Tami_819

A little story...16 yr old gal starts dating a 21 yr guy, he moves in with her family while she's a jr in high school much to the dismay of lots of people. Both work hard..her through school, him with his job, pay their own bills, etc. She plans on the air force after graduation, but instead her & the guy get engaged before her senior year & move out of her mom's home just after graduation, marry the following April....no air force but both with good jobs & a nice place. Is it hard for them? Sure, they are young. Five years later, she's enrolling in school to be a paralegal, he's got a great job. 2 more years and their first son comes along & it's touch & go for his first week in a NICU, 2 years later the next son comes. 4 more years, she's a gestational surrogate for a woman who can't carry her own child. 4 weeks before this child is born, they lose everything they own in a fire, but each other & their boys. They pick themselves up & keep going on. This April, 23 years after they started dating , they are married 21 years, going strong & love the life they have more than anything. Was it wrong to get involved and married at such a young age for this woman? Her best friend since they were 5 asked her the same questions you are thinking and I told her that as long as she was always by my side, i could do anything, get through anything. She has been my rock in some of the toughest moments of my life because life hasn't gone the way i always expected it to go. Some dreams didn't happen, but that's where other doors opened and i wouldn't change one of them for anything because they got me where i am today. There's a bond between best friends and you my dear are a great friend for wanting what's best for yours. And i'm sure it's scary because you don't want to be left behind either (not saying that's how you feel but just in case because it's a change for you too), talk to her, tell her you love her & want the best for her. Share your concern but tell her, if you truly mean it, that no matter what happens you will be there for her. Know though, that this has to be their decision, you can't do that for them. Only time will help them know if it's the right decision for them. Maybe things won't work out before the wedding & they'll see that OR maybe in 23 years, you are sitting there having a great time sharing all the memories of their love together. Wishing you all the best.

I bought the zumba workout dvd set. I love it. It has 2 - cardio dvds & about 55 mins long each, 1 - 45 mins for sculpting & toning, 1 -20 mins for abs & 1 - 20 min that is a express workout, plus the instructional one that goes through all the moves which is longer than an hour. It also came with the toning sticks. My girlfriends that have been over to try them were glad they did that before going to a public workout with others. It's fun but if you aren't very coordinate you could look a little silly but hey you are moving & working the body! The set was $65. Was it worth it? Sure was and i mix in the elliptical as well. I'm not bored with it yet but I did just order Tony Horton's 10 min trainer disc set to add in some additional workouts because i don't always have an hour.

My youngest son would say..."Mom, that's an extra hour of zumba today, better get that butt moving!" ...LOL I personally like moderation and not elimination because there's nothing wrong as long as one knows & can work within their limits, strengths & weaknesses. At least its working for me.

Assuming you are watching your diet and didn't slip anymore than what is your own personal norm, did you skip an exercise routine or maybe just chilled at home a little more than normal? Weigh-in dressed differently or at a different time? A different scale? Maybe switch out the batteries if it takes them? I wouldn't worry about it too much unless you don't see it coming back off within a few more days. And if it doesn't, then i might use a log for food & exercise for a week to see if something doesn't jump out at you.

Oh, that's too funny! What a great start to the week! Congrats on seeing you toes!

Congrats on your weight loss. It's been a while since you posted, but i do hope things are back on track with you & your sister. I think you were in a tough place because if you shared what your BIL told you, he could've ended up in the dog house for opening his mouth but if you didn't do something, you might push your sister away. How are things going now that you've tailored back your conversations with her regarding the band? I would think she sees you losing weight and she know's how you are doing it so if she has questions, when she's ready, she'll come around and ask questions. No one can make her do it, and she has to want to do it. Just be there for her when the time comes. Best of luck on the rest of your journey.

That is just amazing! Congratulations and what an inspiration to all of us!

Thanks Everyone! I have passed my hubby...hehe My next goal is to be down to 199 by my anniversary in April! Keep working hard & I'm sure you can reach that goal!!! It's the little steps.

Glad you enjoyed your night out & were able to find something you were comfortable with for dinner. Someone mentioned Olive Garden and i love it there. I've been there twice since surgery. I go very sparely on the salad due to the dressing and 1 breadstick - it's my treat for the week- but then they have an venetian apricot chicken item that comes with veggies, it's less than 400 calories. The lunch portion is even less. A lot of times, i find it's just a matter of really taking a look at the menu and asking the server a few questions regarding items and surprise, there's one that fits perfectly for the occasion & there's usually always a veggie option for a side if that's what you like! We actually have a local place that bakes chicken parm. I also know that sometimes i overlook the little things when we go out, like the dressing or side dish and it's the hubby who says, "hey watch that, are you sure it's the best choice?" and sometimes he's right (good lord don't tell him i said that...LOL) and other times, i'm ok with my selection. We all walk a line that works for us. For someone to remind us of the calories in fried chicken parm or dressing, it doesn't mean much too me, as i've learned my way counting calories; however, i remember that i was new to the learning curve just a few short months ago and to another newly banded person getting their food portions under control, that little heads up could be a great help to them.

Awesome!!!

Hope you are feeling better this morning.

Good morning everyone. Tami checking in at 211.6 this morning. Ii've got a new exercise dvd workout coming today. Looking forward to try that this evening after work.

Before you join a gym, see if a few in the area will let you come in for a free session to get a feel for each. I personally do not like working out in a gym. I just don't enjoy it & it was a waste way back when i had a membership. With this journey i considered joining again, but i knew that i'd go for a while & then slow down & finally not go. One, it's time i don't have to drive and get there, and two, i'm just not comfortable in that setting. Because we have the room and already had a treadmill & weight set for my son, i went to Dicks & bought an elliptical for myself. I put it on their charge with no interest for a year. That year membership has paid for the elliptical and i can get on it whenever i want with no waiting or sweat from the last person, listen to whatever music i want, etc. It works for me. We also have a wrestling mat and with that i just added a tv with a dvd player so i can do zumba at home. This means have all the benefits of the gym in my own place and best part, i have friends that call up & say "hey are you working out tonight? can i come over?" so the routine is always mixed up. Will that work for everyone?? No, but it's a thought to consider.

Give yourself some time to heal. You know where you made mistakes so just regroup and get going. I have to say one of the hardest things for me was the head hunger so i get that battle completely. It's tough but stick with it because you'll find what foods work/dont work for you and a exercise routine that works when you are ready. Go easy on yourself, it's a learning process for all of us.

I just have to share that as of yesterday morning i have lost 51 pounds!!! A little inside joke with my hubby has been that i'm going to catch his weight and then i'm going to pass him out before he reaches his goal of being a few pounds lighter. I am .6 of a pound away from reaching him. I think that's going to be a bigger victory than hitting the 50 lb loss! LOL That next 50 pounds to go can bring it on because i am going to win & it will be gone just as the last 50 is!

I've had two fills since surgery in October. I can tell you that i'm not at restriction but must be close because if i over fill my plate, which i did at new years & one other time with a salad, i get all teary-eyed & a weird feeling in my stomach. I had to reschedule my last appt with the doc so i don't go til next Weds, but i'm highly considering not getting a fill. I'm watching my calories & exercising faithfully and as long as that is working, i think i'm good with that. I can eat just about anything, except raw broccoli & carrots, with no issues.

I wouldn't give up on not being able to eat pot roast just yet. Might have been too soon for your stomach...still healing and all that. If it's anywhere near as good as it sounded just reading about it, i would try it again in the future just to be sure it's off limits. You might get a pleasant surprise.

I had surgery on a Monday, attempted out of the house Tuesday evening. No go. Wednesday night, i got out a bit but clearly wasn't the best choice as my husband found a short cut (translates into dirt bouncy road) to the parade route...LOL I survived. Went into work Thursday for an hour or so...too uncomfortable to sit at my desk more than an hour. Enjoyed the weekend at home & a few little outtings. Monday, one week after surgery, back to work no problems. You will be tired because of on top of chasing your 3 yr old, you most likely won't sleep the best for a week or two. Rest when you can.

How do you like that p90x? My oldest is a jr high wrestler & they did some workouts the other day at a coach's when they couldn't get to the mats. He came home & told me he'd really like to have it. No doubt you are in a lot better shape than i am, but is this something that i might be able to do? I'm doing zumba 3-4 days a week, mixed in with the elliptical and some minor weight workouts. If i thought we'd both get use out of it, i might consider shelling out the money but i'm afraid it might be too intense for me but to get the older less intense version might not be enough for him. Thanks

I have to agree completely with this. Most of the weeks i've lost something since surgery, but it seems the week before or during my period, i lose nothing. Then two days later 2-3 lbs is off! I am on the scale daily but i know it's going to vary but it's just another tool in helping me keep my diet/calorie intake in check. I haven't gained anything back after losing it, but this way i'll know that i better be eating the right foods or wham it's gonna happen all over again. Personally i can't stand the Protein shakes....any of them! When i realized this, i did a web search for foods that are high in protein and what amounts i need daily to get my full amounts in. I haven't had a shake since i went to mushies! I'm not a big coffee drinker but the i would think too the creamer adds to your calories and the butter. Not sure what you'd substitute for the creamer but try spray butter and spray dressing to knock out some calorie intake there. You said you thought you were doing good but you don't seem sure. Well i think you are doing fine. You just need to fine tune some things that will work for you. Mix it up a bit, see what works and hang in there! Best of luck!

I'm sorry you feel like you are stalling out right now. I would look at your diet and see exactly what you are eating & start a journal for it. food calories add up quicker than you realize. Make sure you are getting the right amount of Protein, eat your veggies and minimal carbs or none depending on your choice. Don't forget lots of Water but no drinks with your meals. Maybe mix up your exercise routine a bit, or throw one in if you haven't started that yet. They say the band will help with limiting your intake. I can't speak for that because with my 2 fills, i haven't felt full yet or found any foods i can't eat except a few raw veggies. However, i've lost 50lbs since being banded in late October so it has to be my diet control & exercise that's doing it for me right now & i'm loving it! It's hard on some days but i keep pushing through. I'm also on my scale every morning, same clothes, same time. I just can't seem to stay off it...LOL I know it will vary day by day, but it keeps me in check. Good luck, i'm sure you'll get on track in not time!

Hi Tami checking in at 213.0 as of yesterday morning! WHOOHOOOO I'm officially down 50lbs!!! Thanks for all the motivation.

Couldnt have said it any better! Great job!

Best of luck with your journey!

Oh, dear! Two more months....eeek! At least I know there should be an end in sight. Thank you!