lunasa

LOL tekymom!!! Where else could you get away with saying that!! LOL...very good

Oh, I didn't realise the sick friend was the same girl's mother!! That's a horse of a different colour!! I still maintain that venting to this friend is a no no for now. As for the party...well, would you consider that you've taken on too much? Can you scale it down a bit or enlist help from another grown up? and maybe another of DD's friends? You're certainly dealing with a can of worms there.

Wow Kat...what a diplomat!! This is fantastic advice re the party!! How could that not yeild a positive result!! TRACYINKS....FABULOUS that you had such a great time at the dreaded buffett...and as for the bridget jones knickers getting the heave ho...I am totally Excited for you!! Terridoodle...look at you!!! You look Great!! I had a strange day yesterday. I fixed soup for dinner (minestrone) and couldn't face it so I changed to veg & couldn't stomach it either. Maybe 20 days of soup has turned my stomach? I ended up having custard for one meal & for the next I had porridge. (very milky) BUT i think I understand now what a PB is? I could feel the porridge travelling back up my neck!!! LOL, guess it was a little premature for that kinda meal. Mushies are approaching though Also, pain in my shoulder is back :cry ...what's that about? Should I take that as normal or should I be worried that it may be something else ( paranoid !!)

Wow...(((Jennifur.))) you are going through a LOT of stress right now. You have a lot on your plate to deal with. I don't have kids so my advice to you may be lacking in practical experience. You are wearing many different hats here... You have a list of issues and It may help to prioritise, and at the moment I imagine it may seem you can't see the woods for the trees. You are overwhelmed. Let's start your list with YOU and work out from there. YOU have just had a surgery that you decided to have to clean up your emotional & behavioural life let's say. But you are knee deep in emotions & life & are torn between financial, parenting & social issues that are stealing you from the time you need to take for yourself. This procedure no doubt has us all limited in a social capacity. We need to address the fact that you feel very left out. I think you should try to be a bit flexible and give yourself social limits. Give yourself the permission to live and participate. In the case of the bbq, maybe you could bring your own dish, and make up your own beverage and bring it along so that you can join in with the eating & drinking. Set your limits and adhere to them. You can't expect to stand around empty handed and not feel at some sort of a loss. That is unnatural. You mentioned you think your friends are finding you hard to "deal" with. Your friends I imaging they are probably reacting to the uncomfortable vibe you're sending out. As humans we don't need to open our mouths to send out vibes, it's radiating from us. In LBT you may notice that we are all communicating solely through typed words yet you can "feel" the mood behind them. You can tell when someone is excited, encouraged or down, we don't have to see faces or hear any tones, we are still displaying our emotions because we ARE them. My friends & family always felt uneasy with me on diets because they could sense my "I Can't" vibes & would be so aware of my mental attitude which was always unyielding & negative. See if by "owning" your decision to have this surgery will make any difference when you're out with them. ALWAYS have a plan for participation in social life. People are needy & your friends don't know it but have developed a NEED for you to be upbeat & in good form. that is probably the role you have established with them, but you can't fill others needs until your own are met. So that brings us to some other stresses you have. In relation to the party you have planned, it's important that you know this is a choice. Like a lot of women, you spend a lot of time doing things for everyone else and then feeling put upon & hating it. Take care of your own needs, have and communicate your expectations. You need to communicate that you are not superwoman and that you are not doing this party for the good of your health. Talk to this other childs mother and tell her that while you are looking forward to the party there is a lot of work to be done & draught her & her daughter's help. Remember this is all pre party. You are going to have a clean up on your hands after it too & should enlist help now to deal with that when it comes along, or you'll have ANOTHER issue. You're daughter at the moment is helping you rake the yard while her "friend" is out having a great time. Your daughter is learning right now to do exactly what is driving you mad. She is doing it all herself, and letting others walk all over her. Explain to her that this is what is bothering you so she doesn't just see you as a demon! As for throwing pots & pans at you, that is not acceptable and learning a bit of respect would be a valuable lesson for her to learn. As I am not a mother I don't have any suggestions on how to do this. As for your sick friend who is turning the tables on you, what is it you are venting about? Could that be too much for her to deal with at the moment? You have been very good to her & she availed of your goodness, it may be too soon for her to reciprociate. She may sense from you that you resent her selfishness at the moment. She is being selfish because she needs to be, it is a matter of survival instinct for her. You need to be selfish yourself and get back behind the driving seat of your own life before it gets the better of you. Give her space & don't vent to her anymore. Let her heal. You are the friend she depended on & it may be distressing to her to see you unravel. I really wish I could help you Jennifur, you have a lot of emotions boiling to the surface in your life right now, and it is a very stressful & confusing thing. Please be gentle on yourself & take care of yourself during this time. It may help to write your feelings & vent on paper. Make lists...here is a suggestion for you to start with. 1. What do you value? (love? friends? family? Loyalty? Respect?) (are you giving & recieving the above?) Why & why not? 2. What is not working for you, what do you find is bothering you? (feeling left out at the BBQ) why? (how could it be different?) 3. What makes you feel good? What do you enjoy? ( going to the movies is good for me!!) Cooking also!! Try tackling one question a day & write it all down, get it out!!

Wow Brewa...that's a big hurdle you overcame being a brewer!! I think Guinness is great.. I agree with the alcohol / junk food association. That's why my limit will be 4 drinks. If I drink enough to be hungover the next day I crave the bad stuff!! I never eat while drinking thought, my appetite hits me post-session! Good luck to you & congrats on the weight loss & lifestyle changes..well done

Enjoy...You're doin great!!

Now, Christy, When you say you're going to "attack" the threadmill, do you mean you're gonna Kick the S**t out of it or go for a walk? LOL I would have to favour the first option!! LOL

Hello There... I just happened to see the title on that post saying I like Beer and it got my attention!!! LOL I would suggest that although vodka & cranberry is not carbonated the juice is LOADED with sugar. Depending on where in the world you are maybe you could try guinness? Draught guinness doesn't really travel well so it won't be as nice as you would taste in Ireland. But it does come in longneck & can form if you'd like to try that? AND their slogan is that it's GOOD for you!!! (in small doses!) I dunno about the calorie content but in WW points a glass (250ml) is worth 2 points. Pimms is also a low cal drink, and I think it's flat. Hope that's of some help I will be drinking guinness anyway!

Apologies...I posted the wrong website for the MBT footwear...here is the correck link http://www.swissmasai.co.uk

That's right on Christy!!! Well done !!! :clap2: Well I'm back in my office safely away from the creature that totally ruined my night. Would you believe I got my shoulder pain back after that last night. I imagine it was because of the contorted position I managed to get myslef in to (feet on desk) and I compressed all the gas (it's still there) inside me!!! Boooo...I just went home to bed and managed to sleep soundly.:notagree KITY....Congrats on the competition!! Can I come to your naughty girls party!!! My birthday's Oct!! LOL AREELLADY.. Welcome & congrats on getting a bike for excercise!! Has anyone heard of MBT shoes? Masai Barefoot Technology... They're great for posture & working "forgotten" muscles. I had pain in my heels and when I wear the MBT's I don't have it. www.mbt.com Dynamomini... I understand the need for us to vent our frustrations here on LBT and as I said I didn't want to belittle anyone who is experiencing issues...we'll all have times when we feel doubt and this forum is where we can let it all out, it is our backbone. I just wanted to stress how fear is seductive and it is the secret & devious sabotager in ALL of us. We base some our subconscious & most stubborn beliefs on fear & that is why we fall into our old patterns of self doubt & comforting habits that inevetably keep our negative cycles of failure active within. Have you ever observed a fly trapped in your window? Here's an analogy I like. It keeps banging on the glass trying to get out, because it believe's it's going somewhere. It doesn't know there's a window in the way coz it doesn't know what a window is. That fly will eventually kill itself using all it's will, might & determination to get out. Willpower was never it's downfall, it never gave up. But if it had've known to fly through the door, it would have had survived, because knowledge is power. Belief is Knowledge and knowledge is power. The essence of my theory on the difference between success & failure is what you believe. Not what you suspect, it is a deep ingrained truth in you that you must seek & find. That's where doubt comes from. That is why I failed before, because I was deeply convinced that I would be fat again. And so I was...every action I took led to my subcionscious proving my belief to be true. It's amazing what we do subconsciously, we prove our beliefs. We may not even realise we have certain beliefs, but we have. Life is so strange, it is magnetic. We are magnetic, we magnetise our beliefs into reality in our lives!! I have no doubt that I am on the right road now, I truly believe this is it for me..I can see my life changing already in the direction I have chosen to want.

