DivaStyleCoach

Mornin' folks! Short walk with family and DDog this morning - got up late, but rather than skip it (like I would have done not too long ago) I took a shorter walk. It's supposed to be gorgeous today, so I'm eagerly anticipating my walk at lunch. The weekend promises more good weather, so a couple of long walks with DDog, plus some gardening. I can't wait - I <heart> Spring!

PJTP...I didn't get any email notifications this morning! I missed all the good posts so far! Luckily I'm a LBT junkie, so I had to log in and get my fix... Everyone in the office is over on the main campus handing Welcome Weekend for the newly admitted students...that means peace and quiet here for me in the office. :w00t: I'm being such a good girl, I even did some work this morning! Ooops - don't tell anyone! Looking forward to a wonderful weekend - relaxing and sunny - means I'll get out for a lot of walks, do some gardening, etc. I LOVE Spring! Have a terrific day, everyone!

It's finally happening! Had my monthly appt with my band doctor yesterday (the awesome Dr. Duffy at Yale New Haven Hospital's Bariatric Surgery office), and I was down 11 pounds! :w00t: I update my ticker in my email signature more often than every month, so it reflects my total loss, but I was so excited that I'd lost 11 pounds in one month I was ready to scream with joy! :thumbup: And guess how I did it? By following the bandster rules! Being careful to choose nutrient-dense food instead of calorie-dense food, chewing thoroughly and eating slowly, not drinking my calories, and avoiding "slider" foods that don't stay with you long enough to indicate a feeling of fullness. Amazing how well the rules work when you follow them LOL Combine that with a few well-placed NSV's regarding clothing, and it's been a really good period. My latest weigh-in this morning has me at 230 lbs, a number I haven't seen for at least 10 years...I'm really excited about that! Next mid-range goal - making it to 200 lbs by the time of my family reunion in Florida in July. Next short-range goal - dropping another 15 pounds before May 30th to put me at 215 before Memorial Day. Swimsuit season is looking like it's going to hold a lot less terror for me this year than in previous years - that's a definate plus! What made the difference? Regular exercise and eating correctly. Mostly the eating correctly, since I already walk 30 minutes 5 days a week, with longer walks on the weekends (weather permitting). Now I'm going to add some weight work back into my schedule - nearly done with this semester's classes, which will give me more time. I need to keep 'tightening up' my physique, which I know weight training will do. Check in again in a few weeks - until then, if you are already banded, follow the rules and move more - that's the "secret" to success! If you are not yet banded, get the info you need to make a quality decision, and then GO FOR IT! Your life, your health and your happiness can all be enhanced by losing the excess weight. I know it's happening for me...:thumbup:

It's finally happening! Had my monthly appt with my band doctor yesterday (the awesome Dr. Duffy at Yale New Haven Hospital's Bariatric Surgery office), and I was down 11 pounds! :thumbup: I update my ticker in my email signature more often than every month, so it reflects my total loss, but I was so excited that I'd lost 11 pounds in one month I was ready to scream with joy! :thumbup: And guess how I did it? By following the bandster rules! Being careful to choose nutrient-dense food instead of calorie-dense food, chewing thoroughly and eating slowly, not drinking my calories, and avoiding "slider" foods that don't stay with you long enough to indicate a feeling of fullness. Amazing how well the rules work when you follow them LOL Combine that with a few well-placed NSV's regarding clothing, and it's been a really good period. My latest weigh-in this morning has me at 230 lbs, a number I haven't seen for at least 10 years...I'm really excited about that! Next mid-range goal - making it to 200 lbs by the time of my family reunion in Florida in July. Next short-range goal - dropping another 15 pounds before May 30th to put me at 215 before Memorial Day. Swimsuit season is looking like it's going to hold a lot less terror for me this year than in previous years - that's a definate plus! What made the difference? Regular exercise and eating correctly. Mostly the eating correctly, since I already walk 30 minutes 5 days a week, with longer walks on the weekends (weather permitting). Now I'm going to add some weight work back into my schedule - nearly done with this semester's classes, which will give me more time. I need to keep 'tightening up' my physique, which I know weight training will do. Check in again in a few weeks - until then, if you are already banded, follow the rules and move more - that's the "secret" to success! If you are not yet banded, get the info you need to make a quality decision, and then GO FOR IT! Your life, your health and your happiness can all be enhanced by losing the excess weight. I know it's happening for me...:thumbdown:

Welcome to da crew! :smile: I'm a walker, too - I use a Bodybugg fitness tracker, and the calorie burn I get from walking exceeds anything else I've done so far (rowing, elliptical). I think it's because I'm moving these pounds around versus using a machine to hold part of my weight LOL Your goal is definately do-able - congrats for setting a reasonable goal! My next mini-goal is to be at 200 lbs (I'm currently 230) by July, when I will be going to a family reunion in Florida! I think I can do 15 lbs per month in May and June, since I just lost 11 at my last doc's appt (1 month timeframe). Let's all keep helping each other stay accountable! :thumbup:

Afternoon, People! :thumbup: Will be going for my lunchtime walk shortly - 30 minutes, including a killer hill, with great music and it's beautiful out today, so I'm raring to go! Short walk with DDog and DD this morning - raining on us! I don't like walking in a steady rain - I will go, because DDog doesn't have a choice, but it's not my favorite thing. New milestone today - currently at 230 lbs, a weight I haven't seen in over 10 years. :thumbup: :smile: :thumbup: Can't wait to hit sub-220! Saw the band doc yesterday - lost 11 lbs since I saw him last, so he's happy with my fill level and progress. Keep on keepin' on, folks! :drool:

PJTP... Oh yeah! :tt2: :tt1: :drool: Blessing, good thoughts and speedy surgery to you, Susan. I hope it all works out for the best and that you're feeling much, much better soon! :wub: You go girl! NSV report - I got into (and am comfortably wearing) a size 18, non-stretch skirt that I bought many years ago and just kept in the closet "just in case". Not only did it fit when I put it on this morning, I'm small enough that I'm not threatening to bend the hook and eye at the waist or pop the zipper! :w00t::w00t::w00t::w00t::w00t: Doc visit went well - I've got clearance to continue on my own and check in when my rate of loss slows down or I feel extra hungry. I'm feeling pretty darn good this morning because I lost 11 pounds since I saw the doc! That's not exactly in my ticker - I update it more often than I go to the doc - but it's a victory just the same! Swimsuit season will hold much less terror for me this year if this keeps up!!! :cool2:

Mornin' all! It's been a while since I posted, and like Glouc, I got the message that we non-Amazon types need to post here as well, so here goes: I'm pretty regular with my walks - definately in the mornings with DDog, DH and DD (though sometimes DH lets me sleep in). I also walk 30 minutes a day during my work day - there's a beautiful route that takes me up a hill that originally made me gasp for air and my quads burn, but now I can make it 2/3 up the hill before I have to do the open-mouth-breathing that lets me know I'm working hard. I haven't slowed down, just getting stronger. I am sensitive about pushing VERY hard, because almost a year ago now (seems like less time than that!), before I was banded, I literally passed out on a treadmill at the gym due to ventricular fibrillation. My heart rate was very elevated and my heart was 'fluttering' instead of beating regularly, so I lost consciousness. I do tend to back off of my exercise intensity if I feel light-headed, but walking doesn't bring that on as easily as other exercises can. I also row 2 - 3 times a week - though with the relatively nice spring weather, I'm outside more and I love that! I have a great selection of songs on my iPhone and try to keep up with the beat on them...Flo Rida's 'Right Round' is a butt-kicker! :thumbup: I walk for longer periods on the weekend with DDog, who's ready to go anytime I put on my sneakers and head for the door...he's a great walking companion! If you're reading this and you are just getting started, keep going! I started walking 10 - 15 minutes a day until I got stronger, and just kept going. Anything you do every day will get easier for you, so just keep going! Don't get discouraged if you feel you're not moving as fast as others, or getting stronger at the same rate - one thing I've learned on LBT is that we DON'T all lose it at the same rate, but we're all headed in the right direction (being healthier) so get out there and move! Back tomorrow with an update (and a shorter post, I promise!)

PJTP...I'm having a good day! Work is...work - moving along, a little less stressful than previously, but I'm not going to relax. It's still to freshly painful for that! Relationship with supervisor is okay...I'm keeping her at a distance because of what happened. Fit into a Lane Bryant Red size 2 pant today! :laugh: They have a bit of stretch, and they are a bit tight across the lower tummy, but before my band, I would not have ever THOUGHT that I'd get into them. I thank my band, my daily walks, and LBT for my progress! :wub: Going to see my band doc today - I think I've lost a few more pounds, and I don't feel I need another fill yet - I still have days when I'm too tight and feel like I can't eat anything, and other times where I feel I could eat like I used to, but I don't. I'm making good progress and I'm happy! :thumbup: I was a regular poster in the Exercise threads and somehow just fell off - I'll go back, because I'm not a super-exerciser like those who inspire me, but I do what I can, given my schedule and my own laziness! It's supposed to be a truly wonderful, sunny and warm weekend here in New England, and I can't wait! We've had grey and rainy / cloudy days this week, and I miss the sun!

PJTP...is it wrong to be relaxed / happy because my immediate supervisor is out of the office and my stress level is waaaaay down today? :smile: Good luck Beth! I hope you get the one that's suited to your talents and experience, and they are thrilled to get ya!:w00t:

PJTP... Mac - congrats on your Tri - I just read your account of the race and I'm very impressed. You make me want to try one at some point in my future! :wink2: Beth and Glouc - congrats on the losses! I have another appt with my band doc this week, so I'll see what the last month has wrought...I think I'm down a few, maybe not enough, but enough to keep going! Baby goats sound cute, but in the city, there's no place to keep them. Although I do have a cross-town neighbor in the more rural part of my town that has llamas! Luluc - little pre-teen girls fitting into your clothes is a MAJOR NSV! :sad: It's cold and dreary here in CT today - no outside walk, but I'll row tonight...getting close to the end of the term for me. Statistics class is kicking my royal behind...be glad when it's over! :eek: Back to work - no rest for the wicked and those of us whose department is trying to cut costs...

Something that may or may not have been mentioned in the past postings is that certain workers who come in contact with children are mandated reporters. They are required to report anything suspicious or they face repercussions and even the loss of their job. I would much rather someone report a suspicion and nothing be wrong than for someone to say nothing and the next thing you hear is a news report about a missing or dead child. I have been blessed not to have suffered abuse in my lifetime...my sister's children were not so lucky. They were abused at the hands of a caregiver, and that person was sent to jail, along with my sister for "allowing" it to happen. I still do not know if she knew - she is dead now, so I can't ask her. Two of the children are grown, but have issues; one will never grow up because she died as a result of the abuse. I will ALWAYS make the call - if I am proven wrong, I will sincerely apologize. I could not live with myself if I didn't at least TRY to help a child I thought was being abused or mistreated. Regarding Octomom - she should WELCOME the scrutiny! It's her opportunity to prove her detractors wrong by providing a safe, loving and appropriate home for the children SHE wilfully brought into this world. She must have had a thought that she COULD handle it - and she should be happy that people care enough to want to know what happens to the children. What kind of world would it be if we just looked at her and her family as a kind of freak show and paid no more attention?

...you spend more time in the soup aisle of the grocery store than the snack / cookie / candy aisle!

With all due respect to previous posters... I think the issue is less with a husband viewing porn than with a husband (or a wife, for that matter) CHOOSING to view porn rather than express themselves to their chosen mate. If you are choosing virtual sex over reality, then there's something that's not happening. Either the viewing party has expectations that are not being met (and if they are unspoken, they can NEVER be met) or there is a breakdown in the relationship to the point that the viewing party has CHOSEN to spend time alone in self-gratification rather than seek it with their domestic partner. In either situation, there is a challenge / problem that needs to be overcome. It's not really about insecurity - it's that the online activity is viewed as a THREAT to the relationship. If the online activity were, in fact, activity with another flesh-and-blood person, there would be very little doubt that its a serious issue. Why is it less serious because the "other person" happens to be a series of images / videos / chatting online? Being replaced by your significant other is a hurtful thing - no matter what form the replacement takes. We could just as easily be talking about any of those other activities mentioned by Jabba the Mutt in his posting... Yes, my DH looks at porn online; Yes, we do occasionally look at it together; No, I don't have a problem with it any longer, because the majority of the time he shares it with me and it's my choice to join in or not. What I originally had an issue with (and I'm not the original poster) is when he CHOSE to spend more time "relating" to the photos and videos and website he saw online than he spent relating to me as his flesh-and-blood wife. I see that as a contradiction to our vows that said "forsaking all others"... I have not asked him to stop viewing, only to stop chatting because I viewed that as taking it a step further than I was comfortable with. I might also add - all of this activity takes place on HIS computer - so if he downloads something that gives him a virus, it does not affect MY computer or the bulk of our household information, which is on MY computer because he chooses it that way. YMMV...

I thought I read in a previous post that it was your birthday...oh well, blame it on the shrimp! :woot: Take tiny bites and chew really, really, really (about 5 more reallys) well. By the time I swallow it, it's about the consistency of a protein shake, if that. I do NOT want to get stuck in a restaurant and have to run for the bathroom (been there, done that). Usually it's the hot bread and butter that do me in...but I took very small bites and was okay. I did get a little "stuck" feeling and stopped, so I was okay. It takes so LONG to eat now...my plate is usually cold by the time I get to a quantity that I can handle! :mad2: Methinks my love affair with food is about over...:hurray:

WTG Fanny! Please let us know how you are doing - we are similarly sized up top, and I'm anxious to hear what happens during the reconstructive process from another full-busted woman. I'm really happy for ya! :sneaky:

BJean - I hope everything was all right with that little girl...I don't know what I would have done. Several years ago - probably just what you did, find a person of authority and tell them. Now, I might just walk up and make some kind of joke to the adult to see what reaction I get - something like "We can't always tell them what to do, huh?" and see what happens. If he blows up, I'm definately on guard. If he doesn't, I may still be on guard. Maybe it's since I became a grandma about a year ago, but I'm more sensitive to this kind of thing than before. When I first had my children, I was extremely sensitive to it, and more than a little belligerent at times. I can't tell you the number of times I've walked up to perfect strangers and asked if they need help with their kids. Dangerous - yep, potentially, but I couldn't live with myself if I didn't reach out to them - both of them. I have done the same thing when working as a lifeguard. I had one parent - a dad - trying to "teach" his child to swim by throwing them off the side of the pool with no warning. The child was terrified, of course, and when I went in to get them (they were obviously struggling), they wouldn't let go of me. It took a lot of cuddling and coaxing to get them back in the water, but eventually they went back in. I explained as gently as I could to the parent that they had violated the child's trust, and that as far as the child was concerned, the parent they loved had tried to kill them. Radical, yes, but it got his attention. He apologized to the child, gave him some distance the rest of the swim period, and all was well when they went home. I now praise children I see behaving well in stores - especially if the parent looks a little harried or rushed. I also back up the parents if a child is acting out and the parent is just talking and not hitting. Often a stranger's voice repeating the same thing the parent says is helpful - the child pays more attention for some strange reason, and the parent (often a mom) seems to appreciate someone else backing them up. I can almost see the mom deflating, so to speak, and being less angry because someone has heard her and agrees with her. It's probably not advisable, and definately not for everyone and every situation, but so far, it's worked for me. YMMV...

PJTP... Happy Belated Birthday, Beth! :clap: And WTG on the TSV! :party: Plain...only you could come up with a less-than-pristine reference to helping out a kid...:smile2: but it was still funny! :lol2: Susan - congrats on your awesome loss so far! Keep up the good work! :woot: Babygrl - I'm glad you're feeling better. Unca Sam (should we call him Unca Guido instead?) has no sympathy and even less consideration for those of us who file like we're supposed to...don't worry - after he was done with you, he came to my house! :hurray: MacMadame - I hope to one day reach that point...DH took us out to dinner last night because DD is gone for the week on a college tour. We went to Outback - I had coconut shrimp and ate exactly TWO of the six on my plate, plus a couple forkfuls of garlic mashed potatoes and I was done...I was nearly in mourning! I remember inhaling that kind of food not too long ago, and in a way I miss it, but in a better and stronger way, I don't! :mad2: Now I can enjoy small amounts of stuff like that on occasion without worrying too much - because I'm eating such a small portion, I don't get socked with thousands of calories! It's beautiful out today, and I'm about to strap on the shoes and go for a walk...TTYL!:sneaky:

PJTP... Hope they have it for the Blackberry as well...if not, can you get to "The Daily Plate" (Calorie Counter, Diet Tracking, Food Journal, Nutrition Facts at The Daily Plate) using your Blackberry?

I'm in love with exercise...specifically, walking!:wub: I've been active before - worked summers during high school and college as a lifeguard, which meant being able to swim 500 yds, 4 different strokes, in less than 12 minutes - but never had the results I'm getting now. Since my last fill, I've had good restriction, and I'm off the plateau that I was on. I'm down a few pounds and feeling really good about my progress - though, of course, I wish it were faster! :tongue2: I attribute my good results to my lovely little internal enforcer - the lap band. Never before have I been able to control the quantity of food I eat like I can now with the help of the band. I also started wearing a Bodybugg fitness band the past few weeks and have noticed a difference. I log my food intake faithfully (and honestly) and I get immediate feedback on what I'm doing right and wrong. I never go anywhere without my Bugg - it's a constant reminder of my goals and what I'm doing to reach them. I drove past (yes, past!) a Wendy's the other day and realized that in my pre-banded life, I would have probably pulled into the drive-thru, ordered a double Baconator (1/2 lb of beef, multiple strips of bacon, cheese), a Biggie french fry, and a Biggie diet soda ('cause I'm diabetic, dontcha know - can't have all that sugar :ohmy:) and finished it all, plus a Frosty for dessert (never mind all the sugar that was in that). :smile2: Thanks to my band, I don't even bother pulling in any more - I know it won't go down! :wub: I've had some wonderful NSV's (non-scale victories) lately: 1. My insulin dose has been cut in half with approval from my doctor. :w00t: My blood sugar measurements in the morning have been so good that I think I'm really close to getting off all of the medication! 2. I've dropped several clothing sizes, and have to buy new clothes. :w00t: This is a big deal for me, because I love to shop, and because I love clothes! I'm really looking forward to a new wardrobe when my journey is over. 3. More stamina :thumbup: I don't get out of breath when I go out dancing with my husband as easily any more - heck, I can hang with some folks 10 years younger than me now, where pre-band, it was one song and out. I'm actually looking forward to summer this year, because I know my new slimmer body will look better in summer clothes than I've looked in years! Even the prospect of swimsuit shopping doesn't hold the terror that it used to for me - I can't wait to see what new things I'll be able to fit into and wear! If you're reading this and you're not yet banded, do your research, talk to your doctor, and then make an educated, quality decision. For me, there was no other option, and I don't regret it one bit. If you are already banded, but struggling, please don't give up - if you haven't been to see your doctor lately, go back and get an adjustment or a fill if needed. Talk to them - they are there to help. A new, healthier life is the payoff for taking this very serious and important step. You can do it - if I can, anybody can! :thumbup:

I'm in love with exercise...specifically, walking!:wub: I've been active before - worked summers during high school and college as a lifeguard, which meant being able to swim 500 yds, 4 different strokes, in less than 12 minutes - but never had the results I'm getting now. Since my last fill, I've had good restriction, and I'm off the plateau that I was on. I'm down a few pounds and feeling really good about my progress - though, of course, I wish it were faster! I attribute my good results to my lovely little internal enforcer - the lap band. Never before have I been able to control the quantity of food I eat like I can now with the help of the band. I also started wearing a Bodybugg fitness band the past few weeks and have noticed a difference. I log my food intake faithfully (and honestly) and I get immediate feedback on what I'm doing right and wrong. I never go anywhere without my Bugg - it's a constant reminder of my goals and what I'm doing to reach them. I drove past (yes, past!) a Wendy's the other day and realized that in my pre-banded life, I would have probably pulled into the drive-thru, ordered a double Baconator (1/2 lb of beef, multiple strips of bacon, cheese), a Biggie french fry, and a Biggie diet soda ('cause I'm diabetic, dontcha know - can't have all that sugar :ohmy:) and finished it all, plus a Frosty for dessert (never mind all the sugar that was in that). :scared2: Thanks to my band, I don't even bother pulling in any more - I know it won't go down! :wub: I've had some wonderful NSV's (non-scale victories) lately: 1. My insulin dose has been cut in half with approval from my doctor. :w00t: My blood sugar measurements in the morning have been so good that I think I'm really close to getting off all of the medication! 2. I've dropped several clothing sizes, and have to buy new clothes. :w00t: This is a big deal for me, because I love to shop, and because I love clothes! I'm really looking forward to a new wardrobe when my journey is over. 3. More stamina :smile: I don't get out of breath when I go out dancing with my husband as easily any more - heck, I can hang with some folks 10 years younger than me now, where pre-band, it was one song and out. I'm actually looking forward to summer this year, because I know my new slimmer body will look better in summer clothes than I've looked in years! Even the prospect of swimsuit shopping doesn't hold the terror that it used to for me - I can't wait to see what new things I'll be able to fit into and wear! If you're reading this and you're not yet banded, do your research, talk to your doctor, and then make an educated, quality decision. For me, there was no other option, and I don't regret it one bit. If you are already banded, but struggling, please don't give up - if you haven't been to see your doctor lately, go back and get an adjustment or a fill if needed. Talk to them - they are there to help. A new, healthier life is the payoff for taking this very serious and important step. You can do it - if I can, anybody can! :thumbup:

Absolutely right! :eek: My now-18 year old used to come to my office all the time to help out during school vacations and sometimes during the summer as well - we had air-conditioning, ya know...:wub: I don't think there's anything wrong with it! Heck, there used to be a young man that helped out with a summer lunch / recreation program I worked at during my teen years, and I used to pay him a few dollars a week out of my own pocket because he was so pleasant and hardworking. Years later, I ran into him again as a 17-year-old and he told me how much that experience had shaped him...nearly made me cry to think that his experience as a member of the 'working class' made him think twice about getting involved in something shady, but there it was. He grew up to be a hard-working, intelligent and very likeable young man - and I know I only played a small part in that, but I was happy to help him and happier still that he remembered me and thought the experience was positive. :wub: I love to see a good work ethic among young people - I think it stands them well for the future!

OMG - Tara looked AWESOME!!! I see now why she modeled - she's truly gorgeous. She was already a pretty lady, but with the weight she's lost, her look is definately more 'mainstream' and she's truly stunning in green. Helen looked great in her purple dress - it's a color I would definately wear - and she looked radiant. They both have done such good work on the ranch...truly inspiring, both of them! Thanks so much for sharing the link - I'll go get the magazine too!:wub:

Hey Babygrl, For you, girlfriend...anything! I'll send it to ya via email. It's in a cookbook at home. It's a great basic recipe that can be tweaked endlessly to add different favorite flavors. I always double the recipe so it's extra high - fills up an entire tube (classic) cake pan, and there are never any leftovers! If you double the recipe like I do, make sure you have a good, strong, mixer with extra capacity - the first time I did it, I overflowed the mixing bowl!:wub: Messy, but made for fun clean-up! :wub:

PJTP... Taps - I hope your migraine goes far, far away and never darkens your doorstep again. I suffered with them for a short while, and nothing but Excedrin Migraine would touch them - it's the worst feeling in the world, I think... Re: Butter cakes - I make a Sour Cream Pound Cake from scratch that is an absolute killer! It's heavy, dense and has the most wonderful crispy crust on it...my husband eats slices of it with meat like it was sandwich bread. He always requests cupcake-size ones that he calls "Grandma's Specials" and eats them by the dozen when I make them, which isn't often! I made one with Hershey's chocolate syrup in the batter as a fundraiser for my church's Chocolate Auction, and it fetched the highest price EVER for a cake at the auction...the winner almost didn't make it out of the church with it - people were still trying to buy it as she went out the door! Re: Fill levels - my doctor doesn't really talk about mine, either...of course, I'm nosy, so I look at my chart, but I'm going more by how I feel and less how much is in my band. I think I'm at 3 or 4 cc's right now, and I feel plenty tight. I would have thought that a 10cc band (which is what I think I have, but I'm not sure) would need "more" to get me to a restricted level, but no such. I guess for those detail-oriented folk among us, they might obsess over the level and not do the other stuff necessary, so that's why the doc doesn't tell. I dunno - I tend to believe that knowledge is power, and I WANT to know. At my next appt, I'm going to ask, and I'll keep the info in my iPhone...:wub: Latest NSV...I was able to cut my insulin shot amount by 50% just this week! I have been taking one shot at night, and after my latest report to my doctor, and getting sub-100 readings in the morning for the past week, he agreed that I can cut the dosage. So far, it's been two days, and my morning numbers are still under 100. I think that's reason to celebrate - but not with anything sugary! :wub: