Mary B.’s Posts
Topic: RE: B*TCHFest: Your free weekly therapy
Im feeling more dumpy today than *****y...but I'll try
I HATE feeling depressed, sad and moody! Id rather be mad! TIred of feeling like a zombie!
I HATE not being able to pay the bills and having to call and grovel to people. At least the mortgagge people were nice.
I HATE that dh has applied for so many jobs and no one will call him back.
I HATE that its 60 degrees and its the end of May. I wanna sit by the damn pool.
I HATE that Ive been failry close to 1200 calories a day and lost 3 then gained 2 lbs.
I HATE that I hate my job so much when Im so lucky to have one.
I HATE being the breadwinner, the bill payer, the personal shopper, the only person who can make a real meal, That DH can find the time to call me and ask me to call and make an appt, that I had to make him trade his truck in cause we couldnt afford it anymore, I REALLY hate that he told DD that it was because the truck was too big for HER to drive knowing damn well she'll be 16 this year and he just got her all excited....
AAHHHREEGAHHDHAKDIWSIEIGHHHAARRGGHHHHHHH!!
Ok, That feels better.
I HATE feeling depressed, sad and moody! Id rather be mad! TIred of feeling like a zombie!

I HATE not being able to pay the bills and having to call and grovel to people. At least the mortgagge people were nice.
I HATE that dh has applied for so many jobs and no one will call him back.
I HATE that its 60 degrees and its the end of May. I wanna sit by the damn pool.
I HATE that Ive been failry close to 1200 calories a day and lost 3 then gained 2 lbs.
I HATE that I hate my job so much when Im so lucky to have one.
I HATE being the breadwinner, the bill payer, the personal shopper, the only person who can make a real meal, That DH can find the time to call me and ask me to call and make an appt, that I had to make him trade his truck in cause we couldnt afford it anymore, I REALLY hate that he told DD that it was because the truck was too big for HER to drive knowing damn well she'll be 16 this year and he just got her all excited....
AAHHHREEGAHHDHAKDIWSIEIGHHHAARRGGHHHHHHH!!
Ok, That feels better.

Topic: RE: Can someone be banded with a hiatal hernia?
I remember having heart burn as a child! LOL Always had problems with it..but it doesnt travel up, so Its not reflux. I started dating a guy years ago and his dad told me horror stories about his stomach bleeding. So, I finally went to a dr. They did a scope and found ulcers. I took protonix for 3 months and the burn came right back the day after. Ive been taking OTC Prilosec since then...that was 2001.
Found out I had a small hiatial hernia during my UGI for the band. Just had another UGI a couple weeks ago and its still there. dont know if thats causing my issues, but Im setting up a second opinion.
Found out I had a small hiatial hernia during my UGI for the band. Just had another UGI a couple weeks ago and its still there. dont know if thats causing my issues, but Im setting up a second opinion.

Topic: RE: What Are We Eating This Wednesday?
I'll finish this week out counting calories, but doesnt appear to be working...here is a look see at my calories and weight this week:
Friday 1080 cals, 273lbs
Saturday 1010 cals
Sunday 1178 cals, 270lbs
Monday 1350 cals
Tuesday 1090cals 271lbs...I actually took a 30 min walk yesterday)
Im up to 272 lbs This morning.
Anyway...
E: Coffee w/ cream
B: Special K drink (these are feeling tight to drink in the am)
L: Salmon Cup w/ mayo and maybe 3-4 crakers
S: Another Special K if I need it
D: DH wants to make pizza...I guess he likes to watch me throw up.
Friday 1080 cals, 273lbs
Saturday 1010 cals
Sunday 1178 cals, 270lbs
Monday 1350 cals
Tuesday 1090cals 271lbs...I actually took a 30 min walk yesterday)
Im up to 272 lbs This morning.

Anyway...
E: Coffee w/ cream
B: Special K drink (these are feeling tight to drink in the am)
L: Salmon Cup w/ mayo and maybe 3-4 crakers
S: Another Special K if I need it
D: DH wants to make pizza...I guess he likes to watch me throw up.

Topic: RE: NY2ATL I need recipe
wow, thats a bad burger! LOL
what type of meat are using? Ground chicken...not for me. Turkey needs LOTS of seasoning, the leaner meats will be a little dryer because they have less fat, so add more liquid and seasoning.
You want them to at least be able to stick together. Try it out in a pan (if you make them on the grill...you dont want them to fall thru the slats) Really, it will make a huge difference.
I really notice a difference when I make mini meat loaves...I mix up the meatloaf and portion them in a muffin pan. They cook twice as fast too.
Play with it a little and I SWEAR you will notice a difference!!
Oh, I cook them on med-high if Im using a frying pan. You want to make sure the pan is hot before you add the burgers. Add some oil to the pan too so they dont stick. You want to hear the sizzle. That way the meat can caramelize and form a nice crusty, brown texture on the outside. if you are worried about them cooking throughly, dont make them too fat. They will cook by the time they are brown on both sides.
what type of meat are using? Ground chicken...not for me. Turkey needs LOTS of seasoning, the leaner meats will be a little dryer because they have less fat, so add more liquid and seasoning.
You want them to at least be able to stick together. Try it out in a pan (if you make them on the grill...you dont want them to fall thru the slats) Really, it will make a huge difference.
I really notice a difference when I make mini meat loaves...I mix up the meatloaf and portion them in a muffin pan. They cook twice as fast too.
Play with it a little and I SWEAR you will notice a difference!!
Oh, I cook them on med-high if Im using a frying pan. You want to make sure the pan is hot before you add the burgers. Add some oil to the pan too so they dont stick. You want to hear the sizzle. That way the meat can caramelize and form a nice crusty, brown texture on the outside. if you are worried about them cooking throughly, dont make them too fat. They will cook by the time they are brown on both sides.

Topic: RE: Attention Crabbypantsers! Let's B*tch!!
nkara...
You are a saint to do Hospice work. Thank you
You are a saint to do Hospice work. Thank you


Topic: RE: NY2ATL I need recipe
MWG, it could be. The heat from your hands heats up the fat in the meat (it basically can start cooking the meat) if the fat warms you will lose flavor and moisture. Only mix it long enough to get the ingredients mixed up. I always make sure my meatloaf/burgers/meatballs are more on the wet side..add a little milk, worstichire sauce, tomato sauce whatever you like but moist meat cooks moist...provided you dont burn it into charcoal! LOL

Topic: RE: What Are We Eating This Tuesday?
You're still my hero Nikki! You can work it 
PB'd really hard on my dinner last night. Thats been happening lately. Not just a regular PB, where it comes back easily...this has been awful and after I feel so depleted. I had two small bites (about the size of a lima bean) of flank steak and maybe 2 small mushed broccoli florets. That was agony that lasted about 45 minutes. Oh well...
todays menu is...
E: Coffee w/ cream
B: Special K protein shake (maybe too cold cause it was feeling like it was gonna get stuck)
S: had a couple crackers at my desk
L: turkey chili or soup
D: Shrimp caesar salad

PB'd really hard on my dinner last night. Thats been happening lately. Not just a regular PB, where it comes back easily...this has been awful and after I feel so depleted. I had two small bites (about the size of a lima bean) of flank steak and maybe 2 small mushed broccoli florets. That was agony that lasted about 45 minutes. Oh well...
todays menu is...
E: Coffee w/ cream
B: Special K protein shake (maybe too cold cause it was feeling like it was gonna get stuck)
S: had a couple crackers at my desk
L: turkey chili or soup
D: Shrimp caesar salad

Topic: RE: NY2ATL I need recipe
I replace breadcrumbs with...
dried parsley, onion flakes, grated parmesean and garlic powder
It makes a really good coating for pork chops or pan seared chicken breast. dip the (meat of choice) in egg, then dredge in the dried mixture. Fry (pan sear sounds nicer). Nice and crusty with lots of flavor!
Definately dont overwork the meat. it will cause it to toughen. if you can afford the carbs, use a little milk to replace half of the egg for moisture.
dried parsley, onion flakes, grated parmesean and garlic powder
It makes a really good coating for pork chops or pan seared chicken breast. dip the (meat of choice) in egg, then dredge in the dried mixture. Fry (pan sear sounds nicer). Nice and crusty with lots of flavor!
Definately dont overwork the meat. it will cause it to toughen. if you can afford the carbs, use a little milk to replace half of the egg for moisture.

Topic: RE: Attention Crabbypantsers! Let's B*tch!!
Thanks Bette! I really need this today!
DH has been out of work going on 3 months (I know its nothing compared to 18!) He has applied for everything under the sun and no one will call him back...Yep that too includes McDonalds, Pizza Hut, and every friggin retail store within a 50 mile radius.
Now, today I have the pleasure of calling the mortgage company and tell them...Yeah, I thought I could pay this month, but I cant. I know I set up something for the 24th, but I need gas to get to work, a yearbook for DD, food for the family...etc.
Oh, and hey...looks like I wont be able to pay next month either.
I dont know what to do.
Oh, and can I add that ive had to DOUBLE my citlaopram cause I feel like a big fat weight loss failure. AND I quit smoking 3 months ago and I want a friggin SMOKE. I think maybe DH is smoking again.
DH has been out of work going on 3 months (I know its nothing compared to 18!) He has applied for everything under the sun and no one will call him back...Yep that too includes McDonalds, Pizza Hut, and every friggin retail store within a 50 mile radius.
Now, today I have the pleasure of calling the mortgage company and tell them...Yeah, I thought I could pay this month, but I cant. I know I set up something for the 24th, but I need gas to get to work, a yearbook for DD, food for the family...etc.
Oh, and hey...looks like I wont be able to pay next month either.
I dont know what to do.

Oh, and can I add that ive had to DOUBLE my citlaopram cause I feel like a big fat weight loss failure. AND I quit smoking 3 months ago and I want a friggin SMOKE. I think maybe DH is smoking again.

Topic: RE: LOW CARB SUPPORT..LET'S TALK!!
http://www.cooking.com/Recipes-and-More/Feature.aspx?ty=a&id =1106&_rid=143700.400.1809957&_mid=143700&ref=cknwffne0
Hey NY2ATL...
I saw these recipes and thought they could easily be modified to low carb. I tried to send you a PM, but I couldnt click on your profile.
These are not 'induction' style low carb recipes, but they could be easily modified.
Hope you can work with these ground beef casserole recipes...arghh, the link is at the top. One day, I'll figure out how to paste at the bottom of my post! LOL
Hey NY2ATL...
I saw these recipes and thought they could easily be modified to low carb. I tried to send you a PM, but I couldnt click on your profile.
These are not 'induction' style low carb recipes, but they could be easily modified.
Hope you can work with these ground beef casserole recipes...arghh, the link is at the top. One day, I'll figure out how to paste at the bottom of my post! LOL

Topic: RE: What are we eating this MONDAY
E: Coffee w/ cream
B: New Direction pudding
L: Salmon cup w/ mayo and a couple crackers
S: Special K protein drink
D: Try some teriaki marinated flank steak and veg. If the steak wont go down, then I'll make a nice thick shake. Since my last fill...icy thick shakes are keeping me full.
B: New Direction pudding
L: Salmon cup w/ mayo and a couple crackers
S: Special K protein drink
D: Try some teriaki marinated flank steak and veg. If the steak wont go down, then I'll make a nice thick shake. Since my last fill...icy thick shakes are keeping me full.

