Apples2

Hey kids! Hope everyone had a good day. Busy one here and didn't post once today. Just got caught up on my other threads and read the posts here. Sounds like your dinner turned out to be a good one, Janet. As you know, I love trying new recipes and as of 17 months ago I have revamped almost everything I cook to be heart healthy and low in sugar. Today I made a creamed chicken and potatoes dish. Started with four chix breasts and boiled. Used stock from chix, cut up breasts, celery (cooked with chix), frozen peas, 2 TBLS Molly McButter, pepper, 1 TBLS minced garlic and 2 cups FF sour cream. Simmered all for about an hours (stirring frequently). My guys thought it was great. For dessert was LF vanilla yogurt, 8 oz. 1/3 fat cream cheese (room temp). Mix together and add 2 cups fresh blackberries. I always serve Desserts in my ramkins. Just the right size. OK...so I don't feel bad for what I have packed after hearing what is on YOUR list!!! Guess I better go add some more clothes to the suitcase. Long you are correct in your thinking about checking yourself and how you deal with your children. I try to keep in mind how I would have liked to be talked to by my parents when I was an adult. I try to respect my sons and treat them as adults. Not easy to do sometimes by us mothers.

Not a problem, PJ....we are all here for one reason...because we NEED each other!

WAY TO GO, PJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep up the great work...and it is work, isn't it?

PJ...try not to be upset with your mother....your family here all understand your joy and excitement of hitting Onederland. We all work so hard to reach our mini goals and then our end goals. If only "they" would just say what we want to hear. We get so wrapped up in obtaining our goals and it means EVERYTHING TO US. When there are negative comments from the ones we love it can bring on a crushing blow. I know exactly where you are coming from on it and Long also. A little story...I have two really great boys...25 and 28. My oldest works with us so he sees me almost every day and has been on this journey with me every step of the way. He had never once said anything about my weight loss. We would have discussions about band surgery, types of food that I would eat, etc. But never once said a word until about a month ago when I did a b/4 and after photo and left it sit out on my desk. The day he looked at it all he said was "Mom, I just never realized you were that heavy until I just now saw your picture". Then good ole' DH starts in on him saying how he should tell me how good I look now....not necessary. We had not seen our youngest (who lives in Atlanta) for about 6 months. He didn't even bat an eye. Just gave me a hug and a kiss just like normal and never did say anything the entire week we were with him. I guess the way my boys see it is that I'm Mom to them and that's it. Now, when we went and had Christmas with DH's family and not ONE of them said anything about my weight loss it upset me. My boys could get away with it but not them. LOL. They had not seen me in an entire year and did not say a WORD. I didn't know if I felt bad or if I was relieved.

Security will think you are nuts for bringing your own popcorn, of course! Never been to outlet shops on Charleston. Will have to check out on the internet b/4 I leave and swing by them. I'm kind of set and closets are full so really don't know what I need but can always look. I am even set for the 5 weddings we have this summer. Found a few beautiful dresses and shoes. The problem I have is that I TRY not to overpack but I ALWAYS do. I will be in Vegas for six nights (away from home for total of 8 cuz staying with a friend in Mpls when I fly out and come back) and I think I have 12 outfits packed....RIDICULOUS!!!! What to do?????????? Pack more is my answer! I love the Peach Tea, Rasp. Tea, Kiwi strawberry that is Vitamin Enhanced (blue box and clear color when mixed). My DH drinks the same as I do and that last one is his favorite. Just carry one of those little umbrellas, go to the buffet table and get a toothpick, put some fruit on it and put both in drink. You'll be foo-fooing all vacation for a lot less calories.

Good Morning Chickadees!!!!!!! Hope everyone is having a good weekend. Trying to get my house done from top to bottom this weekend, get ahead of the bookwork and get some cooking and baking done and in the freezer b/4 I leave for VEGAS a week from now. Just about done with it all. Will be making a Spanish rice casserole made with sirloin tips, a broccoli chicken bake, and my DH's fav...(I call it funeral hotdish). It's plain old macaroni, hamburger, corn and good old tomato soup. It gags me but his favorite and I'll to anything for that guy! I already have chili, homemade turkey pot pies and a variety of bars in the freezer. That should get them through till mommy gets home. OK..back to the bra discussion. I found these bras by mistake. There's this really unique shop about 45 miles away from where I live. This lady carries pretty high end items (Geiger coats and sweaters, Carol Fisher, etc.) Went in last fall to buy a "planned treat" for myself because I had hit goal. I knew that she carried Spanx bras and panties so thought I would try them. Didn't like them. Too loose and not enough support. The straps were not adjustable (weird, huh?). The clerk suggested I try Le Mysterey bras. I FELL IN LOVE!!! I love an underwire and always have...the fit was perfect and no riding up. I know you can get them online like thru Macys, Dillards, and I think Amazon.com carries them. Long....I think I would wait (since they are so expensive) until I got about 10# from goal. The reason I say this is; my boobies changed even after being at goal for a couple of months. Hit goal in Oct., bought two $74 bras. Well, by Feb. my twin girls had changed. Janet...........I HAVE TO HAVE at least one bag of popcorn a day if not two. I am stressing also about not having it for a week but will just deal. I have always been a popcorn nut. You've got your head on straight about this trip already. That's what a successful person does..."planned exercise" and "planned treats". Oh yeh, and "planned foo foo drinks"! You know that you can divert your attention away from the temptations most of the time. You're on vacation...have the foo foo drinks, a couple of treats and try to fill in with veggies and fruit when needed. You'll do just fine. You should try what I drink when I go out. I carry the little generic brand (Target...I like them better than Crystal Light and half the price) packets and put them in my Grey Goose vodka and Water. I always ask for a tall and sip slowly so it doesn't come up and kick me in the butt. I was a cheap one b/4 surgery and that has multiplied but I still partake and have fun. If I had two 18 yr olds in my cabin...I'd be closing down the bar with them! One of the reasons is that I cannot go to bed and be asleep and get woken up...I have a heck of a time getting back to sleep. Another reason is that I plain just like to have fun whether I have a drink in my hand or not! Better get back at it. Had already packed for my trip but laying in bed last night and decided I needed a bigger suitcase and MORE clothes in it. Why not! Just have to make sure I don't go over 50# on the one case. You all have the nicest of Sundays!!!!!!!

Good Morning Chickadees!!!!!!! Hope everyone is having a good weekend. Trying to get my house done from top to bottom this weekend, get ahead of the bookwork and get some cooking and baking done and in the freezer b/4 I leave for VEGAS a week from now. Just about done with it all. Will be making a Spanish rice casserole made with sirloin tips, a broccoli chicken bake, and my DH's fav...(I call it funeral hotdish). It's plain old macaroni, hamburger, corn and good old tomato Soup. It gags me but his favorite and I'll to anything for that guy! I already have chili, homemade turkey pot pies and a variety of bars in the freezer. That should get them through till mommy gets home. OK..back to the bra discussion. I found these bras by mistake. There's this really unique shop about 45 miles away from where I live. This lady carries pretty high end items (Geiger coats and sweaters, Carol Fisher, etc.) Went in last fall to buy a "planned treat" for myself because I had hit goal. I knew that she carried Spanx bras and panties so thought I would try them. Didn't like them. Too loose and not enough support. The straps were not adjustable (weird, huh?). The clerk suggested I try Le Mysterey bras. I FELL IN LOVE!!! I love an underwire and always have...the fit was perfect and no riding up. I know you can get them online like thru Macys, Dillards, and I think Amazon.com carries them. Long....I think I would wait (since they are so expensive) until I got about 10# from goal. The reason I say this is; my boobies changed even after being at goal for a couple of months. Hit goal in Oct., bought two $74 bras. Well, by Feb. my twin girls had changed. Janet...........I HAVE TO HAVE at least one bag of popcorn a day if not two. I am stressing also about not having it for a week but will just deal. I have always been a popcorn nut. You've got your head on straight about this trip already. That's what a successful person does..."planned exercise" and "planned treats". Oh yeh, and "planned foo foo drinks"! You know that you can divert your attention away from the temptations most of the time. You're on vacation...have the foo foo drinks, a couple of treats and try to fill in with veggies and fruit when needed. You'll do just fine. You should try what I drink when I go out. I carry the little generic brand (Target...I like them better than Crystal Light and half the price) packets and put them in my Grey Goose vodka and Water. I always ask for a tall and sip slowly so it doesn't come up and kick me in the butt. I was a cheap one b/4 surgery and that has multiplied but I still partake and have fun. If I had two 18 yr olds in my cabin...I'd be closing down the bar with them! One of the reasons is that I cannot go to bed and be asleep and get woken up...I have a heck of a time getting back to sleep. Another reason is that I plain just like to have fun whether I have a drink in my hand or not! Better get back at it. Had already packed for my trip but laying in bed last night and decided I needed a bigger suitcase and MORE clothes in it. Why not! Just have to make sure I don't go over 50# on the one case. You all have the nicest of Sundays!!!!!!!

Katy.........don't think I have ever been so happy to hear from someone. So good to know you are OK and healing. So sorry you lost your band but sounds like your body just did not like it. Keep posting and keep us informed on how you are doing. Livin'...you have to start saving those pennies and airline miles and make a trip down under. Between DH and I we have spent a total of 4 months. (a month each time). I cannot even begin to explain what wonderful trips they were. We had two exchange students from Australia and their families have been here many times for extended stays (a couple of months at a time). We love our Aussie daughters. Even walked my first one up the aisle at her wedding with her parents. Our second daughter is coming to visit in August with her new DH. We are really looking forward to doing some bonding and getting to know her new man.

I have the sags also, Janet. Just natures way after all this weight loss. I was well-endowed as early as 4th grade and not to my delight. It was embarrassing and the boys noticed and made snide comments. Oh well, it just made me who I am today! I found the BEST bras ever. They are a bit spendy ($74) but NEVER ride up and hold the girls up where they wanna be. The brand name is Le Mysterey. I have never worn a padded bra in my life but now it is necessary. Makes sweaters and tshirts look much better.

OMW...how am I EVER going to catch up with all of you? Stepped away for a couple of days (trying to do things ahead of time so when I leave for Vegas for a week, I don't have to worry). WELCOME BACK ELLEN! I've missed you! Sounds like your life has been a struggle the last couple of months and you came through it with only a 4lb gain? Not so bad. Happy to hear you are back on track and do things for YOU for once. It's so important. I did not get that until about 1/2 way through my weight loss journey. I know the most important thing for me to do for myself is 7-8 hours of sleep (I think I need to talk to that mother of your, Long!). So happy you are back in our group. Long...how frightening! So happy DH came through it unscathed. Also, looking forward and wishing for you to get back some normalcy in your life. I bet you would just like an evening of sitting on the couch with DH? Congrats on the continued weight loss through all of this. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Ours is a working one. Yep, getting ready to get in the field. Will be May 1 - May 15 when we finally get in but lots of shop work, etc. b/4 that time. Our snow drifts are still pretty high but 30 degrees today and they are shrinking. Just got done baking chocolate chip/sour cream bars with butterscotch frosting. Neighbors did a remodel on their kitchen and are painting today so going to take them over. Also have a stew in the crockpot that I will take. Do unto others............that's the way our neighborhood is. Still struggling and not gaining. I have NO clue why and wish I did. I am really having a tough time getting the 2000-2500 cals a day that I believe I need to get a little of my weight put back on. scale has moved in the direction I didn't want it to...down two pounds. Damn! (sorry). Soooooooooooooo...putting two extra scoops of cappacino mix in the coffee, extra gravy on the meat, ate a huge bar that I made today, just really, really staying on task and it's hard work. Who would a thought???????????????????? Thank God I kept my boobs. (able to salvage them out at 36DD). At least I don't look terribly scrawny. DH says I look wonderful and he would be the first to be honest with me. DH sees what I eat each day and is also amazed. Like some of you told me a couple of weeks ago...maybe my body just likes it here at this weight? I feel good, been checked out a few times by doc and he gave me the OK. Just perplexed.

Yep, Joanne, I remember you telling you where you grew up. It's so beautiful up there. We always took our boys and went along with another family and camped along the shore for a couple of weeks each summer. My boys fav vacations. We are dug out from the storm. Bitterly cold today and windy but looks like it will be in the 40's by the weekend. Fine by me! Livin.......thank you so much for looking into Katy's doc and taking care of business. I know she used to be on an Aussie thread but could not find the last time that she was. I just hope and pray she is healing and heading home soon and back on this thread. Hope everybody had a great day.

Allie...I think I missed a post of yours or something. I do remember your post where your boss asked you to go part time. Are you getting laid off because you will not go part time? I admire your attitude about this situation and wish you luck. Lucy...so sorry you are missing your mom. And, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR LUCY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!!!!! Long....I might have smacked that dr. A significant amount of weight??????????????? 25lbs?????????? WTH????????????????? You might notice though with the next 20lbs that you lose, the pain will ease. I didn't think anything would ever help my right knee. But with weight loss came relief. Now I feel nothing. I know xrays show it's shot but there are miracles!

Just had to jump in here...I'm a June 2008 bandster. Just wishing you all kinds of luck and success with the band. Best thing I ever did. I hit goal in Oct. (Took 54# off on 6 mo. required diet). Just a bit of advice...follow your doc's rules EVERYDAY and you will see results. Be good to your band and it will be good to you. Best wishes on your new journey!

AWWWW....give them big lubs and hugs from MN lab mommy

My black lab going...click, click, click across the tile floor. He has been unsettled since our wicked snow storm yesterday. Poor baby.

OMG Linda...sounds like the fill from hell. Hope the next time they can find your port without any trouble and that this fill makes a difference in your restriction. It's never fun to feel like you have to have willpower ALL THE TIME. I've only had two fills and they both were a breeze. I lucked out and wish it could have been that way for you. So funny.....I have recurring dreams about being in school and not being able to find my classroom and being in my pj's. When I finally find the room I'm too late for the class and teacher says I've failed. (Maybe has to do with how much I pushed myself in high school and college to excel). I would be soooooo much more relaxed now if I were back in school.

Rose...sounds like a pretty busy week with wedding preparations. I am sure you will be a beautiful mother of the bride! Good luck with everything and congrats on the weight loss!!!!!!!!!

Deb...congrats on being able to still lose weight with all you have been going through. Once your procedure is over, you will have some relief and be able to get back to your life as you know it. Stones can be so painful and can put your life on hold for awhile. Regarding weight loss and getting to goal. I think it will always be something that is dealt with on a daily basis. I am very happy with my accomplishments and reaching goal but I need to remind myself daily to eat healthy and stick to the band rules. It is something each of us bansters will need to do for life. I find that the band is very good to me as far as telling me when I am full, etc. It is me that has to make good food choices and remind myself that the band is not going to do all the work for me. I find that if I plan meals, Snacks, etc. ahead of time, I do so much better. I always try to be prepared while traveling, etc. to have healthy snacks and meals in mind. I just feel so good about myself and feel so great physically that it all kind of keeps me on track. Please let me know how you turned out. You can PM me or just post on this thread. I'll be thinking of you.

Strike...hang in there..you're doing great. The last thing to go on me was my belly. I was an "apple" shape and didn't think it was ever going away. Now I don't have a belly at all. Who would have thought??????

I eat them all the time for a snack. Have never had problems with them and they seem to keep my hunger at bay for awhile.

Debbie...hang in there. It's good you made your LB surgeon know of what is going on with you. You should feel comfortable having the pounding knowing that he is aware. I have not been pounded since having the band but have in the past. In fact, I am seeing a specialist soon to see about pounding again. (Have had chronic stones since 1994). It's a fairly easy procedure with little or no discomfort. I just felt like I had a backache for awhile. Take care and let us know how things go.

Brought up breastfeeding issue with DH and 28 yr old DS at dinner this evening. Asked their opinion. Both said that they do not have an issue with a woman breastfeeding in public. But, both said that their reaction to mother breastfeeding would be to turn away out of respect for mother and baby. I believe that's a "normal" man's reaction.

Why, thank you Livin...I have been truly blessed, don't ya think?

Any man that would lust after a breast feeding woman's boob is just plain sick. Look at that side of the issue, Patty.

Sending the love right back to ya, Susan!