Mrs. Bubba

Hi girls, I'm back on my regular computer and hope I'm getting everything installed properly again.. Such a rig-a-ma-roll just to have a computer that works right!!! Welcome, Kristine.. I understand your issues.. I have children issues and they are 36, 31, and 25...... It never really stops, you just learn to handle it differently I think!! I can tell you from first hand experience that you've chosen the right thread to join.. These gals know what they're doing and are here to help!! I'm relatively new here and have only been banded a bit over 6 months.. Glad you're here and just let us know how you're doing and what you're feeling.. We'll help.... I MADE IT TO MY SWIM AEROBICS CLASS TODAY!!! DH stayed with Mimi and I had an hour's driving time alone to just chill and an hour in the pool to refresh and exercise. It was good.. Can't go Friday as Mother has 2 Dr's appointments in Bismarck starting at 8:00.... Will be up early that day.. May be able to get something done in the afternoon if I get home at a decent hour... My little great niece got home from the hospital yesterday with a breathing machine... This is good... So, her baptism is on and I have breakfast for 50 to get ready for Sunday.. I started doing some baking yesterday and put in the freezer.. I used to own a restaurant and cooking for a crowd doesn't intimidate me at all. I just have to get my plan in order. Have the plan ready, just need to do a bit more grocery shopping and the actual preparations.. Hopefully the weather will cooperate this time.. Blizzard stoped us the last time.. Gosh, I'm so happy for all the ones losing pounds.. and a bit envious, too.... Janet, I don't know if I can stop weighing myself everyday.. It's something I've done for so long... I'll try, but no promises.. After my bad day yesterday, the scale said "no change" today... still 309..... at least I'm not 310 0r 311..this is a good thing!! So far today is a good day.. Baby has gone home for the day and I'm about to go get my hair done.. Have been waiting for 5 months for a perm that I need very badly.. My hair loss seems to have stopped now and hopefully this one will take this time.. Lenten services tonight so I'm off to church after my perm.. They serve a light supper beforehand, so hopefully it will be something I can have... Soup at least... Must pick up Mother and 3 other ladies, too... Take care all.......God's blessings.... Julie

Oh my, I'm shocked to hear a doctor was so negative about the band.. Even if there is a chance someone could gain weight back, there is an even greater chance that you will lose the weight and be healthy.. And with the band, should you feel yourself start to go backwards after reaching your goal, you can just restart your program and get control... I think this person was very uninformed, especially for a doctor. You need to do some extensive reading here on this site.. Go to some of the threads from people who have been banded for a longer period of time. I have met lots who are at or past their goal and are doing so wonderful.. There are no guarantees, that's a fact, but you surely won't lose it if you don't even try.. I say you came to the right place for some encouraging words... I hope you can make the right decision for you and don't let someone else dissuade you from your goal... Best of luck... Julie

Well, I'm baby free now and I still beat Janet.... I wanted to say that after that little walk my lungs hurt so bad.. I'm just getting over a cold and wow did they burn. Usually when I have used that thing before I do 1 1/2 mph and do a quarter mile.. So I upped it to 2 mph and did a little longer.. Would probably been able to do more if my lungs had not hurt so bad. But I did do it and that was a good thing.. My husband just told me I should go swimming tomorrow and he will take care of the baby for me.. That is nice of him... I love the Water aerobics because I can do so much more in the water than I can do out of it... Long, it takes a special person to deal with the elderly well, and it sounds like you are that special person.. Your grandmother will be so lucky to have you.. And as for your parents... well two weeks is only 14 days and sounds like you will be so busy the time will fly.. I'll be thinking of you.. I have lots of time with my mother and probably more now that she isn't supposed to drive for 6 monts. She really likes to get out to all her events.. Bible study clubs and such. She is a lay minister with the Lutheran church and does supply pastoring.. so she gets calls to fill in all over the county.. She did say she may have to take her name off the list for a while.. But just driving her around all the while having my granddaughter, too, will be a full-time job.. We'll get through it, though... I have faith.. The alternative is nothing I want to think about.... Janet, I'm doing better this evening, so I may make it through the day after all.... I counted up all my calories and it wasn't as bad as I imagined. I guess I just felt out of control... Will have a nice safe supper and start over tomorrow.. My goodness, you have these gals trained good, they know just what to say when you aren't around.. Thanks to all for helping me through the day... Julie

Okay, Apples, did I beat her????? I managed .3 miles at 2 mph.... that's more than I can usually do at my still 309 pounds..... But my baby is up and crying... gotta go... Julie

Hi all, I'm not having a great day today.. My little one is crabby and out of sorts and I have to say I feel the same way.. She is sleeping now and I hope she takes a good long nap. I had a little one in my recliner. Have been taking it easy today after a very busy day yesterday. BUT......I've been looking for something to eat every few minutes.. And of course making all the wrong choices.. I hate it when this happens.. I think the scale got me off on the wrong foot today.. I was sure it would be down today and instead it was up a half a pound.. Now I know that isn't a tragedy, especially when I weigh every morning, but it just hit me wrong today..........Like why am I trying so hard when nothing is moving.. so off I go to get food that is bad for me..... Dumb, huh??? I've stopped now and am just drinking but I've consumed all of my calories for the day again, and it's just 2:00..... I wish I wasn't such an emotional girl... I think I'm just overtired and very stressed from all the caring for others I do, which leaves me no time to take care of myelf. I haven't been able to go to my Water aerobics for a week now and that isn't good.. I absolutely hate walking on my treadmill, but will try to do that tonight. Don't know if I'll make it to swim tomorrow either.. It's M-W-F, 30 miles away.... This is my fault, as I'm so accustomed to being sedentary that exercise is still not something that pops into my head automatically.. That's why I'm looking forward to spring, when I can take my little girl walking to the park and that sort of thing.. Can't walk on the treadmill with her here because she might get hurt... I do have a walking tape, and tried that once when she was here, but I laughed so hard watching her try to do it that I didn't get much out of it... Sounds like a bunch of lame excuses doesn't it??? I think it is..... But that doesn't change anything.. So, I guess I should leave my pity party behind and get moving.. I could be on my treadmill now while Laromi is sleeping, BUT I'M NOT!!! Maybe I'll go try............. cross your fingers, please... Could stand some good motivation.. Usually all I need is to see the scale drop and I'm good to go.... Sorry, for the down mood.... thanks for listening.. Julie

Hey Wanna.... good luck tomorrow.. Soon you'll be on the BAND wagon with the rest of us.. Let us know how you are doing.. We're pulling for you... Take care... Julie

Amanda & fatmommy, hang in there... I'm a bit ahead of you and realize that my loss numbers are bigger, but I had so very much to lose and I think it comes off a bit faster at first... But one thing I have learned is that you have to keep trusting that the band is your tool and it will work... The "devil" is tryng to get you to loose faith and give up... Don't do it!!!! 25 pounds is still a loss and it will get better.. As your journey progresses you will hit these darn plateaus, too.. They are miserable and generally you have to do something off the norm to get moving again. I lose a few pounds and then stall for 2-3 weeks and then go again.. It's like the "tortoise and the hare"... the band is the tortoise!!!! Slow and steady usually wins the race... So keep on doing what you are doing and talking to your doctors... Restriction will come.. I'm not all the way there yet either.. I feel some in the mornings, but it loosens by evening.. Take care........Julie

Long, thanks for the encouragement.. I know it will come, but I still find myself worrying some days. It's a dream I've had for so long and has always been unattainable.. until now.... I'm going to try to plan this trip as if I will be able to do all those things.. another goals of sorts!!! Well, I think I have taken all the info off this computer that I possiblly can and have it stored safely on cd's or dvd's... I will have my husband get me my other tower from the basement so I can pay bills and such today.. This darn thing is driving me crazy.... It should be better when I get it back.. I have come down with a cold, of course.. I feel lousy. I've been doing the Zicam and Airbourne to try to keep it from going full blast.. I slept okay last night, so maybe I can "head it off at the pass". This is no time to be sick!!!! I'm so puffy this morning that I haven't dared step on the scale yet.. I usually wait until my rings loosen up a bit. Am hoping to see a little loss , but after such a strange food weekend, don't know what I will see.. I've got my fingers crossed!!! have a good day, everyone.. Julie

Hey girls, thanks to all who have sent concerns and good wishes about my mother.. I got her home today... Picked her up at 1:00 and then headed to the other hosptial where my great niece was hospitalized yesterday with pneumonia.. She's 9 months, poor little thing. I was able to give her mother a break for about an hour. Was nice to sit and rock a little one. She fell asleep wheezing in my arms... Anyway, mother was released, but they found nothing wrong on all her tests, but still left her with seizure medicine and no driving for 6 months.. SHE IS MAD!!!! I don't blame her a bit.. This is when we know for sure they are still "practicing" medicine!!! My eating has been so erratic the last few days.. I've been running and not getting my normal routines in... Yesterday DH wanted to go to the Chinese buffet.. I don't like Chinese, but I always go becasue he enjoys it so much.. I had a few bites and had to run to the bathroom to throw up.. This wasn't PBing like I've had before.. Don't really know how to really describe it.. Anyway I was only able to keep down a handful of frosted peanuts.. Maybe this week will get me back to more protein and something a bit more normal for me.. All this talk of wonderland is great... good for those of you who have made it... Personally I'm looking so forward to the scale saying "2" something.... I can't hardly imagine onederland!! I hope to get there one day.. We are planning a trip to the east coast in October with some friends. I've always had to make my travel plans with my inability to walk very far in mind at all times.. I'm a bit lost trying to visualize what condition I might me in after 7 more months of weight loss.. I could actually have fun!!????!!! I guess time will tell... Have a good night everyone... Julie

Hello.... I'm enjoying a few minutes of peacefullness before continueing on with my day.. My baby was hear until 12:30 and was rather crabby today.. Lots of whining.. I can relate!!! Anyway she is off with her mother now and DH is out and about so I have a few minutes to breathe before getting some chores done.. I'm planning a baptism reception for my grand niece for next Sunday. Will have about 50 for breakfast after church.. I love to entertain and cook and bake. I like the planning and etc... AND THE EATING, TOO!!!! I now try to pick wonderful recipes that are not really my favorites so they aren't so tempting.. Will do breakfast meats and eggs with all the baked goodies to go along.. I think I will handle it fine, I just don't do having all the leftover baked goods around too long after.... I also have to finish taking everything of importance off this computer so my guy can wipe it down and redo everthing on Monday.. I'm no computer whiz, so some of this is tough for me.. I have all my pictures off and important files.. And of course my e-mail addresses(can't lose those).. I'm just not looking forward to having to re-install everything that I need again... What a pain....but how do we live without them anymore?? My weight is dropping okay.. down 3 pounds since Tuesday. The liquids after a fill seem to do that rather nicely..but I have been the same for a couple days so I trust they are gone for good!! I'm hungry now, so need to hunt up something.. Will do a tuna salad... Now DH wants to go to Minot to shop... ugh!!! I'm not a shopper, but we always do the commissery when we get a chance to take advantage of the military discounts. There goes my chores... but I guess they'll still be here when I get back... Mother called to say she most likely can come home tomorrow, but the still haven't figured things out... Bye all.. Hope you have a great day and weekend... Julie

Hi everyone, I've been absent for a couple days.. Not only is my computer going crazy, but so is my life.. Late yesterday afternoon I was just finishing with my granddaughter for the day when I got a call that my mother had passed out in the grocery store... She had left my house about 15 minutes earlier and seemed just fine.. So I rushed up there (small town so it only took a few minutes!).. Ambulance to Bismarck (40 miles)...emergency room for hours (jumped up too fast when called and my knee gave out so I took an embarrassing fall in the waiting room...Yeah!!!) lots of questions until they finally decided to put her in the hospital..... They think she had a seizure.. Got home at 1:30 am and then more today.... Still now concrete answers. But if it is a seizure and duely noted on her records that way, no driving for 6 months by ND state law.... This will have a definite impact on my life if she can't drive for 6 months... But she seems to be feeling okay, just frustrated about what is happening to her....... SO, I think I'm fine, but a bit frazzled.. There's always something to keep us on our toes it seems... Apples, we didn't get that bad storm, thank goodness... 35 below wind chills, but not much snow.. We were on the edge of it.. Hope you are plowed out by this time... Everyone have a good weekend... I'll be back if I can... Take care.......Julie

Hey everyone.... Just got home from Ash Wednesday services at church... (Yup, I have ashes on my forehead in the sign of the cross). I'm feeling pretty good today after my fill yesterday.. Still not eating much but soft things.. The scale was down again this morning, so I'm happy........ Maybe I can make my Lenten Goal.... Apples2, I did get your message and that sounds wonderfull.. We'll have to plan it after the big storm that is headed this way again tonight and tomorrow... 35 below wind chills for tonight.. Ouch... glad I'm safe and warm in my cozy house.. My computer is acting up, so have a man coming tomorrow to look at it.. It makes me crazy when it does this... So will keep this short tonight and hopefully be back tomorrow sometime when grandbaby is napping.. Night all!!! Julie

Hey Kathy, I'm not Catholic, but I am Lutheran and we start Lent tomorrow, too.. I can't really think of anything I should give up, so I'm going for a weight loss goal by Easter instead... I'm trying to leave the 300's behind me by then... That's 12 pounds.. Some would say that is a stretch, but we'll see... I guess it's the trying that counts most, even if I only make 8!!!! Phyllser and Long, thanks for all the great background information. And you have both been to ND... that's great.... I've been to WA and CO, too.. Most recently my husband left for and returned from Iraq to Fort Carson at Colorado Springs, so I was there for his send off.. Used to have relatives there... I do have relatives at Bremerton, WA...... Both lovely states... I'm not a world travelor like my husband, but I have been the states west of here and southeast, but never to OK or TX or the east coast.. We are planning a trip to NH this fall with some friends... I'm hoping to be down enough more that I can enjoy the trip and all the walking I could encounter.. Julie

Hey, good afternoon!!! I made it to my fill.. The roads were still okay down and back; the freezing rain may still come yet later today, so I lucked out.. AND the fill went fine. My PA listened to me describe how things have been going and thought we would try one cc today bringing me to 8 in a 14 cc band.. She said she could feel something that made her quite sure this one will do the trick for me and doesn't expect to hear from me for at least 2 months.. This is great news to hear.. I'm sure hoping she is right. Although I had lost 8 pounds since my last fill a month ago, I really had not lost anything for 2 weeks. So, I'm on liquids today and maybe tomorrow, too. We'll see how I feel.. She hit the mark right away this time so I'm not worried about after effects.. I'm way happy about that!! I've only been on this site a short time, but really enjoy the atmosphere. I started keeping a little log with information about you all so I can better remember things about you... Thought I would tell you a bit about my life and I encourage any other new ones to do the same. It sure helps me understand feelings and things better when I read the posts........ Here goes: I'm from central North Dakota, born and raised. I live in a small rural town of 1500 people with my husband and 2 cats. We have three grown children and 3 grandchildren. Two daughters live right here by us and I do daycare for our 22 month old granddaughter. Our son lives in Ohio with his wife and 2 sons... I am a retired accountant and restaurant owner and my husband is a retired power plant operator and soldier. We have rental property so we do still manage all of that, but it doesn't take a lot of time. (Except snow removal this year!!) My husband just accepted a summer job and is looking forward to having something to occupy himself without always costing us money!!! I still do lots of recordkeeping for family members. My extended family mostly lives here, too, so I spend lots of time being a daughter, sister, sister-in-law and aunt, too.. Being a daughter takes up lots of my time as my mother has been ill and even though my brothers are around (1 is in SD) I seem to be the one who deals with all of her issues. I do it willingly most days... I've been very heavy most of my life starting at age 5, with intermitent times of major weight loss.. But it has always come back UNTILL NOW!!!!! I am so looking forward to being of a normal weight and staying there for the rest of my life.. There is still so much to do and I want to do it without pain and disgrace..... I love to cook and bake and entertain my friends and family.. Don't want this to change, but I go at it a bit differently these days.. So, I am eating a yogurt (first food today) and feeling okay.. Hope you are all well. Thanks for listening.. Julie

Morning everyone... My scale finally dropped a pound this morning.. Yeah!!! I'm supposed to get a fill at 10:45 AM CST, but it is also supposed to be freezing rain and I have to drive 40 miles.. Don't know what to do for sure yet. Waiting for DH to help me decide if I should go or not... Erika, you hang in there.... I've been plagued with complications this time and in weight loss attempts in the past.. Came close to dead back a number of years when I had my stomach stapled.. It will get better and you will find your way.. Janet is just the person to help you figure it out. Good choice. Apples2, I'm a farm girl at heart.. Born and raised. My family still has it but I don't live there.. But it's a great life. I do understand the fear of being by yourself.. My husband worked shift work most of our marraige and I never liked being home alone at night... Do you have animals other than the dog... like cows and horses? I love horses but have never wanted to put one through having me ride it.. It used to be a goal of mine, but I think I'm getting too old even if I make it to my goal..... Have a good day all..... Hopefully I'll be getting back to you later after my fill!!!!!! Keep you fingers crossed for me, please... Julie

Melody, congrats on your first fill.. I'm having my 4th tomorrow and am hoping it will give me the restriction I'm after.. I've done okay so far, but it has been more me than the band.. I want the band to work for a little while I rest up!!!!! Hope everything goes well.. It's so wonderful to get on the scale and have it go down..... Take care.. Julie

Hello all, I've been reading all your posts.. It's good to read about everyelse's daily ups and downs. I've been stuck at the same weight for a couple weeks now and really need to see some movement. I did make an appointment for a fill tomorrow, but am a bit nervous becasue of the bad time I had with the last one a month ago.. But I'm going to keep an open mind and hope this one goes without a hitch... My loss was so good the first 5 months, but has slowed so much now. It's a bit discouraging even when you know intellectually that it is rather expected. I'm hoping this next one will do the trick.. I'm at 7 cc's in a 14 cc band... I've functioned quite well with very little restriction up till now, but I think I need the extra help now... Thanks for listening everyon... I'll let you know how it all goes tomorrow. Hope everyone is back to feeling better now. I'm envious of the lady who is going to see her grandsons... I had to cancel a trip to see mine in January because of the bad winter we have been having. Just can't leave all the snow problems for someone else to deal with in our absence... My boy are older, but we miss them just the same... Have a great time... They grow sooooo fast... You all have a great evening.. Julie

Hey North Dakota girl, how's it going? Hope you had a great birthday.. Are you sick of snow there like we are here?? Anyway, it all depends on the kind of restaurant we go to.. I try to stay away from fast food unless they serve chili... Chili has lots of protein and a small portion is about right... Had that today when I took my mother to the doctor... My husband likes to go to the Steak buffet places... (Skinny guy who eats like a horse!!!) I do fine there since my band.. I used to be so stuffed I couldn't hardly breath after a night out there.. But now I make good choices and sample lots of different things. One rule I have is that if it doesn't taste wonderful, I don't swallow it.. No sense filling the hole with something that doesn't taste great.. I hate wasting food, but better in the garbage than on me!!!! I usually even have some sort of dessert. Once again, I taste a variety, but don't eat it all.. If I go to a sit down place, I order what I'm craving. We went out for Valentines and we had a wonderful prime rib supper.. It was so tender and juicy that I didn't have any trouble. I ate the salad, 1/2 the meat and a couple bites of potato. My husband ate the rest of mine the next day..... I have heard different ones say that they miss just being able to eat whatever they want and I totally understand that.. But I don't miss that overstuffed feelings and hope to never experience it again.. Hope you enjoyed your supper.. Take care... Julie

I weigh most every day, too, and use it as another tool in this process.. It either keeps me validated or gets me motivated. I agree with the other people who give tips about when to weigh... It's amazing how much difference those little things can make.. I also know I have to wait until I've been up for a little while. I wake up puffy. I usually can't get my rings off right after I get up.. So I wait until the start loosening up.. Don't know why I retain fluids overnight.... Just some of the tricks.. But I, too, try not to let the number upset me if it isn't what I want. It is especially hard to do this when you are stuck for a long period of time.. I have been for 2 weeks now and the only good thing is that the number isn't moving upward!!!! You'll figure it out and do what is best for yourself.... good luck to you.. Julie

Congrats...it's so encouraging to read your story. I do know how important it is to get food out of your every thought.. I'm only 6 months out and that was the case for me for a while, but lately I've evidently been rather stressed or something, because those thoughts are back.. I have a craving that I can't fill... I haven't lost any weight recently and that is very frustrating. I know so many have been through this "plateau" thing and lived through it, but it seems like it will never end... :hurray: I'm going in for another fill on Tuesday and am so hoping this one will do the trick for me.. I need to see some movement so I can get back on the losing track again.. I so want to be under 300 pounds.... I set a sort of goal for 100 pounds gone by the end of April... That's 22 pounds in 10 weeks.. That was about the rate I was going previously... But I'm thinking it won't happen that fast anymore.. I guess I should adjust my goal... I'm just not sure what to hope for anymore... Thanks for listening... Julie

OMG, Long, what a wonderful day for you.. Congrats..... I would love to be you right now.... But I guess my time will come, too... Have a great day...........do something special for yourself... You deserve it... Julie

Janet, thanks for the tips and the great pictures.. I'm not ready to put any of me on here yet... I started at 387 and had been up past 400 a few years ago... That's why 250 sounds so good to me. And I think maybe I am older than you... I'm 56.... I'm a 1952 model...... However when you get to those numbers it doesn't really matter anymore.. I feel very young some days and very old other days... On a positive note, my husband bought me a new bike seat today.. We bought matching bikes a couple years ago and never really used them They came with those little "thong" seats that seem as though they could get lost somewhere!!!!! I got one that will handle my backside a bit better.. I can hardly wait for the snow to leave so I can try it out.... Should be fun if I don't fall on my face.... Long2bthin... Sounds as though we are on the same track... When I had my initial interview for surgery, they said my ideal weight is 163... That almost made me laugh.... I can't even think about a number like that.. First of all, I'll probable have 20 pounds of fat and skin on my upper, inner thighs that will have to be cut off... So, I'm not really going for a number, but a feeling.. Like I said before, 199 sounds just wonderful after 387..... Icth..... I gained weight after surgery, too, with 4 days in the hospital and all that IV fluid... Thought it would never leave me, but it did.... It will surprise you when it leaves.... and leave you wishing it would all fall off so fast... Good luck to you... Take care all... Have a good Sunday... Julie

Hey Doodlebug11, I'm new here too... Hi to all... Have been just reading for a while.. It's easy to tell these gals are good to know.. I'm sure we'll do well with them.. I look forward to getting to know everyone... I'm just home from a day out with my husband... Tax man, shopping, supper and a movie... All good.... but I'm glad to be home again. I still get tired after too much.. my back starts to hurt. But I'll be fine in the morning and I enjoyed the day... Hope all are doing well... Have a good night... Julie

Janet, you do look wonderful... But I have to tell you that I'd be very happy to look like you did when you started. I have almost 60 pounds to go to get to that point.. However, I am 5'9" tall so I carry more weight than you anytime I guess... My goal is "one hundred something" even if it's 199... And I will need some surgery after I get most of this gone.. My upper thighs are my problem area.. I just hate them!!! ANYWAY, I wanted to say that I made it through yesterday... The scale said half a pound gone. When I counted my calories (I am very bad at that and any form of journaling?) I was only 1370 for the day. It wasn't what I ate the last few days, it was how I felt and why I did it... Maybe that's why I have continued to lose throughout these 6 months..... I do the food thing okay..... but it's the emotions that are the problem.. I need to feel better about myself... I've always been very hard on myself and it is showing now, too.. I expect more than I should and get down when it doesn't come to pass.... I'm in a hurry and I shouldn't be... I know this logically, but it's the emotionally that has got me down... So, things are okay today, no stalking the cupboards... DH and I have an appointment this afternoon with tax accountant that will take forever as we have a complicated mess this year... Then we have a movie planned for after... I will be out of the house and busy with things.. This is good!!! Kristin: I had a very lengthy recovery because I had a full incision rather than the laproscopic ones. 4 days in the hospital, insicion split open because doc used wrong staples and then he stitched it up when I was wide awake with no anesthetic, and I had to wear a binder for 3 months... It wasn't pleasant, but I made it... I can still feel the port pain somedays if I overdue.. You take care and remember, this, too, shall pass!!! Have a good day everyone.. Julie

Hey Chick... thanks for the words... It helps to know we aren't the Lone Ranger when we get in a fuddle.... Julie