I'm here to help...

[Mrs. Bubba 0]

You all have been at it again..... 4 pages since yesterday afternoon.... I gotta try to get on here more often...... I'm okay, but still waiting on the ins for MRI.. The doc office called me today to say they faxed 28 pages of data from all my doc and pt and that since they turned me down before.... I'm hoping this does the trick... They said 5 days to make a decision.. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.... These darn pills make me so sleepy in the afternoons... and constipated, too..... I'm really ready for something to change...

Yes, this is the place to be honest and not coming back is a sure sign that you aren't accepting your own responsiblities and wanting the band to do all the work... I almost did it at first.........glad I stuck to it... It can be a bit intimidating to join in with a bunch that are way ahead of you..... I still feel that sometimes.. Especially when you all get talking about sizes..... I just can't even dream of being a 12.......... I'm still somewhere between 18 and 22.....depends on the clothes and the styles... But I handle it fine most days... I have never been a shopper and don't think the weight loss is going to change me much... time will tell...... All the store names and brands you all talk about are just completely unknown to me... I used to have to make all my clothes because I was a poor single mother and that was cheapest.... Them when I could afford it better I ordered most things from Lane Bryant... Maybe when I get closer to goal it will be more fun to get into shopping..... Anyway......... I agree with all you all have been saying about this site.....

Apples, thanks for all the good advice.. I know it's true, just hard to accept some days.....

Janet, we all are so glad you started this site... It's a lifesaver for so many of us... Thanks....

Deb, great going on your exercising... I wish I could... I need to start my walking tape, but just haven't done it yet.... It seems so hard to find time to do anything and that just never comes to mind until it's too late... Sounds like a poor excuse doesn't it????

Lori, you look just wonderful in the dress... Your DH was right.... I think you made a good choice... the blue is a bit more subtle and classy.... The red would have been a bit more VAVAVAVoom....... That's why your DH liked it so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry your job is making you hang on wondering what's up.... It would be great for you to join us... And since 1Days mother isn't coming you don't have to sleep on a couch.... I think there is plenty of room..... it would be so nice to meet you... The tree decorations were beautiful.... and the Santa's were so nice.. No wonder he is tired of them if you sold so many.... but they are nice....

Laura K...........great going on the treadmill... I have one in my basement, but it makes me so sore when I try to use it... I have bad balance and have to hang on and it hurts my shoulder and neck so I'm not supposed to do it... Dang...it just sits there taking up space... I should sell it....

Yes, JB, how are you doing???? I'm sure this is a difficult time for you... Hope you will check in soon..

Laura, I was watching the national weather map and saw that you might get snow and was thinking of you.... I'm hoping it leaves you quick..... I don't want to see snow in FL.......we have plenty here..... Little Nels was sure having fun with that little girl....... so cute......

Charlene, glad you like the steel cut oats.. I want to try it but cannot find it around here... Where did you buy yours?? Anybody have any advice about that...?? How do I find it??

Eva, you little devil, you............. It's good to have fun and a good sense of humor....

Linda, so nice you were able to get away... And congrats on the shopping... Phyll, too, you got a great bargain, too....

Well, Mimi just went home and now I need to get DH some supper... Have pork chops and potatoes going... I've had a pretty good food day today... but my weight just continues to stay the same... It fluctuates on 3 pounds and just never varies anymore it seems... I would so like to have a breakthrough again... I need it, but guess I have to work harder for it... Maybe now that the holidays are over and things are settling down a bit I can get myself into some new routines..

Take care everyone... Will be gone all day for funeral tomorrow so I suppose there will be 6 pages when I get back.... Have fun........... Julie

[Apples2 19]

Hey Julie...hope you hear soon on your MRI and that you are able to get some answers soon as to what is going on.

