StephC

Nat - have a great time in Florida - soak up that sun while we get hit by more snow. I'd love to be going with you.

I did it - I got on the treadmill and did 30 minutes - today is the first day - AGAIN!! But isn't it wonderful that everyday is a new day? I feel so much better about myself when I get that 30 minutes in. I'm going to the mall for a pedicure so I'm sure I'll do some extra walking - I have a pedometer somewhere around here so maybe I should take DrC's advice and use it.

I haven't exercised since last Friday! I keep making excuses. Someone kick me in the butt to get me going. I also haven't lost any weight this week! I need a boost of something! Help! Bk, Bman, all of you exercise maniacs I admire you. I was worried about this, once I get out of my routine I have a VERY hard time getting back into it. I guess Nat is headed for Florida today. Gonna miss you girl. I guess I'll go hit the treadmill and try to get my butt into it again. UGH!

Nikki are you drinking with your meal? If I drink 1/2 hour before or even up to an hour after I don't stay full as long. I try not to drink until 2 hours after I eat to keep the full feeling. I questioned the effectiveness of my fill when I went to eat and ate the whole thing but then after talking to the pa found out that the cup of coffee I had before I ate had helped to wash the food down faster. Thats what they call eating around your band. I kinda did that when my family was in, I was drinking alot sooner then I normally would have and then I did the grazing with them. Big no-no, started back to my better eating yesterday and feel so much better about it. BK - sounds like you got it all thought out with the schooling and its good that you will be helping the community out too. Bman - great nsv! I could really tell it in your pics so I'm sure others at work can see it, but weight is a touchy subject so people don't want to offend or say the wrong thing. Unless they know and then they feel like they can - like at my church - anyway you go girl! I went to support group last night, it was good. We talked about what we read or hear about the band and what is credited information (I gave him the idea when I sent him the Rutheridge video). Then we have an open time and it was good. I met someone new, closer to my age, she just had surgery 2 weeks ago so we talked alot. I gave her the website so I hope she joins in with us. I'd love to have a local friend to talk with. Then there was another lady there who had the surgery in Nov, she's lost 80 lbs! Kay you might remember me saying my big mouth at the christmas party I asked her if she had her fill yet and she looked at me funny and said I don't normally eat this much - I felt like an idiot, our dr calls it an adjustment. Anyway she looked wonderful so I gushed over her, and she was beaming. She said bc she had so much to lose people dont notice like they would me - hmmm - so I said well I could really tell and I can tell she wants to look nice she always has her hair and makeup done really well - I'm excited for her. So it was a good night at group. Nat are you going to say good by before you leave for the sunshine? VA I'm so happy you found your sweetspot. I don't know if I am there or not. Because I still have to think about changing the habits, like I said about the water and stuff but as long as I follow the band rules things are good. But I'm happy for you and I hope you feel better sooner. Who asked about the plane? I was told that its due to the dehydration that you have on a plane. When you are dehydrated your band feels tighter so as long as you have a bottle of water you should be fine. Busy day today, I have my sons cats that I have to drop at the vet for spaying and then I have to go in to work and redo some reports - yuk. Talk to you all later - have a good day.

Just finished my taxes - yea me! :Banane43: and it was a good thing! I don't know why I procastinate on getting money from uncle sam! I just always dread doing them. And it took less then 2 hours from start to finish! woohoo Claudia you are doing great! Don't be sad be happy :scared: Truthfully my feeling is that we are in complete control of our emotions, we can choose to have a good day or a bad day. Sometimes we just want to be angry or sad, and theres nothing wrong with that but we can look at our life and pick all the wonderful things out that make us happy and turn the whole day around. We all have days of self doubt - if you read back over my posts I'm no exception but we are all starting a new journey and have to remember its just one day at a time. Thats what I tell myself about changing my eating habits, if I can get through one day then the next day will be a little easier and eventually I hope to have all new habits. My focus right now is to watch my portion sizes and only eat when I'm really hungry. If I can add exercise into my daily or weekly schedule thats another and another for me is trying not to eat at least 2 hours before bed. All of these things I'm trying to change are 40 years in the making so I don't expect to change them in a month, but I do expect to keep trying. Be happy she said you look like you lost 100 lbs. that was a compliment! And be happy that she noticed, its so much worse when you are losing and no one even sees it. I felt like I was at a stand still and no one would be able to see 30 lbs but unless you are all lying to me I was wrong and it is noticable. Cheer up sweetie and enjoy the journey. You're only 15 lbs away from your first goal. Bk - thanks sweetie - I really needed to hear that you can see the difference bc I sure wasn't seeing it in myself, I guess posting those pics was a good thing. I'm so glad you arent' sick anymore. How's the kids? Is everything going ok? Have you decided what path you're going to take? I think that you should go for the higher education, whatever will take more, which I think would be the school teacher, right? Only because the degree will be there if the daycare doesn't pan out. Its always good to have a back up. At least thats what I told my kids. My dd was thinking about changing her major from pubic ed, to private (or whatever it was) and I told her the same thing, if you get the easier degree and it doesn't work what then? but if you get the higher degree you can always teach in a private school, ya know what I'm saying? But the choice is yours and your heart will lead you.

Thanks for all the nice words on my pics. Isn't it funny how critical we are on ourselves? I wasn't going to post my pics because I've only lost about 30 lbs total but my mom encouraged me so much this past weekend that I thought well maybe you can tell. She was so funny, she kept saying Steph I don't think you need to lose anymore, when you are walking from behind you look like a normal size. I said mom, I'm still need to lose at least 50 lbs and besides I'm just built narrow and if you turn me sideways I'm as wide that way as I am the other, (I'm round) and she'd say well yes but from behind you look really good. LOL But here I was worried that they wouldn't even be able to tell I had lost weight and compare me to the sil who had bypass but instead they were so supportive and encouraging. Even tho I didn't eat the way I know I should have, I did too much grazing and bad food choices, I still used my band and felt in control. I haven't exercised since Friday so I need to get my jelly on the treadmill today! All in all it was a very nice visit and I won't see them again until july so I hope I'll knock 'em over the next time I see them! Is anyone still going to the local support group? We have a meeting tonight. I really get alot more support from you ladies then I do at those meetings but its still good to go. Nat - can't wait to hear how things turned out last night. BBK - I have the same problem with clothes, tops especially. Because I have the fat belly I have to buy bigger sizes to fit around my waist and then they bag in the shoulders and boobs, and pants will fit in the legs and butt but I won't be able to button them at my waist. So I get them to fit at my waist and they're baggy everywhere else. It sucks. Bman I'm glad I inspired you bc you always inspire me! Your pics really encouraged me too and your strength! I always wish I had your will of steel. VA- WTG on the weight loss! Good job! How do you feel with the new fill? Banannie - so glad you changed your name! Positive thinking my love only positive words. Nikki - I try not to eat more then a cup of food at a time - and if I'm in doubt I measure it. Ideally 3/4 cup fills me without being FULL - and I try to make good food choices, Proteins first and then fruits and vegies, I take the bun off the burger, that kind of stuff. I also watch calories and try to make my meals between 200-300 cals. and eat every 3-4 hours, as long as I can go until I feel the growling hunger, so I eat about 800 to 1200 calories, which is more then alot of you eat so that is probably why my weight loss has been slower. Bk - have you adjusted to your fill now? No more throwing up? Wheres Sweethot? Kay - you out there girl? Hows the new job going? Clinicals? I'm glad you decided on a fill. Has it been working for you? Well I'm off to Turbo tax to get my taxes done - I've procastinated as long as dh will let me. I promised as soon as my visitors were gone I'd get to it so .... it sucks to be me. If I wasn't a bookeeper I could push it off on someone else but I have a reputation to live up to - stupid stupid stupid - should have been a nurse.

My mom said I really look thin today so decided to post. I hope you can tell the difference.

