DynamoMini

Evening Violets! Hope everyone is feeling great. I too had a PB, the upchuck kind, when I ate too big a bite of a Thai spring roll, those rice noodles did me in. But after the eruption, all was well. I agree the golfball is a much worse feeling. I will not eat after that. Mdrai - good luck with surgery. It is happening soon, you've waited for such a long time. I think 15 pounds in a month would be a gift. Things for me have really slowed down, that is with working out 5 - 6 days a week and eating under 1200 calories. Tonight I am fighting thoughts of ice cream. But I know that I can make some tea or something without the extra calories. It is just a hungry, craving mind, nothing to do with the stomach or real hunger. It is interesting to note this. In the book "Get out of your mind and into your life" they suggest using the statements "I am noticing that I am having the thought...." it helps put space between the thought. I use it a lot. Hugs to all,

Gosh I love you guys - We have Ovaries with Attitude and marching on Washington. When do we get Woodstock????? Last night I got together with two women that I've known for 32 years, but don't see often. One is in the throes of divorce, the other is perpetually in and out of relationships, and me, a widow struggling to launch my boys and my life again. We laughed, cried and one thing is for sure the bonds are amazing. We are talking about a multiple 60 year old BD party in Mexico or something for the fall. I'm a few years short, one is already over the hump, and the other is coming up on it. They have beautiful bodies and have seen mine through thick and thin. It was great to feel supported and loved by people who aren't jealous or worried that if I lose weight I will change and not be there for them. Here's to good friends. I hope everyone has them. Wishing all of you a happy and healthy Memorial Day!

Tricia - you go girl! You look fabulous! BJean - I think I better get busy with other things. I'm so over Idol, how about you?

Anniejo - you did post yesterday. Welcome! This is a great place for support and information. Green, Devana and BJean - I think the disappearing thing can reflect the state of mind and a level of energy that we project. I know that when I feel good about myself, I get more eyes on me, I can be charming and sociable. I also know that my weight and emotional well being affects what I project. But, society does discount the fat and the aged. So let's rise up and be noticed with our new healthier bodies and bright minds. Now add - the whole being single at this age. As a widow, we have another discussion. Boy that is tough too. However, I know one can be lonely in a relationship as well. Well, on that note. Have a great weekend! Take care of yourselves and eat healthy! Take a walk. Hugs, Michelle

Hi Everyone - I love reading the posts here. So often people over 50 are discounted, but we are brave and working towards the healthy life we deserve. BJean - so glad things are back on track for you! I was nervous about weighing today, but have lost 2 more pounds finally going the right direction. I agree that I have to keep it honest by writing everything down, because I am a calorienesiac. I'm not writing it down, declaring it, so it shouldn't count. What a silly game I play. Have wonderful weekends everyone!

Mal - sweetie - I hope your body just absorbs the extra stuff and the healing continues on your port. You are in my prayers! Woofay - glad things are going well. Drews - hope after the weekend you'll be up and at 'em I want to remind everyone that we are meeting on Wednesday, June 6th at Red Robin on Arapahoe and Yosemite at 7 pm. Be there or be square! I did weigh in "officially" today and finally had a two pound weight loss. yes, Drews it is great to see that damn scale move it's numbers. I took a day off from training and realized I missed it. So tomorrow it is either a big walk or work out. Well, have wonderful weekends. The weather is supposed to be great!

Hi Everyone! I had an "official" weigh in today because of the weekend. I am down to 203 1/4 pounds. I was even wearing slightly cropped jeans, which are full length on me. I am thrilled because my BMI is under 40! Have a great weekend! Hugs,

Tigeriffic - good luck. I too am bruised by my fill. It wasn't the fill, but the attempt to pull a pocket of fluid out of my stomach. It had burst when the doc pulled the needle from the fill out. But all of the fluid had vacated my stomach so the syringe was pulling air - hence the bullseye bruise. Hope all is well. Hugs and happy Friday to all my Violet friends!

Mark - there is no accounting for taste, but you are not alone. This has been a crazy Idol season with the blog to vote for Sanjaya because he was the worst! I kind of thought the internet pics made the season interesting. Now, whose taste should we question? It does really come down to a singing contest and Jordin was better than Blake, but Melinda was better than both and she was voted off because she doesn't have stage appeal. Who's to say? I think I need a life!

Drews - so glad everything went well. I like that there isn't so much damage. you will heal faster. Yeah!!!! Woofay - ok, I don't know if you read my rage against the scale post, but that's me all over. It is very frustrating. I like the idea of eating what I want, within reason. The band will do the rest. I keep telling myself "I am not a number" but damnit I want those numbers to be descending. My trainer says - are you working out? yes are you eating healthy? yes then you are doing fine. I try to replay that over and over. Mal - don't be too afraid of chewing, Dr. K will tell you to. Hugs to all my friends! Wasn't it a beautiful day today?

BJean - told like a real "Hollywood" mom, just kidding! You and Green have a lot more insight to the workings of the music industry. I know that computer downloads have really skewed the profits from music CDs, and Simon Cowell loves when his idols make it big, heard it on an interview, so I know he makes money off them. I suppose you have to really have a huge ego and a tough backbone to make it. My hats off. Hugs to all you idol watchers - what are we gonna do next Tuesday?

BJean - that is a wise thought. Jordin will be able to develop "entertainment" qualities, but she really has a great voice too. I'm glad she won. Last year I really liked Taylor, but now see that the entertainment factor doesn't always convert to idol fame. I was worried Blake would win. He needs a free rein to develop and now he will have it. I wonder what kind of cut Simon gets from record production. Perhaps the people with more freedom like Chris Daughtry can really go for it and have artistic freedom. I'm relieved that the season is over.

Kim - :drum: :rockon: :waytogo::rockon: :cheer2::success1: :Banane40: :wow2: :woot::rockon: So now you know how it feels to be in Onederland. You have done so well, lost so many pounds, you deserve this cheering menagerie of silliness. Can't wait to join you. I appreciate what you said yesterday. It isn't what other people say to me, it so so much more what I say to myself. I am on a journey to unite my mind and body. Hugs to everyone out there. We can do this. :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Kity - I swear those middle school kids don't know which end is up and the response was always - "Just kidding!" I taught 31 years at the middle school (now retired) and most of the time was with special education students. Finally, I switched to ESL or ELA or in eduction we called the group JOB (just off the boat). Giggles. I loved those kids, everything was new and exciting! Especially the kids that had just arrived. Amazing how quickly they were expected to learn the language. Yes, it was English only, which is what I think works. I couldn't imagine going to China and being expected to be competent in the language in one year. I am so impressed with some of your weight losses. Today I struggled with my commitment. I really shouldn't be waiting around to lose weight it causes me anxiety. I imagine that I'm hungry when I can't possibly be - so it's head hunger. Even going to the gym isn't enough diversion. I think I'll get my resume together and teach part time at a private school or something for a year. Hugs all you Violets - welcome Smyly!

Mal - Take is slowly, but you should enjoy eating again. Like I said, lots of docs are much more strict, but Dr. K thinks we are individuals with different rates of healing. I was very happy to chew again. But remember you need to eat like a good bandster. No water for 30 min before and after a meal, chew...chew at least 30 times until the food is mush. Take 30 minutes to eat. Put the fork down in between. You do that and you'll be fine. Have a great weelend!

Ah, the scale - a friend?......a foe?........ a fixation?.......... It is really symbolic of my eating pathology. No one has noticed my weight loss, but I think I'll just smile and say thank you when people ask how much I've lost, are they thinking, "well, how much DID she weigh?" If i am sensitive about it, does it mean I haven't accepted the changed I am making? I have so much baggage from yo yo dieting, family issues, self-esteem stuff, it all comes up when i lose weight. This time with my band I have assembled a team of support people - a psychologist, a trainer and an acupunturist. I will get through it because I deserve a healthy life. Isn't it crazy? I just want to feel "normal" about food, weight and looks. Still in that adolescent faze. I find as each thing comes up now I am addressing the issue presented. So each ouwie is a gift for healing. Sorry to ramble, but there you are. Best wishes all,

Mal - when I double checked with the doc because I was feeling hungry, he never said you had to do the clear liquids that long, it was from 1 - 3 days, then mushies from 4 - 7 days. I was able to do the smallest amount of time in each category. He was emphatic that he doesn't want you to throw up, but does want you to get to regular food as fast as your body adjusts to the band because it stays with you longer. He said that Paula was a little stricter than he was about it. So, I think if you are hungry try getting some good stuff in, eat slowly, see how it digests. I thought refried beans with yogurt were heavenly, and I don't usually eat beans. Who would have thunk it?? Drews - How did the surgery go? Great day for it, with the rain and all, it won't make you antsy to be somewhere else. Hugs and a quick recovery. You are our hero and we need to hear that you are back on your skates! Well, I went and worked out today. That makes four days in a row. As promised I will list my foods: 3/4 cup Uncle Sams cereal 1/2 skim milk 1/2 cup hamburger 1 cup Portebello mushroom soup 1/8 cup shredded cheese I will have a protein shake soon. Don't know about dinner yet. I need to go grocery shopping. I find I love yogurt now. I have been eating those Kashi frozen dinners for meals because they are so tasty and easy. Have any of you found other frozen meals with high protein counts, low calories? Let me know. Keep smiling and stay dry, Michelle

