Great Idea - I will do it right now !!

Hi

I am Janet and I am a recovering food addict :wink2:

I was banded 7/17/07 - My starting weight was 250 - I'm 5'4

Today (just over 10 months out) I am 154 - size 8 pants (was 18/20) Medium tops (was 22/24)

I got banded as I wanted to extend the years that I have left on this planet and to do that I knew that I needed to lose weight.

The band has been the tool I needed. For the first time in my life I have been able to achieve this goal (actually getting to my goal weight)

If you want a buddy - support - help - suggestions - Please feel free to call upon me - I will gladly share my journey with you - the journey is still on going and by helping you I will be helping me (staying motivated and accountable) and then one day you can pay it forward and help someone else.

Janet......Whew! You sure have a good memory today. You addressed everyone's post. I want to go to Chicago. It will depend on when and what other events for this year. I think my DS will be getting married. I asked him this morning and he said "maybe". That is big for him. I think it is about their kids accepting the marriage. Anyway, I will make a decision closer to the date y'all set. I would love to take a train into the city. I have never done that. I used to take a train near Dallas when I was a little girl, but that is it.

Blaze, I am glad you found this thread. I haven't been back to the July Butterflies.

My nail shop did not answer the phone. Boo! So, tomorrow I am finding a new place. I mean like there are about four shops within 2 miles of me. The one I go to is five miles away. New Year....new shop.

I am wearing my new WW pedometer today. It calculates steps to points. I did walk about 2 miles this morning, but forgot to wear it. Oh, gotta go......babysitting while DD walks. Later peeps!

LOL, Janet....on the f___ing bander that had her say. Little did she know, I am sooooooooo immune to any comments any more. Used to freaking irritate me to no end. Now I am just amazed by what ppl think they have the right to say. My favorite response to those types is..."Where were you when I weighed 249lbs?" Or one I used a couple of months ago "Gee, my doctor doesn't have a problem with my weight, why do you?" Snarky but well-deserving for the type.

I usually broil lobster but sometimes I steam it (not boil). I like broiled or grilled better. I poached our salmon and used dill weed and bay leaves and few other herbs. Now, if I were wondering if I thought I needed a fill I would have my answer. I was able to eat 2- 4oz fillets plus 1/2 baked potato. We had smoked muenster and pepper jack turkey on Wheat Thin tomato basil crackers at midnight. Don't like that feeling of going to bed with something heavy like that laying in my pouch.

Have a fun couple of days off. I am looking forward to the warmer weather and actually having the option of getting out when I want to. Whine

^{_{Melissa - I thought that it was the sweetest thing that you texted me last night - I am sure glad you had a great time !!!!}}

Janet - I have kept your number in my cell phone since we talked along time ago. I wanted you to know I was at the party and to wish you an early Happy New Year's since of the time difference I figured I wouls be the first to text.

Blaze, I am glad you found this thread. I haven't been back to the July Butterflies.

Arlene - It is like no one is on that thread except for like one or to people. I still like to check in though. I don't want to see our thread go away.

Hi everyone. I spent most of today at my Dad's waiting for the furnace repairman. We had to wait about 5 hours because it was a holiday and they had limited staff today. He got it fixed. I have spent the last hour or so warming up. I had Dad with two blankets and a heating pad.

DH is cooking dinner now. We are having fish and fried rice. I am so lucky, he is such a good cook. I like his fried rice better than the chinese restraurant.

Cheri, I wish I could have gone out today. Sorry, I have so much to take care of these days. I could use a day out too. I hope we can meet soon.

Midway airport is closer to Cheri's but O'hare has the most flights and Airlines companies. I can do some driving when you are here. I have a small car, Mini Cooper, but DH has a cru(sp?) cab truck that would fit 5 nicely. Michigan City is the outlet mall closest to Cheri - it sounds like everyone is interested in shopping. It is a nice mall.

Tina, Cheri and Janet gave you some good advice. It is up to you what to do with it. I hope you stay the road of self improvement. I think weight loss would go a long way to help with some self assurance. Weight loss will not fix everything, many of us can attest to that, but it will make you feel better both physically and mentally. It is a great place to start.

Janet......Whew! You sure have a good memory today. You addressed everyone's post. I want to go to Chicago. It will depend on when and what other events for this year. I think my DS will be getting married. I asked him this morning and he said "maybe". That is big for him. I think it is about their kids accepting the marriage. Anyway, I will make a decision closer to the date y'all set. I would love to take a train into the city. I have never done that. I used to take a train near Dallas when I was a little girl, but that is it.

Blaze, I am glad you found this thread. I haven't been back to the July Butterflies.

My nail shop did not answer the phone. Boo! So, tomorrow I am finding a new place. I mean like there are about four shops within 2 miles of me. The one I go to is five miles away. New Year....new shop.

I am wearing my new WW pedometer today. It calculates steps to points. I did walk about 2 miles this morning, but forgot to wear it. Oh, gotta go......babysitting while DD walks. Later peeps!

Charlene WTG on walking this morning - I use to have a pediometer - I would clip it to my bra every morning - but I don't know if I calibrated it right - I think it's in a drawer - I always wanted a body bug - but never wanted to spend the $$$ - I think you need to change shops every few yrs - they get too use to you and dont do such a good job - The one before my last one - I ended up changing within the shop - cuz I was always a walk in (they never are on time if you do make an appointment anyway) but now than one has opened next to Target - I am going there - a block a way ;0)

Memory - well I don't know about that- but did read - but most likely missed something or someone ;0) but not intentional

LOL, Janet....on the f___ing bander that had her say. Little did she know, I am sooooooooo immune to any comments any more. Used to freaking irritate me to no end. Now I am just amazed by what ppl think they have the right to say. My favorite response to those types is..."Where were you when I weighed 249lbs?" Or one I used a couple of months ago "Gee, my doctor doesn't have a problem with my weight, why do you?" Snarky but well-deserving for the type.

I usually broil lobster but sometimes I steam it (not boil). I like broiled or grilled better. I poached our salmon and used dill weed and bay leaves and few other herbs. Now, if I were wondering if I thought I needed a fill I would have my answer. I was able to eat 2- 4oz fillets plus 1/2 baked potato. We had smoked muenster and pepper jack turkey on Wheat Thin tomato basil crackers at midnight. Don't like that feeling of going to bed with something heavy like that laying in my pouch.

Have a fun couple of days off. I am looking forward to the warmer weather and actually having the option of getting out when I want to. Whine

Well I get comments like did you lose more weight - you don't need to lose more weight - no I haven't - it's the outfit.. Even if I lost another 15 lbs - I would be in my bmi range - but I don't want to lose anymore - I can eat - have treats and maintaine - hell a size 4 is hard enough to find - I rarely ever see size 2's..

Mountain - I have them - I know when GF came from WI she was in awe of our mountains (we went up the Tram - Santa Rosa Mtns in March and had Snow up there)- where as I take them for granted I thought everyone had mountains LOL

Janet - I have kept your number in my cell phone since we talked along time ago. I wanted you to know I was at the party and to wish you an early Happy New Year's since of the time difference I figured I wouls be the first to text.

Arlene - It is like no one is on that thread except for like one or to people. I still like to check in though. I don't want to see our thread go away.

I have your number too- I just really thought omg this girl is thinking of me on NYE

I just never get a chance to call anyone - mostly cuz of the time diff - hell when I get ho e from the gym it's 6:20 my time so it's 9:20 for most of you..

Well washed the face threw on a hat - went and got my catfish - stuff to make salsa - tomatoes & chilis cooking - I have so much food in the fridge - I have a lobster tail and stuff for salad - Oh I found baby romaine at costco - about 8 little baby romaine bunches more of the green stuff less of the white - I don't care for the hearts or romaine - too much of the white leaves - I like green - and we are suppose to eat color.) They are just too cute ;0)

OMG I can't believe it's 3:30... I guess it's cuz I didn't get up till 11ish -

Apples - on the OWN channel they have a guy who's helping a hoarder - they are going thru her closet - if you haven't worn it in a year - give it away - I have tops that still have tags on the (white ones ;0) that I haven't worn and they are over a yr old LOL - won't let that guy in my closet - I have shoes like that too LOL

Well off to the couch - think I wil have some coffee - my salsa stuff should be ready to throw in my Ninja - so will cbl

I have your number too- I just really thought omg this girl is thinking of me on NYE

You and the others are always on my brain. I love our support group. I just wish the little voice in my head that pushes me to eat the bad stuff was not so loud so I can here all of you guys cheering me on. But I am working on that.

I could not believe I got Christmas cards this year it made this Christmas very special to know people in many different states care about me.

You and the others are always on my brain. I love our support group. I just wish the little voice in my head that pushes me to eat the bad stuff was not so loud so I can here all of you guys cheering me on. But I am working on that.

I could not believe I got Christmas cards this year it made this Christmas very special to know people in many different states care about me.

Yep I agree the friendships we have made here are for a life time - I am so happy about that - Hell I get more support from you guys than I do from the pple in my real life (we need another word for that)

As far as your original thread - We have 3 original posters left on my #7 and one adoptee - so there are only 4 of us now - and in the beginning our thread had TONS of pple - hell we woud have 20 pages in 1 day... Was real hard to keep up with - just got a post the other day - she lost her band - getting it back next month - back up to 300 - had a baby - but hasn't been back since - we get a couple pple who might ck in once a yr then we never hear from them again

Linda, we watched that NYE show with Carson Daily too but with the sound off except for the 10 minutes before and a few after midnight. I didn't know any of the musical guests either and am not a fan of rap. Guess it's our age that's showing. I use the ham bone to make the broth, but put it in the fridge for a day so I can get the fat off of it. Works great because I end up with a fat free base. I do this with all my home made broths.

Arlene, what color are you having your toes painted? I need one of those too, but no one is going to see my toes for months....too cold for me.

Great, I agree with you about the fads....they are fads. There's good nutrition and limiting intake and that is what is going to work. I also think I have a need to live by mountains. Tucson has three mountain ranges around it. Not the huge mountains of Denver or Salt Lake, but big enough ones to suffice. I like the fact your DH is doing projects....mine does weird stuff which does not include furniture and stuff. I guess you can't have everything.

Melissa, I'm so glad you had fun. See it was so worth it for you to go. It's funny that you texted Janet last night because I got several texts also from some of my family. I was sort of occupied at the party but it was still nice to get those texts. It's a new year and we are going to be successful with our health and our jobs...right?

Janet, sounds like you had a very nice evening. I've only cooked lobster once....I think I boiled it too, but I've decided that other people do a better job at cooking it than I do so I'll just eat it out. sleeping late, how nice. Your weather is a little warmer than ours right now. It's still going to freeze again tonight, so everything is still covered. Tomorrow should be a little warmer.

Cheri, looks like you are going to have company this summer. Really looking forward to that trip. I like your resolution to find someone to hang out with. Even if you don't visit with the person every day, it's really nice to have someone around to do stuff with. Yes, you should be honored for your teaching ability. It's important our children are educated, they are our future.

Apples, sounds like you enjoyed your evening too. Sometimes being home is the nicest way to spend NYE. DH and I have done that several times too. I will have to stop complaining about the cold because what you and Julie and those of you in the northern climes endure is so much worse than my 50's/20's degree weather. We also don't have the snow/ice stuff either.

Happy New Year everyone!

Pajama party went well, we got home about 2:45 and I couldn't get to sleep until 4am. The phone rang at 9 and we went back over there for Breakfast. There were only 8 people at the party but all of them except DH and I spent the night at my friends. I had a great time, didn't eat too badly and am grateful for their friendship. One of our friends nickname is Spider and he made a ricotta and spinach pie which was delicious. That's what I had for breakfast. Did I mention DH and I and the dog walked over there this morning. It was nice and part of our new year's "let's get out and be physical" resolution.

Oleanders got chopped with the chain saw and I put all the ornaments away, so they are packed in their boxes, just not moved out into storage yet. I need to pull everything out and reorganize it. I'll probably do that tomorrow.

We are going to watch TV for a while. Glad everyone has had a good holiday.

Eva

I know we have pple who don't like to cook - but I find that just the fact of cooking makes me feel good - even thought I'm not eating it.. But I need to cook - plus I prefer hot food over cold.. Apples probably gets me on this one - since she's our cooker

I made salsa - then forgot I took ck out - and had bought one at Costco the other day - so had to cook it so I don't waste it - baking it right now and will freeze it after it's cooked..

But I guess what I am trying to say -that cooking makes me feel good - gives me something to do.. well I could be cleaning out the closet - but don't want to..

Eva - sounds like you had a good NYE - I have sweats - thermal & sweat shirt on socks & shoes - my feet are cold - I know we have frost warnings out - lower end of the valley where all the ag is will get colder than us and so will DHS where Phyl lives..

Well off to the couch - I'll be cking back later - cuz I am having a cup of coffee -

Oh I have to post this before I go - had QVC open - clicked on it and what do I find

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.CM_SCID.coll.item.A214820.desc.philosophy-new-years-resolution-live-laugh-learn-gel-tri

LIVE LAUGH LEARN - CLOSE TO OUR NEW MANTRA ;0) WE SHOULD ALL ORDER SOME LOL

Janet, that was something for you to click on QVC and see that I also like adding the "learn" to our mantra -- very nice thoughts.

Well, it looks like Christmas never even happened around here -- that's what my DH just said. Everything done and put away and cleaned. Soup is in freezer and dishes done. Just finished some coffee and wil get my dinner goig soon. Just not hungry yet from all the activity. Going to have chicken breast and salad tonight - haven't had salad in over a week and am hungry for it.

Another NSV that it only took us about 4 hours to completely put everything away and clean--WOW. I remember before banding that I would sometimes take two days to get the decorations out and put away -- this year it only took me about 4 hours to get it all out too - so I too notice a huge difference in my activity level. Apples, yes doing 65 seconds of cardio two years ago probably would have killed me -- doubt I could have even done that. I am in really good shape -- probably the best shape of my entire adult life since I don't smoke any more -- last time I lost the weight and exercised daily (20 plus years ago) I was still a smoker. So I can really do cardio with no problem. I just get sore -- but I'm sore without exercise so it doesn't matter. My shoulder has been feeling better the past few days. I've been off upper body weights now for about 2 weeks and I think it's finally better. I'm supposed to be getting a call from my orthopedic surgeon to go in for a one year check up on my hip so when I do I'll see if he can check out my shoulders too. Might as well see if there's a problem with the joints or if it's just fm or stress.

Love putting up the Christmas decorations but also love looking at my house after I put them away -- It's like it's all new again. I even take artwork off the walls and put up Christmas artwork, so it does make a big difference. I have so much stuff from years of crafting and being at all those craft shows I bought lots from other crafters as well. I love all my Christmas goodies -- that's the one thing that will be very hard for me when we finally do sell and go to our RV. I just really hope the kids will want this stuff cause I really don't think I could sell it or donate it -- too many memories wrapped up in it.

Eva, your party sounded great. But why didn't you spend the night as well? Ricotta and spinach pies sounds great. I usually make my broth that way too but I was in a hurry today and didn't want to let it set in the fridge and then scrape off the fat - plus I like my pea soup thicker than DH does, so making the two pots was another way to solve that problem. LOL.

Great, I miss the mountains -- Reno is much like SLC -- Reno is in a bowl and mountains around it -- I miss the dryer air too - I wish we could have moved to Reno after LA instead of here, but it just wasn't meant to be.

Okay, I'm game for Chicago, but I already have plans starting on Memorial Day for that week. I need to go to Ohio sometime this summer -- so I'll wait to firm up those plans after we decide when to meet. Probably would be easier for Cheri after school is out?? Or we could try to do it in the spring like March or April -- that sounds pretty good to me. I might just jump on the train from here and not drive -- it's a nice train ride and easy from here -- takes about the same amount of time as driving but you can sleep and read as you travel.

Okay, gotta get my dinner. Have a great night everyone. Hope your weather gets warmer in the southwest - I'm sure it's tough cause you don't really have the clothes for it.

Later chickies and Chris.

Linda

Okay, will

Janet, that was something for you to click on QVC and see that I also like adding the "learn" to our mantra -- very nice thoughts.

Love putting up the Christmas decorations but also love looking at my house after I put them away -- It's like it's all new again. I even take artwork off the walls and put up Christmas artwork, so it does make a big difference. I have so much stuff from years of crafting and being at all those craft shows I bought lots from other crafters as well. I love all my Christmas goodies -- that's the one thing that will be very hard for me when we finally do sell and go to our RV. I just really hope the kids will want this stuff cause I really don't think I could sell it or donate it -- too many memories wrapped up in it.

Okay, I'm game for Chicago, but I already have plans starting on Memorial Day for that week. I need to go to Ohio sometime this summer -- so I'll wait to firm up those plans after we decide when to meet. Probably would be easier for Cheri after school is out?? Or we could try to do it in the spring like March or April -- that sounds pretty good to me. I might just jump on the train from here and not drive -- it's a nice train ride and easy from here -- takes about the same amount of time as driving

Happy New Year, All!!

Not much computer time the past few days. Just finished reading all the posts and now DH is ready to go to DD's!!

Just wanted to say sometime in August would work best for me.. like first or 3rd weekend.

Hello all, it took me forever to catch up with all these posts.

First off, Happy New Years to each and everyone of you.

I too feel I have made some very good friends here. I can't wait to meet you all in Chicago. I can take the train in and have done that before.

I can't even begin to remember what was said so I can't respond. Except Apples here's an idea for you. Box up the extra clothes you need and mail them to Eva. Your DH will never know. lol

My evening turned out great. To answer the big question - the extra skin didn't matter in the least. lol

He made a wonderful dinner, I met some new friends, & lost money at the casino.

I have to share a text I got last night from my DS. Sorry if it offends any of you, but at least I know he was paying attention when momma was giving him the talk. I about wet myself laughing when I read it this morning. So here it is: "remember wrap it before you let him tap it" It's crude but cracked me up, I guess I'm warpped.

Tomorrow will be one of those mixed emotion days, my DD flies back to NV in the evening. I will miss her but boy I can't wait to get some order back around here.

My yoga instructor always says "take what you need from your practice and leave the rest on your mat" so that seems to be our motto here also.

LauraK

Sorry i have been junking up the thread with all my problems. I will hush for a while and just read Thanks for all your advice. It has been years since i drank and even when i drank i never cheated on her, beat her up, spent a lot of money took the car anyway drunk...none of that. Just drank. At home. With her...like ive been for 6 years locked in a cage.

Anyway, happy new year everyone

Laters

Tina

Yep I agree the friendships we have made here are for a life time - I am so happy about that - Hell I get more support from you guys than I do from the pple in my real life (we need another word for that)

Janet - I feel that way as well. Oh an we have roughly the same happen on our thread some pop in once in a blue moon then nothing. Oh well they are missing sime great support.

Melissa, I'm so glad you had fun. See it was so worth it for you to go. It's funny that you texted Janet last night because I got several texts also from some of my family. I was sort of occupied at the party but it was still nice to get those texts. It's a new year and we are going to be successful with our health and our jobs...right?

Eva

Eva - to answer your question. RIGHT!!!!

Oh I have to post this before I go - had QVC open - clicked on it and what do I find

LIVE LAUGH LEARN - CLOSE TO OUR NEW MANTRA ;0) WE SHOULD ALL ORDER SOME LOL

That was too funny we should ask for a bulk discount LOL

"I have to share a text I got last night from my DS. Sorry if it offends any of you, but at least I know he was paying attention when momma was giving him the talk. I about wet myself laughing when I read it this morning. So here it is: "remember wrap it before you let him tap it" It's crude but cracked me up, I guess I'm warpped."

Laura K - That was too funny I am warped as well cause I was laughing so hard I thought I might have wet myself as well