While at support group and Julie was talking about the web site for calculating your recipes for content etc I happened to remember a web site that is out there for doing the same thing. I could not exactly remember what the name of it was until I got home on Thursday. It is www.sparkpeople.com The membership is free and it has a bunch of great tools for weight loss and exercise. Go to the tab for Healthy Lifestyle - and then down to sparkrecipes.com I am sure that you all can figure it out from there.

Christine

Briana had a beautiful baby girl named Gabrielle. She was born August 9, 2008 weighing 8 lbs 8 ounces and I think 19 inches.

Sherrill had a cute as a button baby boy named Christian William. I believe he was born 8/26/08 weighing 7 lbs 4 ounces.

Briana and Sherrill are doing well and will be back to work soon.

I was just wondering if Brianna has had the baby yet? If so what was it, how big and long!

Went for a sleep study test last week as I'm not feeling rested any longer with my CPAP machine. During the split study they never woke me up to put my CPAP on. The tech stated I didn't meet qualifications. So I had to wait till today to get my actual results from the pulmonoligist. While I no longer have sleep apnea, I do still have frequent awakenings and my oxygen drops to 90% which is the lowest norm oxygen (and really not all that normal for someone my age). So I will be having another study done on the 31rst to retitrate my CPAP needs. I will get to go home with a new machine. This one will have an auto adjust system and has a computer chip that will make it easier for my MD to see what's happening while I sleep. So I'm very excited that I don't have sleep apnea any longer and that my needs have decreased (thanks to my weight loss) but not as excited that I have to get a new machine. However, It's all good as it means I'm moving in the correct direction and hope to one day be able to get rid of the CPAP once and for all. Just wanted to share. Missed you all at the last meeting but had relatives in from out of town that were only going to be here for the one night. Can't wait to see you all at the next meeting.
Shell

Hi everybody!
I am sitting at my desk getting ready to get away this weekend and realized it has been awhile since I checked this thread. I'm typing and munching on some cut up cold chicken and some lettuce and tomatoes in some ff dressing. So this might be a rather disjointed email. I too had such a good time at the Antless Picnic. But as I am sitting here, alternately eating a salad and typing, I am realizing that this is an OLD behavior creeping back. WHEN I EAT, I SHOULD ONLY EAT, NOT 'MULTI-TASK." (Somehow, I felt Brianna looking askance at me as I was trying to both eat and work at the computer. OOPS--that's not the way the New Bill wants to eat! (And besides, you get food in the keys! You also eat too quickly and fail to eat MINDFULLY.) Anybody else catching old habits trying to sneak back into your life?

I hope not. Anyway, even though I might not be near a computer for a couple of days, (off to fishing, a bit of golf, and reconnecting with relatives)please know I will keep my Lifeweigh buddies in my thoughts!
See ya lighter!

I enjoyed the food sampling at last nights support group. I will definately be making some of those recipes real soon. I look forward to see you all at the August support group that will be presented by Dr. Jack Gelman on Facial Rejuvenation and Post Bariatric plastic surgery. We are starting to compile next years support group list and we what to hear your suggestions of topics. You can post them here or email me. Have a great weekend!!!

Hi Bill -
I'm very sorry to hear about your friend. That's way too young.

I look forward to seeing you at the July support meeting.
Christina

Christina sounds like lots of fun. However, My niece has her graduation party that day in DeKalb. I won't be able to make it. Hope to see you at the July meeting. Hope you have lots of fun at the get together. Hope we all have nice weather.

Sorry, I am leading a Memorial Service for a 47 year old guy who died of a heart attack this Saturday at that time.

God be with you!

Hello Everyone: I see April was the last posting date. I find that the reality is there is no way to stay in the circle of insanity. Eating for nutrition (spelling isn't so good so forgive me or correct me, either way not a big deal for me).

I have been working with a therapist for a long time to find out why food is so important to me and as I let the food go I see how lonely I really am. I believe that risk is the key to success, let go of what you know and feel the uncomfortablness of what I don't know.

I am on my second month of the practice diet, excercise is a tough one for me. My day begins at 6am and stops at 8pm, somewhere in there I have to just say this one is for me and everything else can wait.

Picking the wrong partner is like eating sugar, there might be a moment of satisfication but in the long run there is nothing but pain.

I pray for all of you and your success and I ask that if you could -- remember all of us in your prayers as well.

Those are my thoughts I am open you yours as well.

Marista

I really got alot from the support meeting tonight. I feel I can go grocery shopping and get a better variety for my family as well as myself.
It was also good to see such a large turn out there.
I am trying to come up with something to bring for the Antless Picnic, it has to travel well. I am not much on cooking and not very creative so we will see!

Hi Everyone... this includes the staff of LWB - Just a quick note to remind everyone that Calvin and I will be having a get together on Saturday, June 21st around 4pm. We would love to meet or get to know you better. This will be a great time to meet new people and share your experience, strength and hope with one another. Bring your spouse or friend and come join in the fun. If you are interested, please e-mail me and I will give you my phone number and directions to our home. We live in Warrenville.

My daughter is graduating in MD on Friday so we will be traveling and unable to make the June meeting.

I sure hope we have a big turn out.

Christina

Hi All:
As I have gone back to work, I've spent less and less time online so I thought I'd just say "Hi," to all. See you on the first Thursday in June (6/5/08) when the Support Group "goes grocery shopping" that night...I am now on soft diet. Had applesauce and soft boiled eggs for breakfast this morning at a local restaurant with two of the guys I usually golf with...I am DYING to be cleared by Dr. Rosen and Joey for golf again, as I really miss the fun, frustration, and comraderie of this great game. I am losing. Seems to be slower now and that's frustrating, but I'm watching myself and eating carefully. HOpe you all have a great weekend. For me it's so neat to realize that holidays are SO very much more than eating! May we all stop and remember WHY we have Memorial Day. Our country is far from perfect, but a lot of great people have made it what it is!

Hi Everyone! Just wanted to let you know that Calvin and I are planning a get together on Saturday, June 21st. It will be a great time of fellowship. Many people will be at all stages of their journey and I encourage you to come meet others from our local support group as well as people taking the same journey on obesityhelp.com IL board. We would love to meet/or get to know you better. More info will be provided as it gets closer but please mark your calendars! We will not be at the June meeting as we will be traveling to MD for my daughters graduation.

Hope everyone has a great safe holiday weekend.
Christina

Bill and Sharilyn and all.
So what's going on guys. How's it going. I don't see any posts since our last meeting and I am so curious to know how your doing. Will all the practice you had is it getting easier.


I'm 5 weeks into my practice diet (why do they call it a practice diet? Is it because your going to eat less later on? It really isn't practice as much as life change..) Anyway I digress...
At what point does it get easier or does it?
Like the other day I was in the grocery store. It use to be my habit to reward myself with a candy bar for doing the shopping. I said to myself. Who will know. Then the voice of reason popped into my head and said and "just where will that get you? you can't do that down the road. No point in even considering this surgery if this where your going. So better just stop thinking this way before you get your self in trouble." So I talked my way out of it and walked as fast as I could past the display of twinkies.

Just when you think you've got it conquered it tries to suck you back in. ROFL

So anyone else want to share.
Hope your having a great week. Everybody keep the goals in site. Better Life.

Hey, Brenda!

First, thanks so much for adding your words to this thread. You HAVE been thru a lot already, haven't you?!

And a session about strategies would be of interest to me, that's for sure.

Great idea! Not long ago, the staff did a night on "Small Changes Lead to Big Results" (or something like that) and it generated some great discussion about individual coping strategies and the like--I would guess we'd all do well to hear more of the seasoned folks' ideas. I know I would!

Keep up the great work! You really sound motivated to me and everybody's willing to "scootch over" and give you room on the Losers' Bench!

I went to my first support group meeting on Thursday and have to say you are all an inspiration. First, the staff at LifeWeigh are incredible. Where do you see a group of such dedicated people and a DR who attends support group...utterly awesome.
Next all of you who I met on Thur, Oh my gosh, what a group. You give us who are waiting hope and strength to keep to the program.
I was reading the strings and I was especially inspired by the person who said they now look at food as nutrition for their body. I'm working on it.
I am one month in on my pre-op wait. I think I've had nearly every challenge you can meet. Meals out, a funeral, a conference, a ball game. I'm not perfect but practicing and meeting the challenges. This brings me to a support group meeting suggestion. What about strategies for meeting those unexpected challenges. Barbie could take all the great strategies they have gotten and compile them and we could have a strategy for every situation. LOL

All of you who have gone before are an inspiration and offer hope to those of us who follow you.
Blessings to you all.

First: We would never, ever laugh at you, Barbie. You are one of the sweetest, most patient people I have ever met and I think it was awesome that you were willing to be one of Joey's 'guinea pigs' at Support group last night. (And, I echo your words 100%. if any of you folks can make use of Joey's skills--do it. He's a great guy, a good motivator, and a lot of fun. I'd never be where I am today without him. (And Brianna, and Cheryl, and Gail, and Barbie, and Barb, and Dr. Rosen!!! That's what makes LifeWeigh Bariatrics such a great facilitiy. It's a TRUE team approach and as a "patient, or client or whatever I am" I can tell that this team likes and respects each other. It Rubs off on all the rest of us.

Karen, thanks for your kind words. Yes, it was great to see Shirlyn and everyone else last night. On my way home, I brought two pizzas to the Nursing Unit, as a thank you...Wow, it was a long day. I think I overdid it a bit, as I slept til 10:45 a.m. and I haven't slept that late since college days!!!

Joey did a great job last. What I did not get to say through my tears of happiness was the small changes that Joey has taught me has paid off big. He motivates you to do things that you don't realize that you can do. Which in turn tells me how important support is. Thank you all for not laughing at me last night (just kidding). I encourage everyone to sign up with Joey for at least one session to start an exercise program that you can absolutely do. It would be the best $50 you spent. Bill, THANK YOU, for the VitaRain. The dragon fruit is my favorite.

Bill and Shirlyn I just read your updates and you are both doing GREAT! Bill I agree the packer colors are not doing it for me either! Sorry I missed the meeting last night but I do have it planned for June. Kandy welcome to the group. Bill the shrinking man, you need a t-shirt that says that! LOL Well I will check back soon! Keep losing and smiling its a great new look for us!

Hello everyone! Just wanted to let you that July support group will be on the second Thursday of the month (7/10/08) instead of the first Thursday of the month (7/3/08). The time will still be 7:00 pm. Please mark your calendars now! See you all tonight!

Hello! I have been on here alot and decided it was about time to post. Bill - your plea for more posts worked! I just had my first 4hr appt. today at LWB and found out about all the fun things I get to do before I have my surgery. I am a self-pay patient, so if (okay, WHEN) I comply with all my goals, I should be able to get a surgery date in mid to late June. I am excited! Of course, I have a lot to do first. Quit smoking, quit diet coke (I am already 3 days out doing that, yay!), change my diet and start exercising again. I just ordered a bunch of Medifast stuff and got my required vitamins. I won't be at the meeting Thursday, but I will most likely attend the next one. Have fun and wish me luck in my journey!

Kandy :)

Well, it's working for me, I know I have to deal with it for four weeks, so I can't keep eating the same stuff, but my wife made some chicken with low fat/low sodium broth and put it in the food processor. I also have processed carrots and mashed potato....she made them all fresh for me, but I keep having the same thing as part of my pureed diet, which I've been on now for the third day. I will eventually need more 'variety' but for now, that's working great for me...I have to get some more walking in now....Shirlyn, glad to hear it's going well for you. I tried some WeightWatchers' fat free yogurt with my medfast oatmeal and mushy pear sauce for breakfast and that was great too. But I can have about two teaspoons of each of these items and I am FULL. So I stop eating. And it's seeming to do me just fine. See you Thursday, WOULDN'T IT BE NICE IF SOMEONE ELSE (HINT, HINT) STARTED POSTING SO WE COULD MAKE THE 60POST CHALLENGE BY THURSDAY NIGHT'S SUPPORT GROUP?!

Hi all!

This is my second day of purees. Yesterday I feasted on low fat ricotta cheese with a splash of V8 juice and baby sweet potatoes. This morning I tried putting egg beaters in the blender but they didn't quite become smooth and I was a bit scared to eat them. I ended up putting 1/2 scoop Unjury protien into 3 tablespoons sugar free pudding.

I'm so glad for the practice diet. Yesterday wasn't perfect by any means, but I did almost make my protien and water intake requirements. Today I'm shooting for perfection.

Glad to hear you're doing so well, Bill. Hope to see you all Thursday!

Shirlyn

Golly, it may be a small thing, but ya know what? It's great getting out of the shower and having the towel go all the way around me again!

Today's my last day of liquids and then it's four weeks of pureed food. I am starting to get excited about babyfood flavors!

How you doing, Shirlyn???