Topic: RE: things you wished you had truly known??
Hey FatGuy :)
Yeah, Ive been going crazy trying to figure everything out. Ive been back and forth to the nut with journals. Ive tried keeping track of everything. It jsut gets old when all I do is go up and down. Seems I was more successful BEFORE the band. I did Atkins and that worked great. I was able to lose 40lbs in 5 months...the first time I did it. Then It was like my body said...Ha! I know that trick! Its just hard to stay focused on something when you dont see results. I had a personal trainer for 4 months last year...I lost 6 lbs. I just had blood work done and a UGI, doc thinks Im too "open". I just feel like quitting...but If I were just going to quit I wouldnt come here and I wouldnt be so upset. Funny thing, I thought going to culinary school I would eat alot. Im in baking and pastry right now and I cant eat anything I make! LOL guess baking it is!
By my calculations, to maintain my weight, I must be consuming 3000 calories a day. NOT, I know cause Ive been writing the crap down. This week alone, I had been on liquids (except for today) I had 1200 calories of pre measured (water added) shakes. One day I added soup to that (240 calories extra) apparently this week I lost, then gained within the same 3 days... 6 lbs.
Yeah, Ive been going crazy trying to figure everything out. Ive been back and forth to the nut with journals. Ive tried keeping track of everything. It jsut gets old when all I do is go up and down. Seems I was more successful BEFORE the band. I did Atkins and that worked great. I was able to lose 40lbs in 5 months...the first time I did it. Then It was like my body said...Ha! I know that trick! Its just hard to stay focused on something when you dont see results. I had a personal trainer for 4 months last year...I lost 6 lbs. I just had blood work done and a UGI, doc thinks Im too "open". I just feel like quitting...but If I were just going to quit I wouldnt come here and I wouldnt be so upset. Funny thing, I thought going to culinary school I would eat alot. Im in baking and pastry right now and I cant eat anything I make! LOL guess baking it is!
By my calculations, to maintain my weight, I must be consuming 3000 calories a day. NOT, I know cause Ive been writing the crap down. This week alone, I had been on liquids (except for today) I had 1200 calories of pre measured (water added) shakes. One day I added soup to that (240 calories extra) apparently this week I lost, then gained within the same 3 days... 6 lbs.


Topic: RE: things you wished you had truly known??
I have to say I totally agree with kelled44. The majority of the time these days I feel like Im on a very expensive diet ($18,000) and still not getting anywhere, just like all the times before. Who in their right mind would have thought that cutting your total food intake by 75% would result in no weight loss.
If I could be a perfect angel dieter, I wouldnt have grapsed at the wls straw.
If I could be a perfect angel dieter, I wouldnt have grapsed at the wls straw.

Topic: RE: What Are We Eating This Friday?
E: Coffee w/ cream
B: Grits and 1 turkey sausage
L: New Direction vanilla pudding
S: Carnation instant breakfast no sugar added (on my way to class)
D: Try not to 'taste' too mu*****lass, then maybe ff refried beans w/ salsa when I get home.
I weighed in again this morning to see if everything evened out. Yah, I dont know what happened to those 6lbs cause they are STILL back. My scale must have been playing some Jedi mind trick or something. How rude!
B: Grits and 1 turkey sausage
L: New Direction vanilla pudding
S: Carnation instant breakfast no sugar added (on my way to class)
D: Try not to 'taste' too mu*****lass, then maybe ff refried beans w/ salsa when I get home.
I weighed in again this morning to see if everything evened out. Yah, I dont know what happened to those 6lbs cause they are STILL back. My scale must have been playing some Jedi mind trick or something. How rude!


Topic: RE: xpost Poll-How much did you weigh at birth?
Thats interesting Sue, I was bottle fed.
I know from stories that people were always stuffing me with food. I drank so much milk as a child, that when I finally got my two front teeth, they got holes right on the surface, I remember hearing something about all the calcium, so they had to be pulled.
I know from stories that people were always stuffing me with food. I drank so much milk as a child, that when I finally got my two front teeth, they got holes right on the surface, I remember hearing something about all the calcium, so they had to be pulled.

Topic: RE: What Are We Eating This Thursday?
Thank you guys. Im sorry to send the post in another direction. I just feel like i have tried so hard. I WANT to work out, but (thanks to my weight) I now have plantar fascitis and I can only walk so far.
Thanks for the support. Im just falling apart right now.
Thanks for the support. Im just falling apart right now.

Topic: RE: xpost Poll-How much did you weigh at birth?
Hmmmm, this is very interesting. Thank you so much for the responses.
Im not sure my theory holds though...maybe I'll come up with a spreadsheet when I have a chance. I was thinking maybe the smaller babies held more weight/were bigger.
I thought maybe that could be an answer to why Im the biggest in my family, even taller. IDK.
Im not sure my theory holds though...maybe I'll come up with a spreadsheet when I have a chance. I was thinking maybe the smaller babies held more weight/were bigger.
I thought maybe that could be an answer to why Im the biggest in my family, even taller. IDK.

Topic: RE: What Are We Eating This Thursday?
Movied to mushies today:
E: Coffee w/ cream
B: 2 slices deli turkey w 1tsp light veggie cream cheese
S: s/f cafe mocha
L: Salmon cup with 1 Tbsp mayo
S: Carnation instant breakfast no sugar added (on my way to class)
D: Mashed banana w/ 1tsp mayo
Someone PLEASE explain to me...I couldnt eat Monday (and Dr talked me into a fill) So I had a total of 3 crackers, coffee and 2 shakes all day..Tuesday was 5/ 200 calorie shakes and 2 cups of coffee. Weds I weigh and Im down 6 lbs...ate the same as Tuesday except replace one shake with 240 calorie soup. Today...IM UP those 6lbs. WTF?
Im SO sick of this! Whats the point?
E: Coffee w/ cream
B: 2 slices deli turkey w 1tsp light veggie cream cheese
S: s/f cafe mocha
L: Salmon cup with 1 Tbsp mayo
S: Carnation instant breakfast no sugar added (on my way to class)
D: Mashed banana w/ 1tsp mayo
Someone PLEASE explain to me...I couldnt eat Monday (and Dr talked me into a fill) So I had a total of 3 crackers, coffee and 2 shakes all day..Tuesday was 5/ 200 calorie shakes and 2 cups of coffee. Weds I weigh and Im down 6 lbs...ate the same as Tuesday except replace one shake with 240 calorie soup. Today...IM UP those 6lbs. WTF?



Topic: RE: xpost Poll-How much did you weigh at birth?
I posted this on the Main board, and its getting some interesting responses:
Just out of curiosity...this is something I have ALWAYS wondered. I was a preemie and was 2lbs 4oz when I was born and my mom had to buy me baby clothes from the toy department! LOL The drs said I wouldnt live thru the night
I was always the fat kid after that though. I was taller and heavier than all the other kids and i noticed this around 2nd grade. The summer before 6th grade, I grew two inches and reached 5'9" and was about 175+ pounds.
I was born in 1972 and always wondered if I was given some type of growth hormone or something. Ive tried to research this and didnt find much...I know two other people who were small...not as small as I was...but who are taller and heavier.
Just out of curiosity...this is something I have ALWAYS wondered. I was a preemie and was 2lbs 4oz when I was born and my mom had to buy me baby clothes from the toy department! LOL The drs said I wouldnt live thru the night
I was always the fat kid after that though. I was taller and heavier than all the other kids and i noticed this around 2nd grade. The summer before 6th grade, I grew two inches and reached 5'9" and was about 175+ pounds.
I was born in 1972 and always wondered if I was given some type of growth hormone or something. Ive tried to research this and didnt find much...I know two other people who were small...not as small as I was...but who are taller and heavier.

Topic: RE: Surgery less than 24 hours away...any words of wisdom?
Absolutely walk, walk, walk then walk some more. Yep, chapstick and a good pillow to hold your stomach (and have a little feeling of home).
By the third day at home I started feeling sick...kinda flu like. I decided to get up and do my laps around the house...come to find out, thats just what I needed, I felt so much better.
Good Luck and try to get some sleep tonight!
By the third day at home I started feeling sick...kinda flu like. I decided to get up and do my laps around the house...come to find out, thats just what I needed, I felt so much better.
Good Luck and try to get some sleep tonight!

Topic: RE: Changing my band for VSG
Good Luck! Im sure you are so excited for Tomorrow!!
Im going thru all the steps to get a revision too. My doc wants to rule out everything, and try everything he can before revision. I was a little disappointed at first, but if I think really clearly about everything I know he is doing the right thing and not jumping (and not letting me) jump into another surgery before trying everything first.

Im going thru all the steps to get a revision too. My doc wants to rule out everything, and try everything he can before revision. I was a little disappointed at first, but if I think really clearly about everything I know he is doing the right thing and not jumping (and not letting me) jump into another surgery before trying everything first.

Topic: RE: What Are We Eating This Wednesday?
Last day of liquids for me...Mushies tomorrow.
E: Coffee w/ cream
B: vanilla protein shake w/ almond extract
S: More coffee
L: New Direction Pudding
S: New Direction strawberry shake
D: French Onion soup
E: Coffee w/ cream
B: vanilla protein shake w/ almond extract
S: More coffee
L: New Direction Pudding
S: New Direction strawberry shake
D: French Onion soup

Topic: RE: Financial Question for Experienced Self-Pay Banders
I was banded Feb 2009. I also live in the Metro Washington DC area, (where everything usually costs more!). My grand total was around $18,000.
I know for sure $10,000 was upfront for the hospital
I paid out of pocket for my sleep study (maybe $200)
I paid out of pocket for follow up tests from EKG (some ultra sound type) (maybe $200 +)
All of my pre-op work was done at the hospital with a package deal (blood work, UGI, EKG, meet with the nurse and meet with anesthesia, and my training class in the same day) believe that was $2,000-$2,500
My regular insurance covered the pre-op clearance from my PCP
I paid the anesthesiologist $2000
I wanna say my "program cost" was $4,000
I had $5,000 cash and took out a personal loan from my credit union for $10,000 and the rest was 'pay as I went'
My program costs covered 3 months follow up and one fill. My fills were $230 each, but I believe they lowered them to $180. Ive been in a couple times recently with new insurance (BC/BS Federal) and they have been covering everything and I even just had another fill. Hopefully I dont get a big bill in the mail!
Good luck to you and your daughter!
I know for sure $10,000 was upfront for the hospital
I paid out of pocket for my sleep study (maybe $200)
I paid out of pocket for follow up tests from EKG (some ultra sound type) (maybe $200 +)
All of my pre-op work was done at the hospital with a package deal (blood work, UGI, EKG, meet with the nurse and meet with anesthesia, and my training class in the same day) believe that was $2,000-$2,500
My regular insurance covered the pre-op clearance from my PCP
I paid the anesthesiologist $2000
I wanna say my "program cost" was $4,000
I had $5,000 cash and took out a personal loan from my credit union for $10,000 and the rest was 'pay as I went'
My program costs covered 3 months follow up and one fill. My fills were $230 each, but I believe they lowered them to $180. Ive been in a couple times recently with new insurance (BC/BS Federal) and they have been covering everything and I even just had another fill. Hopefully I dont get a big bill in the mail!
Good luck to you and your daughter!


Topic: RE: Cross your fingers and toes for me . . .
Good Luck Paula! Hopefully you will be able to start getting filled again
Went to the Dr yesterday and he disagreed with the "possible slip" finding and I ended up getting a fill. I dont think I needed it, but he said my band looked pretty open...idk.
