DynamoMini

Paulax - take it! Congratulations! You are on your way towards goal. Teachlady - Congrats to you too! You are so very disciplined, you never need to see the Twotervilles again. This is it! Hurrah!

See you all tonight at 7 pm at Red Robin at Arapahoe and I25! I think I counted 5 people coming, anyone else?

For me, my weight loss is just beginning. However, my family has always treated me as "poor fat Michelle," they almost don't know what to say to me. Who is going to take the place of "poor fat Michelle?" Friends are basically supportive. I do have one overweight friend who is trying to be ok with this. I can see her struggling with the idea that I am going to be a normal weight. It is like she is apologetic about eating in front of me and about herself, which is a weird behavior. I figure it will either blow over or we won't be able to be close friends any more. For me, I have come to grips with this in stages, which will continue as I lose weight. I had to first accept that I deserved a healthy life. I work on being my own cheerleader, because I am changing my whole concept of how I see myself, let alone how the world accepts my changes. Thanks for the opportunity to share!

Hi! Happy Tuesday! Way to go Woofay! How great is it to be two sizes smaller than the last shopping trip? I was lucky to have a "short" friend bring me some of her clothes she hasn't been able to part with. She had Gastric bypass last June and has lost 96 pounds. Amazing the transformation! I think it has been somewhat more rapid weight loss than I am experiencing, and she is doing really well and taking her vitamin supplements seriously. Anyway, I was sure that none of her clothes would fit, but I was pleasantly surprised that everything fit, it is just down to which ones are "my style" and what is the most flattering. I loved that all the hems are right. I told her to make a pile of other stuff she out "grows", although she is almost at goal. What a great gift! I am going to NYC for a week June 19 - 26 for a wedding and family visit. I don't want to buy much new clothing, but my old stuff looks pretty dumpy. I figure Walmart and Kohl's should work for a couple of outfits. Isn't it fun that we can talk about style and clothing? I made an appt for Dr. K to fill me on Thursday morning. I am not restricted. So I think another fill would help me. I wasn't scheduled until July, but with my weight loss slowed, I figure why not? At least I'll get a day a adjustment before Dr. K goes to Africa. See you tomorrow night at 7pm. Can't wait, maybe I will wear one of my "new" outfits. Hugs,

Hi! Happy Tuesday! Way to go Woofay! How great is it to be two sizes smaller than the last shopping trip? I was lucky to have a "short" friend bring me some of her clothes she hasn't been able to part with. She had Gastric bypass last June and has lost 96 pounds. Amazing the transformation! I think it has been somewhat more rapid weight loss than I am experiencing, and she is doing really well and taking her vitamin supplements seriously. Anyway, I was sure that none of her clothes would fit, but I was pleasantly surprised that everything fit, it is just down to which ones are "my style" and what is the most flattering. I loved that all the hems are right. I told her to make a pile of other stuff she out "grows", although she is almost at goal. What a great gift! I am going to NYC for a week June 19 - 26 for a wedding and family visit. I don't want to buy much new clothing, but my old stuff looks pretty dumpy. I figure Walmart and Kohl's should work for a couple of outfits. Isn't it fun that we can talk about style and clothing? I made an appt for Dr. K to fill me on Thursday morning. I am not restricted. So I think another fill would help me. I wasn't scheduled until July, but with my weight loss slowed, I figure why not? At least I'll get a day a adjustment before Dr. K goes to Africa. See you tomorrow night at 7pm. Can't wait, maybe I will wear one of my "new" outfits. Hugs,

Woofay - I'm sooooo happy that your fill went well. I am going to stand up this time (Drews - hint) and I think that will give me a truer reading. I only got .9 so I imagine I could use more. I also am bucking up to be more honest about my intake. I joined www.calorieking.com and am tracking my food and exercise. Once I get it down it will be wonderful. The program does all the work for you. It was a wonderful day today. Drews - so glad you are feeling chipper. It helps to not be in pain and want to move. See you Wednesday! Hugs - Woofay, Drews, Lap Dancer, Mal, me.....! on Wednesday at 7. Anyone else?

