voiceomt2002

This morning, DH drove off to his new job. It's been a long, horrible six months of unemployment. We haven't lost the house yet, and if the promises are even close to accurate, we won't. Ironically, we don't want to celebrate. While not trying to sound pessimistic, this is still technically a temporary job. DH must prove himself. I know he can do the job, and he knows what's at stake. Meanwhile, I have a novel to finish and a guild meeting to attend. Now to find some clothes that don't fall off my body! LOL!

Hey, Perfect! Yeah, things might be looking up. I had a lot to lose and definitely some roadblocks, but I refuse to give up the fight. Even if I continue to lose a mere 5 lbs a month, by next summer I'll still be very close to my goal weight. Here's hoping!

I've been silent for the past few months because of personal family issues including my DH being out of work for six months. We skirted the cliff edge of disaster, and I didn't lose much weight with a carb-addicted sweet tooth that walks on two legs like my DH hanging around every day, bored out of his mind. Needless to say, we were both so stressed that I had to find new solutions for coping with stress or gain weight. I chose quilting and other sewing projects, and got a part-time job as a teacher in JoAnn fabrics shops. Those two things saved me. While I didn't lose much each month, I still lost weight. I'm now halfway to my goal, and almost half the woman I used to be. There's still another 70 lbs to go, but I'm already wearing the "goal clothes" I thought would never see daylight. Then, my 24-year-old daughter came to live with us. With my own clothes falling off my body, my daughter handed me some of hers. They fit. In fact, even my daughter agrees they look better on me. (giggle) She's still pouting that her 50-year-old mother looks better in her clothes than she does. Now the big day approaches. I'm fighting as long as I can out of sheer terror, but the time has come. I must go shopping for new clothes. In a regular department store, not Lane Bryant.

I found a quote yesterday that I've made my own in this time of hardship for my family. "Life isn't about waiting for the storms to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." Since my banding last January, we've had a horrible time with my DH losing his job in March, the threat of foreclosure, a cancer scare, more medical issues, and even a death of an infant recently. Through it all, we've tried hard to keep our chins up. It hasn't been easy, and we've been forced to use pills like Tylenol PM to help us sleep despite our physical and mental pains. I won't say there haven't been good things like my daughter coming to live with us. There have been. They just got overshadowed. Still, we kept fighting and trying to find positives. Now there's a tiny ray of hope on the horizon. DH got a job offer last week. He's in the pre-hire process, and we live on pins and needles, waiting for the phone call that will tell him what time to come in on the 8th. Until then, we refuse to celebrate. We're scared to even bake him a small cake. Cross your fingers, pray, light candles, or whatever is your way of thanking the Creator for me. We're still dancing in the rain, and praying we don't get struck by lightning.

Hi KayVee! Nope, no lightning if I can help it. We've been burned once already. I can't have any of the celebratory cake. It's Monkey Bread, and DH loves it. However, I tried one little ball off it, and thought I'd die for an hour. It was well and truly stuck. Never again!

Hi Lucky, Below is the URL to the best Ham and Cheese Pie I ever ate. Even as written, it's a mere 11g of carbs, but I don't bother with the apple and I use Spam Lite to make it even easier and cheaper. The serving size of 1/6 of a pie is more than adequate for a bandster. I can't even manage that much. Impossibly Easy Ham and Cheddar Pie Recipe from Betty Crocker

I found a quote yesterday that I've made my own in this time of hardship for my family. "Life isn't about waiting for the storms to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." Since my banding last January, we've had a horrible time with my DH losing his job in March, the threat of foreclosure, a cancer scare, more medical issues, and even a death of an infant recently. Through it all, we've tried hard to keep our chins up. It hasn't been easy, and we've been forced to use pills like Tylenol PM to help us sleep despite our physical and mental pains. I won't say there haven't been good things like my daughter coming to live with us. There have been. They just got overshadowed. Still, we kept fighting and trying to find positives. Now there's a tiny ray of hope on the horizon. DH got a job offer last week. He's in the pre-hire process, and we live on pins and needles, waiting for the phone call that will tell him what time to come in on the 8th. Until then, we refuse to celebrate. We're scared to even bake him a small cake. Cross your fingers, pray, light candles, or whatever is your way of thanking the Creator for me. We're still dancing in the rain, and praying we don't get struck by lightning.

I agree with Meesh. My doc has a strict diet policy pre-surgery, and he hopes you continue the diet post-op. He took me down to liquid slowly. First, I had a few months of low-carb diet. (This is the most difficult part, IMHO.) Then he took me down to soft, easy to digest foods, and finally, liquids only for the week before surgery. Was it fun? No. However, Meesh is correct. The liver should be reduced to avoid complications, bruising and even splitting of your liver. Who needs that? Getting a band is enough to handle. Don't make your body work more than it has to.

Whoa, what a lot of questions. Okay, one by one I'll answer them. 1. How the sweet spot feels-- like a very tight restriction that borders between "liquids pass okay" and "Don't eat THAT or you'll pay dearly!" You see, my doctor doesn't use a scope during fills. So when he handed me water after a fill and told me to tell him when the water passed, I could barely feel the water. This morning, I'm drinking hot coffee and I can clearly and with deep conviction tell you exactly when the hot coffee has passed the stoma. There's a good ten seconds of wait before the "warmth" and slight pressure go away. 2. How much is in my band-- I'm not clear on that, but it's over 11 ccs. I'd say 12-13. I asked for a hefty dose of saline because of the upcoming holidays and the size of my family's carb addiction. (grin) Being weak-willed got me fat. I'm not taking any chances! 3. How do I know it's the sweet spot-- Because I can still eat solid food if I'm very careful about what and how much goes in, plus I'm losing an average of 2 lbs a week. Stepping on that scale every morning is the best reward I can give myself. 4. How much can I eat-- That depends on the density of the food. I can barely choke down about 1-2oz of meat, OR 1/4 cup of my allowed veggies, OR a 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, which can be more than I can finish in thirty minutes. Doc told me to use the 30 minute rule-- if you have that full feeling in less than 30 minutes, stop eating and put the plate in the sink, even if there's still food on the plate. Mama isn't there to see whether you cleaned your plate or not. (The dog now thinks I'm a goddess, since he gets what little remains on my plate.) 5. Getting stuck- first I get the "full" sensation down there. It's not a pain, but a definite feeling of pressure. If I ignore it, I get pain. :scared2:At that point, it's too late and I'd better make a discreet and quiet exit to the bathroom, since I am guaranteed to PB. If I PB my dinner, I go pull out a low-carb protein shake because my insides are letting me know they aren't happy with me and I'd better be gentle.:smile2: 6. Self-discipline? Uh, no. Look, I'm a weak-willed wuss when it comes to saying, "No" to foods that are bad for me. That's what got me fat. What keeps me out of trouble takes extreme measures like keeping the contraband in a locked pantry I don't have the key to. I have cheese sticks and carefully measured servings of snacks I am allowed. I'm a writer, so having "thinking food" nearby on my desk is a habit I don't want to break. I did replace my high-carb thinking foods with low carb alternatives like small cubes of cheese, a few chunks of meat that's okay cold, and veggies like celery in their own cold water "vase." (The celery works best for me. It's a "cigarette" and crunchy "thinking food" in one. I've been known to stick a half-eaten stalk behind my ear to type when a great idea hits. Good thing I hid the camera.) The biggest change comes when I am outside the house. Instead of planning around where we'll eat, we plan the activity. It's kind of funny when my family eyes longingly the chinese buffet we used to patronize while I march toward the shops with barely a glance at the golden dragons. LOL! I can't wait to go to the historical district of St. Augustine, where I'll care more about the nifty little tourist traps than my growling stomach! I'm happy with my bottle of Crystal Light, thanks. That's what it's like for me. YMMV. (Your mileage may vary.)

For someone who's scared to death of needles, I have to say I almost enjoy my fills. This last, however, was perhaps the most challenging. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy! I've already dropped a few more pounds since my doctor visit two weeks ago. This has produced some interesting clothing mishaps. However, I'm still wary of attending the upcoming holiday events with my loving family. Bless them all, they don't understand and can't seem to "get" that I can't have ANY carbs-- no pasta, no rice, no potatoes, no sugars, no corn, peas, winter squashes and sweet potatoes. No, not "just one bite or just this once" (frustrated sigh) I've repeated myself explaining until I'm blue in the face and annoyed. Well, I'm done. I've turned down the family dinner invitation in favor a peaceful evening with my DH, brother, and daughter. They get it. They're benefitting as I can now take on and share household chores without getting out of breath or limping because my feet and knees couldn't take my weight before. Now I mow the lawn, pull weeds, scrub floors, and wash the car. It's fun to be healthy! Next goal__ One-der-land!

For someone who's scared to death of needles, I have to say I almost enjoy my fills. This last, however, was perhaps the most challenging. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy! I've already dropped a few more pounds since my doctor visit two weeks ago. This has produced some interesting clothing mishaps. However, I'm still wary of attending the upcoming holiday events with my loving family. Bless them all, they don't understand and can't seem to "get" that I can't have ANY carbs-- no pasta, no rice, no potatoes, no sugars, no corn, peas, winter squashes and sweet potatoes. No, not "just one bite or just this once" (frustrated sigh) I've repeated myself explaining until I'm blue in the face and annoyed. Well, I'm done. I've turned down the family dinner invitation in favor a peaceful evening with my DH, brother, and daughter. They get it. They're benefitting as I can now take on and share household chores without getting out of breath or limping because my feet and knees couldn't take my weight before. Now I mow the lawn, pull weeds, scrub floors, and wash the car. It's fun to be healthy! Next goal__ One-der-land!

