WHO'S HERE? 4/4 ROLL CALL

Morning Andrea & everyone The trip was my downfall, dad is a non-smoker so no smoking in his truck, made for a long ride the 1st day went better the 2nd. He surprised me by getting a smoking room when we stopped! I put on 5 lbs last week which didn't surprise me didn't freak out cuz figured eating on the road we weren't going to be eating right. Taught me a big lesson & I can see now why people gain their weight back. I have taken the 5 lbs off now & feel better about it. goals for the week: ride the bike that's why I bought it! walk walk walk in this beautiful spring weather we are having push water behave myself first time for everything. I also did a big no-no in my book, I have drank a couple of diet soda's. I wasn't much of a soda drinker before surgery but when I'm working they seem to taste much better than water. Just a nice change. Figure if I have 1 or 2 on the night I work then I'm good for the week. I did try (by mistake!) the Dansia (think that's it) Raspberry water. Just grabbed it & was surprised it was flavored water. Didn't taste to bad & I'm not a raspberry lover. Mild flavor & hit the spot. Still like my lemon water & drink that for change in pace. Everyone have a good week. Hugs Carolyn

Carolyn, Welcome back. So sorry to hear that you gained weight, but it's great that you have taken that off already. What did you do to get 5 pounds off that quickly? Share your secrets, please!! Now, pop? Does your surgeon okay that? I'm still afraid to drink it, although I have heard that some surgeons say it's okay once in a while and as long as it's diet. I have tried that flavored water and it's good. I only buy it when it's on sale, though, like 2 for $1.00. Sometimes, the flavor is too strong and I mix one bottle with a regular bottle of water. Lightens the flavor and it lasts twice as long! Now, behave yourself this week as you're out riding that bike. God bless, Andrea

Hello I had to get gas for my car. Couldn't believe the prices. Already up to $2.25. By summer, they say it will be $3.00. Well, I have decided to stay where I'm at. I did think about moving back with Mom and Dad. But realized that even though, Mom loves me, this would not be a good thing. It would be too stressful for everybody. Ok, goals: 1. I did do some walking, but need to do more. 2) Get Dad to bring in my Gazelle, (before summer) and my bike. 3) Get protein in, (I'm loosing a lot more hair) 4) Be happy don't worry I think that's good enough for right now. Oh, and drink more water. Well, you all have a great day, it actually got up to 83 degrees yesterday couldn't believe it. Take Care Love ya Lisa Young

Lisa, Wow - still lovin' that new picture. You look good in it! It has to be a hard decision on whether to move in with your parents or not. Would it help with expenses all the way around? Sometimes, that in itself is a great stress reducer. Now, try to walk at least 3-4 times this week. You can do it - especially when the weather is so nice! So, if it's storming, you have a good excuse to do something inside. I like the Richard Simmons Sweatin' to the Oldies tapes for some fun dancing and cardio exercise. My kids usually do it with me. (I don't really do it anymore because I go to the gym so much.) Now, get in that protein and have a good day. God bless, Andrea

All is well here in Dubuque. I have another head cold, but this one is pretty mild really.....my sinuses just really act up when it goes from hot to cold and back!! I am doing good eating wise and pill and drinking wise. I could always do better in the exercise dept tho! Just getting myslef and house ready for vacation, already here next week I am loving this beautiful weather!!! Windows open everyday and playing outside!!!! I love, love, love it!!!! And if you want to know my progress, justt re-reads Andreas.....lol.....we are WAY to alike....we have the same surgery date, same pounds lost, and the same date for a plastic surgery consult.....just to name a few!!! Plus we have the same eating issues Our major difference is location and exercise!!! It is crazy!! Well I hope everyone has a great week!! Take Care Jesi

Jesi, I was wondering where you were!!! What am I going to do without you when you leave??? What day are you going? Glad that you are doing well with the eating and the pills. I am doing okay myself this week. I am taking less supplements now because the dietician nixed a lot of them last week. She had me take in all of my supplements and asked why I take so many. I told her that I was trying to find the right mix to strengthen my nails and stop hair loss/promote my hair growth again. She said that I was getting too much vitamin A and that can cause hair loss. She also told me that I was getting too much zinc and that it gets in the way of the absorption of copper which then can cause neuropathy (which I still have in my right foot and leg). So, I'm giving her advice a try and then will see if things change. Now, as for us being the same - we should be twins - right down to the sinus stuff! I was on an antibiotic a couple of weeks ago for sinus infection and for bronchitis, and I got better. Then the weather changed and my ears plugged up again. The doctor just put me on another antibiotic. Ahhhhhhhhh!!! It's almost scary how much we are alike! Now, get exercising and we'll be truly the same! Well, I gotta run! I'll call you soon. God bless, Andrea

Andrea and all... I want you all to know how much this web board has meant to me.. it has gotten me thru so much in the last 2 years! I cant even begin to tell you! sometimes I don't post, but I usually checkin a few times a week and read everyones goals, and it is so nice to know that I am not the only one struggling still with a lot of these things. I think I still am addicted to food though! isnt that terrible, But I think we probably all are! I am getting ready to head down to southern Iowa today, I am going to be moving there soon, with the soon-to-be hubby.. and my son, and we are fixing up a house in a small town called Milton, where he lives and is from. Tomorrow I have an interview at a hospital down there, for 2 job openings, and its in the field that I am graduating May 6th with (medical secretary) Everyone wish me luck and send prayers or whatever you want my way! I did have to quit my job a few weeks ago, I am just so stressed with 17 hours of school, and trying to fix up this house that is 230 miles away from me, and uprooting my son, etc. I just couldnt handle it. I am only telling you all, because I know you will understand.. Panic attacks have been striking me lately, and the last time I went to my doc, she wanted me to go get some counseling, just for general anxiety and depression, and I havent called yet. Scared I guess. Grr.. My goal for next week, NO< RIGHT NOW. I am going to call them as soon as I get done typing this and get an APPOINTMENT. I am. HONEST! I will look forward to meeting a lot of the ppl down in southern Iowa now, and hopefully get involved in more support groups down there. I am still looking into plastic surgery, but being on Title 19 doesnt give a lot of options. So I am waiting til I get a regular full time job. Although, I have decided, I am filling out an application for Extreme Makeover. Yes, My face is OK, but the rest of the body needs like total reconstruction badly! LOL wish me luck on that too! (for anyone else interested, its on www.abc.com, then you search for the Extreme Makeover show) well, I better finish getting ready here. I dont have much to wear to the interview, lol, havent had a need for dress clothes with losing all this weight and only going to college, so I am trying to find something really nice! ;) hugs to everyone... Judi

Judi, Good morning! So glad to hear from you. Ya know, I feel the same way about these boards - I rely on you all so much for encouragement, ideas, etc. Don't know what I would do without all of you here. Late congrats going out your way for the engagement. So glad for you - it will be great to be able to get a skinny dress for the wedding - that is if you are going with a dress. (My sister is getting married this summer and we are wearing capris - I think.) Good luck on your interview today. I'll say a prayer that things go well for you in that, graduation and in your move. Now, about quitting your job, taking so many classes and the move and anxiety - you need to see someone NOW! Did you make an appointment yet? Ya know, I know that it's not always something people want to do, but medication helps the anxiety and depressive feelings. My hubby has periods of anxiety that drive me NUTS! He finally got some meds for it and believe me, I can tell when he doesn't take them. It's a fight to get him to take them, even sometimes, but it makes such a difference in his ability to handle life in general. Anyway - don't forget to take care of you in this stressful time. Now, in terms of the reconstructive surgery, please let us know if you get on the show! I need to apply as well, but wouldn't want to be away from the family that long. Well, keep us updated on how everything is going. God bless, Andrea

Evenin Andrea Think the 5 lbs went off pretty easy as I started eating healthier again! You know the truck stop food isn't the best thing for us all the grease etc. I was so hungry for yogurt & wouldn't you know I couldn't find any when we were on the road not even the yogurt shakes. Drank lots of water though....far as the soda I drink diet only. So far it hasn't bothered me BUT I don't want to make it a habit so act like it's a treat. No, surgeon doesn't know I'm drinking it, need to make my app't with him, can you believe on the 20th will be my year anniversary?! Bike is out but I'm not yet. Have a good week. Hugs Carolyn

Wow, Carolyn, almost one year - doesn't seem like that long ago, does it? Truck stop food - yuk! I would probably have eaten a bunch of salads with meat. Yogurt - I try it again every now and then, but I think that I am way burned out on it. Now, girl, get biking and show off that new you!! God bless, Andrea