StephC

hey girls! Annie & Jill - welcome back! Annie how exciting! I have an appt on the 28th - I've decided if the insurance will pay to have the flap cut off I'm going for it. I guess its not as appealing as an actual tt - but I can't afford to pay for it my self so I'm praying the insurance will come through for me. My huge NSV - I went shopping yesterday with my Christmas cash and got 2 pairs of slacks and a skirt - all a size 10!!! woohoo! I tried the 12's first and I was swimming in them. But I think that Christopher and Banks sizes run a bit bigger - I don't care tho - I was just giddy over the 10's! I got alot of nice stuff and drasticly reduced prices. Everything was 75% off which was a blessing bc I was really debating on buying new stuff when I know I want to lose at least 20 more lbs. I also got 2 pairs of boots - one pair is just Columbia winter boots, cute but everyday type - then the other pair are tall knee high brown suede, I couldn't believe they zipped up over my calf. HAha - I got a new pair of black heels too. I was loving it - shopped til I was broke. Boo- cute dress! Did you win it? I'm so afraid of buying clothes on ebay bc of them not fitting. So the Cookies are going to college tomorrow. I'm actually done with them now. I ate so many I don't think I'll crave another cookie until next Christmas. Bman - dreams are crazy. I have some wild stupid dreams sometimes. I think the thing with you and the ex is that you were still crazy in love with him (from what I understand) when he left - that left you still holding on to what was. If you had had some horrible years or even months of fighting and turmoil in your marriage it probably would be easier to move on. You heart is still holding on to what once was. Love ya ladies. xoxoxo

Interesting thread - I did have some smaller sizes hidden away but ... NOW I'M WEARING THEM!!! I have a skirt I wore 10 years ago to a Christmas party, size 12 that I wear quite a bit and love it. I don't have anything smaller then a 12 right now and I'm slowly losing so it might be a long time til I fit into a 10 but I have all this Christmas cash to spend and I'm so undecided on what to do. Should I buy the smaller sizes and wait to get into them or buy stuff that fits and I'll be out of in a few months... what to do? what to do?

Hey Girlfriends! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I've had a wonderful time with the family all home and then Christmas day they all went to the "in-laws" so hubby and I had a nice quiet day. They're all coming back on Friday for a big ham supper. My kids all got along wonderfully with each other, no tension in the room - LOL - which makes for a merry christmas for me! I've eaten more cookies then I've ever eaten before! BUT somehow my scale was 165 this morning. LOL hows that for not dieting! Love it. I love all of you and I thank God he's blessed me with such wonderful friends. Sweet - I am soooooooooo jealous! I love history and art - those pics are wonderful! Glad you found your bugg!

yes Boo - I'm a little freaked out about the Cookies I've been eating. Dang things go down so easy and then I eat a peice of meat and pb - wth's with that! I know I need to make the right choices but its so hard lately. And the crazy thing about it - I never ate cookies before. Seriously I'd make 20 dozen and eat 2. Sometimes I would just take a bite out of the batch to make sure they were tasty. I never was tempted by sweets like I am now. My husbster said to me the other night, whats with the chocolate? For the last 2 weeks all I see is chocolate. LOL He was exagerating but I've always been a french fry and chips kinda snacker, salty and crunchy. Now I'm eating stuff I'd never eat before. The cheerleaders are coming over so I made some Peanut Butter balls and rice crispie bars for them - they're having stromboli later. food, food, food - Lord get me past New Years!

I'm a flirt. Always have been. I smile and chat very easily with men. And its crazy but old men always flirt with me and I flirt right back. Example: Yesterday in the crowded aisles of Wallyworld I pulled out in front of an elderly man, who was with his wife, I said oh, I'm sorry! And he said, no you aren't. I said with a grin and a twinkle in my eye, oh yes I am, this place is a mad house and I'm one of the nuts in it. He said I knew that when I pulled into the parking lot. Meanwhile his wife just smiled. I call that flirting. Not that it was sexual in anyway, but I can bet it tickled him to have a younger women give him a little attention. When I walked away my 21 y/o daughter said old men are such flirts. I said yeah I know. Then theres the sexual flirt, like Laura said. Which is totally different. And I think theres a BIG difference between a flirt and a leer. Leers creep me out. But a look from a man that says I appreciate the beauty of a woman is nice.

Va - I'm so glad you are loving your fill! I know how you feel, when I got my last one I felt the same way. Sweet - you go girl! You'll be losing those last few pounds in a blink of an eye the way you're working it! I'm glad you like your body bugg. Bman - sorry things didn't work out with the coffeeman, but sounds like the chocolate covered marine is a good guy. I'm also glad you're there for him to talk to too, I'm sure its gotta be rough being away from family during the holidays. Things will all work out in the right time, when your heart is healed and you're ready. Boo- hows the car? is she back on the road? Claud - that is really sweet of your dad to give you chicago for your birthday. I miss Kaydoll and Nat and Jill, all the old girlfriends who are having bandversaries this month. I'm so glad you talked to Banannie - 22 lbs! :omg: Ohhhhhhhhhhhh dang I'm so jealous!!!! If they cut 22 lbs off me and gave me a flat tummy I think I'd be in heaven. I haven't been working on my weight at all. Just letting the band do the work, I did lose another lb, but it just seems so slow. I promise myself after new years I'm getting my butt moving again. I'm so flipping stressed with Christmas right now. I've over spent and don't want to tell dh - damn it, I hate when I do this and I always do. I somehow always catch up but stress myself to no end until I get there. The good news is that I'm done shopping, wrapping and baking. All my kids with their wife, boyfriends, neice and family will all be here on Christmas eve. And I'm as ready as I'm going to be - other then grocery shopping - which I'm holding off until Saturday. I just need a day or two to relax. My youngest daughter is having all the cheerleaders over Friday afternoon for a Christmas party. Thats not such a big deal since they are all bringing chips and drinks and I'm just making stromboli for them. They have a game that evening, its the big rival team, so they'll all be excited. I kind of embrace things like this bc I know that its all coming to an end - my baby being a senior. I haven't sent my mil's gifts yet - dummy here - so I need to run to po and hope that it'll get to FL before Tuesday, I'm really hoping priority will do it. Love ya ladies

hi girlies! I've been busy making cookies and getting ready for Christmas. I spent most of the day Sunday and all day yesterday making the cookies - ugh - I'm cookied out! Today me, my niece and daughter (home from college) are heading out to the mall to finish up the shopping. Bk - darling you gorgeous thing! you look wonderful! I like the hair too! I want a perm but I'm told it'll make me look older and at 45 it ain't gonna happen, so I guess I've had the last perm I'll get until I'm past the vainity stage. I think about you and the baby alot, I get nostalgic when I see mama's and their babies. Raising my kids were the best years of my life, financially they sucked, marriage wise they sucked but the joy my kids have brought into my life is priceless! Enjoy the sweetie. Bman - I'm glad you are taking a chance on this guy. Let us know what happens. I know how hard it is to seperate the heart from the rest but I'm praying that God will guard your heart. Ok - ladies dd is ready so I'm off - love ya! I'll do more personals later!

Its headed our way too, but I think its more like Sunday. Went to the church Christmas party last night. It was at a restaurant so I didn't over eat. We had fun. We played the game where everyone gets 2 pc of candy and if you get caught saying gift, present, shopping or Christmas you had to give it to the person who caught you. So I wasn't doing real well at that game but then my dd called and she said to tell everyone she wished she could be there and Merry Christmas - so I held up the phone and told everyone and they all yelled Merry Christmas Raquel - at that point I said give me your candy! I got everyone! They all looked at me stunned, it was the funniest part of the night. The pastor didnt' even ask everyone to count their candy, he just got the gift and handed it to me. Have a nice weekend.

Bman - nice story about the new friends. What a way to put a smile on your face hu? Claud - sorry about the job. Tell us again why Chicago is so important to you? Is it just the guy? If so don't live your life around what could be, live your life for the here and now, make the most of it where you are. You have a wonderful loving supportive family and I'm sure the right man could be right there in Cal. as in Il. Still I know you're hurting and I'm sorry you're feeling bad - kisses hon. Va - you sound so happy - when will you be back home? And then start the new job? Have fun with sis. I'm at work, I just did most of my work for the rest of the month. If I spend another half hour here I'll have it all done. Talk to you soon.

OMGoodness!!!!!!!! I just updated my ticker and I'm no longer obese - just overweight! woohoo

I don't really have any compulsive habits but I do have restless leg - and it drives me CRAZY! When they did the sleep study they said I woke up 27 times - no wonder I'm always tired! I haven't taken any scripts but do take otc sleeping pills for it. Its worse since I'm laid off, I guess I'm not doing enough during the day to make my legs tired. It really irritates my daughters when they sit on the couch with me, they think I do it on purpose.

There are 4 ladies in my church that had bypass, only one has kept her weight off and looks great. I've actually had other people tell me they think she looks terrrible, sick or whatever, I reply by saying " you've got to be kidding do you remember what she looked like before she lost the weight, she looks alot healthier now then before!" Believe it or not they usually say well yeah I guess you're right. Those same people tell me how wonderful I look - of course I didn't lose as fast as the bypassers but come on, who do you think you're fooling? They probably talk about me the minute I walk away. But I really don't care, this isn't about them and what they think of me, its about me, me, me and I'm happy as can be with me!

I like respectful people - if a person is respectful of others then they are normally a very good person and well rounded. You can have a strong opinion about something and still be respectful of others opinons. I like to think that was the most important thing I taught my children, respect yourself first, only know you and can you respect your thoughts and actions? Respect others, whether they be above, below or your equal, if you treat a person with respect most of the time they will in return treat you the same. I've always like John Travolta - always been my favorite actor and I thought he just seems like a nice man and then I heard Oprah talking about him with someone one day and they said he always treats everyone with respect and he finds something interesting about everyone. From the waiter who brings his food to the senator sitting at his side, he doesnt' treat one better then the other. I just think thats how I want people to perceive me. Them next to respect has to be humor. Laughter is the best medicine and I need it daily. I enjoy being around people who can find joy in the smallest of pleasures.

so Wilted, he left? I'm glad you are happier then ever.

I forgot to say I got my period today - I guess I'm back on track again - who knew!? anyway I was kinda suprised so I got on the scale and I'm still at my lowest. I'm hoping I have 3-5 lbs of water weight and this time next week I'll be that much less! LOL wishful thinking!

Va - I woke up thinking about you today. We have a major ice storm and everything is closed. So much for my day of shopping. I was wondering what kind of weather you had since you're only a few hours from me. I'm glad you made it ok. My doctor always takes everything out before he puts more in and the first few times the band did absorb a little, he said it gets into all the little knooks and crannies. I'm sure you need a fill, from how you've been talking. Let us know how it goes. I'm a tid bit bummed about the weather today, usually I embrace the idea of cozying up under a blanket and watching tv. I had plans, this was my last "free" day of shopping that I wanted to get everyone finished up without any of the girls watching. Oh well I can look at the plus side of it too and remember that I'll get to spend time with the girls. My dd in college is having boyfriend troubles, they are onthe verge of breaking up and its really hard on her. We really loved this guy and he seemed to be the one, so they cancelled their trip to NYC and she's coming home Saturday. I guess the shopping will be good for her, it'll keep her busy and her mind off of him. Since the other dd is home today I think we will make Christmas candy and some Cookies too. She's my cook and baker so it looks like today is the day. Have a good day girlfriends.

bandster 1007 - just think next year you won't have the problem with petites. I know where you are at, this time last year I was 225 and I'm almost 5'3" - but now I'm around 170 and a very comfy size 12 petite - although my shape is more apple then hourglass! Lucky you!

I hated shopping for myself bc of the weight - nothing looked good. Now I like to buy myself new stuff but bc I'm still not where I plan to be size wise I feel its a waste of money - yet I need the clothes. The up side is that I'm laid off for the winter and what I have will do me pretty good til spring when I go back to work I'll get a new spring wardrobe and hopefully 2 sizes smaller! As for the malls - I've only been out once and that was on black friday - tomorrow I'm venturing out and hope to finish up with all the major gifts, I'm hoping that since its during the week and early in the day I'll be ok. I also hate the parking and the crowds but I love the shopping. I love going alone so I can take my time, no one is waiting on me and I'm not waiting or looking for someone else, I can browse all I want and feel relaxed and not rushed.

First of all I forgot to tell you all thank you on the bandversary wishes. All of yours are coming up too! Sweet - wtg on the 11's - As for the tt I would wait. Most of my belly flap was there after the kids and before I gained all the wieght. Of course I was the biggest pregnant woman you ever saw. I know how you feel tho so I guess its all in if you can afford to spend the money on it twice? Or maybe it'll stay tight, your best bet is to talk to a ps. I told you all I go again to a different ps on Jan 28th. I need to get my butt busy to lose these next 10 lbs before I go. I believe I'd be in a 7 now if I didn't have my belly. oh well so goes life. I've been cleaning house the last few weeks and I found rolls of film I never had developed. Well I took 5 rolls in last week and picked them up today. Most of them were from 10 years or more ago! Thank goodness for digital cameras!!!

hi girls. Bk - yes I pb - sometimes everyday sometimes once a week. Who the heck knows why or when its going to get bitchy? I also do something I'm ashamed to say but heck if I can't tell all of you then who can I tell? If I over eat and feel crappy - I get a ache between my shoulder blades, its not enough to make me pb, but its when I know I just took a bite too much, I stick my finger down my throat. I know its probably not a good thing to be doing and its not like I do it everyday or even every week. I am concerned that its not good for the band but then its not even like throwing up, its like when a baby has had a little too much and you pat his back, up comes that little bit of milk. Well thats about what its like for me. Sometimes I just take a drink of water to get it up but I usually need to gag myself. And its crazy bc I never could see how anyone could make themselves throw up, I thought even if I had wanted to I didnt' think I could but my gag reflex is so much stronger now. Last night when the kids were here the little one pooped and I had to wipe her butt (its been a long time since I've had to wipe a butt) and it gagged me - like I felt the food come up in my throat kinda gag. LOL ok sorry way tmi!!! Sweet - lucky you going to Rome! I've always wanted to go there too - have a wonderful time! Va - good luck on your fill and your trip to Co. I hope you have good weather. Bman - we have the same crappy weather here. Its been raining now the last few days and they are calling for a major drop in temps tonight so it'll be freezing rain I supose. I'd rather have snow. Well I'm off, gotta run to the bank, dd #2 is coming home at 11 and we're going to lunch and getting the nails done. She has the Christmas dance on Sat. and I have a Christmas party on Friday.

Yes I believe. I found out about the band when I was reading about gastric bypass (I had no idea there were so many different wls options) so I called my dh's insurance co. to see if it was covered - absolutely not - no wls at all! I started praying and found out that the insurance my job offered would pay for it. So I went through the 6 months of monitoring and all the other tests and not only was it covered but it worked out that I was able to have it during my off season (seasonal worker) and to top it off I didnt' have to pay a penny! It was 100% covered. I just really felt that all things worked out for a reason. Today is my one year anniversary and I couldn't be happier or healthier! LOVE IT!!!

Now this is a nice thread. I come from a family of 7 - I don't really remember the gifts so much - other then a Barbie case that had real little hangers and shoes - I must have been about 7. But what I really remember is the whole family being together and playing games, oyster stew on Christmas eve and just the fun and silliness we all had. We weren't poor poor but with a big family we weren't over indulged so we each only got a couple of gifts but it really didn't matter. Now one of my favorite memories of my children is when they were about 3, 7 & 9 we took the 4-wheeler and a wagon and went out and cut our tree. I video taped it and the kids sang songs, it was just such a precious memory of them. Now they are 17, 21 and 23 - time flies.

hi girlfriends - todays my bandversary! Wow one year ago I was laying there waiting for my turn and then I felt like I was hit by a truck. I'm so happy I've lost these 60 lbs!!! Its just unbelievable to me that I actually lost weight and have kept it off. A year ago my plan was to be at 150 today but I'm still happy with what I've done. Today my high scale read 171 - which is exactly 60 lbs and my sweetheart scale was 167. I also make little goals for myself and I noticed in my planner I had my goal to be 165 for tomorrow - so thats not too far off. My next goal is 160 by Jan. 28. Thats when I go see a different plastic surgeon. I'll be within 10 lbs of my highest goal and 20 lbs of my wannabe skinny goal. And also my mom and sister will be coming in Feb. to visit so I want to lose another 10 lbs before they get here. I've lost about 20 since I saw them last summer so another 10 would really make a difference. Whats up with everyone? Is everyone busy with the holiday season and not posting? Sweet - how's the splints? At least you can still ride the bike. I have GOT to get my butt moving if I want to hit my goals. Boo - hon are things going any better for you? So sorry about the car troubles - I know how bad that sucks! Happy belated birthday - how about miss hot mama getting hit on? Hmmm? sounds like you had fun and a well deserved break from reality for an evening. Everyone else I miss ya - please post and keep us updated. I didnt' go to work yesterday - I normally go in on Mondays - but we bought our tree on Sat. and dh didnt' get it up until Sunday and it was all smushed up so I had to let it drop and I even had to pull the branches down, it had just been cut and bundled when we got it so it didnt' have a chance to fall open. Anyway I took my time and decorated it yesterday, between decorating the tree and moving furniture (which means cleaning) I worked for 4 hours. But my house looks beautiful. Really does put you in the mood when everything looks so good. And to top it off this is the very first time I've ever just taken my time with the tree, no one else was home and I could be creative. My little great neice was over last night and she's not quite 3 - she was just in awe over everything. I told my neice its so nice to see her joy in the decorations bc everyone else sees them every year and with her it was all new and exciting. I string garland and lights across my fireplace mantel, around the door frames, ontop the cupboards, so the whole place was lit up. I'm gonna watch her and her brother tonight while the parents shop. Ok - better get off here, I'm at work hehe what a laugh. Anyway I have to run to the bank so I'll read ya all later!

BK! SWEETHEART - omgoodness! So happy for you!!! Thats wonderful news, probably the best thing thats happened to any of us!!! I'm just so happy for you, enjoy your little bundle of joy, what a wonderful Christmas present! And what a nice compliment - you are a medium sized lady - nice! I hope you post some pics on Yahoo. Transformer - yukky work on the weekend! I thought I had that darn printer figured out, changed the ink and everything and now the stupid thing won't print copies in black, only color. Yet when I do the test print, like print something from the computer it works. And I can't get the scanner to work. I finally gave up and hooked my old scanner up. Oh well the photo downloader works great. If you need little laugh go to http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1224151215 I have to say you may not find it as funny as I did since its my family, but we have been having a blast making these. Now you all can go elf yourself too. Have a great relaxing Sunday my girlfriends. Love ya!

Bman - I agree, he's really cute! I like him. And I can tell you do too. Take that guard down just a little bit and let him in.