I can't take it!!!! I'm gonna be brave now and RUN outta this house..I had hoped to use computer for a while...but NOOO thank you.. OMG it's so creepy...can't see anything but they're makin horrible noise!!! Ok that's it...I just did a big girlie scream...feet glued to desk.. Bye for tonight...wish me luck..xx

OMG... I am posting from my mother's house as she is away & i'm using her computer. I AM NOT ALONE!! THere's something in the room...a mouse or something I can hear it near me, behind either the desk or filing cabinet...OMG!! THERE IT IS AGAIN...scratching & clawing... I have my feet up on the desk...EWWWWWWWWW I HOPE it is a mouse...sounds massive...I'm FREAKIN OUT HERE!!!!

KITY....kick yo azz salsa...LOL!! I've never heard so much talk about salsa!! LOL I'm looking forward to muchies next week. I had soup for dinner tonight, chicken & I actually gagged onit b/c it tasted yuk!! Luckily for me I had a back up of mexican tomato soup (there's those tomatoes again) and that was much nicer. It was not as liquidy as I've been doing so far, had sweetcorn in it...actually was it salsa? Anyway...I haven't choked, and it was substantial. I guess I'm ready to move on to more substance. Oh, and HELLO BM!!! Where have you been!! Got caught on the pot for a while tonight. I had taken a "gentle" liquid laxative this morning and as I was home this eve I bent down to take laundry out of the dryer and For a moment I thought it was all over. for a split second I though I would be getting into the washing machine myself. Thankfully not...I made it outta there.

Hi Jenn... Sounds to me like you may be dehydrated. I got some rehydration sachets from the chemist yesterday. You mix them with water. Taste YUK but you only have to stomach 200mls at a time. Angie...I'm sorry I dunno what's up with the ticker... Somebody will help...hang on there!!

Sorry Terri...forgot to answer that I keep my lavander with me to sniff if I need a Calm..:notagree Or to save me from "smelly stuff" LOL It's mostly for calming the mind and I don't know if the fennel will have the same effect as ingestion but I'll let you know what I think when I get my paws on some. P.S...it's kinda like a sucky blanket, just a nice habit to have. And So portable!!

JUST IN CASE... I wouldn't know what to do with juicing a fennel ao here's a tip When choosing fennel from a grocers look for bulbs that are white and firm to the touch When juicing fennel the fennel bulb (which forms the root of the plant) is used. Simply remove a thin end at the root of the bulb and then wash the bulb. Chop the bulb into quarters and feed it through your juicer. The plant also produces stems with fronds on that can also be juiced. .

Thank You Terri, You are so kind!! yes you could drink Fennel as a cold tea but here is a juicing recipe you can make at home you may be more interested in & I can guarantee because you are juicing it fresh you'll get the most benefit. NB...don't "store" fresh juice, it will loose it's power, you must drink it as you juice it PURE Veg juice can be hard to take but when freshly juiced at home can be powerful.. So here's what you do (obviously you'll need a good juicer) A generous slice of fennell 1 ince slice of lemon (leave the skin on if unwaxed) 2 Golden delicious apples Juice the lot & pour over ice...(I hope it's decent) Try anyway COURTESY OF JASON VALE www.juicemaster.com Let me know how that goes..xx

