ljv52

Apples, thanks for the compliment on my exercise. Hopefully it's going to work and those 2 lbs. will be poof! Gone at my weigh in next Tues. Thanks for the encouragement, it means a lot.

Yes, Apples, I have a DH and yeah, I understand. We'll have to plan a time to get together -- probably could meet half way. In the summer!! LOL. We have in-laws (DIL's family) in Britt, Iowa, close to Clear Lake (close to the Minn. border) so we could go there and then meet you somewhere and see both you and them the same weekend. We'll definitely have to plan that. CBL Linda

Apples, I have an idea -- we are approx. 6 hours south of Minneapolis/St. Paul -- would love to put you and DH up for a night -- we have a guest room with your names on the linens!! Seriously -- if you are coming this way on your way south, I'd be thrilled to have you. I promise we are nice, decent people. Doggie can stay here too -- we love dogs. Julie, I don't know who on this thread is my true twin -- it seems I'm so much like all of you - but I have the same coat you have!! So if I do end up coming to Florida we'll have to be careful not to mix them up -- this is my "new" coat -- just ordered it and got it right before Christmas on sale from LB. LOL. You look wonderful Julie and the tractor very nice -- DH looks like a very nice guy too. Laura, have fun in Miami -- hope the weather is good there and Nelson is completely over his cold/flu. Thanks for the update on your dad, I do hope for the best. It would be neat if you could visit him next week -- I'm sure it really brightens him up whenever you and your family visit. GD was here overnight and exercised with me again this a.m. It's so cute when she does that -- last time she stayed over and I wasn't yet able to exercise she was so disappointed. LOL. She's funny. Cheri, great stories - kids must love you -- you have a great sense of humor and are so tolerant (unlike how my teachers were when I was in grade school, but then it was truly a completely different world wasn't it?). Anyway, love the story about the 2 year old hitting the red button on the elevator too -- very funny - that would be a good one to submit to Reader's Digest -- they print cute little stories like that. LauraK, love those leaves -- they are beautiful and yes, I can see a HUGE difference in your weight -- congratulations on your success! Sparkle hugs on your surgery being postponed, but it's better to have your treatment first -- and much safer - I admire you for your resolution to get and stay healthy for your daughter, but also remember you are doing it for YOURSELF too -- you want to be healthier and feel better and have more energy -- you'll be so happy and glad that you made this decision -- you will feel amazing a year from now --most likely before then -- but for sure next year at this time. Yesterday was my anniversary of when I started the pre-surgical liquid diet and my DH and I just couldn't believe how fast this year has gone -- doesn't seem possible it's been an entire year already -- time truly flies -- I think especially when you are working on goals -- makes it go even faster. To the new person who is trying to get recommitted (sorry, I forgot your name), welcome. I understand completely how easy it is to get sick of exercising -- Janet is right -- try not to overdo it. I am right now on purpose over doing it -- it's my last week before I return to work after hip surgery and I'm just trying to get as much exercise in as I can every day before I go back to work -- so I'm doing about 2 hours a day right now -- I'm also trying to lose the last 2 lbs. I gained over the holidays and hoping this will take care of that. I have pretty much been at a standstill weight loss wise since November, but got a fill a couple of weeks ago and hope that I can see the scale going back down in the right direction again. So, you have lots of company here --we're all at different places in our weight loss stories -- I have 13 to go until my "first" goal but then I will tweak that and probably lose at least another 10 before I start to maintain. I'm very excited for this year -- to see what I can accomplish. I'm excited about getting back to work (yeah, like Apples and Laura said, it's easy to "graze" while at home). Meredith, hugs about your GM -- hope everything will be okay - hope the family members who are treating her badly get their heads out of their A$$$$$$$ soon. Jessica, hope you're doing better today, keep us informed please. Remember to cut that food up into teeny tiny pieces and then chew, chew chew. Janet, I think you probaly do need a fill - that's how I was before this last fill - I could eat more than normal and I was getting hungry within and hour or 2 of eating my high protein meals. Probably with all the exercise you've done this year you've lost some fat and made your band looser. You'll probably be good after a small fill - I am doing much better since my last fill -- not having any trouble really but staying full between meals -- I don't feel the need to snack except at night when that head hunger makes me eat popcorn whether I am hungry or not. Lori, hope you had a lovely nap. You can probably eat a small breakfast if you eat it early -- I never eat before my fills, but they are usually early -- around 9:30 a.m. If all else fails, call and ask. LOL. It's amazing how quickly we forget this stuff. Arlene and Phyll, hope you are having a great day and enjoying some warm weather. It was in the 40s yesterday and 30s today -- I see some green in the backyard!!! I escaped today and went to Walmart by myself -- drove and everything. DH and Aylah were sleeping so I "snuck" out. It was nice to be alone for that short time!!! It was long overdue!!! I did 8 miles -- 110 mins. today of walking/wallking with weights. CBL. Have a good evening everyone!! Linda

Hi everyone. Had hair appt. last night - needed to get my gray roots covered I made the appt. for evening cause I thought I was going back to work sooner. Will definitely go back next week -- see surgeon for follow up on Monday. I taped Biggest Loser and watched Idol and then watched Biggest Loser later -- irritates me when two favorite shows are on at same time. Thank goodness for DVD and Tivo. Poor DH has to put up with my reality tv but he watches too usually. I was shocked that I actually enjoyed Victoria Beckman - I thought I'd hate her -- she was actually a quite pleasant judge. I think I like her better than Kara. I agree, I think AI will do downhill when Simon leaves, I really do like Simon -- I almost always agree with him. Not sure if I will like Ellen on there as a judge - have to wait and see. Frankly, I was sick of Paula so not really missing her. Never was much of a fan of hers. Had lunch with friends today - it was 45!! DH got the Christmas lights/decorations down from outside - thank goodness it warmed up enough - I'm so glad he waited and didn't try to do it when it was so cold. Had a nice long afternoon, then stopped at another friend's house and saw her new addition on her home -- had coffee with her Got home around 5:00. Spent the morning exercising -- 120 mins. of walking/jogging/walking with weights. I am glad I got some new tapes so I can mix it up a little and I'm hoping using the weights will help kick start a new weight loss for me. I've kicked up the exercise in hopes the scale will move down a little by next week. Jessica, I'm really surprised your surgeon is moving so quickly on the foods -- be careful -- my doctor didn't clear us for soft foods for a long time after surgery -- it was 1 week of clear liquids, 2 weeks full liquids, 2 weeks pureed food, then soft foods -- so altogether almost six weeks -- I'd just be extremely careful. I've been "stuck" a few times but so far (knock on wood) I've never had the "sliming" people talk about - I've been very lucky. I would just be super careful. I don't know why some surgeons are in such a rush to get you to eat soft foods. It seems to me that our bands would benefit from healing longer at first, at least in MHO. Welcome to all the other newbies. Julie glad to hear you're sleeping better. Lori, I had some trouble sleeping well since surgery also -- finally this week feel like I'm sleeping better. It's going to be hard to get up at 5 next week -- I'm going to have to set my alarm starting tomorrow to get used to it. I really wish I could stay home from work until Spring! Ugh. Laura, hope your dad starts to feel a little bit better soon, at least well enough to talk on the phone. It's a hard time for all of you, keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Apples, I think it was smart to cancel one of the condos -- I thought at the beginning two would be enough - heck we usually have at least 6 in a two bedroom condo for vacations -- and sometimes as many as 8 -- it's more fun the more the merrier usually. CBL. Linda

OMG, I just realized in my post I told Julie I found the oats in my "Ralphs" store. LOL I lived in So. Cal. too long - haven't been to a Ralph's in 6 years. Should have read "HyVee" - you know you're getting old when you make slip ups like that!! Wow. Apples, good going on those jeans -- thanks for letting me know about how your belly size went away as you neared goal. I have really been concerned that mine will stay and not melt away, so thanks for reassuring me. Lori, hope your meeting goes okay with boss -- hopefully by you showing up in person and making him look you in the eyeball will teach him a good lesson -- he didn't handle this very well and I hope it makes him uncomfortable. Laura, poor girl -- sorry you had the problem with the drink -- what a mess -- you must have been rushing -- sorry that happened. Well, I did 120 mins. of walking/jogging/walking with weights, etc. Ready to eat lunch. CBL. Linda

Good morning all! Phyl, as I said on FB, fabulous pics -- such an inspiration -- you look so wonderful -- congratulaions on all your successes. Welcome to NY and all the other newbies I missed in my earlier posts -- welcome to you all and hope you will continue to drop in. One of the things I did when I first came to thread was to go back to the beginning and read -- you will get to know everyone's journeys much better and see all the good advice they received and all the struggles they had as well. You'll get to know everyone much better that way as well. I'm a firm believer in logging meals/exercise -- good one are sparkpeople.com, thedailyplate.com, etc. It's also a way to figure out how many calories you need to consume each day in order to lose as you go along on your journey. Just a suggestion. Jessica, hope you are doing well. I am definitely old enough to be your mom and I wish to hell I was your mother in law. That woman is unbelieveable. Just hang in there -- when you're all done losing weight she'll probably take all the credit for that too -- she's just "one of those people" that loves to be miserable I think. But you can't let her moods affect your eating habits -- just shake it off (it's not easy, but doable) and "show her". Cheri, glad you are happy with where you are. I'm okay with where I am, but still want to at least get the the first goal my surgeon set for me which is 132. As I said in my post, I've shrunk over the years -- years ago when I weighed 135 I was 5'4 and I wore size 6 to 8, but now I'm 5'1" (barely -- due to back surgery and old age) and so i have even more to lose cause I'm now so much shorter. But, I'm not in any hurry, I'll just keep plugging away at it and when I get there it'll be fine -- no rush -- I'm pretty happy feeling "normal" right now myself. I'm also pretty certain that I will hear the same kind of comments Apples hears if and when I do get down to my actual goal -- I'm shaped the same way as well and people are already telling me "you look too thin" -- it's just my arms and legs are so skinny and my face, but that belly is still there! Hopefully my arms, legs and face will stay the same as I lose the fat around my mid section. Hoepfully. Julie, I found steel cut oats in my local Ralph's store-- kind of had a hard time finding it - -the brand I found was Hodgson Mill -- in a small square box (brown) -- that might help you find it. I found it among the regular oatmeal there. It wasn't in any of our other stores here either -- definitely not in Walmart. Disappointed in the scales again for my weekly weigh in - still have 2 lbs. to lose to get back to my pre Christmas weight -- god, those few Cookies and little bit of cheese sure take a long, long, long time to burn off. I don't think it'll be such a temptation in the future. Time to go work out and burn those calories!! CBL have a great day everyone!! Eva -- that animal was kinda cute but I bet I wouldn't think that if I smelled it - but I live in pig country (Iowa) and as it looks so much like a baby piglet, I thought it was kinda cute. LOL. Okay, really going to work out now. Bye. Linda

Apples, yes, Younkers is the same as Herberger's -- we have both here (why? That IS a good question since they are exactly the same store). Julie, you hang in there -- you've been through so much this past year -- I'm sure I would have gained weight had I gone through what you have with your health -- you have been strong and brave throughout this entire year which was a difficult one --so don't feel down - you've made trememdous leaps -- you have come a long way and you should be proud of all that you've accomplished. You're not in a 12 yet, but next year at this time you will be, I know you will. It's all at what stage we are. I still have 30 more to lose, so I'm not there yet either. I keep getting shorter and shorter so have to keep losing more and more weight the shorter I get. LOL. Lori, I can't believe I forgot to comment on the Santas and the beautiful decorations you made out of the feathers -- they were magnifiscent. I LOVE the santas -- as someone who has a santa collection -- I used to do craft shows also. Your DH's carvings are gorgeous -- how talented he is - did you do the painting on them? I also had another thought -- you could order the red top and wear it just for DH -- LOL. Since he liked it so much. Then you could wear it next Christmas to a Christmas party. CBL. Linda

I came back on cause I can't believe I forgot to brag about my purchases last week. Remember, I went shopping at a mall last Wednes. after my fill -- when I went to Victoria's Secret to buy bras. Well, Younkers was practically next door and they were having trememdous sales - plus I had printed off some good coupons as well. I tried on some jeans and some other things and wanted to buy a few items -- well, I couldn't find a cashier -- mall wasn't very busy and most of the cashier areas were closed - I finally found one and there were at least 10 people in line. At that point the weather was getting nasty (snowing pretty good) and I felt I shouldn't risk standing in line half an hour, so I threw the clothes down and left. Well, I got to thinking later that night about shopping on line -- got on line and found all the clothes I wanted - was able to use my coupons just like in the store -- didn't even have to pay shipping with one of my coupons -- and voila! they came today! Got a fabulous boiled wool jacket (size 12 petite in a gorgeous blue color) -- tag says $98 but paid only $19.99. Got 2 pair of Gloria Vanderbelt jeans (size 12 petite) for $17.99 from $38 and a another nice shirt for 70% off -- altogether I think $250 worth for under $100 -- so I was proud -- DH always says, "gee, you save me so much money by shopping!" But you gotta buy things when the prices are like that!! I had to try on the clothes at the store, cause I had no idea what sizes I would wear -- I was shocked at the size 12 in the jacket and the jeans -- jeans with a zipper!! That's a major NSV for me!! Sorry if it sounds like bragging but had to share! Linda

Well, you just gotta get back to the original program and work it. Take time for YOU -- that's part of the problem -- you must make YOURSELF the important person - it's not being selfish -- it's being realistic. Try to remember how you felt before you were banded -- the reasons why you decided to get the lap band -- remember how you felt -- that might help you get back on track. Instead of thinking about what might have been, think about what WILL BE. I know you can do it -- I keep plugging away at it every day -and every day it's still a struggle - I have to exercise twice as long now to lose any weight -- otherwise I stay at a standstill - the more you lose the more you have to do to keep losing -- I firmly believe in keeping track of calories in and calories burned -- I use dailyplate.com -- but there is also sparkpeople and many other great websites out there to help you. How long has it been since you had a fill? I had one in Sept. and just got another one a week ago - I'm at 6.25 ccs in a 10 cc band - as I mentioned above, I was at my sweet spot from Sept. until Jan. -- then I needed another fill after I lost about 8 to 10 pounds -- as we lose the fat around the belly, we need fills. How about going to a support group meeting? Maybe you would benefit from going to that. We must remember, the band is just a tool, and we need to work the tool in order to get the weight off and keep it off. Please check back and let us know how you are doing. Anyone else out there struggling? I feel so much better and have so much more energy than I did a year ago. Keep in touch, we can help each other - we understand each other better than we know. Linda

Hi everyone, gosh it took forever to catch up on reading all the posts. We decided at the last min. on Friday to leave town - we checked road condition and they were good so we headed 80 miles north to a casino/hotel and enjoyed a little time away. We decided the roads were open and only partially covered and not sure what the next Friday would be like. I'll be going back to work next week and work until 6 on Fridays, so can't really go until Spring and daylight savings time comes (too many deer on these country roads). We like to go on Friday cause they have King crab legs/prime rib buffet for $16.99 and I get mine for $7.99 by showing my lap band card (can you believe that price) and it is really good - I eat my fill of crab with cocktail sauce -- DH has the butter and a little prime rib, but honestly. we don't really eat anything else. We spent the night cause didn't want to drive in the dark and then the next day we swam, gambled a little and drove back home. It felt great just to get away. However, my cold got even worse when I came home and I've been kinda laying around not feeling great - it's just a head cold -- but my poor raw nose -- I can't remember the last time I had a cold this bad - probably over 10 years ago. Anyway, I did manage to get my exercise in every day -- I just do it early before I feel too horrible, but then after that I had no energy left to do anything. I feel a bit better today -- hopefully I'll be 100% better before returning to work next week. So, if I had to be sick, glad I was sick now rather than when I return to work. Not much else going on. Janet, I had an a ha moment over the weekend which you just reiterated here again. I was thinking the other day that I used to burn so many more calories when I exercised than I do now -- now I have to do almost double what I used to do in order to burn the same no. of calories -- I think that is WHY I stopped losing -- cause before my surgery I was not able to do as much exericise - -had too much pain and was only doing about 1 hour 3 or 4 times a week instead of my usual 1 to 2 hours every day. Another important reason for people to keep track of calories/exericise on a site such as Armstrong.com. I looked back and my word, I used to burn 980 calories when I walked 5 miles (at 225) and now I only burn 887 when I walk 10 miles!! That's why we have to do so much more exercise. Then I got on here today and read the same thing -- you had written it yesterday or Saturday. It's funny how we tend to forget things like that. So, I've been doing 2 hours per day this week to see how my weight loss does when I weigh tomorrow. I've been doing fine with the food. Lori, love, love love that dress - as someone who was mother of the groom in 2000 at a weight of 240, let me tell you, I cringe every time I see a picture of me -- my dress was a hideous tent I ordered from Lane Bryant or Roamans, not sure -- I thought it was so wonderful at the time, but omg I look just hideous - so happy for you that you don't have to go through that -- so happy your daughter is getting married now instead of before your band. When I got married I was still kinda thin (1994 -- I was just at the beginning of gaining weight back) so I don't mind those pics as much . Eva, I loved your theme for your weddding -- that was such an original idea. Nice pics of you and your sisters. Laura, Nelson and his gf are too cute together -- I remmeber the first boy that kissed me -- I was 5 and on the bus coming home from kindergarten -- Dale Reese kissed me -- lol --but I never forgot that -- isn't that weird? We never dated cause I moved from that area when I was in 8th grade - but I'd love to go back and go to a class reunion with those kids -- the ones I grew up with from Kindergarten to 8th grade -- and see what happened to them all. My brother still lives there -- this year would be the 40th -- but cause of neice's wedding won't be able to "crash" that either. It's in Ohio. Oh well. Still no official word on the wedding date. If it doesn't happen soon I will scream -- i keep asking, all my sister says is "she's talking about July 24 -- but hasn't booked anything for sure yet" Scream!!!! I still haven't given up hope for Florida -- hopefully something definite will be decided in the next days or week. At least I hope. Janet, you have always been so kind to me, I don't think you are ever mean to anyone - you are honest, and we need that -- and I think the rest of us are pretty much the same here -- we try to be honest, but caring. I agree that if people leave it's cause they probably aren't doing as well as they should. I posted on my bandversary thread the other day - I'm the only one who ever seems to post there -- hopefully some of them are still trying to work the program. Apples, you just vent all you want -- all of us understand and support you -- your struggle is just a bit different from most of us -- but it's still a struggle -- and those people who make those comments are just nasty -- I would be nasty back I think -- I always talk big but seriously, the older I get the more I speak my mind (a good thing I think) although I try to be kind, considerate and always HONEST when I do so. Time on earth is too short to be around naysayers. That's why I try to be around only positive people -- negative people really depress me. Well, I will CBL -- everyone have a good evening. Love you all so much. Linda

Hi everyone, thought I'd check in here as we approach our 1 year bandversary. I've worked hard and I have had great results. I'll posst pics here. Hope you're all doing fine. If some of you are struggling and I can help, please let me know. I belong to a mentor thread (Indio Girl) that has really helped me to stay on track and I highly recommend accountability of both coming to Lap Band Talk and keeping a food/exercise diary to help us. Just had a fill -- my sixth - I'm now at 6.25 ccs in 10cc band. My last fill before this one was first part of Sept. so I was at my sweet spot for quite some time -- it's all good. I had my left hip replaced on 12-8 -- so I was unable to exercise for a few weeks, but back at it -- my surgery went very well -- much easier since I lost weight and was in good shape. I exercise every day -- at least 30 mins. each day - usually more. My weight loss has really slowed down. My goal is 132 -- that will put me at "normal" BMI but since Sept. I've only lost 10 lbs. and I had to really work hard for those 10! If I can be of help to anyone out there, please please let me know. Pen, how are you doing? Ms. Kelly hope all is well with you too. Hope to hear from some of you. First couple of pics is me in hawaii in January, 09. We returned on 1-11-09 just 2 days before I started pre-surgical liquid diet. Pic of me in Vegas was in August and last pic was in Dec. here at home about 10 days after hip surgery. Hope you all have a successful and happy 2010!! Love, Linda

Wow, I eat chicken breast all the time -- I live on that and fish. I barely eat any other meats. I have no problem with it. Deb, sorry you are down. Try to cheer up (easier said than done). Don't admire me too much - I haven't worked on my writing in quite awhile - spent a lot of this year just working on me and I neglected my writing pretty badly -- need to get back in a routine but tough with work too. Everything is closed tomorrow -- supposed to be -30 without wind chill and a high tomorrow of -6 -- wow. It's been awhile since we've had temps like this. Bad thing is the wind -- when I open my back door for poor Merry to go out the wind is just howling and whipping snow all over. DH always shovels part of the deck and grass area off the deck for her so she doesn't have to leap through snow drifts -- he is so kind to her. Lori, let us know what's happening with DH. Sorry about the problems with our mom. I'm sure that will worry you if you do leave the Denver area as well -- I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time, especially now during your recovery. Sorry about the job -- that's pretty crappy way to handle things. Cheri your stories sound great - it's fun to write -- especially when it's about our kids -- my Aunt Lil story is about me and my neice -- not exactly a true story, but some things in the story really did happen. Julie, glad you made it home safely - sorry about your extended family member -- such a terrible time for dying - so darn miserable out -- so hard on those being left behind. I hope I die when it's nice weather out -- easier on my loved ones. Not much else happening here --just staying warm -- hope you all have a good night. Hey, they are saying by next Wednes it should be 30 -- that will feel like SPRING!!! Yippee. CBL. Stay safe, everyone. Linda

Hi all. Apples, looks about the same out my doors and windows - wind is howling out there -- supposed to be a low of -25 and a high tomorrow of -3. I'm soooo happy I'm not going anywhere. Laura, I do have trouble keeping warm since losing the weight -- I am so cold some times I'm shivering and DH is hot -- it's a problem -- last night while watching Tv I had 2 fleece blankets over me and I had on my fleece pjs, wool socks, fleece lined slippers! Temp was set at 74 and DH was complaining it was too hot so I turned it down and just dealt with it. I'm sick -- have a terrible cold -- have been around people all winter with colds and finally caught one -- oh well. Bought some Tylenol cold tabs yesterday which are working well. Had my fill yesterday -- now up to 6.25 and I do hope that's all I'll need. I worry each time it'll be too much. But so far all the soft foods are doing okay. I had a terrible incident in the middle of the night -- got up - my bowel was rumbling terrible and had really bad diahrrea - I had to stay up 2 hours in the middle of the night taking meds and going to the bathroom. Then slept in till 9:30 this a.m. Still rumbling, but was able to keep food in. Not sure what is up - I did have a can of soup last night that I noticed was a little over the expiration date -- looked okay, smelled okay and tasted fine -- but maybe I should not have eaten it. Live and learn - I think we migiht be more sensitive after banding to things like that. But, I did do a walking tape today -- felt horrible, but glad I got it done -- 50 mins. I didn't get to exercise yesterday as we were goine all day -- shopping was okay -- I shopped a lot (Sam's Club, VS, etc.) so I wasn't totally laying around. I have lost 2 of 3 pounds I gained over holdiays so only 1 more to go to get back to my 100 total (didn't change the ticker, I felt I deserved to let it stay). I was so happy it took less time to go away than usual -- as soon as I started exercising I lost. So that was good. Judy, I cried too -- bless her little heart -- and you are such a good Mom -- it's a very tough decision and you were brave -- she is grateful - she is now at peace and has no pain and is waiting for you at the rainbow bridge. She's there with all our other loved ones running around and having a fun time. Okay, I have to stop, too much crying, LauraK sorry about that potato - I'll be very careful next time I have one. Got my insurance papers for my surgery - over $51,000 for everything - and I pay 0. It's fabulous to have great insurance -- I can't even imagine not having good insurance. And, I'm sure this is cheap conpared to larger cities. I write for 8 to 12 year olds. My one story is called "Aunt Lil's Magic Muffins" -- about a special auntie who takes black bananas and turns them into banana choc. chip muffins for her neice. That one was published in a magazine and recently republished into a book of stories. My other story was just a non-fiction piece about the American flag. Not real exciting. My book is a time travel book about a boy who travels back in time to 1943 and experiences what life is like during WWII. I love that time period. It's also a story for 8 to 12 year olds. It's a good story and I do think I have a shot at getting it published. I do need to work on it -- really done, just fine tuning is all I need to do. Maybe before I go back to work. Well everyone, have a great afternoon and I'll CBL. Linda

Hi everyone. So busy today here in LBTAlk! Had my fill today -- had an early morning appt. which was good cause the weather got bad in the afternoon -- but I did have time to get to PetCo, Sam's club and Victoria's Secret -- had to get bras while they were on sale - my first time buying bras in VS -- I used to be too big -- so I was thrilled with the prices everything I bought was 40% off. I just confessed to one of the girls in the store that I needed BIG help and needed to get my girls UP -- so Janet, no more droopy girls for me -- 38C -- wow -I've come a long way. My surgeon was thrilled to see me -- hadn't been in since first of Sept. -- they love me in there. I'm like their star patient. LOL. Meredith, sorry about the friend of andrew's -- so sad someone so young taking their own life. I just feel terrible when I hear about these kids. I watched Biggest Loser last night - I really like the contestants this year -- they all seem so caring --should be an interesting year. It'll be tough I think -- wow they really lost a lot of weight -- they have so much to lose. I woke up with a terrible cold -- everyone I've been around lately has been sick so I'm not surprised. Taking medicine -- hopefully it won't last long - I really hate colds -- interrupts my life too much. This was in the newspaper supplement this weekend: Here's how to tell if your body really needs food: REAL HUNGER Grows Gradually You'll eat anything You can wait to eat You stop when you feel full You feel good after eating You feel energized after eating EMOTIONAL HUNGER Hits suddenly You crave a specific food (usuall high in fat) Needs to be satisfied instantly No amount of food fills you You feel guilty after eating You feel heavier I have these taped up on my desk as a reminder. I think they are very accurate. I do crossword puzzles sporadically -- sometimes I do them a lot, then stop for years - I'm weird. I just know doing crosswords and playing word games is really good for your brain -- it's healthy exercise for your brain. so far we've gotten about 4 inches of snow -- very pretty snow -- cause it's been so cold ice crystals in the snow make it look like glitter - very very pretty. Just glad we made it home safe and sound -- roads were getting slick by the time we got halfway home. Visibility was getting bad too. By the way Janet, I was disappointed that Russell didn't win Survivor either -- that was really stupid to give it to that girl -- she did nothing but ride on his coattails the whole game - if he hadn't found the idols (without clues) she would never have even been "in" the game -- I couldn't beleve they gave her $1 million. I see where Russell will be on this season -- Heros v. Villans and Rupert will be back as well. Love Rupert. Well, gotta get some sleep. Julie, sorry about your family's health problems -- my DB has heart problesm as well -- very scary stuff. Take care everyone and I'll be checking in tomorrow. Lori, LOVE that dress -- you will look fabulous!! I love that dress. you have great taste. Cheri, glad to hear DH got the job -- good for him -- sounds very good. LauraK I've had a few bites of baked potato here and there and never had a problem but I used low fat sour cream on it, so it helped it slide. I take my own sour cream with me to restaurants just so I can order a potato sometimes. LOL. Sorry that happened to you. I've never had too much of a problem with PB. Got another .25 ccs - brings me up to 6.25 - so far so good. No problems -- had mostly liquids today, but was able to eat 100 calorie popcorn. LOL. Good nigiht everyone. Linda

Cheri, You don't need an agent -- just get the "Magazine Markets for Children's Writers 2010" and/or "Book Markets for Children's Writers 2010" --- these give you all the information you need to submit directly to the publishers. Very easy -- I have sold several stories and these are all I used and I plan to submit my book the same way. Most editors are looking for good stories, and they don't care if you are an established writer with an agent or new talent -- if they like the story they will buy it. Doesn't pay a heck of a lot but it's satisfying. Linda

Apples, that recipe looks fabulous. I printed it and can't wait to try it. Great, sorry you couldn't sleep, but it sounds like you are learning by leaps and bounds how to deal with those sisters of yours -- proud of you - you are handling that well. Sorry your hip is hurting -- I do hope it resolves itself as you said -- I'm sure it has a lot to do with your gait, etc. Apples, congrats on getting your year end business done -- sounds like lots of work and I'm sure you're thrilled to be done with it for another year. I'm also not a great car traveler -- much prefer planes -- I get so stiff in a car -- I'm better if I drive too -- the time passes much more quickly - and I can never sleep in the car - I guess I don't trust the driver enough -- at least I guess that's why - I just can't relax enough to sleep. DH and all other family members can snore away in a car with no problem. Good thing I don't mind driving!! LOL. Arlene, congrats -- I'm so jealous -- wish I could get some more grandbabies -- well, in truth, there's only one of my children (my DS and DDIL) who are in a position to have a baby but they are the ones that don't seem interested -- but I never lose hope. LOL. Made a nice dinner for DH and DGD and they are still taking a short nap -- lol Two peas in a pod. CBL Linda

Hi everyone, just checking in. Did two walking tapes today for a total of 8 miles -- feels so good to move again. Arlene, you might want to check out Leslie Sansome DVDs for walking - I really like walking INSIDE my house -- weather doesn't bother you - never too hot, too cold/rain doesn't affect it, etc. I buy them on Amazon and get some great deals on used ones which are fine -- especially if you just want to check them out. JB keep us informed on Tinka, I think all of us here believe our pets to be family so you have all of us thinking and praying for both of you. DGD is coming over - she has a bad cold and her mom doesn't want to infect everyone at the babysitter's house. So we will enjoy her visit today for 4 hours while her mom works.Went to physical therapy -- after they heard about my exercise they decided to release me -- there's nothing they can really do for me -- I'm exceeding anything they would have so why bother with going in there for just simple exercises. So I'm done with that. Heading to Des MOines tomorrow for a much needed fill -- also my almost one year bandiversary -- will be a year on the 29 -- time flies. Laura, hope the garbage men get there before school is out. That would be serious, hopefully you'll find another one. Well, gotta run, Aylah has arrived. CBL. Linda

Hi everyone. So much going on, you all have been busy. Apples, incredible pic -- you look exactly the same -- wow. And your boys were so adorable -- I'm sure they still are -- just larger versions of adorable now. LOL. Janet, good going on your working out and eating -- I've also been well behaved eating wise and working out. Did a 5 mile walking tape and then went to the Y and did the recumbant bike (very slowly and very little resistance) for 30 mins. and some circuit machines on my arms only. Then did my water aerobics class -- was able to do most everything in that -- just a few stretches I passed on as the angles wouldn't have been good on my new hip. Jessica, congrats on having your surgery behind you -- you will always remember the day you were banded. You've done so well -- just continue on the same path with eating healthy and exercise and you'll continue to do great. Glad you had no problems and were able to be home so quickly. Julie, sorry about the SD -- honestly, I don't understand that behavior either -- I know how hard it is, but like others have said, don't put yourself out there anymore -- they can't hurt you if you don't put yourself out there for them -- it's easier said than done, but just dwell on your own DD and Mimi and forget the rest. JB, sorry about your baby - I understand completely -- I still grieve for my almost 20 year old baby that died in 2001. I found another dog in a shelter that looked similar to her and that did make the transition easier -- our new little baby has just been the sweetest little baby -- and now she's getting old too. It's been so cold here (-18 last night) and when she goes out to do her no. 2 business her little legs and back get so cold she can barely make it back in the house -- we had to go out and pick her up one night -- she only weighs about 13 lbs. I'll be thinking of you and your baby -- sending love and hugs to you. Deb, nice pic -- you look very much like your avitar. Someone asked what we do - I was a legal assistant for 30 years -- worked for civil defense trial lawyers - mostly in product liability -- and then I "retired" and moved to Iowa -- didn't work for about a year and then was bored and got a part time customer service job which then turned into full time -- it's a very low stress, fun job -- I turn lights on all over the country -- and perform other customer service. Much less stress than working witih attys. But I miss it some times, it was exciting work and I loved it -- loved the investigative parts of it and just loved using my brain. Now I don't have to use it as much. I also took some writing classes and actually have had a couple of children's stories published -- have a children's book mostly done -- just need to make final revisions but it's been a busy year - hopefully will get it sent out soon. Laura, good going on the gym -- keep it up -- I know it's hard when you're so busy, but you'll feel better if you take that time every day for you. I fired my cleaning people too about 3 months ago -- they never seem to do a good job -- I just decided between the two of us we'd be able to get it done - -he does the vacuuming and I do all the rest. I guess that's fair. LOL. Well, gotta get to bed, sorry if I missed responding to anything. Love to you all. Linda

Good luck tomorrow Jessica, we'll all be thinking and praying for your speedy recovery -- everything will go fine -- you'll be up and about -- remember to walk around the hallway as much as you can it helps relieve all the shoulder pain. I had a very exciting day. Decided I was feeling pretty good and tired of feeling sluggish - so I did some of my walking tapes -- I had bought a couple of new ones that were slower paced -- for during my recovery and they were perfect - I ended up doing some with weights -- did 105 mins. of exercise all together -- feeling soooo much better! Hip did not hurt at all -- I was very careful -- I just have to be careful not to twist it -- it didn't hurt during (at all, unlike before surgery-- it had gotten so painful I was unable to really do much in the couple of weeks before surgery). I am so happ to get some aerobics in. CBL hope everyone is have a great Sunday!! Linda

Hi and happy new year everyone! Phyl, loved that list - thanks for taking the time to share that. We had a fun night - playing games with DGD and got out the noisemakers and those party favors you blow through --she had 5 or 6 in her mouth at one time trying to blow them all at once! We played 3 games of Candyland, 2 of Chutes and 1 of Memory. There was a PBS special on -- music of the 60s - we taped it and watched it with her -- she loves music - wow it was a fantastic show -- all original artists -playing their hit songs today -- great -- they all still sound the same -- really great music. Then we turned on the Dick Clark show -- and she was drooping. She kept saying, "I think it's time for me to lay down now" and we kept saying, "nooooo, you have to stay up for the happy new year!!" She finally quit listening to us and got her blankie and laid down on the couch around 11:00 -- it was pretty funny. So much more fun than going out in crowds and drinking, etc. If you ever want to have fun on New Year's Eve, spend it with a 3 year old. LOL. Glad everyone else had a good time too -- we got several phone calls at midnight -- so we knew we had to stay up -- kids from out west always call us -- they have no sense of old people you know. lol. Anyway, we slept in til about 9:00. Sorry and hugs Janet on the death in your family. How sad. Do you have to travel for the funeral? Our neighbor died Wednes. (the one who I took food to his wife on Christmas). So we have that funeral tomorrow afternoon. Poor guy, he was diagnosed with brain cancer less than a month after his retirement party. Everyone else is now napping - I slept a little on the couch - it's very very cold here -- I think a high of 1 degree today - very chilly - have the heat cranked up to about 73 otherwise, I just feel so cold to the bone. Low last night was -10 real temp. Not sure what wind chill was. Janet, let me know how the movie is -- I want to see that one as well. Hope everyone has a safe and happy day!! Linda

Jessica, I'm so proud of you -- you are so mature for your age!! Happy New Year and I KNOW you're going to be very successful in every avenue of your life. Good for you! Movie was very good -- very funny, although Alec Baldwin isn't my favorite -- would have rather seen John Travolta or even Al Pacino as the "ex husband". Steve Martin and dear dear Meryl Streep did great jobs in their parts . Very enjoyable -- had a nice time shopping -- got some good deals and had a great lunch -- tried a new appetizer -- I think they were called chicken won ton tacos - very tasty -- a little spicy but very tasty -- there were 4 of us so each had a small taster piece (perfect size). Would order them as a meal again. Very good. Well, I gotta run and play some Candyland and Chutes and Ladders. Laura, great pics -- such a huge difference from last year -- you should be very proud of yourself -- good job. HOpe everyone has a safe and very happy NEW YEAR's EVE -- Happy 2010 everyone! Linda

Jewel, great job and great attitude - you are doing so great and I know you'll continue to do so. Deb, congrats on the 50 lbs!!! Wow that is terrific -- keep up the good work -- you'll be at goal before you know it. Tracy, great job as well -- a pound a day is amazing!! It will level off however, so if you are weighing every day you might want to stop and just start weighing once a week so you don't get discouraged -- I only weighed once a week and consistantly lost 2 lbs. a week average - but not every week -- I would lose 2 lbs. and then maybe not lose for several weeks and then drop 5 lbs. It was weird, but I lost consistantly until about 3 months ago when I started averaging just 1 lbs. per week - I still have at least 15 to go and the journey is slow now, but I still work the program and continue on -- can't let that scale get me down, the program works, just gotta keep at it every day. Thanks to everyone for the compliments, but truth is we all inspire each other -- we all struggle at times and we all lean on each other. Gotta get ready for my girl's day out -- excited - I'll cbl and let you know how the movie was. Have a great day everyone and Happy New Year!! Linda

Good evening all. JB welcome back and hopefully you will be able to drive over and see everyone in February. I may or may not make it -- I'm still waiting to see if my neice is planning her wedding for this year or not. If she is, I won't have enough vacation to visit Florida twice in one year. Deb, thanks for the kudos on the exercise -- I can't wait to get back to my daily aerobics -- I feel so sluggish without doing them. My surgeon told me I could go back to water aerobics but couldn't go today and Friday is canceled cause of the hoilday, so can't go until Monday. I may try and do one of my walking tapes tomorrow -- I'm just tired of sitting around. I do think I need another fill which I plan to get next Wednes. I've lost about 14 lbs. since my last fill (first of Sept.) and I am absolutely ravenous between meals - not head hunger, actual dying to eat, pain in stomach hunger. That's why I think another small fill should be in order. I thought maybe I was done -- I think I was but the weight loss has taken me back out of my sweet spot -- but now think one more small fill should hopefully put me back. But, I worry about being too tight. Well, I'll check it out and see how it goes. If I'm too tight, I can always go back and have it taken out again. JB I sure dont' want to go through what you did. Welcome back and hugs on the 40 lbs. Glad you made the decision to come back however - good for you!! Phyl, what did you and Earl end up eating tonight (FB note was hilarious). Poor Earl -- he is a sweet guy (very similar to my DH from the sounds of it). He tries very hard, obviously. Nice guy. Deb, it's so true how badly we miss our kids when they leave but when they are with us, it's like we can't wait for them to go again. It's weird, I have many of the same feelings. Women are such complicated creatures. Julie, hope you are okay today and hope Mimi is better -- I worry when you don't post. Hope all is well, thinking of you. Laura, likewise. Not sure when you are returning from NC but hope you have a safe trip home. Janet, I'll let you know about the movie - I'm so excited to get out with some girlfriends -- DH is wonderful but after 3 weeks of constant togetherness, I'm ready for a little escape -- DH is on disability and doesn't work, so he's home ALL the TIME. He's a sweet man and does so much, but again, I need a break. We are going to eat at Applebees -- I just checked the menu. They have lots of good things on their menu - lots of WW entrees and they have great salad -- many which are low fat -- some are surprisingly high fat - even without dressing -- must be the "cheese". Great -- congrats on the knee bend -- you're doing fabulous -- it's amazing how quickly we are both healing with out new body parts. I think the band has a lot to do with it. Well, gotta get my beauty sleep. Hope everyone has a great day tomorrow. Okay, am attaching pictures for the newbies who are just starting their journeys -- Jewell, Leah, Witch and any others who are newer here. First pic was me just about a year ago to the day and the second pic was me just about a week ago. Just hoping it will help pump you up and get you excited about your journeys and what you will be able to accomplish in 2010!!! Good luck and maybe some of the other ladies at goal (or close) will post their before/after pics for you too. :cool::biggrin::cool::w00t: Love to you all -- happy New Year!!! Linda

Good Afternoon everyone! Happy Birthday Cheri -- hope you have a terrific day with your family -- so glad you have plans with family on your birthday. You look fabulous -- won't your out of state relatives be proud of you!! They probably won't believe it's really you!! Enjoy that!! Secondly, congrats Apples -- hope baby boulder is resting comfortably. LOL. You are too much - can't believe you were scrubbing floors today. Honestly woman, you are AMAZING! Witch, please come back and post and let us help you if we can -- no one on this thread is judgmental and we have all been where you are and will all be happy to share our experiences and try to give you inspiration. I'm sorry you are unhappy about the band and that you may have been led astray - but you have it now so you might as well learn how to work with it - it is a wonderful tool that all of us here have been successful in using, so put your shoulders back and make 2010 the year you will be successful -- positive thinking is half the battle!! You gotta believe in yourself first and foremost -- doesn't matter what anyone else thinks -- if you KNOW you WILL be SUCCESSFUL you WILL. Jewel, good going -- WOW -- you are doing fabulous -- I didn't lose much weight before my band -- only a few pounds -- so in my opinion, yo are doing fantastic! You will do well with recovery -- you've prepped well. I had surgery on Tues. and went back to work on Friday night (desk job) so I'm confident you will be able to go back to school a week after surgery -- like you said, just don't carry anything heavy. My surgeon released me to go back to exercising 10 days after surgery. We'll all be thinking of you on Monday!!! Congratulations!!!! Eva, sorry and hugs on the pain. I know about leg and back pain. My DH is amazed that all my pain has subsided since my surgery. Prior to my hip surgery he had to rub my entire leg with Icy Hot twice a day -- now it's all better -- hip was causing all the trouble. It's weird in a way. I even had a cyst type of thing on my thigh where I'd had cortizone injections over the past nine or ten years -- it hurt when I touched it -- after surgery -- poof! it was gone --mystifies me but I guess (?) that my hip was causing all these problems all these years. And I put it off for so long -- and it ended up being so easy. I know it isn't as easy for everyone, but I can't say enough how I wish I'd done it before (of course it wouldn't have been so easy before the weight loss, so I guess I HAD to wait until after LB surgery). Leah, welcome -- and good luck with everything. Yes, I agree witih Janet, if you can get your DH to go to the seminar (my surgeon requires if you have a husband that he attend every pre-surgical visit with you which I think is a really smart thing). Keep us posted and we'll help in any way we can. LOL I have to laugh about our soft veggies - but I totally agree with Cheri - I never understood the crisp tender crapola. Great -- think your decision about NYE is a good one -- plus it sounds super romantic to me -- wow -- you and DH alone with lobster, champaign and candle light -- sounds lovely to me. Plus, we all know you recently went shopping at VS -- maybe you also bought a sexy new teddy you forgot to mention to us?? Well, I'm in the middle of taking down Christmas decorations and better get back to it. DS is here helping DH with putting the tubs away (we have something like 14 tubs full of stuff just for the inside). Janet, hope your day back at work is going well. I made plans to go with a couple GFs to see "It's Complicated" and have lunch tomorrow -- weather is supposed to be good - have to travel 30 miles each way. Decided to put the fill off until next Wednes. as we were supposed to have snow today -- got about an inch so could have went, but oh well, next week will work as well. CBL and yes, where is Meredith???? Linda

Sorry Janet about the 3 lbs. Thanks for the warning, I will stay off until next week. It's just so hard, isn't it? But I know you'll get them back off. It's going to be our lifetime struggle and we gotta remember that we must get back on the horse after we fall off. That's what we didn't use to do and now we do, so I'm grateful for the band -- it's a constant reminder that we must get back on and eat right. Linda