The Lounge

4,946 topics in this forum

Hi everyone! I was just wondering if there were any handbag lovers out there. Ever since high school I have been obsessed with handbags, probably because they are one of those accessories that you can buy regardless of your size. While all my friends bought designer clothes...I bought designer handbags (and designer sunglasses - my other love~!) I love the well-known designers - Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Dior....but lately have been buying more obscure lines - Botkier, Kooba, Hayden-Harnett, and Mulberry. So, anyone else share my obsession? What are your favorite lines/handbags?

I do realize it may be bias, but it seemed like this week all my furrbabies were exceptionally photogenic. Hopefully it makes you go 'awww' too Cassy, being.. Cassy. She thinks she's so pathetic! Even though Pandora is half the size of Apollo, he still cuddles up to her like he's a little baby! Gracie sleeping in her hammock...

I got a Garmin Nuvi 200 for Christmas, and I LOVE IT! Anyone else have one?

Just wanted to send a Merry Ho Ho to all of you....I am very grateful for this forum because it helped me decide to have the lap band surgery and gave me strength in the months after the surgery. Thanks to all of you for sharing your LapBand journey with me and others!!!!

Hey guys! I thought I would ask here since there are so many peeps, what are some good stay in ideas for NYEVE for a groups of 3 friends of which one is going through some hard times. WE want to have some silly fun for her. I thought maybe there might be some fun ideas in this great big land of lapband! Ashley:help:

I was just wondering if anyone buys "motivation" clothes in smaller sizes...there are some awesome clearance deals right now, and now seems like the time to stock up on smaller sizes for my future weight loss. Any thoughts?

Hi. My family are big Disney nuts. We've taken 2 trips to Orlando since 2004. Each time we have said "This will be our last trip." Anyway, we are planning another trip next November. I just had lap-band surgery (Nov. 5th) and am hoping to be 80-100 lbs thinner by then. (That's my goal) Here's my question... Has anyone gone to Disney after lap-band surgery? We've always gotten the dining plan which includes a snack, counter service meal, and table service meal per day per person. Best part of last 2 trips was planning where and what to eat!!!:hungry: We've shared meals,so that won't be the issue, I guess I wonder if it will be a waste or if I should just plan …

Merry Christmas to all who see's this page-!! Today I got a rude awakening of my old life. Me and my kids got invited by a family where we live at. I got to the party and "oh Lord"--not a skiiny or small Woman in sight. The only small people were the girls who were 11 to 15--except one. You would think this young "woman" was all of 25--she was just 14 and maybe somewhere about a size 22. I've seen her before--but never all of her relatives. I am so thankful for the "Lapband" surgery. I am now 50 and no one thought so. I just hit my 54 pounds loss plateau. I am not struggling at all--but I know I will miss a few of my Gym days--due to the kids being home and …

Hi folks, I had my procedure back in May of 07 and am down about 65 or 70 lbs. That may sound good to some of you, but I started at over 500 lbs and should be doing much better. I need to ask a "stupid" question or two. 1. How much food should I be eating per meal ( 1 cup, 1/2 cup or what?) and should that be making me feel full? 2. I seem to PB a lot, is that normal? 3. I have a 10 cc band and have had 5 cc's worth of fills and get "stuck" a lot now, should I get more fills and just eat soft foods that won't get stuck? To be totally honest, I'm not happy with the band at all, it's not what I thought it was going to be. If I have to eat like I'm go…

Has anyone seen this on CNN? This 21 year old girl just disappeared out of her house. It says she was extra cautious about security and safety. This stuff scares me so much...you can't ever be too careful.

We always go to the movies on Christmas Day and are having a hard time deciding what to see. It's my husband and me, both 52, and two of our daughters, both 26, and their husbands, 26 and 31. We don't want to see anything violent or depressing or inane. It seems that the choices are The Golden Compass or Enchanted. The reviews have been kind of split on The Golden Compass but they're pretty good for Enchanted. The guys seem less enthused about Enchanted, though we girls want to see it eventually. Any suggestions? Is The Golden Compass better than its reviews? Is Enchanted too much of a kid movie or would the guys like it? Is there something else we're missing? (We als…

My DD, who just turned 4 about a month ago, told me today that she's fat and she needs to lose some weight. It made me sick to my stomach! She's probably heard me say that a million times. I know that she doesn't know what it REALLY means, but it still broke my heart to hear her sweet little voice say that. I have always tried to make sure my kids eat healthy, they definately eat better than I do. But I know I need to do that for myself too, because if she hears me say things like "I'm fat" I know she sees me eating the way i do too. She's too perceptive for her own good! I've felt like total crap all day and it makes me feel like a shitty mom. I have really…

I am curious if any of you went outside of the norm during this holiday season and got someone something unique. For Christmas this year I purchased my wife a 1 square foot parcel of land in Ireland. (she is really into everything Ireland)

Is anyone else fascinated by the Biggest Loser? I love that show.

I love to do Ceramics.... here what I have made in the last couple of weeks http://www.lapbandtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1335&stc=1

Gotta share them! Me and Mr. Longhorn, Corky on my lap, then from left to right, Chase, Paco, Buddy, and Sparky. Yep, five of the lil darlins' in all, ranging from two to 11 years and 18 to 110 pounds! Consider this my Christmas card to my LBT colleagues!

Some hilarious pictures. The Redneck Page

When you devote time to an organization, how important is it to you to get some sort of official "thank you" from the group? Is it something you think the organization should be spending its time/resources on? Or would you be satisfied with the personal thanks from people you actually come in contact with through your service to the group? Or do you expect both? I have no personal axe to grind but I'm wondering what other people think. I am both an employee of such an organization and a volunteer for a different one, and so am on both sides of this equation. I've heard a lot of different thoughts and am trying to get a larger sense of the issue. What do you expect in …

We only had x-mas day off, but since 99% of our customers are closed on Monday, they decided we're closed Monday & Tuesday. But in reality all our customers are closed today too. So I decided we're leaving here at 3, 2 hours early.. but IT IS SO SLOW!!! I've had 2 phone calls, from an employee that was lost on a backroad, and a customer wanting a turn time. That's it. I'm so bored I can't take it. Normally I am swamped with work and the days go by, so on top of anticipating a 4-day weekend, I just can't make this day go by. 2 more hours.. of.. nothing. I brought a book I'm reading to work, but only have 15 pages left... Anyone else bored as hell at work?! :faint:

I see support in different ways. There is the support that I would receive from "real people" (those I know in real life), and support I would receive from "virtual people" (those I know online). In the virtual world, support to me is getting information or answers to my questions. I'm not an emotionally needy person, and what little I do need I prefer to get from "real people." Most of the things I need support with are significant changes, such as getting banded, for which I don't feel adequately prepared or informed. So, when I come to a support-based message board, I'm looking for information. I would not be the type to ask "virtual people" to "cheer me up, …

:help:I want to have surgery, but my other half it totally against it. He says to try to loose it the way I gained, slowly w/exercise. Although he sees me diet, exerciese & fail for the last 15yrs, he still says no. He says he would rather have me the way I am than have surgery & complications. He says we are fine, which I disagree with. We have not had an intimate relationship for years. We very seldom go anywhere together & I think it is because of my weight. He would argue & say that has nothing to do with it. I want the surgery so I can keep up with him & our 7yr old. My dad died at the age of 54, I don't want that to be me. I tried to talk him in…

I'm just curious to know if any of you have watched this show and what you think of it. I know it has been considered a very controversial show for some people. I personally think it is very thought provoking....and I think Holly Hunter does a great job.

Homeschool2

Any ideas? I really don't want to load the step-kids up with sugar. I might get them a thing or two, but they will have already had Christmas with their mom and step-dad, so they'll probably have gotten a bunch with them. In years past, we've done the candy and then a little toy or two. I have no clue what to do, now. Do you think SF candy is okay for kids? Do you think they'd notice it was SF? I'd really like to get moving towards something healthy because I know for me, the holidays are tied up in food and candy especially and I'd rather not pass on that legacy. Before anyone suggests fruit...it won't be happening with these kids. LOL They'll eat fruit ou…

When was the last time, you took time to sit and watch your old home movies?? I did it yesterday. I am gleaming with a smile from ear to ear today still thinking of them. It was so good to see my little kids and how they have grown. We have really captured some great moments. What was even more special was seeing their faces when they saw themselves. Take some time, make some lowfat popcorn and sit with your family and share those beautiful memories together.

Is there a product you absolutely LOVE? How about sharing it with the rest of us? Not necessarily food or food related, but that's fine too. On the other hand, have you considered investing in a pricey gadget but just can't make up your mind to part with the money? Ask LBT members for their experiences. Did it live up to its promise? Was it worth the money? Inquiring (and cheap) minds want to know! Here's a little list to get you started.... GREAT DISCOVERIES: Kozy Shack SF Tapioca pudding cups - 90 calories (sweetened with Splenda) that taste like 190. Reddi Wip FF real dairy whipped topping - 5 calories per serving and so much tastier than Cool Whip Ad…

Shopping??? Another thread made me think of this.. Out of curiosity, the people that hate shopping, is it because of the weight?? I know when I was fat I hated to shop.. I hated to see myself in those horrible mirrors and just hated the whole experience. Now that I am thinner and I look great (just kidding) I love to shop for clothes.. Love to try them on.. Or I should say I always have to try them on. Size doesn't mean anything these days, they all vary so much. Sometimes I wear a 6, sometimes and 8. Well, I was just wondering.

As I was reading different posts tonight I noticed some responses made me feel good and some stirred up bad feelings. it got me to thinking about how people make us feel. I have always liked nice people, people that seem to really care and want to help in even the simpliest way. I don't like people that seem to have an opinion and only theirs seems to be important. I don't like people that are negative or seem to come at me with strong statements. I like people to approach me kindly and show interest in me. I don't like "Know it alls" unless they really know. I love intelligent people. I enjoy confident people, yet they are humble. I love people that listen, really listen…

I need to send you a PM, but your box is full. :think:nervous:bounce:

Did anyone else see last night where the designers were making clothing for woman who had lost significant amounts of weight? They had to take their old large favorite piece of clothing and create something new that the women would love. It was awesome. I got to thinking though, I've pitched, donated, or gave away EVERY thing I used to own aside from one pair of jeans. Of course I wonderd who had WLS, who didn't and what kind was it... Very cool indeed.

I'm soooooo bored... I was just thinking how at this time of year, I am on the site all day long (only during work hours, of course). Why you might ask?? Well cause I love ya guys..and because it is really slow here at work.. Nothing is going on.. It is so quiet I can't stand it. Share some of your favorite jokes, tell me a funny story.. I am dying of boredom.. Please, I'm begging...

It's that time of year that I donate money to causes.. Ironically, the angel tree at our local malls are all empty.. all the children were 'adopted'. From a blog I frequent, they're taking donations for this little boy with cancer so he can have a fantabulous Christmas. The last update I read is that this is going to be his last Christmas. Thought I'd pass it on in case anyone else is in a donating mood. My Semblance of Sanity

OK a little background. My sister gave birth to a baby boy on the 19th. She was only 25 weeks along. He was 1 lb 8 ounces at birth. So he has been hanging in there for almost a week now. He is on a respirator (which I understand is normal at that stage). He developed a problem called P.I.E in his lungs and they switched ventilators to try and improve this condition. It has not been helping much so far by looks of the X -Rays. Can someone explain what PIE is, and if it is a common condition in premature babies, and how concerned we should actually be. They also keep taking almost daily pics of his head, they say they are checking for bleeding since his skull is…

Batten down the hatches, people! I don't know where everybody is from, but if you're in the Heartland, we're supposed to be getting up to 2 inches of ICE (not snow!) this afternoon/tonight/tomorrow. This means power outages, impossible road conditions, and complete misery if you have to go anywhere. I have a 30 mile commute to work, so I've already told them that I'll probably have the flu or something tomorrow. Anyone else out there getting ready for this crap?:tired

I had my initial consult after years of waiting & pondering. My insurance requires the first visit to my Primary doctor whose only "heard" of the band and doesn't know much about bypass or other WLS options, so she referred me to my next step (Go through the Weight Management center for 3 months and only they can refer me for surgery based on their decision, plus I still haven't decided on Band vs. Bypass/Sleeve, etc.) Keeping in mind she's just a general practioner, of all people to chat with in the lobby was a woman in a crisis. We struck up a conversation because her husband is coincidentally in the hospital from complications due to his... you guessed it, Bypass …

Please...No mean,hard luck stories.We have all had bad things happen to us. One of my early memorys as a child was my daddy and brother bringing in a Christmas tree;one that they had just went out in the field and cut down. We would make the decorations our selves. We used painted egg shells, foil to make bells, pop corn to make garlin, and we would allways make a star out of card board and cover it in foil for the top of the tree. When Christmas was over my daddy would just take the tree and all the decorations out and burn it. Yes we were very very poor. I was to little to know it at the time how poor we were. Christmas was very simple then....back in the 50's, whe…

Something is wrong with Christmas when people.....and you know who you are....complain about it. The true sprit of Christmas is giving, giving to your loved ones,giving to even people you dont know. People who really need your help. If someone is being greedy, Show them, Teach them how to help those who really need help. If done right, this could be a life time memory. A memory of what Christmas is.

So, my brother got married at the end of June. I need gift ideas for his inlaws. They are into organic food and are very much "green." They own a restaurant and the FIL is a chef. I'm stumped, to be honest. I'm wary about getting them food stuff since they seem to be rather picky, but I don't know them well enough to know of something more personal that I could get them.

Ever get that rough patch on your index finger because zipping your jeans is too tough? That's gone! I can take my jeans straight from the dryer and put them on with ease. Goodbye rough patch - I don't miss you at all!

I am having surgery tomorrow to have my impacted wisdom teeth removed. Not too worried about it, but I will probably start having the anxiety attacks in the morning. :phanvan Anyone else had to have this done? How did it go?

Really stupid question. Can someone with google earth go to coordinates 37o 37' 41.46 N and 116o 50' 54.82 W and tell me what the hell that thing is?

One of my best friends was a beanpole.. and I guess in the past 10 years, she went from a size 6 to a 14/16. We did things like Atkins, Southbeach diet, etc. together. She lost about 8 years ago, gained it back, but since then, no diets work.. it's like she's immune. She sticks to them, and nothing happens. So she started going to a doc about it. They said to eat organic chicken, because steroids in normal chicken bloat you etc. etc. Well she did that, still nothing. She had a food allergy test a couple weeks ago, results came back yesterday. They told her she's basically allergic to most foods. She said there's only 10 food items she's not allergic to, and most of th…

so today is my weigh day and I hit my half way mark! not too bad 55 lbs in 3.5 months, but today I am not seeing a difference. I mean don't get me wrong, there are days I put on clothes and weep b/c a) it was a favorite piece of clothing and it doesn't fit anymore and then later OH MY GOD IT'S WORKING!!!!. But today I don't see it. I guess I'm just discouraged because I thought at my half way point I'd really see it. maybe I'm having a bad image day, I dunno... But does anyone else have this problem? the scale shows it but your eyes can't adjust? I guess I just want to know I'm not crazy!!!!! Sorry for rambling.

If you need a giggle, check out this story about Double-Stuf Oreos: Report: Double Stuf Oreos Could Raise Tolerance To Stuf | The Onion - America's Finest News Source There may be a kernel of truth to it... :hungry:

So do you refer to yourself with the F- word? --side note--that reminded me of Seasme Street, I can picture Elmo, Today kids the letter is Ff. As in fat. Flubber, freaking large, flab..haha-- Just curious? I mean everyone pretty much does on here, which is ok because if we werent all fat at one point then itd be a lil silly to be on here... I mean like when talking to "normal" sized people, or anyone.. For ex: "I couldn't get my fat a** outta bed this morning" I never did that..still cant..I might make references to being bigger, like I cant sit on your lap the chair would break..but never fat..just wondering and Im advoiding studing for two VERY important tests…

Krazy Kooper the Kat any cat lovers out there? My cat is freakin nuts! Ok so he was thrown from a moving vehicle on the interstate when he was a kitten, someone stopped and took him to a vet, whichis where I got him from...anyways he has problems... He has seperation anxiety..seriously.. If i leave for more than 8 hours, he starts pulling out his own fur..like a bird! At first we thought it was allergies...nope vet finally diagnosed him..this was after Kooper had to be completely sedated...he doesnt tolerate men touching him..i figure it was a guy that threw him.. He plays fetch Fav game. Laying on his back in the winter and waiting for my chi to walk by in his…

Don't toot in Bed If this story doesn't make you cry for laughing so hard, let me know And I'll pray for you. This is a story about a couple who had been happily married for years. The only friction in their marriage was the husband's habit of tooting Loudly every morning when he awoke. The noise would wake his wife and the smell would make her eyes Water And make her gasp for air. Every morning she would plead with him to stop ripping them off because It was making her sick. He told her he couldn't stop it and that it was Perfectly natural. She told him to see a doctor; she was concerned that One day he would blow his guts out. The years went by and he …

Alright so for my graduation present, my little sister is buying my my first tattoo, and as Ive said on another put, Im getting ants marching down my back in a curving pattern, ending at the base of my pants. My dad says if we got a tat while he was payin for school, hed stop, but, well now Im done YAY! Anyways question is has anyone had a problem with tats on thier back as they lose weight? Im a size 8/10 now and my ultimate goal is a size 6, so Im not going to shrink too much more I dont think, and I already lost my back rolls (:clap2:) but Id hate to get this tat that Ive wanted for like 2 years, and then it look like messed up fish or something because I lost more…

I am looking into online training for Medical Transcriptionist. Just wondering if there is anyone in this career that could answer some questions. I want to work from home, so my questions are: 1. Did you get your training online? If so, which training program did you go through and were you happy with the institute. 2. If you have completed your courses, how long did it take you to find a job? 3. Were you able to pretty much set your own hours? (I have a son who's almost 2 and he keeps me very busy) Thanks in advance!

Hello everyone, I was just wondering if there are any scrapbookers on here, and specifically, if any of you have done a scrapbook about your lap band journey? Thanks!:biggrin1: