The Lounge

4,946 topics in this forum

Hi, As I'm sure you know this week is teacher appreciation week. I was wondering if you could give me gift ideas for my daughter's teacher (3rd grade). I've done the usuals in the past - flowers, candy, etc. Is there something that teachers actually WANT to receive? I'm not talking a major investment, just something small but meaningful and/or useful. Thanks a bunch in advance, and God bless the teachers!! Robin

Does anyone personally know of a kid having bad reactions to vaccines - i.e. autism, paralysis, death, etc? Has anyone here not vaccinated or stopped vaccinating due to these concerns? Thanks! Linda

This is completely off the wall, but I have the hardest time sending my husband's uncle gifts. Last Christmas sent him a really soft blanket. I think he's going to be 89 this year and he's like a father to my husband and me too. Normally he likes cheeses and things from one of those catalog places but I kind of wanted to find a nicer one than I normally send him. You know they look good in the catalog but the cheese is really small etc... He likes food baskets but didn't want to over do it, meaning give him too much that will go to waste but get something of a nice quality if anyone has suggestions, I shop a lot on the net, thanks brandyII.

Anyone done a colon cleanse? I don't mean like an enema - I mean like to get rid of build up in your colon. Anybody? Feedback?

The boss is out today, can you tell??? Ok I work in a dept with 3 other Girls. One gets here at 6am and works till 2:30pm 1/2 hour for lunch. One just got back from Maturnity leave ~ so I cannot complain there. The other is the one that truly pisses me off. She comes in around 8:00 or around there give or take and leaves at 4:00pm no lunch but she does sit and eat hers. Oh but she puts a 1/2 hour on her time card. I cannot see where she works 8 hrs as required in this dept. The majority of her time is spent on personal calls ~ emailing her friends ~ or 1/2 hr in the bathroom. I do not time her but she is regular and spends quite a bit of time in there and when y…

Do any Denver area bandsters have a good recommendation for somewhere to buy a bra in Denver? I wear a 42 F right now, (Down from a 46H!) so it has to be somewhere that carries larger sizes. It's not easy to find something that works well for me in my small rural town. We only have Wal-mart. We're traveling to Denver tomorrow and I would love to find a good bra store. I've lost 44 pounds and the only clothing I've been able to bring myself to buy is 2 new bras. Oh, and I'm nursing, so it would also be good to have the selection of nursing bras in larger sizes. Anyway, I'm hoping to find some clothes I'm comfortable in as well tomorrow.

I noticed a lot of you girl and guys are on during morning hours and less at night so im thinkin you all are at work. Im a stay at home mom and i redeliver newspapers to people who did not get them on the weekends... I dont work right now as much because i have gotten to a point where i feel almost embarrassed to get a job. I have a hard time working in an office because i dont have the right clothing to wear and anything that looks office appropriate in my size is like 35 years older than me.. Well the benefits of seeing my daughter grow up right now are far greater than an office job so for now its ok, but i can be a sit on my azz mom forever....its time to get moving…

Had to share this, I found it fairly humorous.

I would like to start a once a month meeting somewhere in the Chicagoland area. I know that there are more and more of us in the area and think it would be a great way to get support. I know that the North Carolina girls do it and have a blast. Anyone interested? Sort of a support group/friends having lunch? Maybe do a clothing swap a few times each year? Let me know if you are in so I make some plans...~Mandy

I have seen a few threads here where we all talk about bad things that happened to us because of our weigh issues. While I have also had some bad ones, I have also had some good ones. I would love to hear every one else share some of their positive experiences as well. For mine: There is a lingerie shop in the mall here, very trendy, has all kinds of cute things. I went in once just to see what was there, but I was a bit apprehensive because of the way I have been treated at some stores before. The girls there were great! They helped me shop for my sister, and for my mom. They even tried to help me find some things in my size (their biggest size just barely fit),…

There has been some discussion for and against the two. What do you think?

Hey there. I'm freshly banded, and in it for the long haul. One of the things I miss tremendously at my size is rollercoaster rides and theme parks in general. As I lose, I'd like to reward myself with the occasional theme park expedition, but I'm worried that I won't be able to fit on the rides. Does anyone know of a resource that has ride accessibility info for obese riders? Surely, in the internet era, there has to be something! Given my size (starting wt 473, probably around 435 or so now), it'll be a while yet, but I want to start planning and dreaming... Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Hi all - I have a joke for you. Having lost some weight, a middle-aged woman was admiring her "new" body in her full-length mirror. Seeing this, her husband said "What on earth are you doing?!". She told him "my doctor says I have the breasts of an 18 year old". Annoyed by this, the man then said "Well, what did he say about your 55 year-old ASS??!" To this the woman cooly replied "Your name never came up!" Have a great day! Robin

I just started working at Linens-n-Things on Monday. The employees there get a 25% discount. I am tempted by WAY too much stuff there. I have a serious weakness for good sheets and kitchen crap.

I have something I've been wondering about for a long time. When I hear someone from Austraila, Ireland, Scotland, England, etc. sing, they lose the accent and sound like they're singing with an American accent. So what I'm wondering is, when you hear an American (or someone with a different English accent from you) sing, do they lose their American accent and sound like they're singing in your accent, or do we all sound American when singing? American Idol this season has me wondering these things again, but I've pondered it for much longer.

In progress pictures §How often? Weekly? Monthly? Quarterly? §What information would you want included? Date? Weight? Weight loss? Measurements – arms, chest, waist, thigh, other? §Would you want prints? §Would you want a version to post to the Web? §Would you be interested in a composite of several pictures to show your progress? §Would you like to use the same location, same clothes, etc. for comparison purposes? §Would you be interested in a more formal session when you have reached goal? §What do you think such a service should be priced? Do y…

Anyone else gone through the wedding from hell planning? My daughter is engaged to marry her soldier sweetheart. The date was first Oct. 26th, then they switched it because his training wasn't going to be done yet. It got moved to Feb. 16th. Then today she came to me and annouced THEY didn't want to wait and wanted to marry October 26th. Meanwhile they want: Full on reception with party and booze. Big poofy dress wedding in a church*. *Going back and forth on which church to marry in* *Have not secured a reception hall or church* *Changed from reception hall to the Florida Aquarium* I have lost all the steam for a beautiful bridal tea, personal shower…

Does anyone know what this new "Rep Power" is by our names? Just curious :biggrin2: Gen (wombat)

On another thread we started talking motivational quotes. If you have some favorites add them to the list. Hopefully you'll find a few that are meaningful and helpful to you. My favorites right now are: "Winning is never accidental. To win consistenetly you must have a clear plan and intense motivation." Lou Holtz "Obstacle are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal." Henry Ford "The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.'' Anon "I am not interested in the past. I am interested in the future, for that is where I expect to spend the rest of my life.'' CF Kettering "Knowing what to do and not doing it doesn't ge…

I just listed a bunch of my old pants on ebay. Most of them are tall sizes and practically new. They range in from a 14 to a 20. I have some J Jill pants (my faves, I hate to see them go!). So check them out if you wanted some cheapo clothes. My username is Nicksie26.

I have never done this, and the companies around here are few & far between. No one answers phones, so just waiting for anyone to call me back. I have 1 quote so far, and nothing to compare it to, so wondered if any of you have any idea if I'm getting hosed or not. We are sodding our backyard with bermuda. It is currently overflowing with weeds & red clay.. and rocks. They said it's 200 yards, $2.25 per yard + (Originally he said $350 prep work) but I got it down to $250 for prep work. Total to sod the 200 yards is $700. That seem high or right, anyone?

I don't like the look of the new LBT website. I prefered just seeing the various catagories to go to. Maybe I need to give it more time. Does anyone else feel the same about the new look?

I have 3 chihuahuas- Gracie Montoya Chequita Macarena Aliyah Rodriguz- (5 years in July) - I call this photo of her "Little dog: Big attitude" and Lola Sophia Cisneros Lopez Garcia (2) and Doc Cesar Consuelos Cordova Cortez (9 weeks) They're Mexican dogs :thumbup: aka Gracie, Lola, and DC.

I was watching last night and some of those huge men don't weigh as much as me and I don't think I'm bigger than they are. Do you think those weights are right? Ye gads maybe I'm bigger than I think. I looked at by before pictures, front, side and back and I still don't think I'm bigger and I'm only 5'2". I was glad to see the b--ch in pink leave but felt a little sorry for her daughter. Sorry I had to miss Idol to watch it but to lazy to tape it and don't have a tivo. :biggrin:

Not sure if this is the correct group to start this in...but here goes: If you know anyone in Houston who is looking for a puppy, then I got them!! Mother is Australian Cattle Dog (small) and was picked up by Animal Control on Saturday. They had been living in an abandoned, burned down house. If no owner claimed them, they would be put down after 3 days. I called, and no owner had claimed them, so I went and picked them up. There are 9 puppies, and they all are healthy looking and moving around. I have no idea what the dad is. Possibly choc lab, as there is a male that runs around in the neighborhood. (See thread about long dog-napping story! I have a hist…

