DivaStyleCoach

Hi Everyone, Just found this thread - and thank you, Mini, for posting your story. I'm about 20 lbs away from wanting / scheduling surgery, so I'm doing more research now. I just hit 69 lbs lost, and my friends and family are telling me to stop now! I'm nearly 6 feet tall (5' 11") and now weigh 196 lbs. I want to get down to 175, and then I figure if PS takes off another 10 lbs of skin and such, I'll be down to 165, which is a good goal weight, and actually would put me at 100 lbs lost. I took a look at your album and your pictures are very inspirational. I hope my results are as good - we are close in age, too - I'm 46. Have a wonderful day! :thumbdown:

Hi Mickey527, I understand how you feel - I was banded Nov 08, and I'm now down 69 lbs. The real losses started in January, after I was completely recovered. I fought my band in the beginning, and was "rewarded" with slow weight loss. Since I started following the 'bandster rules', I am doing much better. Couple of suggestions - if the Isopure Protein is too "thick" initially, Water it down a bit to help it go through. I love the Isopure, but I can imagine for a newly banded person with more restriction because of swelling, it might be a challenge. Keep up your activity, but listen to your body - take it easy! I was told no serious physical activity for 6 weeks, and actually was a walker before, but eased up for a couple of weeks after surgery. If I'm calculating correctly, you are only about 10 days out...take it easy on yourself. There is plenty of time to ramp back up to your pre-surgery activity level. You are on the road to a new and healthier life - just hang in there! It may feel more difficult right now, but everyday it will get better - keep telling yourself that. If you notice severe symptoms, don't be afraid to CALL YOUR DOCTOR. Better to call them and be reassured that what you're feeling is "normal" than to let it go until it becomes a real problem. Hang in there - and post again to let us know how you're doing...:thumbdown:

PJTP...Busy morning, but of course, here I am in PJTP... Thanks for keeping us updated, Kat...:wub: Amen, and amen again! Sometimes you don't WANT to overcome your upbringing...occasionally I've had my "east side Detroit" personality come out - mostly when I feel really threatened or see someone being treated badly. I used to get funny looks when I told people I was from Detroit (back when Detroit was the murder capital)...like they thought I was an ax-murderer or gang member or something...now I just get "normal" looks about that, but they give me the side-eye cause I AM a gangster, and not just on Mafia Wars / Mob Wars on FB! :w00t: What KC said! You svelte, sexy thang you! Love the bikini...there is one in my future someday, even if I have to get a bunch of little tattoos to cover the incisions from the band operation! Glad you can breathe again - would LOVE to have seen her throw the phone agains the wall, though...I want to do that to MY phone sometimes! :tongue2: Will have to check this out...I still occasionallly PB - since my last fill and because I'm now more knowledgeable, not so much, but it would be good to have this in my hip pocket, so to speak... Back to the filing and organizing - multi-day project...yuk!

Back again, y'all!:bored: Ran without DH this morning (darn midnight shift!)...don't like going without my running partner, but oh well... Did just over 2 miles - used the Week 6, Day 2 workout this morning - I did a slightly shorter warmup (started running before the audio cue) and finished my course a little behind the timer. I ended up walking about 4 blocks of the 2 mile course. I was pretty proud of myself! Both knees were a little tender when I was done, and my left thigh needs some extra stretching, but I'm really happy I ran so far and for so long...tomorrow will be a "rest" day - just walking, and then I'll run again on Thursday and Saturday. Happily moving onward - and my running just helped me get to Onederland!:smile2:

Good afternoon All! I finally made it - I am down to 196 pounds - officially in ONEDERLAND!!!! I got a fill recently (that's what helped me make it) because my weight had been stuck for 6 weeks at 205. The hunger was back, I was starting to be able to eat more (and badly) and I was not ready to quit losing yet. Some friends and even a couple of family members said I was small enough - since I was now wearing size 16's and even a few 14W's, and they didn't want me to get "too thin". I really don't know what "too thin" would be for me, since I've been fighting my weight since I was 9 years old. Yep, you read that right... When I was 9, my mother took me to the doctor for a normal school physical and because she was concerned about my weight. My father and mother (God rest their souls) were both heavy. What I did not know at the time was that heart disease ran in my family and my mother was worried about the path I was on. The doctor told her (and me) that I needed to be careful about my weight gain or I would be at 200 pounds when I turned 18. Overachiever that I am, I made it at age 16...some of you will understand this - it was very HARD going through high school being overweight. My height saved me a little, but not enough. I could never wear the same clothes that my friends wore, could never seem to get the attention from the same guys that my friends talked to, etc, etc, etc. Now I'm at my lightest weight since I was 16 years old, and I'm ecstatic! :huh2: I went shopping for new pants last night, since the smallest size I had in my closet was an 18. Thank goodness for belts - I could make sure they didn't fall down, but they were really baggy! I went to Lane Bryant, because I knew they carried tall sizes pretty regularly, and since I'm 5' 11" tall, I definately NEED tall pants! I fit into their new Right Fit sizes at a Yellow 2. That means approximately a size 16, made for a body that is straighter from waist to hip. That was a revelation - I'd been buying the Red pants - sized for a body with more of a waist-to-hip difference. Getting the right size was amazing! Most pants had been baggy in the seat for me, totally not flattering, but these fit beautifully! No bagging, no sagging, and I could BREATHE in them! I'm in such a giddy state at the store, I bought two pairs of dress pants and a pair of jeans! The wonderful thing about the band is that I know I'm not done yet - I want to get down to around 165 (100 lbs lost) before I say I'm done...that, or to get off all my diabetes meds, which ever comes first. I was so happy about the new pants - I ran right home and showed my husband. His enthusiastic reaction let me know I had found the right size! I also got measured for new bras while I was there, since the store wasn't very busy. When I started this journey, I was wearing a 40K (yes, that's a K) and had to buy my bras overseas because very few places in the U.S. carried them. I left the store with a brand new size - 38DDD / 38F size prescription! :tt1: I'm not going to go hog-wild crazy buying clothes just yet...I'll get enough to carry me through, because there is definately plastic surgery in my future...I believe my true size right now (sans extra skin) would be around a 14, maybe even a 12, but I believe I need to hold my weight loss for a while before investigating plastic surgery. I'll definately post again when that process begins! If you are reading this and you're not yet banded, please do your research and make a quality decision on what's right for you. The band was definately the right choice for me! If you are reading this and you are struggling with your band, don't give up! Talk to your doctor, the nutritionist, whoever you need to in order to get the help and support you need to make the band work for you - and you have to work WITH the band. If you are making good progress and loving your banded life as I am, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! I was banded in November 08 and it's now September 09 and I've lost 69 pounds. Allowing for recovery time from surgery, my weight loss really started in January 09 - that's when I got serious. I'm planning to be at my goal weight before the end of 2009, and with the help of my doctor, my family and my friends online and offline, I know I'll make it!

Good afternoon All! I finally made it - I am down to 196 pounds - officially in ONEDERLAND!!!! I got a fill recently (that's what helped me make it) because my weight had been stuck for 6 weeks at 205. The hunger was back, I was starting to be able to eat more (and badly) and I was not ready to quit losing yet. Some friends and even a couple of family members said I was small enough - since I was now wearing size 16's and even a few 14W's, and they didn't want me to get "too thin". I really don't know what "too thin" would be for me, since I've been fighting my weight since I was 9 years old. Yep, you read that right... When I was 9, my mother took me to the doctor for a normal school physical and because she was concerned about my weight. My father and mother (God rest their souls) were both heavy. What I did not know at the time was that heart disease ran in my family and my mother was worried about the path I was on. The doctor told her (and me) that I needed to be careful about my weight gain or I would be at 200 pounds when I turned 18. Overachiever that I am, I made it at age 16...some of you will understand this - it was very HARD going through high school being overweight. My height saved me a little, but not enough. I could never wear the same clothes that my friends wore, could never seem to get the attention from the same guys that my friends talked to, etc, etc, etc. Now I'm at my lightest weight since I was 16 years old, and I'm ecstatic! :tt1: I went shopping for new pants last night, since the smallest size I had in my closet was an 18. Thank goodness for belts - I could make sure they didn't fall down, but they were really baggy! I went to Lane Bryant, because I knew they carried tall sizes pretty regularly, and since I'm 5' 11" tall, I definately NEED tall pants! I fit into their new Right Fit sizes at a Yellow 2. That means approximately a size 16, made for a body that is straighter from waist to hip. That was a revelation - I'd been buying the Red pants - sized for a body with more of a waist-to-hip difference. Getting the right size was amazing! Most pants had been baggy in the seat for me, totally not flattering, but these fit beautifully! No bagging, no sagging, and I could BREATHE in them! I'm in such a giddy state at the store, I bought two pairs of dress pants and a pair of jeans! The wonderful thing about the band is that I know I'm not done yet - I want to get down to around 165 (100 lbs lost) before I say I'm done...that, or to get off all my diabetes meds, which ever comes first. I was so happy about the new pants - I ran right home and showed my husband. His enthusiastic reaction let me know I had found the right size! I also got measured for new bras while I was there, since the store wasn't very busy. When I started this journey, I was wearing a 40K (yes, that's a K) and had to buy my bras overseas because very few places in the U.S. carried them. I left the store with a brand new size - 38DDD / 38F size prescription! I'm not going to go hog-wild crazy buying clothes just yet...I'll get enough to carry me through, because there is definately plastic surgery in my future...I believe my true size right now (sans extra skin) would be around a 14, maybe even a 12, but I believe I need to hold my weight loss for a while before investigating plastic surgery. I'll definately post again when that process begins! If you are reading this and you're not yet banded, please do your research and make a quality decision on what's right for you. The band was definately the right choice for me! If you are reading this and you are struggling with your band, don't give up! Talk to your doctor, the nutritionist, whoever you need to in order to get the help and support you need to make the band work for you - and you have to work WITH the band. If you are making good progress and loving your banded life as I am, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! I was banded in November 08 and it's now September 09 and I've lost 69 pounds. Allowing for recovery time from surgery, my weight loss really started in January 09 - that's when I got serious. I'm planning to be at my goal weight before the end of 2009, and with the help of my doctor, my family and my friends online and offline, I know I'll make it!

PJTP...Back from my lunchtime walk, feeling great!:wub: Thanks so much Shalee! Hey - I just noticed you had a tummy tuck - mind if I pm you some questions? Thanks, CC! And I second your emotion on the site...I know I would not have been as successful without my buddies on the boards! I second that emotion! Hi LJM! *Waving wildly* Thanks so much - I'm very happy about it! [quote name='heartfire;1332007 This is so NOT my problem but I'm going to be the one to have to find a solution to this. Dammit! I wonder if I can get a temporary book of checks from the bank in town to use in the meantime... It's a good suggestion - does the company have a credit / debit card linked to their bank account that could be used for a one-time thing? Wire transfers - possible' date=' but maybe expensive...hope it works out okay![/b'] See? I'm already trying to fix what isn't my problem. It's what we do...we are problem-solvers! Okay. Leaving the LBT drama for my own at home. Later y'all. Going back to the filing and such...YUK! :bored:

Thanks Brandy - you are one of my inspirations! :bored:

PJTP...Wow...just, WOW. G4E - hope all goes will with your surgery. :wub: KC - Kudos and a big Woot Woot to you for standing up for that young lady. It's the kind of thing I would have done - at least I hope so - and I am so proud to know you! :wub: :wub: I feel like I'm on the fringes here...read all of the 6 or more pages I missed, and I'm all caught up now. I'm sad about the way this is going - for many reasons. :bored: I came to this site when I was considering WLS, because all I'd heard about was the bypass - I didn't want a bypass, I wanted to know what else was out there. I found LBT. I have really, truly enjoyed my time here and found some great friends. I can say I haven't had any problems with anyone - no PM's, nothing controversial. I guess that could mean that I'm not involved enough... I too miss HH - I understand most of that situation, but I think 100% disclosure on it would help some people. I have seen some really offensive posts here - in many parts of the site - and have only "heard" about others because they are deleted before I get here. I do hope the situation rectifies itself - I can't say how that will happen, but I don't want to lose this community. :smile2: That said - the real reason I originally came on today was to report that I am finally, truly and completely in :lol::lol:ONEDERLAND!!!!!:lol::lol: I've been struggling for a while (about 6 weeks) with a stall at 205 lbs. Y'all all know I was whining a bit about it, and I got wonderful support from the folks in this thread and a couple of others. :wub: I weighed yesterday and noticed I was at 199 lbs. I thought it was kind of a fluke, having just finished the Diabetes walk on Sunday, so I didn't mention it. I'd hate to have to put the ticker back up over 200 after posting it publicly! :eek: Today, I stepped on the scale and I was at 196 lbs. I haven't been that light since I was 16 years old. My mom took me to the doctor at age 9 and he told us then that if I didn't watch my weight, I'd break the 200 mark by the time I reached 18. Overachiever that I was, I made it at age 16. This is the lightest I've EVER been since reaching puberty...and I'm not done yet. I figure another 20 - 30 lbs and I should be off the diabetes meds and ready to call the weight loss part of my journey over and done. For all those who have been my inspiration, my friends and my supporters, THANK YOU. For all those that gave me a swift kick in my rapidly-reducing-heinie when I needed it, THANK YOU. The next phase of my banded life has begun, and I wouldn't be here without all of you. If I try to list everyone's names, I'm sure to forget someone, but hopefully you know how much you all mean to me. From the bottom of my heart and soul, Thank you. You've helped me to take my life back, and I can't say it enough...Thank You!:wub:

PJTP...Taking a break from filing (YUK)... It frustrates me a bit that I can WALK faster than I can RUN...something about the motion of running makes me feel out of breath so much quicker. I can't quite figure it out...I also feel my heart pounding much more when I run - though according to my Bodybugg, the calorie burn is very similar. I could just give up on running and stick with the walking, but I just wanna know what it feels like to run flat out with that beautiful long stride I've seen on distance runners - they look so graceful and powerful... Maybe I was a runner in another life? :biggrin:

PJTP...Catching up...this is gonna be a long one...:laugh: Sounds like your meds need an adjustment...I haven't yet had to adjust my bp meds, but I think the time is coming. With my last fill I've been eating less and I think the meds might start making me loopy... That's pretty good, Beth...and I think it could be true in Slim's case... Mmmm...ice cream.... Thanks - you too! I LOVE my iPhone...don't know what I did without it...but then I'm a serious tech junkie...:laugh: Just take it slow, and it will come... Oh, I feel for ya, CC - that would just about kill me...hope she's going to be much better very soon...is there such a thing as a "mild" case? Here's praying she's got a very mild case... More prayers headed her way...I know you'd love nothing more than to be by her side... Thanks for all the kudos on my Diabetes walk, guys, I really appreciate it. Back to my training today...walked DDog this morning, will run tomorrow... Having fun trying to figure out what size clothes to buy...depending on the manufacturer / label, I wear anything from an 18 to a 16 to a 14W...it's confusing! Have to go file a stack of papers...TTYL! :wub:

Hi Everyone (especially BillOH)! Well, the Step Out for Diabetes event was yesterday - I had intended to run the 3-mile course, but ended up walking it. I arrived and warmed up with everyone else, and when I started the course, we were on asphalt...then it went to gravel, then grass (bumpy in spots), then sand, then more gravel, then dirt with tire ruts (service road, I think)...well, you get the picture. I was afraid to run the unfamiliar terrain, so I power-walked the entire course. It was two laps of a 1.5 mile route, and I started off in the middle of the pack, passed a bunch of folks, held the lead for a while, then got passed by this jackrabbit of a guy who I chased for the rest of the second lap... Never did catch him, but I did the 3 miles in right around 30 minutes, so I didn't feel too badly...last year at this time, I wouldn't have been looking to walk the whole thing, or if I did, it would have been very slowly... I'm happy I did it - now on to the next challenge...going to schedule a 5k run in mid-late October or very early in November, and that will probably end my "race season". If it's icy underfoot, I'll have to figure out what I'm going to do...I'm really apprehensive about falling. If I can't run outdoors, I'll make time to get to the gym, or to get a treadmill in my house; I've also got a rowing machine, but it's not the same. Darn winter - it will be showing up just as I'm ready to do a lot of roadwork! :smile2: Anywho...I feel great, my weight is dropping again after being stuck for about 6 weeks (also had a fill recently) and I'm loving how I 'crave' wogging / running / walking. Thanks for all the encouragement - I'll definately be back to report my progress along the way! :biggrin:

PJTP...Hi Everyone! :biggrin: Just got back in from the walk and a brief stop at 'Family Day' at one of our local parks. It's a big deal, lots of my former co-workers from City Hall are there, so it's a nice way to catch up with everyone. The walk was awesome - 3 miles. I ended up not running it, because I was unsure of the course, and I'm glad I didn't try to run it. The course varied from concrete to asphalt to gravel to rocks to bumpy grass with ruts in the walking path from the park vehicles, etc, etc, etc...would have been a turned ankle for sure! I did finish the 3 miles in right around 30 minutes - I think that's pretty good! :w00t: I walked with my iPhone on and chased the 'rabbits' - the group that went out first. I started in the middle of the pack and made my way to the front when I realized the rest of the folks were just kinda strolling. I guess my competitive side came out! The leading group I passed had one really fast guy (the rabbit) who passed me again on the second lap (two laps of 1.5 mile course) so I tried to keep up with him on the second lap, but alas, he was too fast for me and beat me to the finish. I think I was the first woman to finish, and probably the first "Red Hat" to finish. They gave the folks who were Diabetics and walking red hats to wear. Unfortunately, mine wouldn't fit over the afro, but I love the hat anyway! :biggrin: Here's a pic of me after the walk was over... Here's the team, minus one member (the photographer)...the shadows were killer!

PJTP...Good early Sunday morning, Everyone! :biggrin: Preparing oatmeal to eat before DD and I go out the door to the Step Out for Diabetes walk this morning. Walk starts at 9, so if we leave at 8-ish, we'll be there in plenty of time. Got good music on my iPhone and I'm ready to go. It's really chilly this morning - in the low 40's, so we're going to pick up some inexpensive gloves on the way out. Mine will be bright red (or as red as I can get - I love that color!). Will try to take some pics during the walk and post them here (or in an album) later when I return. Have to go to a political fundraiser / meet-and-greet this afternoon - it's that season around here! Everyone have a fabulous day!:biggrin: BBL! :blushing:

PJTP...heading out for a political fundraiser soon - DH is running for Board of Ed (yes, he's DH again after being on probation for a while...) No, it wouldn't be...I'd do it! :biggrin: What she said! What she said! :thumbup: Yah! What she said! :thumbup: Definately ROCKSTARS!!!! Having a good day - went for a leisurely walk this morning with DH and DDog - have the Diabetes walk tomorrow, which I'm planning to wog / jog / walk / run...my DD is doing it with me, so I kinda have to stay with her, but I'm going to jog as much as I can. Don't know the terrain (it's a bit cross-country if I remember from past walks) so I'll be careful...don't want a twisted ankle. I raised $150.00 - my goal was $250.00, but I started late, so I'm not too upset. I'm just happy to be able to DO the walk on behalf of some with Diabetes who can't...I'm walking for my DDM (Dear Departed Mother) and DDMIL - I know they are cheering me on from heaven...:crying: Gotta go - DH is finally ready to go out the door to the fundraiser...BBL!

PJTP...Hi Y'all! Keeping my head down...mgr is going out of town soon, so I'll have a little peace... Nothing new yet on the job front...still praying for another job to come through asap. Having a pretty good day, all the way around...forgot my sweatshirt for my afternoon walk and it's chilly outside, plus I wore the tank dress from my recent updated pics. No sleeves, open neckline, I think I'll freeze if I go outside! Temp on weather.com shows only 65, so I think discretion is the better part of valor and I'll keep my butt indoors this time. I'll do an extra walk tonight to make up for it. Back to wogging - ran part of our now 2-mile course this morning with H. Seems that when you stop jogging, you lose the lung capacity right away...my legs weren't really hurting (much) but I had absolutely NO wind...frustrating! Especially when I had run the entire 1 mile course not a few weeks ago...guess I needed more time. We started walking again to extend the distance and work on our form - longer steps, stretching out, etc...seems to be working - I do notice my stride is longer now. Guess I'll have to be patient with myself...not my strong suit. On my second day of liquids post-fill. My fill doc is happy with me - I'd last seen him in April, and I've dropped 27 lbs since then, but I wanted more. There's that over-achiever in my personality again - anyway, my next appt with the band doc is on my one year anniversary in November. :eek::w00t: It's not that far away - I can't believe it's been nearly a YEAR since I was banded! If I can't get my weight down far enough and get off the diabetes meds, my band doc suggested I consider a bypass :wub::eek::tt2::eek: That is so NOT what I want to do...I don't want to leave the world of the banded folk - so I'm turning EVERYTHING up a notch. Decrease the carbs, increase protein, increase the intensity of my workouts, whatever I gotta do, I'll do. I've got another 35 - 40 lbs to go before I hit my personal goal. I wanted to lose 100 lbs, but if I get off the meds before then, we'll reevaluate. I also wanted to get into single-digit clothes, but I don't want to look - as a girlfriend of mine said - like a 'bobblehead'. I'll just keep following the bandster rules, work on getting off the meds and keep that as my focus. Everything else would be gravy... :drool:

PJTP...Hi again! I have a few minutes before my 8 pm online class, so guess where I am...LBT! I'm adding my prayers to that as well, Slim...it's scary all over out here!:eek: Absolutely - long-term prayer never hurt anyone...what is that old saying "There are no atheists in foxholes"...I think our economy is definately in a foxhole and everyone that is currently working needs prayers that their jobs remain secure... Working on it as we speak, and thanks for the good wishes! Hope you get well soon, too, Poolgirl - I've had swimmer's ear before and it's not fun. Kids and germs...gotta constantly be on the watch, and even then you can't catch 'em all! I have a co-worker who is very anal-retentive about germ-fighting. She had to travel in Asia earlier this year and brought her own supply of face masks...but she didn't get sick!:thumbup: Heading to bed...g'night all! :hat:

PJTP...Hi y'all! Been busy today - lots of paperwork, computer stuff, filing. Nothing too stressful, so it's okay... Job hunt continues, made contact with the union rep today re: filing a grievance. She's making good noises, but we'll see what actually happens. She has a good reputation, so let's hope her claws are about to come out. Got another fill yesterday, so I'm on liquids for a day or two...I seem to be more sensitive to them lately. I'm craving carbs like mad - gotta keep the hands busy so they don't put anything crunchy, salty or fat-filled in my path. Preparing for my 'Step Out for Diabetes' event this weekend - got some good pledges going, and I'm getting nervous and excited. It's a 3 mile course that I plan to run, based on my work with the C25K program. Farthest I've gone since I started, but I can walk 2.5 with no problem (gotten faster since I started) so I'm gonna go for it. Gotta weed out the closet again - I'm currently wearing a pair of size 18 pants that are about to fall off of me...went to the ladies' room and pulled them down without unbuttoning and didn't even realize what I'd done...happy surprise! Hoping for good news on the job application front soon...got class tonight and tons of homework to do, as usual...BBL!:tt1:

