Apples2

Thanks, Long....I have missed you guys. I, too, avoided dresses cuz I was sooooooooooooo thick through the midsection. Now I can just throw one on and not worry. Such a good feeling and every day that I get dressed I thank God for the band. I find that I never ever wear sweat pants anymore and dress every day as if I were going to be out and about even if I am just staying at home. Don't stress about your legs. We are all built differently. I read a post of yours last week where you stated you bought Jones NY capris and they worked for you. Their pants and capris are a little more roomy in the leg and very good quality. I am sure you look great. We can all dress to cover what (we think) are figure flaws. Just remember...we are our toughest critics. Found some clothes while on vacation and had fun shopping for little gifts for friends and family. I love clothes shopping but think I'm about done...closets are full and I have great plenty. I found so many good deals on name brand items and am very happy with them. Even got a couple of coats (JNY) for next year. Back to the grind!!!!!!!!!!!Later

Thanks, Allie....always nice to get home. Always tell myself I will pack lighter next time. We now have sewer but no Water till at least tomorrow. Sucks. There are worse things though. You gonna post a photo of you in that tankini?????????????? All your other photos are soooooo cute. You must be extremely happy with your success...as you should be. Good goin'!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Everyone. Got home late last evening. Was the best vacation ever and will be going back to the same resort next year. Met lots of people and will be staying in contact with most of them via email. Busy today with unpacking, excess mail, etc. Think I am caught up on this thread and will be jumping back in on a daily basis. Have missed the daily stimulation. Down 8lbs since leaving over a month ago. Not a welcome loss but will gain it back. Too much walking, hiking, etc. Ate more than I usually do but think I burned most of it off during our outings. Hope everyone is doing well. Take care!

Hi Everyone...did not have the capability to post on a daily basis while we were gone but think I am caught up reading my threads. Will not try to respond to all. To you who have posted photos...you look great. Got home last night about 9pm and came home to NO water and NO sewer. Long story but cannot get water till tomorrow and sewer is fixed. That's just part of living our in the country and having a mound system. Busy sorting through mail and unpacking today and running errands. Really tight today because of flying. Usually have a hard time getting solids in for about 3-4 days after. Lost 8lbs during the last month. Not happy with that and am drinking high caloric drinks and shakes this week to see if I can put some back on. Crazy...who would have thought? Better get back after it. Hope all is well.

Hi kids...sitting in a hotel by the Orlando airport. Fly out in the morning. Had best vacation ever....now back to reality. Being in the forest, we did not always have wireless service and NO phone service. Worked OK though. Gave us a break from it all. I did miss getting on whenever I wanted to visit my LB threads but will be back full force this week. Have been trying to catch up on reading my threads this evening. Anxious to weigh in on my home scale. We bought a cheap scale to have at our cabin and just left it there. Not sure how close it weighs to my scale at home but think I lost 8lbs on vacation. (Not welcome weight loss but still within a healthy weight). I get really tight when I fly and takes me about 4-5 days to get back to normal. Hoping flight home is better to me than flight down. Am thinking that I will throw some protien drinks and yogart into my diet this week to make up for lost calories. Maintenance can be difficult. Had to ship a huge box back to my home. Knew that I would be over the weight limit on my suitcases if I didn't. We found that the shopping was waaaaaaay too much fun! Take care. Hope everyone is doing well. Have missed our daily conversations.

I, too, was sexually abused by a family member (ten years). My mother shut me out and protected the ass and went to her grave without talking to me for 11 years. I made a choice also to protect my children from the abuse in the family and to protect myself from all of the crap in the family. I said goodbye and never looked back. It was difficult for many years but I value myself and they did not. I filled the void with good friends and by being the best mom that I could be to my boys. They respect me and know I did the right thing. I have forgiven and have no feelings when it comes to them. I do not want anything bad to happen to them but I do not care about them one way or the other. They are dead to me. This sounds cold but I am a very loving person but do not have the capacity to deal with them and their sick behaviors. Hang in there. You have to do what works for YOU and your family. That's it in life.

Good Morning Kids!!!!!! Just enjoying the last week of our vacation until we go back to the bitter cold weather. We have loved our resort and have done something every day of our vacation. DH is out and about today on a day trip to some farm country about 50 miles away. I encouraged him to take the trip (I needed some alone time!). We have spent 24/7 together since harvest was done back in Dec. I am spending the day trying to catch up on my LB threads and plan on reading a new book today. The only problem we have had is not great wireless service for lap top and absolutely no phone service. Right in the middle of the forest so need to drive out of it in order to make calls. We leave here a week from yesterday. The only thing that is going to get me home is my dog who I miss dearly. Next year we are thinking of spending the entire winter down here and our dog will be with us. I have missed chatting with you guys on a daily basis. It's just not been possible with the "iffy" wireless service. Will have some catching up to do when we get back home. Katydid.....hope you FINALLY get figured out and hope you can make it through with your parent's struggles also. It sounds like a tough situation. Wishing you the best. Long..miss talking with you Allie....what a cutie! Loved your photos. To everyone else........just a "hi" and will talk to you all next week. Hugs!

Sharon...Janet is right...get you fluids into your body and make it a way of life. I have always been a big water drinker but my kidney stones are just my gift from God. Been getting them since 1994. I get them on an average about every six weeks. I have had over 100 stones or more since that time. No fun and you do not want to start storing them in your kidneys. Mine are Calcium based and nothing I can do about it. I still am very aware that I need to hydrate though. You will get through all of this. The LB journey can be a struggle at times but there are so many good things that come with the success of making it work for you. We are all different, have different journeys and come out in the end all different sizes and weights. We cannot try to compare ourselves to others. Sure, it's fun to compete and keep up with others....we are all here for each other. Just try to concentrate on your journey and share it with the rest of us. We truly do want to know how others are doing. Even being at goal....I still am interested in how my friends are doing. The LB is the best thing I ever did for myself (besides marrying DH and having two great DS). Throughout the process I would spoil myself a little. Small rewards for small goals, etc. I would take those longs baths, read a book, go for a walk, workout really hard....the things I did not give to myself when I was heavy. A good exercise session actually feels really good when you are done. Take one "Sharon" night a week. Do something just for you. Off to St. Augustine today. Nice and sunny even if it's only in the high 50's. Rained yesterday but didn't mind. Read a book (The doctor's wife...really good mystery), did laundry, hung out with DH. This has been the best time ever. You always know you can make friends in a campground setting. Life is good! Take care and let's all of us do something special for ourselves today! OK?

Funny, Long...I was getting asked that same question the last few months b/4 we left on vacation. Not one person has asked me if I'm Ok and not feeling well since we left home. Think it is just a shock for people when they have not seen you for awhile. Just concerened but it really irritated me at the time. I feel WONDERFUL and HEALTHY. I could run circles around those people that were asking if I felt OK. Where are those photos that Allie was talking about???????

Hi kids....cold and rainy in FL today. Spent the day in the cabin with DH, did laundry, did some reading, etc. Just finished up dinner. Grilled chicken cut into strips with a homemade salsa, yams, corn bread and apple pie. I had 3oz of the chicken, two bites of yams with cinnimon butter and one bite of corn bread. So good. DH had the apple pie and I watched. No desire to eat anything like that any more. The yam was my treat! Two weeks remaining of our vacation. Wish we would have booked the two months like we originally planned. Certainly will next year. Hope you are all doing good. Great, great advice today, Janet (and every day). I missed out on this thread the first part of my journey. Darn!!!! Until later. Life is good

Hey Marty...have to remember back to post op diet...I usually carried a very small cooler in my vehicle so that I have things "on the go". I would just put Greek yogart, cottage cheese, Protein powder mixed with milk, etc. i n my cooler and always had something on hand. Now I keep Pure Protein Bars, beef Jerky (both found at WalMart...World's Kitchen brand jerky is what I have found to like the best). I always have a baggy or two of Fiber One Cereal in my purse also. I need at least 1/2 cup a day to keep things moving and it's a great source of fiber. Make sure not to over do it on the Protein bars...they are very tempting. I am like Janet....I plan my meals ahead of time and my Snacks. Less likely to screw up and over do on calories. I always made sure to have SF and FF snacks in the house as to not be tempted by food I make for farmers at my place. Hope this helps!

Welcome Rose...hope you utilize this great group of people on this thread. And...welcome to Band Land. Getting the band was one of the best things I have EVER done for myself. I wouldn't trade one thing and the journey has been a great one for me. Yeh....we have to give up some things and make some huge lifestyle changes....but it's all worth it. Here's wishing you a great journey also and a happy and healthy life!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR AND WONDERFUL JANET HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND MANY MORE!!!!!!!!!! I'll be 54 in Nov and feel like I'm 19. So many wonderful things in life to Celebrate when you feel good and can fit into "normal" clothes again. Wish I could be there tonight to help you celebrate. Lots of love, Karen

Hey Kids! Good morning from Covington, GA. Still with the kids. DH and DS are out in garage finishing a dog house DS started a couple of weeks ago. DS's GF works out of the home (event planner) and is busy right now so I have time to post a bit. Janet.....great photo...you and Peaches are two hotties out on the town! Good to hear that you had a great time. Ann Taylor...one of may favorites. DKNY slacks and jeans, Nine West jeans, etc. I have been very lucky to get some nice peices at outlet prices or less. LONG HIT 100!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Made dinner for the kids and a friend last night....not posting this to make everyone salivate...made two different pork loin roasts. A saurkraut/brown sugar and honey and a cranberry vidalia onion roast, roasted potatoes, veggie medley, buttermilk bisquits and apple cobbler. My point in posting...it's so nice to be able to eat a little bit of everything and not feel all loaded down and lathargic after a wonderful meal. I did try a bisquit (first bread EVER since banding). A couple of bites...didn't like the feeling I got. Not stuck but a little hurt. Make sense? Today GF and I are heading to Athens...friend said they have the BEST TJ Maxx ever.. My fav store. Just want to welcome all the newbies. I have been trying to keep up with this thread but have not been posting like I regularly do. On the go too much on this vacation. Will be heading back to FL either tomorrow or Friday for the last two weeks. Have a lot planned with new friends we have met. Hope all is good with each of you, my friends. Life is good!

Benson....sounds to me like your tummy might need a rest. Talk to your doc to see what he thinks. Maybe you DO need more of an unfill and liquids or soft food for awhile to heal things up. Bring this up to your doc and see what he says. I have never had trouble in this dept. but have read posts from others who have. I hate to see anyone suffer and am a true believer in being proactive to prevent further trouble down the road. Another thing...can't always pay attention to the size of your band and how much fill you have. You need to pay attention to how your body reacts to those fills....not how much fill is in your band. Know what I'm saying? Hope you can get this issue resolved b/4 it creates further problems for you. Stay on top of it and stay in contact with your doc. Lots of luck.

Hey Everyone!!!! Congrats are in order...Teach, Long and Allie (pre-congrats cuz I'm sure the 100 mark is just around the corner). It's a real milestone to hit the 100lb hurdle! We are up by Atlanta, GA this week visiting youngest DS (25) and his GF who live together. A lot cooler here than in FL. Was a 7 hour drive yesterday. I drove the entire trip while DH gawked at different crops. We farm so he found it all quite interesting. Took the kids out for dinner last night. Had a few "bumps" and a really good time. Early to bed though. Having fun with the grand puppies. Cute 10 week old lab and a Yorkie. The eating has been going OK since leaving home 2 weeks ago. Flying really tightened my band so dropped a couple of pounds. Not a good thing since I'm under what I want to be. Trying to eat every three hours and putting extra sauce, cheese, etc. on food to make it a little more calories. Who would have ever guessed I would have to worry about it. Doc won't be happy about it with my next visit. I'm getting 2000 or more cals a day so told DH he needs to come to doc appt. with me to back me up on this. Take care and congrats again on all of your success!

Hey Long....not very long until you hit the big 100. We'll all be here to celebrate with you! Hi to everyone else!

Livin....great NSV! That had to make you feel WONDERFUL! Katie...wish I could take your pain away...both physical and the stress. Hang in there. Maybe this 10 day cleanse will help readjust the tummy? Wouldn't that be nice. Also, maybe a total unfill with liquids? Not a doc but maybe your tummy needs a rest and to heal. Anyway, will be thinking of you and your test date cannot come fast enough. I worry about your situation. Beautiful day again. Cold evenings and mornings but we have some relief coming for the weekend. We are out and about anyway and much better weather than MN. Been really FULL since flying a week ago. I don't get stuck and don't even know what it feels like to PB but having a hard time getting my normal nutrition. This too shall pass. Will talk tomorrow. Life is good!

JoAnne....way funny. DH is in shape but would never catch me running down the beach. My legs are way too long compared to his. I think a couple of fu-fu beach drinks sound good. I could always stop abrubtly a LET DH catch up with me!!!! Actually, too cold for beach. Was in the 20's this morning. Supposed to warm up for the weekend. Janet......Vegas sounds like so much fun. Meeting GF's, etc. I do a Vegas trip each year with about 30 friends from all over US. Soooooooooo much fun. And, I bet you'll have the energy to keep up just fine. Play some three card poker for me. Bet $10 top and bottom bet....just one hand. See if you can get a 40 to 1. Could pay for your next trip there. Phyll...seafood recipes. Hum....last night made jumbo shrimp on the grill with a chipolte/lime marinade. Scallops I pan sear with a mango salsa. Just type in on laptop to search for these recipes. Heading out today....first to our little resort cafe for Breakfast. Already made DH strawberry french toast with berries about 6am. Now he will have a huge bowl of their baked oatmeal and then we will hit the road. Heading to a little town south of here. Want to visit a place for lunch later. Sounds like a quaint little place. Some shopping, hiking in the forest later in the afternoon. Have a great time in Vegas, Janet. Have seen Peaches on some threads. Can tell she has character just by her posts. Hope everyone else is doing good. Life is good.

Hey kids...just checking in. Hope everyone is doing well and WELCOME BAYLEE. Hard to believe a week of our vacation is already spent. It's all great except for the last 24 hours. Spent the afternoon in Jacksonville yesterday. Got to visit with our 25 yr old son and take him out to dinner. Way to long without seeing him. Will drive up to Atlanta a couple of times (7 hour drive or more) during the remainder of our vacation. Anyway, got a kidney stone when up there. Long trip home and a long night. Passed it late this morning and then crashed. Up and about now and have plans to do some things the rest of the week. We do most of our own cooking here at the cabin. I am not much for eating out. As most of you know, I love to cook. Been doing a lot of seafood which is a fav of mine. Still pushing to gain some weight back. Getting tight from traveling did not help the matter any. Went out and bought a scale so that I could keep track of my weight. I am absolutely eating as much as I can. Right now I am sitting here stuffed as a tick and dinner is in an hour. Who would have thought that this would be a problem for me? Anyway, I have a handle on it and the weight will eventually come back...just very frustrating. I am finding that maintenance has been tougher for me than the weight loss process. I feel wonderful though...just want to be sure I stay in a certain weight range. My primary doc did not seem to bee too concerened about it when I saw him shortly b/4 we left on vacation. DH is snoring on the couch. We are trying to be very curteous of each other when it comes to time on the lap top............this is my first time today. But it's OK as long as I can check in once a day. We have a difficult time getting signal in the morning. No phone service either...ever. Smack in the middle of the forest. Not having the phone limits all the business calls for DH which is fine with me. DS can handle them from his home. Take care....will check with you all again tomorrow....if I'm not out having too much fun! I just love you guys. Life is good.

Good Evening from the Ocala National Forest! Was a beautiful day here. 70 degrees. DH and I are having the time of our lives. We have traveled a lot throughout our years together (have spent a total of 3 mo in Australia) and we are voting the things we have done so far to rank right up there. Went to Mt. Dora today. Beautiful drive and quaint town. All kinds of little specialty shops. Didn't buy a thing except coffee and ice cream (planned treat) but loved all the shops. I bet we put on five miles or more. DH (who is extremely fit) had a tough time keeping up with me...he has 30" inseam...me 35". Tomorrow heading to Jacksonville to see son. He's pulling duty for Air Guards for a week. DH has not seen him for over a year. Longest ever without him. I flew in to see him in July. Hope those that are struggling can get back on track. It is sooooooooooo very important to shut down the bad habits a.s.a.p.! Those habits will play games with your mind and make you feel like you are failing. You can do it. Jump in with both feet. When I was tempted, I would jump on the treadmill and work extra hard. I wasn't going to lose what I worked for and was not tempted by the time I was done exercising. I try to keep protein in my purse. Beef jerky, protein bars (which can be addicting so I only keep one in case of emergencies). SF pudding and jello...100 popcorn, fruit. I also keep a raw homemade stewed tomato type dish in the frig at all times. Chop tomatoes, onion, cilantro, hot or mild pepper and add a good protion of Mrs. Dash. Will hold you over in pinch. I am certainly not trying to come off as perfect. I have my struggles just like the rest of you. Just suggestions. Goal feels so good and I want all of you to experience it. I feel like you are all my sisters and we are all pulling for each other. I know I couldn't have done this without the support I have gotten from this thread and a few others. You all have a good evening. I am in my jammies and ready to make some popcorn and finish a book. Life is good.

Hi Kids.... Janet...happy that I can return the favor in the help dept...even if it just one little saying. Treats can be a bugger. I think we all try to plan our meals but that treat thing can throw us off. Having just a great time here in FL. Just ready to head out for our third big walk of the day. Heading to Jacksonville (I think) tomorrow to see our son. He lives in Atlanta but has to do some duty for the Air Guards this week. DH has not seen him since last Christmas and I saw him in July. We are ready for a big bear hug. Beautiful day today. Have had some cold weather but way better than at home. Should warm up after this week. I don't mind as long as I can sit out on the porch at least for part of the day to read and can get our walks in. Cannot handle being cooped up. Have met lots of people and having a great time. Went to a dance last night at our lodge. Fun. Hope everyone is doing well and having a great weekend. Off we go to do some hiking in the forest. Take care!

Katy...been following posts the last couple of days. Very concerned about you and anxious to hear of your outcome with the doc. I would seriously think of getting another opinion if your doc does not run some tests. You cannot live healthfully with the complications you are having. I don't even know what it is like to PB and have never vomited since having the band. Just hate to see you going through what you are. Keep us informed. Hope it's nothing serious.

Sounds like you had a great time last night, Allie, but will be paying for it today. You would think they could come up with some kind of hangover meds that would work. I have to be sooooooooo careful when I drink with the band. A couple and I'm slurring...having fun...but slurring. On the "invisible syndrome"...I notice that also. For 15 years and then, boom. Not just with men. I note that the snobby type women in our hometown overlooked me when I was heavy...guess I just was not important enought to talk to. When I lost weight, I now am good enough for them to direct their conversations my way. Ummmmmm...not interested at this time. In life, I want to talk to the person on the inside...not the outside.

Happy Bday Brownbear........hope you had a nice dinner with DH. We are having the time of our lives. Ok........I'm not a shy person. We have met sooooo many people in the last couple of days from all over the US> We think we will walk up to the office and book three months for next year already! Hope all my June friends are having a good weekend. Life is good!