Ok, I may regret doing this if it becomes a headache, but... Our local goodwills and stuff have been 'not taking donations' since before Xmas, and I've been going through clothes like nuts. I have literally been THROWING AWAY clothes. It's emberassing, I hate that. I am not going to sell them though because.. 1. I don't want to do garage sale 2. Don't want to be responsible for someone paying on ebay for used clothes and not liking it because it may have cat/dog hair and/or smoke smell. However, I have a lot of trashbags of clothes I haven't been able to throw out, I was taught that's wasteful, and I had hoped local places would start taking donations again.. no luck …

The new look of the website is amazing! I was very afraid of the stern apple lady...:confused:

I know there is another thread going, but I want your name out where everyone can see it! I was so happy to see your picture up there at the top..You ROCK!:huh2:

I want to ask people how much money they make when they ask me how much weight I've lost. Then I want to ask them if they plan on making more. Or better yet, I want to say, "Wow I would have never guessed you made so much!" Then of course I want give them opinions like they shouldn't even try to make a penny more because they look so well off. Maybe if time allows and I haven't picked up any non verbal cues to tell me to go away I'll bend their ear for a good long time about my attempts, half hearted or not, in regard to how I personally have tried to earn more and failed. Or I'll share horror stories about others I know who did the same thing but died due to a …

I see we have a different picture now. I am glad they got rid of the lady holding her boob. :rolleyes2:

Sgt. Shaun Tousha was a friend of mine from high school. He was killed in Iraq last week. Please take a minute to leave an online condolence for his family. Automatic Redirection click on the huntsville location, then obits/guestbook, then click Sgt. Shaun Tousha's name, there is a link to the online condolences page. Thanks everyone! I hope this will comfort his family during this difficult time.

Here is the link: slave for sale - eBay (item 280216615452 end time Apr-16-08 09:12:14 PDT) Sad if it's for real, maybe sadder if it isn't.

Soo... With all the hype about "Apple Bottom Jeans" I decided to do some research. To my surprise it is actually a brand put out by Nelly, to "celebrate the natural curves of women", with plus sizes too!. AMEN to that! lol.. I live in the deep woods of Maine, and we (to say the least) are a bit out of the loop of fashion. I am originally from Massachusetts, so every time I go back to visit I feel so out of place with my $10 Wal Mart jeans and plain colored v-neck t-shirts. HAHA What's a big girl to do?? Lets face it, there isn't a lot of plus size style to chose from;) Anyhoo.. Today I bought my first pair of "Apple Bottom Jeans" for $59. (NOTE: The most expensive jea…

Any lap banders collect Beswick Beatrix Potter figures or Brambly Hedge? Curious, brandyII.

Has anyone had the problem of being stuck 3 weeks after surgery? I had surgery 3 weeks ago today and had lost 22 pounds in that three weeks, now the weight will not budge, and I have a hard time drinking all of my water. Any suggestions !!!!!

:confused2:I am wondering what advice anyone can offer? I am going to file for separation/divorce. I have a 2 year old daughter, from our marriage, and will seek sole physical custody. FYI... he is having "issues" of substance abuse. We have been together 15 years/ married 9 years. We have been to counseling for 2 years, with two counselors. 1st one was 8 months, and this one... 4 months. I never thought it could come to this... but it has. I am looking for "advice"/experience from those who have been there and done that. Thank you for any helpful comments. :teeth_smile:

Today, I have posted to the LBT site from 5 different computers. One was a PC running Windows XP-Pro One was a PC running Windows 98SE One was a G4 iMac running OSX, 10.4 Tiger One was a G3 iMac running OSX, 10.3. Panther One was a PC running Linux Theses computers were at 3 different houses, so the routers were different models as was the DSL modems. No matter which computer I was using, often, when I selected "Post Reply" or "New Thread" or tried to write a PM, there were times that I could write in the "Title" box, but the curser would not appear in the message text box. I purposely waiting until today to write this because until today, it had happened to m…

Okay, so as most of you know, I've been teaching as part of my grad-school work. Well, that pays crappola, so I started applying for part-time jobs. I was hired as an office assistant two weeks ago, and do that on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10-4 and every other Friday afternoon (total of 12-16 hours a week). I also got a job as a part-time cashier at a Linens n Things, which I'll be starting on Monday. That will have me working evenings and weekends (not sure of the exact schedule yet), but no more than 20 hours a week. My teaching schedule right now is 8-10 and 3:30-5:30 on Thursdays and 9-11 on Fridays. In late April, that responsibility will end, and I'll have that t…

I'm sorry for getting off the subject of lapband here, but did you know that April is NATIONAL DONATE LIFE month?? Have you registered to be an organ donor?? Wouldn't you love to be some one's HERO?? Tissue and excess skin is needed for burn patients. So if you are getting plastic surgery, don't forget that someone can use that excess skin. So, Please, IN MEMORY OF MY GRANDAUGHTER, JAYLI, Please, please please sign up to donate your organs. And talk to others about it too. THANKS.

Has anyone here ever been in the Peace Corps or know someone who has? I'm seriously considering applying, for when I get out of grad school. I've thought about it before, but always thought I was too fat to attempt it.

Sitting here alone on a Saturday nite. The man of my dreams, my best friend for the past two years called tonite and told me that we are no longer "exclusive" and said he loves me but he's tired of all my responsibilities and he's tired of being lonely so we need to "just be friends" I take care of my elderly parents 85 and 80 and my two children a 13 year old and a 19 year old. I'm a single woman stuck in the sandwich generation. How does the world expect us women to balance all of these things and still keep a smile on our faces?? And the worst part is I can't even drown my sorrows in a bowl of Ben and Jerry's cause of my band!!!! I know you will all jump to my defen…

THE SPOILED UNDER-30 CROWD!!! When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning ... uphill BOTH ways yadda, yadda, yadda And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way in hell I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it! But now that... I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damn Utopia…

Hi Folks, I have found something that works for me, finally. It has been hard for me to loose much weight and I'm out a year now, but finally a all raw diet has come to my rescue. I eat 85% raw and 15% cooked food. I'm, I guess, a vegan!! Who would have thought at my age to change drastically how I'm eating. I have started to loose again and am full all the time. This has been a blessing to me. If anyone has any thoughts or comments please let me know. Have a blessed Easter.:wink2:

hi all im form the uk and was just wondering how much mbt sell for in the us.MBT :: PRODUCTS my parents are goign on holiday to the us on thursday and might as them if they can pick me some up if there cheaper. thanks in advance Lisa

I'm having serious issues. I keep looking frumpy, so I buy new sizes.. everything is either frumpy or too small. I took measurements and compared them to size charts last night.. and no wonder. But now what?! My Chest- 44" Waist- 40" Hips At largest- 41" (Sample size chart did not format right, so here's the info compared to the size chart) sizing guidelines My chest is an 18, my waist is (not even on here) 24 maybe, and my hips are 12. I am finding this everywhere I go!!!! If the shirt fits my boobs & belly, it looks frumpy on my arms and shoulders. Argh. I've upset, I don't even know what to do with this info. I'm always going to look frumpy in clothes now?…

Wow, this place has changed since the last time I logged on. I'm still waiting to get an okay for the lap-band -- it was supposed to be okayed in January, but now the gastroenterologist has pushed it back to June. Sigh. Anyway, this is really off-topic, but it's an important request. So I hope you don't mind my posting it. And the reason I got involved to begin with, is because both my stepdaughter and my friend's baby was born extremely premature and I remembered what she and her husband went through during those fragile, emotionally fraught months. Over the past seven decades, millions of babies have been saved from death or disability thanks to advances made b…

Did anyone see the View this morning? It had a guy on there that had loss over 400 pounds (he didn't have surgery) and two ladies that had gastric bypass surgery. One had loss 180 lbs, and I forgot how much the other loss, but she had gained 80 lbs back. Dr. Garth (he is so handsome to me) from the show "Big medicine" talking about the surgery. One of the ladies said that she is getting help from a web-site called: Living after weight loss surgery. I checked it out, it is pretty good. Just food for thought.

It's some special being run with the name thin in the title. Something like "I can think you thin" ( I have a horrible memory) I believe it was on TLC. I want to look for it so I can set my DVR Can anyone help?

Hey Everybody!! I won the KJO Lifestyle Achievement Award!!! I won!!! I won!! I WON!!!! Just a quick update that they had the awards program tonight ..... I won the KJO Lifestyle Achievement Award!!! I was so freaking excited!!! Here is what all I won: * A $500 gift card to WalMart/Sam's Club * A $200 gift card to J. Michael's * A 6 month membership to Alice's Energy Connection (A local fitness club). Thank you everybody fro voting for me. Sherri

I just had to share something that really tickled me yesterday. I was watching Cops, and there's a young girl who gets pulled over for erratic driving and unregistered car. They find crack & crystal meth inside. They talk about how they're going to have to impound the car.. and she breaks into tears saying it's her only transporation.. "What am I suppose to do????" and the cop, calmly says.. "What you're suppose to do is, not smoke crack." I had to pause the tivo while I fell over laughing. :crying: Crack is whack!