Apples2

I owned two insurance agencies in two different towns for many years. I sold in 1997. I knew the stress on the farm was not going to let up and my husband was begging for a break and had started his business in 1996 so I sold mine. I had built up a pretty big client base so at least I got paid for all the years I was in it. The business we have besides farming is a drain tile business which we do almost every waking hour from May until December when it freezes. My son is taking it over next year but I will still do the books for him. He does all the estimating, quotes, etc. (besides doing the tiling with other guys including DH.) I hate to say anything about diuretics or laxatives..not a dr., but, if I were you, I would take on Sat. and then really watch sodium intake, etc. on Sunday and fast until weigh in on Mon. Charlene...LOVE Chex mix. And, with pecans and cashews. God made pecans and cashews JUST FOR ME:omg_smile: The puppy chow snack is that chocolate and powdered sugar covered thing. Actually makes me so sick to think about it I could slip my band. Turns me off. (not a sweet eater). OK girls..off to my lap band support party. My house smells of garlic so time to get the stuff out of here. Have a good evening everyone. Allie...haven't talked to you for awhile. Can't remember if I complimented you on how great you looked in your new sweater. You've got the HOT chick thing going on! Enjoy:thumbup:

NEVER in my lifetime would I guess that you are an introvert, Janet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:wink: Long story but I grew up taking care of a lot of people in my family at a very young age. Worked 30 hours a week by the age of 13, put three square meals on the table three times a day for ten people, went to school, did drama club, glee club, etc....Made my first two batches of white and wheat bread at the age of seven and continued to do so every weekend for the rest of my growing up years and many years later. And yes, type A...very much so. Even when I was heavy I didn't spend much time on my A$$. I just think it's normal (but in my mind I know better)! I do so wish I was "normal". But, darn it, I love me the way I am 98% of the time.

OK...one more thing...we are done with farming for the year...I swear my husband stands out by the mailbox waving people in and inviting them to eat!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Long....try not to get discouraged with your plateau....I had a few of them during my year of losing...try doing the 5 day pouch test that Phyll talked about. It just might kick start you. HOPE YOU WIN!!!!!! My volunteer jobs entails: Scheduling all the volunteers (I do my calender at home), filing medical records and putting in order b/4 filing, ordering for gift shop and setting up gift shop once orders come in, etc., etc., etc. I love it and I still am able to somewhat keep up at home. My DH loves the fact that I don't have a "real" job anymore. It's been 9 yrs since I sold my businesses. With farming 2000 acres and having another full time business on the side, I shouldn't be working. I volunteer cuz it's good to give back, plus, I get to see some "real" people three times a week! LOL Have my lap band support group Christmas party tonight. I am making scallops and shrimp. Have been marinating since yesterday morning. For gifts I am bringing Oikos yogurt (since everyone wants to try it but have never picked it up) and a box of Pure Protein Bars. Got cute ornaments on my Christmas shopping trip yesterday to put on the packages. Should be a fun time. My DH was joking and asked if we all are assigned to bring 1/2 cup of food. Better get after it. Have 7 guys at my kitchen table and time to get after the dishes. You all have a great day!

Hey everyone!!!!!!!!!!!! Not ignoring you guys...just tooooooo busy the last few days. Will catch up with everyone tomorrow. Gotta drag my butt to bed so I am alert for my volunteer job at the hospital tomorrow. Hope everyone is doing well. Till tomorrow...........

Hey Sooverit. Thanks. Yes, I never thought the weight would come off withing a year. I started on November 22 last year, banded June 17 and hit goal October 15 this year. I feel wonderful. I know my metabolism is now in full gear as I have been having a little difficulty hanging on to my goal weight. (Never thought that would happen in my lifetime!) My dr.s are fine with where I am at but I would like to gain about 5lbs. If not, will be satisfied where I am at. You were mentioning in another post about how time is dragging since surgery...hang in there. Once you start eating solids and start running around again...life will seem normal once again. Happy to hear things are going good. Just keep focused on a year from now and where you want to be. Happy healing!!!!

Long...I have been at goal for two months now and I still feel like I do not belong in the "normal" section even though I am wearing small-med tops and 6 slacks. It takes awhile to wrap your head around what has happened to our bodies. I worried that I would come out of this with a poor body image. I guess I didn't cuz I promised myself I would just embrace my good health and accept what Mother Nature gave me in the end. I have to say that I am happy as I could be and thankful every day for the lap band. Gotta get back to the books. Volunteered at the hospital for 4 hours today and now have to catch up with computer work at home. Hope everyone is having a nice day. Will catch up with you all later.

I'm so envious, Kathy, that you got to meet fellow bandsters from LBT. So happy that you were able to. Some of us were talking about a month ago that it would be fun to meet in Vegas in April or May. I hope we will be able to get it all together and do it. We just haven't done anything about it yet. We'll get through Christmas and see about making some plans. Have fun on your trip and hope you are able to spend some time outdoors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So nice you didn't OFF Boos...I love her. Cannot wait to meet you, Phyl, Boos...all my friends here and on a couple other threads. The Fashion Bug jeans and slacks fit pretty true to size. The six is slightly baggy on me and the 4 go up my butt. So, have the 6. I have skinny legs and love the cut of the legs on them. Have your friend try them. She can always order two sizes and return on of the sizes. Yes, I guess I will have to give in and post a b/4 and after. Will only do it on this thread though. I had DH take one the other night and will see if I can get DS to help me post it. I'm not in my new xmas outfits though. Just a plain ole' farm woman in jeans! I am not extremely tall. Was 5"8' 20 yrs ago. Now I measure about 5"7'. I am just all legs and arms. At 249# I always heard from my friends that I was not "fat" enough to do the band. Oh yes I was...I carried it all in a VERY dangerous place. From the boobs to the waist. Never did have much on the arms or legs. In fact, came out of this with no bat wings cuz there was not fat there anyway. Still decorating. Of course had to buy MORE when I was in town this morning. Also, making 4 different kinds of fudge this afternoon and also making date mini muffins and pumpkin mini muffins. Peppermint fudge, Peanut Butter crunch fudge, chocolate cashew fudge and choc/butterscotch fudge. My DS's girlfriend's parents flew to FL, took a week off of work and helped the kids move to Georgia and want to send them a little something as a thank you. I moved them the last time and I know what I big job it can be. Well, back to work. Hope everyone is having a good day.

Hey JoAnne....feeling a little more back to normal today? Every day gets a little better. I was lucky to not have any incision or port pain but I did get the horrible gas pain in the shoulder for about a month. No fun. Hang in there. By the end of the week you should feel pretty good.

Yep, all were fixed at the same time and I was home 2 hours after coming out of recovery. It was actually a pretty easy surgery and worst part was having to be careful not lifting, stretching or pulling. There have been no after affects from the surgery and am happy it is behind me. I have had other hernia and adhesions surgeries (3). Just in the genes, I guess. Sorry to hear of your troubles. Sounds like your reflux is worse. Hope you can get a handle on it. Not a good thing to have happen. See if you can get this worked out with your doc. I have been so lucky. Have never PB'd or slimed. I am on this side of hungry when it comes to being filled. I have had two fills in a 14cc band. I get hungry every 3-4 hours and that is fine with me. My biggest fear is the next fill would put over the edge and start causing problems. Good luck with your dr. visit!

Long...The Macys, Nordstroms, etc. are about 3.5 hours away in Mpls. The closest clothing store in our area is 70 miles from my home. Herbergers. Fashion Bug is in that same town. I swear that if anyone tries their jeans they will be hooked. Like I said b/4 a fit for any shape. They are called "Right Fit" and have denim and dress slacks. Yep, Long, we are on a farm 15 miles from anything or any town. We live on a county tar so not a bad drive. I have an addiction that I would like to confess to my friends here. I am addicted to Christmas! It takes me 10 hours to decorate my tree and three other days to decorate the house. It's a sickness but I am so happy doing it!!!!!

Welcome to bandland, Teach. So happy to hear you are feeling so good so soon after surgery. Take care of yourself and don't do too much too soon.

Hey Allie...wow you looked so pretty on your way to that party. Love the sweater. Strike...I tried to not set goals when it came to losing weight. Main reason was that I had failed at dieting too many times and was disappointed in myself each time. Decided that with the band, I would accept whatever and not worry about any time frame to lose. I would plateau for a few weeks and would just put the scale away for awhile so I didn't drive myself nuts. Those numbers on the scale can ruin a day if you let it!

Janet...so funny that you and Phyl were talking about meeting on the internet. My DH and I were having that conversation just the other day. Was telling him that I was discussing going to Vegas with my band friends. He got worked up saying that I didn't even know who I was meeting and better be careful that "those people" are who they say they are. If Phyl and Janet turn out to be serial killers, I will just sit down and have a little talk with them and I am sure they will change their nasty ways! It is difficult to find a good fit jean, Janet. But, I'm the opposite of you. I love the low rise jeans. I know they were made just for ME. The problem I have is that I need a 34" inseam so usually end up ordering on the internet. I found some great fitting ones online at fashion bug. They had a great sale when I ordered. Got them for a little over $16. Now they are about $30. Anyone looking for jeans should go to their site and take a look. They have a fit for all figure types. I tried them on in their store and then came home and ordered the talls. I also got dress slacks there. They really are cute and good quality. You can get high or low rise. I started with size 10. Thought for sure I wouldn't get any smaller than that...a month later ordered 8's. A month after that ordered my 6's. Each time I ordered black, light blue and indigo blue. Felt bad each time I had to reorder but then I starting thinking about what most jeans cost and let it go. I try not to feel as if I "wasted" money on clothes as I was changing sizes. I was able to pass the clothes along to Salvation Army. We had great Christmas parties this weekend. We have one each weekend until Christmas and then a big weekend at a hotel for New Years Eve with all our friends from the lake. We reserved 15 rooms. A week or so after that we are heading south. Cannot wait to get out of this snow, cold and wind. Everyone have a nice peaceful Sunday. I need to finish putting up my Christmas stuff. But, a nap might be good first. 2am two night in a row is too much for this old lady. (And, of course, got talked into a yag bomb with my MUCH younger friends). It made me happy for a really long time!

Wanna post more but on my way out the door to our guards awards ceremony. Nervous...have to get up and speak in front of at least 500 people. I'll pull it off but that beef Jerky I just ate for lunch is jumping around. After that, it's another xmas party and then off to see a friend of our son's band perform. Will catch up with you all tomorrow. Happy that you are both doing well JoAnne and Sooverit!!!!!!!!!

Long...you can find Jones NY clothes at Macys, Nordstroms, Herbergers, etc. Most dept stores carry that brand.

Janet...I did eyelash extensions and permanent eyeliner back in August as a gift to myself. The eyelashes fall out when my own fall out. They are attached just about to the end of the lash. They look so natural and never have to wear mascara. I go back in every 2-3 weeks for a touch up. I actually fall asleep while she is doing it. $25 for a touch up. I also love the permanent eyeliner. I did charcoal and did a not too thick line upper and lower lids. Yes, I am a farm girl but a fancy one. Have always been a clothes horse and would never walk out of the house without makeup. Even when I was heavy I believed in keeping myself up even if just running to the field for the guys. (You never know who you will run into. Hi everyone else. Have had such a busy week. My volunteer jobs are more than full time right now. Have a huge day tomorrow with the guards xmas party and meeting. An all day thing. Had my annual physical this week. Everything checked out but don't have results on a few tests but not worried about it. Had mammo today and that was fine. Also had a bone density test. Was soooooo funny. The tech was a little girl about 20. Very nice little thing and visited throughout the test. She got excited all of a sudden and told me there was something abnormal with my spine. She said I had what looked like Calcium about the size of a quarter in my spine. She immediately called the radiologist to come look. I asked if I could look. Got off the table and knew instantly that it was my port. You should have seen the look on her face. Poor thing was so concerned. Just a cute story! We have a fun Christmas party tonight at friend's home. They have the most beautiful house in the world and throw the best parties. Usually 100 people or more and their home accommodates everyone. We see people that we have not seen for a year. I bought a Ann Taylor silky sweater, black boots and silky black pants for the occasion. Blue is my best color and my DH loves me in that color with my blue eyes. Have the other Christmas party tomorrow night and found Jones NY sweater in red and black for that celebration. I remember the Christmas parties last year. I felt sooooooo uncomfortable in my extra weight (actually for the last 15 yrs). I have an outgoing personality and would visit but would just want to hide when my beautiful friends walked in and looked so sleek and pretty. They are still beautiful but I will not feel like I have to hide this year. One of my friends that had not seen me for a year (the hostess of our party tonight) saw me two weeks ago and just said "We have you back to the way you used to be." That mean a lot to me. So, as you can tell, I am really looking forward to NOT worrying about my looks and just enjoy the holiday parties and events. It makes me feel so peaceful and makes me not want to not be noticed. Everyone have a good weekend. It's time for me to go get "HOT"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Liza..........congrats on Onderland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO:thumbup:

Katy...I am really surprised that your doc unfilled you for your hernia surgery. I know there is not a bariatric surgeon out there that thinks like another on most things...I had hernia repair two months ago and doc did not unfill. In fact, had my fill two days b/4 surgery. I had over ten hernias and adhesions to repair. My point is that there is such a variation between docs. I hope your gurd or whatever is going on with you does not continue to give you problems.

Good luck with the new job, Long. Also, hope that fill is what you needed. You were kind of on the fence about it. Hope it will be a successful fill. Janet...NOTHING was on the menu today. My guys finished up all the farming (no livestock on our farm) yesterday and took the day to go to a farm show 3 hours away. NO GUYS TODAY AT MY HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yahoo!! I took the day for me. Had a color and cut at 11, eyelash extensions at 1pm and annual physical at 2:30. All went well. My general practitioner told me to not sweat the extra weight I lost after reaching goal. He stated that I am still within the normal range. I have been sweating it and trying to gain some of that ten pounds back. Neither him or my bariatric doc seem too bothered by it. My GP told me to enjoy the fact that I am ten less than what my goal was. Guess I am good to go on that. JoAnne. Sending some love your way and will be thinking about you and cannot wait till you check in with us and let us know how you are doing. Take care and God Bless.

Long...are the beef sticks individual or the salami type meat?

Cathy....love your photo. What a pretty lady! The only thing I know to stop your cravings for sugar is to totally cut them out. Replace them with fruit. See what happens. Some of my mainstays for food are: Snacks: 1.5oz pack of beef jerky. 25g protein and very filling. Fiber One cereal. I just put 1/2 up in snack pack baggie. 60 cals. Pure Protein bars (I use these and beef jerky when meal options are not the greatest when I am on the run). I always treat myself with a 100 cal pack of Kettle popcorn every evening. I just gotta have it! Breakfast is usually 5oz container of Oikos greek yogurt with Splenda and a small amount of Fiber One. Lunch and dinner: salmon, shrimp, scallops, chix, steak with fruit and veggies. Hope this helps.

Happy .5 bandiversary to you, too, Long!!!!! I think I cheated on the poll though (not on purpose...was an afterthought). I voted 100+ weight loss....54 was prior to surgery....62# since June 17. I have gotten so much out of this journey. #1. What it feels like to have energy again and feel young and healthy. #2. Appreciation of all the friends I have made on this board. #3. A deep appreciation of the fact that I am taking care of myself. It took me a lot of years to find the right tool to help me along but I am now at the place I want to be. #4. Watch out world!!!!!!! There's not holding back!!!!!