Alyssa, I completely know where you are coming from. The last time I lost all my weight, I became an exercise junky. I started at 5am, intense exercise before work, and then walk/run 5-10 miles at night. Very intense, which led to bulimia and anorexia. I loved the fast weight loss and I go full-bore into everything. Part of the band journey for me has been to learn balance. We CAN do this!

I am glad to be home, but it's only for a week. Next up is vacation though - Mariners spring training! We took the easy way out and bought the crab cakes at the Fish Market. But we do have a great recipe we have used in the past. Here it is. Crab Cake Recipe INGREDIENTS: ? 2 egg whites, lightly beaten ? 2 tablespoons mayonnaise ? 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley ? 1 1/4 teaspoons Old Bay or Creole/Cajun seasoning ? 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ? 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper ? 1 teaspoon dry mustard ? 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs ? 1 pound fresh lump crabmeat, drained PREPARATION: Combine egg whites, mayonnaise, parsley, Creole seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and dry mustard. Gently stir in the bread crumbs and crabmeat. Shape mixture into 8 patties, about 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Place patties on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper or non-stick foil; cover and chill for 30 to 60 minutes. Spray a large nonstick skillet with vegetable cooking spray or use a little olive oil to coat the bottom. Place over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add crab cakes; cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until browned. Makes 4 servings. (although we use this for "mini-crabcake appetizers also and it makes about 8-10)

I had a most beautiful birthday today, including TWO deliveries of flowers. One from my inlaws, who think of me as their only daughter (I love that!). And one from my younger son - wow that was a surprise. My hubby and I spend the morning in Salado - going through all the tiny artisan shops and having lunch at a cafe there. I have definitely been spoiled today!

Sounds good. Her desk is like 50 feet from mine at work. I will talk to her Monday.

Alyssa I am a firm believer in moderation when it comes to exercise. I read posts about some people's exercise routines on this site and I just cringe! There IS such a thing as too much of a good thing.True, I am a bit lazy, but pre-band, I hurt myself running. I would run 5 days a wk and play soccer 50 min some days as well. I pulled my calf and the injury is permanent, although slight. I can still feel it at times. That's why I decided never to run more than 2x per wk, even at my current wt. I used to lift weights 3x a wk as well, but I finally realized how much I HATED it--BORING! BTW I don't think it helps with wt loss if done more than twice a wk. I am hoping the hernia repair will allow you to have good fills post op to control your hunger and you can put all this behind you!