I'm here to help...

[Charlene K 1]

Oh my, no one commented on us going past page 800.....WOO HOO!!!

[Apples2 19]

Tina is the "Gold Star Girl" of the day! Can't believe I was not so anal and missed that. Slipped up.

[Tinagrl 0]

Tina is the "Gold Star Girl" of the day! Can't believe I was not so anal and missed that. Slipped up.

Gold star??? OOOO i wanna a gold star!!!!

[sndycnrd 1]

Thanks everyone for the kind words and suggestions. It really does help and I am listening. Linda, I think you are right when you said he doesn’t realize how tired I am. I don’t let him see it. I will keep it up for a couple of more weeks and give him a chance to bounce back. After that, if things aren’t better, we will have to get some help. Thanks for your encouragement. If that time comes I agree with the advice Apples gave me. It may be received better if the suggestion comes from outside the family. He is very stubborn and he wont’ spend a penny on anything that isn’t absolutely necessary. He just needs to see this is necessary.

I am feeling a little more rested tonight. I left work at 1pm. I was headed home to take a nap. My father’s friend called me while I was on my way home to tell me that she was going to be bringing my Dad dinner tonight and we could take the night off if we wanted. I thought, is she kidding?!!!!! Of course I want the night off. I got home and took a long nap and woke to find DH making dinner. Gosh, he is a good cook. He made some type of spaghetti with sardines and fennel bulb. I had never had it before but it was wonderful. The recipe called for fresh sardines. I didn’t even know they sold fresh sardines. LOL. I thought they only came in a can. I love to try new recipes. Some are flops but some, like this one, are so good. Also, it was a treat to have dinner with just the two of us.

I saw on Facebook that Meredith’s dog was found. Yeh!!!

Phyl, I don’t know where you are running to but “can I come too?” How about Hawaii?

Happy 800 pages!

[llkb4me 1]

Jessica, WTG we all knew you were going to hit wonderland before the first of the year. You are doing amazing.

Great, prayers and good juju for your DD and Gbaby.

[LittleOleMeinFL 1]

Just caught up on most of the posts= at least the last 3-4 pages! Geez you guys are busy junking up the thread!!!

Jessica~ Congrats! WTG on wonderland! I am so proud of you!

I am just now getting laundry done from my parents/sis' visit. I was sick after the rash with fever 102 on Christmas Eve- but Christmas was gone. So weird. Now Nels has a rash. I think it is the same thing but taking him to my dermatologist tomorrow to be sure. DH was on call last night and no sleep for the both of us! Going to bed now.

Lori~ Send you a PM to explain the cervix issue best I could. We could talk on the phone anytime, might be easier to explain. Hugs. Keeping your girls in my prayers. It sounds like she will be ok though from what you wrote.

Hi to everyone, sorry can't write note to everyone. Just consider yourself included!

Peas out... Laura

PS I love my son but I cannot wait for school to start!!! LOL! I need some me time!

[Meredith2424 0]

Crap!!! Long post and just lost it!

Brief recap..

Lori~ Hugs and prayers remain for your "ladies". You are right, Katelyn is gonna be a little spitfire! Plus, aren't we so lucky to have Laura here for her medical expertise? She is awesome. Also, my sister puts the pups in the shower with her too, everytime!

Phyl~ So sorry about your friend and for DH's mood. Not a good combo.

Jessica~ WTG on Onederland!!!!! It feels so great, doesn't it? Also, wtg on the running. I hate running, but want to get back into it because you burn lots of cals in a shorter amount of time.

Tina~ Apples is right. You remind me of how Jessica used to be. She too was so down, now look at her!!!!! Such an inspiration! You can do it!

Janet~ Well, the dr said that since andrew had mono 15+ yrs ago his body still will always test + for it and since he was throwing up this week and I was so close to him and helping with his "barf buckets" his body could have been shedding the virus and since my immune system was down I could have gotten it that way? Who knows?

Now for the wonderful news of the day!!!!!!! My sisters dog has been found alive and well! I know some of you saw this on FB, but for those who didn't, he is safe and sound after 10 days in the snowy, frigid weather of Northern Michigan! Unreal! Someone needs to do a news story on this pup. A real Christmas miracle!!!! We are elated! Also, thank you all for your prayers and understanding. It means a ton.

Still sick. Had to take off of work tomorrow. Not really getting much better. Hopefully tomorrow I will feel better so I can pull it together to do some NYE hair for people then come home and crash. I am keeping my butt right at home this year and most likely will be in bed before 12. I'm pooped. Ok, sorry I've missed some of you, I'm so tired and past ready for bed.

Night!

Meredith

[IndioGirl55 32]

Melissa WTG - POSTITIVE AFFIRMATIONS - If you say you are going to fail you will fail - if you say you are going to win you will win - you may fall down a few times - it take practice - the important thing is that you get up and try again

Tina - #1 this isn't about diet - yes diet in what the word really means - but not what we think it means - we don't eat certain foods to loose the weight then go back to eating normal - Our normal is what got us fat in the 1st place - This is about making life time changes in our eating -

My ah ha moment - I came home from work -after a bad day and was very tired (big food trigger) I was on mushies stage - so I was going to make white gravy over mashed potatoes - It was a mushie - well as the bacon was frying in the pan - I looked at it and said to myself - Janet yes this is a mushie but did you just have major freaking surgery to continue to eat like this - I said nope - so I threw it in the trash and ate something healthy...

Tonite w/my trainer we were discussing WLS - he really doesn't get it 100% - he say well if you get WLS you still have to change your exercise & eating habits don't you - the surgery doesn't do it for you - I say yes you are 100% right - I told him its just a tool to make you feel full on a smaller amount of food - but that you can eat around it - He said then why do pple have the surgery then if they can make the changes after surgery why couldn't they do it before. Then I have to explain the whole food addiction and that some of us don't have the stop button - that where the surgery helps - but it's not the quick fix that it is advertised to be..

I had the surgery as I want to be around to see my grand kids grow up - I wanted a life - I was so limited in what I could do - I wanted to participate in life and not sit on the side lines.. I was 52 when banded and I also know that the # of yrs I have left are less than what I have already lived - so hopefully by losing 114 lbs I have added a few more yrs to my life expectancy

Your partner needs to me in your corner - does she have any weight issues?? A lot of partners don't want the other person to lose the weight cuz they think they will leave them.

This is about you - about you wanting to get healthy - obesity is killing you limited the quailtiy of your life and you are still a young person - if you don't get the weight of and keep it off it's going to kill you - I can tell you from personal experience that losing the weight is liberating - the quality of your life improves so much - I use to break out in a sweat if I vacuumed the living room - now I can clean the whole house and never get tired.

Great - So glad DD is holding her own - we both have Katelyn's just spelled diff mine Kaitlin ;0) - Yep shoveling snow is exercise - My doc numbs you before he sticks you too ;0) my 1st fill it took a while to find the port - but after that he would find it right away..

Chris - Hugs on your fill - hope it went ok ;0) Men such big babies LOL said w/love and you know you are going to get some ribbing from us girls ;0)

Kelly - You weren't a bad girl - This is how normal weight pple do it - they will indulge OCCASIONALLY then go back to eating healthy and keep up their exercise - Where as with us we ate crap 24/7 and Christmas was just an excuse to eat even more crap. WTG on gaining control..

Charlene - I wouldn't make an appointment for a fill till summer if I were you ;0) Are you full after you eat your meat...

Linda - I think it would be neat to see the firework show in Vegas on NYE but don't know if I would like the crowds

Apples - She'll run away to my house - but right now 56 cold and tonite in the 30's so it won't be to warm - it's a good thing I have 2 bedroom - between Phyl & My other GF - hopefully it's just holiday crap and once they are over - they (men) will take a chill pill

Sandy - So glad you got a night off - Hugs

Oh I am going to have to go ck it out about Meredith's Sis dog - thats wonderful

Laura ;0) We know how much you love Nelson - You are normal - miss you - hopefully you will have time to tell us how your holidays went - what are you doing for NYE

Well Gang it's now 7:30 started this about 45 mintues ago - So going to go fix me some dinner (scallops and spinach or green beans) cbl

[txrckcrwlr 0]

Fill went great. They added 2.2cc today. I have gained some weight back since last appt. I asked them to be a little more aggressive. They also said my dr will allow me to come back in two weeks if I need too.

They use lidocaine first ti deaden the the harpoon needle for the fill. LOL. That's what it looked like last time. It's really not that bad. The nurse that I had today was freakin great. I never felt the lidocaine stick. My son said that I did great. He said he thought I would cry like he does, but that he didn't know his daddy was so tough. I just love my baby boy.

So had some popcorn chicken for lunch and some chicken broth for dinner. Going to fix protien shake shortly.

Tina, just remember you have support here. I know some if not all of us have someone who is not supportive of our decicion to have WLS. These ppl are typically not educated enough. We are all here for you if u need us just ask.

Sorry not on much lately. Post season NCAA football.

Hugs.

Chris

[ifyourstomachoffendsyou 1]

Karen, thanks for the card.

Lori, hope your DD gets those cramps under control.

Phyll, so sorry about your friend. You do never know.

So, I wanna retire and live in a retirement village. Never cook or clean or do yardwork. Get driven where ever I want to go. Attend many social events on campus and get driven to plays, concerts, etc. Workout, get a massage, go for a swim, get rehabbed if I get injured or have a stroke, and, most important, when my ADHD and CRS get aged to perfection, live in the memory assisted living wing. All I need is $250,000 (almost) and a monthly payment of $2300 and this life could be mine. When I die in hopice care, 90% of my original investment will return to my estate.

If I had the money I just might do this sooner rather than later. People in these villages live longer and healthier than people who live on their own or with their kids, and they aren't a burden to their kids. You can be as independant as you want to be. Drive your own car. Have all the company over that you can stand. Or spend your time alone in your beautiful duplex with its two big bedrooms, walk-in closet, 2 bathrooms, laundry room, living room, well-appointed kitchen, dining room and choice of sunroom or sunporch.

My parents can't afford the full enchilada, but this place has some older refurbished quads for $100,000. Smaller, but still adequate. And all the amenities. My dad wasn't with us. My brother is going to sit down and talk to him about his need to move into this kind of facility. He'll be around people and receive the care and stimulation that will keep him as active and functioning as long as possible. But his cognition is already impaired and his stubborness already worse. Both of which are symptoms of his Alzheimers. They'd have been better off getting in there sooner rather than later. Hope I've learned that lesson. Now to go save up lots of money.

Cheri

[IndioGirl55 32]

Ok this is test post from my ereader. Can not change fonts need to go to bed cbl

[1day at a time 2]

Okay I need some help making a decision

I am going to a friends Bday dinner tonight no big deal. However we were invited my my DH friends to a big NYE party. Friends, food, Pictures taken against a NYC back drop a really big event.

My question is should I go? I feel like crap from gaining all this weight don't want my picture taken, it will take an hour and a half to get there, we have to spend the night, taking my son to my parents which is in a different direction and then have my aunt's surprise 60th party the next day. Oh and I have to get something to where.

What whould you do? On my way to work I will check back in later I would love any response

[IndioGirl55 32]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHERI !!!

Wishing you all the best in the year to come. May your days be filled with sunshine and beautiful colors. And may your nights be filled with comforting dreams and wishes to come.

No one desrves a happier birthday than you.

Youth happens, but age is earned.

Days have passed into years,you have become better with time. May you continue to become better with each birthday you enjoy.

