phyllser

LOL! Yeah, something to be said for maturity, huh!! I am about to Celebrate my 3 yr "bandiversary". I'm losing very slowly right now... kind of at a standstill for the last few months. But, it will come off. I'm down to about a 16-18 for the first time in many, many years, too. I have lost about 125 lb and wnat to lose another 50. Had some "issues" with my band a couple of months ago and they took out all the Fluid to let me rest. Then last month, put 3ccc back in and yesterday another 1cc. So I hope to have good restriction again, without a lot of problems eating hard Protein. So far, chicken noodle Soup a couple of hours ago. And I just got a new puppy, so I'm finding myself quite a bit more active the past few weeks! We've had her 3 weeks today. I'm up and down taking her in and out and in and out. She had to learn how to walk on a leash, so I'm walking her around our condo complex about once a day, sometimes twice, and we're playing ball, etc. I have a handicap scooter that I really only use as a "golf cart" around the neighborhood and she loves to ride around in the basket. So I'm not spending nearly as much time sitting in front of the TV/computer. At the moment, I'm contemplating how to sneak out to the gym without her getting upset because she can't go! DH will have to distract her while I escape! HAHA! Good to see some action here.

Yeah, the liquids are getting old. I'm HUNGRY!! So far today.. about 16 oz black coffee, 11 oz protein drink, latte, 24 oz crystal lite. May have some Healthy Choice soup for lunch. Then have some real food for dinner. Yes, my youngest sister is looking in to assisted living. Has a place nearby that she wants them to look at. Thing is, their lease is up next month, so we're hoping to persuade them to make the move before that. Otherwise, they'll be stuck for another year. Lake loop ride early this morning. Earl uncovered the scooter at 8 a.m., so Zoey immediately wanted to go outside. He let her out without her leash. She went and sat on the scooter staring in the door at me! So... by 8:30 a.m. we were on our way. Will walk with her later on.. waiting for the landscapers to leave because all their power equipment freaks her out. In fact, we had to linger in one neighborhood when we went for our scooter ride because it was garbage day and she was jumping out of her skin when we had to pass one of the garbage trucks. So when there was another one up the street, she saw it and went in to a panic again. So we hid until it was gone. I want to go to the gym in a little while but I will have to sneak because Zoey will want to go with me! I will take her shopping later... Earl wants eggs from one of the local stores. Replacement dog sounds very cute!! What color? Bella was the name of that one dog we decided not to take. Cute name. Where did you find her?

So sorry about Ryder! Too sad, but probably best for him. Zoey had a good day. And we took a walk around the complex when we got home. Then later I took her for another scooter ride since we just got to take a short one before we left this morning. she sure loves to ride on the scooter. She'll go out and paw on the cover if it's still on, or get on the floor of the scooter and try to get up on the seat if it's already uncovered. Not much to eat today.... eggbeaters omelet this morning. Then the tomato soup for lunch after my fill - 225 cal. I emptied my 24 oz jug twice.. crystal lite. Then I had that little bit of cheese, and I just drank 11 oz protein drink (E.A.S.) - 150 cal. Had 2 SF, FF 16 oz lattes today, too. I think I might have a Skinny Cow Truffle in a little while. Not exactly liquid, but... soft.... and maybe a cup of herb tea. Talked to Mom earlier today. Uncle Ed is sleeping a lot and very tired. Hope everything is okay. Blood sugar when he first gets up in the morning is around 104. Should be under 100. Told her to make sure she keeps checking it every morning. She said he took a shower by himself yesterday without the shower chair. That's dangerous. Especially when he is feeling weak. Karla...glad to hear your dr was so supportive and encouraging, and proud of your accomplishment. Hope you don't have to wait THAT long for your referral appointment. Maybe you'll be able to take advantage of a cancellation.

Interesting development....old BF contacting you. I'm a pushover... I know that... always willing to extend the benefit of a doubt... But probably not always healthy. Hope all goes well with that and you make the right decisions concerning that relationship. Julie, that's exactly what my cat did when I had my knee surgery last summer and she's done that before when I've been sick or had surgery. That reminds me... forgot to tell you the latest on this man of mine who did NOT want a dog. Now he wants me to look in to getting her certified as a "therapy dog" so we can take her to visit people in nursing homes, etc. She would be great because she LOVES everybody! Love the doggie birthday party story.... yours and Karen's!!! LOL Being a "techy" person, my bracelet is called My Med and has a usb drive in it.. I have ALL my medical info loaded on it, Rx, surgery history, etc. It's a simple text file so can be plugged in to any computer should I have a medical emergency. I'm with you, Laura! I can barely keep up with all the posts! So please forgive me for not responding to all! Love you all and enjoy reading all the posts and keeping up with your lives! Size 14--Good for you!! I will be there someday!

Good clinic visit... saw P.A., not dr. but I knew that. First time in THREE YEARS..... she gave me a hug! She was very pleased that I lost 1 1/2 lb since I was there 4 weeks ago and kept giving me a lots of positive affirmation. She put in 1 more cc and estimates there is 5 cc in there now. Per my clinic records.. I had 7 1/2 cc in there 2 months ago when I first went back in. She could only get 5 1/2 cc back and estimates there was still 1 cc in there... tubing, etc. So last month she put in 3 cc, 1 cc this month, and probably 1 cc still in there... so she figures total of 5 cc now. She told me to stay on liquids for 2 days. Usually just says for the rest of the day. So.. had can of tomato soup for lunch at Jodie's this afternoon. Having a glass of wine now, and had about an ounce of cheese... cut in to little tiny cubes and chewing them to death. I will probably have a protein drink later, or maybe I'll go get another latte since I can't eat. Zoey thoroughly enjoyed her visit with our 3 little grandkids. Thomas chased her all over the backyard. Had to watch her like a hawk inside! Jodie is not the fastidious housekeeper that Tracy is, AND she has 3 little kids! So.... Zoey shredded a kleenex, ate cat food, etc. One time I fished a small marble out of her mouth and while I was putting that out of reach, she picked up a yellow crayon! She is like a baby... everything goes in her mouth!

Amen! 1 John 1:9 (New International Version) 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Will talk to Mom today, but from texts from my sister, sounds like he's doing well at home.. sleeping better, etc. Zoey is good. However, I am being jerked around by 5 lb of fur! Can't tell you how many times I've been in and out of the condo in the last two hours. First peepee, then next time she did her business, so we walked the little baggy to the dumpster. Then pretty soon she was scratching at the door again... a little squirt piddle. Not anything urgent. she just wanted to go outside and see what might be going on. Then she heard Sherry & Terri having their morning coffee next door. So she had to go out again. I lost count really. Now she's out on the leash AGAIN sunning herself. But every time we go out the last few times, she is pawing at the scooter cover, so it's obvious what she is waiting for! I guess I better get in the shower! I agree... the nursery job has to go! Uncle Ed did have visiting nurse stop by yesterday. I assume they will be helping him with shower, checking blood sugar, etc. I think I will definitely be getting a fill. And after doctor, we'll be going to see Jodie and family, so Zoey gets to meet the three youngest grandchildren and I'm sure they'll all have a great time together! CONGRATS!! GOOD JOB!!

Ah... forgot to address the TOPS surgery question.... thanks for reminding me! TOPS created a special category for those who have had weight loss surgery..... "Category 9", I believe. You are eligible for most awards, but not eligible to be "queen". I think that's the way it goes. Nah... I'm sure I won't be allowed to bring Zoey to Vegas! DH has gotten quite attached to her and wouldn't let me take her to Camano for our 7's reunion. He brought her up for a visit one night. Here she is at Surf Shack.. standing up like she's not supposed to, but she's excited because owner, Theresa is about to give her a doggie treat. 2nd picture she is sitting like a good puppy.

