Happy Thursday Everybody :-)

Good Morning Everybody, Happy Thursday! How is everyone? What's up in your world? After work I'll be running around trying to get stuff together for my girlie weekend in Williamsburg. We're leaving at 9:30 tomorrow morning. It should be fun. We're planning to hit the pottery (and wherever else strikes us). We're going to go to Busch Gardens on Saturday. I've never been there so it should be interesting. At least if I decide to get on any of the rides, I'll fit! So how goes the eating/fluids/supplements/protein and exercise? I'm doing good on all counts. Just waiting to see what the scale says tomorrow morning. I'm hoping that I lost this week instead of just staying the same. BTW, I tried a new protein bar this week and it was pretty good. I decided to try one because I've noticed here lately that the power crunch bar (which I still love by the way) just wasn't cutting it. I would eat it and an hour later I'd be hungry. The one I tried this week was called Myoplex Light (Chocolate Chocolate Chip). Had kinda crispies in it with chocolate chips. 190 cals, 15g protein and 22 net carbs. A little high on the carb figure. They also have a Myoplex "Carb Conscious" bar (or some name like that) that I'm going to have to order if I want it. I got the Myoplex Light bar at Walmart. Well it's another hoppin' day here at the ranch and I've got to get certain things done before I get out of here for the weekend, so I'm going to get cracking. If I don't get to post again today, have a great weekend everybody!!! Take Care, Terry

Morning Terry. I have my support group meeting tonight in DC. Our nutritionist is going to be speaking to us about reading labels, balancing fat/protein/carbs etc. Should be a great meeting. I am not in a real funk today like I was the past two days. Haven't had any pain since about 10:30 am yesterday. So that's good. I did stay home from church last night and rest. I think that because I wasn't feel good most of the morning and because it was so slow at work that I got really tired. It was nice to have some quiet time. I hope that today will continue to be better. I got my exercise in this AM. Strengthening for lower body and abs. I brought a change of clothes to go walk in. I am wearing a skirt and rayon blouse today and don't want to get all sweaty in that. I hate sweating but I do it a lot and there isn't much to stop it. Doing okay with my eating. I am still not getting quite enough protein but I am working on it. It has really helped me to track my food. That way I know if I am doing the right things or not. I might try that protein bar. I don't like most of them but haven't tried that kind. I am trying to eat two small meals at work so that I get some extra protein. It's hard to remember to eat though. Maybe I need to put a little reminder on my calendar. I do that with my vitamins. Terry, have fun this weekend. Busch Gardens is nice. We went last year and although it rained half the day it was still fun. Not really big so it wasn't hard to walk around. Although now i could do it several times. OOOO, I love pottery. I hope the weather is nice for y'all. Hugs, Robin

Howdy all. Getting in protein is something that I still have to think about daily. It's easy to eat to little or something higher carb that doesn't also have the protein. Tough to remember all the time. Exercise continues to go well. Mo, I went on a staff retreat on Tuesday and there was a western theme complete with a DJ and someone to teach us line dancing in the afternoon. I immediately thought of you, particularly yesterday when my ankles were killing me. I forgot to stretch and I had no idea what great exercise that would be! Of course someone was taping the whole thing from my office. I decided not to partake in the viewing yesterday. Didn't need to see me embarassing myself. Off to Oakland tomorrow for a weekend camping trip with the college crew. Hope everyone has a fabulous Thursday and a speedy Friday. -Daniel

Hey Daniel - Have a great time camping! My idea of roughing it is telling the maid to come back the next day with fresh towels!!!! Sorry, I'm a princess, I know. Yes, why is it that the bad stuff slides down much easier than the stuff that's good for you? Always a quandry!!! I do try to make informed choices, and when I read labels, the first thing I look for is sugar, if that doesn't disqualify it, then I go on to protein and try to get the most bang for my buck. That's why I like Greek yogurt for breakfast. One cup is 120 calories, 0 fat, total carbs 9 (a little high), but 20 grams of protein. It's so versatile, too, if you leave it unsweetened, it tastes and can be used like sour cream, sweetened with Splenda, it tastes like vanilla yogurt. Of course, you have to like yogurt to begin with!!! I'm envious, our only staff retreats are to the executive conference room instead of the staff lunch room! Oh, well, one of the joys of being a State employee!!!! Have a great time this weekend!!! Tia

Have a great weekend Daniel

Robin, I'm glad to hear the stomach pain has gone away. I was reallly concerned when you said you couldn't sit up straight. I mean, I 've had some episodes where the pouch just was not happy, but nothing THAT painful. I realize we all have different pain tolerances. I guess I was just pointing out that there are times when we do need to be seen by a doctor and it's human nature to "minimize" things and think "oh, it couldn't be this or that". After having this surgery, we need to listen to our gut (no pun intended) and do what we think is right, even if it does seem kind of extreme. Don't mean to sound like I'm lecturing. I know what you mean about the journal. I made up a food journal and I've been filling it out this week. I mentally have kept track of stuff since I stopped keeping a journal at about six months. I have been really honest with myself, but I wanted to use this journal to keep closer track of the protein/carb combo. I have a suspicion that I've been eating too many carbs and that's why the scale hasn't been moving. I don't even know how many carbs we should be eating in a day. I plan to have a great time...these are two of my oldest friends and we've kind of fallen out of touch over the years. We really want to work at staying in touch. Two of us are single (never married) and the other one has been married to her high school sweetheart for 24 years. Hugs, T

Hi Terry. Yes, I know what you mean about minimizing things. I do t hat a lot. I am sending my doc an email to let him know what happened. I think he would want to know since I have had so many sensitive pouch problems. I might even see him tonight at the support group mtg. He is usually there. If my NUT gives an amount of carbs we should be getting I'll let you know. It's so hard to know all the numbers. Hugs, Robin

Morning - It's my Friday, too!!! But I'm not going any place fun like you, T! I hope you all have a blast. You didn't say if you were going to indulge in any "girl drinks," and I know you don't really drink, but just remember that you're a cheap drunk now!!!! I'll still never forget my first post-op 'rita!!! WOW!!!! I'm sitting here drinking my 3rd coffee of the a.m., and it's only 9:10!!!! I had the first one at home, the 2nd on the way to work (gee, only 1 hour and 15 minutes this morning!!), and my First Sergeant brought me one from Starbucks!! YIKES!! The thing must've fermented, because it took 14 SPLENDAS!! to even make it drinkable!!! I also already had a bottle of water, so I don't feel too guilty! I've kind of tried to stay away from protein bars - they opened up an evil door for me -kind of like the trail mix saga. But I'm glad you found a good tasting one - that's always a challenge! Yesterday, Cherie from DVR's office called me at 2:30 and asked me to be their guest speaker at last night's info session! YIKES!! I hate speaking in public, but feel so passionate about wls that I agreed. I was a little nervous, and I guess it's a wow, because before, I wouldn't have had the nerve!! It went okay, and although I don't think they'll be offering me my own show any time soon, I think I was well received, and not really nervous. The only time my voice cracked was when I told about KB being the 2nd and 3rd reasons for my surgery, after me. So, all in all, not a bad experience. I didn't see anyone slumped on the floor, so I guess it was okay!! I had to laugh when DVR introduced me and said I was going to say a "few words." I said, "When have you EVER known me to say just a few words?" and I was off!!!! Robin, glad you're feeling better physically and mentally. I know Terry said it sounded more serious than an upset pouch, and I hate to disagree with my esteemed colleague, but when I was 3 mos. out, I tried steak. Or rather, it tried me. OMG! It got stuck, the pain was horrible, and even throughout the next day, I was just sore. The NP at DVR's office said it was likely my pouch was irritated, and I should take it easy for a day or so. It did subside, so maybe that's what happened with you. Pouch was being a grouch! In any event, I'm glad it's better. I'm with ya on the sweating issue - although I have to say that I don't sweat anywhere near what I used to. In fact, I'm usually cold. My brother says I'm the ultimate wimp now! Enjoy that walk though!!! Okay, you FORGET to eat? OMG! Can I borrow that? Even though my head issues aren't as bad as they were, I still never forget to eat. Not trying to minimize what you're saying, I'm just amazed. If it makes it easier, put a protein bar or some kind of snack that doesn't necessarily need to be refrigerated on your desk - kind of as a reminder. That's what I do with my water - line 'em up! If you're chained to your desk, it actually works out well. Maybe that will help you get your protein in - YOU MUST!!! Well, THE SUPERVISOR is leaving at 10 for a luncheon, so it should be a good rest of the day! Got a haircut tomorrow, lunch with Mom and my aunt, and assorted shopping! Hope everyone has a great day/weekend!!! Tia

Hey, I'm not sure about the "girlie" drinks. I've had some wine/champagne and asti at various times since surgery and not felt a thing. The most I've had is 1 glass of asti. If the mood hits, I may have something, but who knows...maybe I might have a drink and take a walk on the wild side...oh yeah...lol Drinking the starbucks rocket fuel, huh? yuck...I love to smell it and smell it brewing, just can't stand the taste of coffee..I can tolerate it if its mixed with chocolate, but only if it's more chocolate than coffee. That's great news about speaking to the group! I understand about not being as nervous when it's something you're passionate about. I've gotten alot better about speaking in front of people than I was 20 years ago, but still...it causes a certain amount of anxiety. Now why am I not surprised that you cracked when you said the second and third reasons you had the surgery was K&B? Gee, and here I thought it was so that you could run to all the purse/shoes/makeup sales...hehe HAHA I'm right there with ya g/f Hope you have a great day off with Mom and your Aunt. Shopping and lunch...pure bliss (especially if it's on payday....hehe) Hugs, T

Hi Tia. KB are so lucky to have you. I know you feel very blessed to have them too, but let me tell you, not everyone has an aunt as loving and involved as you are with them. I am ALWAYS cold, unless I am walking/working out. Then I sweat so badly. I wanted to bring in a space heater to work but was told they aren't allowed. There is some sort of foot thing the company will order for me that heats up. Somehow it is supposed to help keep you warm and not fry the circuits. So hey, if they will pay for it, I'm not gonna complain! Hugs, Robin