Re: July SouthEnd Soup Nite

[Guest guest]

Hi Elma! Just responding that I will be there

And surprise surprise, Hubby is coming too! yippee!

I asked him very casually if he would like to go and he jumped on it.

He said " sure, i'd like to see what it's all about " . Then I told him

he had to eat soup as a courtesy and he said, forget it! hehe

I'll have to let him eat a burger or something, but he'll be there.

Thanks, and I'll see ya Monday night!

[Guest guest]

> Then I told him he had to eat soup as a courtesy and he said,

forget it! hehe

Michele - My DH (aka Mr. Frisky) comes to soup nite every month and

believe me enjoys a full meal. None of us mind one bit (well maybe

sometimes a little envious) that they can and do eat whatever they

want. If it is something really good, I like to take a taste

myself. Last month I got to taste Bob's (Jo's DH) meatloaf and it

was quite tasty. Glad that both of you will be coming - the guys

will love to have another one on their side.

See ya monday - Elma

[Guest guest]

Elma, Tom and I will be there. I have a lot of clothes so I will bring them

with me. Do you think there is any reason to bring Tom's? I don't know of

any men the size he was. Jan H.

July SouthEnd Soup Nite

Should have done this sooner - but just didn't get it done.

So - let's go back to TGI Friday's at the Tacoma Mall entrance. That

will be on Monday, July 1st, 6:00 pm. Bring before & after pictures

if you have them. If you won't be here for the picnic and have some

clothes for the clothing exchange - bring them and I'll make sure

they get in with the rest of the stuff that will be there.

Let me know if you will be coming. I have to call TGI's on Monday

afternoon and give them a count so they can set up for us. Thanks -

look forward to seeing a bunch of you on Monday

Elma

[Guest guest]

Thanks Elma!

You do a great job with the soup nights. We love you for it.

Taresa

> I'll make sure that we have our meeting at a waterfront place that

> has more than fish. Ol' Mr Frisky is not a fish eater either.

I'll

> keep you all posted.

>

> Elma

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the invite, but I must work my program that is best for me and I

feel meeting at a resturant is not what I need right now especially when I

really am on soup.

Elma Rounds <supergramemr@...> wrote: Just a note to let you

all know that the July SouthEnd Soup Nite will

be on Monday, July 10th (instead of the 3rd). I thought the long

holiday weekend wouldn't be a good time - so we will meet one week

later. It is on the calendar and a reminder will go out when it gets

closer.

Elma

[Guest guest]

When you say SouthEnd, how far south do you mean? I live in Tacoma.

>

> Just a note to let you all know that the July SouthEnd Soup Nite will

> be on Monday, July 10th (instead of the 3rd). I thought the long

> holiday weekend wouldn't be a good time - so we will meet one week

> later. It is on the calendar and a reminder will go out when it gets

> closer.

>

> Elma

>

[Guest guest]

>

> When you say SouthEnd, how far south do you mean? I live in Tacoma.

>

>The SouthEnd meetings are almost always held in Tacoma. The location

varies from time to time, but we try to keep them along the I-5

corridor for easier finding. Anyone from any area is welcome to attend

any of the soup nites.

It was the SouthEnd Soup Nite that Jan L attended and was horrified at

what people were eating and I know what Jan wants is a more structured

support group meeting - and that's not what we are. We don't have

speakers, but we do try to have dialog with everyone and answer any

questions people might have.

As far as what people ate - I had 3 pieces of fish and some mashed

potatoes. I was able to eat it that night - other times I can't.

Several people had a salad and then just wanted the fish (from fish &

chips). When the waiter brought their plates the fries was on them

too - but they didn't eat all of thier fish and just a few fries and

did take the rest home. Most of us end up with " doggie bags " to take

home because we do get regular size portions and most of the time it's

too much food.

Jan was sitting next to my husband, Ray, who is not banded and he had

their " MishMash huge breakfast dish and it usually horrifies me what

that man eats!!!!