PJTP...Hi y'all! Been a busy morning - two unwanted days away from the office will do that to ya...:thumbup: Gathering evidence for my next move, keeping my nose clean, and not saying anything to anybody. Since they are determined to use my every word against me, I'll just do my talking outside of the office...:mad2: DD called because the local school messed up her financial aid somehow and now they've locked her out of her classes...:thumbup: Called to straighten everything out and they are claiming I missed some piece of paperwork. Guess who I'll be calling this afternoon! :thumbup: Going for a fill appt at 1 pm. Been stuck for over 6 weeks and even though my exercise has increased, the weight isn't moving. The hunger is back - that's why I'm stuck on the scale. I've been eating like no tomorrow - so fill time, here I come! Scheduled for a "Step Out for Diabetes" walk this weekend in my area - it's 3 miles and I'm going to run / walk / wog the course - something I would NEVER have done pre-band. That part I'm very happy about...gotta get a stopwatch feature on my iPhone so I can time myself and see how I do... If anyone wants to contribute, you can do so at: Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes:. All contributions gratefully accepted - my goal was a little ambitious, I think: $250.00 though I only started a few weeks ago - I don't know why I thought the walk was at the END of the month instead of the MIDDLE! Have a wonderful day! BBL! :thumbup:

Back again... Thanks a bunch for the info - I know what I have to do!

PJTP... Has he done or said anything that might give you 'pause for cause' so to speak? Anything about hurting himself, giving up hope, etc? If you have an employee assistance program that could be the trigger they need to talk to him. Perhaps putting a bug in HR's ear regarding your concern for your co-worker's well-being would be helpful - even if he denies that there's anything going on at home, perhaps just hearing that they have help for him if he wants it could be the encouragement that he needs. I think most communities also have an anonymous tip line to report abuse - and once he's on their radar, they will be alert to potential problems. Because he's male, there may be some bias against him - hopefully not, but that's the stupid world we live in sometimes - I hope that he can get some help or at least that someone else takes notice. I hope that with the changes in the workplace that have happened with past tragedies, that someone will take it seriously that this gentleman seems to be having a hard time at home. Let us know how YOU are doing with all this - I know that working in a stressful situation isn't fun for YOU either...believe me, I know!

PJTP...Hi y'all! Semi-lazy weekend behind me...lots of studying (tons of reading - thought about you, Beth!), questions, etc. Happily serving my 2-day suspension from work - not happy that I have it, but happy not to be THERE right now. Did my 2.5 mile walk with DDog yesterday - still "training" for the Step Out for Diabetes walk at the end of this month. It's a 3 mile course - I'm planning to run it. Did I say that already? Anywho... Applied for a bunch of jobs, got a wonderful reference coming from one of the higher-ups at a place I applied to - he was the Sunday "Preacher" at our church for over 3 years. Not an ordained minister, but a wonderful speaker. Going to track down one other person who I know used to work there and still has connections to ask for another reference letter - more is better, right? Fill scheduled for tomorrow afternoon - will probably take a half-day at work. I can definately eat more now, and the hunger is back. I've been stuck at 205 (except for a 2-lb drop during my pouch test attempt) for the last 6 weeks or so and even though I've increased my exercise, the weight just isn't coming off like I want it to. I know I'm eating more - and I can hold more, so off to the fill doc I go. I want to get this next (last?) 30 - 40 pounds off before winter really sets in and makes it hard for me to get out and exercise. I think my rowing machine and I are going to be good friends this winter - I hate the thought of putting weight back on because my activity level decreases. Of course there is always hauling and stacking wood for the fireplace to help burn calories... Dealing with a little physical weirdness right now - I WALK faster than I JOG - H and I have extended our distance on our morning walk to 2 miles round-trip, but we complete the distance faster when we power-walk it rather than when we jog. Well - I am faster when I walk - and I'm not sure if it's just that I need to stretch and extend my stride, or what. I do notice a distinct shortness of breath when I jog - and because I've had a serious atrial fibrillation episode before, I'm apprehensive about pushing too hard and kicking my heart rate back into irregular mode. 2 days in the hospital wasn't fun - and the cardioversion (shock back to normal rhythm) wasn't my favorite thing either. Since today is my last "free" day for a while, I may try to jog the 2.5 mile course to see how I do - not worrying about pace, just jogging the entire course - and check time later. Will check back in and let y'all know how it goes...BBL!:thumbdown: Oh - and happy Belated Birthday, SNT! Sorry I missed wishing you well on your actual Born Day!

Good morning Everyone! Back looking for some advice...I'm still extending my distances, but timed one of our morning "runs" and found that we (hubby and I) actually go SLOWER when we jog than when we walk fast. I don't seem to be able to keep my stride long enough when I run to keep the same speed level as when I walk. We've actually extended the distance - are now doing 2 miles in about 35 minutes walking. When we were jogging, we didn't cover that much ground in the same time period. I only have the 30 - 35 min in the morning because of my commute, so more time isn't an option at this time. Do I need to work more on flexibility? I find I'm short of breath a LOT when I run, but not so much when I walk. Oh, I'm still breathing hard, can talk a bit, but not carry on conversation, but when I run, it's nearly impossible to talk unless I'm going slower than I want to go (or feel I should go). All you experienced runners out there (BillOH - are you listening?) I need some advice and counsel. I liked running, but if I'm not getting faster and the percieved level of effort isn't getting easier, what am I doing wrong? I've been walking the last couple of weeks - fast and long 3 days a week (hence the 2 mile distance now) and slower, more relaxed the other days. Did my 2.5 mile walk on Sunday and chopped 15 min of my previous time of 1 hour - even with dragging the dog the whole way. I probably could have gone even faster without him...and I plan to when I do the Diabetes walk at the end of the month, but... I'm rambling now...looking for help and advice. Thanks in advance!

PJTP... Holy crap - is the day over ALREADY????? Got up and did a 2 mile wog with H - funny ache in the right hip made me walk it today, but I walked FAST! I'm a little perturbed...I WALK faster than I JOG! WTF???? :eek: Went to new location for our church - sold old building, now sharing space with another church of compatible philosophy, so we moved some of our stuff in to get ready for 1st service of the year tomorrow at 9 am. Yep, it's early, but this way, we are not disturbing the other church, and they won't disturb us. We'll do joint 'coffee hour' between services to mix and mingle... DD has Psych class on Sat mornings - 9 am until almost noon - she's still getting adjusted to college. Says her Prof is boring and she's not really understanding the subject matter. I suggested reading the chapters BEFORE the class and then asking questions for clarification :tongue2: H had campaign stuff today - he's running for Board of Ed - but it rained all morning, so not a lot going on, but he was out of the house. Went to see the new Tyler Perry movie "I Can Do Bad All By Myself" - wonderful!I won't give away any of the plot stuff in case anyone is going to see it, but I'll definately be adding it to my library - Love Tyler Perry! Did the grocery shopping, made hamburgers (bought bulk, 'roll my own' so to speak) and did a little cleaning up around the house. Spaced out a bit and forgot I need to post in both of my online classes, so it's going to be a late night for me. Applied for another govt job - makes 11 now. Got a lovely email from a Professor on the campus who was our regular Sunday speaker at church last year - he's willing to write me a letter of reference. I'm just not sure if I want to have him slant it toward a specific position, or make it rather generic so I can use it for ANY position I apply for...thoughts, anyone? Nose back to the books / discussion board for class. Have a lovely night, everyone! :wub:

...you become your local consignment shop's best customer because you've lost so much weight you bring them all your old clothes, and you keep losing at such a steady rate that you're continually bringing them your new, barely-worn clothes that you bought during your transition! Oh, and let's not forget that you're in there SHOPPING for new clothes every few weeks because you HATE to pay retail for clothes you're only gonna wear for a month or two!:wink: