Good morning ladies!!!!

First off, I want to say THANK YOU to each and EVERYONE of you for all your support and prayers while we were going through our 'health' ordeals here at our house. I am so fortunate to have such wonderful, caring friends here. What a blessing you are in my life.

Younger DD was in the hospital for a week. Truly don't know what the severe bloating was about, but my gut feeling is that it had to do with the feeding tube that was put in the week before, even though it worked fine. Anyway, that one got messed up accidently and needed to be replaced. Due to the 'surgeon' dropping the new button on the floor and proceeding to put it in her, she got an infection and has had grand mal seizures till two days ago. I was infuriated!!!!! Since she is basically antibiotic drug resistant, she needs to have painful shots given. Last two were yesterday. YEAH! That's it in a nutshell. So glad to be home.....those long 15 hr days were no fun.

Older college daughter was home on spring break and had another horrible migraine. Even with the powerful shot I gave her, I ended up taking her to the ER for more drugs. Her head has not been right since the last migraine 3/3, so we had a CT scan done, but it was OK. Have an MRI order, but now need to figure out how to get that done since she went back to school today. She did not have a good week off. Oh well.......can't wait till this month is over!!!!

I haven't been to my meetings in 2 weeks, but I will be there Wed. We have our installation and my weigh in will not be pretty. I have been stress eating horribly. I know, no excuse, but the urge is so strong that I could 'kill' for the sweets. Also, have not been on my bike and I need to do that again. OK, enough of me....now, to all you sweet ladies.

Sherri, Boy, you are a go-getter!!! Don't be offended if some members feel threatened by your enthusiasm. It is not unusual since new ideas take them out of their 'comfort zones'. Maybe trying to 'stroke' them and getting them involved in the planning process will help out the situation. We have a lot of various contests and 'support' things going on, but most are voluntary, not mandatory. Some people aren't comfortable doing some things and that is OK. Just like everyone has their own way to lose weight. No one way is right for everyone. I hope your gain will be gone soon. You know counting points works for you. Just keep doing it and stop the straying. When you do, you get in trouble....and I don't like seeing you getting frustrated. You are too sweet!! Oh, I think the tape will be good for me. THANK YOU for it! My belly area is one of my weakest and this should help strenghten that core area. This tape moves along rapidly compared to the yoga one that my friend taped. That one is history....LOLOL!!!! Megan should love that basket!!!! Oh, CONGRATS on drinking your water!!!! Thanks for all your special support. {{{HUG}}} Too bad you couldn't make your workshop and that you didn't know about it sooner. You might want to ask your AC as to how much notice she gives the chapters. I aim for at least a month.

Eleni, glad to see you're doing well and WOO-HOO on your 3# loss!!!! I do believe that increasing your activity has helped. YOU GO GIRL!!!! A special thanks also goes to you for the concern you have shown. {{{HUG}}} In regards to what we talked about, there is nothing that I can find that would disqualify any member that had the gastric surgury. Even the official KOPS rules don't address this. I'm really puzzled with what you were told, especially since TOPS has dropped the old rule about 'losing by artificial means". Since this is Dr prescribed, there shouldn't be a conflict. Hmmm...... Also looked at both chapter guide and weight manual...pg 11 and nothing is in those areas. Hmmmm, again. Let me know if you find out more.

Nita, it sounds like you are doing well....and going to be a grandma again!!! How many does this make? Great going on your loss last week!!!!! YAHOO!!!!! How is your hubby doing? I've been thinking of you.

CC, you know, you're speech is MUCH BETTER than those I heard last eve at the Oscars. Gee, maybe that is another profession you can excel at!!!!! You got the figure now, girl!!! LOL!

Coco, That took some great will power to get on here instead of eating. If only I vented more that way.....[sigh]. Your chapters "Spring Fling' could be your workshop. Ask the members that have been in your group for a few years. They should know. Workshops are what the area captain and/or coordinator do yearly to inform newly elected officers AND any other member that wants to learn the TOPS, Inc rules. Ideas are shared by chapters and TOPS forms are available. You should be able to get any questions answered there.

Wendy, CONGRATS on your loss last week. Not easy to do when you have a sick kiddo. Glad Brandon is getting better. How old is he? I sure hope your puppy will be OK. After all, they are family.

Two more members with losses last week!!!! WOW!!! Way to go Mickey [2.5#] AND Marie [2#]. Hope you have another great week!!!!

Miss ya Christie.... and welcome back Penny!! To the newbies that came on board within the past few weeks, don't forget to come back.......AND all the others that have been MIA for quite awhile.

Remember, TOGETHER WE LOSE. {that's what we say at role call when a member gains]

Have a MARVELOUS MONDAY and may we walk this healthier road with water bottles in our hands. Take care and positive {{{{{{{{{{{VIBES}}}}}}}}}}}} are helping to push ya along!!!

TOPS Hugs, Summer

Hi Everyone
Well it is kinda cloudy here today. May get some mix of snow and rain. YEAH. Feels as if the temp has dropped a little. Well had to take my son to the Dr's this morn. He told me yesterday his throat was a little sore. But then it got to feeling better. Then this morn when he got up.Said it was hurting. You can tell when he talks that it is sore. Doc. said it could be a viral sore throat, from allergies, or the start of strep. So Said to wait another day. If he still has the sore throat and not any better well have to get an antibiotic. So good way to start his spring break.

