Road Queen

I will be an advisor to the Minister of Finance - specifically for budget but available for IT, accounting, auditing, etc. Today its hitting me again - I'm moving around the world...

I stalled for almost 4 months in the 177-179 range. Sometimes I think the body needs some adjustment time. I've kicked back in now.

DeLarla, will you please pm me when you get the date set? I am trying to get vacation so I can fly from Malawi to North Dakota, pick up a new motorcycle, and ride to Vegas. So I need ask for vacation, buy a $2500 plane ticket, pick out a new motorcycle, and get my act together. Since I'm starting a new job, have a 40 hour flight each way, and a 2 1/2 day ride down, I need to be organized. Thanks. Celeste

I use the glad or ziploc containers. When I make stew or Soup I measure out about 3/4 of a cup. I take them to work frozen in the morning and they are mushy by lunch. I also use them for leftovers and they work fine. For my craisins, pumpkin seeds, etc, I measure 1/4 cups and put them in the ziploc snack bags.

Anyone know of a fill dr in South Africa?

Thanks for the info. I am so swelled from pbs and not having any liquids (other than Water available) that I couldn't keep papaya enzymes down last night. I will buy meat tenderizer by the gallon for my move. Celeste

Good job!! Waiting for pictures. Celeste

Vines, I have lost alot of inches elsewhere but my waist has remained extensive. But instead of wearing clothes that are too baggy elsewhere, I started buying lower cut pants. They are more fashionable and ignore my belly fat. I didn't keep anything. In fact, last week I had to go clothes shopping for interview outfits for this week and I just bought my size off the rack - I didn't even try stuff on and when I got home it fit.. The suit I am wearing today is a $7.50 blazer, $2 skirt and $3 camisole and it looks great. I wish I could post a picture. Shopping is so much fun these days. BTW - what I am getting rid of is the old clothing in my current size. It makes me look old.

Oh my goodness, I am no longer Queen of the Killer Slimes. I have to admit I slime more than most but sometimes its my fault. I don't always chew well, take small bites, make great choices, etc...but sometimes its my fickle band. I'm stepping on your thread here to vent. I spent 40 hours this weekend (flying and airport time) to get to Malawi. I could eat anything. I was bumming because in Amsterdan and on the planes, I ate bread for the first time since August. I had a minor pb on one of the planes because I over ate (first class had awesome appetizer, meal, and desert). But no problems. I get here and I am so tight that it takes me 30 minutes to get in half a fish filet. I will lose weight this week!! I know a day of liquids would be best but I'm in the middle of a week of interviews, meeting, etc and I need to appear normal. Bands are fickle but I have lost weight and I'm back to losing more. But I have never had a giant slime ball like yours. Awesome!! I hope you are feeling better.

No problem with wine. In fact, when I am too tight, it does loosen me up a bit. But also stops some pbs for me. I am really tight at night/when its hot/weather changes, etc. So I do use wine to help through those times.

Check the charter flights to Cancun - alot of people are avoiding it this year because of the hurricane. When you get to Cancun, take a cab to Puerto Lopez (about $20) Get on the ferry to Isla Mujeres. ($3) When you get off, across the street is the Hotel Gomez - very nice rooms for about $50. Nice balcony and patio areas on each floor - to watch traffic, read books, play yatzee, etc. If you want some thing cheaper, turn left at the ferry station and walk about 2 or 3 blocks. the Vista Mar hotel will be about $25 a night. After you check in, put on your swimsuit, walk to the North Beach. Either rent chairs, umbrella, etc or go to Sergios and order a drink and use their free chairs. If you go, pm me and I will give you additional ideas on places to eat, best margaritas, etc. Or if you want to go see the ruins, from Cancun, head to Chichen Itza then to Merida. I can also give you directions.

Elena, I lost 37 pounds in the first 5 months after surgery. Then I stalled for 3 1/2 months. I am now losing again. This week is the first time I have seen my signature weight this year - and I'm even below it. I think my body (and mind) needed an adjustment time. Now I am as motivated and enthusiastic as I was when banded. And my band is ready again to work for me.

This is one of the Protein drinks I used alot initially. I still use it some but I have gone to mixing them with Water. I am getting plenty of calcium and don't need the additional calories. My surgeon didn't allow me to have this the first few days out of surgery since I could only have Clear liquids.

Lisa, I also get mental cravings - even with the band. A philosophy I used for awhile was that I could have whatever I wanted - only I had to eat it in 60 minutes and enjoy it. In other words, don't inhale the food, chew it and take your time. Oh, I remember some of those feasts well. I would spend all day thinking about what was going to be in the feast, go to the store, make food (no cheating), get everything ready, set the table, set the timer, and then eat. Sometimes I was so wore out that I didn't even want to eat others I pigged. The important thing for me was after that hour, I needed to regain control. If my dog wouldn't eat the leftovers, they were garbage. No saving for lunch, freezing for the next time, etc. Good luck and keep us updated on how it works. BTW - my latest pig out food is ak-mak stone ground sesame cracker with garlic and herb laughing cow lite cheese. I am even going to take that on my 40 hour plane ride next week!! Between the 2, it is about 55 calories and 3.5 grams of Protein...

Yes, I eat tilapia alot. When I went to France in November, I had it for dinner 4 nights - it is readily available there and I trusted it. I love Omaha Steaks tortilla crusted tilapia (okay, Paul, I'm lazy and it is easy). I make some of my fish Veracruz style - bake in tin foil with onion, peppers, tomatoes, garlic. Its kind of a no brainer since with all the liquid you can't over cook in (works for chicken too) I have also been eating blue hake lately. Its a meatier fish but sometimes I want a little more substance. When I bake it, I put sliced cauliflower, carrots, green Beans, etc sprayed with olive oil and have roasted vegetables with it. Sometimes I spray brussel sprouts - they are a favorite of mine but since banding I just eat a few. Okay, I'm on a roll since eating fish is a favorite topic of mine. Sometimes I like a little tartar sauce - so I've been buying the fat free (bland) tartar sauce and mixing it with Sriracha hot chili sauce. mmm Tilapia is one of the native fish in Lake Malawi so I expect that if I move to Malawi will be eating lots of it. I better pack tortilla chips, tartar sauce, sriracha hot chili sauce, etc (oops, my baggage limit is coming close).

When I started fitting in WalMart size 12s, I bought low-rise (below waist) jeans and loved them. I still have a big belly and I always had a roll above my waist high pants (and it was uncomfortable). Now that roll is more spread out. This fall, my neighbor gave me her old fat pants (size 12s) before I went to France. So I just took a couple of pair and found out that they were the super low ones. Once I got used to them, I like the feel too. DeLarla, do you remember the panty thread you started last summer? The one where you asked everyone to post what panties they were wearing. After that thread, I went out and bought new underwear (not granny panties) and some thongs. If you find some t-back ones, let me know where. I used to love those. Now, if I can just get back on the losing streak....

Good job!! Great article. Now the question - did you go to Valley Fair this summer? Its been about 15 years since I've been there. Celeste

Feb 5 goals 1. 60 minutes of walking - did 40 2. No eating after 7 - blew this one! 3. Finish cleaning kitchen island and shelves - island and shelves done!! 4. Journal instead of stress!! - yes!! Feb 6 goals 1. 40 minutes of walking 2. drink my Water (never a problem!) 3. get nighttime eating under control

Jenny, I split mine up. During the week I try and do 20 minutes before work, and 20 minutes during the day, and 20 a night. Yesterday, I didn't want to exercise and was trying to get house stuff done - so I did 6 sessions of 10 minutes each. Although you don't get the cardio benefits, you are still burning calories and you are still getting exercise. Feb 3 goals 1. Walk 30 minutes - did 60 minutes 2. Follow bandster eating rules - yes 3. Fed ex mail reimbursement - no 4. Start cleaning bedroom closet - no no goals for Feb 4. but I did 60 minutes of walking Feb 5 goals 1. 60 minutes of walking 2. No eating after 7 3. Finish cleaning kitchen island and shelves 4. Journal instead of stress!!

Suzie, from what I understand Dr. K is awesome also. I really appreciate everyone at St. As. As you have read, a few of us are getting together Monday night - we will be thinking of you. We have all been there. If you need someone to talk to, pm me and I will send you my number. Are you coming to Bismarck on Sunday? Keep us updated on how everything goes. Celeste

Darlene, glad you can make it. You can see JoLynn (Asphalt Angel) and my picture on our avatars so you will know who we are. See you there. Celeste

Feb 2 goals 1. Walk 60 minutes - didn't happen 2. No food after 8 - didn't happen 3. Restrict snacking - pretty good 4. Finish med reimbursement - finished Feb 3 goals 1. Walk 30 minutes 2. Follow bandster eating rules 3. Fed ex mail reimbursement 4. Start cleaning bedroom closet

I truely believe this works but as a working person, its tough to follow. Yesterday I had leftover tortilla crusted tilapia and oven roasted green Beans, cauliflower, onion, and carrots for lunch. (This sounds like a commercial) After work, I had a couple of potato chips and started reading some materials. I didn't even notice I missed dinner until a tv show came on at 7:30. I quick grabbed a Protein shake since it was so late. This morning I was able to eat a Protein Bar for breakfast - something that used to be impossible in the morning. Now, how can I get myself to have decent lunches every day?!?!

I agree that it is an issue in bandland....it is probably an issue for others but they don't have any place to vent. Lucky us!!

I'm sure Cindy will respond but she was with us at Red Lobster when we met in Dec and doing great.