Apples2

Full blown blizzard in our neck of the woods for two days now. Cannot see across the farm yard. Watched Christmas movies with DH ALL day yesterday (oh...with our puppa, too). Puppa (100# black lab) spent the day on our laps. Today we are cleaning (just last minute stuff...cleaning bathrooms, etc.) for Christmas. DH has a toilet brush in his hand as we speak! You just gotta love a guy with a cleaning utensils in one hand and toilet cleaner in the other. I love cleaning (therapy) but it is nice once in awhile when he makes an offer to help. Our Christmas party on Friday night was wonderful. Had to keep our eye on the weather because we knew a storm was blowing in. Left about midnight and it was already snowing. Not much to report. Pretty disgusted. Down another five pounds. I eat as much as I can possibly eat. Went to nutritionist and also spoke with surgeon's nurse. She told me to quit worrying about it and just keep on the way I am. I think I am eating every 2 hours and making my Snacks about 200 cals. four times a day. I know a lot of it is that I am EXTREMELY active and high-strung. Now, some of you are sitting there wondering what there is to complain about. I'm concerned. Nurse and nutritionist say to calm down but I am still losing. Not what I want. Never, ever thought this is something I would be concerned with. The last two months have been more work trying to maintain than it was to lose. To think, I plateaued for two months with 2# to lose right b/4 I hit goal. Boy, when I broke that plateau I really broke it. Thanks for listening to me ramble and as you can tell I am concerned. I just need to continue what I am doing and calm down. Well, back to cleaning. Have baking to do this afternoon. Making date, pumpkin and cranberry mini muffins, praline wafers dipped in white choc and choc, honey whole wheat bread (made with cottage cheese). Sending love and cheer to each of my friends!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, Gina...what a beautiful daughter you have...and...mom is beautiful also. Sounds like you are doing well with banded life. Wishing you continued success!!!!!!!!:tongue_smilie:

All I can say is "OH Juli"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats on the hard work

Oh JoAnne...I am so sorry for your loss. There's nothing that I can say that will make you feel better. Just remember Abbie and how much she gave to your family. I am sure you were the best mother EVER to her. Take care of yourself. Sending love your way.:huh2:

OOPS...very inconsiderate of me.......WELCOME to the newbies on the thread

I am just going to share a little on my take on fills, restriction, etc. It is such an individual thing. I have a 14cc band...I have had two fills. I know of people in my support group with the same size band and they have had over 10 fills/unfills/fills/unfills. I like staying just a little hungry. I am not saying I am hungry all the time, I am hungry at the appropriate times (about every 3 hours). I, too, struggled a few months ago. Teetered on the edge of getting another fill. So happy now that I didn't. I think that my biggest fear with the band is living life with a band that is too tight and having unnecessary problems. I really do not feel like I am at that "sweet spot" but what my band does for me is really curbs my appetite when needed. I will reassess my restriction situation in a few months and get a fill if I feel I want more restriction. Until then, I will go through life "with a little help from my friend...the band" and I will also hang onto my newfound eating habits. It is so freeing to be rid of the food cloud that ruled my life in the past. I would say that once the eating habits are changed and restriction is a help (not tight) life is so good.

Woooooohooooo, Phyll!!!!!!! Congrats on the 100# mark!!! Run and get those earrings off the dresser and get them planted in your ears!!!!!!!

Thanks for the congrats, Allie. Hope your numbers come back to normal soon, Long. It can be a worry. I had a bone scan a couple of weeks ago and my numbers were a little alarming. Need to start a program of some sort. Thinking it might be Flomax. It's funny how once we start on this road to healthiness, we pay so much more attention to our health. I just want to be healthy forever and for a long retirement with my DH (when the time comes).

GREAT NEWS, CHARLENE!!!!!!!!!! Whew, huh? Yep, this thread has been quite. Had computer troubles so had our neighbor swing by on his way home to take care of it (He owns his computer business at the age of 22). Cool kid and has a very nice store. Anyway, no access for most of the evening. Bought a lap top and was delivered tonight also. Will be fighting DH for it while we are on our trip. Janet...been treating myself to Christmas goodies when I get the urge. My DH is my taste tester but every couple of days I want a bite for myself. I just cut a small piece off and eat it. What got me into trouble in the first place is tasting. I really watch that habit. I figure a couple of times a week and less than 50 cals can't be too bad. I'm still trying to build up my calories to where they should be. Just do not want anything to become a "bad" habit ever again. I find that my Pure Protein bars really satisfy and have 20gr protein. I allow one daily and just take a bite or two at a time. That way I get to have a little choc with my coffee. Delivered homemade treats today to some friends. Was nice to have a little Christmas visit with each of them for awhile. Tomorrow I volunteer, Friday I take an 88yr old friend to see her son who had surgery and is 70 miles away in hospital. Volunteer at 4 on Friday in hospital gift shop, Friday night have a Christmas party at friends. Saturday will be doing some Christmas baking for our family get togethers. Sunday going to have friends at our house for a Christmas party. I love this time of year! Better catch the news...they are talking a bad winter storm for our area again starting on Friday. Everyone take care and will catch up with you tomorrow. sleep tight!!!!!!

I loved the frozen cokes when in Australia. Yes, carbonated. We have been over there a few times and was able to stay for a month at a time. I know I gained each time I was there and I attribute some of the gain to the frozen cokes. Had a couple a day. OMG...so good. Katydid....STEP BACK AWAY FROM THE FROZEN COKES!!!!! LOL

Today is my six month bandiversary. Best thing I ever did. There REALLY is a light at the end of that perpetual tunnel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think you might be talking about Carnie Wilson. She has been so "out there" about everything she has been through which IMO is admirable. I believe I heard that she is in her second pregnancy. She was on some tv show this summer and stated that she was up to a little over 200lbs. She talked some about her struggles, etc. I have a hell of a time admiring "idols" but she seems so down to earth and "real".

OOOOOOOOOOOOOps...Hard to tell what someone really means when in writing. Well, Phyll, did not LITERALLY live outside...should have explained a little better. As a child and young adult I spent almost every waking hour on the ice, skating, playing broom ball, building forts and continued the same with my boys until they left home and didn't want to play with momma anymore. Now I have no insulation so I moan and groan.

Nope, Mac, not any meaner than her sitting and rolling her eyes on a show where teenagers were talking about their WLS stories. She was just sooooo not nice. IMO she was so into the negatives that were brought up on that show and so into pushing her negative opinion when something positive was said about WLS. I lost whatever respect I had (wasn't much) for her that day. Never have been a huge fan and after that show just cannot turn her on anymore. I do have sympathy for her (or anyone with WL issues...we've all been there, right?). But, there comes a point where a person needs to take the initiative and DO something like we all have. I just feel she is a coward to sit in judgment of WLS people. Who can say what her yo-yo syndrome has done to HER health?

Hi girls....snowy and blowing here today. -17 degrees when I drove in for my volunteer job at the hospital this morning. Good advice on the first bite syndrome, Orea. Also, Phyll. I have only been stuck twice and that was on deli type meat. I guess I have just been lucky. I have only had two fills and feel that I would rather be on this side of hungry. My meals (4oz) last about 3-4 hours and then I get hungry. I try to not get TOO hungry because then I tend to eat too fast. I tend to be tight in the morning, until about 10am, so I just eat Greek yogurt or a Pure Protein bar. They are both delicious so don't mind. I eat a lot of shrimp and scallops. They are so dense that they keep me full for at least 5-6 hours. I could see where you could get stuck with them, Phyll. I used to eat Egg Beaters but they seem so dry compared to real eggs. Not sure what it is but I am turned off to them now. Hey Phyll.....don't you be tempting me to buy diamonds!!!!!!! I am a diamond girl....it's true what they say: Diamonds ARE a girl's best friend. I know this to be true!!!!!! Congrats on the contest, Long. Just knew you would win it. Like your idea of saving it for yourself. You deserve to spend it on new clothes. Wait though (speaking from experience) until you reach goal or know for sure what size you will be in next winter. I made the mistake of buying a few sets of sizes in clothing. But my closet is now full and happy! As you know, I love Ann Taylor also. Jones New York, Laura Ashley and Columbia clothing for knocking around. My dressier clothes I try to find more tailored and classic lines because they tend to stay in style year after year. Well, better get after some candy making. Have a couple of appts tomorrow and want to take them with as a gift. (Hairdresser and my eyelash extension lady). Everyone have a great evening. We won't be venturing out in this crappy weather. We'll be in the recliners (I can never sit for more than 5 minutes but DH will be) and counting down the days until we head for FL. To think...I use to live outside when I was younger.

Prayer said and fingers and toes all crossed!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh shoot, Long...was hoping we would know today if you won your competition. I guess if you have to wait to find out, we can also. Got all dug out from our blizzard. Actually had snow drifts in our garage that is attached to the house. Sifted in...unbelievable. Ventured to town today to do some the last of my Christmas shopping. We have this cool farm store with Columbia and Woolrich clothing and everything was 40% off. Glad I went today and didn't wait. Have a feeling that it will all be weeded out b/4 the end of the week when the sale is done. Even found a sweater for myself. (Of course). Hope you have a great vacation, Cathy. I am sure this week will be stressful catching up to have some time off. (Vacations can be work!) Everyone have a great evening. We are not venturing out ANYWHERE. Will be in front of the fireplace!

Phyl...do you still have your gallbladder? What did you eat for the dinner b/4 the episode???:confused_smile:

Congrats on hitting 90lbs lost, Allie. Every mini goal hit is such a good feeling. You will be hitting your major goal b/4 you know it!!!! Sounds like you have a fun vacation planned. We don't have to travel for Christmas this year (15 miles is it). My DH has a very large family and we had Christmas at our home only every 7 yrs. My kids were up early on Christmas mornings and in the car for at least a 4 hour drive. They never complained...got to see their cousins. I don't have family so there are not decisions on whose family we are going to see for holidays. DH and I were talking this morning about upcoming vacation to FL. We leave in less than a month and will be staying a little over a month. After the storm yesterday and they freezing temps (-12) today, we are ready to get the "H" out of here. It will take my DH most of the day to clean the snow out of the yard. Snow plow went by a bit ago so I can get out of here if I get stir crazy!

Yep, Becky O, I am in MN. 9 degrees here today with at least 50 mile an hour winds. Our interstates are closed out state and visibility is down to very little. Cannot wait for our trip to FL. STAY AWAY FROM THE COOKIE DOUGH!!!!!!! Actually, I am a believer in some treats now and then but plan on what my treat will be and never treat myself on an impulse. I know it's tough to do but also know that you want to get through the holiday season without a gain. Just think about how good you will feel if you can maintain your weight during this time and not gain. You can do it!

Good luck tomorrow, Long...hope you win that $$$. Snow storm here. Big drifts and cannot see across the yard. Even snow drifts in garage (actually blew in under door that is closed). Not sure how many days we will be stuck at home but hoping today is the only one. I am just sitting and watching my DH sleep and working on one of my volunteer projects. Our wedding was so nice yesterday and DS looked so handsome in his tux. Had fun dancing with DS and DH and enjoyed some singing that my DS did with the band. He does a great Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, Jr. Hope everyone is having a great Sunday. Off to make some 100 cal popcorn. Have to make three bags...dog, DH and self!!!!!

Those couple little pounds will not mean much to you girls months down the road. I know how frustrating it can be when the scale does not move for weeks. I plateaued for so long a few months back. The scale WILL move. Just keep plugging away at. I think Strike's idea of making sure you get sufficient liquids in is something to look at. I'll be really excited for both of you when you post in a few days that those pounds are off!!!!!!!

Thanks for the compliment, Janet. I figured early on that you most likely were a professional woman. Really makes me miss my job but I have the best life I could have right now. Not much stress and get to work with DH an DS. What's everyone up to this weekend?????????? We have a wedding which my DS is a groomsman. Should be a fun one. They are talking snow storm coming in late tomorrow. Hope it does not ruin things for the wedding. DS lives in town so we can always stay there or get hotel room if we get caught in it. Have a great weekend!

Forgot to add: the cookies have about 50 cals. I make them about the size of a tsp.

Great definition on introverts, Janet. I actually am not around people 24/7..that's one of the reasons I volunteer. I work out of the home and 15 miles from town and miss seeing people. Heck, there are times that I would not leave the farm for a week at a time. Too much for me. When I had my business I had enough of people by the end of the day and loved just being at home. Yes, had severe physical and sexual abuse as a child but took care of business and sought help when I was in my thirties. It's something that is always inside of me but I learned how to deal. Plus, broke the pattern and was (and still am) the best damned mom in the world!!!!!!!!LOL This is the recipe I use for Cookies. It only makes a few and I just stick them in a baggy. When I have a large amount of people, I use the regular recipe. But for me and DH this is the one: 3 TBLS non fat ricotta cheese 3 TBLS light butter (I use I can't believe) 2/3 cup Splenda brown sugar 1/4 cup Splenda white sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1 egg 3/4 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup slow cook oats 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp baking soda about 1/2 cup choc chips (more if you like) 350 oven. Not a crisp cookie but pretty good As far as my insurance life...I sold all lines. Independent agent. Towards the end it was really difficult keeping up with all the laws and regulations for all lines. I spent a great amount of time getting educated. Got my last CIC designation the month b/4 I sold. I have been asked a number of times to work for agencies in our area but "Been there done that"! I do miss the clients though and the work scene. Hope everyone is having a nice day. I am sitting in front of the fire place with my Under Armour on. It's a cold day here and the coffee is wonderful!:wink2: