Trishadish

For all you busy, missing pals, Happy New Year.

Betty, my desk will be even worse when I get back, because they will all be bills to pay .

Oh yeah Sherry, remember I got the Wii Fit several months ago, well, it's still in the box, unopened! Sitting right next to the printer I bought last year during the end of the year sale, still unopened.

Okay, how about we put in some Wii Fit challenge? I'll dust mine off and get moving again with it! Of course, TOMORROW, not just yet...

Pat, the temps are supposed to get into the teens here in NJ tomorrow night. I'm sure VA will be quite chilly too. Thank your lucky stars you are in Florida! I AM jealous!

The boys and I were actually supposed to go to Niagara Falls for the New Years holiday but I ended up canceling that about a month ago with all the challenges on the homefront. I was hoping to still try to escape to somewhere for a few days if things were better, but not happenin' this year!

My next travel plans are to do something special for my 50th (gosh, I don't want to say that out loud!) birthday which happens over the summer. Still deciding on what to do for now. Have to see how the budget is as that draws closer!

Happy New Year!

Hi Ladies!

I have been meaning to check in, but the holidays have been slipping by so quickly! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Thank you SO MUCH to all who sent cards. I planned to send cards as well…really…still have the unopened box in front of me. I was trying to think of something witty to send for the New Year instead but it looks like I’ve missed that deadline too!

I bought my sons laptops for Christmas. I gave it with a list of conditions that would allow me to take it away (i.e. grades, behavior, etc)….that probably sounds mean…a conditional gift…but, hey, it works! Now that they don’t need their desktops, I’m trying to use one as my computer. I think mine is the oldest in the house so one of theirs has got to be better than mine memory wise. What a pain though trying to copy files and pictures and stuff.

I treated myself to a few things in December as my Christmas present to me! (Camera, Crocs, expensive handbag). I don’t do that too often, but it came easy this year, LOL! I did get one of those old time popcorn carts for my family room as a gift and also the Mama Mia DVD. Yay!

I’m actually off work until next Monday but I’m not accomplishing the things at home that I had planned to. I’ve been under the weather with a chest cold, it looked like my Mom was going in the hospital again (but I think we dodged that bullet yesterday). On top of this, I made the decision to refinance my home with the record rates that are out there. One big pain though…the “appraisal” process which used to mean the lender would get comparable sales, drive by your house, take a picture, etc, now requires that they come into your home and do a thorough walk-through inspection. Heck, I was cleaning at 6:00 am this morning, awaiting the appraiser to arrive at 10. Nerve wracking! He was even sketching in a pad as he walked around the house. I told him not to sketch in the clutter!

I have absolutely avoided the scale this week. Now, I’m afraid, very afraid. I’ll face the music, but not looking forward to it. I’m ready to get the scale moving downward again and to “look divine in 2009!”.

So, where's that exercise challenge?

This is absolutely wonderful news about Sherry! Thanks everyone for keeping us posted. A fresh start for her!

Good Morning Y'all!

I have been struggling too, gaining weight, but I know it isn't just a fill I need, I know I am not eating right. I have just been eating junk and drinking drinks that are putting on the weight too. I know I would be losing a battle to even try now, although I am watching some, to start anything right now during the holidays so I am aiming for the first of the year. I am going to go back to eating right and limiting drinks to a certain day and not just when I feel like having one.

BINGO! This is me too right now. I did join WW back around Halloween. Lost about 7 lbs. which isn't much but it is what I had gained back. Right now, I am hanging on by a thread but know that I will get back on track. I was toying with the idea of getting another fill in January but I think I am going to wait. When I eat Protein Snacks I do not seem to crave the bad choices...its just, given a choice, I'll reach for the cookie rather than the Protein chips. I'm DEFINITELY up for a 2009 challenge with you ladies!

Okay, okay, ladies. You are making me crave Chili! I make mine from scratch. It's always good on a cold day. Yum.

We had our family christmas party on Saturday. It was fun. It easiest for us to do it early since most live out of state (short distances of about an hour or so) and have small children. So, we do the BIG christmas party early. Besides the regular present to mostly my parents and the little ones, I try to give everyone something creative (but not very expensive). This year I got every family member a tee shirt (different color for each family unit) and designed a logo that had all our family names outlining a large circle. Inside the circle, it said, "My family.....we put the FUN in DysFUNctional" Everyone had a good laugh and we took family pictures of each group. The shot taken of my immediate family was blurred, so if another family member took one, I'll get try to post it.

Sunday was my boss' christmas party. Tonight, I have another work function. So, needless to say its been busy and very challenging to healthy ending. :frown:

I think I'm done shopping. Gosh, I hope so.

Trish - How is your mother doing now? Sure hope she is feeling better!

Thanks for asking. She is doing okay. I think I mentioned awhile back that she had a traumatic fall at home. It's been slow going for her mentally..there's sort of a "delay" when she's processing info. It's as if she aged overnight. She seems to be getting stronger, but it does get overwhelming for those of us around her and dealing with things everyday. Her normal behavior was that she could run circles around me and that's certainly not the case now.

But, given everything, we are fortunate to have her here.

then my doc comes in looks at the pics and says it's not bad it could be the angle of the picture etc. How much different can standing straight in front of the machine be? I honestly think he was trying to cover up as if I was going to blame him or something...me I just want it fixed. He tried to say it wasn't bad then asks me to tell him EXACTLY what's been going on for the past 6 months. I practically lost it. I've been explaining and telling in detail for the past freaking year that something wasn't right.

{{{{Sherry}}}}

Big hugs for you. What a bunch of crappola you are dealing with. Good luck with everything. You know that there are lots of good thoughts and prayers from everyone here.

:blushing: Everyone hiding again? Send for the monkeys!

Sherry: I'm so so sorry that you are having a rough time. What a crappy way to spend Thanksgiving. I hope that you can get the testing you need and get some relief. Hang in there!

Diane: You daring BlackFriday girl you! I always think that I'm going to do the shopping thing every year, but I never brave the crowds. Did do some cyber shopping though!

Kat: I know the "sandwich" thing all too well. With my parents living here and of course my sons, some days I want to escape!!!

Pat: Sounds like most of your vacation was nice. I need one of those escapes in particular... So, where do you and Darcy hang out on Pogo? I'm there once in a while... name is Champgriff. (Can you tell I swiped my DS Griffin's signon? LOL!)

Betty: So...where are the pics of the new hairdo and the upgraded girls? Speaking of hairdo's....Jetti too!

Eileen: Don't go MIA. We're all here to support each other!

Donna: Where are you? Miss ya! You too Michaele!

Greetings to all that I may have missed! Have a good week everyone! :cursing:

Hi all and Happy Thanksgiving! I'm thankful that I've gotten to "know" you all. Enjoy your day and try not to gobble till you wobble!

I'm heading out with parents and kids to my sisters for dinner. This is the first year in many that I do not have to cook! I'm absolutely THRILLED!

Hi ladies,

Sorry I have been MIA, but I had a minor tragedy this weekend. I had a house fire. I am ok, the house is still standing.

Thank goodness you and your company are all right. THINGS can be replaced, you can't! Look at the unexpected home makeover as the silver lining in this major cloud in your life!

Take care and hang in there!

The chocolate milk "breakfast of champions" I thought I had to have every morning is a whomping 10 points! Holy @#*^! So glad I wrote that down, or I may not have ever realized it. I knew it wasn't a perfect choice - but I figured I needed ALL the Protein I could get.

Here's what is helping me. Again, I'm following Core rather than Flex, but this is a general lapband "got to get in the protein" tip... (Not sure if I am supposed to endorse things, but here goes..just my opinion!)

I love the Designer whey chocolate shake. The scoop of Protein has 100 calories. Add it to 2/3 cup to 1 cup of milk, add some splenda, 5-6 ice cubes, whip it up in my magic bullet and its awesome. Somewhere in the vicinity of 20+ grams of protein and really good. Have it for breakfast everyday (can't tolerate anything heavy...band is fickle in the morning).

And, I did find these great high protein products. Protein chips (chili nacho flavor, parmesan) and also Cereal (french vanilla, honey almond). One serving has 100 calories and 9-10 grams of protein. A lot of punch for one serving! The product name is Kay's Naturals or Better Balance. There is a website at www.kaysbariatric.com that an order can be placed but some natural foods stores have these too I believe. They are great!

Just wanted to share these "finds" that are working well for me.

Okay...I'm starting to take this personally...

I don't post often, nor do I post anything particularly interesting, but my posts seem to be the "kiss of death" for activity on this board! What gives ?!

Where'd everybody go?

Ok, I've got an update to this thread.

I did join WW. I am doing the flex points so that I can eat some things I want and some core things. I may switch to core if it slows or stops.

I LOST 7 LBS MY FIRST WEEK!!

Congratulations! I joined WW 2 weeks ago and the scale is finally moving for me too! I think I may be down a total of 8-10 lbs when I get weighed in tomorrow. It really does help to have the accountability and weekly support. I definitely need it! :laugh:

I called the dr and he is having me come in the 20th, for a fill under xray.

What do you guys think? Is that ok?

Michaele, my first two years of fills were without flouro, x-ray, he only missed my port once and that was my first fill! Although it's extremely expensive $850 to do under flouro, I think it's so worth it from a safety point of view. At $850 a fill, it's been over a year and a half since a fill, LOL. When I return from Acapulco, I'll probably schedule a fill just so I can check my band too.

Betty, it was a wonderful night, I don't know of anyone that didn't have a great time, even a special friend who had to leave early....Diane, :thumbup:.

Michaele:

My doctor will only do fluoro fills. So far the 2 I have had done have been covered by insurance. They absolutely refuse to do a fill without fluoro.

Pat: You look awesome! What a sweetie your DH must be!

Sherry: The WW is working for me. I am right back on track. The core plan is basically what I am supposed to do anyway. I have found these great high Protein products online. Protein chips (dorito type flavor, parmesan flavor), Cereal (snacking on it for the crunch), etc. The products have on average about 100 cal a serving, 1.5 grams of fat, and 9-10 grams of protein!!! If anyone is interested in further info, PM me. (I don't know if we are supposed to be endorsing products here...) Since I do a Protein shake for Breakfast, with these as a snack, plus regular food, my protein intake has been skyrocketing. I feel so much better. (My mood must be improved....I found $5500 in fraud on my credit card on Sunday and I'm staying sane about it! Fortunately, it has been removed, but normally I'd still be stressing).:w00t:

Jessica: You have been doing great. Happy Bandiversary!

Diane: I've missed you! Hang in there!

Everyone: Thinking of everyone else too. :laugh:

Hugs,

Trish

I was a smart alec and added (& Others) to the name is more than half of us aren't from NJ hahaha.

85 Degrees BETTY? I'm jealous! We did a charity run with the Blue Knights in our area today. It was freaking 38 degrees when we got on the bike and it's now 2:36pm we just got home and it's a balmy 43.3 degrees. burrrrr. I have a hot cocoa in hand just stripped out of my 6 layers of clothing and I'm still freezin my hiney off. That's it I'm done unless it gets over 50 degrees. burrrrrrr

I didn't do any chores yesterday besides dishes or today because of the Charity Toy run and I'm not going to either. That's right...I'm being lazy today after all that riding. I'll pay for it tomorrow though YUCK.

Anyone making anything yummy for dinner? I'm clueless on what to make here. I don't feel like cooking but, we're all home so I'm guessing I"m going to have to. I'm going to have to wing it I guess. Just not sure what to do yet.

I'm going to go search around the threads. There is a new format coming to LBT and I really like it. I think you all will like it too. Have you been in the chat at all lately? That's really nice now. I like it alot...so much easier to read.

Hugs

Hi Sherry! I have a question for the crockpot Queen... The last few times I have done a chuck roast or Pork roast in my crockpot, it never quite reaches that falling apart stage even though its been in there all day or at least 8 hours with at least 1/2 of that time on "high". The pot gets hot enough...but maybe I'm missing something and its not consistent. Think I need a new one? :cool2:

Nice to know there are some of you that are precisely where I am...

I actually joined WW for the thousandth time (at least it seems like that!) just this past week. I was very candid with the leader during the newcomer portion after the meeting (fortunately I was the only newbie that night) and she was so supportive. I have never done the core plan in the past, just points, and I would use those points for foods that were not necessarily the best choices. Core focuses on Protein, low carb...exactly what the nutritionist ordered! I am hopeful that this regular weekly accountability will be just what I need. I have come to realize that I need to use the band for the tool that it is....not just have it pumped tighter and tighter with a fill while I am still at a high weight. I'm hopeful that I can wait to fill it tighter when my weight is down so that it will be the lifetime maintenance tool that I've always needed when I had lost weight in the past.

Happy Halloween All!

I've been "MIA" for awhile and have missed being here! Just way too much going on. Some good, some bad, some ugly! Oh well!

I probably did a bandster "forbidden" this week. Joined WW for the thousandth time in my life. I just need some kind of structure and am hoping that reporting in once a week, not getting on the scale daily and having to be "accountable" will help. I'm finding that their "core plan", which I never followed in the past, mirrors alot of the rules a bandster is supposed to follow. So, we'll see. I figure it can't hurt!

Well, tonight is the 2nd halloween for us in our current neighborhood. (We moved there a little over a year ago). Last year, we ran out of candy after about 350 kids. Had to put a sign up! I have about 400 treats this year and then THAT'S IT!!! I have never seen anything like it. I'm taking a picture this year....last year I recall looking out from our driveway and just seeing a sea of people. Almost like a riot scene! (Our neighborhood must be highly rated on the "good candy" scale!).

Well, just wanted to say "hi" and let you all know that I have been thinking of you!

Hi Everyone,

Sorry to have gone missing for awhile. Drama at my household (so what else is new?) Been a rollercoaster ride with my Mom's health. Last week I was away on a business trip (thankfully not too far away) when my son called. My Mom had a horrific fall down the stairs. It was really complicated by the fact that she had been on blood thinners for her heart, so she ended up having brain bleeding and then fractures & disk displacement in her lower spine. She was transported to a trauma center. Is now home. I was very proud of my sons and how they handled the emergency (calling 911, keeping my Dad calm and Mom still until paramedics arrived).

So, I've been here lurking when possible. I can't get a break. :w00t:

And, I wonder why I break out in fat all these years! Honestly, not to whine, it is impossible to focus on ME through all this. I just hope the scale is kind.

Okay, sorry for my personal pity party.

Take care all. I'll be more upbeat next post! Promise!

Pat right now none of it does me any good......whatever I take in....from free tap Water to high dollar juice drinks, stays down about 10 minutes and up it comes again. The only thing keeping me alive at this point is the twice daily IV fluids. Nothing at all passes.

BUT I do want to know what it is for recovery. I may be on my own, and seriously need some help ahead of me!

Darcy, it is good to have you back. Update us on your life.

KAT: It is so scary to hear all that you've gone through. Emotionally, you sound VERY strong and that's such a good thing. I'll keep positive thoughts for you! You'll get through this, you are doing all the right things. Thank goodness for IVs when you need them!

Darcy: Welcome! This is a great group and I'm so glad I found them!

Pat: A POGO queen, eh? I overtook my son's account last year and visit it from time to time when I need to de-stress!

Darcy, you made me almost cry with your warm return :tongue2:.

Oh yeah, Pogo goddess, I think I like that better than the way I refer to myself as a Pogo junkie, LMAO. Welcome back and no slipping away from us again, we need YOU as much as you may need us.

Kat, I so hope everything works out for you. There is a very high Protein vial that they sell at GNC that I may try. A new band buddy told me about it this am, 42 grms of Protein in one vial, not fat, no sugar. I'll let you know.

Sherry, what are you doing special with your days off work? I know, why don't you mosey on down to VA .

Betty, how are the "girls"?

Hugs all around.

I actually had the 42 gram protein bullet (grape) from GNC early this morning. After the first taste it wasn't too bad. Great way to get that protein in. (I'm having an upperGI this afternoon with a 2nd fill, so I wanted something nutritious before I had to stop my liquids for the day).

Hey everyone!

Good to see the board is a little active now. I went to the meeting last night and it was pretty good. I would advise anyone to go to the support group meetings, they always revv me up! They are a good source of information.

Stacy, I think someone answered this, but St. Francis support group meetings are open to anyone. Christiana charges $5 a meeting if you did not have surgery with them.

Thanks for sharing this. I may just check them out. I had my surgery in Phila at HUP but the evening meetings are very difficult for me to get to (living in Salem County NJ and not wanting to travel to downtown Philly during rush hour). So, sounds like you would recommend them. How easy is it to get to St. Francis and park, etc?

On another note, NJ gals, anyone close to Atlantic City? Hubby and I are thinking about going this weekend. Any suggestions on where to stay? Thinking of Harrahs at the Marina, what/where ever that is, LOL. Would love suggestions.

Sorry, Pat. I caught this late. The Borgata is very nice and its right next to Harrah's Marina. There also is another very upscale one right next to it that just opened, but I don't remember the name. These are a couple of miles away from the Boardwalk in a much quieter area. I really don't get to AC much at all. The last time I went was to the Borgato and I saw "IL Divo". Otherwise, I just don't get the opportunity to visit. There is a Harrah's outside of Philly that I take my Mom to once in a while when she has the gambling bug! Would you be traveling here via your boat or driving up? If you are driving up and taking Route 40 in NJ you'll come right through my town a few miles after the Delaware Memorial Bridge. So, if you didn't go this weekend and plan it for another, pm and maybe you can visit en route!

Eileen - are you keeping all the pups or finding homes for them? Just curious :thumbup: I have two goldens and man oh man the fur from these things is crazy! I love em but, don't think I'll be doing two dogs again.

Awww.... you have two goldens? I have one. He's a big lug named Cooper. Such a sweet heart. I keep him shaved down like a yellow lab (Okay, so he has an identity crisis goin on...) just because of the hair. He looks like a giant beige bear. His weight is my dream goal weight - 126 - ain't gonna happen! :smile: I've often thought of getting another so that, god forbid, when he goes to the big kennel in the sky, it would be easier on my sons. I swore I'd never have a big dog, extra hairy dog or male dog. But, when I went to visit the puppies and he sat at my feet while the other dogs ran around all spazzy and whatnot, I knew he was the one! Actually, my son had been quite ill at the time where we would have to regularly visit the National Institute of Health in DC (he's fine now!) and I PROMISED him a dog when things were looking up. A Golden was his choice. So, that's the story of Cooper the wonder dog!

Hello Ladies, I have enjoyed reading your post. I will be banded in 11 days. I live is SA Texas. I am going thru post of all kinds seeking encouragement and advice.

Welcome Choosie! Good luck with your surgery! There's lots of encouragement on this site! Lots of advice too, but take that cue from your doctor!

Hi everyone!

Im back! Had the surgery Tuesday. The actual surgery went real well, however, I did have complications. They couldn't get me out of the anesthesia and than after that I couldnt breathe on my own for about 1/2 hour, so while wide awake, they had to put me on a respirator and bag me. it was so horrible.

How scarey!!! Glad to hear that you are now doing well. Each day gets easier!