I told Jan that I was sorry we weren't the structured kind of group she

was looking for, but it would be great if there are others in the area

that would like to form a group to fit that need. In the meantime - we

welcome anyone who wants to come and will be as supportive as we can.

See you at the picnic in August.

Elma in Graham

[Guest guest]

> >

> > When you say SouthEnd, how far south do you mean? I live in

Tacoma.

> >

> >The SouthEnd meetings are almost always held in Tacoma.

[Guest guest]

This is Jan L and yes you are right, I do need a more structured support group,

especially at first when I am struggling to learn new behaviors. That is MY

problem and where I AM right now, so please don't take offense. Whatever you

eat is YOUR business not mine.

And yes, I was horrified, but not because what others ate, again that not my

business. I went to learn from others and I did. I learned that knowing MY

past behaviors I would try to eat that plate full of food over that two hours

and I elect not to put myself in that position so early on in my mental and

physical healing process . (just banded 6/13). Again, that is me. Again, no

offense intended to those working their program in whatever way they chose. If

it works go for it.

And yes, I know that I will have to face dining out and dining with big eaters

and tables full of food that others can eat but I can't. But not today. Not

until I get myself under control and the band working.

My Dr's support group is in Everett once a month and I know I will need more

support than that to make the changes I need to make.

And yes, I am willing to step forward and try to form a small more structured

support group. Perhaps with speakers, or potluck meals for 20 minutes (soup or

mushies if we have a new bandster in group ) having fun while eating the banded

way, fork down between bites, etc. then a meeting to share successes or help

each other through rough times, and work toward changing ingrained behaviors

that I know I am and will be struggling with.

I have already received a packet of information on what to do and not do in

facilitating a support groups and will act a facilitator if the group wishes.

So, if anyone out there in the Eatonville - Graham - S Hill -Roy - Orting -

Tacoma or ??? area is intested in working together to create a small support

group that is dedicated meetings to learn how to

Eat, Drink and Be Merry the Banded Way,

please contact me. I really would like positive, fun, committed company on

this incredible journey (especially from expierenced bandsters) and am willing

to open my home to the meetings.

If interested call Jan at 253-846-9116

Elma Rounds <supergramemr@...> wrote:

>

> When you say SouthEnd, how far south do you mean? I live in Tacoma.

>

>The SouthEnd meetings are almost always held in Tacoma. The location

varies from time to time, but we try to keep them along the I-5

corridor for easier finding. Anyone from any area is welcome to attend

any of the soup nites.

It was the SouthEnd Soup Nite that Jan L attended and was horrified at

what people were eating and I know what Jan wants is a more structured

support group meeting - and that's not what we are. We don't have

speakers, but we do try to have dialog with everyone and answer any

questions people might have.

As far as what people ate - I had 3 pieces of fish and some mashed

potatoes. I was able to eat it that night - other times I can't.

Several people had a salad and then just wanted the fish (from fish &

chips). When the waiter brought their plates the fries was on them

too - but they didn't eat all of thier fish and just a few fries and

did take the rest home. Most of us end up with " doggie bags " to take

home because we do get regular size portions and most of the time it's

too much food.

Jan was sitting next to my husband, Ray, who is not banded and he had

their " MishMash huge breakfast dish and it usually horrifies me what

that man eats!!!!

I told Jan that I was sorry we weren't the structured kind of group she

was looking for, but it would be great if there are others in the area

that would like to form a group to fit that need. In the meantime - we

welcome anyone who wants to come and will be as supportive as we can.

See you at the picnic in August.

Elma in Graham

[Guest guest]

Okay, okay-I think I better quantfy this message by saying I'm just about to

start my 9th month of pregnancy and I do realize some of this may be cranky

hormones..plus it's about 85 degrees outside and 95 degrees inside.NEVER

good for a HUGE preggo women (I ACTUALLY look pregnant this time you

guys..with a real pregnant belly..where did it come from??? I've never in

my life felt like a normal person when I was pregnant..now I know what poor

skinny people feel like-your stomach actually STRETCHES and it itches..and

now I understand the statement.. " if I drop it..it stays on the floor " ..who

can bend over???!!!) Anyway, I'm getting off topic.