Happy Birthday;

Hugs & Love Janet

Melissa - I wouldn't let the weight stop me - it is what it is - you are human.. But do to all the hassel (traveling etc) I don't think I would go - but I'm not a baby - if you hadn't gain the weight would you want to go - you don't have to have your pic take - does your dh want to go...

Cheri - My Aunt lived in a retirement home that had all the things you are talking about - it was very nice she had her own apt - they had a medical floor - they had activities. I don't think I would mind living in a place like that..

Chris - Glad the fill was uneventful - Remember no matter how tight you are - you make your food choices not the band - So Eat healthy and get some walking in - are you going to pt for your shoulder...

[ljv52 2]

Melissa, I'm not sure any of us can advise you on this issue. It really depends on many factors -- is this an event your DH has been looking forward to? If you don't go will he be disappointed? If there are people there you know well you will probably have better time than you imagine. Part of our struggle with our weight issues is our desire to hide and not be seen unless we are at our perfect weight. Truth is, most of these people aren't going to probably even notice your weight gain. Maybe you can find an outfit that makes you feel good and draws out some of your other great features. If you do go don't dwell on the food, dwell on the people, the conversations, your DH, etc, Make the party about the event, NOT the food. Try not to overindulge. On the other hand, it does sound like a lot of work to get there and if you DH is not dying to go, perhaps it would be better for you to skip it. I think you also need to sit down with your DH and discuss your weight gain. You said he's been "looking at you" like he's noticed - well, I think it would be good for you to discuss it and put it out there and tell him how you are feeling and how you are struggling right now with feeling out of control and need his help with it. I'm sure he will understand with all the stress you've both been under this past year how difficult it has been for you. He will probably understand much better than you imagine he will. Once you get that off your chest, I think you'll feel better and it will be easier to get back on the horse. My heart goes out to you, I know it's been tough and I'm sorry you are struggling. Hugs on whatever you decide.

Cheri, I'm with you, that retirement life sounds pretty awesome to me right now too. LOL. Maybe we can all go to the same place? Wouldn't that be fabulous!! LOL.

Meredith, I'm just soooo happy about your nephew doggy -- such a joyous outcome. So what's the whole story? Someone found him and called your sis? Did they JUST find him or have they had him a few days? How old is he?

Laura, you are a fabulous mom -- it's natural for you to be ready for Nelson to return to his routine. Even though those of us who have grown kids sometimes wish we could go back in time and snatch some of those days and have "do overs" we all felt that way when our kids were young.

Chris, glad your fill went well -- my doc does no numbing - just sticks that big needle in there. Hope you have some better restriction with this fill. How much have you lost so far?

On the choo choo again today. today was my day off from exercise - didn't sleep very well - couldn't get to sleep last night and then kept waking up - shoulder hurting, etc. So I decided to sleep a bit more this a.m. Last day of work today and a nice 3 day weekend. Will be hard going back to 5 days next week after two short weeks!! Looking forward to just relaxing this weekend, no parties, no cooking, etc. Just taking down decorations and going to the casino and watching the Rose Parade and football games.

Julie, haven't seen you posting lately, hope all is well. Miss you.

Lori, how's Mandy today? Hope all is well.

Have a great day everyone!

Linda

[ifyourstomachoffendsyou 1]

Melissa one of the things we deny ourselves when fat is having a good time. Our fear and shame makes us fat and keeps us fat. Go. Have a good time. Get your picture taken. Get an outfit that makes you feel good. Recognize that you're beautiful fat or skinny. You have to love yourself when you're fat, too. Our values in this society and as women are so screwed up. In a recent women's poll, when women were asked whether they'd choose 10 more pts on an IQ test or good hair, most chose good hair. What the heck is wrong with us? People love us. They marry us. They hire us. Our kids adore us. But all we can see is our fat. Poor self-concept is a huge contributor to over-eating. You are worth going out and having a good time. Dance your heart out. Paste a big silly grin on your face and a funny hat on your head and mug for the camera. Get a little drunk. Do it for you.

That's my advice. Enjoy your life. Love and laugh yourself thin.

Cheri