Band_Groupie

I’m channeling my creativity (so I don‘t take it out on the Thanksgiving pie this year)…I just finished making my annual Christmas decoration exchange items. I was behind again this year in thinking of an idea (as if I‘m ever ahead), so I drug (dragged?) DH to the stores with me this weekend looking for inspiration. There wasn’t much to inspire out there this year, so as usual, I made up my own. We’ve been doing these so many years I realized I’ve never made anything for the kitchen, so that was my inspiration. I made a decoration to hang from a cupboard or other place in the kitchen with a pick, handmade bows and some cookie cutters and ribbon…OK, not all that creative, but I had to make a bunch of these and mail them out soon and these went together quickly (pic attached). 　 Could you hear me? I was playing the holiday music and singing my way through my crafts the last two mornings (much to my family’s complaints). I know, I know, I’m the first one to say when I’m in the stores ‘What’s up with the Christmas music? It’s not even Thanksgiving yet!!!‘ , but it sure got me in the mood to make Christmas decorations. So if your feeling a little blah heading into the holidays (been hearing a lot of that lately here), crank up the music, make a craft or bake some cookies (and freeze them, of course, so you won‘t be tempted)…it will get you in the spirit, I promise. Put them all in bikinis and that will keep you from eating them! 　 I took the leftovers and made a whole string of holiday cookie cutters with picks and ribbon at each end for over my kitchen sink window (pic attached). I think I need to get some more ribbon and picks and pull the center up with a big bow or something for a focal point. You know me, over-decoritis is my affliction when it comes to the holidays...one can never have too many holiday decorations!

Con- Thanks! The oak DR set (table, buffet, and not in the photo-serving table and 6 chairs-the chairs are in the basement waiting to be refinished) is from my MIL's parents home, so it's probably from about the 20's (her mom was 40 when she was born). They fit with the rest of our traditional home. Have a great Thanksgiving with the family! It seems like yesterday I was having what I thought would be my 'last Thanksgiving'...I've since learned I'll be having the same things, just smaller amounts this year! -BG kc- Yeah, amazingly they all got my 'artistic gene'...along with some not so good ones I passed on (but so far, no evidence of the 'fat gene' as they're all skinny).

You guys crack me up; wet suit- well, that gives new meaning to a sweat suit!; Batwing Parachute?- OK, I'll be Bat Woman and you can be Bat Girl Lena! PD- Oh wow...I'm not sure which one it was, but I hope I'm fulfilling that lifestyle I wanted now?! So glad it helped you! -BG

My baby boy (DS1) is home from college for the week and the holidays have begun. He was sick as a dog before he got home, but besides the cough, he’s better now. I made a Dr.’s appointment for him this morning and he’s getting his last flu shot (swine). DH and I got our swine flu shots finally on Friday. DS1 and I probably both already had the swine flu, but they said we should get the shot anyway as there’s a possibility it could have been something else…either that or we’ll turn into swine. 　 We had a great weekend! We had our first fire in the fireplace and the Yule log is still around after 2 nights of fires. The kids made our traditional annual Gingerbread house (no, not this one, but pic attached)…a little early, but they were looking for something to do together. DH and I shared one of those ‘looks’ while they were busy icing and decorating, where we were having a ‘kid moment’…our babies are all home, it’s the Holidays, and they’re all working together happily and laughing. 　 I set the Thanksgiving table and buffet to get everyone in the mood (pic attached). The fridges are full of things waiting to be made. Yes, I’m cooking…stop laughing…no, I mean it, stop!…I’ve got recipes and I promise to follow them. I’ll have to tell you though that the refrigerated pastry crust for the pumpkin pie came in a two pack and it’s very tempting to get creative with that second crust…(in case you didn’t read my cooking creativity moments READ HERE). Let the festivities begin!

My baby boy (DS1) is home from college for the week and the holidays have begun. He was sick as a dog before he got home, but besides the cough, he’s better now. I made a Dr.’s appointment for him this morning and he’s getting his last flu shot (swine). DH and I got our swine flu shots finally on Friday. DS1 and I probably both already had the swine flu, but they said we should get the shot anyway as there’s a possibility it could have been something else…either that or we’ll turn into swine. 　 We had a great weekend! We had our first fire in the fireplace and the Yule log is still around after 2 nights of fires. The kids made our traditional annual Gingerbread house (no, not this one, but pic attached)…a little early, but they were looking for something to do together. DH and I shared one of those ‘looks’ while they were busy icing and decorating, where we were having a ‘kid moment’…our babies are all home, it’s the Holidays, and they’re all working together happily and laughing. 　 I set the Thanksgiving table and buffet to get everyone in the mood (pic attached). The fridges are full of things waiting to be made. Yes, I’m cooking…stop laughing…no, I mean it, stop!…I’ve got recipes and I promise to follow them. I’ll have to tell you though that the refrigerated pastry crust for the pumpkin pie came in a two pack and it’s very tempting to get creative with that second crust…(in case you didn’t read my cooking creativity moments READ HERE). Let the festivities begin!

Thanks for this! I got the band not to lose the weight, but to help me keep it off...you give me hope! -BG

179.5 today!

Alright Andrea!!! There's something awful about that word...'morbidly'.

Whoops, sorry Larry, I mis-read this. POST-op diet...I wasn't hungry at all for about a week...the important thing isn't nutrition, but staying hydrated immediately post-op. I had a 3 week post-op liquid diet of CLEAR liquids and some skim milk ONLY (most resticted diet I've ever seen here). I made it through until the last few days I cheated with some protein shakes. This period is SO important not to cheat at it's the easiest time to cause band complications including slippage. Your internal stiches holding the stomach around the band need time to heal and this can take 6 weeks or more. That kept me in check. Best Wishes- BG

Thanks so much, that was really helpful. I've yet to meet anyone my height at goal, so this was great. I was 160 (for a day LOL) about 10 years ago and I definitely had some excess weight then (yeah, that puts us in the healthy BMI range), and I remember looking good in the 140's back in my 30's...so perhaps the 140's will be attainable again! If you can do it, I'm going to go for it! Under 150 seems like a dream right now...but I'm a 'dream big' (or maybe that should be 'little' LOL) kind of girl! Thanks again! -BG

LOVE the new 'do'!!! You look great GF! -BG

Hey, those fill diets at least keep the WL moving down! YAY fills! -BG

CONGRATULATIONS!! Getting a date is the best! -BG

I'm not sure why you think it's supposed to be 3.75, but you think you have 2.5cc? Regardless of the numbers your doc shouldn't just base your fills on how well you're losing...I lost during Bandster Hell when my band had 0 fill. My doc looks at WL, but he also asks me how much I'm able to eat, if there is anything I'm unable to eat, and am I having any troubles with PB's/stuck/etc., and most importantly if I am eating the recommended amounts and following all the other rules AM I HUNGRY BETWEEN MEALS. All those things should help determine a fill. I always went in armed with my case on all these things and then let him determine the amount. I have 5.9cc's in a 10cc band and reached my Sweet Spot only with the last fill...and many others in my April group have more than that in the same band. Good luck. -BG

CONGRATS!!! -BG

CONGRATS!!! -BG

If you've tried liquids for a few days (after your last unfill) to let the stoma swelling (from the vomiting) go down and you're chewing well and following the rules, but are still vomiting...then get back to the doctor for another unfill post haste! You don't want to end up with a slip, or worse. Best wishes! -BG

Hey, no one celebrates every little 'moment' I can come up with here more than me...if there were cakes given out at all my celebrations we'd all be fat forever. Keep looking for those positives! -BG

*Post Deleted for Lap Band Book Water Treadmill

Queen- Hope you're feeling better and wanted to thank you for all the positivity! I'm about 5'9" too...many moons ago, when I got married I was too thin at 132- looked anorexic (can't imagine even being able to get to 120!). What weight do you think you look best at...and I'm wondering if age plays any part in setting a goal weight? I'm not sure where I'll end up, or does your body decide for you LOL? Just trying to set a good goal. Thanks! -BG

Arkansas- AWESOME!!! A black belt!!! Too cool! Tracking is a lot of work (I think I could tell you when I had BM's at this point LOL) and I don't intend to do it forever, but I always learn something from doing it when I need to. Kath- I've always cranked the music and danced while I'm cleaning...too funny. I'm off to...exercise!

Hey guys, I'm a newbie to this board too and am glad to see some 'old timers' still here for advice. We do have different issues and motivations than the younger crowd. Deb- I blogged here this week about getting started with exercise, so I'm right where you are. lpg- Sorry, I can't help much as my doc didn't have a pre-op diet, but he made up for it with the hardest post-op one I've ever seen here. I've heard from many that the hunger gets easier after about day 4 so stick with it...it's so worth it...you are so worth it. -BG

Wow 100# in a year! Great job! Onederland is going to be here before you know it! -BG

Yep, each day can be a little different, jus make sure you don't get an adjustment that will keep you from eating. Congrats on the great WL! -BG

Thanks gals for all the SV's and the NSV's...now I can count them on more than one hand! Oooo and 179.5 today! Onward!!! -BG