Good Thursday Morning Everybody!

Good Thursday Morning Everybody! So how is everyone this morning? I can't believe how warm it is out - and there's no fog! Mo, I totally understand about not being able to do it. I had the same exact situation almost 9 years ago. I gave my cat fluid IV's for about 2 weeks. I really thought that it would make a huge difference and she'd improve and we'd be able to have her for months. After about 10 days I realized that it wasn't really doing anything to greatly improve her quality of life (in fact she was worse) and I realized (for me) it wasn't fair to make her suffer any longer so we took her and it was very peaceful. It still hurts today. You'll know when it's time In the meantime please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers, I know how tough it is. So how goes the eating, protein, supplements, fluids and exercise for everyone? I'm doing okay on the protein, supplements and fluids. I didn't get to work out last night because of a hair appt. and also because I had a boatload of paperwork to do for church. I figure if I do cardio everyday I'm okay with doing the strength training a minimum of 2 days a week (although I shoot for 3 days). I'm sort of caught up on the paperwork (for now). I get to leave work early today and I'll take some work home while I wait for the repairman to come look at my stove. It hasn't been right for awhile, but I really noticed this past weekend that the temp is varying by several degrees from one side of the oven to the other, WTH??? I never had that happen before, but foods were burning on one side and raw on the other. I've also got a guy coming to give me an estimate to fix my faucet. It started leaking this past weekend and I was going to fix it myself (I have done this before and figured I could tackle it). When I went to turn the water supply off under the sink the other day I realized that my fingers were wet (and it wasn't from water dripping down from the leaking faucet), so I figured I better get a professional in there to look at it. I'm hoping it won't cost me my firstborn child to get it fixed..hehe. Well I've got to get cracking here so I can get the bulk of this stuff done before I leave later this morning. Have a wonderful day! Take Care, Terry

Good early Thursday a.m. Terry! Poncho is still hanging in here. I am just heartsick. I was prepared to take him last night, but Mr Mo just sat and cried saying he just couldn't let go. Tomorrow we will go to the vet one way or the other .. either for more fluids or that final trip. Your telling me about your experience with the IV fluids helps. I know it will be only short term and I hate seeing him suffer like this. He's such a lively cat and now he's almost lifeless. I still haven't found a room for the meeting next week. I've got to spend the couple of hours I'm in the office this morning trying to find a room. I tried another organization here in Annapolis that has a big meeting room and they are booked for that day . I have to check what is available out at Riva Road, there are a couple of conference rooms out there, but not as big as the one the group typically uses. This afternoon I am the site coordinator for a satellite video conference at AACC. I've got to make sure I have everything together for that. I had 'nightmare/dreams' about it and having everything go wrong. I've been to this conference every year since it started, but this is the first year I have 'hosted' a site so I am nervous to have that responsibility. Ok, I had better get dressed and try to get my 'game' face on here and get to work. Hugs, Mo

Hi All, I am doing fairly well on my 2 protein drinks and a meal. This is what is my doc has recommended for pre-surgical diet. I am doing this through a program at the FMH Wellness Center in Frederick. I am very pleased to say that I have lost 35 lbs since 9/1 and well on my way to a good pre-surgincal loss! I guess I'm feeling a little deprived though and the weekly behavorial classes are forcing me to see things that I need to change. It is frustrating though because I don't know how to change them. My biggest issue right now is in the evenings, I am so tempted to snack after dinner that I am border line psychotic!!!! What I am begining to realize is that I use food to relax and for comfort, I am NOT HUNGRY. I need to find ways healthy ways to comfort myself. For some reason this is very hard for me. I believe it's because I don't have a very good self-image. I can list the multitude of reasons but, understanding how I got to this point doesn't seem to help me to change the behaviors. How do you start to value yourself as a person when your whole life you have felt you were not worth anything? I am coming to realize that my self image and self esteem issues have to be addressed. The surgery will help me change my body but when I look in the mirror I'm afraid that I'll still see the "fat girl" even if I loose the weight. That "fat girl" will always be in the mirror unless I do something to get her out of my head! I know you all don't have all the answers but a few suggestions on things I can do to nurture myself would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Deb.

Deb, I think as time goes on and you are willing to work on the issues you will find ways to heal and see the beautiful you not the 'fat' girl. Also, as you lose the weight you will have more energy and find things to do to be active and you won't be eating from 'boredom'. I know for myself I was much the same way, I would 'think' I was hungry when I was bored. Can you take up a hobby that occupies your hands in the evenings .. knitting, sewing, crocheting, needlework??? I know when I am doing things like that I am less likely to put my fingers in food and get them 'messy'. Best wishes as your WLS journey continues. Hugs, Mo

Good morning. It is a beautiful day out. That is my simple pleasure today. After what has seemed like weeks (but really is only days) of gloomy weather, I am so happy to see the sun shining and the temps warming a bit. I think my boss is in a bad mood (one of them). I got him onto a conference call late yesterday, he wasn't happy about it. I should have been paying closer attention to the clock but I got to chatting (running my mouth) with someone and he missed about 7 minutes of the call. Well, this morning he called me on his way in to remind me about a call this AM that he wanted to be on as soon as he arrived. I guess it was a good thing I was here early since the call began right at 8 & I am not due to be here until 8. I actually planned to be here for the call but his confidence in my ability to get him on the call ontime must be down today. Anyway, he walked into the office and I thought since the call was still on music hold that I would give him a chance to at least take his coat off. But NOOO he hollered at me from his office "any time now Robin". Well, that was just a bit snippy if you ask me! His office is not right next to mine, I can't even see into his office from where I sit. I hadn't forgotten about him, I just wanted to give him a chance to at least sit down before I sent the call in. Sorry that is my little rant this AM. Sometimes this guy can be very nit-picky. I mean, I realize that I messed up with his call yesterday but I was on it for today. So I am back to "proving" the quality of my work. That's okay. Last week was not a good one for the quality of my work so I suppose this is due. I have my wls support group tonight. We are supposed to share recipes for the holidays that we have made healthier. I'll share some of the good ones with y'all. Mo, I am praying for y'all today. I know it's a tough time for you right now. 16 years is a long time. I hope everyone has a great day. I hope to get out and enjoy the sunshine a little bit. It'll be in the car though. I am using my lunch break to run Stephanie to meet with a group of 11th & 12th graders going to visit a college this weekend. She is excited about the trip. Valley Forge Christian College in PA is where they are going this trip. They get to sleep in the dorms, take 3 classes and ask all kinds of questions. It's a great opportuinity for her. Hugs, Robin

Hey Rob - You know, I just want to beat that boss of yours - or both! Their bad moods and taking it out on you are just completely unprofessional. And I know where you work, these men are 'supposed' to be professionals!!!! My goodness, so you made a mistake, I mean, after all, you're only human!!! It sounds to me like you can't win either way - he didn't like that you gave him a minute to gather himself, but it sounds like he wouldn't be happy if you didn't either!! YIKES! I can honestly say that in my 21 years on the job, I've never had to work for someone who was moody or took their bad days out on me. I know you're conscientious, so just keep doing what you're doing. If it helps, the next time he gets snippy, try picturing him in purple underwear!! Ugh, co-workers!!! Gotta love 'em!! And THAT'S why I take Effexor!!!! Hope Steph has fun being a college girl this weekend! See you on Saturday! Tia

yeah, he's in a bad mood today. He gets like this sometimes. You know, I swear that men have PMS. He's certainly not the worse boss I've ever had. Thank heaven! I'll have to remember the purple underwear, that's sure to make me laugh. Rob

GM - Not liking this warm weather!!! I'm sorry, but in my perfect little dream world, Thanksgiving is supposed to be cold and overcast - you know, "Over the river and through the woods....the horse knows the way....through the....drifting snow...." NOT 70 degrees!!!! Plus, Mom bought me a nice dressy-type sweatshirt with a fall theme that I planned on wearing, and somehow, I don't think it'll look right with capris!!!!! I WANT COLD WEATHER!!!!! Okay, done whining. Terry, I know you look beautiful-er with your hair done! I've decided that for the sake of my sanity, I AM going back to the gym. I felt so good - sweaty, but in a good way, after I worked out, and I really need an outlet. Plus, I know the rest of this weight's not gonna come off by itself. So, Monday - they're only open M-T, I am there. Yes, by all means, get that oven fixed - it just wouldn't do for those whoopie pies to be only partially baked!!! Kudos to you for attempting to fix the faucet - NOT TIA! I'm pretty domestic, but I'm certainly not Bob the Builder!! Your firstborn child, hmm? Whenever Gary says that, I say, "Um, no THANK YOU!" Mo, nothing more I can say, but I'm glad I added some levity to your day. I find that being a smartie-pants can be a good/bad thing - sometimes my mouth gets me into trouble! Again, I know you and Mr. Mo will do the right thing at the right time, but I certainly don't envy you. As I said, the ex is yours for the taking!! Actually, I'll throw in MOTY - two for the price of one!!! Debbie, that's great about your 35 pound loss!!! I know you must be feeling better. Once you see the weight dropping off post-op, it's an awesome feeling, too!!! Even at over a year post-op, I still find myself dealing with those head issues. A social worker explained that, for me anyway, I was overweight/obese for about 35 years, and that isn't going to go away overnight. But good for you for realizing that you have issues needing to be addressed. I wish I could tell you that it'll change immediately, but it seems like it takes our minds a while to catch up. Just remember, they operate on our bodies, not our minds, although I would've paid extra for that!!!! It is a constant struggle, but you are NOT alone. One of my "food-type" passions post-op has been flavored hot teas. There are so many on the market, and with the vast number of s/f syrups out there, the possibilities are endless. Some of the flavors I've found are so yummy, that it's like having dessert in a cup. I realize it's still a "comfort" item, but certainly a lot less harmful than chocolate!!! Be good to yourself - if you like to read and have the time, indulge in some good books. There are some really nice Christmas themed novels out there right now, and sometimes, I can live vicariously for just an hour or so. For me, I'm a girlie girl, so even a new bottle of nail polish (like I need another bottle), is a treat. Buy yourself some flowers, a DVD, a CD, a new magazine, a purse (PURSES FIX EVERY PROBLEM!), shoes, even just getting my hair washed and my scalp massaged before a haircut can be a treat, a manicure or pedicure or massage if you're into that (and are independently wealthy!) there are lots of things out there, you just have to find out what makes Deb feel good - besides food. Be kind to yourself pre and post-op, you're doing this for you!!!! Hope this helps a little! Hope everyone has a great day - oh, did I mention it's my FRIDAY???!!! YEE-HA!!!! Tia

It's my Friday for a change too !!! AND it was PAYDAY today Hugs, Mo

Hey there Terry, I've been SO busy today so no time to check in until now. I'm doing good. I'm getting in my protein and water and feeling good (but tired!) Sounds like you are having some kitchen issues. Everything hits the fan all at once doesn't it??? Hang in there! See you Saturday