I'm in the sweet spot at last, and dropping about 2 lbs a week. Honey, you just learned a lesson-- The Band Never Sleeps. (grin) Yep, even on vacation or when in crisis, your band just doesn't stop functioning. You can screw yourself royally by eating foods that will pass, and drinking methyl-ethyl-bad-stuff (spank! spank!) and you will gain weight. Now, get back on the stick. Your band only controls solid mass. You can get around the band, and apparently you're doing so. Stop stretching your pouch. Now, go see the doc and make sure there's nothing medical. Once you've done that, get back on a healthy diet. Don't make me drive out to your place and boot you in the butt. (grin)

Glad you like my suggestion, DirtTrackDiva! Hey, Kathy! Thanks for being a good member of the human race and helping the lady. (saluting you) People who text on the job ought to lose their jobs.

Hi Ruth! Hi Lucky! Feel free to steal the idea, y'all. One of my quilter's guildmembers has an even cooler idea. She specializes in making Linus quilts for the Linus Foundation, she likes to include a tiny doll or stuffed animal for each child in a special pocket on the quilt. (Sniffle! So adorable!) The animal/doll, about the size of a beanie baby, matches the theme of the quilt and sometimes is attached by a ribbon to the quilt so it can't be lost. I'm new to quilting and certainly not adept yet, but I think I'll plan on making a few Linus quilts to learn on. A child won't care. They'll just feel the love. I've made one or two fleece quilts, but I think it's time for me to do more. Lucky, I just had a fill on Monday. OMG! I'm so tight, I'm still on mushies! (happy dance) After three months of trying to go it alone and losing a mere six lbs total since May, I'm glad doc gave me a fill. This is my limit, though. If my band were any tighter, I'd be on pure liquids. Not good. We'll see if the swelling goes down in the coming week, or if this effect is permanent. Hugs and much love! Lena

This is my cure for stress to replace eating-- crafts! I'm very proud of this wall hanging, because it's not just a small quilt. It's a wall safe. On the back are pockets where you can hide small valuables and money. Not a lot, but enough to keep your most precious things safe but ready to use. Yes, that's an applique of a red dragon in the center. Now I just have to decide whether to sell it on the internet or give it as Yule gift.

This is my cure for stress to replace eating-- crafts! I'm very proud of this wall hanging, because it's not just a small quilt. It's a wall safe. On the back are pockets where you can hide small valuables and money. Not a lot, but enough to keep your most precious things safe but ready to use. Yes, that's an applique of a red dragon in the center. Now I just have to decide whether to sell it on the internet or give it as Yule gift.

Hi, I'm Lena and a proud scale whore. I use a wipe-off board to keep track of daily calorie and carb intake, and mark my weight loss on both a Ticker here and (with a wipe off pen) on my bathroom mirror. What I've learned in the past eight months since my surgery has been that the band is truly only the beginning of self-repair. I always knew I was a stress eater, but I didn't realize the extent of my problem until the band forced me to find alternate ways to deal with stress. I've lost 69 pounds as of my doctor visit on 17th, and that is the lowest I've weighed since I was in my 30's. I'm now 50, so it's been awhile. I'm seeing the weight fall from my body like a snowman melting in the sun. Somewhere under there is Venus, and I'll see her someday.

Well, DH still is out of work, and we almost went into foreclosure, but a friend rescued us. Now if they start foreclosure, it'll be at Christmas. If DH doesn't have a job by then, well, we have a contingency plan. Nice thing is, I'm still dropping weight. It's coming off more slowly lately, but I actually don't mind so much. I have a chance to adjust my clothes instead of finding out at the last minute that the pants bag or fall right back down to my ankles. (That was a shock the first time it happened.) Clothes I haven't worn for years are now the mainstays of my wardrobe, and I can't wait for cold weather and my leather jeans, SIX SIZES smaller than I was a year ago. My senior editor wants pictures, but I'm resisting until I hit Onederland. Back to work! :biggrin:

Well, DH still is out of work, and we almost went into foreclosure, but a friend rescued us. Now if they start foreclosure, it'll be at Christmas. If DH doesn't have a job by then, well, we have a contingency plan. Nice thing is, I'm still dropping weight. It's coming off more slowly lately, but I actually don't mind so much. I have a chance to adjust my clothes instead of finding out at the last minute that the pants bag or fall right back down to my ankles. (That was a shock the first time it happened.) Clothes I haven't worn for years are now the mainstays of my wardrobe, and I can't wait for cold weather and my leather jeans, SIX SIZES smaller than I was a year ago. My senior editor wants pictures, but I'm resisting until I hit Onederland. Back to work! :sneaky:

You've been peeking at my mirror again, haven't you? LOL!

Wow, Glenda!! Yes, girl! Wear those shorts and stop suffering. I've been wearing bermuda-length shorts for about a month, and I thought that was great. That is, until my frisky DH decided to see if the shorts were loose enough to be yanked down around my ankles without unbuttoning. Yes, they were! LOL! Do I resemble a Shar-Pei puppy? You betcha! I've lost about sixty pounds. It's coming off more slowly now, but I'm happy with that.

We all do it. However, for a bandster, the results can be very uncomfortable. The reason it can be difficult to eat healthily is that "hidden persuaders" can lead you into bad eating habits, says new research. Try these tips to avoid mindless eating: Be aware of the size and shape of containers. It's the amount of food that counts, not what it looks like. Use smaller plates and bowls. Empty plates and bowls, even those of a smaller size, cue some people to stop eating. Read nutrition labels, paying attention to the serving size listed. Consider the facts; don't guess at how many calories you're eating. Look past the packaging. The wording on a food's package or the language on a menu can influence you to actually like a food better, increasing your risk of overeating. Keep visual reminders of how much you're eating. Keep wrappers, empty containers, bones, and other reminders of how much you've eaten nearby. Think about eating a meal that's healthier overall. Don't just focus on separate parts of the meal. Control your impulse purchases. Don't let signs encourage you to buy more than you need. For us, it's more than just gained pounds. My DH hates sitting at the table to eat meals. Worse, he pouts and grumbles when I sit at the table, even though we have a relatively open concept home where we are still technically in the same room. I've been reading the labels as far as serving sizes, and actually measuring out the portions of the snacks. Y'know, it isn't worth it. When you measure out the teensy number of ounces of pretzels and look at the carbs, it's just not worth eating them! Now, by the time I've chowed down on some cheese or a crudite tray, I'm not only full, I'm guilt-free! Funniest thing of all, I no longer mindlessly shop, either. We're still laughing over the fact that some so-called "diet" foods provide no benefit whatsoever (okay, so 20 calories lower. Yay. Wow. I'm so not thrilled) for half again the cost? Uh, NO! I thought I'd freeze to death reading all the labels in the grocery freezer section, trying to find out which so-called "diet" whipped topping actually was the most beneficial, but now I know. With the correct serving size, I now enjoy a little dessert guilt-free. We're still laughing. And we're saving a ton of money by not buying the methyl-enthyl-bad-stuff with ingredients I can't pronounce, much less spell. All in the name of "diet." Goodbye, diet. Hello, Thinking.

We all do it. However, for a bandster, the results can be very uncomfortable. The reason it can be difficult to eat healthily is that "hidden persuaders" can lead you into bad eating habits, says new research. Try these tips to avoid mindless eating: Be aware of the size and shape of containers. It's the amount of food that counts, not what it looks like. Use smaller plates and bowls. Empty plates and bowls, even those of a smaller size, cue some people to stop eating. Read nutrition labels, paying attention to the serving size listed. Consider the facts; don't guess at how many calories you're eating. Look past the packaging. The wording on a food's package or the language on a menu can influence you to actually like a food better, increasing your risk of overeating. Keep visual reminders of how much you're eating. Keep wrappers, empty containers, bones, and other reminders of how much you've eaten nearby. Think about eating a meal that's healthier overall. Don't just focus on separate parts of the meal. Control your impulse purchases. Don't let signs encourage you to buy more than you need. For us, it's more than just gained pounds. My DH hates sitting at the table to eat meals. Worse, he pouts and grumbles when I sit at the table, even though we have a relatively open concept home where we are still technically in the same room. I've been reading the labels as far as serving sizes, and actually measuring out the portions of the snacks. Y'know, it isn't worth it. When you measure out the teensy number of ounces of pretzels and look at the carbs, it's just not worth eating them! Now, by the time I've chowed down on some cheese or a crudite tray, I'm not only full, I'm guilt-free! Funniest thing of all, I no longer mindlessly shop, either. We're still laughing over the fact that some so-called "diet" foods provide no benefit whatsoever (okay, so 20 calories lower. Yay. Wow. I'm so not thrilled) for half again the cost? Uh, NO! I thought I'd freeze to death reading all the labels in the grocery freezer section, trying to find out which so-called "diet" whipped topping actually was the most beneficial, but now I know. With the correct serving size, I now enjoy a little dessert guilt-free. We're still laughing. And we're saving a ton of money by not buying the methyl-enthyl-bad-stuff with ingredients I can't pronounce, much less spell. All in the name of "diet." Goodbye, diet. Hello, Thinking.