Meredith2424

Hello girlfriends!!!!! Sorry I have been so MIA for the last few days. School and work have been keeping me super duper busy! I am so excited today!!!! I started my hard core working out. :sad::thumbdown: 1 hour of "stretch, sculpt, and tone" aerobics with an instructor that is no joke, and then 20 minutes on the recumbant bike, and 40 minutes of weight training with the same instructor.:w00t: This is going to take place every Monday and Wednesday until December when the semester ends. I am so happy that I have the ability to take these classes at school! I actually did pretty well in class, we did step aerobics today, and boy oh boy it was something! I am so happy about working out! Yay! It came at just the right time too. I think I have reached a small plateau, or maybe I can eat more than I am supposed to because of minimal restriction. I was lucky enough to move my fill date up to the 21st because my Doctors office had a cancellation. Thats next Monday already! Food wise, I did pretty well today also. Breakfast~ Special K Red Berries and Light Vanilla Soy Milk Lunch~ Grilled chicken breast and small salad w/ light dressing Dinner~ 4 oz grilled chicken kebob and fattoush salad I will probably have some watermelon in awhile for a snack as well. I have a whole huge half of one that is not cut up yet that is taking up a ton of room in the refridge. Doodle~ I have taken a small break from the shack because it was keeping me up too late at nighttime and then I was so sleepy in the a.m. I think that I am going to get back to it tonight. I'm only at chapter 8. It's really good though. Really different, but good. Congrats on DD's graduation. My mom too always used to tell me not to stoop to the level of others who are not there to help you. They only want to hurt you because they too are hurting, and misery loves commpany! She just needs to remember that in this difficult time, and I'm sure you won't let her forget it :thumbdown:! Laura~ Congrats on the loss of the poundage and getting back into the gym. Feels good! Super cute pics of Nels and his buddy! I feel ya on his mom though. She's probably just miserable with herself in her own skin and just is jealous. Janet~ Hangovers are the worst! Hugs. I think that I may go see my sister in Cali in January or so. We should meet! How far away from Huntington Beach did you say you were? The furthest West I've ever been is to Las Vegas. If~ I love the 10-10-10! It's like with quitting smoking, everyone always says there will be something that tests your will power in 3 days, 3 months, and again in 3 years. Julie~ Yay on getting back to working out again! Awesome! WTG! Graminator~ You rock! Newbies~ I love these gals so much. They have helped me through some of the worst days on this journey, and then have cheered me on again through some of the best ones. You won't find another group better than this one! Ok, sorry I didn't get to everyone, I have to get back to homework! Long day tomorrow. Ok, love you all! Meredith

Good evening gals. Well, today was not a very good food day. I can eat more than I should be able to, but I am eating meat first, then romaine lettuce and tonight one piece of pita bread. I ate two salads today. I think that the first one was okay since it was early in the day and I know that the cals are low. Plus, I did not get the pita with it. The second salad I had for dinner when I got home from work. It was a ceasar salad and i think that I over did it on the dressing :thumbup:. I just really lost control with it. My main problem is the condiments. Always has been, and apparently always will be. I need to go back to my good old fattoush salads with the vinegarette dressing that my dietitian says is alright for me. When I was eating that I was LOSING. I am stuck at -46 pounds. Really, I am pissed about it to be honest. I'm also really mad at myself for putting so much dressing on my salad. To be accountable, and perhaps get a "virtual" slap from Janet I am going to list what I ate today below. Breakfast: Boost Glucose control 190 cal 16 g prot Snack: Bananna, slice of pear and slice of peach Lunch: Quiznos Black and Bleu Salad w/ small amount of blue cheese and tiny amount of Balsamic vinegarette. Dinner: Ceasar Salad w/ 4 oz. chicken and too much dressing Snack: rest of Ceasar Salad and Chicken w/ the excessive amount of dressing and pita TERRIBLE I know. Today was the worst day I have had food wise to date. I am just disgusted. I must re-train my brain over night and remember that tomorrow is a new day. I think that I am going to go all liquids tomorrow and perhaps Saturday as well. Good thing I just moved my fill appointment up to September 21st. Thank God! This girl needs all the help she can get! Another thing that is keeping me going is remembering that I am getting more exercise in walking now than I have had since my first try at college almost 10 years ago. My classes are spaced so far apart this semester and parking is so expensive that I just strapped my big ole back pack on trucked my butt all over campus all week. Plus, I have these exercise classes to look forward to! Julie~ Really, I don't have that much energy at all. In fact I'm glad that you said that the more I do it the more energy I will have. I am terrified that I just won't have it in me yet, but I am going to give it a go! Glad to hear that Mimi seems to be feeling a bit better. Sorry about all of your aches and pains. Janet~ Sorry to hear about all of your pics. I never ever print any of mine unless they are from a special occasion or something. All of them are on my computer and I really need to back them up or else I might lose mine as well. I hope Walgreens can do something to help you with that disk. On a LB note, girl, you need to whip me into shape or something! I am feeling pretty terrible about myself right now and need some help. Can I really do this? If anyone were to ask me today, I would say "no". Yesterday, I was totally gung-ho and would have yelled "yes" from the rooftops. Are these feelings along this journey normal? When you and everyone else who have been successful ever feel like this along the way? Please offer me some insight into what is going on with my psyche today. Thanks, you are the best! Laura~ Ok, sorry, last night after I logged off I realized that I didn't answer your question. I plan on specializing in Bariatrics when I become a PA. I thought about becoming a nurse, then a nurse practitioner, however, I just don't think that I am cut out to be a nurse. I respect anyone in the nursing community a great deal. Your job is a very difficult one, and I thank you for your work. Ok, so I'm sooo sorry about all my rambling, but I didn't know what else to do, or whom else to ramble to! VENT!!!! Alright, I am going to try to go to sleep now as I have a really long work day ahead of me! Night! ~Meredith

Im in for Florida for sure!!!!! And, good for you Julie! Can't wait. Hope Mimi gets better soon! You poor things. Ok, I don't know how I'm gonna do it this semester, but I must. Just got home about an hour ago from school. Have to get in the shower and get to bed as I have class in the a.m. and then work until late. Laura~ Poor little Nels and his scolding. Aw. That was totally me when i was little. And, girl, we are going to be working our butts off! I'm so glad you got your trainer back! I went to my weight training class today and afterwards I spoke with the instructor. She told me that she runs a stretch sculpt and tone class thats an hour long before the weight lifting class and that I am more than welcome to join that class as well, but FREE!!!!!!! I'm totally gonna do it! I'm so excited! But, I'm going to be so pooped! Janet~ Thanks for all of the info! Great stuff! 1day~ Those damn coffee drinks! I steer clear of Starbucks 100 percent because I know that I love the caramel macchiatos (sp)! I even have a $25 gift card to there, but haven't used it yet. I guess their iced tea is pretty good, and its not sweetened. What about that for an option? You could even add splenda if you wanted. IDK if you would like that or not, just a suggestion. To all of the new ones~ You will love it here! Everyone is so great and a ton of help. Ok, sorry to all that I didn't write to, I will try tomorrow to get to all of you. Oh, but Great~ This erosion stuff makes me so nervous!!! Are you able to find out more about it? Eek! Ok, good night! Love! Meredith

Hello all. Real quick drive by post. I am so tired after this day at school I just need to take a shower and go to bed. Had Nutrition class and Medical Ethics class today. Was on campus from 1-7:30. Plus, the parking was horrendous so at least I got my exercise in. But, my NSV today was that I did not get tired when I climbed (quickly I might add) the 3 flights of stairs that in May had me exhausted! I was happy about that for sure. Did well on my eating today. So that was good too. Ok, I'm so sorry, but I am so tired that I feel like my eyes are crossing. Real quick though, Phyll.... You go girl!!!! Way to get out there and back into the swing of things! I give you a lot of credit. Super impressive. Oh man, you must have felt awesome getting out! Ok, more tomorrow, will comment on everyones then. It took me awhile to read all posts bc I had been reading all day long. I start my weight training sculpt and tone fitness class tomorrow, then Physics in the evening. Will be on campus 3-10, so I wont check in til later since I have to get all my stuff together for tomorrow. I get nervous driving downtown sometimes. Its only a 15 min drive, but I have to go through some sketchy neighborhoods on the way there and back. Makes me kinda nervous, so I get super stressed now that I have to go there 4 days per week. Ok, I thought this was going to be much shorter than this. It's already 12:30!!!! Night. Love. Meredith

Hello all. Just got home from mom and dads. Grandma, Andrew, Dad, and I all went out on the boat this afternoon. It was fun! The water was very refreshing and the fresh air wiped everyone out. Mom decided to stay home. She goes back to work Tues (teacher) and just wanted to relax. I don't blame her. Grandma was cute though with her little 90 year old self out there. She loved it! I will add some pics when I am done writing. Grandma, Mom, and I are going to the park tomorrow morning to do the Labor Day walk that they have every year. It's nice. Mom and I cannot keep up with Grandma, so she just whips right ahead of us and we meet her at the end. Really, no one can keep up with her. Like I said, she is 90, walks 2 miles every single morning in 28 minutes! She flies! Janet~ I am a total water rat! I too am really really fair and have to put on at least SPF 45+ to feel like I am not being burned to death out there. I have no idea how you do it in all of that sun that you have year round? My sis, Courtney is now living in Huntington Beach, Cali. I'm sad that she's gone, but so happy that she has done this for herself while she's young. This way she won't have any regrets! Are you close to her? Great~ Yes, rents = parents. At first I didn't understand what DH, DS, etc. was. But I got it too! Sharon~ I love this book! I thought that it was you that recommended it, but i wasn't positive. I cannot wait to discuss it with others who have read it. It's so different and intriguing! Laura~ Glad everyone is feeling better and that you and DH can spend some time together since he's not on call. Nice. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Let us know what you think about your fill situation. I know I cannot wait to get mine! Today I ate an entire hamburger patty and a tomato all at one sitting. Far too much, but at least it wasn't junk right? Julie~ Sorry to hear about MIMI. Geez, that is terrible! Poor little thing. I hope that she gets well soon. Glad that you and DH got out for awhile though. I cannot wait to see Julie and Julia, however, I don't go to the movie theatre, so I will have to wait until it comes out on film. Ok, thats all for now. Enjoy your Labor Day everyone! TTYL~ Meredith

Hello Lovelies! Sorry I haven't been writing as much as I should. I've been obsessing about school starting and with work...whew! I have worked so much the last few days! It's a good thing though. Making money is never bad. It does cramp my social style though! LOL. Today was absolutely gorgeous and my best friend and her husband took Andrew with them out on her in-laws boat. Gosh! It would have been so nice to go, but I think that we might go tomorrow also, so thats great! No other plans this weekend though. Just laundry and cleaning. My rents are having both of my grammys over for a bbq on Monday. So I am looking forward to that also. Laura~ I too feel like I'm stuck. The scale has not been the nicest to me by not moving. Also, I can eat way more than I am supposed to. So, I try to eat mostly lettuce or veggies once I am done with my protein. I do need to exercise more, but after such a long day at work it is difficult to find the motivation. However, I do start a weight lifting sculpt and tone class at school 2x per week. It's Mondays and Wednesdays. I guess this instructor also likes people from her classes to go to her other cardio classes too! Free of charge! So, thats even better! It does not hurt to have this class count for 2 credits either. At least I know I will have to work out twice a week now. Hopefully that will kick my butt into gear. Also, I get my next fill at the end of the month. Whew! Also, who was it that was talking about the shack? I got it on itunes for my ipod the other day so that I can listen to it at nighttime with out bothering Andrew in the bed next to me. I have been listening to about a chapter per night. It's pretty good so far. Different, but good. I didn't realize it, but my mom read it too. She said that she liked it also. Anyhow, I'm only on chapter 6 or so, so I have a lot more to go. Thanks for the recommendation! Have we decided anything more on our vacation/meeting? I was just telling my aunt about it today and she was asking where we decided to go, but I wasn't really sure. Should we decide soon? Perhaps we should get a feeling on exactly when (Pres. day weekend?), where, who has decided to go for sure, and how much each of us are willing to spend on accomadations. Ok, well, I just want to get some planning out of the way because I need to decide when I am going to California to visit my sister. Sheesh, I wouldn't even mind to just travel for the whole month of February! Not that I have the funds to do this, but a girl can dream, right? Ok, well I am sitting here with a very sunburned boyfriend waiting to watch our Saturday late night movie. Since I come home from work and take naps on Saturday afternoons, I am always up so late. Oh well, I like it. I feel like a teenager when I stay up late on the weekends! Fun. Alright, goodnight. I will check in tomorrow. It looks like everyone is still doing really well. Love ya! ~Meredith

Doodle~ Eli is soooo cute! He looks like such a happy little boy! When I was in high school, I met my best friend Andre. He was the only black kid in our high school, and let me tell you, until this day we are still best buddies! I just love him! Oh, and, the other day, I went to visit my "sister" Neakia in the hospital. She is also black, and she was introducing me to all of the nurses and stuff. She always tells people that I am her sister. You should see the looks on their faces! When they leave the room, we laugh so hard! I do though feel as though she is really my sister. Who cares what color someones skin is? Geez, you would think that people would have realized by now?! Detroit and it's suburbs are the MOST segregated of any region in the US. It's so sad. You would think that living one mile away from Detroit people would realize that everyone is the same on the inside? Guess not. Linda~ Girl, you look just awesome! So pretty! I love the curly hair too. Laura~ I used to love show and tell day at school. I laughed at the hermit crabs! I think that I harassed my mom for months about getting me some! Who know whatever happened to them? Your little Nelson is just such a dear. What a great kid! Rose~ So sorry to hear about your double whammy of bad luck with your mom and your MIL at the same time. Stay strong. Also, you look great! So beautiful! I love that lipstick too! Apples~ Good luck to your "Mom". I will be thinking about her and her success with her surgery. You are so sweet to make all of that food for the fam. So thoughtful of you. Have a nice weekend at the lake house. Enjoy. You deserve it! Oh, and the melon..... LOVE IT! Sorry the canteloupe got stuck though. I was really surprised that melon got stuck. Janet~ You are the best! Let me tell you, that girl will just remember you and love you forever and ever. What an amazing thing you are doing for her. Wow! And, as for your DGS, 18 is when I was at my sassiest! I think my mom did slap me a few good times! Also, tell Phyl hello for me! I hope she gets back soon! Great~ How's the wedding planning going? Glad you have a date for your knee. Lots of people say that not living in pain anymore is worth it after the initial pain of the surgery. Mrs. B~ Whew! Glad you are sleeping better now! I NEED my sleep! If not, I am a total "B word". If~ CONGRATS!!!!!!!! You must feel great!!!! Ok, sorry if I missed anyone. It wasn't intentional. Start classes again tomorrow. EEK! Time for bed. Love you all! ~Meredith

Hello Ladies~ Sorry it's been awhile since I've posted, but I've been taking a little break from the comp since I was supposed to be up north anyways. I've been reading though and have caught up on everyones posts. Looks like all is going pretty well for all of you. I will comment on posts later. Just wanted to update on a few things. Lost a few more pounds, which is great! Andrew bought me an iPod for my birthday so I loaded it with music and bought an armband for it and walked and ( I cannot believe this!) JOGGED!!!!! It felt great to get out there today in the nice fresh air and move my body in a way that it hasn't moved in years! Oh man! I cannot wait to start running again! I've been keeping the calories low, and I am so happy with everything so far. I do know though that I need another fill. I can just fit too much in there. It's not like I'm cramming food into the pouch, I just stop when I'm full. Have a LB support group meeting tomorrow. I always love going to those! Oh, the pics that all of you have posted are amazing! I love them! Andrew and I went to a wedding on Saturday night (my birthday night) so I've decided to post a pic of us at the wedding to commemerate the first time that I have worn a dress in years! No spanx either! More tomorrow! Love all of you! Counting the days until our vacay in Feb! ~Meredith

Hello ladies! I know, I'm supposed to be up north, but I woke up today and decided that I have far too much to do here at home and really just do not feel like going anymore since I start back to school on Thursday. I kinda just want to lay around and relax since I know that I won't be able to again until Christmas time. It will feel much better staying home and not working until Thursday anyhow. Going to the cabin is far too much work for it to be relaxing. Laura~ WTG on the eating! You have every right to be proud of yourself! I am proud of you too! Oh, btw, when I say "up north" I mean, up north Michigan. I guess when we say "up north" here, we stay close to home. We have a cabin about 3 hours away. I would love to go to New England some day though! Haven't been there since I was about 12. More later, gonna take a nap. It is so cool here! About 65. It seems like everyone has already begun their hibernation! Oh, and thank you to all for the birthday wishes! ~Meredith

Hello ladies, and thank you for all of the birthday wishes! We are going to a wedding on my birthday night, and I will have a piece of cake there. Hey, it only comes around once a year, right?! I took the day off of work, but have one of my best buds come over for me to do her hair for the wedding, then I will work on getting myself ready. She is such a great gal, shes the one who took me to get my mani pedi today. Anyhow, I just wanted to let you all know (like apples has to do now) that I will be up north until Wednesday night. I know how all of you worry. I will post at more length when I get home, but I need to swiffer the floor now before Andrew and I watch our late night movie. BTW, I must add how sweet he is..... He went to the movie store all by himself tonight while I was taking a nap and picked out a movie for me all by his self. Guess what he picked without me telling him I even wanted to see it? Bride Wars! What a great guy! Love him. Ok, g2g, love you all, I read everything, but I was too late checking in to post on all. ~Meredith

All is good today on the home front. Actually it was when i went to bed last night. Our arguements tend to never last very long. Which is a good thing. Worked loooonnnggg hours today at work. Before my band I would've been complaining so much about how badly my feet hurt right now, but they DO NOT hurt at all!!!!! 10 hours straight on my feet and no pain! I am pleased. I did pretty well on my calories today. Breakfast- Boost high protein 240 cal 15 prot. Lunch- Boost High Protein 240 cal 15 prot., Snack- 2 low fat string cheese 100 cal. 12 prot. for both Dinner- Lean Cusine 270 cal. 20 prot. TOTAL= 850 calories and 62 grams protein I feel like I'm back on track. GOOD! Have to take a shower and go to bed. Long day tomorrow also because I took Saturday off because it's my birthday and we have a wedding to go to. Laura~ You are so funny! I love how you add what the tone and volume of your voice would be! I think we are doing great! You have lost soooo much! You're the best, and that little Nelson makes me smile. What a blessing to your lives he is. I was just talking to a client today about how everything happens for a reason. Oh, and those two pounds that I dropped were like overnight. So strange how our bodies do that. Whatever it is that it's doing, I like it! Linda~ OMW. I am so sorry about your friend. So sad. She is in a better place and I am just glad that she no longer has to suffer. May she rest in peace. I have been journaling all of my food since I've begun this journey with the exception of about 7 days here and there. It really does help to keep me accountable of every single bite that i put into my mouth. BTW, congrats again on being "overweight"!!! Julie~ Glad to hear that you are on the mend. Keep it up. Great~ Those damn fritos will get ya every time! I used to love them when I was in high school and could eat like a horse. I would dip them into sour cream and onion dip. Mmmm. Apples~ I am glad that you are so strong. You really were given some lemons and made lemonade! I admire you so much. If~ Good thing you have some restriction now. I have a little, but not enough to where I need to be. Oct~ Cool plant! I am not a desert dweller, so I was not familiar with that plant at all. I don't really want to have my own children. I've never been into having kids. I don't think that it's for everyone, but, don't get me wrong, i love children and cannot wait for all of my friends to start giving birth! 2 of my besties are due within the next few months and I could not be more excited!!!! I just want to be the fun aunt that sleeps in a tent with them in the back yard and gets them all sugared up and back to the parents they go! Everyone tells me that I might change my mind, but I honestly don't think that I will. I'm just glad that I know that maybe I'm not cut out to be a mom. I see so many people that have kids that absolutely should NOT. Ok, time to get moving in the bedroom direction. Check back tomorrow after work and my birthday mani pedi. Love, Meredith

Good evening everyone. You have all been so busy!!!! It's late now, as usual, and I had a pretty long day. I just got into a huge fight with Andrew because I asked him a simple question about his mom telling me that someone once tried to drown her when she was little. All I asked was who tried to drown her? I understand that yes, it is something terrible, but she brought it up to me. Touchy subject. Then he tried to make me feel bad and hurt my feelings by asking about some sad things that happened in my life. I thought that was pretty shitty of him. Some people tend to do that to defend themselves though I guess. So now, my blood is boiling. Whatever, I will just let it roll of my back. Ok, I totally sound like Debbie Downer here. Sorry. Laura~ That little man is sooo cute!!!! Those curls are amazing! I wish I had them now. Thank goodness your dad is out of the hospital. Here's to a speedy recovery! Cheers! Apples~ I think that it is great that you are so open and honest about things. I think it makes people stronger and better able to cope with what has happened in their lives. Also, so glad you got your hair done! It is the best feeling when you get a fresh color and cut. Usually we are so busy at the salon that I never have time to get them both done at the same time. Boy, I want my hair done now! Janet~ Hopefully your days will be better now that you got that crappy one out of the way! Great~ LOL. Too funny asking if im single!! Love it. I guess I just kinda went through some stuff at a young age before everyone else my age did, and now I know the direction in which I need to be going. And, I am totally intent on getting there! No one will ever stand in my way! Right now, Andrew probably wouldn't care if I got another boyfriend anyways. HAHA. Linda~ So funny about technology! I just have a cell phone and no house phone. My favorite button is the "ignore" one. But I'm not gonna lie, I've been known to spend hours on it with my besties. My television is the one that my grandma and grandpa bought for me when I left for college almost 10 years ago. It has a VCR built into it that I still use. None of my friends get it because all of them have very fancy tv's that rewind and pause and stuff. They are nice, but only for their compact nature. The only program that I have ever taped is the Bachelorette. I don't know why, but I got addicted. Otherwise, I don't care. I wish sometimes that I was more like Laura with all of her technology! Now that is impressive! I just cannot get into it. Julie~ Take it easy girlfriend!!! Hope you feel better. Oct~ I'm glad that there is someone on here that had their band around the same time as me. It kinda helps me gauge where I should be and how I should be feeling. Tonite I had my first real meal since my fill. Breakfast- protein drink, Lunch- Oatmeal, Dinner- Tofu and steamed veggies. I took it easy, but do not think that I have the amount of restriction necessary for me. I did notice today though as I was drinking my iced tea that if i drink it quickly I get an uncomfortable pukey full feeling that I do not like at all. Does anyone else feel like this ever? 1day~ Thank you. I look to my grandmother as an excellent example of how to handle finances. She is 90 years old and has never had a credit card. She paid for her car when it was new with a personal check! Save, save, save! She and my grandfather worked so hard to have a nice, simple life. I love their example. Just amazing people really. I do have credit though from the macys charge and gym memberships that i have paid off. Stuff like that. I guess that I would rather have minimal credit than screw myself over like I know I would if I got a credit card now. Student loans will be enough debt for me once I start the PA program! EEK. Well, I'm gonna get in the shower and hit the hay. I'm sad my sister left today, but I am so proud of her! I'm too pooped to participate. I feel like I'm missing a lot. Sorry. I had to give the condensed version of a post because I am sleepy and all of you have written so much! More tomorrow. Love, Meredith

Hello all. Geez, sorry about all of your bad days today. That stinks! Why does it all happen at the same time? Annoying. Well, it's really late for me. I just cannot sleep lately since I too am a worry wart. I am just so sad/upset/nervous about my little sister moving so far away. We are so close, this is gonna be hard, but I am so proud of her. Linda~ I despise cell phones and pretty much most technology. I turn my phone off whenever I go up north or on vacations. I figure if there is an emergency and someone needs to get a hold of me they will find me! I think that I am probably the only human on earth that doesn't have cable television. I don't even want it! Also, I don't have a major credit card. Strange I know, cash only. However, I do have credit cards to Macy's, Lane Bryant, and Best Buy, but I NEVER use them! Apparently I don't belong in my generation! LOL. I am more like my grandma and she is 90! Laura~ Continuing to pray for dad and the fam. I don't care where we get a place, just as long as everyone can make it. Hell, I would tent it if I had to! Janet~ Hugs on your rotten day. Tomorrow is a new one at least! Eva~ I hear ya girlfriend on the not being very good at will power for extended periods of time! Ick. I think that I am going to be in the same boat with you for the next 4 weeks! Julie~ You poor dear. It seems like you just cannot get a break! Hope that everything is ok. If~ Good luck on your first day back to school. I know my mom always despises going back after such a relaxing summer. Heck, I take that back, she is such an exercise fanatic that I think that she relaxes her body more when she is in school than when she's not! Apples~ I just lover your enthusiasm! We are going to have the best time ever! Yay!!!! Great~ Be proud girl! It is GREAT to be thin and you should be yelling it from the rooftops! WTG on being asked to speak about your weight loss. That is awesome! Ok, I'm going to try to get to sleep. Finally. Sorry this was on the shorter side. More tomorrow. Night, Meredith

Hello all! Wow, what a chicken I was being about getting a fill! I got 3 cc's put in, and now I am on liquids for 2 days. It was a cinch! No problem what-so-ever. I hope everyone elses fills go just as well this week. Laura~ Just for the record, I'm in for sure. Add me to the list! Ok, just relaxing now. We just got home from dinner (soup for me!) with my sister and a bunch of friends. My one and only baby sister is leaving on wednesday to move all the way to huntington beach, cali! I'm sad, but excited for her. Hopefully all of you on the east coast can keep track of her for me! CBL~ Meredith

Hello everyone. I don't think that I posted yesterday, but I read everyones posts. I think we get busier and busier on here everyday! It's so wonderful. We celebrated Andrews 30th birthday yesterday. I was nice. Dinner with his mother, sister and nephew, then to my parents house for ice cream cake. My stomach sometimes gets upset when I eat ice cream, and haven't had any since LB surgery, so I didn't chance it. Instead I had 3 small bites of the cake part and thats all. I was happy with myself for practicing some self control. However, I am not very happy with myself today. This is the first time I have felt guilty about eating since surgery and before that, the infamous olive incident! I started my day waking up late and not having time for breakfast, so I grabbed a tablespoon and scooped out some all natural peanut butter and took it in the car with me. We definately need to go to the grocery store! This was my fault because I was unprepared and it set the tone for the rest of the day. I didn't eat all day at work except for 1 bite of a coworkers tuna pasta salad. When I got home I was ravenous. I had a 300 calorie healthy choice meal and took a nap. A while after waking up, Andrew went across the street to pick up our dinner. I got a ceasar salad with grilled chicken on top. Which would be fine, EXCEPT...... I forgot to tell them no croutons and no garlic bread (one toast sized piece comes with it). He got home and I ate all of it!!!!! I made my calorie allotment for the dressing and everything else except for the garlic toast and croutons. I am disgusted with myself but starting to get over it. I'm sorry, I just had to vent. I have zero to minimal restriction and I am going to get my fill on Monday, so I guess after that I wont be able to fit all of this food. Ok, sorry again, I just feel so guilty. Ick. I hate this feeling. Linda~ So glad you are home safe and sound! How great for you to be able to surprise your sister like that!!! IDK how you kept your secret for that long from her? I don't think I would ever be able to keep it for that long! You are doing great on your weight loss! WTG! Also, thank you for all of your kind words. I try to do what I can, but its tough. At least now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now! I am just amazed everyday at all of the people I go to school with. So many of them work full time, have children and a husband and go to school! A week from Sunday I am going up north for four days with Andrew and then on the third, its back to the daily grind! Laura~ Hopefully everything can get figured out with your dad. I am still praying for him and your entire fam. Hang in there. And.... i think that you are doing sooo well with your weight loss! I'm sure you just read about my issues. Also, wtg on the gym!!!! It takes so much some days to just get there. I give you so much credit. It has got to be so difficult with everything that is going on to be able to get the motivation. Especially when your partner in crime Nelson does not want to go! I really am excited for Feb! So fun! Nels will do great with his daddy. It will be good for the both of them to have a boys weekend! Julie~ Congrats again on everything you have accomplished in your year since banding! WTG on the food choices for the party. Cucs sound so good. Mmmmm. I love vinegar, a little splenda, thinly sliced peeled cucs, and onion. I may have said that before. I can never remember and get too lazy to look back. Janet~ Girl, I don't know how all of you do it in the desert?! Oh, and when Laura said that she couldn't remember if it was one s or two in desert i laughed. The other day I was stressed out and I posted my update on Facebook that I was stressed. My mom then commented by saying "Just remember that stressed is desserts spelled backwards!" Thanks mom! Right? LOL. Oh, and everyone....add me on facebook if you want. My name is Meredith Angell in Detroit. I think that there is another Meredith Angell but she is in Indiana or something. Doodle~ Still thinking about you and your DD. She will get home and hopefully have everything turned around for her. I totally understand about the mj thing. But, here in Detroit, meth is not very prevalent. The big thing around here is crack cocaine and heroin. But, in the urban areas further north I think there is a huge meth problem. It grabs such a hold of people from the very first time they use. It is unbelievable to me that it is so powerful. Scary really. Hang in there. I have faith that she will have changed her ways permanently if not just for her, but for your grandchild as well. Hugs. Newbies~ This is a great site. I love it and don't know what I would do without it. Each of these women have helped me and inspired me on some of the most difficult days of my life during this journey. I love them so very much. Good luck! Ok, it's late. I am only awake still because of the nap! Andrew fell asleep on the couch hours ago. Good night, Meredith

Hello All~ Boy you have been soooo busy on here! Right off the bat, I'm going to let you know right now that I am in for FLA in Feb!!!!!!!! SOOOO excited! Let me know what I can do to help plan! WooooHooooo! Julie~ I have NEVER been on a plane by myself ever before either. So this will be new for me also. I am always nervous about flying, however this is way too important to me to miss. You must come! Please! I'm a nervous nelly, so if I can do it, you can for sure do it! Laura~ Good news for daddy-o! Awesome. It sounds like he is starting to get back into the swing of things. I cannot wait for Florida! I was planning on going to FLA in Feb sometime anyways! What do you think would be best? House probably, right? Especially with our own pool. Oh man, by that time we will be looking real good girlfriend! I think its good that we are about the same weight. It keeps us accountable to one another at least....well kinda, you know what I mean (i hope). Just keeps us on track. I'm going to weigh myself after I post. Janet~ You totally rock! So impressive of you to do the CPR on that poor little baby. Glad they all made it. Apples~ Really, you are hilarious! Like Great I too was almost peeing myself! Enjoy your time at the lake. Cannot wait for Florida! Obviously, I am as excited as you are. I feel like I already know all of you. This is going to be so fun! I don't wake up at 4 or 5 though. 8 is early enough for me. As you can see, I'm kind of a night owl. Great~ I've always wanted to go to Israel too. Andrews (the BF) nephews father is from Israel and he just moved back there a few years ago. You will have a wonderful time, but wish that you could come to Folorida too! If~ Congrats on the 1/2 way point!!!!:confused: What a fabulous feeling that has got to be! Ok everyone, I got all of my school work done for the semester! YAY! So happy about that. Took my philosophy final yesterday and then went to this crazy vintage/rocker style store in downtown Detroit (where I go to Wayne State University) and bought myself an end of the semester present! I got a turtle shaped poison ring (you know, the kind that opens on a hinge). I am obsessed with turtles! I then went to visit my very very good friend at the hospital. She lost 337 pounds with help from bypass surgery and got her legs lifted on Monday. Well, she looked great when i went to see her and I left there around 8pm. At 11 she called me sobbing telling me that her hemoglobin was down to 5.2 and that she needed a blood transfusion! I went back to the hosp because I didn't want her to be alone. Poor thing! I didn't get home until 2 am. They gave her 7 units of blood and still no change in her hemoglobin. Please pray for her. Went to work today and didn't get home until late. Ate oatmeal this morning and salad with grilled chicken tonite for dinner. So good. But, the best news of all is that I got registered for all of my classes for the fall! I will get two of my prerequsites done for the PA program too. But, the best news is I got into a Weight training scuplt and tone class on Mondays and Wednesdays!!!! Yay! I LOVE lifting weights!!!! It has been so long though. In high school I would lift with the boys and could lift my own body weight which was 155 pounds! Legs 585. Hopefully I can get there again! What a great jump start I will have on my fitness. It's like two days of group/personal training per week while getting credits for graduation. Talk about killing 2 birds with one stone! Ok, I was really excited about that one! I didn't think that I was going to be able to get into it because it was full, but I e-mailed the teacher the other day and ask if she would give special permission to let me in? She e-mailed back today and said "yes", so I'm just thrilled. Anyways, I had so much to catch up on! It took me awhile to read 3 1/2 pages! I'm going to go to bed soon. I just turned mid-night a few minutes ago, so I woke Andrew up by singing Happy Birthday to him. 30 today! He is not excited, but I am! I got him a laptop! He's going back to school in the fall for his masters program, so this will be great for him. Plus, he's always fiddling around with mine! Ok, apparently I REALLY like the sound of my own voice! Sorry, it's been a few days. Ok, night all. Love, Meredith

Taking another break..... Laura~ Sorry your dad is having such a difficult time! Gosh. However, I'm glad that you had such a wonderful time with your company. I think that when people see that you are watching what you eat, they are more inclined to watch what they eat when they are around you. I've noticed that people at work do it all the time now. I walked into the kitchen at the salon the other day and another stylist (who is probably 100 lbs overweight but doesn't act like she knows she is) and she was eating a donut. Well as soon as she saw me she threw it in the garbage! So strange. Like we are the new food police or something. Kind of entertaining. When I had surgery, so many people that had also had surgery told me that all of the sudden everyone around me would start a diet. Some have. Everyone~ Well, I've dropped 3.7 pounds! I was so worried about being stuck at -38 for that week. I should have listened to all of you girls! You knew exactly what you were talking about! Awesome. Thanks for your support. Once again, I don't know what I would do without this thread. Now, I'm getting nervous about my fill. I know that my doctor doesn't numb before he fills. I think thats mean. Also, that same night (monday) he is giving his seminar at the hospital. They always want someone that is semi-new to come and answer questions for the people who are deciding whether or not they want the surgery. I kinda want to go and tell everyone how happy I am that I got the band, but I think that it's still too early in the weight loss? Ok, back to late night studying! Then after tomorrow I don't have any classes until September 3rd. We are on the semester schedule. Classes go all the way up until December 22nd! Eek! Hope everyone has a great Wednesday! Love, Meredith

Girls~ You are so funny about your cookies! Since I've been banded I've only made healthy things. But, I am the one that makes all of the cookies for Christmas since my grandma became ill and can no longer bake. So now, thats my job. Last year by the time I was done baking I didn't even want any more! Ok, just wanted to check in. TTYL~ Meredith

Eva~ Thank you so very much. Totally stressed right now and just finished a paper. I cannot believe that I'm still awake! Anyhow, we are in the same boat. I get my fill on Monday and I am really hoping that it will go well. I am also finding that food slips down much too easily and then I am hungry a short amount of time later. I have been eating about 4-5 ounces of chicken or fish and then salad. Lots and lots of salad. I figure that that is the least harmful thing that I could be eating. I also have been making sure that the dressings are low in calories and fat. I love the Balsamic Breeze Wishbone spritzer. Anyhow, i cannot wait until I can feel that restriction! I'm feeling not very good about my not losing weight in almost a week, so I think that tomorrow I am going to do all liquids and perhaps some cottage cheese. I'm really going to take the time to measure things and use my newly discovered will power to only eat small amounts and stay under 800 calories. Ok, way past my bedtime! Meredith

Hey girls. Nothing new to report today really. Same old. Doodle~ Thank you so much! Keep praying gf! A paper due tomorrow and a final on Wednesday and then I'm done for two weeks! Cannot wait for graduation in December. It is sure hard to go to school full-time and work full-time! Laura~ That menu sounds good for an afternoon! Enjoy your visit. Hope your dad is doing better every day. Janet~ I think that you started the car curse this week! I hope to God that I don't encounter any problems with mine. I have the worst luck with cars. Apples~ Glad you had a great time. Sorry that your band is so tight. That stinks because you don't need to lose now, you need to gain! Charlene~ I just thought it was so cool that my buddy has already walked 1800+ miles. I really want to do it one day, but I doubt that I will find 5-6 months of my time to do it in. I asked him if he would ever do it again if I wanted to do it one day? He said "probably not". If~ Hopefully your next fill will help. I go and get my first fill on Monday. Kinda nervous, but I need this bad boy filled so bad! I can fit way more than I should be able to right now, and I'm stuck at -38. I'm happy with that for now until I get filled. Looks like you are well on your way! Congrats! Julie~ Hope you are getting better and better every day. Sounds like you are doing great! WTG! Great~ Geez louise! Your poor DH! Did I miss this when it happened? Hopefully everything will go smoothly for him. Glad the dietitian could give you some additional support as to what you have been doing so well all along. That cushion will probably feel good. I'm so happy for you! Kath~ Glad you're back. Hope everything continues to go well for you also. You and doodle have been through so much with your DD. Hang in there. Ok all, time to finish this paper! Late enough?! Looks like another late night. For some reason I do my best work in the wee hours of the morning. Weird I know! TTYL, good night~ Meredith

Hello all. I've been keeping up with all of your posts of the weekend, but I've been super busy. Yesterday I worked all day getting a friend of mine ready for her wedding as well as all of her bridesmaids. Two of my co-workers and I did the hair and makeup for all of them. It was really fun, but extremely exhausting since we had to go to the wedding in the evening too. So, today I'm completely pooped. Another wedding at the same place in 2 weekends! This summer has been packed full of weddings. It's fun, but ends up being so expensive for us. Anyhow, enough about me! Laura~ Great new about your dad! Sometimes you can tell a lot about how someone is doing by just looking at them! I'm glad you saw such a change in him from last week to this one. Hope his health continues to improve! I too cannot believe those portions! Holy moley! Janet~ GF, I get it. Except the sweets are not my drug of choice. I would rather have meat, cheese, and bread. But, nevertheless, it's all the same food addiction. Props on throwing that away. 1800 is not bad at all considering that you are at maintence and exercising so much. Afterall, no one is perfect, right? Julie~ Hopefully you are feeling better and better everyday. It sounds like you and the DH are getting around and going out and having fun! Hope you had a good time at the 50th party! Doodle and Kath~ I continue to pray for the recovery of your DD's. Hang in there! Oh, btw, I don't know if I mentioned this to all of you, but my friends are doing the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail) hike. I just talked to him today (Tom) and he got the package that I sent him to Crater Lake, OR. Anyhow, I encourage you to check out their website at JerryPaulTom.com It is soo cool to see the progress that they have made since they started this journey. 1,800 miles to hike in a few months is a tremendous feat and I am so proud of him. They will finish in about a month. I am so proud. Ok, more later. I have to get cracking on this paper that I have to write. BOOOOOO!!!!! Philosophy is the worst. Cannot wait until after the final on Monday! Finally a break. Well, at least for a few weeks. TTYL~ Meredith

Hey hey girlfriends! Just wanted to check in and say "hello" and let all of you know that I have been reading. However, I have been so busy putting together a 450+ page portfolio for my Internship final report. I also have to write a paper tonight, so this is going to be quick. Sorry. I don't have time to comment on everyones posts, I usually try to, but not tonight. I just wanted to let you all know that I made the Hungry Girl version of crab cakes tonight. Delicious! Only 117 calories each! They are soooo good and Andrew loved them! If you want the recipe, I have it. Let me know. They are kinda a lot of work though. Who cares? They are so worth it. Trust me. Laura~ I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you and your Dad and praying everyday that he will get better. Hugs. Ok, gotta get to work! I'm such a procrastinator! It's already 12:20, here goes an all nighter! Thank goodness I took the day off of work tomorrow. ~Meredith

Hello all. Just quickly wanted to stop by and say 'hello' and see whats going on. Today was my last day at the barn . I had a great time with all of the horses, patients and volunteers. I'm going to go back in January I think just to volunteer. It is really rewarding. Julie~ I didn't even remember to get any pics of me with the horses! Dingbat me! Hopefully in January I will have lost enough weight to ride again. Can't wait for that! Laura~ What exercises did you start out with? I just need to do it and not make any excuses. So little extra time, but I just need to make time! Glad that they figured out what is going on with Dad (well, kinda). Hopefully he will be on his way to getting better. I know that your mom will really appreciate that and you might feel better after you go back with your DH to see him again. Tough times. Hugs. 1Day~ Ok, I just decided now that I am going to wait until the school summer semester is over next wednesday and start to exercise then when I have a set schedule. Right now is finals time and it is the worst! You're right though, we WILL do this! Phyll~ You're the best with all of your positive reinforcement and great attitude! Stajin~ Well, this is not easy. I will tell you that much. It is at times frustrating and you do get discouraged, but to me, so far, it has been completely worth it! I just got banded June 26th and I am so happy that I did. Before I even went in for surgery, I made a promise to myself that I was going to completely change my old habits. AND.... I HAVE! No junk, no cheating, everything that goes in my mouth get written down. With the right mind set, you will do just fine. Also, I don't know what I would do with out all of these wonderful ladies on here! Without them I would have been completely lost and nervous some days. Ok, well thats about all for now. Let me tell you, I cannot wait until this fill!!!! Thank God I am not putting any junk into my mouth though. All lean protein, low fat, no breads, pastas or anything. NO JUNK AT ALL! So as long as I can keep it up, I should be doing just fine after this fill! YAY! Ok, apparently I like the sound of my own voice.... Goodnite~ Meredith

Good evening everyone. It's late, again. I have gotten some work done, but not enough. I have still been living on "my salad" and crushed lentil soup, along with some other basics like my boost for breakfast. I went to hungrygirl.com and got a recipe for crab cakes so I think I am going to make those sometime this weekend. Janet~ Boy oh boy, do I admire your determination and your exercise regimen. I too am having a tough time getting it in. I'm always so busy during the day time and then finally when I'm done with all of my "stuff" it is LATE! I know that this is not a very good excuse, but I am tired! Hopefully when classes are over for the summer I can get my butt in gear. Laura~ So glad you and Nels are home. I love that picture. I know how you feel about just getting home and collapsing. My dad has been sick for most of my life, so I really understand how you feel. It is so hard to watch someone that you love so much go through all of these hard times with their health. I only hope that he can get better and recover. You are so sweet to offer your kidney. I would do the same for my dad. The bond between a father and daughter is just unexplainable. I will continue to pray for him and for your mother, as well as you and the rest of your family. Hang in there and keep us updated. Oh, and thank goodness I dropped those pounds! I was starting to get ticked! Being in bandster hell is not fun! Cannot wait until my fill! Julie~ Sorry to hear that you had troubles sleeping. That stinks. There is nothing that I want to do more when I don't feel well. 1 Day~ GF, I am stuck in that same funk! I cannot stand it and I am frustrated. We just need to force ourselves. I am still kicking myself for letting his happen to me (getting fat). I have totally ruined my body. In fact, I am going to the Dermatologist so he can help me with all of these stretch marks and my new scars. My skin is so fair that I just have to do this. We will get there, it's just getting there is tough. Phyl~ Hey girl. Hope you are doing well! Anything new and exciting? Great~ Glad to see you home from bear country! I like camping, but would much rather like to be in a hotel also. That is unless I am at my cottage up north. To me there is nothing like being up north in Michigan. I just love it! Bears and all! Doodle~ Geez! That is a ton of canning! I am not good in that department at all. I tried it once in high school with my ex-boyfriends mother. Not my forte, but totally wish it was! My grandma always makes strawberry jam and it is soooo good! Perhaps I will have to learn from her, but I don't think that she likes to do it much anymore. I'll find someone around here to teach me, and if not, there is always YouTube! Thats where I learned how to knit! Charlene~ Glad your band is working a lot better for you now! That is great news! As for the cake, you are right, that is a good thing. I told myself that I wouldn't have cake until my birthday on the 29th of this month. However, last night at dinner I did have one bite of Tiramisu. Thank goodness it was only one! Well, I have to get back to work. Deadlines! I have to get up early for work at the barn also. Supposed to be HOT! I feel so bad for the horses when it is so hot, so we give them a rinse off with the hose, and it is so fun! At least that is something for both the horses and myself to look forward to after a long day. Will check in tomorrow. Goodnight everyone! ~Meredith P.S. I've attached (i hope) a photo of my sister showing her patient and her mother how to begin giving the horse a bath. Isn't she a little peanut? Also, a pic of my sis and the horse after the bath.

Hello everyone! I haven't been on the computer in over two days! It kinda felt good, but I have been so busy this weekend and I missed reading about what all of you have been up to. I'm down a few pounds though, so thats good. I read everything that everyone posted, but it is just so much to keep track of, and it is getting super late here. Almost 2 am! I will post more tomorrow. It seems like I have so much to do in such a short amount of time. Deadlines for a procrastinator are the worst, but its the only way things will get done here! Ok, I'll CB tomorrow. Way past my bedtime. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. XO~ Meredith