I have been on it since surgery, but the surgeon has suggested I try to stop taking it. That is the only thing I am doing differently that could be causing the pain. I will check with him at my next visit. I just wondered what the reason was for wanting me to stop taking it. I am sure he told me, but I don't remember.  I am going to start taking it again.

I am enjoying the day off.  One of my daughters brought the new boyfriend home on Friday for us to meet and the other daughter came home to visit too, so the weekend was super busy.  The daughter and boyfriend left a couple of hours ago, so the three of us are watching a movie and resting. My stomach has been hurting this weekend and I don't know why. My stomach feels empty, but having a hard time eating. I've been sticking with proteins, so not sure what the problem is. We went to Lazy Dog on Saturday and I had chicken lettuce wraps, which was good. Went to the beach on Saturday, which was lovely.  We took sandwich stuff, but I skipped the bread and just ate meat and cheese, followed by steak for dinner. We hosted BBQ yesterday and we made ribs and hamburgers.  Instead, I had shrimp for appetizers and then grilled a few for dinner.  So, I am baffled by the stomach pain. Any ideas?  

I have a question about Prilosec.  How long after surgery did you take it?  What are the long-term affects of continuing it indefinitely?  Enjoy the rest of the day.

Just popping in for a quick moment. Read a few posts, but will read more later.  I guess I would have to say the Eagles. I could sing along with every song.  Not sure why I never went. Maybe because they were such big venues when they came around.  But reading a few of the posts reminds me that I saw Elton John (a couple of times-Dodger Stadium and Vegas), the Ramones (UCLA Royce Hall) and Neil Young (Greek Theatre). Concerts are always so much fun.

BTW.  I met Barry Manilow and have a picture with him.  It was a fundraising event in Palm Springs and a friend's Dad had bought a table. Barry sang with Suzanne Somers and we got to meet them.  I'll have to dig that up for a future photo Friday.  He writes the songs that make the whole world sing.

B: Premier Protein 

L: No idea, but I am leaving as soon as I post this.  I better have a plan.

D: Out with daughter and the new boyfriend. Lazy Dog or BJ's-but it will be late. Hopefully they will have shrimp on the menu at Lazy Dog, because we may end up there because they want beer. Good thing that doesn't interest me in the slightest.

S:  Cheese and crackers

Hoping all is going well for Stacy today and this helps alleviate her concerns.

Pictures below are from our LA excursions at the Space Shuttle Endeavour/Science Center and The Broad Museum. We got super lucky and were able to get into the Infinity Room at the end of the day without reservations.  We lurked about and waited. You only get 45 seconds inside the room, but it was pretty cool.

I would love to see what you end up doing for wine storage. I've been saving lots of ideas on Pinterest. We have a couple of places we could add a room, but not sure if the expense is worth it.  The other option  is upstairs in our bonus room, but we rarely go upstairs (it's the only room up there.)  Have fun at the concert.

Envious that I am on the West Coast.  Hope you all have fun! 

It does take a long time for sizes to change at the higher weights, but it does change dramatically as you get closer to your goal. Now may be the time to go get a new hairdo.  Hairdressers can help come up with a style that will make the loss less noticeable. I used Nioxin shampoo and conditioner and took (still do) Hair, Skin, and Nails.  I lost hair, but not by the handful, although I felt it was that much sometimes. I am sure your weight loss is noticeable to all who see you and not solely hair related. The oly thing I wish is that I had done this years ago. I hope it all gets better for you.

My advice for eating out is to just order the protein.  Tell the server what you want and ask if you can get it on the side or on its own. That eliminates this problem. You aren't really at the point of eating meals, especially if you want to keep the focus on protein. I have been able to just order a scallop or shrimp skewer just about anywhere that serves them. Just ask. 

How do you manage to come up with such great QOTD every day (food or non-food related)?

I had time to read a few and am looking forward to reading the rest later tonight.  It is HOT HOT HOT here in the Inland Empire and I had to wear a suit today for the Board meeting, but I look great in my new Kaspar bargain-priced jacket (size 8) that was originally $100, on clearance for $34.99, then discounted another 30% at Macy's, making it $25, plus tax.  Woo hoo. 

