Shrinking Violets -- April 07 Bandsters

[Kat817 19]

It was several days ago, I noticed Jennifer had already surpassed her exercise goal---that is sooo awesome! I am PROUD of you! The light weights that we do, have made a difference, and a lot of the weights I do just for my arms. DH made me this thing, it is a wooden dowel about a foot long, with a hole drilled in the middle, and a rope tied through it. Then you stand up, hold it directly out in front of you and cut the rope about 3 inches off the ground. Then you tie a weight, in ours we used a 5 pound disc like for a dumbell or barbell. Then you stand in the same position holding it straight out in front of you and roll it up, winding the rope with the weight attached around the dowel, then you slowly unroll it---don't let it free fall...control it. Keep your arms straight. I can go up and down 3 times in a row now. Once up and part way down was all I could do to start! It works your forearms, all the way to your shoulders! Costs about 6 bucks to make, and works wonders!!! I see the muscles in my arm, like when I am driving, I can see them individually work now!!!

Jenn---I am sure your life will be easier to schedule when you do find another job...but for now, at least you are doing something, you are not drowning your sorrows in a carton of ice cream!!! You are working with what you have time wise!

Judy--your ride sounds fun. We ended up going to dinner with our friends we missed it with last night. We went to Furrs, they can all do the "All You Can Eat" and I can do what they call a delite plate--which was still too much food, but I brought it home for lunch tomorrow.

Denise--sometimes it is a slow start, and then wham! My SIL did that, she was losing a lot slower than I was, then all of a sudden she gained momentum, and passed me way by---she is at goal now! Don't give up hope---knowing you are eating healthy and doing it right, is encouraging. On another thread, someone said something about some of the young girls doing the band so they can fit into their skinny jeans, but some of us not quite so young ones are doing it to live longer! You may not be in your skinny jeans yet, but you ARE improving your life---which is the best thing you can do!! Hang in there!

Tracy---what kind of wedding planning did you do this weekend?

Pamela---any room progress?

TracyK---where ya at girl?

Terry---I noticed you in several threads---and wanted to tell you how happy that made me! You were supportive, and even if you didn't have all the answers (does anyone???) you let them know there was someone listening. There were some awesome long timers here when I first joined LBT, and they were that way with me, and I tried to do the same with newbies as I got further into it, and am thrilled to see you doing the same. I remember my first thread, I was afraid no one cared enough to answer---I am glad to see you guys carrying on!!!

Well I am going to go play some games, and go to bed. I have 2 trips to Albuquerque this week. I won't ave much time with my girls. My Dad goes to see his cardiologist on Tuesday, and then Rick goes for his check up on Thursday. I tried my best to schedule them the same day---it is 186 miles each way! But oh heck no! So back and forth I go!!!!

Will check in with y'all in the morning!

Kat

[kity 2]

Here are some pix of my closet...finally done. Since you all had to hear about it all last week, I thought I'd share. There will be a few posts...closet and then the master (we painted it lavender). I am sooo glad the work is done except for the windows.

Enjoy!

xoxo

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[kity 2]

one more of closet

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[kity 2]

the master and master bath...lol, roll through if you don't wanna see...sorry, lol

[kity 2]

lol, forgot the pix last post...sorry guys, this is it. just want to share all the work we've done.

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[Kat817 19]

WOW!!!! Can I bring a cot and sleep in there? It looks awesome!! I would love closet space....I'm going to bed now, and I am going to think of my perfect home with giant closets to lull myself to sleep!!! You guys did a fabulous job!!! Lots of work involved, but it looks like it would be so worth it!!! Just imagine soon it will be filled with little clothes!!! And they take up less space, so you can buy more!!! woo hooo!!!

Thanks for showing us the rooms!!!

See ya tomorrow!

Kat

[Sara Mos 0]

Dear All,

:help:I have the outlaws staying now......

Daves quite cherful, were still waiting to see a specialist consultant though. I'm off work till Thursday, and Daves parents are staying till Thursday too. They are pretty elderly.....the first thing his dad said to me was...'Well, you havent lost much weight have you! :angry....I turned around and said, weight is the last thing on my mind during this time! Give me strenght to get through this week....

Kat, CONGRATULATIONS on your 100lb weight loss, that is fantastic news! Thank you for your prayers too. xx

GR8, thank you for your prayers and kind words too. xx

Well this morning I phoned the Drs secretary and dietician and left a message, I need another fill, I was supposed to go in on the 21st of July, but I was still in Mexico. I think the next fill should do it, I cant remember how much is in my band now, I think its 6.5mls. To be honest its a good job I didnt have full restriction when we went away, as stress tightens it more anyway.

Pam, your home looks lovely! I'm hoping to be able to posts some pics on here, but the last few times I tried it didnt load?

Lots of love

Sara xxxxxxxxx

[Gr8ful gal 0]

Hi Violets,

Just wanted to check in with this chatty group! Congrats to so many of you for proposals, weight loss, exercise triumphs and whatever else needs to be celebrated! I had a NSV this weekend I was able to wear a ring, that I love, but haven't been able to wear in years! I am loving my band. I took a Zumba class yesterday and I am meeting with a personal trainer at 12 noon! Wish me luck.

Theresa

[TracyK 3]

Pamela-now that is what I call a closet!!! OMg it is bigger than my bedroom!! lol thanks for sharing the pics, ya'll have done a great job!!

Kat-here I am!! :eek:

Everyone have a great monday!! I am finally off my TOM thank goodness and the scale is back at 215. Now I feel like I can start over where I left off :woot:

Take care everyone!! WWJD

[Teachlady 3]

Good morning, all you Shrink'n Violets!!!

It's a new day, a new week and a new adventure, 1 pound at a time!!

Sara.. so sorry to hear about Dave. You and he are in my thoughts and prayers.

Pamela.. your closet looks awesome!! Thanks for sharing all the pics!!

Kat.. I'm still in awe of the 100#!!! I hope to be able to say that someday.

TracyK....isn't it great to know that the weight gain is not permanent anymore??? I just love the fact that this is not going to be yet another yo-yo attempt at dieting. This is the real thing and that little band will help US achieve our goal!!

Theresa... woooo hooooo on the ring. It's all those little NSV's that keep us going!! Today I'm going to wear a pair of capri's that are a size 14/16W and I had set aside for when we go to Disney on the 21st of August. They didn't fit when I bought them a couple of weeks ago and now, here I am wearing them!!!

Time to get dressed and head on down for our fill. Everyone have a great day and remember... WWJD??!!!

[TerriDoodle 6]

I am loving my band. I took a Zumba class yesterday and I am meeting with a personal trainer at 12 noon! Wish me luck.

So how did you like the Zumba class? Crazy, huh? Everytime someone starts to exercise an angel gets her wings.....or something like that. It just does my heart so good to see folks ramping up their exercise even just a little bit at a time. Just remember that the scale is not necessarily your friend anymore! For example, yesterday I wore some pants that I forgot I had...I bought them in early June for a trip we took. I weighed 7# more than I do today. 7 measley pounds. I put them on yesterday and they were absolutely falling off of me...at least a size and a half too big. The scale is NOT reflecting my progress accurately! MSJEN - You remember that too!

Dear All,

:help:I have the outlaws staying now......

Daves quite cherful, were still waiting to see a specialist consultant though. I'm off work till Thursday, and Daves parents are staying till Thursday too. They are pretty elderly.....the first thing his dad said to me was...'Well, you havent lost much weight have you! :angry....I turned around and said, weight is the last thing on my mind during this time! Give me strenght to get through this week....

Sara -- why in the world did I think it was your SON who was injured??? I'm so sorry I misunderstood -- it's your husband!! I probably would have just broke down and cried if my FIL said that to me....I'm SO sensitive about that subject!! One thing I've noticed about my aging mother is that suddenly she has become downright RUDE sometimes and that is SO unlike her...she's always been so gracious it's like I don't even know her! I know it's hurtful, but just try to remember that it's a factor of his age....he probably doesn't even remember what you looked like 6 months ago!! DUH! And you are absolutely right about being glad you didn't have restriction while in Mexico....stress most definitely affects your band and it would have been disasterous if you hadn't been able to eat and keep YOUR strength up! OMG that would have been bad. So the angels were watching out for you in that way. Thanks for posting....I've been thinking of you.

the master and master bath...lol, roll through if you don't wanna see...sorry, lol

Pamela -- Your bed is downright LUSCIOUS!! Ya'll did a great job. I had my closet done last summer because it is too small and I also needed a cabinet and drawers for the jewelry I make. I couldn't believe how they actually gave me a cabinet and 5 drawers, a shelf unit for my shoes AND MORE rod space than I had before. It's like a miracle and I'm so glad I had it done!

Terry---I noticed you in several threads---and wanted to tell you how happy that made me! You were supportive, and even if you didn't have all the answers (does anyone???) you let them know there was someone listening. There were some awesome long timers here when I first joined LBT, and they were that way with me, and I tried to do the same with newbies as I got further into it, and am thrilled to see you doing the same. Kat

Thanks for the feedback, Kat. I just have to 'pay back' for all the help people like you gave to me when I was new ....and scared! I dont have the patience like you do, but like you said, I just let them know someone is listening...and I shoot from the hip. :woot:

Everyone have a great monday!! I am finally off my TOM thank goodness and the scale is back at 215.

Are you still feeling blue about your job...or did that go away along with TOM? LOL :woot: Damn hormones.

I've got the day off again today. Going to the gym, bookstore (for a strength training book :eek: ), Walmart, the bead store (my favorite place), etc.

Oh, NSV last night.... my 17 yr old son wanted to come for a visit (he lives with his dad) and bring his 3 friends. They're all so cute. Anyway, I asked if they were hungry, knowing how the girls eat like birds and probably hadn't had dinner. The two girls are both vegetarian (:eek:) and so I just started hauling out all the snack foods I had....and I was SO PROUD of myself that it was all healthy foods!! Granola, watermelon, cherries, hummus, whole wheat pita chips, cherry tomatoes, apple chips, cheese and lite cranberry juice to drink. They were in heaven! Bad news is now I have to go back to the store today!! LOL

[janiebug 0]

Well I had a nsv moment, I have not been able to wear a seatbelt for I don't know how long, years. I finally tried and it worked!

Now the past two weeks I have gained weight. I want to lose weight right now for my 1 year weight loss anniversary!!! It is the 17th of August and I really really really want to lose 100 pounds by then. The problem is I can't get a fill until th 16th, and I am back to my old habits of eating sweets and things not good for me. I really started exercising again the other day and am hoping that helps.

Pam, I LOVE your closet!! I want one big like that!!!

Jane

[GR8 1]

Kat – 100lbs - we are so lucky to have you mentoring us. Thanks for helping us and sharing your insight and wisdom regarding LB and Life issues.

Denise – The list was wonderful – my husband enjoyed it as well. I think it helps him understand it’s not just me – it normal to see us eat more than they think we can – at times.

Judy – glad you are home safe and sound and had such a good time. Good luck on the fills.

Josiebies – enjoy your company.

Jennifur – I agree buffet is a waste of money now days. My husband had a doctor appt and we arrived early so we went to grab a quick bit to eat and there was Chinese buffet across the street – so I decided I didn’t need to pay 10 bucks for a few bits of no good for me food. I waited to go home and have my Protein Shake. – Hope the party went well.

Michelle – Happy Anniversary! “-39” is great results. You are ahead of me! I was banded 4/9 and lost 32 with preop/post surgery I think – total.

“She did clear up a few issues, like calorie range & drinking w/meals & fruit, etc...” Please share what she said about these issues.

“reflection of myself in a shop window” remember we don’t always see the real picture – besides a shop window is like a clown window – can’t be trusted.

Ms Jenn – Fantastic job! You are ROCK’N.

Terry – you have a big heart to rescue these 2 in trouble.

Ms Jenn – wow – you are on fire! Can’t wait to see b&a pictures from you soon!

Judy – good luck on your fills and be safe traveling – weather is terrible everywhere it seems. Remember – baby steps afterwards. PB is no fun – as I remember from earlier this past week – my first and hopefully my last.

Gotta go for now -- have a great day everyone -- getting ready to STORM here.

Gina

[Kat817 19]

Well I had a nsv moment, I have not been able to wear a seatbelt for I don't know how long, years. I finally tried and it worked!

Now the past two weeks I have gained weight. I want to lose weight right now for my 1 year weight loss anniversary!!! It is the 17th of August and I really really really want to lose 100 pounds by then. The problem is I can't get a fill until th 16th, and I am back to my old habits of eating sweets and things not good for me. I really started exercising again the other day and am hoping that helps.

Pam, I LOVE your closet!! I want one big like that!!!

Jane

Jane--the only thing I have found that helps me when I get off the path like that is to revamp my kitchen! I go through and get rid of the impulse foods, bought when I though this was going to do itself! Then I hit the store...I stock up on things I CAN eat. Lots of snack options. I buy nuts, Jerky, SF pudding, cheese sticks, cheese wedges, fruit, veggies, some Protein Bars, popsicles, the 100 calore snack bags, deli lunch meat, and eggs. I buy the flavor packets to add to Water, some green tea, etc. I try to fill my kitchen and pantry with options. When I come home I take the nuts, and break them into snack size zip lock bags, leave a couple out, and freeze the rest, anything I might get carried away with I break down into portions! I hard boil a few eggs to have. I even saute cut up chuncks of chicken to snack on. I clean and cut veggies, to have ready---like bell peppers, and onions so that if an omelet sounds good, I am ready to make it. It is just as easy as grabbing something not as good for me. Usually within a day or so, the scale has rewarded me with a pound or 2 gone, and my incentive is back!

I also know if I don't drink enough---I don't lose squat! So pump up your water intake, especially if you just began exercising.

It is like an act of exorcism for me---and I have had to do it a few times!!! I slide back into old habits as well!

Good Luck, hang in there, and you'll make that goal! Congrats on the seat belt, you are already safer!

Sara--glad to hear DH is doing better. I fully understand the inlaws and the lack of tact! My FIL is always complimentary, tells me I look good, and I look healthy. My MIL is the one with the catty remarks. I don't think they are meant to tear me down as much as they are to build my SIL up. Which is not wonderful to hear, but since it is her Mom, I accept it without going ballistic!!! But I know what you and Terry are talking about, all 4 of our parents have changed. Used to be the Dads were the tough ones, real hard nosed. Now they are mellow, and accepting, and kinder, and the Moms have become sharks! The remarks, and attitude---it is scary sometimes wondering where my meek mild Mom went to! Then she quits talking about someone else and focuses on one of us, her family, and there she is sweet as ever! But others---beware!!!!! Sara I can't do much to give you the strength you need, but I can commiserate! Hugs to you, you will make it to Thursday---I know you will!

Gina! You NEVER tell anyone with a birthday in the next month that they share WISDOM---LMAO---just kidding! If my experience comes off as wisdom, I must be getting old!!!!!! Oh well, getting old, beats the alternative!!

Theresa-congrats on the ring---one of the first places I noticed a huge difference was my hands. I have lost from a size 10 to my 7.5's being loose enough to slide around. When I finish, I will have my wedding rings resized, but only want to do it once.

Terry---did they ever come after the dogs??? My DD's bf bought the girls a new puppy from a coworker of his, she is a chocolate lab, and she is like 9 weeks old, she is already fetching, and so cute, she is brown from her nose to her tail. Seems to be really smart, she trained in a couple of days, now if they put her in her kennel, she will not potty in it, she waits to go outside.

Well I am off to unload the dishwasher, and start a load of sheets. My laundry was done, so what do I do? Change the bedding!!!

Talk to y'all later!

Kat

[Jennifur 0]

Morning everyone

Well, I made it back to the gym today - now I can officially say I have exceeded my challange... YIPEE

DBF just left, I can't even go there today, but I have not seen him in a week... (see why I can't go there!) and he told me how great I looked, asked how much I've lost and then said you can really tell ... That felt good but I was so mad at him that I didn't bat an eyelash at the comments... while I really was thinking how nice it was.

I am off to get a copy of my ss card and pick up my resume from a friend who can print stuff out for me at her work on a nice printer.

I am going to apply for a job at our local food bank, which might be smooth...good benefits and health insurance

I need a day job this week, it is killing me