StephC

VA - hey girl - too bad about the job situation - I hope something wonderful opens up for you. Are you feeling better now - all of you strep girls - I hope you're all feeling better, sucks to be sick! As for the tummy tuck, I'm amazed that I'm not more upset then I am. I don't think I was really ready for it yet anyway and it was a good visit. I got to see the center and meet the doctor so I feel a little better prepared so if I do go through with it... someday... I know what to expect. Boo when is your visit?

Bman - hon, believe me when I say Mr.Right is out there. I know you've been through hell with your ex but you know that you'll find the right guy and until then you are having fun. You are doing so many things I wish I could've done when I was younger - geesh that whole hippee girl vaca was too cool! As far as the weight loss it doesn't change the situation but it has changed you. Look at what you're doing, riding bike and dancing like a fool (hehe) - seriously tho don't you think losing the weight has given you more self confidence? I know it has with me and when you feel better about yourself it shows. Look at all the guys you've been meeting, I think its just a matter of time and you'll be telling us how you've met the most wonderful man. As far as my dh, I am blessed. I feel very blessed to have him but remember it wasn't always this way, just yesterday a kid from work said if you need to pay someone to tell you whats wrong with your marriage I say keep your money and get the divorce - I said WHOA! That was outta the mouth of a babe. I told him we went to a marriage councilor a few times and it really helped us. Marriage is alot - a LOT - of work. The first time we went we were married about 10 years and then a few years later. But I almost left him several times before that. Even in the 5 years before kids we struggled, then when I was preg with #2 I really thought I'd be better off without him - I can't tell you how many times we "roughed" out the storms of life and as much as I love him I know there'll be more storms that'll hit and there will be days when I look at him and think why did I ever marry him. This is life, all we can do is live it as best we can. And for you and me and the rest of the bandsters we're doing it thinner and healthier. You are a wonderful person sweetie and one of these days some great guy is going to fall head over heels for you. and then you'll face the storms just like I have. LOL I love ya!

hi Kelly and welcome to bandland!

I'm back. Went to the ps and wow what a nice man he was! BUT its not going to be covered by insurance. He said I need a tummy tuck, and he wouldn't recommend doing it until I was closer to goal bc it would be a waste of money. The only thing insurance will cover is a pennacectomy <---:peep: or whatever its called, the skin removal surgery. He seemed so interested in the tummy tuck and how good he could make it look... so I'm bummed... kinda. But my sweet husband - did I say how much I love him? - I called him to tell him what happened at the dr and that insurance wouldn't pay BUT for $10,100 I could get it done.. hehe... that includes EVERYTHING, the stay, the gown, the 24 hr nurse... and omg did you look at the place? Its a mansion, really its a mansion that they've made into a plastic surgery/spa - its freeking beautiful! Just driving up the driveway you get this relaxed, calgon take me away feeling. Anyway so I'm telling my sweet man this and he says well, we'll see how the finances are and maybe you'll be able to get it done. Now whether it actually happens or not is another thing but it was sweet of him to say he'll try to make it happen. For all of you out there going through that marriage crap there is hope, believe me when I say I would never have believed my husband would ever turn into this sweet man that I'm married to now. I love him and I know how much he loves me and I know that he likes me looking good. Even when he says that crappy teasing stuff I know he's proud of me losing this weight. ' So for now I guess I'll just keep plugging away... steady loser that I am... I'll just keep on walking, keep on tracking and hopefully get this last 30 lbs off my jelly belly.

Well I go to see the ps doc today - kinda a nervous, excited feeling going on. I'm just hoping and praying for the insurance to pay for it. Cosmetic Procedures — Aestique Medical Center Thats the link to the surgery center, its REALLY nice. The best thing about it is that when I was searching my insurance company's physician site these guys are a part of my network. Wish me luck ladies.

hi girls! Boo - soooo sorry about the car. I know what its like, last year a month before my surgery I got into a wreck, broke my kneecap. I was actually glad they totaled my car, it was the kids little "first" car and we ended up getting more for it then we paid and I was able to buy my youngest dd a nice little car, 2 yrs newer with 40,000 less miles - so you might end up with a new Betty that you'll love just as much. And I'm so happy you are ok. Did you go to your plastic surgeon appointment? or When do you go? Bk - you didn't tell us you bought a new house! Last I heard you were trying to sell the other one. Good for you and yeaaaa on the extra "gym" room. WTG on the weight loss! I'm very proud of you. Claud, sweetie.. NO BABIES!!!! That man is messing with your head!!! Nikki - I'm so excited about the lapbaby! I'm sure you'll do fine with watching your weight, and then you can get a fill after the babies born. I'm so excited about my ps appointment! I just can't believe they got me in so quickly! I did the dawn dishsoap thing - omg don't do it unless you are going in to the ps the very next day! I just smeared about 1/2 a teaspoon of it under my flap and went to bed, the next mroning I was raw! Talk about burn! So now I'm still red and I'm rubbing cream on it. I dont' think there'll be a problem with proving I get irritated. What are some questions you think I should ask? Besides how soon can we do it? Kitchen - just when I thought it was done... he's coming today to lower my existing cabinets. They were hung so high I can't reach the top shelf -so this morning I had to empty all of them and my kitchen is a total wreck again. I guess when I get off work I'll be doing a bit of spring cleaning - ugh - will it ever end? The good news is my dishwasher - I guess I could call her my "Betty" - is absolutely wonderful!!! I'm in love with it. Call me simple, call me common but its the best gift I've ever gotten. Ok so thats going a bit far. But I do love my husband, he's good to me. Our trip to DC was great! Other then when I got pulled over - but even that wasn't too bad since I didn't get a ticket - I almost caused a wreck (musta been the weekend, hu Boo?) I thought I could make a left turn into the hotel and there was a median so I jumped over in the right lane and turned into a McD's and almost hit a car - on comes the sirens - but he was a sweetheart and just told me to be more careful and then he instructed me how to get into the hotel. LOL - oh I heard about that all weekend! My son did good at the competition, 6th overall, he did well and is pysched up for next year. We just really had a good time.

I can't believe this thread!! We just talked about all this at support group Tuesday evening. We had a psych there and the question I asked him was when do we start seeing ourselves as thin? Like for me, I thought if I could get into a size 12 I would be thrilled. But instead I look at myself and think, ugh still fat. So through all this I've decided I'm not FAT any longer but that I do need a tummy tuck. I like my butt and my boobs, although they're a 36 L instead of D are ok, so if I can get the fat flap off I think I'll be looking good. When I left the meeting a couple of the girls there said they followed me in to group and that when they were following me they thought theres no way she's going to the same meeting we're going to. Geesh that touched my heart. Anyway - LOVE THE THREAD!!!

Am I the only one checking in today? :waytogo: Called the other ps - got an appointment on Tuesday!!!! I can't believe it!!! I'm so very very excited!!! So I read that if you smear dawn dish soap under your fat flap it'll irritate it enough to take the pics. If I didn't spray deo under there everyday I'd be sore anyway - so I guess I'll start the irritation process Saturday evening.

just called the ps - my appointment is Jan 28!!! They put me on a cancel list but geesh I didn't think they'd be that backed up. I'm going to try a different one. Wish me luck.

Bman sorry to hear your gram isn't well, she's lucky to have you. The bike isn't going anywhere and will be waiting when you're ready. Slow down. I guess I'm one to talk. I haven't walked the 2 mile track with my neice at all this week. Every night I've been running to Lowes for something in the kitchen, or doing something with the kitchen. Last night I did my running, got home in time for Survivor, relaxed during that and then started cleaning. Like I said before my house was in utter chaos, but I whipped it into shape last night. He has everything done except the electrical (which dh wants to be here for) and hooking up my ice maker, and he's going to lower my upper cabinets so I can reach the top shelf. I'm loving it. It just feels like it brought the whole kitchen together with a finished feeling. Our next big project is the bathroom. Ugh! I've been reading up on the tummy tuck... I'm calling for an appointment today. I was thinking if I get a consult the beginning of Oct. maybe I'll be approved by Nov. and thats when I'm laid off so I'm hoping for a flat tummy for Christmas. Maurdan - I'm glad you're feeling better. Remember we're here for you, rant rave cry or sing, it really does help. We love ya and want you to do well too, let us know how the fill goes. Leaving for DC tonight. DS is competing in the morning - no not mixed martial arts, tomorrow is an ironworkers competition for his apprentiship program. It doesn't matter what it is I always enjoy watching him AND it give me and dh some alone time.. in a hotel... no kids.. no dogs.. :waytogo:

I agree metal - I guess its bc of age, such stupid people. Here is a man who can bring something to the group with his knowledge of outdoor life. Crazy, and yet they keep these big boob dingbats, who are sick and aren't helping AND wearing a dress!

Swimmer - you shouldn't be feeling much different. You don't have a fill yet. I don't think you should be eating whatever you want anyway, shouldn't you be on mushies? I wasn't allowed reg. food until 4 weeks, had my fill at 6 weeks. Even then it took a few fills for me to feel much different. Be patient.

Kitchen update! I'm living in the midst of total chaos! You know how the contractor says I'll have it done in 2 weeks and ends up being 2 months? Ok its not that bad, the contractor is my nephew and he's doing it in the evenings. It looks great so far. Still needs to get the faucets on and the dishwasher put in (did I tell you I've never had a dishwasher? very excited about that) and the plumbing, so its really close to being done, maybe tonight. Every night I've been running to town for something. My dh is still working out of town so he has no idea how great its looking and he also wants to be here when they hook up the electric in the box so he can tell them what breaker to use. I have a ton of house cleaning to do.

Survivor is my FAVORITE show, as much as I love BB and Amazing Race they don't come close to Survivor. Tonights the night, how many of you will be watching?

thanks BK - I"m feeling really good, I still feel fat but I feel like its coming off. If I lose 5 lbs a month I'm happy. This last fill has been great. I'm able to keep my calorie intake around 800 or less, which has never happened for me. Bman did you get the seat on?

Honestly (sarcasm) Did you hear Jen stick that in there? LOL I got a kick out of that, then Danielle caught herself saying it. Honestly she's anything but honest and I'm VERY glad Dick won over her, honestly. Yeah I did see Nick trying to get in there. I bet she goes right back to being a jerk with her dad, she'll blame him for having a better speech then her and thats why he won it. I think we've all seen the spoiled kid raised by Gramma before. Dad spoiled her bc he felt guilty, gram spoiled her bc thats what grams do, and she ends up being a little "all about me" brat. Yep another 9-10 months to the next bb BUT Survivor starts next week!

Good luck Annie!!! We're rooting for you!!!! I talked briefly with my dr last night about ps. He said it all depends on the person. Truth is I think I'll qualify. My dd (one in college) doesn't think I need it. The younger one thinks I should do it. The older one isn't around everyday to see me and the flap of fat. I told her that I can't even jog bc my fat slaps as I run - its horrible. So I've decided to give it a try, if the insurance will cover it I'm doing it, if the insurance won't I guess I won't be doing it. Bman - you go girl! Enjoy that gel seat!!!

Maurdan - Hon, we've all been there. I went for 2+ months with only losing 1 - yes - one - pound. I knew I wasn't eating what I should have been and eating what I shouldn't have been - YET my lesson learned through all that was that even when I wasn't working on my 'diet' (by diet I mean eating habits) at least I wasn't gaining! After weight watchers and all those other diets I'd lose 20 lbs go back to all my old habits and gain 30 lbs. I felt like if I wasnt' dieting I was gaining. All that said was to say - DON'T BEAT YOURSELF UP! I actually think first of all you need a fill, get in there get a good adjustment and start fresh. I know what Bman is saying about not eating processed foods but thats not for me, sorry Bman, I don't count carbs but I do count calories, FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal , and I eat a Healty Choice for lunch and pretty much whatever I want for supper, last night I had a chicken chalupa - with this fill I don't over eat, which is why I told you to get a good fill first. But with this fill I can eat junk food but like Bman I try not to have it in the house. Confession:I get a fat free creamy chocolate ice cream, 90 calories for 1/2 cup. I measure the ice cream into a 1/2 measure and savor every bite. When my youngest daughter brings her bf over to watch the football game we have to make a trip to the store for Snacks, its just better for us to only have healthy foods available. Ok so thats my food intake or output As for exercising.. Bman is just amazing, no other word for it, just amazing. I pretty much hate to exercise BUT I love to walk. There are plenty of days that I dont' feel like walking but then my little pupsters come lick my face and say get off your fat arse mama we wanna walk, so that gets me up and out. I plan an extra 1/2 hour in the morning before work that I give myself to walk. Then again in the evening those same little pupsters put the guilt on me bc they've been kenneled all day so I get out there again. And at least 3-5 times a week my neice and I walk and we push each other to go, sometimes she doesnt' feel like it and I do so she goes and other times she's the one pushing me. So if you can find someone or something that will give you the extra little shove I think that will really help motivate you. And find what kind of movement suits you. Like Sweethot doing the soccer, me walking, Bman riding, Kaydoll was a runner, but if you enjoy it it'll be easier. And like Bman I also lose better when I'm exercising, I think mainly its bc my job requires sitting on my butt all day that if I don't make the effort to move I just don't have any activity at all. Lastly but the MOST important thing to me is my support group. All my steady loser girls. When I'm not online everyday I tend to start to slide back, I NEED to keep in touch with all of you. I know you all probably get sick of my ramblings but I really need to check in, get inspired and just feel the love and support from everyone. Last night I went to support group, which is also very important to me. I told them how much I need all of you. Support is really important to me. I also told Shirley (she leads the group) that if ever I'm not there she should check on me. I feel like I need to be there EVERY month, it really encourages me to talk with all of them. Good luck sweetie and we're all here for you.

my goal is to water ski - I've always been a watcher bc I've been to heavy for my own arms to support my weight. Maybe next summer.

Annie - I said it on yahoo and I'm saying it here - WOW!!! You look unbelievable!!! You are my hero!!! I don't see a tummy at all but you go for it - you deserve it! And wtg on the racing - is that like a job or do you work too? Boo - VA will hook ya up - we started the yahoo group for when we want to talk "privately" - no offense to anyone else but we all know that this is an open forum and alot of people - some of us - have keep our banding private. I went last night and bought two more pairs of size 12's - ok I'm obsessed! But these are cords and slacks for work - I'm loving it. My kitchen is moving along - I had to buy a couple of unfinished cabinets and stain them to match the rest of the cabinets - I was really leary about the whole thing BUT I took a door to Lowes and they matched the stain up really good, I put on a coat last night and then was out there at 5:30 putting on the 2nd coat, and after this 2nd coat they all match wonderfully. Tonight is support group - I really hope they have the ps tonight. I called my insurance co. yesterday and they said that just like with the band surgery my dr will have to submit all to them and then they will review it to see if I'm covered. If its a medical necessity or not. My fingers are crossed and I'm praying it will. They wouldn't tell me what the guidelines are tho, like if I had to lose so much or have a certain amount of skin, they said they can only give that info out to the dr. Do any of you know? I must work today...talk to yen's later.

One Flaw In Women By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime. An angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?" And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable, and able to run on Diet Coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time,have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart -- and she will do everything with only two hands." The angel was astounded at the requirements. "Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish." But I won't," the Lord protested. "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days." The angel moved closer and touched the woman. But you have made her so soft, Lord." "She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish." "Will she be able to think?” asked the angel. The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate." The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one." "That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!" "What's the tear for?" the angel asked. The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride." The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing." And she is! Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy. They laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give. HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH. I know its alot to read but its nice. I like the line They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. -

ROFL :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1:

VA - good for you!! 10 lbs is great!! I think now that we all have less to lose its harder to come off. I know size 12 sounds great, and it is, but remember I'm not quite 5'3" so I should really be about a size 6-8 - I doubt I'll ever see a 6 but I'm got my goal at 8. I'm sure you'll look fabulous at a 12! Sorry to hear you're sick too!!! Bman - remember to eat a yogurt a day with your penicillin or you'll end up with a yeast infection. Life lesson you don't want to learn the hard way.

I think her bf will dump her or actually she's dumping him for Nick. Nick is a hotty! I think I want Dick to win the money. When they were talking about what they were going to do with it, go to Europe she made the comment about it being seperate vacations, he kinda looked hurt. Then she said all that travel on $50,000? and giggled like she thinks shes got it in the bag. He has been a jerk all season, and I've liked him and disliked him, but I respect that he played for her. She thinks she would've done it without him - when he would say we did what no one else has ever done, we made it to the final 2, you could just see it on her face that she was thinking she'd have gotten there without him. She's a little brat and I can bet that if he does win it she'll go right back to hating him again. She's way too full of herself for my liking. Yeah I want Dick to win it and I hope the other players realize it was his game that got her there, sure she won some hoh and pov's but without him she'd have been history.

Good monday morning - since the club is closed on mondays I am wearing my new size 12 jeans... oh yeah I'm loving it. Something is happening with my body, the weight isn't dropping off, I'm still slowly losing, I was 178 this morning, so thats still only about a lb a week but I feel thinner. I'm thinking all the walking I'm doing (4 miles a day) must be building some muscle or something. I think I'll measure myself tonight - last time I measured I think I'd lost like 10 inches off my belly. So yesterday I slide into my size 12's and come out feeling it and bragging about them and dh says they're too tight aren't they? GRRRRRRRRRR - I said ya know why can't you just for once say wow hon they look great, my youngest daughter says he's smiling while he says it mom. I know he thinks he has to make those asshole remarks to tease but dang it brings all the insecurities up. Before I lost the weight I thought wow to be a size 12 is like a dream come true, and when I see someone else in a size 12 I think they look great, but on me, as much as I'm loving it, I still feel fat. I guess I should explain about dh, he does compliment me more and more but for years he made me feel fat and sloppy, he never would say it but he made those snide comments. This year he's been telling me what a nice butt I have and when he came home the other day he said theres my pretty girls (the dogs) and theres my pretty wife, so he's not all bad. Enough about me.. for now. Boo and Bman - girls take care of yourselves, take ALL your meds and drink plenty of fluids. Everyone around here has had the colds so I'm taking zicam or airborne to keep it at bay. Bman - you're amazing with those low carbs - you and Kaydoll (whom I'm thinking is also mia) - I don't know how you do it. I really should try but .. nah .. its hard enough for me to keep track of my calories. And wtg on the bike riding. I love being outside too, which is why I think I loved x-skiing, it really breaks it up. I kinda feel its healthier to be outside breathing the fresh air too. I've been meaning to ask you, did you buy those teeny little jeans you tried on? Banannie - let us know when you post in the yahoo group, I seldom go over and check it out but I can't wait to see your pics! When you went to the ps did they say if this is a tummy tuck or a skin removal? I thought there was a difference. BK - I'm glad to hear you're walking with friends, it makes it so much easier to do when you have someone to talk with while your'e walking. faith- hi girl! good to hear from ya! I've always thought you were from Maryland - the md - so are you a doctor? or are those just your intitals? I think we're all so much alike - like faith said, I prefer to do things solo, I just like to get the lowdown before I share it with anyone and yet I'm very much a people person. Ok back to me again.. so remember last winter I got the new floors, we tore the bar out and opened the kitchen and LR up? I was supose to get new countertops and dishwasher and never did. I went yesterday with my nephew (who works for a kitchen and bath place) and we bought all my new countertops and my dishwasher. He is tearing the old out tonight and said it'll only take him a couple evenings to do it all. Of course its not my dream kitchen, with granite counters and an island, but its still going to be nice to have extra space. I'm gaining 6 ft of counter space and 2 cupboards and what they call a cookie sheet cupboard - its only like 9". I'm really excited. Charlie, my buddy from work, says yeah you're excited today and tomorrow you'll be in here bitching that your kitchen is all tore up. LOL yeah probably. Have a good day ladies - I love ya!