Apples2

Oh Arlene...this just made my day! Right back at ya!:biggrin:

Greek yogurt will give you needed protein. Just buy the plain and add some pureed fruit to get some flavor. Greek yogurt is much higher in protein than other yogurts. And, everyone needs a few carbs in their diet on a daily basis.

1. I am thankful that there is not one person here that claims to "know it all". 2. I am thankful for a supportive DH and two loving sons that I am so proud of and have turned into responsible adults. 3.I am thankful and blessed to live in our US of A and to experience freedom. 4. I am thankful for all the heroic young men and women that serve our country and allow me to live in my free world. I pray for those that have been killed, injured and emotionally injured while fighting for our freedom. 5. I am thankful that I can just slide into my jeans! (I know, I know, sounds pretty superficial after my first 4 statements). 6. I am thankful for my "empty nest dog" who really does sense when momma is lonesome for her boys and does somewhat fill that void. 7. I am extremely thankful for the many happy moments and loving memories I have of my "mom" and the time I was allowed to spend with her. 8. Last but not least...I am thankful for each and everyone of you. You have all been my "go to ppl" when I needed understanding, advice, or just a avenue to vent my frustrations. You have all been my daily inspiration. You have made me laugh and blow popcorn, coffee, whatever all over my desk. You guys have surrounded me during a time that I did not know I would make it through and I am ever so thankful to have each and every one of you in my life.:smile:

I guess the best way to start is to just throw your questions out there. There are many experienced banders willing to share their experiences. I remember the waiting for insurance approval. Was my most worrisome time throughout this entire process. The lap band is the best thing I have ever done for myself. You do have to work right along with the band in making healthy food choices and following your doc's rules. If you do these things, you will see results and ultimately hit your goals. Wishing you luck. Feel free to either email me our send a personal message.

Totally agree with your original post, Janet. I am full of willpower as I am sure most of us are. Heck, the first time I lost weight as a senior in HS, my friends were all over me stating that they wished they had half my willpower. When I gained most of it back my college freshman year, nothing was said. I wish one of them would have. We have the willpower to take it off, the toughest part comes with maintaining the willpower throughout the years after weightloss. But, with the band (and if you continue to follow the band rules and eat a healthy diet) it will help you to keep it off. I think it was Linda that posted this morning and was talking about being afraid of certain foods. (cake, cookies, etc.). I truly believe that it was that fear that made me gain back weight time after time. My thinking was "Well I slipped up again...no use in trying". And then I would give up. It's almost like it put me into panic mode and I would feel like a failure and feel so defeated if I sat and ate some pasta salad (was my downfall food), pie, etc. Now I look at those foods as a "treat". When I was in the weightloss stage, I did treat myself to all those foods. But, it would be a couple of bites. Just to satisfy. Deprivation can get a person into the wrong frame of mind and I think the body craves a treat once in awhile.

OK...now I'm clear on what Costco is. We do not have a membership to Sams. 95 miles away. I do hit Walmart to save on some bulk things I use to cook for my guys and things for the farm shop (paper towels, etc.) We subscribe to the Minneapolis daily and the crosswords are both in the Variaty section. You can also get them online. You are correct...Monday is easy (not enough challenge as I tend to get Mon, Tues, and Wed done in about 10 min.). Friday, Sat and Sun and what I like. I find crosswords to be relaxing and keep my brain working. How much brain power does it take to read a recipe, drive for farm parts, make a hotdish, do a load of laundry?, etc.

Oops...missed the congrats to Linda on her 96lbs gone forever. Good goin' Eva...You were asking about the 1910 lunch bags. Don't even know if I know what a Costco store is. Nothing like that around here. We have SuperValu, Rainbow Foods, Cub, Sams Club or Walmart (and I have to drive 65 miles to get to one of them and 95 miles to get to the others. Just mom and pop stores in our rural area. (Yes, mom and pop are at the checkout). TV...not very interesting. If it's on, I go for Dateline, 20/20, Larry King, CNN, etc. DH is usually behind his laptop in the evenings and I am doing my daily LA Times or NY Times crossword and then move onto my reading. My true addiction is those two puzzles DAILY. I actually feel withdrawl if I don't get them in every day. My sons were not tv watchers while growing up and still are not. They had all the entertainment they wanted right out their front door. Could not force them into sitting down and watching cartoons on a rainy day. Slickers were put on and out the door hand in hand as little guys. I would love to make a wish and have those days back.

Laura..probably did not catch you but wanted to tell you to have a safe trip. Not sure what to tell you on the Nels with the fever issue. If he is like my boys were, they could run a slight fever on any given day this time of the year with the virus' running rampet. Hope his fever goes down. Just be careful that Nels stays a distance away from GF and clean his hands with disinfectant periodically. Will be thinking of you and your family as your dad goes through this surgery. He will be happy to be able to be free of the tube. I am sure all of this is on your mind continuously and consumes you. Take care of yourself and stay strong. Hope your DH takes advantage of his TV "scratch wherever he wants", beer drinking/sandwich eating sessions. Every guy needs to think he is getting away with something. My guys are usually "dirty". Mud and gravel on boots so my rule is drop the shoes at the door. I KNOW that when I am gone they sneak up to the fridge or down to laundry room with muddy boots. But, when asked, no one seems to know who did it. Thanks for the anniversary wishes. The day is actually today. We've had a good run of it. Could just smack him sometimes (and I am sure visa versa) but we just have always had a good life together. Guess we set these three simple marraige "rules" early. 1. Pass gas in bed and your dead! 2. Respect for each other and our children 3. Try to meet each other half way on the parenting. We have always had a tradition at our house on bdays and anniversarys. We "hide" our cards or gifts under the bed. When the alarm goes off, we take turns opening. We did the same with the kids. On their bdays, they would jump in bed with us to open their gifts first thing in the morning. Usually DH and I make cards for each other. This year I did buy him a gift. So weird. Sunday when I was in town I found him a John Deere (we are big into the green) pocket watch. A little JD tractor is the second hand that races around the face. Yesterday I had just gotten to town and he called looking to see if I had a second hand on my watch so that I could help him to calibrate his fert input while I was on the phone with him. So weird that I had just bought him that watch the day b/4. I was almost tempted to run it back to the field 15 miles away but waitrf til morning. Also had a sign made for our farm as a gift to him. We have three HUGE flat rocks. They look like a mountain range as the tops form peaks. We dug into the ground and set all three, overlapping each other. Always wanted to have them etched. Checked into it and would cost at least $1500. Travel time, etching large letters, etc. Went to our local print shop and they made me a beautiful sign with our name on it. Has brackets to hang on rock. Turned out really nice and looks great. All for under $100. Nice cranberry color with ecru printing. DH got me a Bose radio with multi-CD changer. We have had a Bose in our home for about 15 yrs. but with only one CD fitting at a time. That one will head to the bedroom or to the lake. I tend to crank up my CD's while I am cleaning, baking, cooking, etc. and am going to appreciate the changer. Now I can just put in my ppl all at one time (Fergie, Jewel, Josh Grobin, Black Eyed Peas, Pink, Taylor Swift, Micheal Bloublet (sp?), THE BEATLES, Nat King Cole, etc.). Yep, I'm all over the place in what I listen to. Heading out to dinner (finally found time for our date) to a nice Italian restaurant. Meeting long-time friends and maybe oldest DS and GF. Looking forward to it. Did some thinking on the Christmas Challenge. Not going to participate. I will be the referee. I am just going to take it as it comes. I tried soooooooooo hard all summer to gain and it never happened. Once I quit trying, the weight came on. Worried so much this last couple of weeks that I would drop that weight due to stress...and, dropped the weight and even got my cals in and then some with eating sweets, etc. that were brought to the house. I'm just not even going to stress about it and see what happens. Linda...thinking of DSD and what she is going through. Hope they can get things regulated for her soon. I am sure it is all a heartache for you and added stress. Take care of yourself. I'm still in my robe ("mom's" big fluffy pink on we gave her for bday years ago) and better hit the shower and get some things done around here. Have not paid attention to things here for the last couple of weeks as I have been gone every day. Dog needs some momma time so need to get out in the yard for some play time. Nice weather the last few days. 50's and 60's and sunshine. You all have a great day. Life is good. :tongue2:

Hey Tiny..welcome. Tell us a bit about yourself. I love this thread. It's my daily dose of what I need to stay on top of LB issues. Also, this is a very friendly and well-informed group of ppl to check in with. Looking forward to getting to know you!:tongue2:

Seems like we get on one topic each day and it carries through to the end of the day. Hum..wonder what the topic will be tomorrow on this thread. Today was "Mondays", tomorrow's will be??????? OK, someone come up with something interesting!

My son was just telling me at dinner that he is starting the P90 workouts. He is already in good shape but said he was going to start this program. He has the knees of an 80 yr old (Iraq) and cannot do some of the workouts he used to do. He left the house with a bag a frozen meals made by momma and a huge bag of my protein bars. I'm up for the challenge also, Janet. I'm going to have to bump my cals again. My average is about 2750. Got 2770 today and was not easy cuz I had a stressful day and band tightened. Think 1/2 of my cals were either apple cider or cappacinos. Will need to switch back to my 400 cal protein bars for snacks instead of 200 cal ones. I hate to even post that kind of stuff here. Oh well, it's my dilema right now.

Cheri...wonderful song! Very inspiring.

Great...so funny...I got inspiration from you during the weight loss process as well as many on here. But, thanks for the kind words. Phyll was one that I picked out as a realistic person who told it like it was with no excuses. I appreciated that she had a medical background and was not just pulling advice out of nowhere. Janet was the kick in the butt that I needed once in awhile but she was still positive and caring at the same time. JoAnne was one that I drew to because she was a newbie and seemed so informed about LB issues long b/4 her surgery. Guess that is why I stuck to this thread...because of the positve ppl that hung here. Always knew I could get a direct answer. Guess what I am trying to say is negativity breeds negativity and I try to avoid it. Like we used to tell our DSs...You keep that bottom lip out too long and a bird is just going to come along and poop on it! I've always been a believer that our great USof A should be able to take care of our elderly without them getting to the point where they are giving up their homes, their savings, their dignity, etc. I don't care if someone has a million dollars or it's someone that has $500 in their checking account. We should be able to provide for our elderly so that it does not drain them financially and emotionally. Some may disagree with me. We have so many $$$ spent on insignificant things (spent by our government) that it could all go to take care of our elderly and people that really do need it. (I'll get off my soap box now). My "mom" was getting to the point of living from SS check to the next. She was such a giving person and I know she spent more on others than she should have and it would have gotten to the point where she would have had to go into a nursing home. (Blind in one eye and losing sight in the other). I was dreading her losing her independence and having the feeling that she was a financial burden. Luckily, she lived in an apt. building where they based her rent on her income. Maybe that is something to look into for your GM. The above was such a ramble..don't even know if it made sense but no time to reread and redo. I think all of this is finally hitting me. I am so sad and don't know what I will do once all this busyness comes to an end. Guess I'd better just buck up and face that wall when it comes. Now, I'm off....later.

Allie...if I don't catch you b/4 your PS, just want to wish you the best of luck. Will say an extra prayer for healing and good results for you. Take care.:smile2:

Sorry to hear about your gain, Arlene. Maybe it's just a fluke and you will drop again. But, you have the right idea about getting your journaling, etc. back on track. My friend gets B12 shots and she always told me that she got REALLY stiff and sore and achey from them for about a week. Does any of that happen to you????? Off to the apt for more packing today. Getting a late start. Want to be in there b/4 10am. Yesterday put another 14 hours in. Got all her 955 S&P shakers packed up and ready to travel the miles to her daughter's home. I wrapped them all in individual packages (1910 paper lunch bags). Today just organizing the small items that her family still needs to go through on TG weekend. Dropped my 4lbs that I had gained over the summer. Bummer. That may seem strange to some of you that it would upset me, but I worked hard to get them back on. Funny thing is, I did not think I was working much harder than I do at home. Must be the stress of losing her. I have been eating and doubling up on certain things (food) just to get an adequate amount of cals, if not more than I need. Even been eating lots of cookies and cakes that her little neighbor ladies have been bringing over to the apt. Oh well, holidays coming up and lots of goodies to sample. Hope you all have a good day. I have always loved Mondays (yep....I'm a bit off). Think it has something to do with the glass half full syndrome. Will check in when I get home tonight. Take care.:smile2:

BTH Great, Hope your GM loves her sweatshirt. My "mom" had quite a few like that that were revamped with a zipper and sewn on pockets and collars. She was so cute in them. Gotta stay warm, you know!

Great...thank you for caring but I am taking good care of myself. I head out with my "green" bag full of food and am eating good. You have to know my reg job to know that what I have been doing to pack the apt is not as tough as a day around here working. In fact, DH just said to me last night "You are so bubbly when you've put in a long day's work". Sick, huh? Talk to you all tonight. Take care and have a wonderful Sunday.

Hey All...just a quick post b/4 my head hits the pillow. I am sure I will be out quickly. Was at the apt. by 7am and worked until 8pm. A lot accomplished for today. Both DH and I were too tired to go out for anniversary dinner. We decided to do it Tues night (actual anniversary). BTW...thanks for all of the congrats on that. Eva...did a job bring to you AZ or a spouse? Must like the weather to still be there 30 yrs later. Coconuts...happy to hear your surgery is behind you and you are at home. Make sure to take care, follow your doc's orders and jump on this thread with questions you may have or just to visit a bit. We tend to take care of our newbies and get them hooked on this thread. A lot of support provided here. Phyll and Janet...Oh I envy you...a LB sista shopping trip...have a great time. You deserve that Coach Phyll. Have never even seen one. Just a hillbilly hayseed here. Julie...not not a bit stiff from my fall. I lucked out on that one. I NEVER get stiff anymore. And to think, I was ALWAYS stiff and sore EVERYWHERE when I was obese. There is not an ache or pain in my body ever. Lucky. I think a lot of it is I stay pretty limber because I am extremely active. Great...good going on getting out and shopping with your cane. Hope things just get continually better for you. And, I think we talked about Sat. on TG weekend. Watertown would work best for me but can travel further if Aberdeen is better for you. Just let me know. The only thing that would prevent us meeting would be terrible roads but we can talk closer to the time. I am super excited about meeting you. Laura...I sleep naked and just run around the house in the morning in those flannel pants. DS is here early (catching momma naked would ruin him for life) and it's cold here so not running naked in the house. Good night, dear friends. My book is calling me. Most likely will not be on tomorrow. Have 955 sets of salt and pepper shakers to begin wrapping and packing. Whoohoo!

Aww...that's so nice of you to say, Balletgirl...I'm just an ordinary person who counts on my LB friends for support. I will take the compliment though LOL. :wink2:

Phyll...if you can't see me, I'm doing the happy dance and congrats on Onderland. Hope the hip is just a fluke and overcompensating because of the knee and will be fine. (Fingers crossed)....let us know what you find out. Cheri...sounds like you had quite the menagerie with all those animals. I do have my 100lb black lab in the house but we don't let him get on beds or furniture. We have the exception of him sitting on DH's lap on the recliner in the evening. Head on DH's shoulder and A$$ hanging off the end. Big dog....big baby but soooooooooooo well-behaved. When he was a puppy I was lucky enough to be home for 2 wks straight and able to train him. When I wanted him to listen to me I said A-E-I-O-U (don't ask me why...don't know why I chose that). If I want him to do something and he is defiant, I only get to "A" and he is on his way back to his bed. Good dog. Julie....good to hear that you had a few days pain free. Would be nice if that would continue. Arlene....does your pain ever subside????? You sound miserable. Porcupine...I'm doing well. Just really booked to get this apartment all packed and done. She was an organized and very clean lady but she has 89 yrs worth of "stuff" which was very important to her. Siblings have left and asked me to just make some decisions on some of it whether to keep or throw. I will get there. Have to start working on my yearend again for farm and business next week. How are you doing??????? Keeping on track? Hope things are going good for you. Hey, Lori, Janet, Meredith, Linda, Eva (I'm forgetting some) and to all the newbies I have not had the pleasure of getting to know yet. Don't ask me what I am doing up this early. Rolled out of bed at 4:15. Want to get a few things done here (house neglected for a week) and then into apt. b/4 8am and have a good day of work. DH and I talked about going out to dinner tonight to celebrate our anniversary (30 yrs that just flew by). Depends on how far behind we are dragging our butts. He and DS will be playing in the mudd again (drain tile). Hard, tough work and he may be too tired (or I will be too tired). Took a tumble down our stairs yesterday. Running around like a chix with no head. Going up and down to store room to get boxes to take with me. Half way down caught my toe in my flannel jammie pants. It was not pretty but did not get hurt. I had visions on the way down. I gotta slow down or my DH will be posting MY obit. Ok...gotta hit the road. You guys have a great weekend if I don't talk to you b/4 Monday. I do check posts on my threads the first thing when I come in the door and THEN DH gets his kiss!

Sorry for the struggles, Janet. One thing about you though...you take action immediately after a slip. Do you think that not having sugar for a few days made you want it more? Deprivation?????? I have a really strange food regamine, but it works for me. A certain amount of fiber, protein, and carbs. Each day I plan but, as we all know, well made plans can call by the wayside. I notice that when I do not get my carbs in early in the day, I am standing in the pantry b/4 bed eating high carb cereal by the handful. It's like I JUST HAVE TO HAVE IT. I think deprivation is the downfall of most "diets". (And I realize you do not see this as a diet...life change). Anyway, nice to see you jumped back one and took care of your slip-up. Icecream rinsed down the sink yet????????:thumbup:

Laura...WHAT???????????? Family dogs and cats are NOT human????????????WTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok...out the door early. Want to try and get as much done as I can in apt. b/4 we start the corn harvest which most likely will be next week. No time to respond...I miss you guys!

Awww...thanks, Janet. Just checking in. Got home a bit ago. Lots sorted and packed and lots to go. Sis has to go back to work so will plug away with apt. Just nice that I know what goes to who so I can pack and label. This work has actually been very theraputic and will continue to be. Better than being home all alone with my guys gone from dusk till dawn. Popcorn time for me and the puppa. Nightly ritual. He's sitting in his popcorn position and waiting for momma to get it done. Talk to you all tomorrow. Maybe I will have time to catch up with everyone a little bit. Sending CyberHugs!

The darned walker issue...my "mom" was supposed to be using hers when she was out and about. She would use it in her apt when she felt light-headed but the pride got to her when she was out in public. You just gotta let them keep there independence as long as they can. I used to catch myself b/4 I would do the lecture. "Do you think you should go out today with this ice and snow?" I would just zip it and know what would be, would be. Janet...was reading your post last night and just about choked on my popcorn. Me? Normal? Oh Honey...once you meet me you will learn I am anything but. One of my life goals is to NEVER be normal. (Whatever normal is). I got such a kick out of it. Great....focus all your energy and time on your GM right now. Sounds like she is the glue that is keeping things together with the family. Time will come to see how things play out and how everyone reacts once GM is no longer with you. You just keep being you and treating ppl in your family the best way you know how. Don't let their ways change YOU. To me, you seem to be a very loving and caring person. What I am trying to say it is THEIR issues...not yours. OK...I am going to be saying this for awhile. Can't acknowledge every post so don't feel left out. Meredith..happy to hear you had a great trip. You were missed. I always look forward to getting up in the morning and seeing your post from the night b/4. Arlene...sorry you are having such a time with everything. Say DAMN IT!...that might help. Everyone else.....miss the talks but have soooooo much going on right now. Heading out in a couple of minutes. Doing more cards at the fam house and then heading into town for more packing. That family is the example which I wish could be set for all families at a time of loss. They are so kind to each other. Sis says to brother "Do you want this?" Brother says "Oh no, Sis, mom would want you to have it". This was all day yesterday and since she passed. She did something right with raising her two sons and her daughter. They offered to me ANYTHING I wanted of hers. I took three Icelandic lined sweaters that I had given her for Christmas....she had told me many times she wanted me to have them back. Also a marble egg, jewelry case which I had given her. The one and only item I wanted when my GM died was one of her hankies. She was one to always carry fancy hankies and always ironed them. I have it in my undie drawer and see it every day. She has been gone since 1987. Anyway, I am going to feel like she has her arms around me when I wear those sweaters. I'm out...will try to check in when I get home tonight. Take care, FOLLOW THE BAND RULES, plan your treats, drink your fluids, eat Fiber, take a walk or hit the gym (Laura...love ya).

Cheri..just have mom keep a really close eye on him. We visited ER a couple of times from jumping on the bed. (The monkey song comes to mind). I am sure they left with what to watch for. Any concerns, they can always go back to doc to get him checked out. Hope everything will be OK with him. Kids!:drool: