wantshealth

Heather - way to go girl! I am sorry that people gave you a bad time, but like you said it was a good lesson learned. I am excited for you for your challenge. Please fill us in each day on what you have to do. Walking with the ducks is good. CoCo - you sound like you are doin' great. Walking really really help. It must be nice to have your Mom there too. My husband has been great and my sister that lives up north - checking on me and being encouraging. My other sister from New Mexico just arrived on Wed. and another sister from New York is coming next week. It is nice to be the center of attention (see Candra - I'm practicing that ITS ALL ABOUT ME!) Mo - thanks for the shout out. I'm proud of you that with all the stress you have hung in and as you always say, tomorrow is a new day! I am having a tired day. I walked 10,888 steps yesterday, so I guess that is why I feel more tired today. I also ate a smaller amount since my chest was so tight/hurt for so long last night. I had 1/4 c LF cottage cheese for breakfast and plan to have egg salad for lunch in a little bit - als 1/4 c. Lee and John -its getting closer- thinking good thoughts for both of you! OK so Jes and Nicolie have said March 20th for the wetlands and lunch in Petaluma work - so lets hear from whoever else is in.

Hey Candra - I love it - ITS ALL ABOUT ME! BTW- I love my band too - I felt it tonight big time. I only ate 1/3 c of pureed chicken with gravy and it was too much - my chest got tight and still is. I also was not hungry today with eating the softer proteins. So glad as I was gettin worried that I wasn't gonna be able to keep going with being hungry so much.

Tamra - you are doin great - you rock with getting back on track - good job on more protein. Dinner sounds Yummy. I am so excited - I started Stage III pureed today - had egg salad for breakfast (~1/4 c) and tuna salad for lunch (~1/2 c). It made such a big difference - I wasn't hungry like I have been with the soup. I am going to try pureed chicken and gravy tonight - so we'll see. CoCo - so glad today was better. My first shower afterwards was heaven! Tomorrow will be even better. Lee - glad you are getting better. MoM is vile stuff! It took 6 hrs for it to work on me, but all the time before it worked everything was rumbling and feeling funny. I worked from home all day that day. Once it started working I really needed to be near the facilitites! I'm not sure how long your stage II is for the sleeve, but you might be sick of soup by the time you get to the end of it. I can't tell you how happy I am to be on Stage III. Candra - you made me laugh with your comment. I know I am a work-aholic, but I really feel the pressure being the only one working to take care of a family/get the kids through college. Its actually a big step for me to ask for the limit on hours and it will be a big step for me to follow through on it. As you know it is hard to break our bad habits/addictions! So Candra, Jes, Tamra, Riley, Heather and anyone else that wants to trek to the chicken capital of the world, Petaluma- Lets set the date in March for our wetlands walk and lunch. 3/20, 3/21, 3/27, 3/28?

Heather - I hear you! Everyone likes to come to the party but usually there are only 1 or 2 who actually want to do anything to help! Hang in - don't sample!!! So glad you are up for the drive - the new trails are really nice and now that the hills are all green it is beautiful over there.

Tamra - it sounds like you are doing better getting some protein - the pork roast sounded yummy. Good learning about going out to dinner. I am going out to lunch tomorrow - hoping to be able to get a small dish of tuna salad (hopefully with nothing but mayo in it). Yea! on the new jeans!!! Itsn't it cool! I just brought all my 20s and 18s to Reggie's on Sat. and got rid of almost everything. I am comfortably in my 16s. I'm down 10.4 lbs in 2 weeks. I'm so excited to be able to eat some egg salad tomorrow morning! CoCo - good to see you checking in - yes, like Jes says, walk walk walk - it really helps. You probably won't start feeling hungry until Fri or Sat - that when it hit me. Maria - I am so sorry you didn't get the job - it just means there is something better out there for you. Emotional eating is so hard - Riley and I are taking a class at Kaiser on this and there is so much that comes into play. Sorry you felt sick but you really caught yourself. As Mo says - tomorrow is a new day. Mo - sorry your little one is so sick - don't forget to take care of you too. You've done great on your total weight loss. Analynn - I am so glad you are back. Tamra almost quit and we talked her into sticking with us and she ended getting banded first in 2010! You are really close and it is worth the hard work. It is go good to be on the way to getting healthy. Cindy - I have Dr. Park and she told me that she put in 4 ccs at my surgery. She also told me at my pre-op appt. that I would not be getting a fill until 12 weeks post surgery. Candra - the tape sounds like it should be good. The surgery pre and healing tape Kaiser gave us puts me to sleep in 20mins! I had a really good appt. today with my PCP - she is so caring and spent a lot of time with me today. She is doing lots of follow up and we talked about the energy loss due to the drastically reduced calories. Long story short - she is also writing me a modified return to work so when I go back I am only to work 8 hrs a day/40 per week for 3 months. I usually work 50+ hrs a week (had a 68 hrs week before I went out on surgery to get everything done for being gone). I learned a good lesson today. Ask for what you need. One of my girlfriends that I visited yesterday said to me about 5 times that I needed to ask for this because she knew how much I usually work. I was hesitant to ask - thinking it was weak or that 'they' would say no. I really want to be in the 65% of the successful people with this weight loss and I know I need to get my exercise established as a routine and working less hours is the only way this habit is going to take root. I saw Riley at class tonight but she had to leave early so I am not sure what she has been up to. Candra, Jes and Tamra all said they are game to come over to Petaluma to walk the wetlands (30-35 mins from Vallejo). So I am offering to host lunch at my house after the walk. So we need a date - how about the 3rd or 4th weekend in March (my son is in a play the first 2 weekends in March)? Hopefully by then we will be having less rain. Let me know what might work and if anyone else is in. (I promise to kidnap Riley to get her there!)

Hi All Nicole/CoCo - Congratulations - so glad it went smoothly and you are home safe and sound. Sending postive thoughts and prayers. You are now officially one of the banded triplets of 2010 (Tamra, Pat and CoCo!). We love our newest triplet! Tamra - good job on more protein. Let me know how the chicken and gravy goes. Dear Robin called today and said I can advance to stage III on Thursday. AAAARRRGGG - I more day of soup. I am white knuckling it - this is hard! Ok gotta go - going to meet some girlfriends for dinner - but I'm bringing my little 1/2 c of soup - boohoo!!

CoCo - I am thinking positive thought for you my triplet sister! Awesome on getting to 40lbs - way to go girl! (I am down 10 lbs in 2 weeks from surgery - so cool!) Listen, when there was all that mix up with my surgery time and the OR Manager called me she told me that the nurses don't get there at 6 so you will have to wait until about 6:30. We got there at 6:15 - 20 and they didn't call me back until about 6:45.

Hi everyone - Yesterday was OK. I went to the superbowl party late (after doing my hour walk - yeah!) and brought my 1/2 c of soup. Boy all the food (honey wings and those little bacon wrapped sausages, peanut butter and chocolate cookies, brownies) looked so good. Didn't eat any of it - just my soup and sugar free jello. I did actually feel my band a little last night - I didn't wait the hour after my soup to eat the jello and when I started drinking water after I felt a little tighness in my chest. Then before I went to be I was taking a pill and forgot and gulped the water down - also felt pain in my chest. So I guess I really do have a band in there. Tamra, Nicolie - the number to call to get the Lapband card is 1-800-LapBand (527-2263) option 6. Also you can register at LapBand.com

Laurel - go to the TickerFactory at Weight Loss - Diet Ticker You set up your ticker and the last page has a place where you can copy the code for the ticker into your signature. If you go under here under QuickLinks on the menu line you can select "Edit Signature". That is where you copy the code from your ticker in. Don't forget to save the link to the ticker and remember your password so you can keep going back to update it.

Lee and Tamra - I love books and read a ton. Here are some of my favorites and recent reads from my book club: - Girl with the Dragon Tatoo - by Stieg Larson - anything by Gail Tsukiyama - my favorite is Samurai's Garden, but also good were The Language of Thread and Streets of a Thousand Blooms - Red Tent - by Anita Diamonte - Push - by Sapphire (this is the book the movie Precious was based on) - Secret Life of Bees and The Mermaid Chair - by Sue Monk Kidd - Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen - anything by Anita Shreve - Edgar Sawtelle -by David Wroblewski - All Over But the Shoutin - by Rick Bragg (got another of his books for Christmas call The Prince of Frogtown, but haven't read it yet.) If you've read these I've got plenty more suggestions!

Good morning everyone - especially our Sac group. It was so wonderful to see and be with everyone yesterday. I so needed it - need to see and hear that everyone has gone through what I am going through and that it gets better and it also still stays hard sometimes. It really helps to know we are not alone on this. Reggie - you are a wonderful, generous hostess. Your home is beautiful and so is your family. (Your niece is so adorable - she gave me a big hug!) Heather - it was so good to see you again. I'm with Donna - 2010 is your year babe. We are routing for you. Ashley - great to meet you - hope you join us newbie bandies very soon. Donna - you look wonderful, my dear. It was good to catch up and I'm glad things are a little calmer now for you. I was gettin worried about you, so glad you are fine and will be back posting with us regularly. You were so sweet to notice my weight loss / change - sometimes when you see yourself everyday it is hard to tell if there is any visible difference. I do feel younger - and I like my new hair cut - I think it helps. Monique - loved you in your new top. You look great too. Pam - good to see you again. Glad you are getting out. I think that having your boys push you to go to the gym is great - I bet you will see and feel the results soon. Glad you are gonna go to the party today. John - it was so nice to meet you in person and to find out we are in the same profession. I am in awe of your courage - you have a great focus and determination. I, like Donna, believe the 3rd time will be it. I really enjoyed meeing and talking with Nikki. What a great lady. And I agree with Candra - we all want to look like her! Nicolie - you are so much smaller than when we walked in November. You rock girl! I am so proud of how you have dedicated yourself to getting healthy - you are an inspiration. It was great to be able to give you a hug before your big day. All will be well - don't worry. Candra - you always lift my spirits. It made the long drive easy. You are too funny about my clothes. OK here's the deal on the long jacket that you kept wanting to keep that we all told you was too big for you: My husband told me when I wore it that I looked like Hillary Clinton 'cause he thought she always wore long jackets to cover her big butt and hips! So if that doesn't scare you away from it, nothing will! Jes - you are doing great and you make me laugh too. It was an easy way to make a long trip. I love catching up and getting to know you better. My son, who loves acting and is a good actor, was really interested in hearing about your job. OK Candra and Jes - I should have taken the gas money from you, 'cause guess what? 15 minutes from home, I got pulled over for speeding - 69 in a 55. It was such a perfect day until then. I got a lecture from my hubby and my 16 year old son! Love you all - have a fun Superbowl Sunday - not too much junk food OK!

Candra & Jes - bring some CDs that you like to listen to for the long ride.

Hey everyone - I've been starting to look for med id braclets/necklace since we are suppose to wear something. I am kinda picky and most of the stuff I was seeing didn't do it for me. I found a really good site this morning that has lots of styles and price ranges, so I am definately ordering from them. I am also thinking of getting both so I can wear whatever works with what I am wearing. it is called Stickyj.com: Personalized Jewelry, Medical ID Bracelets, Keychains, Lockets, Pendants Does anyone have the address or phone number for the wallet care that you can request for the Lapband - I think it comes from Allergan? I know it was posted a few months ago. Candra - I know I want my Ho outfit to be red too (since being obese I haven't wanted to stand out) and low cut - just don't have a complete picture of what it will be yet - great fun motivator!! Can't wait to see everyone soon.

Tamra - I bummed you won't be there. So I am sending a virtual hug! Now promise me you will not have any potatoes tomorrow and that you will eat protein, protein, protein!!! Pretty Please?? Hang in - not sure if you feel this way, but I didn't expect it to be this hard this fast!

CoCo - make sure you have lots of broth, because you can still sip it when you get to Stage II (and you can still have jello then too.) because it counts as part of your water/clear liquid intake. Re: the soups since you can only eat 1/4 to 1/2 each meal a can lasts a while. I just restocked on the bean soups today since I was finding the cream soups left me feeling still really hungry. Blending the bean soups has helped get me a little more protein. Progresso makes a black bean soup that is flavored with bacon - it is really yummy.

Candra - yes - how about I call you when I leave my house. I think it should take me about 45-50mins, so I will try to leave my house 1:45. I just got back from the movies and it is late so I didn't want to call. BTW - we saw Blind Side - what a great movie and heart warming true story. Sandra Bullock was terrific in it.

Mornin' everyone - OMG - I was down another 2lbs - I guess eating practically nothing and being hungry has some ups sides! Tamra - yes it is so hard to be hungry - makes me grumpy. I am trying to keep myself busy so I don't focus on too much. I agree that you should move off the mashed potatoes. You need protein big time. I've been blending black bean soup and lentil soup to try to get more and they are more filling than the creamed soups. Can you try something else - like eggs with mayo (eggs are really good source of protein.)? Hang in there. Are you coming tomorrow so I can give you a hug? Heather - I'm so sorry, but don't let it get you. I've had big calves forever even when I was thinner. Hang in - we are here for you and love you. You have so much perseverance to have stuck with this for so long - I really admire you for that. So who is going to Reggie's tomorrow? I will be driving and can pick up anyone that wants to carpool in Vallejo - like at the shopping center where Applebees is that we ate at a few months ago. I was aiming to leave my house around 2 so that I could be at Reggie's by 4.

OK here are mine :frown::sad::huh2::sad::sifone::frown::sad2::huh2::smash: Candra - please come??? It would do Bridezilla good not to get her way once in a while - you know tough love and all that...

Hey everyone - went to the Emotional Eating class at Kaiser last night with sister Riley. Good class and good group. Talking about eating mindfully (only eat - not doing something else at the same time, and when you eat really concentrate on the food - how it looks, smells, tastes, feels, etc.) BTW - it is really hard to do - or at least for me it is, as I am a big multitasker. Ok so I am having a hard time - so hungry. I feel nothing - no sense of full or getting stuck. I am eating 1/2 c. at my 3 meals and feel like I could eat a 1/2 c. more. I am eating higher protein meals - yogurt for Breatkfast, pureed lentil or black bean soup at lunch and dinner. This is hard. I am really trying to up my exercise - so I am proud of myself today. I walked 60 minutes - 6,624 aerobic steps. And I had made a committment to myself that I would walk everyday, even if it rained. So the last 20 minutes of my walk it rained and put my slicker on and did it. I didn't melt (although that probably wouldn't have been so bad either)! Re: all the comments on our group - I agree that we are all here for each other to share our struggles and our successes and to get support and information. And we are all responsible adults who are responsible for our own choices. Since Lee and I are in the 50+ group, we would say that as you get older you care less and less about what other people think/say, or it affects you less. I also think that trying lots of different support groups / classes can help so that you find where you get help and feel comfortable. Love you all my sisters (and brother) of surgery!

Hey everyone - good morning - actually almost afternoon. I am working on trying to get my water back up to the 64 oz. - I'm not drinking from that little 1 oz plastic cup anymore - just taking sips from my bottle. Seems to be working better and I am getting more in. Reggie - I sent you a PM to get your address and the time again for Sat. - really want to meet you and see the rest of the gang. Need some band hugs and support!

Hi everyone - boy you don't log on for a day and there are 3 friggin pages to catch up on! Welcome to our newest members. So I listened to Liz and didn't weight myself until a week from my surgery and WOOHOO I've lost 5.8 lbs in a week!!! Also am officially back in my size 16s, so I'm bringing the 18/20s with me Saturday. Almost at 43 lbs total - I may even update my ticker without waiting for a Kaiser weigh, I am so pumped! I about did myself in yesterday (reason I didn't post) - went for a 75 minute walk at the wetlands - wiped me out! Today I did 50 minutes and that was much better. Tamra - Congrats on passing your test and being able to start your program. I'm proud of you. You rock. I can't remember who said Robin said not to advance for 2 more days after her call, but if she does that to me I'll die. I feel like I am ready to advance right now. The 3 half cups of soup/yogurt a day are NOT cutting it!!! Tamra or any of the Vets - is it cheating if you also drink broth in between the 3 meals on Stage II? The binder says water or other clear liquids so I thought it might be OK. I am finding I am really hungry in the afternoon and the broth helps tie me over until dinner. Candra - glad you are having good results with Rambo - it is interesting how you find it varies from day to day. Riley - good to hear from you - I was getting worried. I went to James and Sherry's tonight but support group wasn't tonight so I obviously have my Tuesdays mixed up. I'll see you tomorrow at the EE class. John and Lee - you both are making me laugh - roomates! CoCo - glad no bun in the oven - how are you doing - are you sleeping OK/got the gitters? Jes - sorry to hear you are struggling - sounds like you are still trying to make good choices. Are you coming Sat. to Reggies?

Hi everyone - I am doing much better today. I walked the wetlands - almost 2 miles. I didn't need a nap today and best of all, so far, no more runs! So its been a good day. I am feeling hungrier, so tomorrow I am going to work on foods that have more protein (yogurt instead of cream of wheat, blend up lentil soup instead of the cream soups) since when I eat more protein it usually makes me less hungry. Tamra - how are you doing? I know you said you were feeling really hungry. CoCo and Lee and John- you are in your count down - so exciting. Candra - sounds like the restriction is working for you. Took me a while to figure out who Rambo was - you are a crack up! Pam - sorry you have been feeling down. That was a great gift your Dad gave you and your boys - exercise helps. Is there something you can add into your life that you really love - that gives you joy - makes you smile? reading? crafts? being outside? gardening? It seems when you can do something everyday that you really love it helps so much with dealing with all the other things that we have to do. Tomorrow I am going to start a craft project that I have wanted to do for a couple of years - when I work with my hands and can be creative it makes me feel good. Riley Jane! Where are you????? Jes - how was the birthday party for the 93 years young granny - bless her heart! Walking outside feels so much better than on the treadmill. Mo, Ash, Tina, Annalyn, Donna, Maria, Reggie, Heather, Nicole, Chris (hope I didn't forget anyone) - hope you are all doing OK - thinking of you.

Reggie - Oh my how very scary. Praise God you are OK and were able to call for help. Had you not had anything to eat that morning or did you eat something you don't usually eat? Very scary. So glad you are following up with you doctor. I am doing ok. The diarrhea is kind of a drag - my lower stomach/intestines are very unsettled, gurgly. Feel a little washed out. I didn't make it to the wetlands because of needing to be close to the bathroom, but I did go for a longer walk this afternoon. I am over 5,000 steps on my pedometer and walked for 50 mins today so I am doing good. I still needed a nap mid day, but I was up longer before I needed my nap so that is good. Have had no pain meds today - no tylenol. The only things that hurts is the port and it is like muscle soreness. So doing I'm doing good. Going to heat up some cream of chicken soup for dinner now.

Lee - sounds like you are really getting your life ready for a clean start. Awesome. They weigh you in a paper gown that is pretty big and had double tickness with a pair of purple bootie socks. (It is really cool because there is a place on the gown that they insert a hose that sends in warm air to keep you warm - you control the temp. It is great - along with Candra's green recliner chair, they try to make it really relaxing. and comfortable. I agree that you don't want to cut it too close - better to be under. I weighed 219.2 at my house without clothes and 219 at Kaiser in the paper gown & socks.) Also remember that you will be doing MoM and that clears you out - can't help but lose a little with that.:biggrin:

Jes - Thanks. She was great - she emailed me back this morning and said just what you said. That it is probably from the antibiotics she gave, but it if continues she wants me to get it tested. Your story is too funny - you and Candra are ahoot. Thanks for filling me in - it really helps not to worry as much. Other than the squirts I think I am doing OK. I went and did my walk around the block this morning and will probably try to do a short walk at the wetlands this afternoon.