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A New Life

Wow, has it really been eight months since I last posted here? So much has changed since then...   On December 12, 2010, my DH and I went to the storage shed out back and pulled out the holiday lights to decorate the house. Unknown to us, a certain mold entered my DH's lungs because he was a lifelong smoker. Aspergillosis has a 95% mortality rate. It took my poor darling until January 2, 2011 to die in ICU. Thanks to the outpouring of love and support from my family and friends, I was able to not only pay for his funeral but also live until I could find work.   In late January, I went to see my primary care doctor to ask for anti-depressants. Before my banding, I'd been on the same prescription, so I figured this would be a quick visit. It would not be. The physician's assistant asked me if I'd ever considered suicide. I answered yes, because before my banding I had. Then she asked if I knew what method I'd choose if I did. I answered yes again because I'm a writer, and we research everything. I didn't know it at that moment, but I'd sealed my fate. I found myself incarcerated in a mental ward for 72 hours observation. Here in Florida, it's called "being Baker Acted." Have you ever been locked up in a psych ward when you're not in need of it? By the end of the three days, you'll need to be there. They nearly broke me, and I don't mind admitting it. If it hadn't been for the visits of a dear family friend named David, it's quite possible they might have succeeded.   One of the reasons I'd been depressed was my difficulty in finding a job. I've been a housewife for a long time. Finally, I got the call. On what would have been our 30th anniversary, I entered training to become a customer service representative.   To celebrate my return to the work force, David asked to take me to a local Medieval Faire. I happily accepted. When I admired a pearl ring, he bought it and slipped it on my finger. He said, "I know it's rude, but I can't wait any longer. Lena, I've loved you from afar for twenty years, but I didn't want to disturb your happy marriage. I know it's too soon to answer, but will you consider marrying me in a year or two, when you're ready?"   I have agreed to think about it, and I'll give him an answer next New Year's Eve.
voiceomt2002

voiceomt2002

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Confessions of a Stress Eater

I used to be a stress eater. I'd suck down anything in my path like a Hoover whenever stress struck.   Only a month and a half after my surgery, my DH lost his job. For six months, we struggled while he desperately searched for work. Finally, for six months we thought he had a good job, but the economy hit us in the face again, and he lost that job too. My DH now has a "long term temp" job. It's something.   During all that stress, I had to keep working. I'm a writer, and that means I work at home. It's even more difficult to meet a deadline or stay on a strict food regimen when there's a bored, depressed man around. Even though I can only write for a few hours a day before my brain explodes, he still made my work difficult with constant interruptions.   Needless to say, at first I learned to get around the band. No I won't tell you how. Just accept it can be done. When I stopped losing weight, I knew I had to find an alternative to eating.   What did I do when there was no money for extras? I became a stress quilter. I belong to a quilting guild, and one of their main functions is to make quilts for charity. When I couldn't afford fabric, I could always ask the guild member in charge for another quilt set to make for charity. At one point I had two sets running simultaneously!   Anyway, my point is that if you were a stress eater before surgery, you'll still be one after surgery unless you find alternative means of handling stress. Clean house, garden, take up a craft, or train for a marathon. Whatever you choose to do to handle stress.   Like it or not in this world, stress happens. I've been forced to get very good at handling stress. I've quilted, embroidered, sculpted polymer clay, and walked off nearly 100 lbs from when I stepped on the scale at my PCP's and nearly fainted to learn I was 297 lbs. Now at 198, I've still got a way to go, but I'm closer than I've been in 25 years.   DH has a job. We still have our house, and now I've got to go mow the lawn. I'm happy to do it, considering I once was in a wheelchair because of my weight. :thumbup:
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One-der-Land Revisits

Boy, this is no time to get cocky! I'm in One-der-land, but I have to admit I was overly confident and stopped watching my carbs. OUCH!! One week of that, and I was 201 lbs!   Yep, I raced back to my food journal and started keeping track, measuring, and being a good little bandster. Whew!! Back in One-der-Land and moving toward that goal in the distance.   This ain't easy! I'd allowed myself too many carbs, and now my body craves them again. I am a carb addict, and I will always be a carb addict. Now if I can just fight the urge to get a birthday cake for myself at the end of this month. How about kielbasa and grilled veggies instead? Yeah, that'll work.
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Alice in One-der-land, Episode One

Once there was a woman named Alice who fell down a spiraling hole of guilt and shame while following an elusive White Rabbit of Beauty. She discovered a magical place called One-der-land, though at first it seemed a place of madness and horror. I'll occasionally recount (not in chronological order because this is a place of madness, after all, at least to Alice) some of her adventures.     Alice landed at the bottom of the Shame Spiral in tears, her body shattered by so many years of abuse, both from within Alice herself and from others, who felt she didn't deserve anything. She wondered if she'd ever be able to get up, but she managed to heave herself erect and walk, still hoping for another glimpse of the beautiful White Rabbit. Alice had to rest often, and had trouble breathing, but the path seemed familiar somehow, as if she'd traveled upon it or at least seen it many times. Her feet swelled, her knees hurt, and upon occasion she considered just lying down at the side of the path and becoming another one of the many grave markers just visible through the thorny bushes. Still, something inside her refused to allow her to give up. She had to keep fighting.     Finally, an angel in a white coat smiled at her. "You've been approved. Step forward. Your new journey can begin. At the end of your time here, you will see the White Rabbit if you are patient and work hard."     In a clearing sat a man wearing another white coat, but this man was unlike any other she'd ever seen. In his own charming way, he was handsome, and his eyes were kind. He invited her to sit and rest at his table, where a fascinating array of things were laid out. Some were gruesome body parts in frames or on pedestals. Some were the familiar diet protein shakes she'd starved herself with many times. Other things were not easy to describe and made no sense.     Her handsome new friend tried desperately to make himself understood. Alice leaned forward, for he seemed so earnestly trying to explain something important, but though he spoke English soon his words were gibberish, and Alice knew in her heart it was her fault she couldn't understand him anymore.     What she had understood was that he would help her, if she would obey the rules of One-der-land. He'd given her a few, and told her she must discover the rest for herself. All would be revealed to her slowly, allowing her to adjust to this new and frightening world. Then the man vanished, and Alice was left alone wondering what to do next.     A cheerful fairy peeked in. Her bright eyes and sleek figure made Alice very envious, but she was so sweet and charming, Alice couldn't stay angry with her for long. The fairy danced up to Alice. "Hi! My name is Locarb! I just know we're going to be friends!"     Now Alice was very suspicious. She'd heard of Locarb fairies, and they could be very vicious, even expensive, to keep as friends. Alice narrowed her eyes. "Are you going to make me buy ridiculously expensive things I don't know how to use, limit me, and put me in a very narrow box?"     Locarb's laugh was the tinkle of bells! "No, no! That's what happens when YOU limit ME!" The fairy reached into her basket and pulled out a white mound of something creamy, covered in a brightly colored sauce, served in a small bowl. "Here, I'll prove myself. This treat is for you. This magical treat will keep you from being naughty and disobeying the Lord and Master, whom you just met. You may only have this once a day, so choose wisely when you have it."     Alice looked longingly at the white creamy stuff, served so very prettily. It looked like the evil poisons that had made her addicted and ill. Her body craved those poisons like an alcoholic craved liquor, and so she feared them all. She sniffed it cautiously. "I smell raspberries...and cream."     Locarb nodded, her cute blonde curls bobbing. "Yes. I assure you, you can have this. I'll allow you to have this early today, just to show my good intentions."     Her fingers shook, but Alice licked her lips and took a tiny taste. Raspberry and something like cheesecake exploded on her tongue and slid down her throat like ambrosia from the gods. Alice's eyes filled with tears. She put the spoon back in the bowl and pushed it all aside. She sobbed. "I can't have things like this! They're poisoning me. Please, take it away before I gulp it all down! I'm already sick from things like this. It's too delicious and wonderful for evil creatures like me."     The fairy picked up the spoon and put it back in Alice's hand. "Yes, you can have it. Trust me. It's expensive in calories, but there are only 8 carbs in this treat, and it will keep you from wanting the poisons you have been eating. Now, enjoy your treat. I will help you, if you let me."     "Okay, but it's your fault if I get fatter." Alice sniffled, and ate all the contents of the bowl slowly, savoring every drop. When she went too fast, the fairy tugged at her hand until she slowed down. Finally, the bowl was empty. Alice waited for the horrible sugar rush that temporarily gave her energy, then sent her crashing to the earth with less than she'd had before. The rush never came. In fact, she felt...good. "Oh my! What was that?"     Locarb leaned close. "The legend of no desserts in One-der-land is false, and always has been. However, like all treasures, it must be sought and enjoyed wisely. This is your first weapon in the war against the addiction that has poisoned you all your life." She pressed a small piece of paper in Alice's hand. "Use it wisely and well, or it will do you no good!"     Locarb's Creamy Treat 2 servings 400 calories/ 8 carbs     1 block of cream cheese 2 T. Splenda 2 T. milk, cream, or half-n-half 2 T. any sugar-free syrup such as Torani or daVinci (see links) per serving     Open the cream cheese package and drop the cream cheese into the bowl of your food processor. Add the Splenda and cream. Whirl, using a spatula at least once to get the creamy mix off the sides of the bowl if necessary, until the substance is light and fluffy. Place in a small sherbet bowl. Pour sugar-free syrup over each serving, as desired. Eat slowly.     Copyright: Lena Austin 2010 Do not distribute without direct written permission from the author.     ::NOTE-- the opinions and ideas expressed in this blog are my own, and opinions are like anuses. We all have them and they all stink. Except mine, which smells like roses.
voiceomt2002

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Need Low Carb Diet Opinions Please!

I'm guessing my bariatric surgeon, Dr. Michael Baptista, is getting more and more successful. He's moved from his partnership with another doctor and into his own spiffy new office MUCH more conveniently located for me, in Arlington right off 9A and Monument in the Brooks Rehab Building.   Now, I'm not saying his former partner was a bad doctor-- not with that many awards-- but I didn't like the other doctor and that's the honest truth. I'm allowed my opinions, and my two experiences with the former partner were unpleasant.   Now I feel much freer to help Dr. Baptista with his newer patients! I'm pleased to say Dr. Baptista asked me to start attending the monthly support group so I can provide cheerfulness and inspiration to a group that has recently begun to focus on negativity in his opinion. One subject he mentioned specifically I could help with was the low carb diet. Many have difficulty in going beyond what's on the face of low-carb living and consider it bland and without joy.   Do you think I can change that? Yeah, I can. Especially since it's official-- I lost another 7 lbs, and I'm now within 10 lbs of One-der-land! I can do it!   Now the question to ponder is-- what issue with low carb life do people have the most trouble with? I found it easy, so I have no clue where to begin. I need opinions, here!
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Moving My Blog

Well, I'm not Band Groupie, but I am having trouble keeping up here on LBT, especially my blog. So, I've moved to an old blog I kept while preparing for surgery and now it serves as my Bandster Cookbook.   http://fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com   Please come join me there. I'll still post here now and then, but mostly there.   Lena
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January 22, 2010 A Happy Scale Whore

As anyone in our sisterhood of Scale Whores Anonymous (SWA) knows, I'm the nut case who keeps track of her weight by writing it down on the bathroom mirror with a wipe-off board pen.   I have an antiquated bathroom scale that looks like it belongs in the Art Deco Revival era several decades ago, and I love it because of that beauty. I know it's not accurate, but I step on it anyway every day. (That's why there's an SWA-- we're compulsive about it.)   Last month, just before Christmas, when I stepped on the scale at the doctor's office, I got a nasty shock. Despite repeated attempts to be very good, I'd *gained* a pound. EEEK!   So, I was determined to get back on the wagon. I pulled out the old food journal and locked all the carb contraband out in the cabinet outside.   My scale said I lost. At one point it dipped down to 205 lbs, and my shriek of joy should have shattered the bathroom window. (Thank you, tempered glass.)   Still, I drove with butterflies in my stomach to the doctor's for my monthly weigh-in. Would his infinitely more accurate scales show how hard I'd been working? When my turn finally came, I stepped on the scale.   The nurse gasped.   My heart sank. I was doomed. Done in by that tangerine I had a week ago. *sob* One little cheat had cost me.   "OMG, Lena!! You've lost TEN pounds!" The nurse did a jig with me. Later, doc gave me a hug. I'm back on the road to One-der-Land, and I think I see it rising out of the mists in the distance. :thumbup:
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January 19, 2010 One Year Later

My bandiversary was January 2. One year, 75 lbs lighter. I'm no longer a size 26, but a svelte (for me) size 18. According to my doctor, I have another 50-70 lbs left to go. Is he insane? Okay, I'll play along. After all, he's not been wrong yet.   Funny thing is, I'm still a size 26 in my head. I still slink through the lingerie section, expecting to be chased out by the sales clerks and sent to Lane Bryant.   I'm still shocked when some man ignores my wedding ring and (gasp) flirts with me.   On the other hand, I'm doing things that just wouldn't have been possible a year ago. I exercise three times a week and think it's fun. I bowl with my family, and we're talking about hitting the beach when the weather warms.   My husband wants to go on a second honeymoon (technically it would be a first. We were too poor back then) and scuba in Bermuda, and I actually think that's a great idea. I proposed taking up water-skiing too.   I fix my hair and put on makeup, and I smile at the woman in the mirror, even if I hardly recognize her without the bags under her eyes from sleep apnea, the puffy cheeks, and triple chin. Who is that woman with high slashing cheekbones, full red lips and smoky eyes? Me? Are you sure? Where's the dumpy old broad who spent half her life in a wheelchair or leaning on a cane?   I'm learning to see myself as a thinner, healthier person. I guess it's just going to take more time. Funny thing is, I now have that time. :confused:
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My Doctor Wants Me to Post This

Many folks have a fear of flying, or arachnophobia, etc. Common phobias. Other than a fear of heights, I considered myself fairly fear-free.   Then I lost 75 pounds. That's only halfway to my goal weight, but with everything in my closet falling off me and not enough time to tailor anything but my favorites, my daughter said, "Enough is enough, Mom! You can't make a bra, okay? Time to shop!"   I sighed and gave in. Until we came to the threshold of the lingerie department. My feet wouldn't move further. I stood there, paralyzed with fear some snobby salesclerk would give me the usual contemptuous look. "I'm sorry, Ma'am. We don't carry the larger sizes. May I recommend Lane Bryant at the other end of the mall?" You know, the dismissive flick of the hair, the turned up nose and presenting her back as if you're unworthy to even set foot in her department?   My daughter had to literally trick me to get me in the area by asking me if a certain sexy little bra would work with her wedding gown we'd planned.   Then, because I wasn't the victim/shopper, I could go to her. I was relieved and hoped she'd pulled a fast one, hoping I'd buy her some lingerie for her wedding. To get out of buying for myself there and hoping to go back to buying my lingerie online where I didn't have to be snubbed by salesclerks, I was happy to shop.   My daughter pretended to shop for herself, casually asking my opinion, and eventually she slipped in the question about what size I thought I might be these days.   I fell for it and told her my estimate. After all, I am proud of my much smaller size, even if I'm only halfway to goal.   Quick as a wink, two packages of my size underwear and bras hit the basket. Susan grinned in triumph. "Gotcha, Mom. I saw you admiring these. You can wear them now, you know!"   I gulped. I glanced around furtively, hoping I could make a mad dash for the registers before the salesclerk had me burned alive for sacrilege.   It took me two days to open those packages and try them on. They fit. In fact, they're comfy! My fear is gone, and next on my shopping challenges will be (gulp) buying a pair of jeans in the Misses section, not the "Women's" department. Pray for me!   I decided I'd better mention this horrible fear reaction to my doctor so he could warn the shrink to warn the pre-ops that they might have to face the challenge of a fear of shopping in the normal stores. It's freaky, and I never thought it would happen to me, the clothes horse.   Doctor Baptista said he'd heard of this from several of his patients, but no one had explained it to him until me. He promised to tell the shrink if I'd blog about it.   Save yourselves and shop early and often. Learn to buy one or two pieces as you shrink, or you may face the phobia yourselves. You have nothing to fear from the salesclerks, really. (My mantra.)   All laughter at my expense is welcome. Thank you.
voiceomt2002

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Scared of the Holidays

Oh, dear. It's my kind of nightmare. If worrying about overeating and PBing at family gatherings wasn't bad enough...   I just received an invitation to a (gulp) formal New Year's party. Yeah, the kind where the women put up their hair and wear fancy gowns. The kind that sends a clothes horse like me running to the closet to see if anything she has is "good enough."   My one fancy gown literally fell off me when I tried it on. Yes, I really mean that. I tried to button the neck thingy, lost hold, and the whole dress dropped to pool around my ankles. Darn it, I only wore that stupid thing once. (sigh) Okay, so it was a size 26 or so. :eek:   The host of the party knows I've lost a lot of weight, and he sent a note telling me that while the "formal" was important, he told me to do my best but don't fret. Such a sweetheart! :wub:   Then I went to my very favorite silky pantsuit. (Wince) Same thing with the silky pantsuit, only the pants ended up around my ankles and the top, well, let's just say Santa's bag would fit better. Oh, dear. :confused:   Um...Anyone know a used formalwear shop?
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Stop Dressing Like a Fat Woman?

“Lena, stop dressing like a fat woman!” Those were the words of my co-workers and fellow teachers at JoAnn’s Fabrics this past weekend. My only pair of new size 18 jeans were dirty, so I’d thrown on my old size 24 black jeans, a nice shirt, and my favorite black butterfly brocade jacket. I thought I looked pretty snazzy, even if my jeans were held up by my belt. Apparently, I was wrong. The two sewing instructors insisted on giving me a detailed analysis of how I need to cut down my clothes and re-tailor them to fit. Moreover, my lovely butterfly jacket is “only something fat women wear to hide their rolls of flesh.” (Oh, dear. Ummm...I love that jacket.) Guess this means I’d better pull out some of my patterns and make myself some new clothes or my co-workers may just rip my clothes off my body next meeting! EEEK! Still, what they said bugs me. Do I dress like a fat woman? What does a fat woman dress like?
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What a Difference a Year Makes

On Saturday, Dante, my DD Susan, and I went to the Jacksonville Zoo. Not that big of a deal, right? It was for me. One year ago, I couldn't have hauled my badly overweight carcass around a grocery store, much less acres of walking trails. I would have been humiliated and restricted to one of those expensive rented electric carts, unable to ride the train or get "up close and personal" with the exhibits. I'd have been in my black stretchy knits, hoping no one noticed how sweaty I was. My swollen feet would have been crammed into my black Crocs, just so my feet could breathe and cool me. A few years ago, I would have jonesed for a cigarette and been unable to satisfy my craving because the electric carts would have been difficult to get to the few places where smokers could be.   This year was radically different than all years past where I sat in my wheelchair while Dante and Susan had fun. This year I was in size 18 jeans and a pink tee shirt, bouncing all over the zoo in my white tennis shoes, with my energy level equal to a power plant. I was the one hauling Susan and Dante hither and yon, running to take a picture here, ooohing and ahhing at the lovely creatures, while they struggled to keep up.   This year, Dante leaned on his cane, sweated, and begged for a chance to sit down. I graciously found places for him to sit and rest while Susan and I bounced around like both of us were 24 years old instead of just Susan. We got him cool drinks and held his place in line while he limped off to rest or smoke. The zoo is smoke free, so he took only one smoke break out on a dock on the Trout River.   Susan and I yanked the camera out of each others' hands to take pictures whenever we saw a great shot, depending on who had the best angle. We finally had to leave because DH would get off work soon, so we missed the Australian/African portion, but we did stop long enough for a quick visit to Stingray Bay to pet a stingray. :crying:   You can see my pictures in this album:   http://s516.photobucket.com/albums/u323/voiceomt2002/Home%20and%20Family/ I'm proud that I was the one who walked and didn't get tired, didn't blow my diet, and enjoyed myself. Next time, I think I'll take DH for a romantic stroll. He can keep up with me. (Big Grin)
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The Last NSV?

I've just returned from my monthly visit with Dr. Baptista, whom I still adore. However, I finally realized I don't care what my weight is anymore. I'm losing weight, though it comes off in about 5 lb increments.   I'm wearing size 18, down from size 26, jeans. I'm wearing a 38B bra. I mowed our 3/4 acre lawn a couple weeks ago. I've not gone to the beach yet, but that's in my future when warm weather returns.   The biggest change is in my head. I'm no longer obsessed with food, or my diet, other than watching what I eat so I don't throw up and waste food. It's just fuel so I can get back to the business of living.   I never thought I'd say that. This year, I don't care if there's candy in the stores. The thought of eating the whole bag like I did on a previous Halloween isn't there. I don't want it.   It's the non-food stuff I care about now. Gee, the grandchildren are going to need new warm pajamas. I'd better go make them some. Let's carve the polyurethane foam pumpkins and string some spooky orange lights! Gee, my DH is so tired on weekends. I'd better go mow the yard and mulch that flowerbed. We're going dancing on Thursday night? Super! Where are my shoes?   Food? Uh, no thanks. Not hungry. No really, no thanks. Want to go for a Ghost Walk?
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A Sigh of Relief

This morning, DH drove off to his new job. It's been a long, horrible six months of unemployment. We haven't lost the house yet, and if the promises are even close to accurate, we won't.   Ironically, we don't want to celebrate. While not trying to sound pessimistic, this is still technically a temporary job. DH must prove himself. I know he can do the job, and he knows what's at stake.   Meanwhile, I have a novel to finish and a guild meeting to attend. Now to find some clothes that don't fall off my body! LOL!
voiceomt2002

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Dancing in the Rain

I found a quote yesterday that I've made my own in this time of hardship for my family.   "Life isn't about waiting for the storms to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."   Since my banding last January, we've had a horrible time with my DH losing his job in March, the threat of foreclosure, a cancer scare, more medical issues, and even a death of an infant recently.   Through it all, we've tried hard to keep our chins up. It hasn't been easy, and we've been forced to use pills like Tylenol PM to help us sleep despite our physical and mental pains.   I won't say there haven't been good things like my daughter coming to live with us. There have been. They just got overshadowed. Still, we kept fighting and trying to find positives.   Now there's a tiny ray of hope on the horizon. DH got a job offer last week. He's in the pre-hire process, and we live on pins and needles, waiting for the phone call that will tell him what time to come in on the 8th. Until then, we refuse to celebrate. We're scared to even bake him a small cake. Cross your fingers, pray, light candles, or whatever is your way of thanking the Creator for me.   We're still dancing in the rain, and praying we don't get struck by lightning.
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My Sweet Spot At Last

For someone who's scared to death of needles, I have to say I almost enjoy my fills. This last, however, was perhaps the most challenging. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy! I've already dropped a few more pounds since my doctor visit two weeks ago. This has produced some interesting clothing mishaps.   However, I'm still wary of attending the upcoming holiday events with my loving family. Bless them all, they don't understand and can't seem to "get" that I can't have ANY carbs-- no pasta, no rice, no potatoes, no sugars, no corn, peas, winter squashes and sweet potatoes. No, not "just one bite or just this once" (frustrated sigh) I've repeated myself explaining until I'm blue in the face and annoyed.   Well, I'm done. I've turned down the family dinner invitation in favor a peaceful evening with my DH, brother, and daughter. They get it. They're benefitting as I can now take on and share household chores without getting out of breath or limping because my feet and knees couldn't take my weight before. Now I mow the lawn, pull weeds, scrub floors, and wash the car. It's fun to be healthy!   Next goal__ One-der-land!  
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My Replacement for Stress Eating

This is my cure for stress to replace eating-- crafts! I'm very proud of this wall hanging, because it's not just a small quilt. It's a wall safe. On the back are pockets where you can hide small valuables and money. Not a lot, but enough to keep your most precious things safe but ready to use.   Yes, that's an applique of a red dragon in the center. Now I just have to decide whether to sell it on the internet or give it as Yule gift.
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Working it all out

Well, DH still is out of work, and we almost went into foreclosure, but a friend rescued us. Now if they start foreclosure, it'll be at Christmas. If DH doesn't have a job by then, well, we have a contingency plan.   Nice thing is, I'm still dropping weight. It's coming off more slowly lately, but I actually don't mind so much. I have a chance to adjust my clothes instead of finding out at the last minute that the pants bag or fall right back down to my ankles. (That was a shock the first time it happened.)   Clothes I haven't worn for years are now the mainstays of my wardrobe, and I can't wait for cold weather and my leather jeans, SIX SIZES smaller than I was a year ago.   My senior editor wants pictures, but I'm resisting until I hit Onederland.   Back to work! :biggrin:
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Avoiding Mindless Eating

We all do it. However, for a bandster, the results can be very uncomfortable.   The reason it can be difficult to eat healthily is that "hidden persuaders" can lead you into bad eating habits, says new research. Try these tips to avoid mindless eating: Be aware of the size and shape of containers. It's the amount of food that counts, not what it looks like.
Use smaller plates and bowls. Empty plates and bowls, even those of a smaller size, cue some people to stop eating.
Read nutrition labels, paying attention to the serving size listed. Consider the facts; don't guess at how many calories you're eating.
Look past the packaging. The wording on a food's package or the language on a menu can influence you to actually like a food better, increasing your risk of overeating.
Keep visual reminders of how much you're eating. Keep wrappers, empty containers, bones, and other reminders of how much you've eaten nearby.
Think about eating a meal that's healthier overall. Don't just focus on separate parts of the meal.
Control your impulse purchases. Don't let signs encourage you to buy more than you need.
For us, it's more than just gained pounds. My DH hates sitting at the table to eat meals. Worse, he pouts and grumbles when I sit at the table, even though we have a relatively open concept home where we are still technically in the same room.   I've been reading the labels as far as serving sizes, and actually measuring out the portions of the snacks. Y'know, it isn't worth it. When you measure out the teensy number of ounces of pretzels and look at the carbs, it's just not worth eating them! Now, by the time I've chowed down on some cheese or a crudite tray, I'm not only full, I'm guilt-free!   Funniest thing of all, I no longer mindlessly shop, either. We're still laughing over the fact that some so-called "diet" foods provide no benefit whatsoever (okay, so 20 calories lower. Yay. Wow. I'm so not thrilled) for half again the cost? Uh, NO!   I thought I'd freeze to death reading all the labels in the grocery freezer section, trying to find out which so-called "diet" whipped topping actually was the most beneficial, but now I know. With the correct serving size, I now enjoy a little dessert guilt-free.   We're still laughing. And we're saving a ton of money by not buying the methyl-enthyl-bad-stuff with ingredients I can't pronounce, much less spell. All in the name of "diet." Goodbye, diet. Hello, Thinking.
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Pinwheel Appetizers

Was I skeptical when I saw rice in this recipe? You betcha! However, this is wild rice, and you're talking a little bit of rice spread on 36 appetizers. When you need a fast, cool, and cheap appetizer, this wins hands down.   Since I can't get the image to resize smaller, here's the URL: http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u323/voiceomt2002/Recipes/Recipes--%20Appetizers%20and%20Party%20Foods/LCPinwheelAppetizers.jpg   See if you agree with me.
voiceomt2002

voiceomt2002

2
 

Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf

I may have posted this before. If I haven't, I'm sorry. This may be the ultimate bandster food-- ground meat, cheese, and tasty enough to keep feelings of deprivation as a distant memory. Now, I have to admit I've skipped buying different kinds of ground meat and stuck to 2 lbs of ground beef. Sorry, it's cheap!   Also, to "dice" the bacon, I cheat and use my kitchen shears. Someone told me to only partially defrost the bacon and chop it then, but I'm not too bright in the morning and handing me a sharp object before noon isn't wise. LOL! Enjoy!  
voiceomt2002

voiceomt2002

4
 

Bandster Slow Poke Jambalaya

This recipe originated at SavingDinner.com. However, I had to alter some portions of it to make it reasonable for bandsters. I personally encourage the use of the Body Clutter Menus from SavingDinner.com. With minor alterations, most can be used by bandsters.     Bandster Slow Poke Jambalaya     Serves 6 (If they eat tiny portions. For hungry adults, double this recipe)     1 cup chopped green bell pepper 1 cup chopped onion 1-1/2 cups chopped fresh tomato 1 cup chopped celery (or if your band won't take celery, substitute a teaspoon of celery salt) 1 clove garlic, minced 1 T. dried parsley or 2 T. fresh parsley, chopped fine 1 tsp. Dried thyme 1 tsp. Oregano 1/8 tsp. Cayenne pepper (Note: We like it hotter, so we added 1 tsp. Toni Chachere's creole seasoning) ½ tsp. Salt (omit if you used the celery salt) 4 oz. Smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces 8 oz. Boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces (we used 4 pieces of skinned chicken thigh because we didn't have chicken breasts and thighs are cheaper) 2 cups low sodium beef broth (or homemade, as we did) ½ lb. Cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined. (DH recommends getting the kind with tails off, but that's up to you. The tails do add flavor, believe it or not, so they're worth the extra trouble) Separate: 1 cup cooked brown rice     In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients except the shrimp and rice. Give it a stir, cover, and cook on low at least 6 hours. Add shrimp and cook for another 20-30 minutes. For non-bandsters, a bit of rice in the bowl, then pour their serving over the top. Bandsters don't get rice.     These nutritional values are for a serving with rice:     232 calories 7 g. fat 25g Protein 16g carbohydrates 3g dietary fiber 93 mg cholesterol 474mg sodium
voiceomt2002

voiceomt2002

2
 

The Sweet Spot of Success

While my personal life is still a bit of a mess with DH still out of work, I finally stopped stress eating. My daughter has provided all the buddy system I needed, and I've begun to drop weight again.   It's been funny. The jeans I loved and carefully altered to fit me at my top weight     dropped off my butt a month ago. LOL! They now reside on my sewing table, sans the added material, waiting for tailoring to my new size. As of this morning, I weight 228 lbs, a size I've not seen in over ten years. I've lost almost 60 lbs in six months!   Despite minor health issues left over from carrying around all that bulk for so many years, I'm fit as a fiddle. I don't think about walking around a grocery store whereas once it was an onerous and painful journey just to buy groceries.   Do I have skin batwings on my arms and resemble a Shar Pei puppy? You betcha!     I'll have to get pictures of my garden, once the heat advisory here in Florida breaks. For now, it's Father's Day. We're having Jambalaya, and I have no worries. (No, I won't eat the rice! LOL!) Yes, after I've checked out this new recipe and made bandster adjustments, I'll post it.   Lena
voiceomt2002

voiceomt2002

7
 

New Motivational Force-- One Daughter

My daughter (DD3) has moved in with us. She's 24, and hadn't been able to find work in her field in Denver. Hence a desperation flight to us filled with hope. Since she works in the same fields as my DH, we have hope they'll motivate each other.   DD3 has another motivational point in her favor. Like me, she tends to be overweight. She's 5'10" and weighed a couple of pounds more than I did when she arrived.   Immediately, she saw the benefits of dieting with me on the buddy system. We've each lost four pounds! Woohoo! This is going to work!
voiceomt2002

voiceomt2002

1
 

Recipe --The Lasagna Solution

Next week is one of those weeks that will test me and my band. Two of my daughters and two of my grandchildren will live here with DH, Dante, and myself. Our grocery bill just doubled. Thank goodness, it's only temporary.   However, in the meantime, I must return to dollar-stretching meals like casseroles, shepherd's pie, pot pies, lasagna, chili, and stews.   Fortunately, there are low-carb and band-friendly solutions to these problem recipes. I'll start with the one everyone quite rightly fears-- lasagna. This is a challenge, with its layers of pasta. However, there is a solution, and fortunately, it's available right now. Zuchinni!   Yep, the ol' zukes, sliced lenthwise on my mandoline (v-slicer, not the musical instrument) become thin, flexible substitutes for the thick, gooey pasta for even cheaper! Hooray!     Notice that the recipe I posted is already not really a BAD one for carbs at 27g per serving. By using a few slabs of zuke on one end (one corner does the trick), I can have the same sauce, cheese, and deliciousness as my family with no feelings of deprivation or extra work making two meals. (I am not a masochist!)   I'd love to buy one of those ceramic pie birds to mark which end is mine, but until then cutting into the lasagna and serving whatever appears on the correct plate is fine. Cut in one end and find pasta? That's the family's side. Find zukes? Mine! LOL!   Yep, I'm looking forward to this.
voiceomt2002

voiceomt2002

5
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