And...the size thing...it's like comparing amounts of fills. Everybody is different. Short, tall, big boned, small boned, etc. You are holding your own and it was during the holidays. I feel like I am on an island somedays compared to some because of my situation. But, I still feel like I have something to share because I've been where every one of you are or have been. That's the nice thing about this spot. We respect each other's position and what they are going through. You've come a long way, Julie. If you want to compare #'s..look at how much weight you have lost. It's a tremendous amount. The only thing I know is that you belong here and always have. So there!!!!!LOL

[ljv52 2]

Apples, yes, Younkers is the same as Herberger's -- we have both here (why? That IS a good question since they are exactly the same store).

Julie, you hang in there -- you've been through so much this past year -- I'm sure I would have gained weight had I gone through what you have with your health -- you have been strong and brave throughout this entire year which was a difficult one --so don't feel down - you've made trememdous leaps -- you have come a long way and you should be proud of all that you've accomplished. You're not in a 12 yet, but next year at this time you will be, I know you will. It's all at what stage we are. I still have 30 more to lose, so I'm not there yet either. I keep getting shorter and shorter so have to keep losing more and more weight the shorter I get. LOL.

Lori, I can't believe I forgot to comment on the Santas and the beautiful decorations you made out of the feathers -- they were magnifiscent. I LOVE the santas -- as someone who has a santa collection -- I used to do craft shows also. Your DH's carvings are gorgeous -- how talented he is - did you do the painting on them? I also had another thought -- you could order the red top and wear it just for DH -- LOL. Since he liked it so much. Then you could wear it next Christmas to a Christmas party.

CBL. Linda

[Charlene K 1]

Charlene, glad you like the steel cut oats.. I want to try it but cannot find it around here... Where did you buy yours?? Anybody have any advice about that...?? How do I find it??

Julie, I got the oats at Kroger. I don't know if they are nationwide. I think someone said they were at Walmart. I like them a lot better than oatmeal.

[FemmeOne 0]

Lori, I also forgot to mention how gorgeous those pheasant ornaments were...and those trees! I'm a crafty person, but I don't know how you did those... I have some pheasant feathers from a friend who hunts...I might have to try to see if I can do one of those balls.

And the dress is great! Very beautiful and you look great in it!

I keep forgetting things I want to say, and have to go back and read old posts...

[Apples2 19]

Charlene, glad you like the steel cut oats.. I want to try it but cannot find it around here... Where did you buy yours?? Anybody have any advice about that...?? How do I find it??

Julie, I got the oats at Kroger. I don't know if they are nationwide. I think someone said they were at Walmart. I like them a lot better than oatmeal.

You can also get them at any health food store. They come in bulk. Almost any supermarket carries them. They really fill you up though. I had about 3/4 cup on Sat. when at Perkins and I was full for way too long.

[ifyourstomachoffendsyou 1]

Exercise--there comes a point of dimishing returns with exercise. I had to make a decision how much of my life and energy I want to put into it. My blood pressure and pulse are excellent. My muscles are in good shape, my coordination has improved dramatically, I'm only going to try and lose a few more lbs, and I have a life.

I'm looking for balance in this area because its so easy for me to make an addiction out of exercise like I did with the food. I've done it before. It's ultra time-consuming and begins to rule my life. I don't want to go there anymore than I want to get back into the food.

I exercise between 30-60 minutes most days with 2 days off per week. Sometimes I'll walk longer on Saturdays, but during the winter that's enough. Summers I like to hike longer outdoors, but that's as much for pleasure as exercise as I enjoy being outdoors so much.

I'm not going to aggravate my arthritis working out much more than that. I'm not exercising that much more time than I did before weight loss; I've always walked as much as possible. Its just that I've added stair-climbing at work after I lost most of the weight, so I get a more intense workout. I'm also walking much faster and farther in the alotted time.

I think everyone's different and has to take into consideration where they're at physically and what their available time is. Apples seems to be incredibly active just in the work she does at home.

Actually, I think my weight loss has slowed down despite the increased intensity of the exercise because I'm replacing fat with muscle which weighs more. But my body is definitely still reshaping.

I'm really happy with my physical body. Not with the drooping wrinkled skin, but can't do anything about that. I'm just happy with how I look in clothes. I'm 5'9", 170 lbs, my pants are 12's and my tops are L's. That's normal. More normal than I ever hoped to be again.

My goal is to stay normal (not talking psychologically, LOL). I don't need to be skinny. I want to have a life with my grandchildren and children and be able to work to the best of my ability and have fun and be healthy.

I'm amazed at simple things like finding easier ways to get up from the ground. It was very difficult with two fake knees and its still not easy. Kneeling is extremely uncomfortable and with all the weight, gettting up from my butt meant I had to roll onto my knees, then push my butt up in the air and walk my feet towards my hands before full lift-off. Now I can roll onto my side while bringing one knee up and continue right into standing up without having to kneel first. Still a little awkward but getting better.

Being able to break my fall Saturday night and land like an athlete lands, without injury, that was incredible. These are the little things that make me happy. I still have to watch how I move, and how hard I move. It's very easy for me to over-extend or overwork my joints and spine and risk further injury. So I've learned the hard way to be careful with exercise and to be content with what I can do.

Cheri

[Great2BThin 5]

Good evening! You guys were busy today! I was too. I had therapy today and then picked up Grandma for lunch and shopping. She out shopped me today. My knee feels it. She had a return from Christmas and then bought another $100 worth of clothes on top of it. I couldn't believe it. She loves this brand, Alfred Dunner. BUt she is very very frugal with her money. did I tell you she was frugal??? She has hardly bought anything new clothes wise in years and her clothes were starting to look it. Penney's had an amazing clearance sale and I was so happy to see her get some new things. Of course, I try and buy her stuff all the time but she won't take 'charity' I get by with it once in awhile. Then we had to go to Walmart for groceries etc. I didn't get home til 4 and then had nothing out for dinner. DH had a meeting at 5 and 7pm so we ran to Del Taco YUCK!! and I had a taco.

thanks so much for all the kudos on my dress, you guys are great for the self esteem!

Interestingly, I got 2 phone calls today. The first one I am very excited about. It's the office I volunteer at in the hospital all the time. A gal that worked part time in that office accepted a position full time in another dept. They asked if I'd be interested in a PRN (guess that means on call or as needed or part time I need to find out) position in that office. Are you kidding me?? I'D LOVE IT! And God's timing is amazing. This afternoon I got a voice mail FINALLY from my boss. He wants me to call him back or come by and see him at my convenience. He was gone for the day when I got the message so plan on going in the mornign and getting my 'news'.

Heather, feel free to post as much or as little as you want. There's no requirements that you have to post alot to join us. We'd love to have you.

Linda, I don't post a lot on my surgery date board anymore either. Not many folks post there either. Apples and I are surgery month buddies and she's here too the rest don't post much. I love those spur of the moment getaways. Reminds me of when we lived in Sacramento once in awhile we'd take off for Reno. There was a casino there with a Maine Lobster buffet on Friday nights. I lOVED to go for that. Congrats as well on the new clothes and sizes, it feels so good doesn't it? As for my wedding outfit, I can't get the red for DH as they only could get it in a size 6 as it was a discontinued color, suppose they had it just for the holidays. Yes, I did all the painting on the Santas, DH carved them and I painted them. We think about doing it again as he approaches retirement, right now he doesn't have the time for it and I can't carve.

Apples, I am glad I went with the seperates as well. Now I can wear that top with dress pants for other outfits and next time I need a 'formal' I can always just get a new top for it. I am more comfortable in seperates too. It's also one of the ways I justified the higher cost of this outfit, because I could break it up and make other outfits. DH has never encouraged me to spend over $300 on anything before, he really liked it I guess. I ran into his mom today and he had told her about it and that I was a 'babe' in the dress. LOL

Julie, never feel bad about people being a head of you on this journey on this thread. YOu are in the best place you can be. Just look at the successes on this board, who wants to be amongst failures? As I was losing it was so wonderful to have Janet and Apples leading the way for me. I knew they practiced what they preached. We all have the same destination but take different paths to get there. Your path has had more bumps in the road and detours than most of us with your illnesses, etc. Apples took the express route, you took the Detour (not by choice) but you will get there and have done amazingly well given your circumstances. And I just betcha when you get to those smaller sizes you are going to turn into a shopper too. I was never a shopper either, but look at me now! I just love getting new things and how they look on me.

Deb, To make the pheasant balls I just bought some styrofoam balls and glued the feathers on, I would make a row of different kinds of feathers. However, before glueing the feather on I would snip off the downy part of the feather so all I had left was the colorful part.

[IndioGirl55 32]

I came back on cause I can't believe I forgot to brag about my purchases last week. Remember, I went shopping at a mall last Wednes. after my fill -- when I went to Victoria's Secret to buy bras. Well, Younkers was practically next door and they were having trememdous sales - plus I had printed off some good coupons as well. I tried on some jeans and some other things and wanted to buy a few items -- well, I couldn't find a cashier -- mall wasn't very busy and most of the cashier areas were closed - I finally found one and there were at least 10 people in line. At that point the weather was getting nasty (snowing pretty good) and I felt I shouldn't risk standing in line half an hour, so I threw the clothes down and left. Well, I got to thinking later that night about shopping on line -- got on line and found all the clothes I wanted - was able to use my coupons just like in the store -- didn't even have to pay shipping with one of my coupons -- and voila! they came today! Got a fabulous boiled wool jacket (size 12 petite in a gorgeous blue color) -- tag says $98 but paid only $19.99. Got 2 pair of Gloria Vanderbelt jeans (size 12 petite) for $17.99 from $38 and a another nice shirt for 70% off -- altogether I think $250 worth for under $100 -- so I was proud -- DH always says, "gee, you save me so much money by shopping!" But you gotta buy things when the prices are like that!! I had to try on the clothes at the store, cause I had no idea what sizes I would wear -- I was shocked at the size 12 in the jacket and the jeans -- jeans with a zipper!! That's a major NSV for me!! Sorry if it sounds like bragging but had to share! Linda

Linda - WTG - YOU CAN BRAG BOAST ALL YOU WANT - That's what this site is all about - and we understand how exciting it is to shop and be amazed at the sizes you are getting - and it will get that much better when you get to goal..

We don't have either of those stores here in Cali..

You all have been at it again..... 4 pages since yesterday afternoon.... I gotta try to get on here more often...... I'm okay, but still waiting on the ins for MRI.. The doc office called me today to say they faxed 28 pages of data from all my doc and pt and that since they turned me down before.... I'm hoping this does the trick... They said 5 days to make a decision.. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.... These darn pills make me so sleepy in the afternoons... and constipated, too..... I'm really ready for something to change...

Yes, this is the place to be honest and not coming back is a sure sign that you aren't accepting your own responsiblities and wanting the band to do all the work... I almost did it at first.........glad I stuck to it... It can be a bit intimidating to join in with a bunch that are way ahead of you..... I still feel that sometimes.. Especially when you all get talking about sizes..... I just can't even dream of being a 12.......... I'm still somewhere between 18 and 22.....depends on the clothes and the styles... But I handle it fine most days... I have never been a shopper and don't think the weight loss is going to change me much... time will tell...... All the store names and brands you all talk about are just completely unknown to me... I used to have to make all my clothes because I was a poor single mother and that was cheapest.... Them when I could afford it better I ordered most things from Lane Bryant... Maybe when I get closer to goal it will be more fun to get into shopping..... Anyway......... I agree with all you all have been saying about this site.....

Janet, we all are so glad you started this site... It's a lifesaver for so many of us... Thanks....

Well, Mimi just went home and now I need to get DH some supper... Have pork chops and potatoes going... I've had a pretty good food day today... but my weight just continues to stay the same... It fluctuates on 3 pounds and just never varies anymore it seems... I would so like to have a breakthrough again... I need it, but guess I have to work harder for it... Maybe now that the holidays are over and things are settling down a bit I can get myself into some new routines..

Take care everyone... Will be gone all day for funeral tomorrow so I suppose there will be 6 pages when I get back.... Have fun........... Julie

Julie GF you are one of us and I am sure glad you stayed!!!!

Yes the last yr hasn't been the greatest on your weight loss but you haven't gained - you have been in the hospital like what 3 times - you still are having major pain issues.

You have lost (if I remember correctly) over 100 lbs !!!! WTG that's in it self is a great accomplishment - don't short change your self - You have gone from what 4-5x to a 2x - that's fantastic !!!

How's your restriction - can you go an get a fill - what are you eating - I know exercise is hard for you due to the weather right now - but if I remember correctly you have a treadmill and some weights.. Get up and move - walk in place during a commercial - go back to logging your food.

It will come off - another NSV - you are coming to FL - this is your 1st trip by yourself - come to meet with us..

I know it's hard w/all that's on your plate right now - but GF you can do it - get back to eating healthy - and try and get some extra movement in each day - drink your water..

Krogers is a Ralph's here in Cali - I have the Quaker Oats brand you should beable to find those any where..

You can also get them at any health food store. They come in bulk. Almost any supermarket carries them. They really fill you up though. I had about 3/4 cup on Sat. when at Perkins and I was full for way too long.

I may need a fill - I ate my 1.5 cup serving this morning at 8:30 and I was starving by lunch and can't say I was really full from them and they were thick..

Exercise--there comes a point of dimishing returns with exercise. I had to make a decision how much of my life and energy I want to put into it. My blood pressure and pulse are excellent. My muscles are in good shape, my coordination has improved dramatically, I'm only going to try and lose a few more lbs, and I have a life.

I'm looking for balance in this area because its so easy for me to make an addiction out of exercise like I did with the food. I've done it before. It's ultra time-consuming and begins to rule my life. I don't want to go there anymore than I want to get back into the food.

I exercise between 30-60 minutes most days with 2 days off per week. Sometimes I'll walk longer on Saturdays, but during the winter that's enough. Summers I like to hike longer outdoors, but that's as much for pleasure as exercise as I enjoy being outdoors so much.

I'm not going to aggravate my arthritis working out much more than that. I'm not exercising that much more time than I did before weight loss; I've always walked as much as possible. Its just that I've added stair-climbing at work after I lost most of the weight, so I get a more intense workout. I'm also walking much faster and farther in the alotted time.

I think everyone's different and has to take into consideration where they're at physically and what their available time is. Apples seems to be incredibly active just in the work she does at home.

Actually, I think my weight loss has slowed down despite the increased intensity of the exercise because I'm replacing fat with muscle which weighs more. But my body is definitely still reshaping.

I'm really happy with my physical body. Not with the drooping wrinkled skin, but can't do anything about that. I'm just happy with how I look in clothes. I'm 5'9", 170 lbs, my pants are 12's and my tops are L's. That's normal. More normal than I ever hoped to be again.

My goal is to stay normal (not talking psychologically, LOL). I don't need to be skinny. I want to have a life with my grandchildren and children and be able to work to the best of my ability and have fun and be healthy.

I'm amazed at simple things like finding easier ways to get up from the ground. It was very difficult with two fake knees and its still not easy. Kneeling is extremely uncomfortable and with all the weight, gettting up from my butt meant I had to roll onto my knees, then push my butt up in the air and walk my feet towards my hands before full lift-off. Now I can roll onto my side while bringing one knee up and continue right into standing up without having to kneel first. Still a little awkward but getting better.

Being able to break my fall Saturday night and land like an athlete lands, without injury, that was incredible. These are the little things that make me happy. I still have to watch how I move, and how hard I move. It's very easy for me to over-extend or overwork my joints and spine and risk further injury. So I've learned the hard way to be careful with exercise and to be content with what I can do.

Cheri

Cheri - you had me me cracking up with My goal is to stay normal (not talking psychologically, LOL).

And I gotta correct you in something that's a pet peeve w/me and I don't mean to be rude or anything

A pound of muscle weighs just as much as a pound of fat - the diff is that a pound of fat is a larger size than a pound of muscle

The size of the object is diff not the weight... A pound is a pound..

ie a pound of cotton balls would take up a large cardboard box - where as a pound of muscle fits in a shoe box - but it's still just a pound..

I can be very literal at times - again no offense meant - it's just one of those sayings that I know isn't a true statement..

Yes your body is reshaping cuz that fat took up a lot of space and you are losing it - and yes a size 12 is a normal size and I am glad that you are comfortable and happy where you are - you have made a great diff in the quality and hopefully the quanity of the yrs you have left.

Ok gotta go feed the dogs and me :0) CBL

[Mrs. Bubba 0]

Lori, great news about the calls and a possible job..

Thanks everyone for the pep talk.... I'm not down, just the conversation on here prompted me to say those things out loud, I guess... I know what I have done and I'm pleased to have made it through the holidays and also my extended medical situation without gaining.. It's like I'm on maintenance... At least I know I can maintain...... Now on with the weight loss....

I have looked at Wal-mart here for the steel cut oats.. They didn't know what I was talking about... We don't have Kroger's.....Mostly Super Valu....... I'll have to get into a few more grocery stores to see if they carry it... We have Miracle Mart and CashWise........... that's it for grocery store chains. If not I will have to try the health food store..... Expect it to be very expensive there.....

Cheri, glad to hear you say how happy you are with yourself.... It's encouraging to know not everyone wants to be skinny..... I don't have any dreams of that... I'm just after normal, too.....

Time for bed... Wish I could read at night like you, Apples.... I have 3 new books from Christmas, but just can't get into them yet.... Talk to you all when I get home tomorrow....... Julie

[llkb4me 1]

Wow you ladies are busy on this thread. I went to see the movie "It's complicated" tonight. It's a cute movie, different than what I thought but a good movie just the same.

You guys all are an inspriation to me, everyone of you have been banded longer than me, so I look up to you when I need help. I remember what you have said when I run into a situation.

Laura K

[phyllser 3]

New photo from yesterday and before photo

[Apples2 19]

Julie...I usually read each night for about 2 hours...depends on how long my 2 crosswords take. Did them in 27 minutes tonight so I have been reading for quite awhile. Just made my box of box and packed them for our trip. If I'm not walking our big ole' dog, I'll be reading and I plan on kissing on DH some.

Janet...I know you have noticed that some foods are different at different times. I have eaten steel cut oats for a year. On Sat is the fullest for the longes I have ever felt after eating them. But, they usually stick with me for a couple of hours or more. The problem I had is that they kept me TOO full and when that happens, I don't get all my cals in for the day or they are tougher to get them in. I did it though. Cappacino is my friend.

Have my 3 mo appt with LB doc tomorrow. We'll see what his reaction is this month. I don't think he really knows what to think. He always has us fill out his form. What do you eat, do you need a fill...with me it's just a waste of ink.

Heading to bed with a new book. Finished my last one in the tub tonight...my new thing...sitting in the tub for an hour each night. I am trying to find things that relax me. Yep...it worked.

Hope you all have a great night's sleep.

[Charlene K 1]

New photo from yesterday and before photo

Awesome!!!! You look Fab! I love the tee shirt!

[Apples2 19]

You have me choked up, Phyll. Honestly, crying. It just hit me what kind of determination you have. I just cannot explain in words what I feel about your after....just beautiful! Pretty sexy capris, too.