Great2BThin

Nope Arlene, I rarely ever have a hard time sleeping, that's what's so weird about it. Dh laughs at me as I am out within 5 min of my head hitting that pillow. I think I let my job situation bother me too much and it's weird as I really didn't care. LOL Also, the possiblity of our move. I got my Coach coupon printed for my outlet trip on Sat. Jewel, slow and steady on the chewing. How are you having chicken on the mushy stage? Are you blending it?

Apples you got to start 501 too! But I ended 500. LOL Nope I just meant an outlet for you so you didn't feel like you were just cooking and serving all the time.

Good afternoon. Just got home from taking Grandma to lunch with my friend and her mom and they hit it off pretty well and are going to play Bingo together, so that is nice. After lunch we went looking at those recliners that boost you out of them as she's pretty unsteady on her feet and have wanted her to get one of these to ease her up for a long. She actually bought one and it has a massage and heat feature. I am excited she did. I think she will be very happy she did once she gets used to it. I am going up to the mountains with DH on Saturday. He loves to fish this river up there and remembers it from years ago. To his dismay when he first went back to it after we moved here, they built an outlet mall around it. There's bridges over it between stores etc. People are actallyl standing in it with their waders fly fishing and shoppers walking by them. I love it. So he is going to fish and I am going to shop on Sat. This is where we are going: Welcome to Outlets At Silverthorne Sure have had trouble sleeping lately. Not sure why, if it's all I have on my mind, my knee pain, or pain pills. Hopefully I have a good nights sleep tonight, DH is gone and many times I don't when he is gone. Apples, I hope you are able to find that outlet you are looking for to get some outside stimulation. I'm not sure I'd want to be looking for a full time job, but different strokes for different folks. I find I get some of that in my volunteer work, and a ladies group at my church, but also in the part time jobs, gives me balance. Heather, where in Wisconsin are you? I am originally from Wausau. Charlene, hope the change in meds helps you. I understand about your mom, was just hoping there was some how some way.

Good morning, Lovelies!! Could not sleep til after 230am last night again. not sure why other than I think I messed up on my pain pills and took an extra pill too soon when I went to bed as I had that la la do do do feeling in my head. LOL I got up and played Suduko and finally beat Phyl at a game! She's good! Today I am taking Grandma to lunch with my friend Joye that I worked with and her mother. Her mother just moved into the same assisted living place as Grandma and knows no on so it's to introduce them. Then am taking Grandma to a LaZBoy store to look at one of those recliners that lifts you out of it. DH left for ATL today and am hoping he hears more about this possible move. I hate it looming over us. It makes making decisions tough so right now I am operating in the we are not moving mode. I couldn't decide if I should even pursue this possible very part time job at the hospital but I'd hate to pass it by and hten we don't move. It's in the bariatric dept and everything. This possible job is my only hitch I think right now in coming to FL. If I get the job, depends on when it starts and then I have to tell them I need off then for that trip and then 10 days for my Isreal trip 2 weeks later. Kindda dicey. Tried to put on my new jeans my DS got me for Christmas today, dang it the knee is still too swollen, I can hardly bend it in these jeans. They fit otherwise. I am just starting to be able to wear normal pants but they have to be very wide legged. I'm tired of sweat type pants, I've been dressing the top half up and wearing those. LOL Arelene, sure you couldn't come? FL is very close to TX and don't you have a daughter or something that can check on mom for you, you could be back in TX awfully fast. Or could DH check on her for you? Apples, congrats on being the 500 page starter! LOL I am so jealous. LOL I agree about 2's seeming easy in retrospect, I think the 20's are worse. LOL No control and they make bigger mistakes. LOL Am happy to see DD to settle down now if only DS would. Laura, I hope you can figure out how to post that pic, it sounds neat what you made

Helps a lot thanks, I will try and co-ordinate my time if I come Lived in DE, not missing much there. I am missing 4 states myself, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama all of mine are close together too. I wanted to hit all 50 by 50 but am missing it by a couple years but I will get to those states! It's a goal I have set.

Yep just one, what time are you guys trying to co-ordinate your arrivals into Orlando? And what time are the flights out on the 14th? I can pretty much pick and choose as long as there are vacancies but might try to get in a little earlier and then just sit and wait as a back up. I am probably not going to know for sure til closer to the time, but right now the flights look great which surprises the heck out of me since it's a holiday weekend. Sharlene, you are doing great, congrats on your band! Jessica, be careful on your mushies and mashed potatoes though mushy aren't the best choice they aren't protein. You may be sore for a day or two as when you get stuck you have a tendency to swell up. Nope, Eva I wasn't too torn up about my layoff. I just didn't like how it was handled. And I am done getting up at 4am!!! I'm actually looking forward to my freedom when my knee heals.

Greetings from the now officially unemployed. I went to talk to my boss this morning, pulled into the parking lot, his car is there, but he is not. He went with someone else there in their car to Office Max or something. So I pedaled a stationary bike for 10 min. for therapy (my therapist said this was the most important thing for me to do on my own for my knee bend, etc. so will start going there to do that as I scale back on therapy). When I was walking out to the parking lot, he pulled in so we just talked in the parking lot. I am chalking up to how poorly this was handled to his age and inexperience (sorry younger gals I don't mean that as a slam to the young, just that my boss is well not as mature or experienced as he could be). He was so torn up telling me that he was almost in tears and I think he truly thought he was taking into consideration everyones lifestyles and desires when he made his decisions, problem some of that wasn't his decision, in his mind he was trying to make it easier and justify the moves made. Also after venting to DH last night he helped put it into perspective to me. It wasn't my boss's decision to lay me off, someone above him is directing him. DH many times has to enforce decisions made that are tough and he doesn't like. So that helped. Anyhoo, when summer comes or things change he will call, I am still considered 'an employee' just have no hours right now. I told him I would be okay as we didn't rely on my income it was so puny anyway. God's timing is amazing however, I got another phone call this morning from the hospital I volunteer at. Seems there might be an opportunity there for 8 to 16 hours a week and would I be interested? Heck ya!! Get paid for what I am volunteering and doing anyway. So she had me send a letter of interest and resume to her boss and is trying to fast track me in. Of course, they still have to post it and it's not mine yet but might be. And DH found out yesterday he might get an awesome bonus. So a few things in the works. Now on to important things, I want to kindda look at this FL trip, thanks Apples and Janet for allowing me to crash on your couch if I come. I ignored the details as I wasn't going and there's so many pages to scan. You are arriving on Thurs. and leaving on Sunday right? I think that's what I remember but then I got confused seeing as how it was Pres. Day weekend and Monday was the holiday thought maybe it was Fri to Monday. I will go on my free flight benefits if I go and have to see how full the flights are. I broke down and called the knee doc office today for another refill on my vicodin. I was almost out and still needing them and felt like a whimp but then remembered I took them til about 6 weeks out on the last knee and I am not even 4 weeks yet. No sense being a hero though I hate the side effects. Also, decided to call and get a fill on my band, that is Friday. Think I will ask for 1 cc and see how it goes. They took 5 out in the hospital so it's no where near what I had and I like where I am at now, just starting to eat a little too much and feeling hungrier than I have and it's concerning me. Weight is steady though. Well gotta go watch Biggest Loser, I was so torn over what to watch that or American Idol. DH records NCIS so I couldn't record the one I don't watch so you'll have to fill me in on American Idol. I am excited about Simon leaving actually for this new show he is developing. I heard today he wants Paula to be a judge on it, might be good! I liked the 2 of them together. I think AI is in trouble w/o both of them.

Apples, I definitely agree about staying diligent even more so now in the maintainance phase. It's so easy to become complacent and before you know it the scale starts moving again in the wrong direction. I am so grateful I've been able to maintain since Oct and my first knee surgery w/o any exercise. I can't really count physical therapy as much exercise as it's nothing as far as calorie burning compared to what I did pre surgery. I think it is all because I've had to be even more diligent as to what I eat. So you going to town to see your dr and what else in your hot mama jeans???

Good morning, gosh last night I had one of those nights I couldn't get to sleep. I got up and played Suduko til about 1am and still couldn't sleep. I am going up to the rec center this morning to see my boss, he left me a message yesterday. I am sure it is about my lay off or hour reduction, pretty sure lay off. Not sure why it bothers me, I was thinking of quitting the place anyway. I'm not happy with how it's all been handled and I guess the fact that the decision was taken away from me. And I wonder why I am getting laid off and 2 employees newer than me are not, I think that's what bothers me most. However, one of the newer ones is full time and I do not want full time and the other works nights and I do not want to work nights. He knows that and I am sure that is why, but I guess I feel I should've been respected and been asked. Weird ideas in my head I know, just got to process it all. Will let you know this afternoon how it went. Arlene, my grandma likes to pull the guilt card too. I don't think she realizes sometimes that she does though. It gets frustrating. For example, yesterday we were at Walmart and that is where she got her glasses which need an adjustment. I suggested we stop and get them adjusted, there was a wait. She didn't want to wait as she'd be a bother and I was tired. I told her over and over it was fine we could wait, I had no where to be. Alas, we didn't wait. Then later says how much her glasses bother her but she can make do. Also needed milk but didn't want to go get it in the back of the store, then later wants to go get milk and if I can't go right then and there she says how she'll go without, etc. Her excuse all the time is about not being a bother, but she ends up being a bother when she does stuff like that. And she pulls the taxi card for dr appts too. There's very few times of teh week I can't take her and invariably that is when she'll make her appt. I volunteer on Wed at the hospital and seems like she makes them for WEd all the time. Twice I cancelled on the hospital to take her after she pulled the taxi card. The last time Ijust told her, I'd be happy to take her if she switched the appt and she did, or she could take the van or taxi. LInda, I have the opposite build. My waist is smaller, though do have a small pooch of excess skin below the belly button, but my legs are huge. I get the too thin comments but could lose 20 lbs more in my legs alone. I think those comments most of the time are jealousy. You do what's right for you and what your doc says is healthy for you and forget the naysayers. sparkle, welcome. Fire away any questions you have and best wishes on your surgery.

Awesome photos Phyl! YOu look awesome!

Good evening! You guys were busy today! I was too. I had therapy today and then picked up Grandma for lunch and shopping. She out shopped me today. My knee feels it. She had a return from Christmas and then bought another $100 worth of clothes on top of it. I couldn't believe it. She loves this brand, Alfred Dunner. BUt she is very very frugal with her money. did I tell you she was frugal??? She has hardly bought anything new clothes wise in years and her clothes were starting to look it. Penney's had an amazing clearance sale and I was so happy to see her get some new things. Of course, I try and buy her stuff all the time but she won't take 'charity' I get by with it once in awhile. Then we had to go to Walmart for groceries etc. I didn't get home til 4 and then had nothing out for dinner. DH had a meeting at 5 and 7pm so we ran to Del Taco YUCK!! and I had a taco. thanks so much for all the kudos on my dress, you guys are great for the self esteem! Interestingly, I got 2 phone calls today. The first one I am very excited about. It's the office I volunteer at in the hospital all the time. A gal that worked part time in that office accepted a position full time in another dept. They asked if I'd be interested in a PRN (guess that means on call or as needed or part time I need to find out) position in that office. Are you kidding me?? I'D LOVE IT! And God's timing is amazing. This afternoon I got a voice mail FINALLY from my boss. He wants me to call him back or come by and see him at my convenience. He was gone for the day when I got the message so plan on going in the mornign and getting my 'news'. Heather, feel free to post as much or as little as you want. There's no requirements that you have to post alot to join us. We'd love to have you. Linda, I don't post a lot on my surgery date board anymore either. Not many folks post there either. Apples and I are surgery month buddies and she's here too the rest don't post much. I love those spur of the moment getaways. Reminds me of when we lived in Sacramento once in awhile we'd take off for Reno. There was a casino there with a Maine Lobster buffet on Friday nights. I lOVED to go for that. Congrats as well on the new clothes and sizes, it feels so good doesn't it? As for my wedding outfit, I can't get the red for DH as they only could get it in a size 6 as it was a discontinued color, suppose they had it just for the holidays. Yes, I did all the painting on the Santas, DH carved them and I painted them. We think about doing it again as he approaches retirement, right now he doesn't have the time for it and I can't carve. Apples, I am glad I went with the seperates as well. Now I can wear that top with dress pants for other outfits and next time I need a 'formal' I can always just get a new top for it. I am more comfortable in seperates too. It's also one of the ways I justified the higher cost of this outfit, because I could break it up and make other outfits. DH has never encouraged me to spend over $300 on anything before, he really liked it I guess. I ran into his mom today and he had told her about it and that I was a 'babe' in the dress. LOL Julie, never feel bad about people being a head of you on this journey on this thread. YOu are in the best place you can be. Just look at the successes on this board, who wants to be amongst failures? As I was losing it was so wonderful to have Janet and Apples leading the way for me. I knew they practiced what they preached. We all have the same destination but take different paths to get there. Your path has had more bumps in the road and detours than most of us with your illnesses, etc. Apples took the express route, you took the detour (not by choice) but you will get there and have done amazingly well given your circumstances. And I just betcha when you get to those smaller sizes you are going to turn into a shopper too. I was never a shopper either, but look at me now! I just love getting new things and how they look on me. Deb, To make the pheasant balls I just bought some styrofoam balls and glued the feathers on, I would make a row of different kinds of feathers. However, before glueing the feather on I would snip off the downy part of the feather so all I had left was the colorful part.

Good morning, lovelies!! Gosh you gals are great for one's self esteem and all your wonderful comments about my dress. :blushing: It was hard for me to go try them on and stuff as that fat girl body image tries to rear her ugly head once in a while. But it felt so good to take things off the rack and put them on and heck even be too big in several instances. Here I thought I was a size 12 and I am more an 8 or 10, just depends on what it is. And I don't always take DH shopping with me, but I knew it was going to be a chore with my knee and walking and all and did kindda want his opinion. he has NEVER picked anything out for me, he saw this dress and said I had to try it on and he just beamed at me when I put it in. He said, Babe you aren't supposed be hotter than the bride. Well I had to get the dress then. LOL He still liked the red, but I didn't feel that was wedding appropriate and when it wasn't available in an 8 or 10 that was my out. I just couldn't have worn the 6 all night, my 'girls' would've revolted and popped out before the night was over. LOL Thanks again. I told DD that I was so grateful she waited for me to lose weight to get married. I would've been so panicked and upset at 305 lbs shopping for a dress I know it. Today is my therapy and then taking Grandma shopping, I think, she hasn't cancelled on me yet this time. Our weather is geat today, in fact, Laura, I think we are having the same weather. We are supposed to be 55 today too! Love it! Except you in your 55 are probably all bundled up in winter parkas, etc. and here we'll be out in short sleeves. All what you get used to. I am really frustrated about my boss/job. I feel he should've called and let me know what's up with my job. I am feeling disrespected now. He knows my friend and I talk all the time away from work so he knows that I know changes are up and she was cut to part time. I don't feel it's my place to call him and ask him what's up. Even if I am not getting laid off I feel he could at least assure me wtih that. But I am 99.9% positive I am, I'm not on the schedule at all. Now this is a long shot, but if I am laid off, and the stars all align right for me, and I can go at the last minute to FL next month, Apples, can I crash on your and Janet's sofa??? It's a long shot, but gosh I so want to be there. Eva, love your evil twin, I have one that thinks like your's once in a while. Your dinner sounds yummy. DD just brined a turkey for us a few months ago it was really good. Laura, thanks for the update on your dad. Hope he enjoys his chemo free week and all goes well. Don't freeze in your 55, I am going to enjoy my 55 today! Well best be getting ready for therapy. Think it's going to hurt today.

I can do the hamburger patty off a McD's no problem, can't do the bun though. however, I much prefer the patty at Wendy's. LOL I get the double stack no cheese, take off the bun and have 2 meat patties for $1 and usually can't finish that. I don't do this often but when the craving hits, YUM!! I agree with a previous poster, I was in my 50's when I got banded but now I am 35!! I feel so much younger and better now! BEST thing I ever did, just wish I had done it sooner.

about what???

Good evening! Laura, my eyes are a weird green/blue color sometimes they look blue and sometimes green. I call them green. But DD really liked that blue on me as it brought out my eyes. I also tried on that top with the skirt in red. DH really liked the red, but I was afraid of that being too bold of a color. Decision was made when they couldn't get it in any size but a 6. I could button the 6 but couldn't breathe. LOL Too cute about Nelson and his girlfriend. JB, been thinking about your and your loss. Hope each day is getting easier for you. Phyl, Dang, I just can't catch your scores in Suduko! But I will one of these games. Well my leg is pretty achy tonight. Probably a little too much mall. DH & DD were so good to me though. DD would run ahead and find where the dress depts were in the store before I walked all over and DH would move the car near that store/door. So I don't htink I really overdid it, but definitely did it to the max. Therapy tomorrow might be a challenge and taking Grandma shopping and to lunch. Unless she cancels on me again, she's been doing that a lot lately. I think really she'd be happy if she never had to leave her apartment. She's getting so she hates to go out. I can sortta understand it and it's hard for her, but don't want her to get too depressed or give up either. She's fully capable of small trips out.

I think you are right about people dropping out not doing well, I sure do miss some of the ones that used to post here and pray that isn't the case. But I love how you dish out the advice, Janet, I have a hard time toning it down a lot of the times, but you do so well. Hence the success of this thread.

Thanks Apples, the dress must be doing it's job as I really haven't lost any weight since I saw you. Maybe 2 lbs. doubt you'd notice that. LOL It is a different dress than I had planned on. And yes DH carved those Santas, we used to sell tons of them. He didn't carve me one this Christmas though. Told him he owes me 2 next year. LOL We carved and sold so many he really hates doing them now. He's much happier making fish and birds. He's even won ribbons for his fish in carving competitions. Laura, good job on getting the treadmill out! Arlene,Thanks!!

Okay I finally figured out pictures with my new camera and am posting a pic of the dress I got today. Also wanted to show you guys the trees, wreath and pheasant ball ornaments we made from all our pheasant feathers and our tree all decorated 'pheasant'. Hopefully this works. the pic with the Santas in it are Santas we used to make and sell in craft shows. headstandconsulting.WlsBoardMobile.apk

I GOT MY DRESS!!! And it's not the one I went shopping to get. LOL It's by the same designer though, Adrianna Papell (never heard of her before but then don't buy formal dresses ever either). We went to Dillards to check for the dress I planned on getting to see if it was cheaper etc. As the sales lady was showing it to me, DH was calling me over to see this dress on a mannequin, he never points out stuff he likes if he shops with me. At first I wasn'ttoo sure. I liked the skirt it was the same ruffly look as was on that dress I posted a link to, but the blouse was bright red. It looked Christmasy to me and also wasn't sure about wearing red or that bold a color as the mother of the bride. But, alas, the also had the blouse in a powder blue. Forgot to mention it's seperates. So I tried on the original dress and then this skirt and blouse. DH still liked the red best but they didnt' have my size and the 6 was too snug and they couldn't order it in. DD liked the blue the best and I liked it better too, I was concerned as both pieces together were $300 but DH was all for getting it. He never says how he likes something and said I looked hot! LOL I have to order the skirt and it will be delivered to the house as they had no 10's. The eight fit but the ruffles/pleats just looked funny around my butt a little too snug and the 12 just hung on me. I bought the 12 though just in case the 10 isn't right and I have 30 days to take it back. I'm very excited. I also tried on a pink top with it but decided I'd look too much like the bridal party in black and pink. I looked online for a pic to post but can't find one. I am going to try it on here at home and have DH take a pic and maybe post it. I don't go to my support groups much anymore either. I was asked to be the leader at one point but then this other gal more or less unasked me to and she is the one they gave over support groups. So part of me was miffed and hurt by that, I went through all the Obesity Help leader training and everything. But the other reason is, the same people were there every week complaining about the same things every time, how they weren't losing, weren't exercising, eating sweets etc. Anyway I found it less than motivating. But since I stopped going I have heard how there's hardly anyone there anymore (they don't like the new leader) and some have asked me to start going again as I motivated them so I might. They also combined our group with another one and the first meeting of teh month is bypass related and the other one band related so maybe I will go to the band one (also different leader). Alaska, I like Soldatna, spent a few weeks there on a few occassions with DH salmon fishing. I ate halibut and chips for almost every meal! LOL Ann Loft, went to the store at the mall, not much new stuff in and not on sale. I have a long time with this weather before I need springy clothes so can wait for some mark downs.

Good morning! First off GO PACKERS!! Today is the day I am going to get my dress for the wedding. we have an appt at Davids Bridal for 1230 but am running to the mall before that. Nordstroms and Dillards both show that dress on their websites for cheaper (but only in a size 4) so I want to check their stores first. Not sure I can walk the whole mall yet so DH is figuring out the logistics. May park in the handicap spot outside Dillards go in, go back to car and drive around to Nordstroms or something. Or DD who is now going with us, can run in and look and see if they have it before I go in. But then there's a Loft store there too and it would be so cruel to be that close and not get to go in. This one wo uld have the new springy stuff in too, as the one I go to that is closing has nothing new. Eva, no I think lots of new homes you can rearrange furniture, mine is new construction and I just rearranged my family room. I think it depends on the model, so many of the newer homes are so open so there are fewer walls to put furniture against or to hang things on though. Apples, so sorry you have to go through all those comments. I guess I never could realize that those type of comments could be rude and hard to take. Before my weight loss, I'd be thinking those same things about how lucky you are. But I get comments from a few people now and I don't like it at all and can understand it. Maybe you could say something like, gee your hair is sure a mess and your clothes are wrinkled is that all you do is lie around and sleep all day? LOL ?Vent all you want, never would I think you are bragging and you need a safe place to fall as well. Your struggle right now with the band is just something so different than what many of us have experienced but still all the same real. You look beautiful and should be proud of what you have accomplished. Laura, what a popular little boy you got and the parties. Enjoy these years. We always joke in DH's family about what must happen on the farm in March as he, his brother and his sister all have birthdays in Dec. the 13, 15, & 19th. LOL

Good evening, I had heard that before about calories not being so accurate. I figure at least it's a guideline, not to be taken too exact, but it's better than nothing. At least that's how I look at those labels, Applebees, etc. My grilled steak tonight tasted really yummy! Haven't had that for awhile. We got a good job accomplished tonight. When we bought our home it was a repo and needed lots of fixing up, plus we finished the basement. Well all those receipts just got stuffed in a can, we had no idea what the grand total of all our improvements were. We got to talking about it today in case we do move, would be nice to know exactly what we have invested in the home, etc. Took forever just unwadding the receipts, think "DH crumbled them all up before putting them in this can. Anyway I feel organized now. Cheri, hope you are okay after your fall. PHyl, how do you get those high scores on Suduko, you must have practiced a lot! I'll catch you one of these games!

We have a heat wave here! We are almost 50 degrees today and supposed to get into the 50's tomorrow. After the below zeros yesterday morning, this is a heat wave. A saying around Colorado is, 'if you don't like the weather, wait 5 min'. It's over a 60 degree swing in 24 hours. Lots of snow melting today too. And yes I did see shorts and sandals out there today, not on me though. LOL But did go out with just a sweater on for a jacket vs a parka, etc. DH is even grilling steak for our dinner tonight. Leg/Knee is hurting today, I didn't do much but did sit at a meeting this morning for 2 hours and rode in the car with DH on some errands for a couple hours, it does get achy when it's down for a long time vs propped up in my recliner.

Wow, those QVC jeans are all sold out in talls already this early in the morning. I can waitlist them, but will see, I have several pairs of jeans right now so maybe best to wait. Yes, Eva, the rodeo is indoors but still cold but it takes up many buildings and grounds and many of the animals and stuff is outdoors. It seems like it is usually freezing when it's in town too. Last year someone at DH's job gave us seats to the final rodeo it was a lot of fun. And before the rodeo we went to 'Cowboy Church' that was neat.

Janet and Karen, thanks for the tips on the boots and the jeans. I might check out the jeans, guess I will wait on boots for now. I have no idea what size jeans to even order so maybe will take my measurements and go from there. I need the talls. Am awaiting DH to get home, he went to a men's breakfast thing with some guys from church. We have a meeting then at 11 this morning about a group that he leads and meets at our house through our church every Wed. night. We are debating giving the group up though as DH is travelling so much and unable to be here to lead it. It's sortta a Bible study, but also sortta place to talk about your issues etc. there's been some great things that have happened via the group but I am also tiring of hosting it every Wed. night have done it for 3 yrs. Well the cowboys have invaded Denver, today starts the National WEstern Stock Show and Rodeo and it runs for about 2 weeks or so. We were at Bass Pro last night and they were coming by the van loads from various hotels etc. Phyl, the buffalo are at the Rocky Mtn ARsenal which is on the way to Bass Pro. The arsenal used to house all sorts of dangerous chemical warfare type stuff and now they've cleaned it up and it's a wildlife refuge, there's deer, buffalo, etc. and it has trails around it. It's almost walking distance from my house but not quite. I am trying to decide what to do about my fill in my band. As you know I had that emergency unfill in the hospital after knee #2 surgery. I know we try not to get into the number of cc's but for reference I had 11 ccs in a 14cc band. They took out 5 ccs leaving me with 6cc. so almost half. I was freaking out I'd gain all my weight back etc. but in reality when I went to get part of that fill back, I was never hungry and still losing weight. So she only gave me 3/4 cc at that time and that was the day before Christmas. I stopped losing, and am maintaining well within my range. However, I am eating more and getting hungry more often now. So I am trying to decide do I stay where I am now for maintainance and not worry about getting such tight restriction back? Or do I get maybe another cc or so and see how it goes. Sometimes now I feel like I am white knuckling it, but at other times it feels like I am how shall I say, more normal? I don't even have to worry about such small bites etc. Opininons??? I think if I continue being more hungry I will get some, but might take a wait and see approach for a bit.

Congrats Angel on being out of the 400's forever! I am glad you are finally getting the success you deserve from the band. Debbie, your house burned, how awful. These would be stressful times. Good going on holding it all together. I am recovering from total knee replacement number 2, it's been 3 weeks and doing pretty good. This time in the hospital for some reason my band totally blocked anything from going down (i've had 2 other surgeries and never needed an unfill or anything), I had to have an emergency unfill of half the fluid in my band. I had 11 cc in a 14cc bnad and they took out 5. I have gotten only 1 cc put back in. But I am holding my own here, so am debating if I should continue maintainance here or get a little more. I am eating more than I have been but so far maintaining. I get hungrier though and feel like I am white knuckling it sometimes. I don't think I will go back up to the 11 ccs though.