tapshoes

That's such a great idea! Now I wonder if I can get off my fat butt and go to the store to buy the map.....:biggrin:

Can you tell that exercise ISN'T my thing?

Question: If I end up in Oz (the land of, not the prison), will I like it?

The high winds and rain continue....

It is freaky/annoying/mysterious isn't it? I just came back from presenting at a conference where most people there hadn't seen me since I have lost weight. Their first reactions were always "I didn't recognize you". Now, I see me as the same...in the mirror, and in my minds eye. I wish I could see the much thinner person that others do, but to myself I see the same old fat person.

And I suspect llike Canadagirl, it will be years before I see myself differently.

My doctor and nutritionist do not like the liquids only approach. I agree to an extent. If it helps to curb the sugar demon and to maybe loosen up the swelling/tightness then I’m all for it. Now if you’re doing liquids on a daily then I say no way!

Monitor me please!

In reality I should be able to eat most anything I want. At least that’s what my surgeon tells me. He said I might need to eat some things more carefully but I should still be able to eat things like meat, breads, etc.!

No problem with me monitoring you, LilMiss. I'm great at helping others...helping myself though is always another story!!

I have to say that yes, I can eat anything...it isn't any food that gives me grief. It is totally 100% absolutely HOW I eat...eating too fast, first bite gulping, eating too much, eating high fat foods, etc. But I've yet to meet a food I couldn't eat since being banded. bread takes me a little longer, but doesn't stop me - nor rice, or roast beef or ....

Teach him all the rsponsibilities of sex, not only pregnancy, but the biggest thing is the STD's. Chlamydia and herpes really seem to show up often. herpes is not curable. And no birth control is 100% effective

I'm not going to weigh myself for a long time. That will be hard, but sometimes I lose my motivation when the scale isn't moving as quickly as I'd like.

Jul - Though sex advice is great. It really is the STD's that are under-reported and certainly not recognized for the significant health risk that they are. But whereas teenage sexual activity may be regretable, the STD's can be long-lasting and health compromising decades later.

Not weighing yourself sounds like a good strategy. I don't have the problem as I don't own scales, never liked scales and only used the ones at the Y or the clinic. But I can see how (and have read of people) who become obsessed with the numbers and that just cannot be healthy or helpful.

Well ladies, we are missing the updates from some of our regulats...where are you????

As for me, fall has arrived - in the form of a wind and rain storm last night, and cooler temperatures. Frost is forecasted for this weekend...time to get out the winter woolies!!!

Morning all!

Ebony - bestwishes, fingers and toes crossed for your interview today

Fanny - awww....those critters look so sweet

Plain - puggle?

Heart - Have a good shopping expedition. and hope you are feeling better.

Hi CC!!!

I'm using DH's computer - much to his frustration - and I hate it - he has a gajillion apps all open and in use, weird screen layouts etc...but since he 'upgraded' mine when I was away, it is non-functional! LEAVE YOUR PAWS OFF MY MACHINE. :biggrin:

Wild and wooly night of storms and high winds lasst night - fall is definitely here, no doubt about it. Can winter (BRRR) be far behind???

Off to work now; I'll check in later!

Not a chance!

Hello?????

Anyone here?

Slow day? Everyone super busy? Everyone gone to another thread? Everyone has me on ignore????:thumbup:

Ya know, once I cancelled I wondered too if it were a good idea. I think I really need to try to change some habits I’d gotten into first before getting unfilled. Really, I’m only very tight sometimes. Other times I can eat a football. Seriously, I’ve tried.

I’m going to seriously do the www.5daypouchtest.com come Monday. I know I’ve said that already but I’m really going to do it then. I have Monday and Tuesday off. Those are the hardest days to get through so I can just hole myself up and gitrdone. I’m probably not going to be the easiest person to get along with on those days so best to do it at home.

!

Well, just make sure you monitor the coughing - would hate to find out a small issue became a bigger issue. Your fellow VVs, especially me, will be monitoring you!!!

