, she wants me to increase my exercise and come see her again in 6 months. Another good reason to get out there and walk. Joyce

Great 2B Thin - I love Webshots. Easy to use and a FREE program. Would love to see your pix and I'm hanging on every word you write. International travel is my passion. Wish I could join your group to see the pix tonight, I would even help clean house to be included. Joyce

Apples - so sorry you had a very difficult night. Hope you have a chance for a nap today. Meditation helps me to center and regain balance in my heart. I believe prayer = talking to God and meditation = God talking to me. Lori - welcome home. My sister left for Israel a week ago with a tour group and will be gone for 3 weeks. OAT is the group she enjoys. What group did you travel with? Another lb. has left my body. Still on mushies and went to bed very hungry. I realize this will be a challenging retraining of the nutritional input to my body. So wonderful to have all here to share their experiences. Congrats to ladies who are exercising. I'm not yet released (great excuse for now). lolol Joyce in KC

Forgot to answer - no exercise yet. My doctor does not release for exercise until 5-6 weeks.

I use the journal given by my doctor to record all foods and water & exercise. This journal only asks for protein grams (no calories). The goal in the book is 75 grams per day. Normally I have 105 and feel great. I checked calories for a couple days and ran 750 to 850 calories. After years of dieting, we have to learn a new way to health. I do NOT want to lose my hair, and I want to start this change carefully and with focus. It takes 21 days to change behavior and only 7 to revert to past behavior. Best of luck to both/all of us. The rewards will be worth all this effort. Joyce in KC

Outdoor girl - 25 lb loss is great. It will happen. Just keep following our band rules and, perhaps journal your intake. Will help them when they fill. I've lost 17 lbs. in a month. That is a little over 4 per week - which I'm very happy with. We are starting a new lifestyle and we know how successful this will be. Try to be patient. JC in KC

Jodi - We are all excited and happy for you. Hope all went smoothly. Laura - congrats on return to the gym OK - I'm a newbie and can't remember everyones names and comments, but the shrimp mex cocktail sounds great and I had read that shrimp would be a no/no with the band. Glad to hear that's NOT the case. I'm unable to make the ticker appear. But I'm pleased to have lost 17 lbs. since this journey began. My goal is a total of 65 lbs. so I'm on my way. First fill will be 4/7.