TerriDoodle

Thank you for coming to visit us Deelooka! ....and as others have said, thanks for being a willing trailblazer! I'm glad to hear that you are happy and healthy!

You are hilarious!!! I can't WAIT for the day we see you zipped up in those babies!!! I just can't WAIT!!!! Ok, everyone... I'll get started on the WWJD bracelets....soon!! I promise! I have to think of a clever design first. That's the hard part. But I'll get there! Off to the gym......

Best of luck with your surgery tomorrow. You'll do fine! And very soon you'll be posting on this thread, my dear! VERY soon!!

I checked with orbitz.com to see if they could bundle airfare and hotel cheaper than doing it separately. Using the February dates above and Bally's hotel for 3 nights, using Orbitz saved me a measely $70. But, hey! $70 is $70! So what I would suggest is this: 1) pick dates 2) pick a hotel 3) Get a rough headcount 4) call hotel catering to arrange for cocktail reception, review menu and get estimate on cost 5) Call lasvegas.com and get estimate for Hoover Dam or Grand Canyon tour (both of which will take most of the day FYI) 6) Get estimate on tickets for show of choice (I suggest Mystere) 7) send email out to LBT folks with all these details and obtain level of interest in tours & show. If there are enough people you may want to book as a group thru agent. Otherwise, book individually. Advise LBT that it's best to book thru Orbitz or Travelocity to save a bit of money if they offer our hotel of choice. Other activities you could plan is lounging by the pool or going for craps or blackjack lessons. People who have seen Vegas may want to lounge and visit with LBT friends. Most Vegas pools are fabulous! Newbies to Vegas may want to take lessons at the casino...it's fun and the dealers are very helpful. For shopping I highly recommend Caesar's Palace mall or the Venetian...but Caesar's is really better...it's HUGE...and so beautiful ...with all the designer stores. Visiting the other hotels is fun too, for newbies. They are all so magnificent. You can get a bus pass for like $15 and ride all day up and down the strip hopping off wherever you fancy.

My boobs are finally bigger than my stomach!!

I spoke with Sherry in group sales at LasVegas.com. Her number is 866-270-2598 You can book group travel one of two ways: 1) individually with individual bookings online, or 2) with one payment coming from the sponsor group. Individual - Each person is responsible for their own reservations and payments. If there are changes and/or cancellations, that individual must make their own arrangements and pay their own penalties, if any. Possibility exists that group can be split up this way if they run out of rooms (or seats, etc) since we would not be reserving as a block. Booking individually online is always the cheapest route. Group/Block - Let's say Mary Smith is the coordinator for LBT. She would have to sign a contract with XYZ Hotel saying that we guarantee we will reserve X rooms for the weekend of Jan. 18th for 3 nights, departing Jan. 21st. We can reserve that block now, but would have to put down a non-refundable deposit (probably 50% of the estimate) by December 1st and provide a rooming list (names on the reservations) by December 15th. The block room rates are not necessarily cheaper. In actuality I was told that they are $30-40 higher because we have essentially taken them out of the market for that period. The same theory applies to tours and shows. If we want to stay together as a group (like in the theater for example) then we'd need to book with one payment to the agent and she will get us a block of tickets all seated together. Obviously this would require that 'Mary Smith' would have to collect the money, then turn around and buy the block of seats with her credit card. 'Mary' would have to decide on the "cancellation policy" ...there will always be someone who has to cancel! Cancellations cost money! If you book individually you run the risk that some might not get to go with the group because it's a 1st come, 1st served thing. I looked at 2 different weekends. MLK holiday (Jan 18-21) or President's Day holiday (Feb 15-17). Almost all Las Vegas hotels require you stay on the Friday night if you have a Sat. night reservation. So I looked at 3 night stays, departing on Monday. I also considered February as an alternative in case January was just too close to Xmas for some people! Weather may be a little nicer then, too. Prices are higher in February for that reason, as well as it marks the beginning of their heavy convention season. Jan 18-21 Bally's 162/night Flamingo 163 Monte Carlo 143 Harrah's 152 Treasure Island 166 Luxor 154 (at the far end of the strip!- need taxi or bus to get around) Imperial Palace 123 (3 star hotel, but good location) February 15-17 Bally's 193/night Harrah's 190 Luxor 233 NY NY 236 Paris 232 Imperial Palace 146 Flamingo 224 I think hotel taxes add on another 15% or so. Whatever hotel you choose, the reception would be the next step in planning. I would suggest calling the hotel and speak to the catering department to arrange a cocktail buffet in a private room. Since we're all such light eaters (!) it doesn't make sense to book a dinner. A heavy hors d'oeuvres buffet and cash bar make the most sense....giving everyone a chance to mingle. A deposit will have to be made for that event, but probably only a month in advance. I'm sure you could probably do something nice for $20-25/head. Another alternative is to book a moderate or nice dinner in a private dining room of a restaurant. This could be pricey on the Strip of Las Vegas....also requires add'l transportation to get there. However, it's nice to get around to see the different hotels...but at the end of the day usually the last thing you want to do is MORE walking!!! So, that's what I found out today! Any questions?

Oh yes, they have beautiful theatres!! O plays at the Bellagio, and Mystere plays at Treasure Island.

Oh, I know you were kidding!! But when I was your age I drank a LOT!! LOL Just remembering what it was like....! I'd say I eat about a cup of food at a time. Yesterday for lunch I had a scoop of chicken salad and a banana with a little peanut butter on it (which was more than normal, but I did get it in). For dinner I had about 3/4 c. cottage cheese and berries -- I was eating light because I was going to the gym later. The night before I had about 3-4 oz. of tilapia and asparagus. Yeah....about a cup.

Yeah, I'll give them a call and see what all they offer. No problem. 2 shows, Hoover Dam and outlet shopping is a lot to do in one weekend! The outlet mall is no better than any other...it's actually kind of small. DH bought some pants there and that is all we bought. I'd suggest shopping at Caesar's or the Venetian instead. It doesn't require transportation if you're staying on the Strip. As for shows, the best are the Cirque de Soleil....O and Mystere. They put all others to shame. The tickets are pricey at $95 or so, but worth every single penny. Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian is also very, very good. Menopause the Musical used to be at the Hilton and I've heard it is absolutely hilarious-- even for the men. I would also suggest one organized event such as dinner or a cocktail reception at the hotel in a private banquet room...maybe on the first night? Gives everyone a chance to get to know one another. These are just some thoughts for you all to consider. I am an exec. sec'y and have organized lots of travel, meetings and outings. I also have been to Vegas many times -- so that's why I feel 'qualified' in making some suggestions. That's all they are -- suggestions!! I'll get in touch with lasvegas.com at lunchtime and will report back!

Didn't I see on another thread that you drink alcohol quite often? That may be part of the problem. You may want to lay off for a week or so and see if that makes a difference.

I'm not sure. It could depend on the doctor. He proctored many of them, so if he knows them he might. If not, he could probably refer you to someone who can.

Morning Everyone! Jenn- What dog?? Did you get a new one? (brain like a sieve) Ok, so my little 'experiment' produced the expected results. Last week my exercise was WAY off...when I skipped 3 days at the gym, I lost 3 pounds! Then the rest of the week I went to the gym but didn't put in my usual effort, especially with the weights...and the 3# stayed gone. So my theory was that the glycogen (water) needed to repair muscles had left my body during that time. I was interested to see what would happen this week as I got back to my routine and really stepped up the weights. Sure enough...I've gained 2# so far which can't be explained by any radical difference in the way I'm eating. Bottom line: Strength training adds scale weight. Scale cannot be trusted as a measure of success. Training logs and measurements can. So there. Tracy - I love your new picture! You are precious! Denise - I can especially tell around your waist and tummy... You're doing it! Our perceptions are just so screwed up about ourselves. Judy - I'll be interested to see if you feel more restriction as the days progress...I did...and 'peaked' at about 10-14 days. Wierd, huh? How are you doing on the slowing down thing? Pamela - GOOD GIRL!!! Sometimes that's the only thing that works...at least until you lose your taste for junk food, which does happen over time. How long are you going to be gone?? You've had a fun summer, haven't you? Check ya'll later! Have a great day!

Any issues with reflux?? I'm just thinking some kind of irritation in your esophagus? Is it TOM? Have you tried going on fluids for 24-48 hours to see if that helps?

You are much younger than me and I think that matters a lot! But I would say that you should plan on 1 week away from your full-time job and two weeks away from your part time job where you're on your feet all the time. Even though you may 'feel okay'....you will become tired easily and rest is very important. Not to mention you won't be able to eat much and you will be feeling a little bit weak because of that. That's my $0.02!

The only foods you should really avoid are bread, Pasta, rice (they do tend to get stuck...and are empty calories for the most part), and sugar obviously. Alcohol because it, too, is high in calories. Carbonated drinks because the bubbles can be a problem. Caffeine because it stimulates hunger...but lots of people still drink coffee and tea anyway!! Other than that you can and should eat healthy foods that you enjoy. Everything you put into your mouth should have good nutritional vaue. You are eating so little, you have to make it count!

Maybe it means different things to different people, too. For me it means I can enjoy almost all foods, just not too much of them. I'm losing slowly but I'm not 'dieting' either. I try to make good choices into a lifelong habit. There is very little I can't eat but I am still losing weight, albeit slowly. To me, that's good restriction. I don't like stressing my stoma and band by PBing and/or sliming a lot...that makes me nervous. I'd rather do it my way. Some people use the bread test: If they can eat bread, they're not restricted enough!

Oh, and by the way...I just got back from the gym so I DID meet my July exercise goal ... 22 of 22 workouts. Whew! That was close!

Oooooo, Michelle....that would piss me off too!!! I think you should go to court...it's worth a shot. Reschedule the date and maybe the cop won't show up and they'll have to dismiss it. (at least that's the way it works here) One time I got a ticket that totally wasn't called for and I went to court. I was so frustrated when i explained it to the judge that I started tearing up!! The judge and the prosecutor (?) looked at each other and had to supress their laughter! That made me even MORE mad and frustrated! Oh well, whatever....he dismissed it!

Uh.... like what? LOL What all would you like me to do? Make contact with the group travel people at lasvegas.com? Get some info?

I would really like to post in my journal! How do I get there? :scales:

No, nothing happens when I click the 'journals' button.... I had my old journal marked as a 'favorite' on my home computer so I was able to get to it that way. The journals button doesn't work for me either here at home, or at work!

Well cool! I'm an Intermediate Level 3! My signature line has the specifics...but doing weights and cardio, 5x a week, 45 mins. minimum. I did meet my July goals...but just barely! Tracy -- I'll be watching youuuuuuuuuu. Hi Pammy!

PAMELA - Get that SHIT out of your house!!!!!!!

Here is my August Exercise Challenge -- I wanted to be more specific with my goals and this is way too long to put in a signature line! Wish me luck! Monday - Upper body + abs 2 of 4 (missed 1*) Wednesday - cardio (cycle & elliptical) 4 of 5 (Missed 1**) Thursday - Lower body + abs + cardio 3 of 5 Saturday - Full Body (no cardio, no abs) 3 of 4 Sunday - Swimming + Sauna 2 of 4 (missed 1) Tracking pool laps: 8/12 - 12 laps total, 6 at one time. 8/13 - 15 laps total, 10 at one time 8/16 - 22 laps total (begin HIIT: can only do 1.5 laps at HI; takes 4 easy laps to recover) *Quit smoking this day, quads are killing me from lunges and fighting an ear infection....just too tired and cranky...need rest) **Quads still hurting bad (wish I could take Advil!!) and huge attitude problem since quitting smoking. Not worried. I'll get back soon. Just need a rest. 8/29 Well, exercise has been almost a total loss this month because of quitting smoking which ruined my attitude, then a back injury from a bad masseuse. I'm trying real hard not to get too down on myself and friends here at LBT are helping so much. I guess I'll start over in September! What else can I do?! Here's a link to 4 month progress pictures: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f91/shrinking-violets-april-07-bandsters-29472/index274.html#post533397 QUIT smoking on August 19th. Lord help me to not gain weight!!! :pray: Major Revelation: Just because you CAN put away 1 to 1.5 cups of food, doesn't mean you SHOULD!! Let me clarify: I had gotten a SB frozen meal for lunch yesterday. I generally HATE any kind of frozen dinner but I was in a crunch. I nuked it when I got back to the office then ended up eating only about 1/2 of it....it was disgusting....and I injested about 150 calories worth of chicken and broccoli. I remained satisfied until 5:00! Ok, so what was my lesson here? 1) I don't need to feel the food backing up into my esophagus before I consider myself 'done eating'.[/color] 2) My instrux are to eat 1/2-3/4 cup of food at one sitting (regardless of if I feel 'full' or not) and that is what I need to do!!! (It's a RULE, dammit) Now, of course, this is totally contrary to the way I've trained myself to eat for the last 49 years and it will take a conscious effort to stop waiting for that full feeling and just follow the rule of 1/2 - 3/4 c of food. I simply need to stop overserving myself. If I am in a restaurant, I need to ask for the to-go box FIRST and load up the extra before I even begin my meal. 4th Fill on Aug. 22 - to 2.8cc's -- 8/29 - UNfill to 2.4cc Weight loss for August was about 2.5#. Bleh.

Here is my August Exercise Challenge -- I wanted to be more specific with my goals and this is way too long to put in a signature line! Wish me luck! Monday - Upper body + abs 2 of 4 (missed 1*) Wednesday - cardio (cycle & elliptical) 4 of 5 (Missed 1**) Thursday - Lower body + abs + cardio 3 of 5 Saturday - Full Body (no cardio, no abs) 3 of 4 Sunday - Swimming + Sauna 2 of 4 (missed 1) Tracking pool laps: 8/12 - 12 laps total, 6 at one time. 8/13 - 15 laps total, 10 at one time 8/16 - 22 laps total (begin HIIT: can only do 1.5 laps at HI; takes 4 easy laps to recover) *Quit smoking this day, quads are killing me from lunges and fighting an ear infection....just too tired and cranky...need rest) **Quads still hurting bad (wish I could take Advil!!) and huge attitude problem since quitting smoking. Not worried. I'll get back soon. Just need a rest. 8/29 Well, exercise has been almost a total loss this month because of quitting smoking which ruined my attitude, then a back injury from a bad masseuse. I'm trying real hard not to get too down on myself and friends here at LBT are helping so much. I guess I'll start over in September! What else can I do?! Here's a link to 4 month progress pictures: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f91/shrinking-violets-april-07-bandsters-29472/index274.html#post533397 QUIT smoking on August 19th. Lord help me to not gain weight!!! :pray: Major Revelation: Just because you CAN put away 1 to 1.5 cups of food, doesn't mean you SHOULD!! Let me clarify: I had gotten a SB frozen meal for lunch yesterday. I generally HATE any kind of frozen dinner but I was in a crunch. I nuked it when I got back to the office then ended up eating only about 1/2 of it....it was disgusting....and I injested about 150 calories worth of chicken and broccoli. I remained satisfied until 5:00! Ok, so what was my lesson here? 1) I don't need to feel the food backing up into my esophagus before I consider myself 'done eating'.[/color] 2) My instrux are to eat 1/2-3/4 cup of food at one sitting (regardless of if I feel 'full' or not) and that is what I need to do!!! (It's a RULE, dammit) Now, of course, this is totally contrary to the way I've trained myself to eat for the last 49 years and it will take a conscious effort to stop waiting for that full feeling and just follow the rule of 1/2 - 3/4 c of food. I simply need to stop overserving myself. If I am in a restaurant, I need to ask for the to-go box FIRST and load up the extra before I even begin my meal. 4th Fill on Aug. 22 - to 2.8cc's -- 8/29 - UNfill to 2.4cc Weight loss for August was about 2.5#. Bleh.