I have one real brother who is 4 years younger than me (5 in school, so we never attended high school together).  He served in the Coast Guard and has been a Deputy Sheriff for 25 years or so. He lives about an hour away, and I only see him occasionally, but talk to his wife and kids frequently. Weird.  I also have 3 stepbrothers (my Mom remarried when I was 13).  The one I was closest to, my partner in crime, was killed by a drunk driver on New Year's Eve 1999.  I miss him a lot. One lives in Iowa and who knows what he is up to.  I hear some from his kids on facebook.  The other is in San Diego and stopped talking to me when my Mom died because I had respected her wishes and didn't invite him to the funeral.  Oh well. Family drama.  Both my stepdad and Mom have passed, so the connection that bound us all together is gone now.

I was rushed yesterday for lunch between meetings and had an apple pecan chicken salad from Wendy's, followed by chicken for dinner after the gym. I have decided that I am not liking chicken so much anymore.  I really do like seafood and shrimp the best.  So, here is today's plan.

Breakfast:  Premier Protein

Lunch:  Salmon, vegies, a little quinoa

Dinner:  Shrimp Skewers

Snack:  Chobani tube

Have a good rest of the day.

Thanks so much!!!  I love purple.  I had an awesome wardrobe that included many purple suit jackets, but sadly/happily none of them fit any more and I am working to replenish in smaller sizes.  Unfortunately, the only colors that seem to be out right now do NOT include purple. Hopefully they will come with the new fall stuff.  I am in Southern Cal about halfway between Disneyland and Palm Springs. Heading out to my other local shrimp place (near work) called Shrimp House for a skewer, salad and vegies.  I found it about 6 months after my surgery and it has been life changing to stay on track.

So much happening on these threads that I want to respond to, but sadly, by the time I get on them it is way too late. Today I am taking a  work break.  Anyway, I was excited to hear about all of the makeup finds yesterday.  I have always been a die hard Estee Lauder person and while I continue it for skincare, one of my daughters took me to MAC a few years back and I finally mastered eye liner (upper lid only) and I have stuck with their products for makeup. But I have never been able to find a mascara that I really like, so I am going to try some of these options when I can get out and buy them.  I haven't found anything new and exciting to share.

Envious of those that are going camping. I have a 5^th Wheel and quads, but nobody wants to go any more.  Sad to hear about injuries and health issues. Hope everyone recovers.  Good news about RNY Elizabeth's clean bill of health. Can totally relate to the drama that goes with daughters.  Uggh.

Today's QOTD: SHRIMP SHRIMP SHRIMP  I especially love it grilled and there is a place near my house that sells a skewer of 4 shrimp with vegies (good sized shrimp) for $4.  And if I happen to get there on a day/time that is happy hour, it is only $2 a skewer.

This picture was from the weekend. I have worn a dress 2 times in the last 10 years or so (same dress-to a black tie wedding, and a work "gala"), but I got brave and bought 2 dresses last week and wore one out to dinner at a fancy place for Father's Day. I have to say I felt great and received a lot of compliments, so I am going to branch out and try to find some more. Of course, that involves new shoes too and I struggle with that because I have worn flats for so long. I ordered some shoes online (size 11s are hard to find in the store), but they both gave me toe cleavage and I cannot handle that, so they must be returned. I also have weird pinkie toes from hammertoe surgery many years ago, so my feet are a hot mess for shoes. Although I will wear flip flops away from work (my toes show), I will not wear open toed shoes that don't cover my baby toes (they must have a wide strap or be a peep toe) to work. Definitely a challenge, but it is my new quest.

I am going to play Bunco on Saturday with a group of ladies I have known since I was 18 (53 now). It was my Mom's group and many of the ladies are now in their 70s. I sub from time to time and they are trying to draft me in as a regular again, but I just can't add more on my plate. I prefer to be called to sub and be the "guest of honor." My husband and I are meeting our sort of local daughter on Sunday and going to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour, have lunch, and visit The Broad. So, it should be a fun weekend. Hope you all have fun doing whatever is on your agenda for the weekend.

AWESOME!  So happy to hear the news.  I have been thinking of you. I had a benign lump removed in my early 20s. But it was definitely scary until I knew it was benign. 

Now I feel there are two things I have to try one day, just to say I have...Turkish delight (although it doesn't sound like I am missing much) and Naan.  Where would I find these things?

Be patient.  You just had major surgery and are going through a complete lifestyle change.  It will get better every day.  Just focus on drinking water and following the rules for food progression. I am just over 1 year out and it has been a great journey. I feel better and look better than I have in years.  Wish I had done it years ago!  Good luck on your journey.