SherryW

I just got my bracelet kit too Betty. Gosh we ordered them what....8 months ago? lol

Folks check out the ingredients again before you make the Soup. I checked my recipe and had to fix the 3/4 cup of onions to 1 cup and the 28 oz of broth to 56 oz or 4 cans. I used 2 of the boxes of broth so it was the right amount sorry about that. Everything else was the right amounts. I think you'll like it and you're right Darcy it's definately a nice winter soup especially since its in the crockpot.

Luv2blab...that's my band anniversay date Congrats on your band date and good luck with your journey. Darcy - If the recipe is easy peasy its for me especially something like that. If I come across more crock-pot ones I'll be sure to let ya know. This one came from that show Semi-Homemade. My mom got a recipe box full of recipes and that one was in there. It was really easy and delicious. The meat comes out really tender too so it's easy for me to eat. well time for bed. Sweet dreams yall!

Good Gosh...I feel like I've been away for a week there are so many posts lol. I can't keep up with your gals. Was busy busy at work today and have meetings galore tomorrow and Wednesday. Did I tell ya the Beef Barley soup came out yummy? It's soooo simple to make too: 1.5 pounds stew meat cut into 1'' cubes 1 cup diced onion 1 cup baby carrots cut into 1/2'' pieces 2 celery stalks, diced 1 envelope McCormicks Meatloaf seasoning 4 cans (14 oz each) beef broth 3/4 cup barley throw it all in a crock pot and cook 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high YUMMMMM Made oatmeal cookies too...DH is lovin em. Hmmm trying to decide what to make next weekend lol. I'm liking being domesticated on weekends hahaha. Makes for easy lunches. I think I'm going to try Eileens egg muffin cups thingys this weekend so I'll have breakfast for the week Hope you all have a great night! Gonna watch my FAVORITE show 24 tonight yahoo

Hey Storm....what type of liquid diet are you on? Is it something where you can cook things for yourself or is it a specific drink they are having you use?

Congrats on your band date Stormsbrewing! you're well on your way to a new you Keep us posted!

It's been my savior when we go out to eat Just chew the cheese part well. I've never had a problem with it even with this tight 2nd fill.

you should definately seek help with the purging thing because when you have the band you're suppose to avoid throwing up as much as possible. You could cause your band to slip and that can cause damage if not taken care of. Think about what you're saying here....You don't want to tell your doc because he might cancel the surgery? Are you not trusting him with your health in the first place? Good luck with your journey.

Hi Susannah, I loved carbs in bread form myself but, now.....its the last thing I think of when it comes to a meal because after you've been stuck with that lump of gooey dough for half a day without being able to drink or eat...it's just not worth it. I have found that rolls that have that hard, crusty outside I can have occassionally. It's not very often that I even bother with that because I want to get all my proteins in first. But..honestly I don't miss it like I thought I would. Good luck with your banded journey!

Tree is down and actually put away WAHOOEY and.... Yessss I was able to go to the pet store, only pickup a few fish and shrimp...umm I did peek at the puppies but, just looked although I'll admit one Terrier was looking at me and I remembered...FUR FUR FUR hahaha BIL and SIL are on their way over so dinner plans have changed but, we'll figure something out. Time to start the Cookies Did I tell ya "Baby, it's cold outside...."

Hey everyone....I've been up since 4:30...really bad acid woke me up. Can ya believe it was up to my nose...what a freaking weird feeling that was. I took a Tums and had to sit up..that was it I was up for the day. We were off and running on errands by 7:30. Out for breakfast, quick trip to the wholesale food (BJs) Warehouse then a trip to Michael's crafts. I was looking for a fake plant for my work office because this gal doesn't have a green thumb unless someone paints it green hahaha. Anywho didn't find quite the one so I didn't get one. We may be taking a trip to the pet store for fish....now girls....remind me how I got my last pup, ohhhh yea went to get fish and Jake walked up to me with those puppy eyes.....ok I have to tell hubby to blindfold me until we get to the fish heh heh. Better yet I'll take a bag full of the fur I vacuum up everyday with me to keep me out of trouble lol. Other than that...it's lounging around in a cozy house causes it's only 19 degrees and windy out there. burrrrr sounds like a nice Soup day today. Hmmmm might have to make a trip to the store for ingredients. Maybe a nice beef barley for the guys or a beef stew hmmm not sure yet hee hee. oatmeal raisin Cookies seem to want to be baked too but, DH might get upset. They are his favorite and he's been trying to loose a few of those pounds that came back during the holiday. I'll have to find a light version Ohhh well now maybe the Christmas tree will come down today...I just through a hint to DH to get the box out of the attic.Ohhh just maybe it will come down today. My part is done, decorations are all off of it lol. Hugs and enjoy your day my friends. Hope you're all doing well and shrinking. Oh Just gotta say WAY TO GO DARCY on all that exercising your doing girl!

Patty - You say you called your company so I'm assuming you mean the employer you get your insurance through. If so please PM and let me know. Did you call UHC yet? I'm telling ya girl you have insurance and if WLS isn't specifically waived then we'll find something. Going to take more work is all. Let me know where you are with this so I can continue to help. So frustrating these insurance companies!

mornin y'all....thought I'd see some snow this morning but nuttin. It snowed a bit yesterday but, nothing stuck. This is very odd for NE....usually we've seen snow already so I think we're in for a big one when we finally get hit. Betty - I can see how the ball could hurt your back if you're not careful or if it's week. There defiantely are certain exercises I won't do on it. I have to be careful with my arms right now too......chiro says I have "Mouse Elbow" hahaha Hmmm wonder how I got that lol Hope everyone enjoys their Friday today. Payday wooohoooo lol I have to get crafty this weekend....my new office echos like crazy when I'm on the phone so I have to make a sound reducing board to go behind my computer, on the wall and then another that will hang from the shelving above the computer because my phone is also here and I'm talking into a tunnel hahaha. Nuttin like hearing you're own voice bounce back at ya. Maybe I can sing myself to sleep heh heh chow!

ouchy Darcy I hope you're ok and not extra sore today. I guess I'll have to bring the Pedometer with me on the treadmill and measure that mile...sounds good huh? Betty - I got the blue exercise ball with the stand at Walmart for $16.95 or so. The ball does come out to do other floor exercises with it if you want. It's pretty neat though because it causes your core muscles to strengthen because you're using them to balance while you're doing your arm exercises. Well gotta scram and get some work done...I was just suppose to be peekin in BFN enjoy your day my sweet friends!

burrrrrr 8 degrees here now.

Hello my friends it's a whoopin 12 degrees here in Massachusetts. Burrrrrrr So the big ole blue ball is blown up, ya know the one that sits inside a saucer and has those elastics with handles on it hahaha. I just did about 10 minutes on the dang thing and my arms are letting me know. Hmmm gotta get rid of these chicken flaps, err wings, errrr ya know the flab that wabbles when ya wave HELLO. YUCKO. So just tried it out a bit. Not feeling good tonight, tummy is a bit upset but, I'd like to start this tomorrow morning before work. :scared: Don't think I'll be doing 30 minutes worth but, I'd like to build up to it. I do have one of those pedometers though. How many steps equals a mile does anyone know? One good thing about my office where it is placed....lots of walking just to get to everyone else. Nice that I have peace and quiet but, tough when ya have a quick trip to the ladies room ya know? hee hee TOM is here and as usual causing havoc with my insides so I'm gonna get going and get into my comfy PJs. Hubby made some nice taters and meatloaf for me for dinner. Yum since I wasn't able to get much down today. My finicky band gets kinda tight during this time so it went down nicely. Well time for PJs Stay warm peeps...thinking 'bout cha'

I highly recommend the Low Carb Slim Fast...it has more protein in it than the High Protein ones GO FIGURE! Just goes to show you need to read the labels. I really like the chocolate one the best but, the Vanilla and Strawberry are ok too. At least with the vanilla you can add flavorings to it as well. As far as the powdered I use AES Whey in Chocolate. I add one scoop, 8 oz skim or lowfat milk, two ice cubes, a teaspoon of no sugar banana pudding and about a teaspoon of lowcarb peanut butter in a blender and blend it. Yummy!

Here is a link to some low-carb recipes http://www.lowcarbluxury.com/lowcarb-recipes.html and another :eek: http://www.lowcarbcafe.com/

Crazy Lady I have a feeling after your appointment tomorrow and that unfill of a little you're going to be pleased with your band again. If you're unable to eat the right amounts of protein and other foods your body will go into starvation mode. Sounds like that's what it's doing. Also, if you're band is too tight even your own stomach acids from the lack of eating will start to bubble up because it can't get down. Let us know how you make out with the unfill. Good luck!

Hey Nana, Regarding your question....it depends on how quickly you learn where your threshold is for food and how quickly you learn to eat slowly and chew well. If you don't learn it quick...then you'll get a quick pb especially after the first fill. Just take it slow, chew really well and be careful of the foods you choose to eat. Test them to see if you can tolerate them before eating a meal of it. Example: Pork, bread and chicken skin (from drummies etc) just aren't for me. I get 95% of the time on those if I eat em. The only bread so far that I can eat is something with a really crunchy crust. Even then I have to be careful. Don't get too scared, it doesn't hurt but, it's not the best for your band so you always try to avoid it. As long as it doesn't happen within the first 8 weeks after your surgery you're pretty much set I think. You have to let the band heal in place that's why BIDMC won't let you go near solids for a long while. Hope that helps you.

Just and FYI for folks in case you haven't tried them....Tylenol Go Tabs....MY Goodness they work great. The liquid Tylenol did nothing for me but, these have helped with headaches alot. Just read that Kat had one so thought I'd throw in my two cents lol. Hmmm kinda liking having my own office cause I can peek in more and actually type something without someone over my shoulder. hee hee

Ohhh dangerously close to the point where the self sabotage thing has happened I think. I just refuse to add 2 pounds to it hahaha. I'll join in there with ya Darcy...you got me. I have my dreadcycle I can use but, if we all can put in 1.5 miles for 30 min of floor exercise that would be great so I can mix match what I do. I do need to move my arssss so I can get to Onederland so I'm in!!! Thanks for this Darcy...Great Idea!

awesome Betty...can ya rub elbows with me to get me exercising again. WHY is it that I just can't learn that THAT will help me lose weight?

The way I see it...go for it....if more people know and recongnize you then that's yet another tool to help you along your path and keep it off. Way to go on the weight loss be proud of it and go for it!

Hidey Ho friends of NJ threadville....I still think it's funny how I landed here Totally clueless and just talking in threads lol. Now this is home Soooo...today....my Christmas tree is in the same state it was the week before Christmas HAHAHA. Naked! DH has to take it down and put it in the attic. Hmmm wonder how long that will take aye? Since he's watchin the Football game I think it won't be happening today and he's working tomorrow so it won't happen then unless I do it. Since I'm afraid of going in the attic...looks like I might have it around for another week hahaha. I got a new CD called Angel Symphony...I LOVE IT...I get goosebumps listening to it. I like to have it playing while I'm on the computer...it helps relax me along with my waterfountain. I'm liking the changes I'm making in my office here at home. I bought some new pictures for in here too from Kirklands. They are Earthy tones with dark stained carved wooden frames. One says "Fruit of the Spirit. Live by the Spirit...Love, Joy, Peace, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control" So thinking when I read it it will help me along my weight loss path...can't hurt right? The other two have 9 blocks in each and some of the blocks have printed a single word like Patience, Hope, Faith, Wisdom, Peace, Joy, Play, Love, Sing and Dance. I'm liking these. They match really well with the tan fabric of the futon. Kinda changing this room around a bit so it's not so GIRLY for DH lol. Most of the stuff is from my other house so it's all angels and hearts etc. So this should be good for us both. BIL, SIL and nephew came over for dinner. I made Baked Ziti, heated up some crusty bread and made a chocolate cake. I had some of the ziti and passed on the rest. I still get full really fast and that's a good thing...umm...sometimes hahaha. I have to be VERY careful how I chew and what types of meats I eat because I easily get stuck if I don't. Enough rambling... Patty - We're going to see what we can do for ya hon. I'll get all the info from ya and call around to the contacts I have from work. More than happy to help you at least figure out what you're covered for, where you're covered, what type of plan you have etc. Don't fret....one step at a time and we'll get there. As far as the smoker....you're right it is tough. Do you happen to know if there is another door she can go out of to smoke? So maybe an alternate can be asked of her? The fan thing is a great idea if you can make it blowout and have another window blow in on the opposite side. Darcy - I think it's great that you're taking up that challenge. You are much braver than I. I thought like Kat did...gee that's 3 miles a day and if you miss one then what? I know I wouldn't make it. I wish you the best with it though especially since you're hitting the treadmills at the gym! Plus congrats on the year without smoking! That's awesome! Cindy - I can't eat french toast at all. Ohhh I miss it! Even better when it's da hubby cooking huh? heh heh My DH makes awesome breakfasts too but, seems I'm stuck with soft poached eggs. It's the easiest Protein for me to get down that tastes good. I either have those or cottage cheese for breakfast. Sorry about your 45/15 plan but, I totally know how easily that can happen lol. These computers are addicting too! Mandy - Chili certainly sounds good on cold nights I went to a restaurant with DH last night and ordered some but, by the time I got it I had already had 2 drummies and a piece of crusty roll...MISTAKE and I should know better. The bread did me in and I couldn't eat anything. It's in my refridge for lunch tomorrow My guys are watching the Patriots hoping they'll be in the superbowl too. Maybe they'll be there with your team Betty - What was for dinner that was cooking when ya left? hee hee I love hearing what you make because it all sounds so yummy. We should trade off recipes. Between you and Eileen's Low Carb thread yummmmm. Eileen - Speaking of the Low Carb Thread...I met with a bunch of MASS bandsters yesterday and told them about it. They're going to take a peek and hopefully add more recipes too it too. I have to look some up to post there as well. We can never have too many recipes. How are you doing? Going Commando? OUCHY thats gotta hurt hahaha Bean - Is your Christmas Tree down? Did you beat me and I missed it? Kudos to you for going to the gym 5 days that's freaking awesome! You inspired me that day to get on my stationary bike but, heaven forbid I kept it up. UGH. Right now I'm exercising the right of the gym to take the dues out of my checking account without me going. UGH. I told DH we really need to get back to it starting Monday...he said "YES DEAR" oh that was encouraging hahaha. I'll bug him again and if he doesn't go I told him I'm going myself. If I go myself...I'm hiring a Trainor for a few nights lol. Hmmm I think he's going now hahaha. Kat - Cigarettes in Massachusetts are over $5 a pack I believe. WOWza what an expensive habit. I'm so glad I never started. DH used to smoke close to 3 packs a day before I met him. If he still did that I wouldn't be with him...can't stand the stuff. Congrats on 16 years without them! Stand proud on that one! Great job on Curves too! Chrispy - Don't forget 3 days liquids, 3 days mushies with ya PB per BIDMC. ME...depending on how bad it was...tested the waters. If it wasn't bad I had liquid right after and then something mushy the same day. The next day back to normal stage. You're going to have to pay attention to your own band though. Sorry it happened but, I think we've all gone through it....ummmm 2nd fill BE very careful! Can't go much farther back here...Cass, Pat, Anne...HOW GOES IT? Gonna go travel the threads. Hugs!