So if they could just figure out a way to jack up our metabolic rate we'd all be in better shape... pun intended!! :thumbup::biggrin::thumbup:

I should have that done, too. I think mine is low also. And I am always cold, too. I think your DH is right about that being connected to your low metabolic rate. TOPS program today was portion control... lady who was doing it passed around a divided Tupperware dish in which she taped pictures of what we should eat for a typical dinner. I can tell you for sure that if I ate what was pictured there... I would gain. I could eat the half of the plate that showed 3 oz of salmon, salad and veggie, but the other half of the plate showed some red potatoes and dinner roll. NOT! They tell us we should be eating about 1200 calories to lose about a pound a week. But if I ate 1200 I think I would gain, not lose, or maybe maintain. To lose, I have to eat more like 900... which I obviously have not been doing! I'm sure your DH did not mean to hurt your feelings. Did you talk to him about it?? I think you should. Yes, puppy has bonded with both of us! She has to be where one of us is all the time. She sits in the bathroom with me if I am showering, brushing my teeth or whatever... she is right there. If we're in the living room, she is either in front of or right behind or next to my chair or DH's. Hugs, Phyl

Karla, You don't owe me anything for groceries! The leftovers I ended up with exceed what I spent, I am sure! Candice spent a lot on groceries, too. If anything, send her some $$ if you feel you need to make a contribution. Yeah, $10 is about the max I ever spend on wine... but this bottle is $26.xx. So.... I was up 1.4 lb today. Clinic appt tomorrow and should be getting another fill!! I sure need it. I get so hungry in the evening and go to bed hungry pretty much every night. Back to two sweatshirt weather for a couple of days. Think its supposed to get back to the 70's on Wed., but in the meantime... we're at 59 right now at 2:15 pm. It's supposed to get to 63 today, but I highly doubt it. No sun, a few sprinkles now and then. Good workout in the pool today. If I get my butt in gear tomorrow morning, I'll go over and do the machines before my doctor appointment. This is the doctor of the long drive! I think it's 65 miles down there. But... it's south, so will go see Jodie & kids on the way home. Haven't seen them since their return from Hawaii on the 4th. Jack, PT tech who usually supervises my therapy is 76 yrs old... doesn't look that old!! Looks about 10 years younger. Anyway, he was telling me today that his wife talked him in to his first ever pedicure over the weekend! Funny! He is very active. I think he works there full time, takes care of the pool... coming in most weekends to check on the chemicals, temperature, etc., and he plays on a 70+ softball team. He told me he has 12 games over the next 3 days!!

Marysville.... just a hop, skip and a jump away. We go to the Snohomish chapter. Not sure Monday morning is a good time to have to go weigh in!! :thumbup::biggrin::thumbup: I was up 1.4 lb today. Go for another fill tomorrow, so things should get better. I have been so hungry in the evening it drives me crazy. And making some bad choices. Julie, hugs on the pain... hope you get some answers soon... and your appt at Mayo clinic. Apples... good to have you back! Sorry about your vertigo struggle today. Great--sorry about the death of your friend. Zoey seems to have a built in alarm clock. I hear this little "woof" at exactly 7 a.m. She is a creature of habit and has pretty much figured out our routine. Last two times I've been to the gym... she goes crazy when I get back... she knows she's going to get to go for a scooter ride to Surf Shack. She loves to greet everyone there and she knows she gets treats there! She's recovering nicely from her surgery.. crazier than ever and we're supposed to keep her quiet for a week!! Yeah, right!! She's a puppy!

Well, the 24 hr thing started out as a fun thing.. light-hearted, and it did get us all thinking! But it sort of got heavy and a little melancholy! Luggage.... I'm with Lori... don't spend a lot. We usually try to travel as light as possible... so we've sort of switched from big huge suitcases to a couple of small ones. I like the way Janet travels... she keeps it small and does carry-on. TOPS weigh in this morning! Yuck! Last time I lost about 2 1/2 lb. Unfortunately, I might be up about that much today! Afterwards, pool PT. So I better get my butt in gear and get ready!

Yeah, Mom is definitely not as sharp as she used to be. Heck, one day last week she got to the rehab center and started talking to this guy tied in a gerry chair... "Hi, Honey! How are you doing today??" It was NOT Ed. Then she says, "Why are you giving me that stupid look???" My sister says, 'MA, that's NOT Ed!!" She says, "Well, it sure LOOKED like him!" Two of my sisters and one of his daughters visited at different times today and brought things they need... like frozen dinners! Lets hope they can read and follow the directions! At least now she knows how to turn off the smoke alarm! And they have lots of meds to manage between the two of them! I shudder to think of it! Yes, there will be visiting nurses, but probably only a couple of short visits a week. They both need help with showers. And both are shaky on their feet. They're already plotting about when they can start walking down the street to the closest restaurant with their walkers! Oh, my!! Hey! Was it you Montana girls who left me with that expensive bottle of wine??? You should have taken it home with you! Its sitting on the kitchen shelf and I noticed the price tag today! Earl would faint if I spent over $25 on a bottle of wine!!

Our youngest son used to smoke it a lot, so I know what it smells like. He was brazen enough to light up in the back of our house and I could smell if every time he did that. We used to do street ministry in a gay bar district... I smelled it there quite often, too. It would just make me want to pig out!! I'm having enough of a struggle with that at the moment!! Should be getting a fill on Tuesday and that will help. I am hungry 2 hrs after I eat! It's awful! I've gained a few pounds, and DH keeps lecturing me about what I need to do to fix it! UGH!!!

24 hrs to live?? Family, spaghetti and wine!! LOL Maybe some chocolate, maybe some sex!! HAHA! I told the "7's" that ever since I saw "It's Complicated", I put trying some mj on my bucket list!! Never tried it! Then I'd probably choke to death and not get my whole 24 hours!!

I agree.... replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. When I am in the midst of negative experiences/thoughts/circumstances, I try to remember to thank God for what is going on around me... for how He will use it to strengthen me! I remember one time when Tracy scared the heck out of us... I think it was the day after her 15th birthday and it was one of those "skip school" days... when everyone cuts classes and goes somewhere to party. Well, she and her friends got a hold of a bottle of vodka. Then when she got so drunk she was barfing and passing out... they dumped her in someone's car in the HS parking lot. One of the teachers found her and called us. We quickly realized we needed to take her to ER. I couldn't wake her up... prayed all the way to the hospital.... "thank you, God"... she could have died in that car in the school parking lot! Everything turned out alright, but I remember praying that instead of going in to a panic! It helped me get through it. So, Kaitlin is gone back home. Did you ever get to teach her how to make enchiladas?? I know you enjoyed having her there. You're going to miss her! Very concerned about things with my Mom & Uncle Ed. He was back in cardiac care at the hospital for the last several days. First it was to get 2 units of blood because his RBC's were so low. Then they said they were keeping him until Monday to monitor him because his cardiac enzymes were elevated (indicating possible new heart attack). So today they said they were discharging him back to the rehab center and he refused to go! So now he is home with my Mom.... weak and tired, just off insulin for a couple of days... Apparently diagnosed diabetic after the heart bypass. SO last two days his blood sugar was okay, but don't think there have been any instructions as to monitoring his blood sugar, giving himself insulin if necessary. My Mom is NOT competent to take care of him, in my opinion. Two nights ago my sister gave her some leftovers to put in her fridge including a piece of pizza. Told her to heat it up for 40 seconds! Well, she decides she's going to have it for dinner last night. So.... she told me, since it was COLD, she decided she should heat it for FIVE MINUTES!! Of course, she turned it in to a piece of charcoal, set off the smoke alarm and then went in to a panic because she couldn't figure out how to turn off the smoke alarm and she was EMBARRASSED!! She just isn't thinking that clearly lately. She called here the other day when we were out and got the answering machine. So she calls my sister in OR and tells her that she called me but I told her I was too busy to talk and hung up on her!!! HELLO???? ANSWERING MACHINE!!!

Ok... PJ...I remember now. I was concerned when she said she vomited and had blurry vision... with those symptoms, should definitely see the doc. Leg weights.... how many lbs do you use? PT tech helped me with machines yesterday. Your uncle is about the same age as me. Did you tell him how well I came through the knee replacement last summer?? Nothing to be afraid of, really. But the longer he waits the more strength he will lose in his legs. I'm still trying to get the left one back to par. Sounds like a wonderful trip, Laura!! Love the new picture of Nelson! Loose teeth.... that reminded me, when we had Zoey spayed the other day, they took out three loose baby teeth and gave them to us for her "baby book"! LOL I can get a pedicure for $15, mani for $13, right down the street. Haven't done it since last summer though! Takes an hour for each, and I guess I just haven't had the patience! Yes, therapy outside the pool was a harder workout than I've been getting in the pool. I will be doing once a week pool, once a week gym. Zoey is recovering very nicely from her surgery. In fact, I wonder if we should have given her a sedative today because she's been very active today. She would have produced really cute puppies, but probably not a good idea, especially with her harelip.. which breeder told me is genetic. I did take her for 2 long scooter rides today, so that kept her pretty quiet for a while. She loves it now. Very well behaved, too. She gets excited if someone stops to talk to her or pet her, but usually responds well when I say, "NO, you have to SIT." She gets VERY excited when I get to the Surf Shack for my latte though... She knows she gets to get out of the basket and greet people. But she runs right inside to greet whoever is working! And into the storage shed if the door is open. She knows she gets treats there, too, so that adds to the excitement! And when more customers come, she jumps all over them. She especially "bonded" with a young man who was there with his girl today. He really liked her. I finally found the ball I've been looking for at Safeway today. Good teething ball and easy for her to pick up because its all these little entwined rubbery tubes. She is pretty much completely house trained now. She did poop on the bathroom carpet today but it was my fault. She'd been at the door and barked her little soft bark that says "I need to go outside", but I thought she was just barking at her ball and I ignored it! So she followed me to the bathroom and did her deed there!! First time she's done that inside. She always goes to the door when she needs to go potty. That's why she woke me up at 7 a.m. today, too! I like Grandma... some of the kids call me Grandma H, some Grandma Phyllis, and I think somebody calls me Grandma Phyl. Agree with all your hair comments, but I like mine short. Let my DGS girlfriend leave it too long when she highlighted it last month. So I went the other day and got a "short pixie". I like it better... easier to handle. I'm not good with hair! I like it short and simple! There is a beautician that I LOVE in NY... my youngest sister has been going to her for years. I usually have her do my hair when I am in town, and the timing should be right this time, too. I'll get there towards the end of August, so will be ready for a trim then... and maybe I'll have her redo the highlights, too.

Hi, So you were working out THAT early on a SATURDAY!! Impressive! I did good to be up at 7a.m. on Saturday! But I was tired last night and went to bed earlier than usual! We had a good time with Tracy and Jim last night. Before the waitress brought blankets for Jim and I, I covered myself up with everyone's napkins! Earl and Tracy insisted they weren't cold! Temperature fell about 20 degrees while we were sitting there so we went from hot to shivering! Another nice day today but not as hot. It's in the high 70's now. We are going over to Tracy & Jim's later for BBQ and she said she's making cosmos! She had one at Anthony's last night and really liked it so she went home and looked up the recipe on the internet and bought the ingredients. Zoey is back to normal, so having a hard time trying to keep her quiet. Don't know what we'll do at Tracy's tonight because she loves to play with Gigi and Misty. Don't want to leave her home and don't want to make her stay in her crate.

I lost a big long post here last night and was too tired to redo it! Was up at 4:30 a.m. yesterday to take Zoey to Spay Station. She is doing TOO fine today! Trying to keep her down. She is a little restless tonight, but it's bedtime now so she'll be quiet until morning. She is quiet as a mouse once we put her in her crate for the night. It is right next to our bed and she will occasionally wake us during the night to go outside, but I think that's only happened twice... including this morning...and it was 5;40 and DH was already up so he took her out. Well, it's not even 10pm but I am exhausted and I'm going to bed. Had PT at 9 a.m. so had to be up early to be ready by then.... read paper, etc. And.... floor and table exercises and weight machines today instead of pool, so I am TIRED tonight! One thing I do remember from last night's post.... whoever it was having the headaches.... think you should definitely see your doctor.

Yep... DGD, Alisha's mini doxie, Harley. She's a cutie. Very lovable. Zoey had a great time playing with Harley and Gigi that day, and she was a riot with Misty. She was afraid of Misty and Shadow the first couple of times we had her over there. Now she's leaping in to the air trying to nip at Misty's nose. Shadow is old and bewildered by these little dogs, but Misty loves to play with them and is very gentle. I LOVE hot but I don't like cold! We had an interesting afternoon at Anthony's HomePort... Was HOT when we got there so we sat under one of their umbrellas on the back patio. But after a couple of hours out there, some clouds rolled in and the wind picked up and pretty soon Jim and I were freezing. Tracy and Earl wanted to know... what's the problem??!! I gathered all the napkins on the table to wrap my arms in! Waitress laughed at me and brought blankets for Jim and I! I kept telling Earl we could go inside to get our bill and pay for it, but he just wanted to sit out there and wait for it. So Jim and I finally went inside. We didn't have dinners... drinks and appetizers. Clams were GREAT! They're still out of oysters and said they probably will be for a LONG time.

PT/gym workout was good. They started me on some floor and table exercises, then Jack went upstairs to the machines with me. I showed him which ones I was using, he helped me with technique as well as showing me how to make some height, etc. adjustments that I didn't know about. Then he had me do a few machines I haven't used before. I worked up a good sweat today!! Zoey was upset that I left without her this morning! Earl was watching her from inside... let her wait outside by the door for me. She was so excited when she saw me coming and was quick to jump up on the scooter deck. We had a great ride around the neighborhood... Surf Shack, Target. She gets lots of attention and she loves it. Traumatic trip home, though. We live too close to the fire station!! Must have been big accident somewhere. Heard the first truck coming out of Target, then Aid car... turned around in the parking lot there and headed out with it's lights going and siren wailing. We were far enough away that she didn't freak. But when we got to the main intersection, a big red truck came up behind us and turned the corner in front of us and she almost came unglued. Had to hold her in a strangle hold until it was gone. Then I'm waiting for the light to change and walk light to come on and I hear about 3 more coming from another direction. So I got across the street as fast as I could... did NOT wait for the walk light because I couldn't have gotten across before they got there if I did! They passed behind us but she was so scared! Didn't calm down until we were in the condo parking lot. Very bad timing! Earl is so funny!! He was lying on the floor with her talking baby talk to her last night. This morning he keeps telling me how "AMAZING" she is!! Too rushed yesterday or today to get weighed, but when I got home from Camano.. I was up about 3 lb. Hopefully some of that is gone now. Been behaving myself all week. I bought some smoked salmon at one of the local stores and been having that. Have to go back next week for another fill and I NEED it!! I was so hungry last night!! Jim's son, Michael is up from Temecula CA with his two kids this week. So this is a photo of us with Jim & Tracy's whole clan.... Megan, the oldest girl, with her husband Tony and their two little girls, Michael and his two, Adam and Alisha right in front. So..... those are our four step-GREAT Grandchildren!!

Sorry gals! Very busy couple of days. Then lost a big long post on the mentor thread! Very frustrating! Anyway, beautiful weather since you left!! Spending a lot of time outside. Also, Zoey spayed yesterday at mobile van up in Mt. Vernon.... about 15 miles north of where we were.. I think 40 miles for us maybe... 2 trips up there yesterday... got up at 4;30 a.m. to take her up there.... low cost, first come, first servwed. So we were there at 5:30 ish... first in line. Low income first priority, so no guarantees, but they did take us. Very good service, very low price. Got the works... last vaccine, microchipping, flea treatment, nails clipped, meds, collar she won't wear... all for $120 so I donated $30 and still saved $200 from what my vet was going to charge. They did say we need to get her groomed or she will start to have eye problems. So will make an appt at Petco when they open. She's dong very well. No pain med since last night. Have sedative to give her if she gets too active. Other thing... lots of phone calls with youngest sis yesterday. Uncle Ed... low red blood count. Back to hosp for blood transfusion. Then they admitted him... Mom doesn't know this, but suspect he may havae had another heart attack. She says they admitted for "anemia" but that's not what they told my sis. Well.... gotta run. Pt in 30 minutes. Transitioning to 1x a week pool, 1x gym, so today is my first time for PT-gym. Tech told me I was using too heavy weights, etc... so she will get me on an appropriate program and monitor.

CONGRATS on getting your date!! I remember how excited I was when I got mine! I was out tooling around the neighborhood on my handicap scooter and when I came home, DH had a big note on the screen door... "Surgery Date July 20"!!