I'm here to help...

[Apples2 19]

Too funny on the question, Janet! Yup...this chicky does get off the ole' farm and out of the bib overalls once in awhile!

When you live in a rural community and the closest town has a population of 129 and the next largest is 5000 pop. and you know everyone within a 30 mile radius, you get invited to absolutely every event going on and sometimes two or three at a time.

Weddings (had 7 this summer)

Birthday parties

Bridal showers, baby showers, stagette showers, showers just to have showers

Church functions

Lunch with friends

Out to dinner with DH

Volunteering

Anniversary parties

Etc, etc, etc, etc

As soon as I can get my DS to help and I take a few photos, I am going to post in the b/4 and after. I have never posted a pic on here b/4 and will now get brave and just do it

[IndioGirl55 32]

Too funny on the question, Janet! Yup...this chicky does get off the ole' farm and out of the bib overalls once in awhile!

When you live in a rural community and the closest town has a population of 129 and the next largest is 5000 pop. and you know everyone within a 30 mile radius, you get invited to absolutely every event going on and sometimes two or three at a time.

Weddings (had 7 this summer)

Birthday parties

Bridal showers, baby showers, stagette showers, showers just to have showers

Church functions

Lunch with friends

Out to dinner with DH

Volunteering

Anniversary parties

Etc, etc, etc, etc

As soon as I can get my DS to help and I take a few photos, I am going to post in the b/4 and after. I have never posted a pic on here b/4 and will now get brave and just do it

Ya you are more social than I am in your little town :0) and you can't let anyone seeing you wear the same outfit twice lol

Yes dear - it's safe - I haven't had anyone stalk me - I have posted tons here ;0)

well off to feed the fur babies - gave 2 kittens away - andrew took the remaing 3 to the pound - I thought he was taking them to a no kill place - I think our pound kills - but they said that they would be adoptable cuz they were freindly - please I hope so - I get to friggin attached -

[Apples2 19]

Ya you are more social than I am in your little town :0) and you can't let anyone seeing you wear the same outfit twice lol

Yes dear - it's safe - I haven't had anyone stalk me - I have posted tons here ;0)

well off to feed the fur babies - gave 2 kittens away - andrew took the remaing 3 to the pound - I thought he was taking them to a no kill place - I think our pound kills - but they said that they would be adoptable cuz they were freindly - please I hope so - I get to friggin attached -

Sorry on saying goodbye to the kitties. I hope they get adopted also. I would take them both if I were closer.

Never been worried about stalkers. Long story short...has to do with family on here and not wanting them to know certain things about my life. You'd have to know the whole story (mega abuse, life threatening things in the past, etc.) is why I have not posted photos. But, can be brave

[unshackled 1]

Hi

I am Janet and I am a recovering food addict :thumbup:

I was banded 7/17/07 - My starting weight was 250 - I'm 5'4

Today (just over 10 months out) I am 154 - size 8 pants (was 18/20) Medium tops (was 22/24)

I got banded as I wanted to extend the years that I have left on this planet and to do that I knew that I needed to lose weight.

The band has been the tool I needed. For the first time in my life I have been able to achieve this goal (actually getting to my goal weight)

If you want a buddy - support - help - suggestions - Please feel free to call upon me - I will gladly share my journey with you - the journey is still on going and by helping you I will be helping me (staying motivated and accountable) and then one day you can pay it forward and help someone else.

I do want help. I have 100lbs left to lose. I have an eating disorder-emotional eating. I really do need a mentor. how does this work

[IndioGirl55 32]

I do want help. I have 100lbs left to lose. I have an eating disorder-emotional eating. I really do need a mentor. how does this work

Hi Unshackled

You just jump in!!! What's going on tell us a little about yourself - where are you at in this journey - how long have you been banded - how much have you lost - What are you eating - are you exercising..

We all have an eating disorder - we are all food addicts - I struggle - I may have lost the weight - but it was work and it still is..

We are here to support you - give advice - let you vent - become part of our little family...

We are a little village - we come and talk about our struggles give each other support with all the stuff that goes on in our daily lives.

Look forward to having you join our little gang :0)

[ocotillo 0]

I just had this nice post all written out and did a stupid thing and lost all of it. Boo hoo.

Hello everyone...Laura, sending you love and hope. Have a safe journey.

I'll writing again tomorrow. I have to get a card made for this wedding.

Later,

Eva

[Meredith2424 0]

Hello everyone.

I'm sorry that I have been so scarce on here lately. I've been reading every night, but I just haven't had the energy to post. So, just a little bit tonight before I go to bed.

I'm finally feeling better from the cold/flu business. I think that what really helped was me trying on a pair of size 16 calvin klein jeans that I haven't worn in 4 years. They fit!!! So, yesterday I decided that I needed a break from school, so I skipped and also (like apples) went to the 2nd hand stores. I bought a pair of nine west size 16 jeans and some maternity clothes for my best friend. Then I went to another store and got pajama pants (so soft!) and a wild purple bedside style table for 14 dollars! Then off to the antique store, got something for my mom. She collects scottie dogs. And I got this weird glass head thing for myself. I then went to my other besties work and chatted with her for awhile. It was ice to do whatever I wanted!

Anyhow, Laura..... wow! i'm so sorry that you are going through all of this. I am so sad for you. It is true what all of the gals are saying, we all love you so much and we are all here for you.

Apples~ yay for our shopping! You talked about my schedule?!?!? Girlfriend, your schedule is bonkers ALL of the time! I just still don't know how you do it! Also, go ahead and post some pics! I would love to see ya!

Janet~ Poor kitties. I hope that they will be adopted. I am one that gets quite attached too!

Oct~ I love black labs! My sister has one, and he is beautiful! Well, he is a mutt, but he is mostly black lab, and he is such a lover. I miss him so much since she has taken him to cali! I think that she is flying them back for thanksgiving and leaving them here until december. i sure hope so! he has his troubles too, epileptic. he has to be drugged for the rest of his life too.

Great~ you are doing awesome! hopefully that pain is just what phyl said that it was. it totally makes sense.

Phyll~ Safe travels to you!!! I so wish that I could travel all around like that! My boyfriends dad and his "lady friend" sold their home and most of their replaceable posessions and bought a fifth wheel. They have been traveling all over the country for the last 2 years and have made arizona their home base. They even came here last summer! the stories and photos from their travels are amazing. Hopefully when andrew and I retire we can do the same thing!

Ok, sorry if i missed anyone. it wasn't on purpose. i am just so tired and am now going to bed. I have class really early in the morning, and then have work from 12 until 8. Then I am supposed to be taking my friend who just got home from his Pacific Coast Trail hike from Mexico to canada along the ocean and through the mountains, to dinner.

Thats about it.

Love you all!

Meredith

[ljv52 2]

Good morning everyone. Laura, thinking of you and sending love, hugs and prayers your way. Glad you were able to leave right away, as everyone said, Nelson will be just fine. You need to be there with your mom. I went through this with my mom 6 years ago so I know exactly how tough it is. Welcome to all the newbies and please take all the advice these lovely ladies have been telling you. I listened to them and I can vouch that it works. I especially agree with journalling your food, it really helps to keep you accountable. If you've never done it before, you'll be amazed at how quickly calories add up. Apples, you got such wonderful deals, but then again, you do so much for so many people, if anyone deserves great deals, it's you. Hope your doggie gets better. I love animals too - my long haired doxie/terrier mix (shelter dog) is my little baby. She's 11 now. My last dog who was also a shelter dog and lived to be just a few months shy of 20 years old. Lori, glad your surgery went well and you are doing so great -- knew you would. You're like me, you want to do "normal" things too soon -- try to take it a little easy. Phyll, my DH wants a motor home so badly, but someone's gotta work (me). He's been disabled for 12 years and can't wait until I retire so we can buy a motor home and hit the road. Since he's 4 years younger than me, it's going to be awhile. Stay safe in your travels. Meredith, haven't seen you mention how the exercise classes are going -- are you enjoying them? I know you've been sick recently and hope you're 100% better today. I also grew up on a farm - we had huge gardens, milk cow (my grandma even churned butter until I was almost a teenager) and butchered our own beef. It was a wonderful way to grow up. Lots of work, but taught all of us that hard work is good for you. But was part of the reason I think we all focus so much on food -- we all worked so hard we could eat huge amounts of food and not have to worry about getting fat. Problem was, I still wanted to eat that way when I grew up but I had left the farm behind and spent all day at work behind a desk. Janet, I'm like you, I still miss some of the food -- but again, like you, not worth it. I have really changed my focus - instead of the food being the center of attention, I turn the focus to the people I'm with, it's worked so far. Joanne, glad you are back safe and sound. Great pics -- baby is so beautiful. To everyone else -- thinking of all of you, just gotta run right now, it's my exercise time. CBL. Linda

[IndioGirl55 32]

Good Morning Gang

Laura hope you had a safe flight and that you & family are together - Hugs & Prayers - Thinking of you...

Meredith- I totally understand - heck I use to post here - my lucky #7 and 50 thread - plus fb and farming - heck lately I just have enough time to post here and my 7 thread - dont post to the 50's like I use to.. Congrats on you 16 !!! But will tell you it's only going to get better !!! I thought when I go to 14 I was done - that I look good etc - but as long as you keep following your new healthy lifestyle - your body will find it's happy weight..

Linda - Ya the battle with food is with me still - but I can say the battle is worth it... I feel so much better. I didn't live on a farm and was a chubby child - I remember getting clothes from sears I think they were called Chubby Girls - didn't slim down til summer between 8th grade and Freshman yr - and then without trying I lost 30 35 lbs. But they all came back plus some when I hit 24..

Eva - I hate it when I lose a post - it takes time to respone and then you hit some button or the page doesn't load and wham - its gone...

For you coffee drinkers - I love the new Starbuck instant coffee - Italian Roast !!! You would never know you were drinking instant coffee - On my 2nd cup this morning :0)

[Apples2 19]

Unshackled...like Janet said...jump right in with your questions and concerns. Tell us where you are at in your journey. We talk about a little of everything on this thread but there is always a brain to pick. Love love new people joining us and sticking around to become part of our little group (family as Janet explained it).

Meredith....I LOVE NineWest jeans. I have no hips and there is a certain style that fits me well and I can usually buy longs in certain dept. store. When you were talking about maternity clothes, I had to go back and reread. OK...embarrassing story but it worked for me. When I weighed 249# I carried sooooooooo much through the middle (hence my signature name Apples2). When I started to shed the weight it came off my face, arms and legs and the last to go was the mid-section. I NEEDED things to wear and there were absolutely no pants that would fit. I went to Target to the maternity section and found 2 pair of slacks and a pair of capris to get me through the process. Hey, it worked for me and they looked really nice with a top over them. Embarrassing at 53yrs old to be in the maternity dept. Struck up a conversation with a young pregnant lady in that dept. Lied and said they were for my DIL (don't have one). Don't think I will go to hell for that little white lie, will I?

You made mention of my schedule. I honestly don't see it as busy. I am actually BORED and that's the reason of thinking of going back to work. When I was in college I always set my school schedule from 7am (yep, a few professors on campus at that time for classes) until 12pm and took at bus to the mall and worked from 12:30 till 9pm. Studied, and did it all again the next day. I worked full time. I guess after doing that schedule, raising kids, working on the farm and working more than full time in town for over 20 yrs, things seem slow in my life right now. I need more stimulation. There's only so much "farm" talk I care to carry on. I keep on top of the grain markets (I do a share of the grain marketing and DH does a share and DS does a share) and am interested but a lot of time when all the guys are sitting around the table talking about bearrings, slipped belts, combine heads I drift off. Remember Charlie Brown and when his teacher would talk? That's about all I hear when all these farmers are "deep" into their machinery conversations.

Have fun with your travelling friend. Sorry you miss your sister and her puppy.

Linda....my dog is finally back to normal and back on his food. Was getting a little concerned. He's this 100lb black lab that spends the evenings in our laps watching tv. Butt hanging off the foot of the recliner and with his head on our shoulder snoring like a baby. So much love for him. You must have given your last puppy really good care and lots of love for him to live to 20 yrs old.

Janet...I have seen the Starbucks Italian roast instant advertised but cannot find it around here. I purchased one of those pump coffee keepers (like you see in coffee shops) to keep me with fresh coffee throughout the day. DH uses the instant packets when I am not around and he does not want to make a full pot. One of my favorite trips is to a restaurant supply store about 60 miles away from here. Any extra $$$$ that I think I can swing goes for kitchen supplies. My favorite is my Kitchen Aid professional mixer with all the accessories....even found it in the cinnimon barn red color...same color as my dining set, hutch and corner cabinet.

I, too, have found that I don't post in as many threads as I used to. Was into the 50's, June 2008 and others but with being gone so much in the summer and not having computer access, I just catch up with a couple of threads now. What does that tell you? I get more out of being on this thread with all you guys. Our June 2008 thread really never did take off. At first it was OK and then everybody kind of dropped off. You are lucky your Lucky 7 group stays close.

Got rain and stopped the harvest again. So close but so far away in getting the last 140 acres of soybeans out of the field. Still have guys to feed today as they are hauling the dry Beans to Cargill today. Better go. bread has risen and ready for the oven. Made honey/wheat/cottage cheese bread. Making chicken chow mein to go with it and made a carrot cake this morning. None of it interests me as I am still pretty dizzy today. Have a standing prescription since I get it each fall when it freezes. Just takes a few days to run it's course. DS and DH are both sick with colds. They both had fevers yesterday and worked out in the cold and rain. Just have to ask this question....why do guys whine way much more when they are sick than women do??????????????????????????????????????????

[Apples2 19]

OOOPS...Good Morning to everyone else!!!!!!!!!!

Laura...thinking of you

Lori.....thinking of you

Julie....Are you back yet??????

[Mrs. Bubba 0]

Hey, I'm back........ late last night in a near blizzard!!!! Nothing like adding a little stress to an already tired body!! But we made it and are home safe.. Have a mess to deal with now and need to get at it... I managed to keep my pain to a minimum with the drugs so it could have been much worse.. but could certainly have been better... I'll write more on this later... Have to get moving... I thought I would catch up before posting but there are 10 pages to read.... Don't know how I'll get through them all..... Hope you are all doing well.... TTYL.............. Julie

[IndioGirl55 32]

Apples

I bet we all have bought maternity clothes - I remember a long time ago (late 20's) - I had this white/purple striped collared teeshirt that I had gotten from the maternity section - I have always carried my weight pretty much all over - but did noticed as I got older more did go to the tummy area..

You poor girls - it's going to be 94 here today - and 100 tomorrow and Saturday... I have on sandals :0)

Well back to work - Julie glad you are home safe and sound.

[Apples2 19]

Welcome back, Julie...didn't pay attention to when you said you would get back. Was hoping you had a good trip and was safe. Darn this weather. What I wouldn't give to be wearing sandals today. We know when our snow starts with early, it's going to be a heck of a long winter. Glad we have our six week trip booked for FL.

[llkb4me 1]

Wish I was wearing sandals also.

Calling for snow here today. My daughter had snow in Houghton MI on Saturday. She sent me a pic of it on the road. I hate snow...........

Laura K