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.

Charlene, I am not low in D. My doctor and his assistant were surprised. He said research is showing that all kinds of things happen when you are low on D. I'm outside quite a bit and I do consume fortified milk. Good luck with your appointment.

Linda, you are such a good Mom to your Merry. Those dogs love those bones, even without the extra "Hand" she'll be able to hold the bone down with one foot and gnaw on it.

Phyl, Have fun in Cabo, let us know how you like the crystal lite. Really, have a great time.

Meredith...you too!! Have a wonderful time in FL and soak up all the sun you need. I wouldn't be able to stand it all cloudy all the time. I guess that's why I live in the sun belt.

Lori, external hard drives are easy...just plug them in...uses a USB cord and my is powered so I have to plug it into power too. I have a terabite or something crazy like that on my external drive. See I don't get jewelery or perfume for birthdays and Christmas, I get hard drives and storage sheds....also cinder blocks. They're probably cheaper than the jewelery I like...LOL.

I have to finally work at the job...I didn't get any of that done yesterday, but I did finish my final story. I will have to "edit" and revise it, but I'll do that in a day or two....need to take a break from it.

Going for a walk....hope you have a great day!.

Eva

Melissa - have you tried the PB2 -- powdered Peanut Butter -- has only 45 calories and 1.5 grams of fat per serving (2 T.) -- it tastes great!

Linda

Never heard of it. Where do you get it?

Happy B-day to Glimmer!

Linda, that is too cute about you holding Merry's bne for her. That is something I would do too. She has found a way around that missing leg - YOU!!!!

Arlene, I am scheduled for May 19 for just a TT. My PS told me it would be easier on me to do the TT and girls separately. I am all over that! I will do the TT first as that is what really bothers me the most. I may or may not do the girls but I have time to think that over.

Melissa,

I bought the PB2 on Amazon, I think Bells Plantation was another site. Just google PB2 .

Sandy, that is great that you have your apt. That's the same thing I want to have done.

Linda, So cute about Merry. Prayers for your brother.

Eva, Happy B-day to Glimmer.

Meridith, have a great time in FL.

Phyl, have a great time on your vaca. too.

Wishing I was still on vaca.

LauraK

Good Morning All...

Linda...your story of Merry and the bone melted my heart. Poor little thing. What a good momma to hold her bone for her. Thoughts and prayers going out to your brother and you and your family. Wish they could find out what is going on with him. You had stated awhile ago that he is really thin and does not have much to go on. Hopefully, they can build him up some while he is hospitalized. I know his illness is very stressful for you and you would love to be with him at this time. Hugs.

Meredith...have a GREAT trip. I know where you are coming from on your food issues and wanting spring. I have been cooped up in this house waaaaay too much since coming home from AZ. I eat when I'm not even hungry....just for something to do. If I was worried about gaining or trying to maintain, all this would drive me nuts. DH has some equipment he wants to put on a consignment auction coming up on April 13 and is pretty sure he will not be able to dig it out of the snowbanks. It's been a sucky winter for many in the Northern states. Just have a great time....cut your calories when you can while on vacation but treat yourself when you feel like it and get back. Hopefully the weather has turned around and you can get outside and be more active by the time you get home.

Melissa...hugs on all the issues you are having with insurance, DH, etc. Men pull away when they are stressed. My DH gets quite and will work for very long hours when he is troubled by something. I always find it best to let him work through things on his own. My even trying to talk it out at times will just drive him further away. Hugs. Linda is right on the PB2....so much better for you. See if you can find some in your area. If not, email me and I will send you a jar. I have a couple of extras.

Great...I think you stated you heading to Denver on Monday? I bet you cannot wait to hold that baby again. Linda is right again....having an external hard drive is so much easier. Worth the $$$. Have a great trip.

Cheri....hope you had a great vacation and got your grandchildren "fix" and that your DH is out of his snit.

Eva...happy birthday for Glimmer (belated) from Tanker, DH and myself. Sweet puppa. You and your DH are so good about doing your date night. DH and I used to when the kids were home. Once a week and one of us would have to be sick our something if we broke our date. Then life kind of got in the way. You talking about your date night kind of kicked us into doing it again. Ours will be Sat night after we go and visit FIL. The home he will be in is in a city that has lots of nice restaurants. We are just going to plan our date nights around our visits. As you know, our area does not offer much except bar and grill type food. Really tough to get a good steak unless I make it at home.

Arlene....I really do get why you do the different diets. When you stated that the guidelines from some of these diets/books provide nuggets of truth...I get that. We are all different and need different things to help us along. I just hope you know where I was coming from with my last post to you. I don't want you to be beating yourself up if you cannot stick to the strict guidelines some of these books/diets put out there. Hugs. And, you are always so good with the prayers. Thanks for the ones said yesterday for FIL.

Hope you have good results from your tests today. Your question on being low on D. I have lucked out and have not been low on anything throughout this process.

Phyll...have a GREAT trip to Cabo. Your Crystal Lite mix sounds good. I make a sugar free one for DH made with fresh lime and diet sprite. He loves it but the Crystal Like sounds a bit easier. Will have to look for it on Amazon.

Sandy...I too and interested on when your TT is scheduled. I have not heard anything back yet on ins. I suppose I should email my doc's office manager today to see if she's heard anything.

Hi to all I've missed. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

FIL was loaded on a plane from Phoenix at 4:30am this morning. He needed to have a first class seat and BIL was able to help him to his seat. Nominated BIL into sainthood last night. All family members voted and agreed. He's a sweet guy to do all he has. It's been tough on him. His partner and two little children are vacationing alone in Palm Springs. He will get in on one day only of vacation. He told my DH on the phone the other night (after seeing FIL's wrecked truck) that we should have been planning a funeral instead of seeing him go through surgery. We all feel fortunate.

And, Eva, you are right in what you said about the family taking care of him. I might have sounded selfish but the point I was trying to make is that DH and I would like for him to at least have some say in where he lives.

OK...have company coming for dinner (lunch). Have a big pot of stew on the stove and need to get busy and make some beer bread to go with it. Will check back later. OH....I got out yesterday. Was going to just drive the 70 miles to Walmart but ending up staying on the freeway and traveled an hour more to my favorite TJMAXX. Found the cutest bridal shower gift. A big/sturdy lime green watering can, a kneeling pad to match, lime green garden gloves and all the tools a person would need for their flower beds in lime green. This little bride is just like her mother. Has a green thumb. Also found everything I need to do all the kid's Easter baskets. I have 7 that I do for. Got them fun gums and candies and books to read while they get sugared up.

BTW....just thought I would let you guys know that I have gained 18lbs from being cooped up in this house.

Lori....where are you traveling to this time???? Congrats on the new "tool".

Apples, I just can't imagine you gaining 18 pounds, but I believe it. I do understand wanting FIL to have a say in where he stays, that would be ideal, but I've been on the other side of that where I let my Mom stay where she wanted and it led to HELL. Once he recovers, hopefully he can function well enough to return to his friends. Glad he'll be close enough for you to visit.

I'm planning on doing and FNSC on the Saturday before Easter. I love to have Easter parties....fun food...fun decorations. I just put the email out there, so we'll see how that goes over.

Linda....I did forget to mention your brother...prayers are there for him and his family.

Back to work.

Apples, I just can't imagine you gaining 18 pounds, but I believe it. I do understand wanting FIL to have a say in where he stays, that would be ideal, but I've been on the other side of that where I let my Mom stay where she wanted and it led to HELL. Once he recovers, hopefully he can function well enough to return to his friends. Glad he'll be close enough for you to visit.

I'm planning on doing and FNSC on the Saturday before Easter. I love to have Easter parties....fun food...fun decorations. I just put the email out there, so we'll see how that goes over.

Linda....I did forget to mention your brother...prayers are there for him and his family.

Back to work.

April Fools, Eva!!!!

Hell, I was so excited about a month ago prior to going to see my LB doc. My scale said I had gained a little over 6lbs...doc's scale said I lost 2.9lbs. Go figure. ....his was correct.

Yes I am going on Monday to Denver to see Grandma and grandbaby. Life is just full of 'Grands'! LOL

Okay regarding this external hard drive, do you mean you save like everything on it versus your computer? I really don't have much on a computer other than photos and many times I just make discs of those. Is it something like saving things on a disc? I feel overwhelmed by technology LOL

Apples, we are looking at doing another Mediterranean cruise, last 2 times we did the Western and this time may do the Eastern out of Venice. I have DH just about convinced to go, well he's convinced it's just finding the week he can be away. Looks like we'd leave 2 days after my birthday!

Hope FIL does good on his trip home. Will he be staying far from you? Did he eventually have a say in the place?

Vitamin D, I am low on it as is DH we both take supplements, mine is RX strength his is just some OTC from costco that his doc recommended. I also usually show low on B1 and potassium.

Arlene, since you like 'diet books' have you seen 'Made to Crave'? it's not a food plan in fact you follow your own healthy plan, but it delves more into cravings and dealing with those but with a spiritual bent. I think you'd like it.

We are having a beautiful but windy day out. DH is loving working in the yard, he's redoing his pond and waterfall he wasn't happy with it. I am going to go sit and supervise while I educate myself on all things Ipad.

Phyl, what do I need for my Ipad? I know you jsut got one. I got the cover for it in pink, do I need somethign on the back? how do you carry your's around? are there cases?

Hey Gang!

I just got back from the endocrinologist. I was pleasantly surprised to find I do not have low D. In fact, he told me I had excellent numbers especially my cholesterol. My good cholesterol is 103. He is the second doctor in two weeks to tell me I am going to live a long time. He said he had never seen anyone lose 80lbs on a lap band like I did. He just doesn't know all of you. I have gained, but he said it was probably the Savella(FM drug) and Lexapro. Now, I am going to talk to the shrink about getting off of it or cut it down.

Apples, I know you care very much about me succeeding on this journey. I appreciate all the comments. I just want y'all to know where I am coming from. I do believe I have an addiction to sweets. I inherited it from my dad who was and alcoholic. The more I battle it daily the more I forgive my dad for his disease. The more I forgive the stronger I become. This is definitely "One day at a time". Your poor FIL. I take it he is coming back to MN. Who is going to care for him while he recovers? Yes, you BIL is the current saint. I hope all the sisters appreciate his sacrifice. I know you do.

Melissa, I know your DH is being a butt. Men always feel less than whole when they can't give their families all their needs. Try real hard to reassure him that you understand. I am praying for you a full time position. What is a carb monster Soup? Where are the recipes?

Linda, I am going to see if I can watch that show online. I am sorry I missed it. I have been watching Dr. Oz. He has so many health tips.

Eva, I have seven cherry tomatoes on one plant. Now I just go out twice a day to check on my garden. I had forgotten how much I loved having a garden. This is my first time to have an above ground garden. I put some Miracle Grow soil in it so I should have a good crop.

LauraK, I know what you mean.....a vacation sounds so good especially after a hard winter

Sndy......well, your doctor knows best. My friend just did not want to be put to sleep three times. She is a nurse so all that stuff scares her. I'm ignorant......so I just trust God has put me in good hands and He will wake me up.

Great, the external hard drive is a separate gadget....you would back up documents and photos....save them as you normally do on your computer, but periodically copy all your stuff to the external hard drive. It's just like copying to a CD or a thumb drive...only it has much bigger storage capacity. I use it as a back up device.

Apples, April Fools....see how gullible I am.

Great, the external hard drive is a separate gadget....you would back up documents and photos....save them as you normally do on your computer, but periodically copy all your stuff to the external hard drive. It's just like copying to a CD or a thumb drive...only it has much bigger storage capacity. I use it as a back up device.

Apples, April Fools....see how gullible I am.

Eva...just couldn't believe that not one of us did the April Fools thing earlier today. I just couldn't think of anything and that popped into my head.

I want to do an above ground garden at the lake and have another at home for squash, pumpkin, etc. Flower beds and garden this year depend on if I have surgery. Too much for DH to keep up with.

Lori...FIL will be 70 miles from us. As Eva stated a few days ago, he'll be able to make new friends where he is at. And, 70 miles a few times a week to visit is not anything to worry about. He landed in MN at noon and heading to his destination with his DD and SIL. He's in good hands but has another 3 hour trip ahead of him. Poor little guy. He'll be happy to finally land in his swing bed.

Arlene...congrats on the good numbers and good to hear you are going to live a long life cuz don't know what we'd do without you. Love.

Yes I am going on Monday to Denver to see Grandma and grandbaby. Life is just full of 'Grands'! LOL

Okay regarding this external hard drive, do you mean you save like everything on it versus your computer? I really don't have much on a computer other than photos and many times I just make discs of those. Is it something like saving things on a disc? I feel overwhelmed by technology LOL

Apples, we are looking at doing another Mediterranean cruise, last 2 times we did the Western and this time may do the Eastern out of Venice. I have DH just about convinced to go, well he's convinced it's just finding the week he can be away. Looks like we'd leave 2 days after my birthday!

Hope FIL does good on his trip home. Will he be staying far from you? Did he eventually have a say in the place?

Vitamin D, I am low on it as is DH we both take supplements, mine is RX strength his is just some OTC from costco that his doc recommended. I also usually show low on B1 and potassium.

Arlene, since you like 'diet books' have you seen 'Made to Crave'? it's not a food plan in fact you follow your own healthy plan, but it delves more into cravings and dealing with those but with a spiritual bent. I think you'd like it.

We are having a beautiful but windy day out. DH is loving working in the yard, he's redoing his pond and waterfall he wasn't happy with it. I am going to go sit and supervise while I educate myself on all things Ipad.

Phyl, what do I need for my Ipad? I know you jsut got one. I got the cover for it in pink, do I need somethign on the back? how do you carry your's around? are there cases?

Lori, I haven't read her book, but I think I have a devotional by her. She was just here in Pearland for a seminar. I missed it. Thanks for telling me about it. On the cruise thing. I think the Royal Carribean is leaving Galveston for Spain in May. My DS said that the rooms are starting at 450 for like 15 days. I know you don't want to be gone that long, but it sounds like a fabulous trip for a retired couple.

Hi all.....

Hope everyone had a fabulous day and played a few pranks more then got played themeselves on!!

Its Friday night and Dassi is at my parents for shabbos and ive finially had some quiet time to think, contemplate and organize my messy room!! Have not begun to change over the spring clothes from winter and im thinking nows a good time to start!!!

I Love diet books and cook books that talk about healthy foods and such.....the one book that really helped me loose the 80lbs so far is called "The diet solution" stop dieting, start eating and start living...by Isabel De los Rios......you can look at it at www.TheDietSolutionProgram.com.

What I loved about this program is it tells you what you should be eating and doing....and how to do it and if you decide to not eat the correct way...then what you should be eating the next best ways.....for instance lets take ummmm Sugar for example....She will give you a paragraph or to as to what sugar is and what it does to your body in this case it would be make you gain weight, fat, develop focus and attention deficitts, hyperactivrty and the whys.....she will do the same with good foods for you and tell you whys of how they can benefit you....then she will go on to tell you all the different forms sugar takes and what to look for in products...that try to fool you into thinking that there is no sugar...then she will talk about....how to eat sugar, the whens, whys and in what substititutions if you feel you need to eat it in the best way possible that it will do the least harm.......

I like it because it gives me the alternatives, and says "yes" you can have the "what evers" and not deny yourself....just do it in the best possible way!!! She also talks about the importance of exercise along with food watching............the premise is to get healthy, eat good whole foods and exercise daily............in fact.....you all talking about books and all....have prompted me to get back to basics and brought out the program again and starting from the beginnning once again!!!! Thank you....its the kick in the butt I needed.....and now that spring is in the air its time to start excersing again!!!!! outside....I ened a bycycle and so does Dassi....so Sunday will start looking around!

I said I would keep everyone posted about the tuition and camp etc situation.....so here goes it. No dice for reversing the decision. My lawyer spole to the court and the response was not good. The judge is standing in his decision..and he feels it is his job to make sure that the child has money when she reaches 18 thats the final decision. Well ive go to words for him....but there is nothing to be done.

I did make some phone calls as embarrassing as they might have been.....actually three and need to make at least two more.....but can only feel embarrassed so much in one week....need to spread it out so I wont completely loose it!! The first was to the community Rabbi....who is the rabbi that I speak to most in the community where we go to services and are a member of the shul. He and his wife was at the Bat Mitzvah as well. I called him and boy was he pissed, but again he knows nothing of the system soooo he said what he can do for me is two things......one is help with passover right now that he can do right away which will relieve some pressure for the next two weeks so not to have to worry about that....(didnt even get to thinking about passover yet because of all this so he was right about that) wasnt sure what he meant but he asked for my address again and the last time he did that he sent me a check for 500 dollars for food which was really helpful three years ago...so I think this was what he meant..that is nice and so appreciated. The next thing was to tell me that im not alone and that we will work through all this together and think of options and make them happen. Firstly letting HALB know what occured and if they demand money or say she cannnot be enrolled again.....that I must phone him emmediately and he will make sure they do no such thing....he promises they will not kick her out.

That to me is the biggest consolation....because I know he means to do what he says always so.....he has alot of clout and the biggest supporters of the school in the community are members of his shul...soooo I guess he knows who to talk to to pull support etc etc if they do something like this....makes me feel alot more secure....didnt help that I cried on the phone mercilesslessly but I just was so touched by this......and the third was to contact an organization that he said could help with other options....sooooo

the next call was to the school....I left a message with the information for the director and he hasnt phoned me back as of yet however, by this time I know they are full aware of the situation from several sources,....and not looking forward to them getting back to me at all.....im so embarrassed by it all. Bottom Line is that its not my fault that this occured it is out of my control and unexpected and I could only be sorry about it but I should be embarrased for myself.....so why do I???? Why???? but it is an embarrasing situation no matter whos to blame.....the fact is that I dont have enough on my own to pay for it all and that is what is embarrassing! okay...enough!

the next phone call was to this organization that was soooo amazingly compassionate and made me feel so much better was the Rabbi who ran the organization who took my call immediately and listened.....and of course when I started to break down he said please...please dont get upset because if you get upset I will get upset at myself for making you feel the need to get upset....I just had to laugh at that.....after that....we had an amazing conversation. What a fabulous person.....and he as well wanted to reasure me that HALB was not going to kick her out that he had many connections and will make sure that this year is taken care of totally that was the first thing he said he was going to do....the second was that he agreed that even though camp was a little expensive it was important like the school she stay there and he would get help for this as well for this summer and the money owed to my mother he would get together right away from funds....because this was most pertinenet at this moment with passover coming and extra expense of it. hmmm. He then went on to assure me that I have nothing to feel bad about, be embarrassed about or in any way guilty for what happened.....and so on and so on.....and I was really grateful. Bottom line....even if both Rabbis cant help with everything...they were soooo amazing about all this and there comforting words and reassurance was enough to make me get myself together enough to realize that there will be a light at the end of this mess.....and tomorrow will be a brighter day!!!!!

So this is where I am at with this whole crappy situation....but at least I have people who are now going to work with me to help figure all this out for this year and the next few years ahead. They also said they are going to talk to their lawyers to see if there really isnt any legal ways to make this money available to Dassi before 18 so that she can choose how she will use it.....for yeshivah, camp, Israel, clothes, whatever she will want or need that I wont be able to afford all alone. So enough about alll this....for sure bored you all to death by now!!! Thanks for all the concern and support I will keep you guys posted as things come up.....if anyone has any other ideas that....can help please feel free.......im all out if racking my brain.

I just need to say one more thing about this and then ill be really finished!!! What im really pissed about with all this is.......in the beginning of this whole experience with the court and monies and how things worked.....I chose the school and camp and did the bat mitzvah with full understanding that this is what the court was going to share with in the expenses, they agreed these were there best places for her to be at and agreed to allow me to take half and pay myself with half. Had I gotten a no way from the very start....I would have chosen different for her.....a less expensive yeshivah that might not have had the many great benefits but would have been satisfactory and what I was able to afford on my own. The same goes for camp and she would not have had as big a bat mitzvah not that it was in any way big....but it would have been without adults, or without the magician or withoput the centerpieces....it would have been okay.,...but I worked with what I had and even then it was a struggle but it was all doable.,...so because they granted the petitions with the explanations from the start.....how can they dare expect me to be able to afford these institutions alone now?? How can they think its in her best interest to take her out now...after three years of just getting settled because a new judge sees things differently and doesnt give a rats ass.....as to all of the above....and most of alll Im mad as hell at Ron...and the poor guy cant even defent himself!!!!

k......im now finished!!!! really....

sooooo.....now that thats out the way.......................................BIGGGGG NEWWWWSSSSSS

I met someone!!!!! Yes, a man!!! lol. Out of no where really!!! One I actually really like!!! Further more I think he even likes me back just as much. I kind of feel like a kid. Hes amazing. hes cute, and funny and charming and truly likeable!!! It just happened this past week and havent had time to post or tell anyone except my mom about him yet!!!

He contacted me on that jewish dating site that I joined months ago. I havent looked at in in ages and since the beginning of preparation for the B.M. I never even checked on it. Just so happens on Tuesday I got this message from the site that my subscription was going to end.....and I was like so what.....havent looked at in in ages.....and wanted to let them know to cancel it.....so signed on and there was a message waiting....hmmmm and I didnt get a notification which was strange....but opened it up and there was a message from some guy who read my profile and was impressed YADAYADAyAA....and would love it if id get in contact with him.....so I sent him a message....after of course checking his profile and thought he was right......we could be a good match!!!

So...contacted him and turns out yesturday he was close by so we met for coffee and sat for three hours.......and really hit it off!!!! After getting home.....last night he called to say he really had a great time and would love if he can take me out on a real date.......wooo hooo!!! so we are going out tomorrow night.....so excited that today ran to Loemans.....where I saw they had some nice things on the clearance racks and said...what the heck...so I bough two amazing dresses for 35 bucks each!!! couldnt resist the second. soooo have the perfect outfit for tomorrow...got my nails done and mustered the energy to think about orgainizing my room tonight!!!!

but....you should all know.....im optomistic until he makes his first mistake then you all know im going to throw his arse out the door......but until then......OMG did I need this little reprieve from the last two weeks like nobodys buisness!!! ..........whats really interesting and strangely odd is that.....he contacted me on the day of Dassis Bat Mitzvah and his bat mitzvah torah reading is the same as Dassi....that I spoke to her about in my speech to her.........and the day I prayed my eyes out ....Monday before speaking to these Rabbis....asking god for help and sending me a sign....any little one......and thats the day I signed on and got this message. hmmmm perhaps im reading into but its all about coincidences and this to me seems very connectable!!! At least it gave us something to talk about for at least an hour!!! He was pretty impressed that I new so much about this particular torah reading and he told me that night on the phone what clinched it for him was that I was so knowledgable about his torah reading and was able to give him interpretations of it that he himslef had thought of many times and when I picked the topic to speak on.....it wasnt going to be on that torah reading at all......that just happened by accident really!!! but thats for another post!!!

in any case....Ill let you know about the date tomorrow night!!!!

Told you all id be back by end of the week to junk up the thread.....lol

btw.....been working real hard on those last ten pounds....and lost three of the five that I gained...thank god!!!!! so...getting back on track....now for the excersise....but i know same ole same ole...gotta get to it enough talk!!!!!

Have a good night all

Jods