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I just want to wish each of you a very "Merry Christmas" I wish a safe and happy holiday for y'all!

It is 34 with a wind chill factor in the 20's and I am freezing! It is going to be 25 degrees tonight! Send all your long underware to me now!

Have you thought about celebrating Festivus? A SPREADING DARKNESS Festivus began on "Seinfeld" and is catching on. YEAR-ROUND JOY Krista Soroka's Festivus includes a pole as as well as a book of grievances that she shows off all year. Fooey to the World: Festivus Is Come By ALLEN SALKIN Published: December 19, 2004 GATHER around the Festivus pole and listen to a tale about a real holiday made fictional and then real again, a tale that touches on philosophy, King Lear, the pool at the Chateau Marmont hotel, a paper bag with a clock inside and, oh yes, a television show about nothing. The first surprise is that from Tampa Bay, Fla., to Washington, from…

For some of you that knew my mom was having all kinds of colon problems just wanted you to know that she is clear of cancer threats. Her colonoscopy showed NO SIGNS OF CANCER which was a huge fear for me. They think for now it is the diverticulitis and all her polyps that are causing her pains and bleeding along with her AVM sites. But nothing is conclusive just yet. Just talked to Mom. She sounds great. Tired but good. Her colonoscopy went well. They were able to get all the way through and she was NOT AWAKE during the procedure so there was NO PAIN for her. Thank GOD. They said NO cancer was evident. WHEW! I was afraid of that. She said she won't know m…

I have Christmas songs blaring in the office! My boss made me a bunch of cd's of Christmas songs and I am playing them really loud~ it puts you in the mood for Christmas! I love it! It is all kinds of different ones!

I'm not unemployed, but I'm employed in the wrong industry. For the last five years I've wanted to return to nonprofit administration--the right opportunity eluded me, and well, life goes on in the insurance biz. So today I had a job interview. Everything was amazing: wonderful people, amazing location, beautiful physical plant (restored estate house!), interesting work for a noble cause (environmental preservation), schedule flexibility, and on and on. But the money just wasn't there. I'd have had to take not only a 25% cut in salary but also pay 90% of my own health insurance premiums and 100% for my kids. And forget about bonuses or 401K contributions. :rolleyes …

Teresa: First of all where have you been? Second I want that pattern for the hat you crocheted for me. I love it and wear it all the time. I mostly wear it when I walk at the park now because it is chillie willie out now. So either PM or email me the pattern. You can also mail it to me if you need to. HI to K.C.

As Christmas draws near, it has been on mind how best to say Merry Christmas to you all and I must confess that since the advent of computers in my home and my divorce, I have not sent Christmas cards in the same way I used to. However, Christmas is always a time of year when we do tend to think of old friends and new alike and in our hearts we wish them well and remember fond memories. So, I found this link, which I think is beautiful, although the sentiments expressed may not coincide with everyone's spiritual beliefs, it is my belief and in my heart I do, truly wish you all a magical Christmas, filled with love, laughter and many new memories made with your newly gaine…

As many of you know, I keep a journal to help me stay focused on my goals. I am learning, as many of you are, to take care of myself for the first time in my life. I have managed to think of a few nice things to do for myself but I need help. (Many of the things that I can think of cost money) If you have any ideas that you are willing to share that would be awesome. * Have your nails done * Read inspiring poetry * Get a pedicure * Take a hot bath by candle light * Give yourself a facial * Buy a new item of clothing-even if you will be too small for it soon-we can always share with each other * Put something you really want but normally wouldn't buy on lay-away …

I'm only 15 1/2 months out & i've reached my second "big" goal already....... My first goal was to be in a size UK 20....... my second was to beat my lowest weight ever having "been on a diet" and I reached that today. In 1997, I went "on a diet" - my most successfull to date, (apart from WLS that is ......) I was 26 years old, my weight was 25 stone 12 lbs (362 lbs) ... I'd lost a little over 8 stone (112 lbs)... I was truly impressed... The lowest weight I got to with this diet was 16 stone 11 pounds (235 lbs)... of course (as you do) I gained confidence... & went out more... Then, I gained my weight back.. plus another 3 stone for good measure (don't we …

I have a borther, to whom I am especially close. He is 13 years younger than I am and just moved from San Fran to NYC last summer. Has a big fancy job for the first time in his life and lives in Manhattan. He has a girlfriend who has been to WI to visit twice and I like her very much. She is bright, articulate and fun. When they returned to NYC after the summer visit, I heard thru my mother that they had broken up and that L. had said some particularly hurtful things to my bro. They are now back together--which is good,since I like her--right? I spent a load of cash for Christmas presents for him--had them sent to her apt. with her permission. (they don't l…

how can you stay reqular?, and what helps?, to relife you. how ,many days is normal?, when you don't go regularly,,, trying to find some answers to this question?. my doctor recommended stool softener, but, they make me sick , i think there to strong. and give me a nasty headach, what can you possible eat that can make a differences? or drink? with such a small tummy. would appreicate , your input. thank you....so much margie

For the past two weeks, I have tried-really tried to diet. I am writing down EVERYTHING I eat and counting up the calories (1000-1500 per day). I've cut out sugar, and bad carbs, and have been trying to be positive about it. As some of you know, I really got upset with myself the other day for eatting pizza but I decieded not to beat myself up and just eat small amounts of something if I REALLY want it and go on with my life. I've lost several pounds but It's been really hard. My husband 6ft/125pounds! Eats whatever he wants - Ice cream, moon pies, Dr. Pepper! I don't think he even knows what a vegetable looks like! Well, he has no conception of what I am goin…

Hi Girl, havent talked to you in ages!! I am now online again. I read a post about what is going on with you... I can't believe it! I have a new mail address... post me a note sometime.... Francesca

From what I've seen, my personal favorites have to be: Macauley Culkin Ozzy Osbourne Michael Jackson (he looks Scary with a capital S) John Gotti There's a ton that I found on The Smoking Gun website. It's pretty damn funny stuff in there. If you happen to be a fan of the site like me (thesmokinggun.com), you'll be psyched to know that they just announced a year-end special that going to this Thursday night @ 10pm on Court TV. I only recall one other time that the website had a show...and it was hilariousssss. So this should be a treat for all! Does anyone know any other places that I can find celebrity mug shots besides TSG? Matt

Hi everyone, I have been gone from the message board for 3 months.. Iam now all moved and in my new house. glad to be back... Iam bummed that I missed the vegas trip I really wanted to go.. Hi Delarla!! I am doing good, my pbs are few and far between. I have lost 80 lbs now and I am feeling great.. glad to be back, Francesca

I have not posted in ages; but, when I seen your title under your screenname; I just had to laugh......that is too cute.... Our own LBT "Science Experiment"!!!! This place hasn't been the same since u have arrived....I don't post much anymore; but laugh often!!!!!!

I'm healing up from my banding. Walking into the bathroom several times a day and lifting up my shirt so I can see my incisions in the mirror. It's real. I've lost some weight, but there's a secondary benefit that I didnt' expect. I'm a different person, because, for once in my life I did something for me. So many times I have stepped back, and let others have what they needed while I made do. Then I would use that little setback as a reason to gorge. Now I have taken a step that is for me. To make me better than I am. To make me healthier, and maybe a little happier too. I would like to say that when I'm looking in the mirror I can see the man that I'm becomi…

Hi everyone, This is completely unrelated, I just need to get it out before I eat everything in sight. I am so angry, frustrated, and sad. A (travel agent)'friend" called last week telling me there was this amazing airfare to LAX but I needed to book and pay within a day. So I did, drove 60 kms to where she works, paid that, and went ahead and booked and paid for my connecting flights. She calls me a week later to tell me she missed the deadline to confirm the booking, and if I want to go I need to pay 1000 dlls more! She was crying, so sorry, feeling so bad, she doesnt want to lose her job. BUT I cant pay more, nor should I! My husband is furious, wants to call the…

I told her I was hungry between meals and she told me to eat something solid like an apple or pear, or some raw veggies. I also told her I hadn't eaten bread, Pasta, or rice, but pretty much everything else. She told me I might want to add some of that to my meals, and it would take some of the hunger away. She said I was wide open right now, so the food was just going right through. We talked about Thanksgiving and she told me to enjoy myself, if I wanted to eat a little bit of everything that was o.k. it was only one day, the damage wouldn't come from one day, but damage would come from not getting back on the program the next day. She told me I was indeed re…

I know a lot of us will be going out of town or won't be home for the holidays, so I want to wish you each a "Happy Thanksgiving". I will be going to my Brother's, but only for the day. If you are traveling, be careful, if you are staying home, don't work too hard. I want to say that on this day of thanks, each and everyone of you will be in my thoughts. You are all very special to me. Thanks for all the encouragement, the ideas, the laughter, and the caring each of you have given. Have a great holiday!

I just had the coolest evening ever last night. I absolutely loved Rupert on Survivor the last two seasons but never thought I would actually get to hang out with him ever. Ends up they were in Oregon for a fundraiser and rented out the entire bed and breakfast I work at for the night last night. The organizers had asked Roberta to make them a dinner and I was asked to help serve and entertain. Not only was Rupert there but Rudy as well. Ethan and Jenna had also been on this Oregon trip but had to leave a day early. Anyway it was SOOOO much fun. Rupert was exactly how I always imagined he would be. They both posed for pics with us and gave us autographs. The meal ended …

I am an Employment Insurance Agent.I just met with a client who is applying for sick benefits. He was cutting wood with a chainsaw and had an accident,almost cut his whole leg off.His life was saved by his 9 year old son.His son had the courage and strength to wrap his Dad's leg with a towel and call 911.These actions not only saved the Dad's leg but also HIS LIFE!! How amazing is that!..and they PAY me to do this job!!!! Chantal

Thanks for the hats Rebecca :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny

Here comes the time of year dreaded by me, my whole life as a fat person. The Holidays. Yes, they are lovely, too, and yes I love being with family, too. But the holidays, every blessed one of them carries a load of dread as well. I start planning early in the fall to get out of them artfully, usually to no avail. Thanksgiving approaches, and that means gathering with the whole crowd, and while it's nice to come up to date with relatives you haven't seen for a year, there must be some reason you haven't seen them for a year. Are they looking at me judging? "Is he even bigger this year? Look, he's taking more turkey." Then they come over and act offended w…

Hey ladies we wanted to make sure everyone knew about this. Some of us ladies have been discussing it in the Houston Tx. thread. With all the confusion of people missing threads and posts we wanted to come up here in the Lounge and post something about this get togather. The more people the better! We hope lots can come and enjoy each others company! All is welcome to come and visit even if you can't spend the night! It's kinda of a spare of the moment thing. We originally was going to meet for the day in Kema but then a few of us started talking about spending the night so here we are still talking about where we want to spend the night and what we want to do while …

Hi Everyone, I am going on a road trip to FLorida and leaving today with my family in evening. First to Santa Rosa Beach in the panhandle and then to St. Augustine. I will be gone a week and will miss everyone here!!! Anyone in FL that I can see? I have not been able to break the 190's. Now, this week for Thanksgiving I am absolutely sure that I wont make it. Yes, I am going to eat with no remorse.!! LOL I have an addiction to pumpkin pie and real whip cream. I will be back on the 28th and will miss everyone!!!! Babs in TX 334/190/170 -144

Well, morning finally came, an invisible sun lent meager light to a gray and soggy world. I showered, shaved, and brushed my teeth. My little travel bag was already packed, and I put on the loose clothing I had set aside for just this day. I helped Patty get around, either she was having one of her better days or she was pretending to, just for me. I took off my rings, didn't put on my watch, and she carried my wallet in her purse. I signed the book in admitting, and they put a hospital bracelet on me, it had all my info on it, including my age, sigh. alma is a little town, but the biggest one in our rural county. So our hospital is a little bigger than it would …

My entire building had our first annual chili cookoff today. I have spent the last 1 1/2 hours sampling chili and all the fixings and numerous deserts. I feel like I could just POP!!! :rolleyes I can almost eat as much as pre-band. I'm pretty sure that I am going to be one of those who has to get a fill immediately after the initial 6 weeks. Anyways, at least no one suspected anything and I am still a closet bandster. However, I can tell it's gonna be pretty tricky keeping the secret around here. Our building gets together for lunch a few times each year, but our department usually goes out to lunch together at least once per month. I know as I get fills and rest…

And guess what!!! She is banded! :banana :banana I think that it went very well, you never know with those things. I went in there expecting to BS her but the questions are not that complex. I think that I am going to be approved in no time!!! She also showed me her pictures and WOW! I would have never known if she had not told me..........

Hi Everyone, I've been banded for over a year, and I've been lurking on this website since before I was banded. Today is the day I can post my before and after pictures!?!! (Thanks to Penni)

I get carried away sometimes, thinking, dreaming of my new slim self....found a web site where you can create a virtual model of yourself at varying weights--so fun to see what the future holds! I just had my first fill--2 cc.s and man oh man, am I ever restricted! Hardly eating anything--so this weight better leave my body quickly! oh that website is www.myvirtualmodel.com if you wanna see the new you! And just being nosey the other day at work and wanted to see what the band and the port looked like under xray--had a pal take a few pix so I could see and the radiologist came by while we were looking at the films and didn't know what it was (I work at a very …

It has been a long day, and as bedtime approaches I want to share a bit with you. I navigated this day with many stops here, LBT, for here I found solace in my pre surgery jitters. This will be my last post as an unbanded man. There are things I want to share, while I am still a LapBand virgin. It took years for the larva to weave the cocoon. It took ages to construct this soft and cushy fortress I find myself in. Bite after solitary bite, in the dark patches of the night, standing in the glow of the refrigerator: my worst enemy, my best friend. And now the time has come round at last. To protect the transformed the cocoon must fall away as gradually. But it…

I have been working both sides of the court on getting approval. I think that all of my years of blood problems are going to let my skip the whole diet thing. YAY ME!!! Now, all I have to do is go to the shrink and not have it turn into a Greek Tragedy. I feel like I am band-obsessed lately. I want to be one of you. The Few, The Proud, The Banded........... :rambo

Chris and I got invited to Mexico, but this time no doctors! We're leaving Wednesday and returning Sunday. If you guys don't see me by Sunday, please send help! It's a place called La Roca, south of San Felipe. They have land on the beach with 2 trailers - sounds like fun. I'll miss you guys! Lis

I have several saved to my desktop, but I have no idea how to post them.

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED A REALLY BAD COUPLE OF DAYS ,WERE YOU FEEL , SO DOWN, AND OUT , AND DRAINED, IS LIKE ALL YOUR EMOITIONS, GET, TWISTED, AND YOU, ARE TRYING TO HANDLE THEM ALL AT THE SAME TIME. AND FROM THE INSIDE OUT. YOU FEEL YOUR FALLING APART. BUT. FROM THE OUTSIDE. EVERYBODY. SEES YOU NORMAL. AND YOU DON'T FEEL THAT WAY. YOU WANT TO CRY, LAUGH , YOU FEEL SAD, YOU SWEAT, THEN YOU GET COLD, YOU FEEL BEWILEDERED, AND IT HAPPENS EVERY MONTH, YOU CRY ,AT MOVIES, STORYS, DOG. KIDS, BUGS, IS THERE ANY CONTROL TO THIS, YOUR EMOITIONS JUST ,GO WACK... I REALIZED THIS AFTER, I GO THUR IT NOT BEFORE... AND I FEEL SICK... AFTER WARDS, AND APOLOIZE, BECAUSE, I'VE BEEN FEELING …

I was wondering about how the port feels under your skin. I'm concerned that it will drive me nuts. Little things like that tend to get under my skin so to speak. Ha! Ha! But really, how does it feel? I really need to know what I'm in for. Sincerely , Starrla

I was banded last Friday, Nov. 5. Today is my first day back at work. So far, so good. I would have stayed home longer but my computer went on the fritz and I couldn't log on to this site, LOL!!! I didn't have any choice but to come back to work! Missed you guys!

Teresa, You are a sweetheart and thank you SOOOOOOOOO much for the adorable hat!!! It fits PERFECTLY!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!! (((((HUGS)))))) I sent off a little note to you... let me know if it arrives safe and sound! Here I am... the hat model.

Well, I'm all ready. Tomorrow I get my lap banded. No, I get lapbanded. Not my lap banded. Gotta lose a few pounds before I even have a lap. I've eaten veggies for two weeks. I've just taken the last of three laxatives but I feel fine. Thought the laxatives would be tough, but I don't even think they're worki

I am waiting for approval and wondering if anyone knows what Dr. Spivak's pre surgery diet is and for how long?

Hey folks.. Just wante some reassurance from you guys...I was banded 11/11 in NYC and all went well...My large port incision is pretty red and sore...Not scary red and sore just puffy, red and sore..My wife is a nurse and she is not overly concerned right now about it..I am on chewable antibiotics which should help any infection...Also, have had diahrea for past 2 days..most notably when I take in the ultra slim fast shakes..Maybe I am drinking them a little too fast..In my former life I would down a shake like that in like 20 seconds..Realistically I'm now dininh on my shake for 10-15 minutes but not the 30 minutes suggested...Am I still drinking it too fast...The c…

My question is about the emotional side of the lap band surgery. After you have the surgery and you feel up fast physically, what about the mental aspect of eating? I know for myself I eat for emotional reasons. Happy, sad, mad, tired, etc. How do you handle that mental feeling of wanting to eat all the time? If I could get control of that, I wouldn't need the surgery. How does one help the other if you get my meaning? I will appreciate any insight into this pondering. Sincerely, Starrla

HI everyone, I thought Sharon Osborne had the band, but yet in this weeks People magazine she is quoted as saying she has gastric bypass. I know I have read in the past she has the band. Anyone know for sure? Just wondering, Amy

I just realized today that 255 pounds is a pretty big milestone for me and I wanted to share why. I must have been in about 9th grade when I stepped on the scale and it said "255". I very clearly remember thinking- "Oh my god I am so fat and so close to 300 pounds. If I ever weight 300 pounds I'm going to kill myself". I'm not much of a drama queen- so that was a pretty big thing for me to say to myself and I'm pretty sure I meant it even then. Well, I got to 300 pounds and you know what? I was killing myself. Just slowly. So, now I sit at a weight I haven't weighed since I was in 9th grade. What a feeling. Has anyone ever heard the saying "What we fear we cr…

I'm really enjoying this extra energy, so much that I started painting on my house. This is something I've wanted to do for 3 years now and never had the energy. Thought I'de share it with you people. These first pics are of Eves' room I just finished! I ended up using lots of pinks and pastels(very girly) Whimsical butterflies, dragonflies, bumblebees, and puffy clouds. Eve is 7 years old so she can still appreciate "little girl" stuff. That rainbow took an entire day all by itself! Mind you I was juggling my family, household, cooking, and cleaning on top of this project. I felt empowered! I have to admit when this room was done I was ready for it to be done…

hi to every one on this boards .Just wanted to introduce myself.... My name is samy 37 y 315 lb (love )and I have been reading your message boards for a 2 w or so... you all have so much helpful information and Its great to read 'first hand experiences". thanks to all for the enfo ,,,,,, love you all........samy_love:kiss kiss to all

Okay... what's the next best thing to eating chocolate???? Smelling like chocolate!!!!! I went to the Bath and Body outlet and I LOVE the chocolate scrub and hand cream!!!! OMIGOD... I smell my hands and drool every 5 steps or so! I smell just like a Tootsie roll! Hmmmm... my hubby is a chocolate freak... me thinks a little romance may be in store for me tonight! Darcy

ok i watched Rosanne Barr on tv today- and she had the ryun- y bypass surgery a few years back- as did Carnie Phillips, and both look like they have gained lots of weight back---anyone had one of these bands, say at least 5 years, and how is it still performing for you -have you maintained your weight loss or leveled off and some point? Anyone GAINED lots of weight back-- come on cough it up there can not only be sucess stories out here (tho they are the best) enquiring minds want tho know----I understand that this is a tool and I have to maintain control but well just wondering if it ever really gets easier ----------