Oh btw - they thought I look great - told me all weekend how great I'm doing and they loved the work done on the house. Its been a wonderful visit.

Hello my lovely ladies! I've missed you! I love this thread! I come on and it feels like home. Its been a fun weekend. Mom, sis, niece, gr.niece, college daughter and new guy have been here. Daughter and new guy left last night to go back to school. Mom and all leave tomorrow. We love the new bf - he has fit perfectly in with our silly crazy family. He asked dh if he could date his daughter. Dh felt so respected and proud, we definitely can see her marrying him. He's so cute, tall, smart, 4.0, going to be a pastor, going to Princeton for his masters, funny, quoted SNL all weekend and laughed at all our jokes, got along great with big brother and little sister - yep I love him I love him alot! With the family here theres been food galore - and I'm to blame. I have this inbred in me that I have to fatten everyone up. From lasagna to bread pudding, I've been cooking, baking and we've gone out to eat 2x. For the most part I've done pretty good, I haven't gained anyway. But I'll really have to get back in the groove after they all leave. I did go ski one morning but its alot easier to sit and have coffee with them then it is to get my butt on the treadmill or skis. Tomorrow is a new day. Bman - my dd was in a 3 yr relationship and everyone thought they'd marry, last year was so hard for her, I remember vday being especially hard, but look what God had waiting for her. This new guy is great and I believe you have the man of your dreams waiting for you too. You are a beautiful intelligent funny woman life will treat you well. BBK - wow you look great! You inspire all of us - thanks for posting the pics! I don't have time to post to everyone but you all are in my thoughts and I'll catch up with you tomorrow. We are going for tea at the Georgian Mansion today - tons of fun. Have a great day!

Good morning ladies - Bman - I'm glad they got your power back on! Just think if you had no power, no way of driving somewhere warm - that would be horrible. Its bad enough not having electricity but if the roads are closed thats really bad. Nat - so glad the mattress situation is finally being taken car of! Hope the little man is feeling better. Sounds like the big man is coming along pretty good :mad: I had to laugh at the poppa bear comment. Some of the kids' friends used to call him poppa george. Va - I'm glad you like the tea, its my favorite, if I want something really sweet I add a tsp of vanilla coffeemate and a packet of splenda, its like a teapuccino. Icecream with the kiddos spells L.O.V.E Bk - next year you can be my secret valentine - but don't tell anyone cuz its a secret. I hope you don't throw up any more. Take those tiny little baby bites when you get back on solids. And if you still throw up insist on an unfill. Kay - I can't wait to hear how the dr visit goes today. Don't feel bad about the chocolate, remember this is a life style change and I don't think any of us could go the rest of our lives without a peice of chocolate now and then. I had 2 of my dd's choclates too. Sweethot - where are you? We're thinking of you. BBKitty - I confess I did the cabbage boob but still think it was probably the medicine they gave me that cleared it up. BUT I wish I had known about it the night I was in misery. I think its funny how many of you had known about that home remedy. Thanks. Annie - I refuse to call you chubbygirl - you should change that to previouslyknownaschubbygirl - positive thinking my love. Anyway I hope you had fun with the gf's - you know gf's are alot more fun the bf's - until the end of the evening Jill - give that man a kiss from me! See this is why I love men, they can be complete jerks at times but then they do things that totally redeem themselves. Not saying your dh has been a jerk - just men in general. Anyway that is love. I went for breakfast yesterday with my best bud. She's skinny. Always has been. Her birthday is tomorrow and mine was monday so we always do a breakfast together. My hubby says (with a smile) so you treat each other hu? LOL Yeah something like that. Anyway I did good, ate half my eggs benedict this time and took the other half home for lunch. Learned my lesson on pigging out. I guess I won't be on much while the family is here but I'll be thinking of you and check in when I can. Love ya ladies!

Hello Sweethearts! Happy Valentines Day! Cabbageboob is much better thank you all for your concern. Now I'm eating yogurt to keep the yeast away. I have a thing about antibiotics so I hear if you eat a yogurt a day its all good. I had a total melt down last night. I ate peanutbutter with chocolate chips - 3 or 4 spoonfuls! I know its because TOM is coming soon - I always get the starved and chocolate cravings. I caved on the chocolate! But today I've done really well. I have been skiing since we got this new snow. Its been great. Love it. Mom and the rest of my dysfunctional family will be here tomorrow. My niece was here a few minutes ago - she loved the new look. I painted the kitchen and hung new curtains - she said it looks like something from home & gardens - LOL - she said it was amazing how a face lift can do so much. I feel better now - knowing that the house looks good for my family. My sweetheart gave me flowers, roses. And a card. I got him a card and a chocolate fish that said you're a keeper. It was all Dr Phil's doing. This morning while he was working on the trim I had the show on and Dr Phil said you know how to be romantic you just chose not to, but thats really stupid because the better you treat her the better she'll treat you. I think it sunk in. I love him. I love all of you - Happy Valentines Day, sweeties.

((((Kaydoll))) - sounds like you got alot going on sweetie. Take time for yourself and try to get better. You did mean literally sick right? Or just sick because you have too much going on? Either way, try to squeeze in some Kay time. Whats the new job? You never mentioned a new job before. Did you go in to the dr yet, is it this week? Hows the band doing? When you get a moment catch us up. I slept so good last night. I told hubster at 6:30 "I'm taking a sleeping pill at 7 and plan to be in bed and asleep by 8" (in womans talk that meant, you wait up for Olivia to get home, turn off all the lights, and don't expect to get any) - I was true to my word. I was asleep by 8 and got 9 1/2 hours of sleep - so today I tackle the house. Clean, paint that wall and change bedding and I think I'll be ready for the troops to get here. Then if theres enough snow I think I'll ski this afternoon. My dd bf's grndpa died, she said they had enough food and to make them a dessert. She suggested cinnamon rolls - so I made monkey bread aka pinch me cake. Take the biscuits in a can - 4 cans, cut them in 1/4's, grease a bundt pan, I use about 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar with some karo, spread that in the bottom with some nuts, roll your biscuits in cinnamon and sugar and toss in the pan, bake at 350 for 30 minutes - out of this world! (I made a half batch for us- MISTAKE) I've been picking the walnuts off the top since I baked it. But hubby and dd have done a great job at destroying it so I think I'm safe. Didn't I tell you I'm all for the quick, easy and yummy desserts! Oh btw - I made a half batch in just a round cake pan, and used 2 cans of the biscuits. Nat - how's the little man? Hope he's feeling better.

so I told my sister about the cabbage on the boob - she died laughing! she said either it'll work or people will be getting a good laugh at you! It kinda felt good, nice and cold against that burning hot boob. totally going to bed in about a half hour - steph needs sleep - tons to do before mama gets here. btw - mom, sis, niece and great niece are all coming, did I tell you great niece just found out shes pregnant? shes not quite 17. yeah I know - my niece is going to be a gramma at the ripe old age of 35 - my sister is going to be a great gram at the age of 57 - tell me I come from a dysfunctional family. Mom is going to be a great great gramma - she'll be 79 next month. crazy I tell you its all crazy

awww you all are too sweet! Thank you thank you thank you. Gerbera I'm glad I could help. I talked to my PA and he said to try to eat filling foods that will stay with you. It seems to be working for me too because I'm down 7 lbs this past 3 weeks. Woohoo!!! Its slowly coming off.

thanks Ibrahem! I can't believe I'm already 45! Geesh remember when that seemed so old? Well I guess it still does to you since you're only 22, my sons age! Thanks again.

BK sweetie I hope you called for that UNfill. I agree with everyone, get some of that out asap! I was in the dr today, pcp, I have mastitis - I'm 45 fricking years old for petes sake! I haven't nursed a baby in 16 years! So they put me on a liquid antibiotic - YUKO! - and I go to a breast specialist next friday to see why I'd be getting this. No Nat hubster hasn't been getting any milk so I don't think its that. The good news is I'm down 7 lbs since the last time I was at my band dr. I weighed 204 with jeans and a sweater so I know they would subtract 2 lbs for that. And the other thing is that when I asked what I weighed the last time I was there in Oct. I was 231. So thats a good 27 lbs or more - yea me! I was kinda discouraged because I would like to see it come off faster and right now with this fill its about 2 lbs a week. So thats good. I think I'll hold off on getting another fill until I really feel its necessary. I'm trying to eat solids, like yesterday we went to lunch and I ate 1/2 of my side salad and a 1/4 lb hamburger but without a bun and I was full all day. Whoever asked - I got 2cc my first fill and I'm pretty happy with it. I suggest after you are done with the liquid and mushie stages then you should try to stick to good solid foods. Cabbage on the boob - I have green in the house but not any purple - I guess I'll give it a shot. LOL sounds hilarious to me, like I'm being punked or something!

Anyone ever have mastitis? Its when the milk ducts get infected? Hurts like a b-ot-ch. My boob started hurting last night, I sat with heat on it all evening, went to bed around midnight was up again at 2:30 fell asleep again at 5 and up at 7:30 - needless to say this isn't a happy day. I already called the dr I go in at 9:30. Ok who watched the grammy's? the Police opened and I'm thinking I'd still do Sting in a heartbeat! He looked so sexy! He must be in his 50's or older. Lionel R. looked pretty hot too - but Smokey looked like an old man who'd had way too much plastic surgery. I don't like the Dixie Chicks so I was a little disappointed they made a sweep - I love Corin Baily Rae - I have her as my ringtone. Ok I'm off to get ready for the dr. Have a good day ladies.

Aw - bummer Nat! So you got there and he never showed? That would've ticked me off unless he called and let you know ahead that he wouldn't be there. What kind of church was it? Did you eat your queso dip? I made that soup that Kaydoll gave us. Yummy! I also ate 3 chocolates - yep seems like that time is coming my way. Sucks being in menopause and never knowing if you're done or not. hmm a pear sounds good.

I forgot to say.. where my table is sitting is where the bar was before. It made for a very small kitchen.

B-man you look great! I'm so proud of you! I can really see the difference in your face and profile! WTG! Nat be good in church! Ok - heres pics of my new floor. I love it. I don't have the curtains up yet or the wall in the kitchen, not sure if you can see it but to the left of the fridge, I'm going to paint it. I was going to sears to buy rugs yesterday and on my way I was praying, Lord please help me to find a good deal on my rugs and to be wise with my money. So I was almost there and I remembered Value City - they sell discontinued brand stuff. I hadn't been there for a while so wasn't even sure they sold rugs. Well I ended up getting a set for $49 - the set included a 5x7, runner and small rug. They only had 2 sets in the color I wanted! I was expecting to pay $199 for just one rug! I was tickled. I also bought new lamp shades but they didn't go so I gotta take 'em back today. Hopefully next week I'll be able to post another pic from the other direction. The room I was standing in to take the pic is part of our addition, so I thought if I floor all of it the same it'll make it look more like one house rather then a house with an addition.

I have two shih-tzu's - Gigi Lily Belle and Sandra Dee - Gigi is pumpkin butt and Sandee is sandee bandee bandee boo - amongst several other lovey dovey names. Sandee is usually cuddled up to me and so she's called mamas baby. If I'm sitting at the computer she lays beside me or insists on my lap. Gigi owns the house and all who live in it. Sandee just loves loves loves everyone and everything. Sandee has to sleep under the covers between me and dh. Gigi will grace us with her presence and sleep at the bottom of the bed. We also have a chesepeake by retreiver, Ginger. She's still a pup and about the biggest dumb dog I've ever seen. She's not really dumb but she's still in that stupid puppy stage. I just call her the big dog.

Happy Saturday girls! I had a nice evening last night. I play bunco with a group of ladies, its a blast! Next month is my turn to host so I hope my house is looking good by then. I ate too much. She had quesidas - which were healthy, chicken, cheese, mushrooms and she used whole grain tortillas I ate 1/2 of one but then I munched on the chips and salsa ALL night - for dessert she had this mousse - to die for if you are a chocolate lover. She used a springform pan and cut up the swiss cake little debbies, lined the sides and bottom of the pan, with the swirls facing out - then she made chocolate mousse from a box but you add 8oz of cream cheese. It was yummy - I felt like a pig by the time I went home, it wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't ate the mousse. I'm getting a tad bit irrated with the house in this state. He's almost done but he has to fix something underneath yet - all fine and dandy except that he went ice fishing this morning!!! So I sit here in a house full of sawdust waiting for me to clean and no point in starting until he's finished. All of my living room is now in my computer room, other then the tv and couch. The kitchen is done as far as the flooring goes but since its opened up into the living room its dusty too. Enough of my drama. Maurden - sorry to hear your fill was a little rough. I don't think 2.5 is too much, I had 2cc my first fill. I'm working with it. Bk - sounds like your fill is working. I know I can eat more then 1/2 cup so I actually envy you. Ok I eat my words about ANS - I really do feel bad for her. I heard a psych dr talking about how losing a son can really impact women in a different way and now I believe she almost died from a broken heart. I also heard someone else say that she seemed like she didn't bond with the new baby. That at first she was very attentive but then she didn't bond with her. Probably all due to her grief. Its sad that she never found unconditional love - well other then her son and then when he died she was lost again. Its sad.

Morning ladies! Wowsa - you've all been busy! I'm off my routine with hubster home. He sleeps in too late and I can't get to my treadmill right away so I went x-skiing yesterday and the plow came up behind me - a-hole! I go behind my house on a mining co. road, so it wasn't a big plow but enough to scare the crap outa me. Nat - super hunk sounds romantic - and he's getting you in church!?! He's the man! Did you give him the Daddy book or is that for Vday? (and you are cute!) I'm ok about mom and sis coming - my neice was down yesterday and I said I've only lost about 4 more pounds and she said oh but I can see it!!! Yipee! She said my belly looks smaller! That made me feel better if she who is around me all the time can see it then I hope they can too. Claud - wtg on the size 10s!!! I can't remember the last time a size 10 went up over my bubble butt! I think I'll have to lose another 50 lbs to see that. How tall are you? Bman yoga sounds so fun! Even if it is painful! Did you watch survivor last night? I think it looks to be a good season. Exile island with all those snakes... I don't think I'd be able to do it. It looked like when she was up in that tower that a snake even crawled up there. OMG I'd die! Sassy - I can't remember you.. I have brain freeze - but welcome back! You'll feel better after your first fill. It all starts happening then. Va - I will let you know about the new bf - I'm excited to meet him. House update - I LOVE IT!!! My house is very rustic with the log beams and fireplace so hardwood (laminate) flooring has just brought it all together. We got a dark wood because the beams and trim are dark and the edges of the planks are beveled and the top is like ridgy so its not completely smooth - it just goes so well. We are over half way done with the kitchen and living room - I sat down and looked around and said to hubster... hon, I don't think I like it. Don't you think its too dark? He jerked his head up to see if I was jking or not. Then he said well its in here until I die then you can do what ever you want. LOL I love this man! Son and dil were over and helped they made it go along faster. Anna N S - tragedy - wow. Makes you wonder how her family is doing. Just losing a son and now this. Its wild. Another Marilyn story. But I wonder what kind of mother would leave a 5 month old child with family in the bahamas? I mean its not like she was working. Ok I'm sorry I shouldn't judge. Just weird.

I'm sorry but this is the funniest thread I've seen! I wasn't worried about the dr seeing my kooch cuz theres this big ol roll of fat that flops down over it! LOL Maybe he lifted it up to take a peek. ROFL Apparently you've not had children yet. Wait until you're pooping on the table and then tell me you're worried about wearing panties.

Nat - just posted a reply to your confession.