Terri - Wow! You can really see the weight loss, up close and personal. It is fantastic. Congratulations! Kat 817 - as a former special education teacher, reading specialist, yadda....yadda. I think it is great to try and figure out what part of her learning isn't coming together. Does she always know the alphabet, upper and lower cases? Does she know and recognize numbers and colors? If you put three colored blocks in front of her could she match the pattern, and add the pattern herself? Is her vocabulary and speech good for her age? Can she follow three step directions? There are lots of issues, especially if she could additionally have had some prenatal stuff with mom (meth). Most school districts offer child find, where they would evaluate her. If they are just saying immaturity, make sure they have really evaluated what is the immaturity. Sometimes it is better to go through private agencies, but I always like to start with the ones your taxes support. Good luck, you are really in a wonderful place to make a difference, she is young and can be really helped. She is a lucky girl to have a loving grandma. I am getting a fill on Friday. I can eat anything and don't feel restriction. I noticed I can chug water now, where I couldn't do that before. I can eat two cups of salad, no problem. And I lost 1/4 pounds since ten days ago. I think I need a fill and I have also started tracking my food on calorieKing.com. I think I had become a little too generous. Not crazy eating, but more calories. I will continue with working out 5 days per week , which revs up this old girl's metabolism. What has changed for me is that I'm not beating myself up. I am tweaking the system. Yay me! Hugs and best wishes all on the beautiful Monday.

Howdy all! I went for my Monday weigh in and I had lost 1/4 pound. That is after 10 days, so I called the office and I am going in on Friday for a second fill. I didn't have much of one the first time. I agree Woofay - it is a little nerve racking when you don't want to be too tight, but not too open either. I also joined calorie King to log my food. I think I have been somewhat indulgent, but not really bad. I exercised today and realized i had kind of lazy last week. Only went to the gym three times. My life is pretty sedentary since my kids are older, I'm retired and my hobbies are reading, sewing and painting. Now, I am not down on myself, just facing the music and getting real here. The tea ceremony and yoga was at another place, not at my gym, but they do have yoga (without the tea and cookies) there. I went to Co. Springs and thought about you Anita. I saw my son, who is going to UCCS. My mother and I took him to Olive Garden. Then to American Furniture Warehouse where I bought him a table and chairs, because I didn't see anything I liked for me and they were having a good sale, and I am a generous mother........ So he's very happy and lucky. Here is the Red Robin address. You can use mapquest to find the best way for each of you. Red Robin America's Gourmet Burgers and Spirits - Greenwood Vlg ... Address:. 8585 E Arapahoe Rd Greenwood Vlg, CO 80112. Phone: (303) 771-3350 ... Red Robin is a GREAT place for burgers and sandwiches! ... denver.citysearch.com/profile/1809094/greenwood_vlg_co/red_robin_america_s_... Who is coming? Drews, Woofay, Lap Dancer, Mal, anyone else? See you there at 7 pm. Hugs and have a great day everyone, Michelle

Teachlady - Congratulations! You deserve all the praises and our adoraton. You are working very hard with your band. Good for you. Kat - I liked what you said. I would love to meet another love to share the beautiful life we have been given. On a personal note, I am considering scuba classes. Has anyone gotten certified and then rented equipment in Mexico? Hugs and happy Sunday to all you Violets,

Happy Sunday all! So glad that we have this spot of support! You guys are the best, can't wait for Wednesday! I will email an address soon. OOps! gotta go.