Good Evening Violets! It took me a full 30 minutes to catch up with everyone, I wasn't on the computer much today. Angie - thanks for sharing your marvelous ring, it's a keeper! This is your wedding and you invite whoever you want. Don't second guess yourself, I think it is wonderful that you quickly and clearly responded and I admire that you can set boundaries. That is a wonderful character trait. I had an interesting??? experience. I had my first PB. Yuck! I wasn't stuffing myself, but I did eat while cooking some hamburger, and must not have chewed enough, or ate more than I thought. Old habits die hard. It all went into the garbage. Other than that this has been a great day. Good eating, good exercise, and a good activity level. Well, PB'ing is survivable, but not a feeling I'd sign up for daily. Kat - your party sounds wonderful. It is those life celebrations that make memories. I second the Oriental Trading Company, but lots of the party stores have great luau and jungle stuff. Have a blast planning and decorating. Mal - you are doing a really good thing here. Cheers! The band is a wonderful tool, it makes all the difference to making lifestyle changes. Hugs to you all, you are in my thoughts and prayers - it is amazing how close I feel to you. Blessings.

I wrote this long response to everyone this am, but the aol gods unplugged me. Sometimes I hate the internet. So a quick recap Drews - Best wishes! I'll bet you'll be roller skating in no time at all. I think so much is in the attitude and you have a great one. hugs and a quick recovery! tahillia - good luck and welcome! I'm sure you can find a good fill doc, and I swear by Dr. K. He's a wonderful surgeon. I can't believe you've been through so many surgeries. Wow! Mal - keep up the good work. How are you feeling today? I had some of the stomach swelling, but keep the ice on it and it really works. hugs to you too. Smiling -

Jeni - great job giving yourself a healthy choice of new lifestyle and body! OMG I can't believe it - I keep discovering new aspects of my psychological issues, but with the band I am not cowering, caving in, etc. I went to therapy and raged about me and the scale. I am not a number, but judge the quality of my life and efforts based on the numbers I read. It is a real self-defeating thought process. I am thrilled that I have the opportunity to confront my stuff. Every day I am learning more and getting closer to my goals. Best wishes,

OMG Drews - we have been conditioned all our lives by the scale. It is really hard to pull away and achieve true self-esteem. I am a novice and struggling. Okay - now all you veterans - what is the deal with the heart burn feeling I sometimes get? It is kinda like the golfball, but a little different. Should I worry?

Sexy - good job, after a while you'll be able to eyeball the food. My official weigh found me at the same weight this week. It has caused me emotional/mental problems. I binged at my mah jongg game tonight, I am feeling a loss of control. I have exercised and eaten really well this week, until tonight, I think I will go back to logging my food and posting it. Kind of a get honest with myself process. I know that I am thinner. My measurements have really gone down, two inches in my neck alone. But that DAMN scale! People always say to use it as information, but I really have an issue with it. It is a lifelong issue with me. Something to bring up in therapy. Have a wonderful night Violets! This is a great site.

Connie - I am so sorry for your loss. Knee replacement isn't a big deal, I'm sure you are all shocked. collector - you are doing great. I am working at not being a scale whore and I put it away. It isn't easy, I want the weight off now! You are doing a great job dropping the weight, any secrets? Have a great week!

My first fill wasn't that bad, but the doc did hit sirus (spelling?) fluid and it squirted out when he withdrew the needle. Surprise! At least it got rid of the hard bump in my stomach. My doc added .9cc to a 5cc band. Most of the time I don't have that much restriction, but sometimes I do. It is unpredictable. I think he wants to take it slow and easy. Better that than foaming at the mouth.

Congratulations to everyone on their weight loss! Unfortunately, Drews you have good company. I weigh the same as last week. But remember, we aren't a number. This is a two year process... yadda....yadda.... but soon we'll be bragging with the rest of them. Hugs and happy week to all of you, Michelle