dmtjet

Phyllser, Congratulations on the "Anniversary Celebration!" LOL :whoo: One of the ladies I keep in touch with that was banded where I was, said that she has 9.5 in a 10 band, but said she asked the doctor if that was nearly maxed out and he said there was still plenty of room to adjust, lol!!!! So go figure with that one!!!:faint: Dianne, You haven't had your surgery yet? Are you scheduled? All I can say is that it is "single handedly the BEST thing I have EVER done for myself!" No regrets here!!!:clap2: silntwhispers, if you are good with that amount, you are definitely doing great!!!! Not much better you could do!!! I can eat way more than that, but have to fight the URGE!!!!

Lynette, Yes, I enjoy the bike, never thought I would, but honestly I do! Still can't believe I am on it, because when I was 50 pounds less, I thought I was too big to ride!!!!!! Unbelievable, but I think last night at Bible Study when my aunt had this revelation, may be true ... though I laughed when she said it, I've thought about it since, lol!!! She said that once I had the band put in, I felt like I had "IT!" and started living my life like that, even though for the most part, nothing has changed other than the band! That even though I haven't lost the weight I want to lose yet (some, but nowhere near what I need to lose), I am living as though I have already done it! She is right ... it was funny to hear it voiced, because I guess I didn't see it in me! I know I feel better and I know I have hope now, but I didn't realize that I was already acting and behaving like a "thin" person!!! LOL, can you believe it? Kind of strange to hear how others see us changing! Hey, if there is going to be a change in me, I'm thankful it is a good one, lol!!! Just too funny! Phyllser, so glad you had a nice anniversary! Sounds like a beautiful dinner! Oh, and loved the rubbermaid idea for portions!!! Have to remember that one! It is frustrating when our significant others want to "help" us!! But I think if we stick to our guns and "gently" remind them that we are old enough to make those decisions for ourselves, with time, they will respect our decisions! IndioGirl, gotcha on the eating too much thing! I would say I can eat between 1 and 2 cups at a sitting, depending on what it is. I try to keep it under that, but I KNOW I could eat at least that much and maybe more! The lady that was banded when I was says that the nutritionist meant that when you chew it up, it only measures 1/2 cup, but that's not what I understood! Wish she were right, lol!!!:nervous Also, I totally understand about the evening demons!!! ... I can do beautifully all day long and evening is when it hits and I just think I HAVE to have something ... thank goodness for SF fudgesicles, they have been my saving grace, lol!!! Can't tell you how many boxes of them I have bought since surgery, lol!!! YIKES!:help: Wrangler, congratulations on the weight loss! That is fantastic! You are doing something right, Girl!!! Keep it up!!! We are proud of you and you have to be psyched!:whoo: Brandy, sounds like you are doing fabulous! Gee, you have to have major willpower! But it does seem after a few days of very strict and small amounts, you do lose that hungry feeling! Keep going like you are and it will not be long to you are lean and mean ... you'll be one great looking hottie!!!:clap2: forgve70x7, how nice to have an exchange student! You all will pick up sooo much culture! Such a wonderful adventure! And the baby ... ahh, I am soooo jealous! Nothing like them, but very demanding on your time, lol!!! Try to relax a little!:nono: bostonchic, hang in there, it will get better! Just enjoy this time of losing, 'cause once you get through that phase, seems to come to a screeching halt, lol!!!! Jackie, sorry to hear about your tooth whoas!!! Not fun and very miserable, only had a toothache once and ended up with a root canal from it, but let me tell you, it wasn't a pleasant adventure!!! Don't envy you at all!:help: Laurend, totally understand about brothers wanting to "help!" Mine is awesome, but boy he is in administration and he tends to take the "I'm in control, now listen to me approach!!!" Let's just say, sometimes I don't quite want to hear that, even it there is truth to what he says!!! I have always been the type of person that if I am told I CAN'T do something, I'm bound to do it, just to prove I can!!! LOL:confused: Ssankofa, Go for it, Girl! Things should be working just fine! LOL:o

So nice that you have your room ready! That is always a relief!! What grade again? I forget! Just wish there wasn't quite so much paperwork to do! That's the worst part of the whole thing! Just mounds of it! Since I work with the little ones and this in many cases is their first school experience, everything has to be spelled out. Gets a little mind boggling! I have tried to condense things the past few years, but still there is a lot!!! Just overwhelms me! Give me the kids and skip the paperwork!!!! I wonder how that would go over, lol???? You start back earlier than me ... I have two scheduled days next week, but Inservice isn't until the following Monday and then the kids the 29th! It will be here before we know it!!! Enjoy what's left!!!:nervous

Good Morning All! Just wanted to wish everyone a great day and another day to work on reaching our weight loss goals! We can do it! Personally, I am struggling with being able to overeat and am anxiously awaiting a fill!!! Another busy day as I am meeting with a lady that was banded the same day and same doc as me. Her daughter has a band buddy that had it done the same day as she did also. So my mom and I are going to meet with the three of them today and socialize and compare notes, lol! Then Bible Study tonight and in between ... Well, who knows, definitely need to do the bills!! Absolutely hate doing those, but everything I get done now will be one less thing to worry about once work is in full swing!!! Next week, I have two full scheduled days at work and then the following Monday is the real deal!!! No kiddos til Weds. of that week though! Yikes, I hate this time of year ... love what I do and love the little ones, but hate getting back in the groove!!!! I may have to rest a little this week in preparation and .... my room isn't done yet either!!! :help: Cazulay, are you ready to go back to work???? I hate this time of year!!! Though health-wise I feel better than I have in years! So in that respect I will be way more ready for this! Hopefully, not as drained and a lot more energetic!!!!! Well, at least that is the plan!!! LOL:nervous ssankofa73, you're doing great, Girl!!! Keep it up!!! Omelette sounds wonderful!!! It is amazing how things we used to find not so appealing, now makes us drool, lol!!!!!!!!:Banane20: Brandy, you are doing great with your calories! That is very hard to do! Now, I find I can eat way too much and quite a few more calories than I need!!! It is tough to not eat it, when you want it!!! :Banane20: Caolin, you are moving right along with that weight loss! It is wonderful to be meeting our goals!!! Keep it up and your next goal is just around the corner!!!!:clap2: Marcy, another cold snap is moving through here! Today will be in the mid to upper 80's, but tomorrow a high of 74 and Sat. they say 67!!!! Definitely thinking of you, Girl!!! Hope you have a wonderful vacation! Sunny, Chim, Kathy, Lynette, Laurend, Dini ... have a great day!!!! Everyone else ... keep inspiring us all to do our best!!!! Everyone seems to be doing just GREAT!!!!! Yeah, GO US!!!!!:whoo:

Hello, Sunny! Hope all is going well!!!

Ruby, I know what you are saying, I did exactly the same thing ... my husband would always say, "Why are you making soooo much?" Truth be known, it was more for me to pick at after we all were done!!! Oh, how sad to admit that!!!:help:

Marcy, have a blast at the fair and keep us posted as to how it goes! You should definitely be getting tons of exercise!!!! Enjoy!!!

Caolin, Yeah, trying to get back into the swing of things, but not very successfully at the moment, lol!!! Just don't feel like doing it, but I better get my butt in gear soon or I am in trouble, lol!!!! Jackie, I love my job! ... but in all honesty, getting everything ready to go back and starting all over is rough, especially with my kiddos ... they are only 4!!!! The first few days, they cry (and God love them, I don't blame them!!!), and I would like to sit right down beside them and shed a few tears too, lol!!! :help: Kathy, Yes, we do keep missing each other! Been busy, sounds like you have been too!!! Golfing has never been my strong suit!!! It is awesome that the two of you are doing so many things together this week! Now, don't forget to allow some time for romance!!!! :biggrin1: Oh, and the ride, is my hubby's mistress!!! LOL ... Sometimes I feel a little jealous, has lessened some since I have been feeling better and started going with him, but prior to that, .... :rolleyes Oh, and the story about the pee pee is too funny!!! ... out of the mouths of babes!!! ... then Hunter's "wingdinger!!!" ... I love it!!! LOL:D Lynette, I know bikes can be quite dangerous, but I am enjoying riding right now. Took a great deal out of me to get on it and go with him, actually I am having a fun time and rather enjoying it all! Don't enjoy turns much though or ....... very steep hills to go down!!!! YIKES!!! So glad Hunter is feeling better!!!!! Sounds like everyone is doing well and we have once again a similar upbringing with the "finish your plate syndrome!!!!" But I agree with whoever said (too lazy to look, lol) our parents did what they "knew" to do and money was tight and groceries were scarce in some instances! They just tried to make the most of what they had at the time!:hungry: Dini, Sooooooo proud of you, Girl!!! Wow, way to go!!! You'll have to send me some losing tips!! Haven't been moving those scales lately, lol! Hoping after my fill next Friday, things might start taking off again!!! Although, went to the gynecologist today (the dreaded annual event!) and I am down 30 pounds from last year at this time! So was excited about that!!!!:whoo:

Lynette, Chim, Sunny, Kathy, Dini, Laurend, and everyone else ... HI ALL!!!! Hope everyone is doing well and on track to a new life!!!! Anybody having trouble with retaining water and swollen hands and feet????????????? YIKES, I sure am!!! Hands feel like anchors, lol!!!!!!!!!! Hurts to type!!!!

Okay, I meant to post a good night post on the regular thread, but mistakenly got this one going ... So I thought ... what would be beneficial on this thread ... How have I changed my life since the band???? ... Well, for one, I buy groceries much differently ... I buy smaller quantities and healthier foods overall. A great deal more fruit and veggies and leaner and more filling meats! I have noticed I throw foods out now due to spoilage, due to not eating as much! ... and it doesn't freak me out!!! It would have a few months ago!!!:clap2: I am excited about doing things that before I would have avoided!!! I am riding on the back of a motorcycle ... which I wasn't even slightly interested in before ... never wanted to look like a "toad" on the back of hubby's bike!!! I find myself "wanting" to wear nicer clothing!!! I am anxiously awaiting buying some new things, but actually will have a ways to go since I have a wealth of "smaller" sizes that I have grown out of and hopefully will be getting back into real soon!!!! :whoo: YIKES!!! I don't feel pressured to exercise, but rather want to! I find myself parking at the end of parking lots, so I can walk to the stores from the fartherest (not sure that's a word, lol) point!!! (Okay, except when you get caught in a summer sever thunder storm, complete with lightning!!! :eek: Yep, was soaked to the gills!!!! YIKES!!!) I put a great deal more thought into where I am going to stop to eat ... also, what I am to have or if that choice is the "best" choice!! I was originally embarassed and ashamed that I "had" to have this done! But now, I feel rather proud that I was able to make this decision and head my life in a healthy direction!!!! :clap2: I am much more apt to share this journey with those I meet, rather than hide it!! Things are definitely looking up!:whoo: People around me, say I already have "IT!" Meaning that I am living the life of a thin person, by being bubbly and happy all the time!:clap2: I am told I am a new person already (I can hardly wait to see who I am when this is complete and I have attained my goal!!! LOL) I suppose in my mind, I do already have "IT!" I definitely have the power and the "tool" to make my dreams come true!!!:whoo: Share your changes since the band!!!! Anxious to hear what has changed in other's lives too!!!

SD Chick, That is awesome!!!! Keep it up, Girl!!!!:clap2:

Hello Everyone! Haven't been on for a few days and not sure when I will get a chance to read back over the posts! If there is anything I need to know, someone enlighten me! Working on my classroom and doing loads of paperwork! Not so good for the exercise part, lol, only possibly mentally!!!!! Hope everyone is doing well and staying focused! I know I can eat way more than I need to!!!! Should get a fill next Friday, so hopefully that will make a difference! Right now, counting on my honesty and quite frankly, if it will go in, I am in trouble!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YIKES!!!

:clap2:My doctor hired an attorney to fight with the insurance companies! It still took a year and a half to go through and earn an approval! That was only after 3 denials!!! I really was about ready to say forget it!!! So glad it worked in my favor! Doc said that with time, all the insurance companies will be approving it, because it is still cheaper for them to pay for the surgery than a lifetime of illnesses that goes with obesity!!! Good luck to all still fighting! I wish you the same results that I received!!! Best Wishes!

Sounds like everyone is doing well and all are fighting the "head hunger!!" Sure hope that goes away soon! I do well all day and then in the evenings, I feel like I have to graze!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NO, I don't, but boy, do I want to!!!!!!!!!!! Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! Welcome to our newcomers! Hello to all my banded buddies!!!

Kristin and Caolin, Don't feel bad, think we are all are dealing with our own demons right now!!! I know we will all make mistakes and slip up every now and again, but for the most part, we won't and we WILL be successful!!!! We will all be on LOSER'S ROW TOGETHER!!!! We can do it!!!!

Felicia, So sorry to hear of your father's diagnosis! We are happy that you stopped in and hope that things improve real soon for you and your family! We will keep you all in our prayers!!! Stop back often!

Wow, that is awesome! How exciting to be doing this with your daughter!!!! You have a great support system going and sounds like you are on a roll!!! Keep up the good work!!!:whoo:

Lynette, Yeah, for you!!!!! I am soooo happy for you!!! Now, you can use that money to buy your new wardrobe or whatever else you may decide!!!!! That is just awesome!!!!

Indiogirl, We are very proud of you too! You used real willpower! I am sure it was tough, but it has to be a good feeling to know you accomplished it!!! Yeah, for you! Marcy, I didn't realize there were earthquakes in Alaska!!! Gee, seems we all get something! We hadn't had tornadoes in several years, but they made up for lost time this past few weeks!!!! What is a warm day where you are??? And I assume you raise chickens!!! Too cool! Sounds like you have quite the busy life! only4me, sorry you are soooo tired! Be sure to get your rest!

dmjet - It's not hot EVERYWHERE! LOL! It's about 55 here, good enough for a brisk walk and chicken yard cleaning! Marcy, think I will take the heat! I am a warm weather girl, love to get in the pool and soak and all! However, I could do without the tornadoes that were touching down around here all day today, not hitting us, but right where my oldest daughter works. Everyone is okay, but sure scares the Kahunas out of ya'!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They claim some more strong storms will be moving through shortly, so won't be on long! Getting awfully dark here again as we speak! This will be the 3rd biggie today!!!!! Hello, everyone! Hope all is well with each of you! Cazulay, no pics here!!! Think it would be cool though! I am like Chim, I got to see it on the x-ray while doing the barium swallow! That was cool, but otherwise, zippo!!!! LOL:p Danny, enjoy Gram's birthday! Grandparents are sooo special! Have a terrific vacation also and enjoy those pickles!!!!! LOL:)

Welcome to our group!!!! It sounds like you are doing just fine! All of these doctors appear to be different! So if you are following your doctor's instructions, you really shouldn't have any problems! I can eat pretty much right now too, but I try not to, because I don't want to do any harm to the band or my "little" stomach, lol!!!! Best of luck with it all! Seems like you are on the right track!!!:whoo:

Gee, I love this recipe thread! I have made the chicken salad recipe that Lynette put on here several times and I love it! I also made the Butternut Squash Soup that Kathy posted and it was delicious! Also, loved the Yellow Squash Casserole that Kristin posted here! We have quite the tasty recipe thread, lol!!!! Thanks, Ladies, and keep 'em coming!!!:hungry:

As far as the question: Who have I told? Pretty much everyone! I admit sometimes it makes it hard!!! I don't really want to talk about it everywhere I go, I do have a bit more in my life than this "band!," but I do understand people's curiosity and interest! I agree with Chim, there are alot of people out there contemplating having SOMETHING done and it is amazing how many people are thinking about doing this! However, my pet peeve are the people that "have to" tell you what you should be doing and eating!!! For Heaven Sakes, I am a big girl, I do know what I am to do and if I make a mistake, I will pay for it! I don't like having to explain or justify my behavior to anyone! I do not like being put on the spot! Now, when I go back to work, that will be the challenge! There are a handful of co-workers that I have told, but I will be curious how many other ones already or will shortly KNOW!!! To be continued ... lol!!! Night everyone, check in tomorrow!!!! Sweet dreams!!!:notagree

Hello, Everyone! Just checking in to see how everyone is doing this evening! Sounds like everyone is doing well and "trying" to exercise!!! It is soooo darn hot everywhere, it is hard to do much exercising! But I am like everyone else, if I don't do it now, I know I will have a very difficult time doing it once I go back to work! The ricotta soup sounds yummy! Now, where were you ladies when I was on mushies????? LOL Glad everyone back at work is adjusting so well and feeling pretty good! Nice to see we are able to get right back into our lives! Busy week for me! Hubby home and he is the planner around here ... run, run, run!!!! YIKES! Next week, I will be beat! We don't do much of anything, but we never stop!!! LOL:omg:

Breadlady, Nice to know there are others that aren't feeling satisfied right now! Definitely not a fun time figuring out the dos and don'ts of this thing!