Is the pouchtest before the nutritionist? Because he/she may not support that approach, so best to have it over with before going IMO. I am holding out the pouchtest as a last resort if I don't get back to the good lifestyle soon. Yesterday was Day one of being a good bandster again, and dang it all, I caved last night and had a piece of apple cake. So, day one again today. I figure/hope that if I can get back to the basics for a month then I can get back to good behaviors BEFORE the foodfests of thanksgiving and christmas. ....

I calmed down a bit yesterday after I did a total pamper spa day, well for me it was anyway. Got my legs and brows waxed, mani and pedi. I felt like a queen. But the best news was the 1.5 pounds I lost this week. Yippee! No idea how I did it cause I wasn't good but I'll take it.

OUCH!!! I tried waxing once and never again. :thumbup: And certainly not near my eyes...you are made of stronger stuff than I am, that's for sure!! Mani and pedi would be tolerable, but only just - Im not a mani/pedi kind of gal!!

As for the weight loss, don't question it, just accept it!!! I agree, take it however it comes and dont ask why!

Of course if you figure out why, you will share, right?????

This is my greatest fear - gaining my weight back. Although I havent's gained back a lot of weight, I want to stop the process in its tracks BEFORE I do!!

I just went on a 2 week vacation, and managed to gain back 5 pounds. Now I know HOW I did it (wine, and endless foods), but danged if I can figure out WHY I did it.

So, it is back to the basics - as much as it challenges me! Yesterday was Day 1, and still I 'broke' - I ate a piece of applecake last night. So, today is Day 1 again.......ARGHH!:thumbup::scared2:

What a nice way to welcome me back from holidays - a big shiny trophy!!

Thanks all.

Hey LilMiss,

The issues you are having - are you sure that cancelling the unfill was best? I REALLY hate to think that you might be doing some damage to your system through your nightly coughing. The appointment with the nutritionist can't do any harm, and may be beneficial, but I worry about your coughing.

The sweet demon isn't my enemy - but those high fat Proteins are doing me in! Nuts, nuts and more nuts! I know that some of my weight gain can be attributed to the empty calories of alcohol (I went from one glass of wine a week, to having multiple glasses almost every day while on holiday). BAH!!! That is easily controlled. But the need for Proteins, and my loves of all things nutty and cheesy are going to be a bigger struggle.

How is everyone else doing? Roll call: Shiny, Ezma; Marathinner; Angie; Lori; Jul; RSG; St Louis; CKK;TSK; Mom; and others.

Morning everyone...are you there Slim?

Well, the dreary weather is back - cool and raining, with a forecast of more of the same for the week....blech! I really want it to clear up for the weekend so that DH and I can: get apple picking again; pick up my mother from town and bring her for another visit; and see the grandson!

Congrats, Tap!!! Grandbabies are the BEST!!! I have two of the darlings and love them to bits :thumbup:

Thanks!!

I'm getting excited now about my move - we get the keys early (on Friday), so only a few days now, and then official settlement and moving day is next Tuesday (one week today!) In all of this, Wednesday is the one year anniversary of the day I met Chris... I can't believe so much has happened and my life has changed so radically in one little year.

Yes indeed - your life has seen some dramatic and well worth it changes....such positive things have (and continue to) happen! I saw the pics you posted on the before and after thread - WHOO HOO! You are fabulous! (I still love the red dress best of all!).

Taps-----CONGRATS!! Grandbabies are the BEST!

Enjoy and snuggle all you can, there is nothing like the love between a grandparent and child, and some of mine are technically steps--but you know what they grew in my heart same as the others!!!

BBL!!

Thanks Kat!!

Gah!! I wanna see this movie!!

You can have MY seat - there is no inducement at all that would make me want to see such a thing!

My recent movies (recent as in I've only see them recently, NOT recently made):

Panic in the Streets - 3 out of 5

Notes on a Scandal - 4

Andromeda Strain - 3

I'll check in later

Post in either, or both. The two aren't mutually exclusive or anything (people say the same thing about me and "being cool").

:frown::laugh:

I think I will stick with the other PJTP thread; if anyone here wants to know what's going on (what's going on...you're humming it now, aren't you?) in my life, that's where I'll be.

I'll be seeing you, in all the new familiar places....

:frown: :eek: :w00t:WOOT ALERT :wink3: :sad:

Just got a call for a job with our local public utility (yep, where my hubby works). Because of my qualifications and experience, I put in for two different levels of the same job - one more senior than the other - but both of which I am qualified for. I have an interview on Wednesday...hoping and praying this is the one for me! :w00t:

I have my fingers crossed!!!

PJTP - changing user names confuses me.

Thats fabulous Sadie! And it is a journey I expect some of us will follow you on. Please keep us posted and expect to be inundated with questions.

Congratulations on your weight loss and good luck on your surgerys!

I don't know how I missed that! Congrats Tap!!!!

Thanks Slim!

I was not blessed with the opportunity to have children, so I am hoping that I can 'grandmother' to my hearts content!!

I'm sorry to hear that Ebony. I was really hoping that by the time I returned, you would have found THE job in which your talents are used and appreciated.

Keep up the hunt, and document document document!

Tons of phone calls from prospective candidates - the poor babies are all stressed out about their applications and stuff that hasn't come in yet, and the deadline is Thursday. I try to reassure them that even if the stuff comes in late, as long as it's not a couple of MONTHS late, it will be okay...

I try to be patient and positive and encouraging to them all...

Ran 3 miles without stopping to walk in the middle this morning. I am at the "end" of the C25k program I downloaded - for some reason it only goes to week 9 and I thought it went 12 weeks...:frown:

How is YOUR situation Ebony? When I left you were off for a few days, and rev'ing up the job hunt...

I KNOW you are patient and positive and encouraging - that's just who you are!

Hope I don't bore you guys with it all.

If anyone is interested, I posted the Bibra Lake pics in the old PJTP thread,

You won't bore us...and as most of us are not in Australia, we love to see the variety of flora and fauna! Keep posting!

Had a great weekend in Dallas w/Lu & KC. Great times...

For the foodies: We tried a bunch of the fried stuff. Mainly we would take a bite and then toss.

All in all - I had more fun taking pictures of the fried food signs than actually eating it.

Hi Glou! I would love to see the pics of the fried foods - I cannot imagine trying them! Your descriptions confirm that I won't ever try them! ICK and double ick!!

I am sitting here procrastinating. I am working alone (not normal). All is quiet, but I am not accomplishing anything. I can't say that I have even tried really hard. !

I second that emotion...(are you singing it now?). I too am using every avoidance technique known - but I rationalize it as easing back into work! Over 400 emails...no one should have to face that! And sadly, very few were jokes - most were work related crap...bleck!

Did I mention - my first (step)grandchild was born??? Whoo hoo! If I did, can you tell I am excited???

Hi VV's,

I am back from my vacation/business trip. It wass great to see a lot of friends, but the constant eating and drinking was NOT so good. Combined with no exercise, I gained almost 5 pounds...........ARGHHH!! So, back to the basics today. Now to catch up...

Hi Guys

I am bandless! After 18mths I"m hungry and can eat food. I don't have to do liquids. That was a little scary ,but I've tried to make good choices so far .I hope I can keep it up.

I hope I can stil be a VV.

Of course you are still a VV. You are one of us; keep us posted on how things are going for you.

Ckktwallace, the situation you are in would really scare me. Won't that be amazing when you are able to keep at your goal weight by your efforts? You can do it!

Shiny - the cake looks amazing - YUMMMM!!!

I agree with your assessment of CKK's situation - I would be terrified if I were bandless! Even just going on vacation WITH my band was a challenge; without my band, I am sure I would soon balloon - again! But, not everyone is as weak as I ma!

My big news!!!!! I broke 200 this morning. I won't change the ticker until I see the Doctor on Thursday but this morning on my scale I was at 198!!!!! It's been about 20 years since I was there. I guess these liquids are good for something .

WHOO HOO!!! YAY!!:wink3::w00t::frown:

my daughter just sold her house and those inspections can be a problem. Hers worked out fairly well and she closes on Thursday.

St Louis - 100 pound mark - it's a wonderful feeling!

it would mean so much more to me to be one of the ones saying I'm at the 100 pound mark, or I'm wearing single digit clothing. Plus a friend I work with is getting ready to get the LAP-BAND® and She is so excitied and can't wait. I remember feeling that way, and now I feel like I'm taking it for granted when there are so many who would do anything to have the band. And now I feel I must be a good example of a bandster for my friend.

Thanks Jul. You WILL get there, I believe it, and so should you! Having your friend along with the journey probably will help.

I am starting to seriously consider a revision.

The band doesn't work for everyone and I think I'm one of them. I'm still losing thank goodness. The band gives me lots of misery though. I'm really tight all of a sudden again and I'm back to my surgeon on the 9th to get some more taken out.

I'ts my open enrollment period for health insurance at work and i'm going to do some research on which ones I can choose that will perform the sleeve surgery. I so afraid to live without my band, I think it's the only reason I haven't gained *all* my weight back. I can surely eat around it though, and I never had a sugar addiction before banding. Now I do. I'm so unhappy really, but it's my struggle. For me, it has made my addiction to food worse than ever and is very painful for me.

LilMiss - I am so sorry that you continue to have issues; you must do what you can to make certain you are not compromising your health. Prolonging problems just makes them worse, so make sure you see your doc and explain everrthing and that he/she DOES something.

Of course, as I am so far behind in the postings, it is possible you have a later post telling me more. So, I guess I shall continue reading....

Morning guys. I'm rushing like a maniac this morning but wanted to stop in and say hi to all. Hope you have a great day.

Having some personal family crises right now, but we'll get through them. The band is still working for me, just too tight some days and too loose on others. Weird how it fluctuates. I went to the doc last Thursday for a follow up and I had lost 5 lbs since I had been there six weeks prior. According to his scale I was 228, 100 lbs less than my heaviest weight, and 91 less than surgery weight. According to my scale this morning, I was 226. Just wanted to check in!

TS - I hope your personal sitation is resolved. The band absolutely reacts to stress, so that cannot help at all! Your weight loss to date is fabulous!

I'm doing pretty well. Making good choices and my band is still doing what it's supposed to without being too tight. I'm feeling grateful for that. I wonder how long that will last. As I read the complications, I have to face the fact that it may not be as permanent a fixture in my body as I initially thought. I'm so curious to watch cjjktWallace's journey without the band. If I were to lose the band, I wonder if I could maintain my loss without it. I like to think I could, but who knows? I'm at the point right now that if I'm not very careful about my eating and exercise my weight will creep back up, so how is that different band or no band?

Just found out our house sold. The one we're renting and have only been in since June. So we're moving again, by November 15th. Sigh. There are some good things in the works, though and we may be in a position to actually buy a house this time.

You are absolutely right in your assessment Shiny - I too wonder if the band will be permanent for me. But, so far, other than the occassional need for adjustments, the band is fine - it is my eating that isn't! The proof was my vacation - I did no exercise, and just ate and ate and ate and drank. No Portion Control was necessary as it was constantly nibbling not big meals...constant eating somewhat fools my band. So, as of today, back to the basics...

I hope your housing situation is resolved in a postive way!

ALWAYS post here! The good the bad and the ugly. We are here for eachother through good and bad. It's fun to hear the good stuff but we certainly need to help eachother through the bad.

EXACTLY!!

I suck with the keeping up with things. Dang it.

I am moving to texas next thursday. I haven't seen Marcie for a month so I've been feeling really low.

I told Marcie that nothing that taste good is allowed in the house anymore cause I gotta get something working with this band.

I've taken up photography.

I love you guys. I promise to try to visit more often.

RSG - HI (Tap waves wildly)! It is so great to hear from you; please keep it up! I know you are probably in the midst of moving madness, but how excited you must be too! I am delighted to hear you have taken up photography - make sure to post some of them for us to see. You have so many talents!

Hey guys. Great to see so many posting again.

The bank is supposed to be signing the papers on my rental property tomorrow morning. Yay! Can you believe this? I'm actually looking for another one now. LOL I'm one sick puppy.

WOW Ezma, I can't imagine being a multiple property owner - so many things to go wrong, and knowing me, they would all be expensive things like roofs or foundations!!! How do you keep on top of the constant repairs, and collecting rent, etc?

Today I actually got to eat soup!!!! I'm having cottage cheese for dinner. Can you remember back when a few bites of cottage cheese was a thrill?

I saw the doctor today. He took out my staples, YEAH I am below 200 lbs. I haven't seen these kinds of numbers in probably 20 years. I'm pretty excited.

I get my first fill in six weeks. We'll see how it goes. I'm a little afraid to get a fill, remembering the pain I had before but I don't want my weight to go the wrong way either.

I've been cleared to go on our vacation so we leave on Wednesday morning We are headed to the Northeast to see the fall foliage and the Amish in Pennsylvania. It should be fun.

Oh yes, I can remember near the end of the liquid phase thinking that a few mouthfuls of cottage cheese would taste like heaven!! And it did!

Don't start anticipating issues; it's a new band, so it is a new experience. I hope you are enjoying your time on vaation.

As for me, I've had a rough couple of weeks. I went through some fertility treatment that included injections and an IUI. It didn't work:sad:. The meds were REALLY harsh on my body, and I gained 8 pounds of fluid:thumbdown: I was also really depressed when my preggie test came back negative and started the ol' emotional eating habit. I haven't had a fill since my band replacement..but guess where I'm going on Thrusday!!! I'm ready to get my new band working for me and maintaining my goal weight. It SUCKED seeing that scale moving back up. I'm still hopeful that I will be a Mom someday..and hopefully that day comes sooner than later!

Amy - I am so sorry that that IVI didn't work. I can't imagine the stress that you are feeling - band and fertility issues. I've had each stress but not at the same time. I became consumed with my fertility challenges at the time; I can't imagine trying to get throught that time with band issues as well! My thoughts are with you.

Just checking in. I'm feeling well, just very tired most of the time. I'll be glad to get some solid food soon.

We leave tomorrow for two weeks' vacation to see the New England Fall Color and my aunt in Pennsylvania. It should be a great tear. I hope the weather there is as beautiful as it is here today. Everyone get out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather.

Keep itup SLG. I hope you are indeed enjoying fall colors and the coolish temperatures!

the bank finally signed the papers on the house I'm trying to buy. Yay! We did part of the inspection yesterday but they couldnt do the electrical part because there was no power to the house. Turns out that it was supposed to be on but there was some kind of problem. The agent sent a contractor out and he said it needed a new fuse box so she sent the bank a request to repair it. Best part is that it was one of the most expensive things that they had found so far on the inspection. Looks like the bank is gonna be paying for it. Woo hoo!!!

Ezma - you are certainly keeping busy...hope all things house related are going well! And don't worry over the cookie - just the occasional one is fine. It's when they become a meal that there is an issue (I know this from experience!!!)

Well despite admitting to myself what I need to do to make more progress, i haven't done what I need to do. I have the desire to do it just not the actual will or motivation or whatever it is. But I have accepted until I do those things i will not be losing weight. I haven't given up, i'm just on hold, or maybe pause for now.

Hi Jul. I know the feeling well. It is like me with exercise. I know I should do it, I know why, I know I can do it...I just don't want to! I really need to find my motivation...

Wow, oh wow, do I understand what you mean by this. Hang in there Jul. The day will come for both of us that it just clicks in again. I want to be losing again so bad but just can't quite get it to happen. It's like the word on the tip of my tongue....it's right there but I just can't quite get it.

So I have a question for you guys. My son now has a girlfriend. It's his first and he's only 14. Just curious if girls, young ones like this, are still trying to get pregnant on purpose? I feel so old because they are way more advanced than I was at that age and I'm concerned about all kinds of things. Yet, I know it's normal growth and just want to make sure he has the proper parental support.

Your words to Jul are spot on, Ezma! I needed to hear them too!

As for your teenage son - I have no insights.

I told my girls they're not allowed to kiss anyone until they're 30. We'll see how well that one works. :sad::eek::laugh:

I've done great on my exercise. Haven't missed a workout in a couple of weeks. It's the darn eating.

Our housing situation is still up in the air. We found out we're not able to buy a home right now because of our credit score and student debt. But, we have found an amazing home to rent. It's not finished being renovated, but the landlord said he would try to get things lined up so that he could be finished with the house in time for us to move in there. We don't have an official closing date on this house we're renting yet, but we are hopeful it will be long enough for that house to be finished.

Also waiting to hear if my hubby gets this long-awaited promotion in his current office. This coming week should yield a lot of info about our near future! The uncertainty is what's hard.

Shiny - I hope the housing works out, and I hope your hubby gets the promotion!!

OK - am I caught up????

Morning all!

Heart - I used to do a lot of canning, preserving. Now, I don't do as much, but still manage to fill a few dozen bottles each fall. So far this year I've made the applesauce (in the marathon before I left), and am hoping that this coming weekend I may start making some other seasonal things.

Ebony - A penguin 5K - that sounds like something that should be happening where I live...but good luck on it. Maybe my new years resolution for 2010 could be to try the couchto5k....but who am I kidding - I don't like to run!

As for your weight loss - Goals are not absolutes - they are things we establish in advance and then reassess constantly. Just keep going until you decide 'that's it'.

Fanny - your pics are fabulous. I agree with Heart - there is money in that talent you have.

NEWS: My first step-grandchild was born! He came into the world late and by C-section. They live a few hours away, so we don't know when we will get in to see the boy, but I'm sure it will be soon.:frown::w00t:

Time to get moving - work awaits - and after 2 weeks away, I'll have email up the ying-yang! Catch you later...

Hello everyone! I miss ya'll! I am at my daughters home trying to catch up on my emails and things. All most 900 emails! What a pain to sort thru.

In a nut shell I have cancer again. I will be having a CAT and Pet scans done on Wed. Then we will decide if I will just do radiation or chemo also. I go Friday and get unfilled as I am having trouble eating. I feel fine other than I can't turn my head much from the surgery. The tumer on my thyroid was the size of a softball the Dr. said. He couldn't remove but a little of ot because it is entangled with so much muscle and tissue and my larynx. I was to;d I won't be working for a while and to applyfor disability. I am going stir crazy sitting around my house.

G4E - I am so sorry about your situation. I was away for a few weeks, and missed the updates. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Life is confusing enough without 2 PJTP threads; in which one should I post??? Today's update is in the other one...

I go away for 2 weeks, and everything changes! Thanks for the assorted messages.

I has a wonderful holiday/business trip - but got ZIP, nada, rien, NO exercise at all. And ate alot and drank more...so much for the size 8's; back to the 10's for a while I think! It is amazing/annoying/depressing how quickly I can revert to an old unhealthy lifestyle.:sad::smile:

So...PJTP - It's Tuesday, huh? Wow...time flies. I had this weird dream that I was gone for, like, a week something. Wow. Shaking that off...

:wink2::w00t:

***Major NSV Alert***

I tried on several pairs of women's jeans, and the best fit was a size - are you ready for it - 12!:wink2::w00t::w00t:

Going to go put them on and try them over my cowboy boots - gotta make sure they fit over the boots, ya know! Next time my DH wants to go line dancing, I've got the perfect pair of jeans to wear! :thumbup:

That is FANTASTIC!!! Congratulations! Yahoo!!!

I am sitting here sipping my coffee thinking that my body still doesn't want to run today. I am going to try it anyway, but I really don't want to.

I'm here sipping my coffee thinking that anyone who would want to run is beyond my comprehension!

Ran my 3-mile course this morning - only walked 2 blocks, so I'm getting stronger and still loving the c25k.

NSV - Put on a size 16W dress this morning and it fits beautifully! I look skinny - for goodness sake - I NEVER thought of myself that way.

I was so discombobulated this morning after how well the dress fit that I totally FORGOT jewelry...that is so NOT me, but oh well...

Ran 3 miles - unbelievable! That's just wonderful!

Hi everyone!! So here you are! I was wondering where everyone went... Thanks for the link, Heartfire

I'm doing well. The fill is REALLY tight but, so far, that's a good thing. Lost a whole kilo already! It feels so good to see the scale moving again. I just have to be really careful with going back to basics on the rules.

The countdown to your PS is on, Fanny. You must be getting really excited!

Well, it is yet another cool raining day here...I need to go outside and start putting away patio furniture etc before the snow comes, but I REALLY hate to do it. Today I just want to spend doing laundry and maybe doing some baking..it's beginning the hibernation season!!