I vaguely remember the first post about this topic and I remember being

irritated but for some reason today it's REALLY irritating me. Probably

because I don't feel like Elma..somebody who is a COMPLETE bandster hero to

me..is on Inamed commercials as a success and is the NICEST BANDSTER EVER to

open up her house EVERY YEAR to host a bandster picnic should ever have to

defend herself on the way she eats. And her NON BANDSTER EXTREMELY

SUPPORITVE husband..or any other support person for the bandsters should

ever have to have their plates watched. And me..who's been banded.should

never have to have my plate watched either.especially by somebody who.if

they got the band.I would think has some of the same weight and food issues

as me and should be more compassionate towards me and not judge what is on

my plate. There are so many other mean-spirited people who do that.I think

the bandsters should stick together.

What if the person was looking at my plate and saw that I ordered a burger?

Well.I was just diagnosed with anemia and I need some red meat..and I am not

strictly watching my calories right now..in fact..doctors orders.I needed to

get more food in..even if I have to drink down my food or take two hours to

finish the meal.so that I can get the baby some calories. But you would

judge me because I wasn't eating healthy enough for you or taking two hours

or drinking with my meal? What if my non-banded husband was sitting there

and eating a steak or pizza or whatever he wanted to eat? He can eat

whatever he wants to. It's dinner time. ly I can eat whatever I want

to. Because it is me and only me that has to deal with the consequences of

what I eat. Some of it doesn't work well with my band. Some won't work

well with weight loss. But I do not feel that people who get banded should

start to watch other people's plates and become the food police. We've all

had enough food police in our lives. And in case you're wondering--I've

been banded for going on 3 years now. I'm on my second bandster baby. I

initially lost 150 pounds and I did NOT eat soup at every soup night or

chicken and veggies. And I did go to my first bandster meeting right after

I was banded when I was on liquids (and it happened to be the Tacoma Soup

Nite so it holds a special place in my heart) and no way did I expect

everybody to eat soup because I was. In fact, it gave me hope during that

depressing time of liquids that if I could just hold out a little longer

then I too could be a normal person again eating food. Also, I understood

that this soup night was bandsters getting together to socialize and help to

inspire the newbies to show them what can be done with this band. Did

anybody bring their photo albums? That is TRULY inspirational stuff. There

are indeed groups out there that have a more structured program and a topic.

Dr. Neal's is one of them. But that usually costs money is part of an

After-care program that usually only patients of that particular surgeon can

attend.it's part of the cost of your surgery but the soup night is just a

bunch of wonderful people getting together to see each other, catch up,

answer questions of perspective patients, inspire the newly banded or

perhaps give advice and it's organized by normal, wonderful people like

Elma.

(And for the record-wonderful Dr. Neal does open his support group to all

and he does have a more structured meeting that you might be interested in).

Okay-I realize I did just rant here but I guess it hit a sore spot. I

really admire Elma-she is one of the nicest bandsters around here in the

PNW. If you come to the picnic you will see what a generous soul she is and

I guess it just bothered me that one of the most successful bandsters felt

the need to stick up for eating habits. I can only hope that after I have

this third surprise blessing that I can do half as well as her!

Pregnant and Hot so I'm sorry if I'm sounding rude

_____

>>It was the SouthEnd Soup Nite that Jan L attended and was horrified at

>>what people were eating and I know what Jan wants is a more structured

>>support group meeting - and that's not what we are. We don't have

>>speakers, but we do try to have dialog with everyone and answer any

>>questions people might have.

>>As far as what people ate - I had 3 pieces of fish and some mashed

>>potatoes. I was able to eat it that night - other times I can't.

>>Several people had a salad and then just wanted the fish (from fish &

>>chips).

>>Jan was sitting next to my husband, Ray, who is not banded and he had

>>their " MishMash huge breakfast dish and it usually horrifies me what

>>that man eats!!!!

>>See you at the picnic in August.

>>Elma in Graham