DeLarla

Kel, can you lick a popsickle? Not the whole thing, but a few licks here and there?

Anyone notice that she forgot to give us an update on the XXX part? Megan, have you given his "little guy" a pet name yet?

OH, P.S. I heard on the radio that panty hose actually have a great use. I didn't believe it, so I had to try it. They say use a pair of hose like an eraser to erase the white deodorant markings that get on clothes when we get dressed (always happens to me.) Guess what? The hose works! No lie. Nothing, not even warm water and soap gets the deodorant out, but the hose is just like a little pencil eraser and it removes every bit of white deodorant. Go figure.

Forget about the hose! Buy some of those new spandex underpanty shorts-type-things. I LOVE them. I see them on TV all the time, but I got a couple pairs at Walmart. They're great under pants or under dresses if you don't need hose on your feet (like if you're wearing boots or sandals.)

Zoe, didn't you ever see the Seinfeld episode where Elaine says men's naked bodies are gross? It's pretty funny, she says the woman's naked body is beautiful, but men are all hairy and gnarly and they're not meant to be admired naked. She never saw my hubby's cute butt though. DH is supposed to mean Dear Husband (I think.) Though Dick Head kinda works better for me most of the time.

Oh Megan, you know I'm just playing! When it comes to fat naked women, the more the merrier! I think we should do nakie avatars. Don't dare me... I've already given Alexandra enough grief.

I have an interesting twist to this question. I used to wear eye glasses. Then I had vision correction surgery 7 years ago. It was awful because being able to see clearly for the first time truly invaded my space. It took years to overcome the fact that people were everywhere. I used to stand in front of the class doing oral assignments but I felt safe behind my glasses. When my glasses were gone, there was no barrier between me and the people. I remember having a panic attack while walking through a casino because everyone was so close to me. Nothing had changed since people were always surrounding me in public, but once your eyes get fixed they are RIGHT THERE, they are everywhere! The reason I told you that story is because I don't have the same feeling with the band. As a matter of fact, I never even thought of band-related claustrophobia till after reading this post. Things that make ya go hmmmmm... But I can always feel my band around my belly. I'm constantly aware of it, especially in the morning.

Bo has my heart. When he said he was singing Time in a Bottle, my toes curled up and I practically held the TV to my boosum. But I'm really impressed that Constantine isn't shy about his masculinity, because most guys would think a David Cassidy song is too gay - Constantine might not have done the song as well as I would have liked, but I'm totally diggin' that he brought back I Think I Love You! A lot of them are awesome. But Nikko and Scott and their cheeseball striptease nonsense gags me. Mekalah is awful. I'm surprised Simon didn't just stand up and Gong her.

First come first serve. (Better?)

Donali, I do recall Lopez saying we should have annual endoscopies, but then another doctor told me they won't do them unless they are suspicious. I prefer the "better safe than sorry" rule of thumb myself, though it's difficult convincing doctors to schedule the endo since they are so expensive. I'm still waiting for them to come out with a pee stick that will show erosion!

How is this going to be a nudie calendar when everyone's covering up their kibbles n' bits?

WOW, we have a full month! This is so fun. Where's my big powder puff? MAKEUP!

He sounds great! I was holding my breathe hoping not to read, "he hasn't called me." YEAH! As far as the cats, that could be a problem. So since he's going out of his way to deal with his allergies, you should do some extra work, too. Do you have one room at your place that you can cat-proof? I try to keep my front room cat-free since I have so many allergic friends. It's a tile floor, and I keep the door closed. Also, vacuume kitties often. My cat LOVES to have his fur sucked up thru the suction hose. One day at a time. It's all about expectations. Enjoy what you have, and don't worry about the small stuff. His roommates will love ya!

When I make my own morning protein shakes I just toss the vitamins in the blender. Or you can buy a little mortar and pestal at the drug store for crushing stuff.

Can we PLEASE have an update here?

First, I almost peed my pants thinking of tinsel draped across Penni's nipples! But Megan, your response really pulled me through. The thought of going through what Ms. February did and having to face the grieving process of losing my band was enough to snap me into reality. I have a healthy band today that should be enough. Yes, I am maintaining an ENORMOUS amount of weight loss. 70 pounds isn't anything to scoff about, that's for sure. And I've been binge eating at night, but last night I curbed it just a tiny bit. I still ate too much and got too full, but I stopped at one candy bar and a bowl of fruit. And this morning I walked to the park, which is normally full of people and dogs - but today I was alone due to wind and rain so I felt extra energized, then I lifted weights at home before work. I am more than thankful for my friendships at LBT, and I feel fortunate that only real people support me. Honestly, I don't have the time or desire for fluff in my friendships, so all ugly things that bring only real women forward are worth it to me. Megan, I hope I can return my shoulder when you need it. Thanks for starting this thread and for ending my dilemma. Now we can move on to the fun part. I asked hubby if he'd mind me posing nude. He never takes me seriously, but last night he gave me a very strange look (I can't even explain it since I've never seen that look before.) He asked, "Would you let ME pose nude?" I said "YES, for money I sure would!" But he never responded. But the whole idea of marketing it in the UK is very appealing. Besides, other countries find fluffy women attractive, while the US treats us like losers! I'm a little jealous that I didn't think of the yellow umbrella and rain boots though. I guess I'll wear my chaps and boots. Maybe some leather braided around my upper arms and some finger gloves with red hooker nails!

Christina, I needed to hear that. I always hope for new doctors in Vegas. Today I got stung by my own bee! A Vegas friend has been really interested in my Band, and she's finally going for it. Only she has the money and she's getting hers done by the local doctor! I am really happy for her, but I can't help but feeling a little burn that she gets to stay local. Not exactly jealous... just a little pale mint green maybe. I need to stop focusing on it. That's what I need. Okay, we have the photographer, now who's going to volunteer to market this thing? You guys probably think I'm kidding, but I would pose nude (after a bottle of wine) as long as hubby does't have a cow!

That's good news, Norma. Did he tell you why your port is so uncomfortable though? I often wake up starving in the middle of the night. Sometimes it causes me to have insomnia, so I can't fall back asleep till I have a snack. Ususally some cheese and crackers.

I should have made myself more clear that "my" doc wants me to have an annual endoscopy, but that's probably because I've had so many problems with infected ports. But I think what Alexandra said is more accurate - that they'll only schedule one if they see problems with the fluoro or if they have other reasons to believe you need one.

Sorry, Paula, but I called Ms. September first! Daisy, you're cracking me up. I guess I gotta pose nakey on my Harley then! In the middle of the desert.

I know two people that went in for fills, and the doctor noticed the barium wasn't flowing through the pouch correctly. They'll notice the barium sort of flows around the outside of the band, which indicates potential erosion. That's the first sign that a doctor can see. Once they detect what looks like potential erosion from the fluoscopy, they'll schedule you for an endoscopy to confirm erosion. However, my doctor believes annual endoscopies are good band maintenance. But you must get the scope done by a Band surgeon. If a regular gastroenterologist does the study, he can completely miss the erosion and tell you you're healthy. They have to know specifically what erosion is and what it looks like. One friend said she had more PBs, while other people lose all restriction. But most people don't even have any symptoms. The sudden loss of restriction is because food isn't passing through the band any more, but instead it passes around the outside (hey experts, am I explaining this right?)

Zoe, you'll have to post a pic of it cuz that site keeps crashing on me.

We can call it LapBand Lovelies, and I want to be Ms. September. Next month we'll do Porno for Ports.

I'd pose naked for a calendar! Tons of guys like big gals!

A crazy lady used to sing to me when I was a kid, "if you don't have a dream, how ya gonna make a dream come true?" A girl's gotta dream, that's for sure.