Woofay - thanks for the reminder. I went to this really cool tea and meditation workshop today. The yoga teacher said, "Imagine you see someone in your family that you love dearly struggling with their life. Now imagine the love and compassion you feel towards them. Surround them with this wealth of love, kindness and compassion. Now, imagine that instead of the other person, it you in this circle of love, kindness and compassion. Give yourself those gifts." I thought she was brilliant. I learned about tea, tea ceremonies and something in yoga that I had never heard of. It is all these hand positions (forgot what they were called) and when you put your hands in these positions certain organs of your body are sent healing energy. Remind me and I'll show you at Red Robin. I realized that I am not as relaxed as I think I am. I have been having herbal tea at night before I go to bed. It fills me with warmth and comfort. I think I'll go back to the restorative yoga classes (better for the knees) I was going to. My health club offers classes on Tues and Thursday mornings. See you Wednesday and thanks again! I need reminding.

lauraj23- Welcome to Twoserville (I think that is the expression! Wow! That is wonerful! You are doing it even with all the exciting stresses. TracyK - welcome back. My husband, Ira, was addicted to buying tools. It used to drive me nuts (and bolts). I agree it is hard to combine two people's life passions (yours for a house and his for trucks). Do you think he is sabotaging the house hunt because he doesn't want a house? Maybe he doesn't even know why he does it. Ira also kept adopting inappropriate dogs and bringing them home to his house before we got engaged. It was his way to say, he just wasn't ready. Ira died 6 1/2 years ago, I miss him everyday, not the crazy tool buying, but the sounds of the machinery in my garage. Not the mess of sawdust but the smile on his face when he was making it. So, I know it sucks, maybe you guys can compromise and be happy. Like next "truck" is a house..... hugs to you. Ladies I loved the doggie pics. I will try to include one that shows my two Shih Tzus, Sammi (female) and Teddy. They are so sweet, my babies. Happy Saturday!

Happy Saturday Everyone! I am getting excited for our get together on Wednesday. So far I know that Drews, Mal?, Woofay, Lap Dancer? are coming. Anyone else? If you've told me.... sorry I have middle aged brainage working here and it woasn't on purpose. Just let me know before Wednesday so I can get enough seating. I am a little jealous that you all are getting second fills. I am much less restricted than I was. But then my dieting pattern is really kicking in. It is hit reallyhard (being perfect) then slowly as the weeks go by there is a gradual (I wanna try this or that, or eat more....) which gets the taste buds going again. I will see what the scale says on Monday, but I am already not having a protein shake every day, but eating protein instead. Probably eating I am at 45 grams instead of the recommended 60 - 80. I have to say I feel great, though. I am going to write down everything today to get back under control. I feel so stupid that I haven't mastered this! Hugs to you all, Michelle

marcyinak - PB is a productive burp. It happens when food gets backed up and sometimes comes back up, yuck. However, this happened to me and it isn't like vomiting when you are sick, just the extra food comes back out and it was a relief. Sliming is also when you eat too quickly or gulp too much and it is a gurgling in the back of the throat that causes excessive saliva. These happen when you have good restriction in your band with a fills of saline solution that tightens the stomach opening. Now, these have been my experiences with them, and other people might have completely different descriptions or reactions. Hope that helps, remember these are features of being banded. They are also the features that help us bandsters not regain weight or overeat in the first place.

Mal - Yiippeeeeee X 2! So glad that all is well. He is a good surgeon. So, did he fill you? I am not having a fill until mid July because of many trips and visitors. At least you got the thumbs up! Hugs!

Hi Violets! laura - You are soooooo close, you'll be there soon. I know that is how I feel too. I want it NOW! Wenjea - I had a lot of port swelling. I iced, and iced and it would still bulge. When I got a fill one month after surgery there was a pocket of serus fluid that the doc hit going into the port. It gushed out when he pulled the needle out. I don't have swelling anymore. So maybe what you have is that. Mine wasn't just absorbed by my body, like they said it would. ginabobeana - sorry your doc had an emergency, sucks actually because you were all geared up. I hope you can get filled at the next appt. Teach - let us know how it feels to go back. There is a part of me that "goes home" when I go back into my school. Tho' after being there a while, the memories, some not so great, come back, and it feels wonderful to walk out without feeling responsible for everything. Hugs. mdrai - so glad your healing is going well. You are a star! I was really grateful for my healing time becuase I didn't feel that gnawing hunger. Yeah!!!! Have a great weekend everyone!

marcyinak - Welcome!!! We love having you here. Well, you can give us your view of the midnight sun through words and pictures. It is something I've always wanted to see. The Northern Lights as well. I have seen them when i was in Seattle, but with the light pollution and angle it wasn't as spectactular as it will be from Nome. I gather that you are doing most of the stuff with Dr. K on the phone, otherwise I was going to extend and invite to our get together on June 6th. Well, you do have to pay and arm and leg for milk and fresh veggies, etc. I thought Alaska was a romantic place and have visited Anchorage and gone on a cruise through the inland passageway, lovely. So much wildlife and raw beauty. I imagine it is getting more civilized as the population grows. Have great weekends everyone!

Welcome Beckie - So glad you are already doing some of the headwork that goes with the bandwork. You'll be miles ahead if you do. Consider this a journey to feeling good about yourself inside and out. For me, I'm on a roller coaster that goes up and down, but each day closer to where I want to park it. Good luck with your surgery.

Drews - It will come right off when you are able to move again. Just remember this isn't the last supper any more this is life, You are doing great! I can't wait until Wednesday either. I am even thinking, now what should I wear, like this is a date of something. Gees. I gotta get a life. Smiling here when the dogs aren't barking, Michelle

Kat - thanks for sharing a little of your life with us. I enjoyed hearing about the Fiesta Days - fair, carnival, rides, grandkids and all. To think we used to get really worried about social occasions and food. How it will look to eat...what others will think if I eat that..... or that much....pretending not to eat, but wanting it so badly then bindging for days after to make up for the food I didn't eat in front of other people. It is amazing how our perception of the world is as affected by our weight loss, as their perception of us. I love that I can really pick and choose and not stuff, yet feel really satisfied. Hurrah for our bands. You have worked so hard for this feeling of contentment. Good for you! Bravo!

tropicana - I don't think he does either. He did say the 38 or above with other medical problems was the criteria he looked at for me... but then everyone has their own reasons. You might call and ask. Drews - how ya doing?

Good Afternoon Violets! Wow! I read that post about the woman who was doing her own fill. Man, I can't imagine doing that, it would be like a form of self mutilation. I had a hard enough time when the doc did it. A fill is a lot different than an allergy shot or insulin! I am redesigning my powder room/bathroom. It is going to be great, but the other project that i thought I could do is now on hold due to money. Don't we hate waiting??? Or maybe I'll just try doing a lot of it myself. OMG! Hugs from a fellow crazy bandster - did I say I was going to tear apart the office and do it myself? OMG!

Mal, you are too funny about your scale! Woofay - here's to teeth. I'm remodeling a bathroom and think oral surgery might be better alternative (just kidding). It is lousy to spend money on something that nobody else sees. But I understand that your mouth can predict your health, so you deserve a healthy body you know. Yeah - isn't it great that it is summer? When I was teaching the week after school was out I was a whirling dervish of activity, then something happened and I'd go catatonic for a month. Wow! You'll be able to read the paper in the morning, or a book, or shop during the day. Yeah! About the scale - Since I don't have a normal relationship with mine, mine is up on a shelf, but I longingly worry and lovingly miss it often. I have official weigh ins at Slim4Life (which wasn't for life for me, I lost 40 then regained it faster last year) - but they still owe me weeks, so I will use their scale as another support system. I go every Monday. I am sitting too much. So I have to "move it sista" if I'm going to lose weight. Since I retired I've adapted this more sedantary lifestyle, which has gotta go. I am looking so forward to seeing you all at Red Robin next Wed. Hugs and positive thoughts too all my bandsters. Amazing how close I feel towards you all.

Thanks Denise. I used to sleep so well, we love menopause! I had a complete hysterectomy at 45 so I was on homones for 7 years, then when I got the lung cancer, they took me off the hormones, now I don't know where I am in the process. I understand that docs are not recommending the number of hysterectomys like they used to. I try to ignore it. Not so many hot flashes any more.

sunnysea - sorry but I understand why you won't be coming back, but you will be with us in spirit. I did have a serus pocket that Dr. k hit when i had my fill, it spirted out and that was then end of that. I am doing well, not losing fast, but doing well. It is great to hear from you, even tho' you live far away, we all love you. Hugs,