Summer Good to have you back. Missed you. Glad that both daughters are doing better. Know you can take time for yourself and get back on track. And I know you can do it.

CC loved your speech. Dont change a thing.

Sherri How is it going. Havent excerisce yet. But as soon as I get done posting am going to hit the bike. Was going to walk outside. But it is kinda windy and cool. So will just go pedal away. HAHA!!

To everyone else Hope you had a good weekend. Doesn't seem possible that March is almost over already.

Hope everyone has a good OP day. I am going to try too. So far so good. But the day isn't even half over. Take care!!
A TOPS PAL

I hope today finds everyone doing well on program
Summer you are an awesome mom. I know how you feel. I had a sister that had some special needs. She had a grandmal seizure when she was 5, and a few other things going on, but for the most part my mom was there. She worked a job, and took care of her too. So my hats off to you lady. My mom always put herself last. YOu have to remember yourself, because you could lose who you are. I see it in my mom. She took care of my sister even till the end, now she is taking care of my dad, and she doesn't even know who she is. We also have a girl at work, with a handicapped child that doesn't take anytime for herself. i asked her one day, do you do anything for just you? reply-not enough time. So please remember yourself as much as you can.
Coco-I hope your son is feeling better. This stuff going around is not fun. I have to say, that our house is calmed down a lot. Dog is doing better, and looks as if she will live. Thank you all for the prayers. We had 2 normal days with Brandon, and hubby is eating again.
Everyone else. I know we can do this weight thing. We have ww starting at work next week. I won't be joining. However, I will be working with the girls here to lose weight. We have a water drinking contest going on. If I finish this one, I'll have 135.2 ounces of water so far today, and it's not noon. The person that drinks the most doesn't have to put .50 in the can. At the end we are all going to use the money to buy lunch or dinner. Sensible kind. I weigh in tonight. So you all hang in there we can do it yes we can.

Hi everyone,
It is good to be back here to see what y'all did over the weekend.
Wendy, I am glad Brandon is feeling better. How is the puppy doing? I have been praying for them both. I wrote you a note on Friday, but when I tried to post it, it disappeared. I hope this one works ok.
Nita, i really like your signature. It helped me last night when I went to reach for something I shouldn't have, I thought about it, and decided the thing I wanted most was to stay within my points, so I did without. thank you
I had a pretty good weekend. Managed to stay within my points daily since Friday, and for me that is an accomplishment. Suddenly I feel motivated. I live alone now, since my last foster child moved in November, so I have no excuse for having anything high caloric here in the house. It does make it a little easier.
Can anyone tell me how you get that little picture under your name? I think they are so cute, and would like to have one, but don't know how to get it.
I do read all the notes, but don't really know most of you enough to reply yet. I will get the hang of this soon.

Mary ann
316/284/150

It is so great to see so many posts going on here!

SUmmer~ I am so glad to see you again! I have missed you. You are definitely a SUPER MOM in my book.. Always looking out for your children. I sure hope they are doing better. I know the migraines have been a long battle and seizures have to be a horrible thing to experience. Keep up the battle! It will all pay off in the end. I am glad you see you back!

Wendy ~ That is a pretty cool contest. You are just about to float away with all that water COme on girl! You can do it. Let me know who wins! I think that is so awesome. You are almost to a gallon of water..... WOW I know you will do great at weigh in!

COCO~ I hope your son's throat is feeling better! Poor thing. I know that hurts! Get better soon!

Mary Ann~ Go to profile at top of page, then find advator somewhere on there, that is where your picture is you can pick! If you can't find it let me know and i will guide you through it

To everyone else have a great day ! And drink drink drink!
Penny

today is last weigh in this month. I ended up drinking 202.8 ounces of water. i can be competitive, and one girl got jug #5, and said she didn't intend on drinking it, she just wanted to see if I would drink six of the things before I left work. I'm worried about showing a gain a weigh in tonight. It will really aggravate me after all this that I would have a gain. So far that is what my scale is showing, and yesterday it was down 2 pounds.
well I'll let you know. You all have a great day.
me

Summer, I am so glad you are back and things have settled down at your place. Really missed those vibe-er-oon-ios. Don't have much time. But big shot of them to you all!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{vibes}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I finished our banner for PRD as well. Our theme is sports. Here it is........

The water bottle in her hand is for you shortstack! If you look really close she has a TOPS logo on her shirt too.

Summer,

I am glad that things have settled down for you and that the girls are doing better. I really hope they can find what causes heathers migranes with the MRI. Not that it is good to find something but at least they can treat it and know why she is having them. They can't treat them if they don't know the cause. So I will pray that they find a cure for her.
Good for you for wanting to get on track. Don't worry about weigh in. You have had so much going on lately of course you couldn't worry about you. When did you have time. You still will have 2 weeks to get back into leeway won't you? If so then you will have to work your butt off. Literally. You can do it. You know what you have to do. You just have to stick with it and not stray at all.

I know what works for me and you are right when I stray from the points then I gain every time.
I am doing the exchange on the bottom of the foodchart we have. One good thing is that I am getting in all my food groups and normally I don't. I will eat less to have less points and sacrifice my food groups. I know this isn't good either. But at least I am eating healthy now. But I am eating so much that I can hardly fit it on my foodchart for the day. I really have to squish it in.
Today I had oatmeal, skim milk, egg, peanuts, no sugar added peaches, unsweetened applesauce, very large tossed salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, cauliflower, bacon bits, 1 egg, and 4 oz of chicken cut up. With the 2 good italian dressing. I got in all my food groups and I ate very healthy. I had to have popcorn tonight to finish my bread group for the day and I was not hungry but I ate it because I promised to do the plan this week. I know it is a healthy thing. I can't believe you can lose weight and eat this much. But I am under 1500 cal for the day. And by eating the salad for my dinner I am cutting way down on the wrong carbs and I am not tempted to have a carb with dinner. So that is a good thing.
Summer you have to cut back on carbs that is when you do real well also. You had said that before that will jumpstart you and give you a great loss that you need along with the water and exercise.
So I am lifting my tea cup to you to a toast (clink, clink) drink to good health. I am drinking 1 gal of water/green tea. I just switched to the green tea today. It is better for me all the way around. It gives me a taste in my mouth like I have eaten and I am truly hungry all day. With the water I am not hungry but I don't have any taste in my mouth. So it is better for me to taste what I am drinking and it makes me more satisfied also. Plus look at all the great benefits of it that penny posted on the other board. That is a great thing.

CC,

Hey thanks for joining the KOPS in waiting thread. We will be kops this year together. But you will obviously get there first. But it doesn't matter to me. I know I will get there.
Penny said to me today I can't have another loss next week. I said why she said you know how we are. I said yes I know but if we do the right things and what we know are right and stick with it and help each other we can have a loss every week. I said look at CC she is doing it. She is losing everyweek and so can we. You are such a motivation to me you will never know. I felt so great after I read your story. It really motivated me.
I love the pennant. You did an awesome job. Did anyone help you with it? You should win for that.

Wendy,

Hey girl I hate to be the barrer of bad news but your scale is up from the water. It is good to be drinking a lot but not that much on weigh in day girl. That will make you gain everytime. I hope it didn't happen for you. But if you did gain you know it was from the water and you will lose it by next week and then some. So don't give up if you do gain tonight. You are doing all the right things and you are on the right track. Keep up the great work.
That sure is a lot of water. I have all I can do to get in the 128 oz. (1 gallon) that I am drinking. I can't imagine drinking over 200oz.
Thanks for joining the Kops in waiting with me girl. We will be KOPS this year and we will do it together.

Does anyone know if you can drink too much? I know they say you should drink 1/2 your weight in water when trying to lose when you are overweight. But what about overdoing the water. Anyone know?

Penny,

Congrats on the great loss this week. You are doing awesome. Don't give up. You are on the right path and you WILL have another loss this week and the following weeks to goal. It takes very small steps everyweek to climb our stair case. Just consider every lb a stair and we are climbing that stairwell together girl. One stair at a time. Keep up the great work with your eating and exercise. We will be KOPS this year for sure. It is our year. Thanks for joining the KOPS in waiting with me.

Mary Ann,

Congratulations to you. Hats off to you. You did a great thing by thinking before eating. Everytime you do that it puts you closer to your goal for sure. You are doing great. It does make it easier if it is only you then you don't have the temptations in front of you. You have got it made in the shade for that dept..
Keep up your great work.
I have been staying within my WW points this week also. It is a great feeling to know you are doing good.

Coco,

I hope your son doesn't have strep throat. I had it this winter for the first time and it is very painful. Not anything I would want back for sure. Did you get your exercise in?
I have been great so far. I got in my exericise and I am feeling great. Are you having the pickies anymore? I hope they are gone for you.

As for me. I am doing great. I really feel great about getting all my food groups. I know it is the healthiest way. But I can't believe how much I have been eating. But it isn't high in fat the stuff I have been having. I have been doing the SB plan still along with it. But I do cheat from that plan once in awhile. But overall I am having a lot less sugar then I was. The proof is in the tests. I had another test done a week and 1/2 ago for the sugar and it is way down. It went from 128 down to 110. So now it is in the normal limits and I know it is from not eating as many refined foods. Plus I have been eating a lot more veggies with my salad I eat every night. I did exercise for 30 min again today. That makes 2 days this week. But my leg is really bothering me from the exercise. But I will put up with it because I know I have to exercise.

I will chat with you all tomorrow. Have a great day on plan tomorrow everyone.

Christie where have you been woman.

To the KOPS in waiting team. We can do this and we will. Keep up the great work everyone and we will all be at goal this year at some point. That will be great to have 4 new kops here. I know there are more that can make it like christie. She will be kops in a matter of 2 weeks if not this week. She is doing great and it will be great to see her get her status back after she worked so hard for it and lost it. She won't lose it again this time. We will all make sure of it.

Sherri