Betsyjane

Looks like we are disbanded. Well, my friends, it was fun and great support while it lasted. Guess we all start to fade when the band no longer holds any surprises for us. My best to all of you. If anyone wants to reach me, go to www.GoldenRetrieverCamp.com Have a good life!

Hey Barbara, my old Tai Chi buddy! You'll get a kick out of this. I just started Tai Chi and ChiGong at MD Anderson, and the guy who teaches it is everything I wanted in an instructor! First of all, there's no dress code!!!!!!! People come in whatever attire they want, and he does the full deal, with everyone just following along as best they can. Then after, he answers questions about theory, how to do things, philosophy behind it, or whatever, so you can leave after an hour, or stay for up to another 2 hours (!) to chat. And his explanations are super clear! And it's all free for whoever shows up, Tues and Thurs afternoons. I started it because I'm in a bit of a pain struggle at the moment. In addition to my patches, I usually take pills every 3-4 hours, but after the last class, I went 12 hours without the need to pop a pill. Works for me. Hope you guys are all doing well. Would love to see you if your next meeting is at a time when I can do it. It's sure hard to hold a group together! With all the lap bands being done, would seem like we'd be able to fill a room! Guess support groups just don't often work that way....

Did anybody go to dinner???? I just found out I'm no longer getting automatic emails when someone writes on this thread, so I missed knowing about the dinner. Anybody up for another meeting time soon?

It is confusing. Everyone is different and you go through different phases so it's hard to predict. I could probably eat absolutely anything, but some things take sooo much chewing and so tiny a bite that it's just not worth it. I usually avoid flour based breads-corn tortillas are fine. I avoid canned spinach because the stringyness is hard for me. Sometimes shrimp is a problem and sometimes not. Most everything else works. What's harder for me than what I CAN'T eat is what I CAN eat. I have to be so careful with anything ice cream. It goes down so easily and tastes so good. I'm at about goal weight now, but I have to say that practically every plateau I had was due to eating too much ice cream. The thing about foods you can't eat is that it's all a learning process and you won't really know until you experience eating something that doesn't work for you. It's uncomfortable enough that it doesn't take long to learn from it!

Just saw this interesting site. It's expensive, so it would probably only be for a very special event, but what a great idea. You pick your dress...you can mix and match bust, waist, and hip sizes, and they create the dress to your measurements rather than a standard size. dressbydesign.com I understand there's a similar one at studio28couture.com and one at styleshake.com

There's a show on TV called Sit and BE Fit. Exercise without standing.... There are also exercise routines for upper body for those with knee and other leg problems. Might be worth adding that to your routine until your weight drops enough to stress your knees less.....

I tried to attach a photo from Calif, but I think I've forgotten how. Anybody up for dinner? I'd like to go to Cedar Landing......

Hi Cyndie. I went through a period of time where I just had no appetite. Just no interest in food of any kind. I enjoyed it, truth be told. But I'm back to eating fairly regularly so I could meet at our next dinner and not be a party pooper. No feeling too badly. Had a great time in California wine country. Have fun on your vacation.

Anybody want to meet to walk the mall this weekend?

That was wonderful. See you guys next time with pics from California Wine Country!

I'll be there!

I'll be there, pending whatever.....

Have to go downtown for treatment. Will have to see you next time....