Search the Community

I agree with Pamela---we ARE always here, and each of you has my phone # now from the list--please feel free any time to use it! I am not sure that it was a consious thing with me last year (where you guys are now) or whether it was SAD or what---but when Rick reminded me, I went WOW! This year it IS different! Last year, I was somewhat worried about what I could and could not eat, what was good for me, what would cause me problems, and what I was going to miss. And then if I ate and gained, was I destined to spiral out of control never to emerge on the happy bandster side of life again? I felt like I personally had no control! My band had some control, that I truly did not appreciate! The difference is this year, I know it will pass!! I know I CAN eat, there are a multitude of things available that are not horrible choices...because it is afterall a holiday celebration! I also know that if I gain 5 pounds---it will come off, and I am NOT failing again. Judy is not having the panic over that, she has faced the issues on her cruises...all the yummy food, and the weight gain....and has come out the other side with the knowledge that a backslide is not a failure, it is a speed bump! I for one am uncomfortable being too tight--it scares me! My loss has likely been slowed by that, but it is my choice---but even with that, when I gain here and there, it eventually comes back off, and when I mentally go off the deep end, and eat junk, junk and more junk (oh yeah has happened many a time!!!)---eventually something clicks again (often times a compliment from someone---it spurs me on again!) and I get it under control, and feel like I have not only survived but won. This is not the Atkins of old, that once I ate a chip it was a roller coaster ride back to the original weight plus. With the band, I may gain weight, but for the most part when I am being bad in my choices, it still maintains me pretty well---keeps me from giving up hope! Knowing I can do this, and the band IS doing this--made this year much easier. It is relaxing, knowing it is there, to keep me within my personally set boundaries. I could not handle the constant PB's---I would prefer to have a milder warning that enough is enough---stop eating! I think it is a time line that is normal! Remember as has been pointed out---there are little stages we all go through, and I think this one y'all are hitting is normal....and remember if you say it isn't---you are calling me abnormal!! LOL Like Pamela said----come here and scream and cry and vent--who better to understand? And not judge? ((((hugs)))) this too shall pass, and you will look back, and be so thrilled to see that you and your band made it, and life goes back to the exercise, and eat right way---because it does. We are all human, and the season change, added to the time change, and the holiday work overload, stresses us all....stress sometimes affects the band. It ALWAYS affects my eating! But it is survivable, and surmountable!! Hang in there girls---it is gonna be ok!!! Kat

Welcome Cindy---from one unofficial member (not technically an April 07 bandster!) to another! Glad to have you here! Hang out, and let US get to know YOU now!!! Well my stitches are out, it doesn't look as bad as I feared. He said the residual swelling will likely take months to go down--loverly!! Wow---deep thoughts today girls! My story is pretty easy---I blame me! I did not get fat until well into my 20's. I married at 17, he cheated on me regularly. But no one in my family had ever divorced, so I was afraid to stand up for myself, even though I knew divorce was the right direction. Eventually when the 2nd child (besides ours), I did it and divorced him. I began seeing DH then, and realized how different life could be. But it was not meant to be at that time, and he had college to finish, and my now ex refused to allow me to leave the state (as per NM divorce) with our DD. So Rick and I went our separate ways---at least physically! Then I met and married the biggest mistake of my life. I did not listen to family nor friends, I accepted the first thing offered, I guess trying to recapture what I lost with Rick--I don't know. Soon after the abuse began, verbal, emotional...escalating to physical and sexual. The pushes and shoves grew to all out beatings, broken bones, and hospitalizations. But he had me where he wanted me, he did not threaten me when I tried to leave, he threatened my elderly grandparents and my crippled brother---he would hurt them---I knew he would, it was not a threat, but a promise. I got myself into the situation, I refused to get one of them hurt or worse, trying to get out of it. Eventually he wanted to move to TX where his family was (San Antonio), so we moved. I saw it as my way out---none of my family there to hurt. I got him to agree to let Manda stay with my parents until we found a place to live. She was with them for 6 weeks. Nothing changed, he was only worse, when in the presence of his abusive step Dad---horrible, horrible family. I began putting on weight about this time, I had zero self confidence, I doubted my own judgement in anything, I knew IF I lived through it, I was going to be twice divorced---the thought killed me! One day walking in KMart there was a big woman in there, and he told me if I ever looked like that he would leave my ass. Suddenly those thoughts come back, and I worked to gain weight! I even went so far as to drink weight gain from GNC!! The big ordeal went down--he tried to kill me, stabbed me 8 times. Eventually I flew home tattered and torn, and he went to prison. And the depression deepened---how did I do this to my life? By now Rick is remarried...and I am horribly alone, and scared to death to even think about another man---I trust no one. BUT food comforted me, and did not lash out, and did not cheat, and was always there when I needed it! Through the years I moved on and worked through my issues, as well as one can I suppose, but by then habits were set, and I was huge! Rick was never far from my mind, nor me his he says, we kept tabs through mutual friends. He divorced, and called me, and we have never looked back. When he left for school, I was maybe 125 pounds. When he walked up to my house all those years later, I was twice that! He was smiling ear to ear, and looking in my eyes---he did not ever say a negative word to me about my weight-ever. I can now look back, and understand exactly what motivated me to make the mistakes as I made them, but...didn't see it then! The old hindsight thing! I had such an easy childhood, almost idylic, I never EVER expected a husband to cheat....that was for soap operas! And yet that paled in comparison to what happen next---but my fear was what isolated me to living with the food. If Rick had not come back into my life---I would likely have remained alone, trust is still not something I give easily. I already knew him, trusted him, and loved him, and his kids. We married a few years later, we lived together for awhile before that...following a long distance relationship! And I could not ask for anyone to ever treat me any better---I often wonder how I lucked out this time around! I desperately wanted to lose weight for me---but also for him. He was just as disallusioned with life as I was, and I want to give him as good as he gives me---that means not only healthy---but fun to look at!! So....that is my session on the couch. Many of you knew my story---for those that didn't....sorry it is a bit of a shocker I know...but the finale of the story is that I WON! I am strong, and able, and confident now----he will never ever have power over me like that again, even if he does get out----I will handle it! I have moved from fear, to anger---and now have a "bring it on sucker!" attitude for him! The End! LOL Kat

Originally Posted by househuntress Well tonight..I blew it. I ate WAY more than I have ever since getting banded. It was almost like I was just trying to see how much I could eat. Now..let me add this..it's NO WHERE NEAR..what I could eat before the band. It's just about double what I have eaten a day since banded.But I'm still very pissed at myself.I keep trying to listen to myself and say it was just ONE day, just ONE day ..I don't feel so alone now. Last night I ate three chicken tenders, a baked potato and a few bites of salad. Late last night I ate a protein bar. I continue to sip water. So my choices in food are far better than they use to be, and like you the amount of food consumed is nothing like it use to be. I'm feeling really guilty right now. Up five pounds! But I do believe it is PMS weight gain and I didn't take my water pill yesterday..but still!

hello! i was banded july 13, 07 by dr. huacuz in tj, mx. everything seems to be going well. i lost about 9 lbs on the 5 day full liquid pre-op diet and then was weighing about 14 lbs 7 days after surgery. after incorporating more solid/mushy foods in the second week my weight loss kind of stalled. in fact, i gained about 4 lbs. while on the phone scheduling the suggested 4 week fill- dr. huacuz suggested i come immediately for a fill because of the weight gain. i (reluctantly) made the appointment (15 days seemed quick, but i trust him) so off i went back to mexico. it went great, i have a little restiction (1.8 cc in a 5 cc band), but not too much...i am eating about 1/2c to 1 cup of food...seemingly one third to one half of what i was eating before. i do find i have gas...a lot of gas. i've never really been able to burp or pass gas very easily, and suddenly it's absolutely uncontrollable! i am feeling a little unladylike, but i suppose it is a fair trade. all in all...it's going great! i feel wonderful! i've shed a few more pounds (15!!) my scars are healing very nicely. it's been a great experience thus far!

Candice, were you sun sensitive before? I've been for about 10 years but if zoloft makes it words, I'm curious. Janet, really, how was Trace. I really want to see him in concert!!!! Besides him, Jimmy Buffet is my only other GOTTA SEE. Beth, zoloft is a small pill. Welbutrin was a small pill, but it never really did anything for me. Have no idea about the seraquil. Paxil is small but I never got any relief there either. Good luck. You can google antidepressant weight gain and antidepressant pill size and between the two maybe find which is most band friendly. Okay...gotta go. Have a great day ladies!

Ok, so I'm really feeling down, and I thought you guys could cheer me up. It has been a crazy week for me as our exchange student got here from Switzerland, so that's been an interesting adjustment for us to go from no kids to a 17 year old. Anyways, what's really bothering me is that when I went in for my post-op appointment on July 25th, I was actually down to 239, which I was super excited. When I weighed myself this morning, I was back up to 245. I just don't get it. I know Aunt Flo is coming sometime this week, but that weight gain should only be a couple pounds. I'm not eating more than 1/2 cup at a time, but I'm not feeling full. And, I'm getting hungry again about an hour later. I am working out at least 3 days a week now, and walking the other ones when I don't go to the gym. I had to put my first fill a week later than it should be because the 2 surgeons alternate weeks for fills, and one of them is no longer covered under my insurance. So, I get to get my first fill on the 31st. I just don't know what to do or how to get over this hurdle. :help::help::help: But, I really feel down and out about it because I hate to see the scale going up. Of course, I'm sure Aunt Flo has something to do with my mood, but I know it's not everything.

Ms. Pris - You can go to my blog (it hasn't been updated in a while but my PS stuff is in there). As for my recovery...it was a piece of cake. I was actually typing on LBT about 3 hours after I was out of surgery. My PS gave me a pain pump (it is something they implant just under the skin that dissolves) and that is a life saver. Stay up on your pain meds and stool softners and I was great. There is some discomfort, but in reality...it was less painful than my lapband because they didn't have to cut through the muscle. I don't know how a hernia would effect that pain. Now here is a downside to the PS. I have talked with many PS'ers here on LBT and at in person support groups and the biggest problem comes way after surgery in the form of lack of motivation. Here is why for me...I didn't (wasn't allowed to) workout for 6+ weeks and yet I looked a hell of a lot better than I did before surgery. So why should I work so hard when I look better. Well as a result there seems to be a 10-15 pound weight gain that occurs. I think if you go into surgery KNOWING this you might be able to work through it. I need to have 1 more surgery ( breast reduction and reverse tummy tuck to remove remaining excess skin at the top of the torso) and I know that my mental state will be MUCH different than it was the first time. Let me know if you have any further questions. You can PM me for my email addy if you want. Karri

I hear ya! got on the scale tuesday (surgery was monday) and was freaking out with the 10lb weight gain...all water and gas though! back down to where I was pre surgery

Ok so I started the 5 day pouch test yesterday. Surprisingly it wasn't that hard in terms of hunger but have had a headache this morning which I think is a withdrawal symptom from all of the sugar. That's ok with me. I ate or more accurately drank 4 cups of Soup yesterday which added up to a lot of carbs for the day (I had tomato soup and split pea). Ironically I got a letter in the mail from my bariatric surgeon that its time to schedule an appointment. This I took as a sign that its time to conquer this weight gain. I would dread to go back a failure. Going for a nice long walk now. Will check back again soon.

Hi Girls; Sorry, Ive b een MIA,, arrived home late last night... we are whooped!! Nice to sleep in our own little beds... Although I told Peter, I wanna switch our KING size back to a QUEEN! I liked cuddling closer up... like we had in the TRUCK camper.... it was cozzy Had such a nice visit with Linda and Mel.. sorry we got there too early to be able to stay for your Retirement Party on Tues... You will have FUN, FUN, FUN... Missing Andy's band too... sorry about thaty! We didn't end up in Shipshiwanna, we barreled straight across Michigan, and stopped in Sarnia to visit my Aunt and Uncle who we bought the truck from... They were excited to hear all about our travels. Then we stopped briefiy in London, On... were going to spend the night with friends there... but they had already made plans .... so we motored all the way home the resty of the weay... We ate our LAST RESTAURANT MEAL, enjoyed it... but now its back to bread and water ....LOL Weight gain, while away was not as bad as I had thought it would be... I was certain that I'd put on 10 lbs... but not even close... less than 2 lbs... YEAH... Protien shake today, coffee, tea and chicken legs and yams for supper... Karri, glad you are progressing to firmer foods, keep it up... you'll feel healthier in no time. WEll, gotta run and check my chicken. Love C

Back from town and buying groceries an Super Walmart. I hate not shopping locally, as my income comes from this community, but I saved A LOT. Basically bought almost a months worth of groceries and misc. for $250. I have even started searching online for coupons, saved $4.50. Every little bit helps. I picked up some tilapi fish, so if any of you have recipes for it, please let me know. PB'ed on lunch, I guess I stressed the stoma last night. Gave up and am skipping lunch today, had about 100 cals. I'm going to take a little nap. Candice you sound like you are really haveing fun with the RV! You comments about the cpap make sense, I didn't think of it that way. My respiralogis (sp) said we could try lowering my pressure since I have lost weight, but the doc that did my sleep study says that weight gain contributes to apnea, but weight loss doesn't seem to help, so who knows. Check in later.

I went out with the girls friday after work and had one cranberry juice and parot bay rum. I enjoyed it and stopped at one. Drinking poses no problem for me other than the calories in the mixers. At home or at friends houses I do vodka with lemonade crystal light and have had no weight gain from it - but always in moderation. Good luck,

Hi- First of all, congratulations on starting the process of weight loss surgery. This is a great site and you can get a tremendous amount of information and support here. I suggest that once you have a date you find the "monthly" support group here, as you'll get to go through the surgery with a group having the same experiences as you- it's great. As to which type...there are lots of questions to answer, some which having to do with how much surgery you're interested in having; whether you want something that will change your organs or something that can be removed, etc. I think 2 key factors is amount one needs to lose (in general, gb folks lose more faster); and very important, what kind of eater you are. Sweet eaters have a lot of success with gb because you just cannot eat them...you get to ill. Volume eaters often are better off with the band because if you have bypass and build up volume again- the band can be stretched- it happens alot- and then you have trouble and weight gain. So, there's a lot to consider. For me, it would be important, above all, to have a doctor who believes in the procedure I need him to perform..... Best of luck!

Angelshere: Have you figured out your calorie intake for an average day? I find it hard to believe you will gain "fat" weight at what seems to be a low calorie count. Commercially prepared Soups and boullion do contain a LOT of salt - sodium will cause Fluid weight gain. Plus, you're healing, and even thought it doesn't seem like it, there is fluid from swelling of internal tissues. I did notice the same things going on post-op and from time to time. Also, certain hormones and cause cyclic weight gain. It's really hard when you think you're doing everything right, and the scale just doesn't cooperate! If your calories and Proteins are where they should be, I really think you will make progress. I think solids are easier since you have other choices than all that salty stuff like soups. I too have been on plateaus, even gained weight and I can't figure out what the problem is, but they do end! I must have a pretty low metabolism, because I have found I need to keep my calories to about 1,000 or less a day or I don't seem to loose. But when you add up the totals, I am doing great. SO...hang in there. Keep up the exercise, look at the total picture of what you're eating. Give youself time to heal. Consult your dietitian for some suggestions and advice.

Hi everyone! I'm popping back in with an update. Still no job for DH. He was supposed to hear from someone "by the end of the week," and ... nothing. That is just plain rude, if you ask me. So we have gone from four job possibilities on Monday to one long shot today. On a brighter note, Dr. Tran gave me a full 1 cc. last Thursday after seeing my weight gain. I'm at 8 cc. in a 10 cc. band, and finally have decent restriction. Finally!!! I'm definitely having to be a lot more careful, and eat a lot less, but I'm having no problems that would indicate an overfill. I'm still stress grazing, and I am trying to get that under better control, but at least I am nibbling on things like Jerky, sugar snap peas, cherries, and the like. And the scale is gradually coming down. That helps me keep a better mindset. So, as I was saying to a friend in an even more stressful situation, we just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and take one day at a time and hope that things straighten out soon.

I'm bummed. ALL my exams and evals and stuff are done. I found out that I'm a tad "sicker" than I thought and even in more need of a band yet well enough to "survive" the surgery. Endo. found a wee hernia. Surgeon's office claims he doesn't "do" hernias. PCP said it's only an itty bitty one. Got my CRAP mask (intentional misspell) - because surgeon's office claims he won't perform surgery without the mask for the hospital stay. Pulmonary technician says my setting of "4" is the lowest setting for the CPAP masks. Cardiologist highly recommends Toprol (Beta-blocker) as a result of my 3-day series of tests (2-day stress, echo and MRIs) I immediately googled and learned that a delightful side-effect is WEIGHT GAIN! - (that monstrous metabolism thing again.) Also - may also cause sleeplessness and/or disturbing dreams. may also interact unfavorably with psychiatric meds may also mask diabetic symptoms (hypoglycemia) may also cause diarrhea (this one's OK - my hemorrhoids from hell will be relieved - literally!) And having said all this - I still must satisfy the 6-mo diet requirement as my insurance company's weight-management program doesn't count. although it may be factored in with my "official" dietitian/nutritionist program. SO - "If winter comes, can spring be far behind?" And - Here in the beautiful Northeast - 2-3 inches of the sloppiest snow against my stubborn roses with more to come overnight (snow that is - no more roses until the aforementioned spring!) Any comments about beta-blockers and LBS? :biggrin:

Hi Lizalee thank you SOOOO much for posting this. You have eloquently verbalized what I've been thinnkng for some time. Weight loss has been nil for some time. Weight gain....I don't want to go there. I found out that the food I shouldn't eat goes down well and the food I'm supposed to eat sometimes comes back. Talk about negative feedback. I also seem to get a delay in my full sensation. I agree that journaling is a good way to keep track of eating, I don't like to, but maybe that's because I have to own up to what I put in my mouth. I also agree that carbs are poison, so how do you get off them? My willpower and desire seem to be gone. So, having found a kindred spirit, we can do this. I liked feeling slimmer, less aches and pains, clothes fit better, more energy, the numbness in my hands when I'm typing isn't there, I fit in an airplane seat better and don't crowd anyone (I want to fly to my girlfriends house and visit, been puttng off because of the flight issues), and so one. So, 1 hour at a time? We can do it! Sue

OMG i just wanted to say this could have been me that wrote this! I also have severe clinical depression, PCOS, asthma, eczema. The only difference between me and you is, im 26 and i dont have intracranial hypertension... as far as i know lol I was diagnosed with PCOS when i was around 15, at a family planning clinic. I kept going to get pregnancy tests because my periods had stopped, where before they had been very long and heavy. They did my bloods and it was confirmed. I never really knew what it was and never thought about it and any implications it would have on my life untill i started trying for children. (18 ) I started to research it and then everthing started fitting in to place. It explained the sudden weight gain in my teens, the erratic periods and the severe depression and mood swings. I went to my doctor and they just told me to go on the pill. Obviously i didnt take it because i was trying for a baby, and now im glad i didnt, ive read many things about the pill actually making PCOS worse. So since then i have been trying to reduce my weight, only managing a slight decrease and then it piles back in plus some and the facial hair is worse than ever. The doctors just kept sending me away with stronger and stronger anti depresants and ive tried just about every slimming pill and diet. So this time last year i was 25 stone and enough was enough. I started my research about surgery. I already knew that i wouldnt qualify for NHS funding and i wouldnt be able to afford it in this country so i started googling different places abroad. I read very good reviews about DR Chris, so started doing more research about him and i never ever came across a bad review about him. My mind was made up. I sent Fredrick an email and booked in for June, giving me enough time to save. 20th June i flew out and had the op on 21st and it was honestly the best thing ive ever done (mind you i dont think that while im hugging the porcelain ) The hospital puts ours thoughly to shame, everyone was so nice and it was so clean. I had my first fill in london in September 3ml and my second fill in wales in October 2ml. I dont think ive found my sweet spot yet but i dont want to rush to total restriction as many have done because i still like to enjoy my food but i have gained control. But due to the PCOS i need a little extra help so im doing slimming world as well since the begining of this year. Its coming off and staying off, i dont get hungry beween meals and i am satisfied with what im eating. I lost 3 and 1/2 stone in 6 months just with the band and i have lost 1 and 1/2 stone with slimming world. Im sure i will need another small fill soon, as the fat comes off from my internal organs the band will loosen. But at the moment im happy as i am. I lost 5lb this week Good luck on your journey but please remember that the band is a tool to help you its not a cure, you still have to work very hard and its definatly not a quick fix Jo x

Good Monday morning! :thumbup: I am so sick of the political posts I want to yack. Blah. BUT I am down to only 6 pounds left on the weight gain from the unfill. YAY! Got .5 ccs on Friday, feeling tight. WOO HOO!

Goooood Morning All!!!! I agree that we need time to laze around and yakkity yakkity yak while in Chicago. That's why we need a week! LOL. I'm hoping most can come Thursday evening and leave Sunday or Monday. I myself will probably plan to get there Thurs. and leave Mon. Morning since I'm taking the train -- I'm in no rush to return to work. LOL. Apples -- are there trains from your area? I'm excited -- I love travel by train -- so interesting and relaxing. Sandy, I too used to be like you -- I was soooooo clean it was sickening -- I'm still fussy (no one can ever clean to my satisfaction -- I always end up firing any and all cleaning people I hire), but I'm not nearly as bad as I was in my younger days. My ah ha wake up moment was when I had kidney failure -- that was when I decided i wanted to live and get healthy and enjoy life. I agree with you about the 50 thing of realizing we aren't going to be around forever -- I quit smoking right after I turned 50 but it took me longer to realize my weight was also killing me. I used to say I was a "healthy fat woman". Wow, who the heck was I kidding? I used to say, "I'm never going to deprive myself of anything again cause it doesn't do any good." I also used to say "I can't exercise cause of my back - it will make it hurt worse" when in fact it doesn't hurt any worse and often feels better after exercise. That was just the fat chick inside me determined to take over and kill me! Once my GD was born it made me realize I wanted to be around to see her grow up. I'm so happy I made those choices. Eva and Apples sounds like a fun day - even if you aren't into sewing I'm sure the quit show was interesting. Apples, I am like you -- I have gotten away from all my creative projects as well -- especially sad I have not finished my book. We must vow to get back to these things this year. I too have a huge stamp collection and never make cards -- I have all these supplies and they sit, year after year unused. I must stop procrastinating and to it this year!! My DH was not feeling well when we returned from Des Moines yesterday. Tried a new bbque place that someone recommended and it was good -- I had turkey and a few bites of Beans -- couldn't eat much - DH had brisket and garlic bread (including mine), beans and french fries so not sure if something he ate made him sick or not. I felt fine -- it might just be the regular flu - -he had chills and aches and upset tummy. Hope he's better today - he's still slumbering - I really want to see the King's speech. Hope we can go. Aylah called and said she made us some refrigerator magnets and wants to stop by and bring them to us. She's so darn cute -- she's so excited. Spent about 2 hours in the kitchen after our return cleaning my chicken breasts and butterflying them in preparation for freezing - bought 10 lbs. of breasts - and it took awhile. Then I took the meat off the rotissiere chicken for DH - will make him some more homemade Soup today -- that will cure him. Julie, sorry you are still having problems -- have you been to any doctors recently? When is your DH having his shoulder surgery? When is your DD due? Is it March? I can't remember. Sorry to hear about the weight gain -- try to eat mostly Protein and maybe some sugarfree puddings with extra protein in them -- that will help your hunger and shouldn't put on pounds. Have some Protein drinks when you get hungry -- it's quick and easy - add a banana in it -- some Peanut Butter (or our powdered peanut butter) really helps fill you up -- DH is right - you need to have food to keep up your strength -- but the right kind of food is what you need --not carbs -- they don't build up your strength. Hope things turn around -- maybe you'll start to feel better when the cold weather passes -- it may be linked to cold, damp weather. I'm trying to remember when all of this started -- was it during winter? Hugs to you Julie, we think of you often. Hope it gets better. Cheri, Kaye has information on dumping syndrome on her site -- from what I remember reading it sounded like we could get it -- not just the by pass patients -- if I see that article again I'll send you the link. Arlene, you mom sounds like quite a lady -- I'd love to see a picture of her. I'm so glad she's doing better and ready to get back to her old life -- she's quite a fighter by the sounds of it. Good for her - you are such a great daughter -- glad you have such a good relationship with her - it's nice to hear about. I miss my mom and wish I could have some more time with her now that I'm older I think we'd have a better relationship. So please hear me when I tell you to enjoy her and be thankful she's still in your life -- once she's gone you'll miss her everyday. Well, DH isn't up yet so I think I'll get dressed and go work out. Have a good day everyone. Linda

Morning everyone, hope you all had a good night... I did!!! Can't hardly believe it and I'm a bit afraid of jinxing it, but I slept in my bed, all night, with no pain at all............... I can't remember the last time that happened...(except the night they knocked me out with morphine and dilaudid!!) Saturday night was a sleepless one with lots of pain.. I have no idea what the difference was, but I'm very happy for the break in the torture.. I just got out of the hot-tub... Thought I would let those muscles relax a bit more before I start my day................I've got my fingers crossed that this is a new chapter in my recovery......... Our trip was good.. We took my mother and my 12 year old niece along..Mother was very happy to get to go as she can't go by herself anymore... The niece was in heaven... The center of attention with a grandma and 2 sets of uncles and aunts... He dad had given her some money and a gift certificate from Cabella's that he got as a saftey award from work. (We don't have Cabella's anywhere close.) She shopped and bought her dad a birthday present, her little niece a Christmas present, and herself a stuffed dolphin pillow... She was very proud of herself.............. Grandma bought her a new cute jacket, and her other aunt bought her a Corn Palace shirt and a stuffed dog and a game..... So, then we played games with her all three days.......... she loved it... We went to church yesterday and out to breakfast... It was so good to see her so happy.. She is from a broken home and gets shuffled a lot.. She is the youngest and is home alone alot... As for me, I enjoyed the break from being home... There was no mention of family stresses and that was great!!!! I didn't do so well with food choices, but didn't overeat either..... Just ate wrong things.. Not much protein.. No weight gain this morning, so I'm fine with what I did... Just did as I pleased... It was a nice break.. Apples, I expect we were in country that is about like yours... Wet and not really ready for harvest.. Lots of corn still standing.......waiting......... Gosh, I hope that can change now.. There were a few combines going on our way home yesterday... You must be almost to the end of your packing and such... It's been a big job... And speaking of jobs, what about the one you were considering... have you made any decisions? Life threw you a couple curves............... Meredith, take it from one who knows, you just have to put those candy bars in the past and go on!!!! You'll be fine... Stress gets us all and it can be a bugger... Just take a deep breath and move on........... Janet and Phyll, looks like you had a great time... You both look wonderful... And what a difference a couple years makes... Laura, I've got my fingers crossed that the report on your dad is a positive one.... I agree with Apples, your face looks slimmer... The pics are great.. Your Nels is going to be a heartbreaker when he hits the teen years... 1 Day, you and I must be in the same funk..... We'll get through this somehow... You take care............. Well, DD just called and needs me to take Mimi early, so I'd better get a move on............ Lots to do this morning to get back to normal.... You all take care and have a good day.. Hope to be back this evening.. Julie

Linda, I thought Lyrica caused weight gain. That's why I turned it down. Xanax and Flexeril cause me to gain too.

Sandy, that's really nice of your neighbor and husband. I usually don't want my DH to cook....ugh...unless it's something on the grill and even then I usually have to prep it. You are a lucky woman to have a man that cooks. Cheri, Happy Birthday! I don't think I can top what Janet posted. Hope your day is wonderful! I really like the idea of a retirement villa. I think they have wonderful services and help in the areas that are needed and you can take advantage of which ones you want. I hope your parents will see the sense in this because I believe they are very practical even if they are a little pricey. I'll take the 10 points on the IQ test over the hair. Oh, I'd love to take you out for lunch for your B-day....sorry we aren't closer. Linda...that would be very funny if we all ended up in the same retirement community. There are many many really nice ones in the desert here. Just a suggestion. Meredith...so glad you found your dog nephew. It is hard to believe he survived out in the cold, but dogs have been doing that for centuries. I believe they are tougher than we think. Hope you start feeling better soon. Laura, school starts next week, right? Even when you think you are going to get me time you know you'll be busy doing other stuff. I don't think you know how to "take time off" either. So good to hear you had a nice visit with your parents and they did look happy. Hope your sister figures it out, but some people never do and it doesn't help if your parents are criticizing. You can't live her life and she does have to make her own choices. Maybe she needs a job. Tina, your partner has lost faith in you it seems. The only way to fix that is to follow through with the lap band and do what you say you are going to do. It will not be easy and in the end, it may turn out that she is not the right person for you....or it may be the beginning of a new and more fulfilling relationship for the both of you. Only time will tell and that is one of the hardest things about this journey. Hang in there, you can do it. Melissa, don't let the weight gain keep you from doing what you want to do. Now the traveling might be a different issue, but if you are spending the night there, go for it. Bring something to read in case you are bored and do leave early. You need to enjoy yourself however you choose to do it. Janet, there are a lot of people that don't get the food addiction thing. Good thing you like your trainer and you can have those discussions with him. Not only do they help you with your workouts, they will help him expand his view and enable him to help future clients. Yep, it's cold. It was very windy last night and I didn't sleep well but it was only 50 degrees. Now it's 39 degrees and it's already rained but the wind has stopped. Hello to everyone else I've missed. I'm going shopping today. Need to get some stuff for the posole and I'm going to look for a new MP3 player. The computer doesn't see my old one anymore. I'm also going to look for some sunbella fabric. All the cushions on the front porch chairs have rotted away and I don't really like the replacement pads I've found. Besides that I'm not doing much today....so there....it's going to be a down day for me. Talk at you all later.

Hit back space a couple times and lost my post. Aargh. Main point. I am more powerful than my disease. I am more powerful than depression, injury, painful relationships, age, physical pain, uncooperative relatives, and cravings. When I fall off the horse I need to pick myself up, dust myself off, and get back on again. I control what goes into my mouth. No one is holding a gun to my head force feeding me carbs. I know what works. I know what triggers cravings. I can't have carbs. Period. End of story. I have 10 lbs to lose. Thank God I preplanned for relapse and lost 10 extra lbs and am still at an acceptable BMI. But I don't like the extra weight around my middle (which is exactly where I gained it. I don't like feeling sick and having my heart race after a carb binge. And I want to arrest this weight gain before it goes any farther. I rely on God, but he doesn't do the work for me. If I want a reprieve from my carb cravings I have to stop eating carbs. The cravings will subside. There is no easier softer way. There is no easy answer or solution. But if I tough it out for 5 days of no carbs, it will be much easier. Like Linda said, just for today, just for this moment, I will not eat carbs. One moment at a time, I can do without carbs. That's my part of the food equation. To deal with life I use the serenity prayer. "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Cheri

Goooood Morning All!!!! I agree that we need time to laze around and yakkity yakkity yak while in Chicago. That's why we need a week! LOL. I'm hoping most can come Thursday evening and leave Sunday or Monday. I myself will probably plan to get there Thurs. and leave Mon. Morning since I'm taking the train -- I'm in no rush to return to work. LOL. Apples -- are there trains from your area? I'm excited -- I love travel by train -- so interesting and relaxing. Sandy, I too used to be like you -- I was soooooo clean it was sickening -- I'm still fussy (no one can ever clean to my satisfaction -- I always end up firing any and all cleaning people I hire), but I'm not nearly as bad as I was in my younger days. My ah ha wake up moment was when I had kidney failure -- that was when I decided i wanted to live and get healthy and enjoy life. I agree with you about the 50 thing of realizing we aren't going to be around forever -- I quit smoking right after I turned 50 but it took me longer to realize my weight was also killing me. I used to say I was a "healthy fat woman". Wow, who the heck was I kidding? I used to say, "I'm never going to deprive myself of anything again cause it doesn't do any good." I also used to say "I can't exercise cause of my back - it will make it hurt worse" when in fact it doesn't hurt any worse and often feels better after exercise. That was just the fat chick inside me determined to take over and kill me! Once my GD was born it made me realize I wanted to be around to see her grow up. I'm so happy I made those choices. Eva and Apples sounds like a fun day - even if you aren't into sewing I'm sure the quit show was interesting. Apples, I am like you -- I have gotten away from all my creative projects as well -- especially sad I have not finished my book. We must vow to get back to these things this year. I too have a huge stamp collection and never make cards -- I have all these supplies and they sit, year after year unused. I must stop procrastinating and to it this year!! My DH was not feeling well when we returned from Des Moines yesterday. Tried a new bbque place that someone recommended and it was good -- I had turkey and a few bites of Beans -- couldn't eat much - DH had brisket and garlic bread (including mine), beans and french fries so not sure if something he ate made him sick or not. I felt fine -- it might just be the regular flu - -he had chills and aches and upset tummy. Hope he's better today - he's still slumbering - I really want to see the King's speech. Hope we can go. Aylah called and said she made us some refrigerator magnets and wants to stop by and bring them to us. She's so darn cute -- she's so excited. Spent about 2 hours in the kitchen after our return cleaning my chicken breasts and butterflying them in preparation for freezing - bought 10 lbs. of breasts - and it took awhile. Then I took the meat off the rotissiere chicken for DH - will make him some more homemade Soup today -- that will cure him. Julie, sorry you are still having problems -- have you been to any doctors recently? When is your DH having his shoulder surgery? When is your DD due? Is it March? I can't remember. Sorry to hear about the weight gain -- try to eat mostly Protein and maybe some sugarfree puddings with extra protein in them -- that will help your hunger and shouldn't put on pounds. Have some Protein drinks when you get hungry -- it's quick and easy - add a banana in it -- some Peanut Butter (or our powdered peanut butter) really helps fill you up -- DH is right - you need to have food to keep up your strength -- but the right kind of food is what you need --not carbs -- they don't build up your strength. Hope things turn around -- maybe you'll start to feel better when the cold weather passes -- it may be linked to cold, damp weather. I'm trying to remember when all of this started -- was it during winter? Hugs to you Julie, we think of you often. Hope it gets better. Cheri, Kaye has information on dumping syndrome on her site -- from what I remember reading it sounded like we could get it -- not just the by pass patients -- if I see that article again I'll send you the link. Arlene, you mom sounds like quite a lady -- I'd love to see a picture of her. I'm so glad she's doing better and ready to get back to her old life -- she's quite a fighter by the sounds of it. Good for her - you are such a great daughter -- glad you have such a good relationship with her - it's nice to hear about. I miss my mom and wish I could have some more time with her now that I'm older I think we'd have a better relationship. So please hear me when I tell you to enjoy her and be thankful she's still in your life -- once she's gone you'll miss her everyday. Well, DH isn't up yet so I think I'll get dressed and go work out. Have a good day everyone. Linda