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Ali has totally worked her butt off. I was so impressed that she kept up with Mark in the challenge! More power to then I never could have done that! I also agree that Mark is looking old. I don't think the beard works for him at all.. I have been paying special attention to the ads in the show now. It's a pet peeve, but also amusing how they try to *sneak* them in there.. Last night was zip lock bags.. As soon as they found out they were going Down Under Mark and Kelly went to the kitchen where there *happened to be* like 20 boxes of zip locks on the counter. They packed up their snacks for the plane ride.. As they arrived at the airport Mark pulls out 5 large zip lock bags with several smaller bags in it.. *look guys, I've filled up these ZIP LOCK BAGS with some healthy snacks for all of us. The best part is the bags will contain our food with no leaks*.. I don't know about you guys, but as soon as I saw that I ran to the closest store, and bought out every box of zip locks I could find.

It's a given.. That's why I bought me some:biggrin:

The pic is nice, however the model is just a bit smaller than I:lol:.. Mine surely won't look as slimming! My favorite thing about them is the apples for the butt pockets.. Too cute:) As for jeans under $50.. Oh my! For the last 6 or so years I have only bought Old Navy jeans (roughly $25), or Wal Mart cheap-o boot cuts for $10. One time I bought a pair at Lane Bryants (sp?) for $30-ish, but they always stretched out after an hour of wear, and looked horrible on me! On occasion I buy some off ebay too, but only if it's a deal. I'm cheap:laugh:

Haha.. no I wish! I'm in an 18 as well. I'm hoping at 170-ish to be in a 14. That's what I was back in high school.. Plus the Apple Bottoms measure a little bigger to "celebrate" those curves!

P.S. Sarah, have you tried the Special K protein waters?? I want to buy some, but don't want to waste any more money on something I won't drink lol.. I was curious if it had the protein-ish after taste?? :wink_smile:

Soo... With all the hype about "Apple Bottom Jeans" I decided to do some research. To my surprise it is actually a brand put out by Nelly, to "celebrate the natural curves of women", with plus sizes too!. AMEN to that! lol.. I live in the deep woods of Maine, and we (to say the least) are a bit out of the loop of fashion. I am originally from Massachusetts, so every time I go back to visit I feel so out of place with my $10 Wal Mart jeans and plain colored v-neck t-shirts. HAHA What's a big girl to do?? Lets face it, there isn't a lot of plus size style to chose from;) Anyhoo.. Today I bought my first pair of "Apple Bottom Jeans" for $59. (NOTE: The most expensive jeans I've ever bought?!) They are super cute and a size 14. YAH! When I lose to my first goal (-50lbs) I am going down to MA to visit- New jeans in tow;) Here's to hoping they'll fit, and that they'll still be in style:blush:.. lol ~Kerri

Hi Sarah- Glad the time line helped:) I had my post op yesterday. I am down 17lbs from the last time they saw me, and 25 since I started my journey:) I had one stitch poking out, so they pulled it up a little bit and snipped it.. EEK! I'm a wimp, but it really didn't hurt, I was just being a chicken. I have my appointment for my first fill May 13 at Maine General! Stupid me I never asked them what kind of band I was going to get before surgery.. Dr.Trieu said they have been using a new band for the last 2-3 months. It's called a AVG or VGS.. lol.. Too bad I asked and can't remember lol.. He said that the advantage to it is that it's pre-filled with 3cc's (hence the fact I am NOT hungry). Also the older bands had the balloon around most of the inside of the band, but doesn't go fully around because of how the band clipped together around the stomach. In this band the balloon goes fully around the inside, leaving less chance for the erosion on the stomach.. Hope I explained that right lol.. Also, if I ever get to a support group at the same time as you, I have like 8 Isopure's left.. If you want them you can have them. I just can't drink them! They're expensive little buggers to be wasting:) Anyhoo, I'm going to get my butt in gear, and bring my note to my employer. Back to work tomorrow!:thumbup: ~Kerri

lol bratz.. The night before I was allowed mushies I had a french fry or 2. (Or maybe like 5..) But they were small pieces. And soo good:)

THANKS SPECIALK! That must have taken you a while.. I have been curious and asked who was when and about how many Shrinking Shamrocks there were, so this is my answer! yay! Thanks!

Behealthy- Dr.Trieu did my Surgery:).. As Sarah said, the Augusta program is wonderful, and everyone is so helpful! Good luck at the seminar, and don't be afraid to ask questions, they have all the info you need:) Sarah, I just looked in my planner. My last nutrition appointment was 1/24, got approval on 1/31. First fitness guru appointment and nurse consult was 2/14, second fitness guru appt. and final consult with Dr. Trieu was 2/21. Received surgery date 2/28 for 3/19, and a pre op date of 3/12. Hope this helps.. I can't remember if I put up the dates before? lol.. As always there's a disclaimer with my experience, but I figured it would give you an idea:) I am sooo crossing my fingers for you to have a 2hr approval!:crying: Off to make myself eat something.. gahhhhh.. So glad I'm not hungry, but it's hard to eat when your not.. I guess there's a first for everything lol.. :)Kerri

Hi Jennifer.. Congrats on your loss! That's great:) Are you planning on going back for another fill eventually, of are you satisfied where you are? Welcome behealthy! It's always great to see more Mainer's on here:) Is there a Waterville bariatric program? I know Augusta has some meetings there, just wasn't sure if there's a program there? Anyhoo, congrats on getting started on your weight loss journey, and finding this site. It is full of info! Let us know if we can be of any help to you:) Sarahh.. are you out there??? lol.. Hope everything is going along smoothly with you.. You are too funny with the increased blood sugar reading.. lol.. My understanding was that if you have a qualifying BMI and one comorbidity, you are pretty much set as far as approval goes. Have you looked through the insurance thread about BCBS at all?? (I think you said you have BCBS? lol).. I'm forgetful for sure!:scared2: My mushies are still going great. I am eating most of my Protein for now! yah!!:sad: I can't wait for Wednesday, as I will be able to eat some more "normal" foods:) Also Tuesday is my post op, so I'm pretty psyched to weigh in on their scale.:wink: I'll stop rambling now lol.. Hope everyone enjoys this warmer weather coming up, I'm soooo excited! Take care all, ~Kerri!!

This story is heart breaking:(.. I just don't even know what to write.. I am going to be politically correct here, and keep (most of) my humble opinion to myself. I get so frustrated at these stories, and parents being so (in my opinion) neglectful. That 11 year old child never had a chance at life at the hands of her parents. Aren't parents supposed to be protectors and do everything in their power to keep their children healthy and safe? In my opinion they failed as parents, and allowed their child to die at the hands of their beliefs. Shame on them! Having some knowledge of diabetes, I am sure this child had serious acute symptoms prior to death- if not just being in a coma. Isn't it a hint to push your religion aside, and seek medical treatment, when your child is suffering to this extent?? Heart breaking... just heart breaking...

JCPenney also has a great selection. They have a "bust minimizing" option on the swim wear page, and it brings up some cute styles.. Good luck!

I'm sure you guys caught the "one a day multi vitamin" add a few weeks ago.. It was the lamest!! I laughed so hard.. What a joke! Bob went into Dans room to see his new outfit and conveniently asked if he was taking his one a day mens vitamin.. "Oh, look Dan, your Mom left her Womens one a day here.. Your mom, as a woman needs other vital nutrients to support her throughout her day. That's why Womens one a day is specially formulated with blah blah bla blah blah." haha..

Uhhh... Lets get it on, by Marvin Gaye lol

I am on Yasmin as well. I am a continuous use gal.. I take the sugar pills at the end of the pack one time a year, (or so my gyno suggests..) which makes for a short spotty 3-4 day cycle, then I'm back to skipping the sugar pills. Yasmin has been the best for me so far, helping immensely with PMDD, and my skin... Plus no weight gain:)

Hi Sarah:) All is well with the mushies! I am so glad to be able to eat again:) I have gained 1lb, which I expected, getting off the clear liquid phase. I am not back to work until next Thursday, Dr.Trieu has patients take 2 weeks:( I definitely feel good enough to go back though! I have my post op appointment next Tuesday. I am excited to get the okay for work and more activities! Hopefully I can keep my weight down until my first fill. I am expecting some weight gain with the introduction of normal foods, but I would be devastated to gain it all back! When is your last nutritional appointment? It must be coming right up! You will be a bandster before you know it!! Hope everything is going well for you:) ~Kerri

Hi Veronica, and welcome to the Maine forum! How cool is it that we were banded on the same day! yay!! How are things going for you? Are you still on liquids? It surely gets better as each day goes by! The only discomfort I feel at this point is minor port pain once ina great while, especially if I move the right way.. I was thrilled to start mushies today! Hope you are feeling better, and I am super glad you found us here! :eek: Kerri

AMAZING!!!!!! How wonderful for you to share with us!! Congratulations:)

tntexas- The gas x strips are the ones that dissolve on your tongue:)..

Congrats! How exciting! Harvard Pilgrim was amazing to work with, and approved me in a very short time as well:) Best of luck to you both!

Hey Sarah, glad you ate some Easter dinner for me. I didn't cook this year so there was no dinner here.. I just couldn't do it. I was shocked that my mother in law didn't do anything?? She came by to visit me and said "it's too bad you're not up to cooking, I was craving your ham".. Hmmm.. I just left well enough alone lol.. I wasn't extremely impressed to say the least.. I don't think she meant to be rude, she's just a blunt person, but it just got to me:) So today I am down 10lbs! yay for that! The day of surgery I was 242, this morning I was 232:).. I gained 5 lbs before surgery after giving up on the low carb bit, I figured it was well deserved! lol.. Anyhoo, the Protein deal is getting a little easier, I got 60g in today:) I'm still working on 80g- guess I'll get there someday:) Ok, sorry to blab.. I'm done for now:) Congratulations Jennifer!!! You must be so thrilled! Good luck with your computer- what a pain they can be! I just got a new laptop from Dell and the DVD/ CD ROM drive is broken?! Thank God I payed extra for the warranty.. I would've been in biggg trouble lol.. Congrats again on your loss, and keep up the good work! :)Kerri

Best of luck to the both of you, and congratulations!!:wub:

Hi there, Basketgirl!:wub: I was banded last wednesday, 3/19 by Dr.Trieu.. Congrats on getting through all of the requirements, it seems like it's never going to end, huh?! Hey Sarah, I am doing a bit better today.. Day 4, and I feel much more like myself. I am working on a Slim Fast low carb right now.. They have 20g of Protein, which isn't bad.. I just wish I could choke down the Isopure.. 2 bottles, and have all of my protein for the day! UUGGHH.. Anyhoo, the gas pain is mostly gone, all that's left is the port site, which really isn't bad, I'm just reminded that it's there:) Hope you all have a wonderful Easter! Eat some ham and potatoes for me!! mmmmmmmmm!! :)Kerri

Hey Sarah:) I am doing alright.. Last night and this morning I had some issues with nausea, I came sooo close to throwing up this morning! It scared me half to death! I called the nurse again today.. She said I need to get beyond the popsicles and ice chips, and onto some thicker Soups and my slim fast.. So I'm working on it:) Good news is- no gas pains today!:shades_smile: Just some port pain.. That's it! Yay.. I just need to keep working on the liquid stuff, and I'll be up to par! Thanks about the avatar.. We have been married for about a year and a half, and together for 7 years:) He's been good to me so far through all of this, and I warned him before that eating junk in front of me will NOT go over well lol.. So far he has respected my wishes:) hehe Hi Elaine:) It took about a week for my PCP to get everything faxed over to the Bariatric Center. From there it was about 2 weeks before I met my surgeon, and got the show on the road.. I would definitely keep on top of them, give your PCP a call, and see where your referral is at, as well as the Bariatric office, and see where they are at, and how far out they are scheduling appointments. Also as Sarah said, try to get on any cancellation lists possible, it helps things move along! I really wouldn't hesitate to call them still, though. You have that right to know where things are at, and it seems that you have been waiting wayy to long! Good luck to you! And be sure to let us know how things go! :success1: Kerri