January's Chat

[ReneBean 3]

She's ba-ack... OK - another vegged weekend... in more ways than one. I actually tried a semi-experimental recipe this weekend for some dip for raw veggies. I really love veggies and dip - but the dip is somewhat detrimental to the diet & exercise effort, if you know what I mean. So, it was off to the grocery to see if I couldn't find some solution. I mixed up a pint of FF sour cream and a couple of big globs (4-6 oz?) of LITE mayo (if you go full FF it's just yucky!) with some dry Onion/Mushroom Soup mix. Viola! Edible dip with WAY less of the bad stuff, both fat & calories. Practically all I ate on Sunday was popcorn & veggies & dip. I will try that again next weekend, I think. It was yummy. Plus, I ate all those delicious carrots & radishes and things that are so good for us.

It was an uneventful weekend - just the kind I like. Next week, after the long weekend, I'm off to NY again. Guys, any ideas on Saturday the 21st? I hate to get together with a bunch of folks on a diet to EAT - but it seems that most of our social gatherings in this life involve food. Shopping, anyone?

Anne - glad I didn't wait for you, since you had kids in the tub. I understand these things can take some time...Sorry about the unfill - but glad at the same time that you are going with "better safe than sorry". If you have any doubts at all, you make him give you an Endo, too. I must admit that by the time I got home from the store, I had changed my mind about the gym - but I did get up and go on Saturday.

Eileen - how are you doing at work? "Excited" to be back? lol. Hope it isn't too bad. Not nice of Auntie to visit on your last glorious days of freedom. I like that cooking on the weekend for the whole week concept. If I didn't have DH to take care of me, I would probably do that too. I am a big believer in portioning out meals and putting them in the freezer. It's almost like your own personal Jenny Craig system. No worries about what's for dinner, just pop a container in the microwave and you're all set.

Cindy - I don't think you are capable of "Hacking me off". I haven't ever seen anything from you that was unsettling in any way. Maybe I am just not easily "hacked". :] But, Give it your best shot. I love to see your smiling face... and you always say such nice things. Who could be hacked off by that? Yes, I am aware of John's success without a band. I am amazed by his dedication. I have only ever been able to have that success when I was 100% obsessed 24-7 with losing weight. I am not in that frame of mind, currently... I want my band!! Right now, I am just taking baby-steps... Going to the gym, getting my Protein & Water, making low-fat dip for veggies. I figure anything is better than nothing.

Dianne - hope you had fun with the In-Laws. I don't think anybody is offended that you don't do the whole personal thing ever visit. I personally would rather hear what you are up to than have you stay away cause you don't have the time or mind-set to address each of us individually. :]

Betty - glad you got out into the sunshine. Are you still working on that blankety-blank computer? I hate it when they crash. I got to re-load all the software into my computer this weekend because I had a corrupted file. Of course, I didn't figure out that it was just the last game I saved on my computer game until AFTER I had re-loaded windows and done several other things... Oh well. Quilting - it's really cool - and they have lovely books for beginners. It's a time-thing, though. I have a friend who quilts in front of the TV at night to keep her hands busy. I have never been that dedicated - although I have been known to crochet in front of the tube ever so often. AWESOME about the interview going well. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for YOU.

Sherry - Don't feel bad about the stuff in boxes... I didn't get my books unpacked until well over 3 yrs had passed... Hope you find your Cereal bowls, though. :] And - we are just a bunch of forum-crashers around here. Although, in self defense, Eileen did invite us - a long time ago.

Hey Ira! Come on, Darlin', Don't be such a tease. Let us know what you've been up to. We know you have a life - we just wish you would share it a little. No need for the individual responses to all of us - we just want to hear about you. :]

Doc, if you weren't a little scared, we would be worried about your sanity. You are going off to have a major surgery. It's scary. Big Hugs!! And don't forget to check in when you get home, if not sooner!

Pat - great NSV. And in Dallas, you can be a fair-weather rider in January. It was glorious here on Saturday. Warm and sunny. Of course, this morning it was horror-movie fog - but that's just the way it goes... And, Girl! you cook just like me! We'll have to get together and compare "recipes". lol. I favor macaroni Grill curb-side service, myself... It always gets rave reviews.

Patty - you are just becoming a regular at the Cathedral, huh? And I really don't know how you have the strength to avoid opening that box! But let's see. Whatever is inside is about a foot long, lightweight and it rattles? Some sort of cat/dog Toy? And DEXH had it shipped to your house, instead of his own. I really think it has to be some kind of toy. Could he really be stupid enough to have something sent to your house that wasn't for you or one of the kids?

Well, the last thing I am going to do is post a pic or two. My DH & my Sister & my goofy computer-nerd nephew.

[SherryW 4]

Howdy folks,

I don't know how you folks do it. How do you answer all the postings by name and not have this thing time out? I hope you don't mind me just answering what I remember (although I've been brain dead lately) and chit chatting

I'm glad I'm not in the wrong room...didn't want to bust in and have ya think us Massachusetts peeps just don't mind our business lol. Anyone ever been to Massachusetts? What weather we're having geesh...one day snow, next day about 40...Good ole New England for ya I actually love the change in weather. Although, I'm looking forward to getting back into the pool and exercise that way. My butt doesn't hurt so much when ya floatin versus that EVIL stationary bike...It's EVIL I tell ya. Dang food devil on my shoulder even skips town when I hope on that thing. He comes back when I'm thirsty. Whisperin.....soda, milkshake, frappe, coolatta I just spit Water at him hahahaha

Anywho...just did the usual today. Work and home except worked way too many hours today and still have to do some here at home. One of these days I pray this new account is under control and I get my life back. I'll be up for hours today anyway though. Hubby's Grandmother passed away so he had to leave for NY Not a good way to start the year off but, we're told she went peacefully. She lived a full life.....89 and 13 children. God bless her.

Have a great night folks. I have to tell ya something......YOU ALL have been terrific and I'm truly thankful for all the smiles and laughs you have given me. Hugs to you all!

Sherry

[mousecrazy 2]

Sherry, sorry about your DH's grandmother. Mine passed away in November, and I do miss her. I don't know why you time out...maybe it is your ISP, not LBT? Glad you're in on the chat here, and glad we have made you laugh!

Beanie, your dip sounds delicious! I hope you get your band, too! Just mentioned John since he's so inspirational. I know why you want to avoid the obsession-phase...that's all I've ever known, until now. I guess I'm still a little obsessed, though...thus, all my time spent here. But I"m giving this everything I've got, and the support here is amazing! The "hacking off" I was referring to was in the Star Jones post...I was just kinda pointing out the irony of people being upset that she didn't want to tell about her alleged WLS, but also not wanting others to know about THEIRS. Sometimes I am just honest about things, and that is not what some people want. But, I say, it's good for them! Ha!

I came home with "pink eye" today. Probably will be home tomorrow, depending on how fast the medicine works!

Good night, Cindy

[Dutchgrl59 2]

Cindy,

How did you catch "pink eye". Feel better soon.

[mousecrazy 2]

Is "pink eye" a Texas/Southern term?...it is really conjuctivitis. It is easy to catch when you are a teacher. We have great immune systems from being exposed to every virus and bacteria and germ on the planet, but we also get stuff like colds and conjuctivitis. Your eye turns red all over, and burns or itches, and when you wake up, it is matted shut with goo or whatever. It's very contagious, so they don't want you at school spreading it around. It is not dangerous, though. Thanks for asking. Cindy

[Iluvharleys 15]

Good Morning!

Cindy - What a pleasure to see you here first thing in the morning! No, pink eye is a term used back up north where I was from. I had it once back when I was young in school. Hope you feel better soon, it is not fun to have!:cry

Sherry - Sorry about DH Grandmother. You are right, not a good way to start the new year.

Gosh there are so many neat smilies that I don't know which one to use first!:omg:

:hungry: :hungry: :hungry: Got so busy I haven't ate anything yet! My belly is growling now!

I want to try to walk again today so I best get moving around before I fall asleep, I woke up at 3:00 a.m. and now I am very sleepy!

[Anwyn 0]

Good morning everyone!

I've been reading, but getting a little overwhelmed at writing back, lol. DH is in California on business this week. He's at MacWorld San Francisco. He works in the basement, so I look forward to his trips. Sometimes you can have a little too much together time, ya know?

Questions I am pondering this am... Am I the only one who isn't fascinated by whether or not Star Jones and Oprah and Kirstie Alley have had WLS? I'm glad whenever I see someone lose weight, and I don't really care how they do it. It makes me feel good just knowing it's possible. I don't care if you're a billionaire with a personal chef and a trainer, it's still just plain hard to do. And because you're famous you're required by law to give full disclosure to the public? I don't think that's right... Hop! I'm off my soapbox now... Ow! My knee! LOL

Today should be quiet. I'm going to attempt to clean the house faster than my DD destroys it, but it won't be easy. I'm also thinking about dragging out my old Jane Fonda step aerobic tape while she's taking a nap. I also bought a yoga tape that I want to try out, but I want to get some cardio in today.

Cindy, I remember having pink eye as a kid. My DS brought it home from school a few months back. Feel better soon!

Beanie, that's the exact same dip recipe that my mom uses for potato chips, lol. Good for you for sticking with veggies. I need to work on getting more of those in. Thanks for sharing the pictures with us!

Sherry, DH and I took my son to Martha's Vineyard a few years ago. We loved Massachusetts, it's beautiful. I am planning a trip to New Hampshire to visit my girlfriend this Spring. I prefer cooler temps, so I love the Northeast.

That's all the time I have right now... I hope everyone is having a great day!

[NJChick 3]

Good Morning

Yep, just got time to post. I see everyone is doing good

Nothing much to write home about today, sosdd. Today I go for my performance review (its how I did at work last year according to my boss). Highest rating is a 5. I used to get them with my old boss but this guy is new and I doubt I'll see that ever again. I hate putting myself on stage ya know. phooie lol.

Other than that, I'm so overwhelmed with work it isn't funny...but ya gotta laugh or else you'll go nuts

Time to make the donuts... talk to you later. Behave now.

[Dutchgrl59 2]

Morning All,

I'm feeling good and I want the world to know! Todays the day that I see the Dietician -- one more hoop that I have to jump through. I called my PCP to inquire about my next referral.... they call it a Bariatric Consult so right now they are waiting for a fax from todays meeting and then the authorizations begin. I'm not anxious.... just hopeful. I'm starting back to work this morning and excited to see my kids again. For those who don't know what I do, I'm a Substitute for my school district. The positions that I do are: Special Ed aid, Para-educator, clerk typist, and health assistant. I am currently subbing at a school since October and one of my darling students calls me "Miss Lopez" because he thinks I look like Jennifer Lopez yeah, it's funny. Sooooo, I'm off to work, gotta curl my hair and then off to the diet lady(I bet she's skinney).

Eileen: Those donuts are calorie free.... right?

Betty: Go back to bed sleepyhead!

Cindy: I'm sending a crate of hand Sanitizer -- say NO to pink-eye!

Ann: If you can seriously clean the house before the kids destroy you get a medal of honor you do us proud!

HUGS everyone,

[mousecrazy 2]

Hey, Anne, NO I['m in the "who cares" category as to whether (or not) Star, Oprah, or whoever have lost weight due to surgery or some other means. It doesn't matter to me. I tried to post that on one of the threads, but I think I'm writing in some other language...the only part that really concerns me is that "we" (lapband people) are actually confusing having WLS with the "easy" way out...I tried to say that even though we have lapband, we ALSO have to practice Portion Control and exercise (well, we should!) Unfortunately, this reflects the feelings we have toward ourselves that we have "failed" before and WLS is "cheating." I hardly think so! That's why I don't care. I care lots more about what my friends here are thinking, feeling, and doing than someone I have never met. Dang! That soapbox got pushed down here to Texas; it Is a long jump off of it! Ummpph.

I'm getting away from this computer for a while...thanks to all the get well wishes...I feel pretty good except for blurry eyes that burn. Think I"ll just take a little nap, with my pile of pets!

[ReneBean 3]

Well, I have something to report - sort of...

You all know I have been waiting for the State of CA to do my Independent Medical Review. I had not really been expecting any answer until February - but I got an envelope from Maximus Center for Health Dispute Resolution in the mail, yesterday. I was all excited - ripped open the letter - and what should I find inside?.....

Oh - a letter for some guy named Bruce!!! AAAAAARRRRRRRGH!! :frusty: Ok, enough with the suspense already! I am so tired of waiting. I mean REALLY tired of waiting. So I scurry in to work this morning and call these folks, thinking that if I have Bruce's letter, maybe he has mine, right?

WRONG. The receptionist gal checked it out. They are still waiting for my info - the last thing should be in today - and the gal said she would call me. Well, at least I know I am going to get an answer soon. Everybody cross everything... Now is when we must hope for Sanity to prevail over Stupidity.

Sherry - So sorry about DH's Grandmother. I only manage to type up these posts by using the copy & paste commands a lot. Highlight the text and hit the 'Ctrl' button and the 'C' at the same time to copy, then use 'Ctrl V' to paste. That way, I can flip from page to page without losing all my stuff - and if I do time out, I only lose what I have typed since my last Copy. Just a techno-tip. I feel for you on that out of control account. I hope you get it all whipped into shape, soon.

Cindy - Pink-Eye must be universal. We used it in Oregon, too. Been there, Done that... And, voicing your opinion shouldn't hack anybody off... I found your point quite valid. And, of course, I really don't care whether Star or Oprah or any of them had WLS... I am self-centered enough to care only about whether I get WLS. And of course, about some select friends, like y'all! :]

Betty - hope you get a nap in. :notagree You need your beauty sleep if you are going to be starting a new job! Any word on that, yet?

Anne, I can't imagine being in the same house with my DH 24-7, either. Enjoy his trip! And, you are not alone. I am completely UN-fascinated by celebs and how they lost the weight. I have skipped those threads - unless I had NOTHING better to do. Oh, and you can HAVE those cooler temps. I so moved to TX for the warmth and sunshine. Anything under 70 (after the Holidays are over) is just NOT for me, anymore! I think temps between 70 and about 90 are perfect. Besides, the warm weather means we get lovely vegetables. Mmmmmm Cucumbers & dip. (potato chips are from the devil!!)

Oh Eileen - Don't you hate coming back to the mess that is your desk when you have been gone for a while? Somehow, there are always 3-4 things that nobody but you can do - and then when you get back they are BURNING HOT rushes. :flame: Good Luck on your performance review. I don't suppose it will help that you were out on vacation for the last couple of weeks, huh? Hugs, Darlin'. BTW - saw your wedding pic in another thread. How Pretty!!! You WILL be that thin, again. I just know it.

Miz Lopez - Glad to hear you are feeling good. Hope your Authorization process goes more quickly and positively than mine has... This waiting is evil - and even though I expected to be denied at least once, it was still frustrating. Let us know how the Diet Lady meeting goes.

Well, I just found out that one of my co-workers is out - so have to get down to business.

I hope everyone is doing great!

Hugs all 'round!

[banded_for_life 2]

Hi everybody, horning in here on ya'll chat....bored and looking for something to do here at work. How is everybody today?

[NJChick 3]

Hey folks the party can start now that Keri is here!!! what took you so long? Its great to see you, whats up chickie? Lookie at your stats !! whoohooo girl, your almost in onederland.. congrats !!!

Beanie, I'm crossing everything and boy do I have alot of everything to cross. Good luck. Love your pictures of your family. And thank you for the lovely comment *blush*.

Cindy, pink eye... lordy !!! Just make sure no one else in your house uses the same towels as you, or pillow. Feel better.

Patty, good luck today. Yes, sugar free, fat free, calorie free donuts

Betty, Anne, Sherry, Pat, DOC, Lisa, IRA, EVERYONE !!!.... HUGS !!!!

Gotta run... stinkin meeting (what a waste of time lol).

Bye

[Iluvharleys 15]

Wow, I leave for a little bit and everyone comes here!:clap2:

:welcomeB: Kari - Why did it take you so long to get here?

Beanie - I just know they are going to approve you this time. I have it all crossed for ya!:gluck: I loved the pictures you posted! Now that nephew looks like he is having some fun! I am not sure when I will hear about the job, but she told me (yesterday's interview) she hoped to make a decision by Friday. She said she would let me know either way. Keep your fingers crossed for me too!

Eileen - Good luck on the review! :gluck: I haven't had to do those for many years, but if I get this new job I will have them back again. :cry

Anne - I would go crazy if I had to spend 24 hours a day with DH! I don't know how you do it! Weekends are plenty to spend that long with him! :caked:

I'm with you on the celebrities and wls. Who gives a hoot! I don't tell anyone about my surgery, they have the right to do the same. I just think it's great that they can lose. :clap2: I am not jumping today, I just got my hip feeling better, so no jumping off the soap box, but I'll jump up in down in small jumps!:Banane56: :lovechoc:

Patty - What a nice compliment from the kids! :biggrin1: Now, if I would go back to sleep now, I would be up all night!:notagree

Cindy - I wish I could remember what my Mom used to use for that, but it took it away pretty fast. She mixed up some old remedy and we washed our eyes with it. HMMMMMMMMMMM I'll keep trying to remember.

Well, I went out to go for a walk and it was still chilly so I went to the post office to mail my thank you letters. There was a girl there in a tank top and shorts!:omg: I am in jeans and a sweat shirt! So, I guess it is time for me to attack the cool and go. I'm like Beanie, I don't like this cold chit!:heh:

[banded_for_life 2]

Thanks everybody for the warm welcome!!!

Benie...my fingers are crossed for you!! If anyone deserves that band you do!

Eileen...hopefully I will be in onederland soon...but not if I do what I did this afternoon...I ate 4 pieces of chocolate...why did I sabotage myself like that...I haven't done that in ages. *sigh*

Cindy...I hope you get yourself well with that pinkeye...I just got my son over a bout of that.

Betty...thanks again for that great welcome!

Dutch...best of luck on that referral...I am sure it is just around the corner.

Ann...I hear you on the DH...I love my hubby, but that man sure gets on my nerves something fierce...I really could have used some alone time this past weekend, but he works 12 hours shifts sat and sun..so i have the kids and it just is not going to happen...my life. *sigh*