BTW everyone... I take lavander essential oil with me whereever I go...I use it for numerous reasons. When I can't sleep I put it on my PJ's or Pillow. When I'm on an airoplane & sitting beside a smell loo I sniff it (like smelling salts) Or when someone lets off a "bum noise" I use it in the bath & burn it in my room it is definately very calming & I wouldn't leave home without it. So I believe in essential oils...Check this out. I haven't tried it yet as I didn't know Fennel came in an essential oil, but I'm gonna try get it. What if it does help during those Hard Times? This is a bit of Info I collected on it...loads of reading again..SORRY!! Fennel is traditionally known to cleanse and calm the digestive system, freshen the breath and may also supress the appetite a little! This calming effect is one of the benefits of the ever popular Fennel tea. There are many different brands of Fennel tea or infusion, sometimes combined with other flavours. The lovely aniseed flavour makes fennel tea really pleasant as a drink in any form. Aromatherapy and essential oil use <DIR><DIR>When you are feeling timid and in need of courage and strength, fennel essential oil may do the trick. (lunasa says it may help when passing on doughnuts?) RE: TEA It detoxifies the body and is useful when suffering from a hangover. (Sounds Good!) Not only does it act as tonic for the liver, kidneys and spleen, but also helps to reduce cellulite as well as easing constipation and flatulence. It has a cleansing and tonic action on the skin and also helps keep wrinkles at bay. laxative properties. </DIR></DIR>It is also used in cases of obesity, as it promotes that 'full feeling' and has a diuretic effect that helps to disperse cellulite. For the mind, it adds courage and strength in the face of adversity. It has a cleansing and toning effect on the skin, helping with bruises, sorting out overly oily skin and to fight wrinkles in more mature complexions (possibly due to the estrogenic properties of the oil). It has a toning effect on the spleen and liver, that helps with the results of excess drink and food. Different uses <DIR><DIR>Burners and vaporizers Blended massage oil or in the bath <DIR><DIR>Fennel oil can be used as a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath for helping to fix a bloated stomach, excess wind, colic, constipation and other digestive problems. It also acts as a diuretic, to remove excess water and to start breaking down cellulite. </DIR></DIR>Creams and lotions <DIR><DIR>Used in a base cream or lotion, fennel oil can be helpful for general skin care and especially for dispersing bruises, livening a dull complexion, clearing an oily skin and fighting wrinkles in mature skins. It is also useful for removing cellulite, to fight rheumatism and helps with edema. </DIR></DIR></DIR></DIR>Fennel oil blends well with It blends well with geranium, lavender, rose and sandalwood. P.S...if you wanna check it out remember to ask for SWEET fennel oil. It may just be a handy bottle to keep in your purse!!!

Sara...wouldn't that be great!! To meet up!! I just imagine us all there with our LBT names on Stickers & finally getting to do real hugs!!

Ok...I fixed it...That was SCAREY.. Anyway...now that my mammy's finished lecturing you all.. Tracy...You are very adept in your computer skills..I loved your photos..you're such a cutie!! You look much younger than your avatar & I can see a difference already!! Kat....amazing about our Fat cells storing estrogen..That's GREAT to know!! And thank you always for being our support & projection! I am always thinking of you & Rick..I am wishing for you..xx P.s....I second the pink Cowgirl hat!!! (((Sara mos)))...don't beat yourself up.. you are doing fine & I think you should get yourself a special charm to remind you that bad days are just that..xx Laura...Be patient with yourself. You're young & beautiful and you & DF are starting out in your new home soon, a new page & you will be so happy. At work the enquiries will die down and just keep telling them you are doing better every day..xx

OMG!!!! What happened that script???? I'm so sorry taking up so much space...I can't edit it either...it comes up as a load of smiley faces!!! I'm so embarrasses!!:cry

Ok Ladies.... My Mammy's here with the wooden spoon to spank some asses!!!! :fish: To quote Kity...There is a general bad vibe violating our Violets!! I think first & foremost we need to banish the term "Banster Hell" How do you explain banster hell to someone who has been refused the band or just cannot afford it? WE HAVE OUR BANDS... We have all started our journey & we all have lost something even if it's not weight we have said goodbye to SOMETHING. "QUOTING" Househuntress "Bandster Hell? Just a mind set..it's MY LEARNING CURVE" Terridoodle….Ok Girlz -- we are all freaking out and I think we're jumping the gun just a tad, don't you? If several of us are basically going thru the same thing, then surely this is "normal". WE'RE OK!! Just keep on keepin' on!!! Chica Chula…..Violets - I think that right now we need to focus on things other than losing pounds. I think we are obsessing on the pounds right now and that's not healthy. Let's stop beating ourselves up and focus on the good that we do each day. KITY....We still have lots of learning to do. Learning about ourselves and our bands. But this is the beginning of our journeys ladies...we have our whole lives ahead of us...our healthy lives. We can do this Teachlady…When I made almost the same comment a while back, someone said to me.... this is not a time to focus on weight loss... this is a time to focus on healing. The weight WILL come off. :cool: :cool: :cool: Look at all this support & positivity we have to draw from.... You are not having a bad day with your food...You are not messing up, you are learning how to cope. Everyday is a school day. Feel good about your self...look in the mirror & see who it is you are living for...Say...Hello...I LOVE YOU...EVERYDAY we are all better selves...Give yourselves the CREDIT you have denied yourselves before...Please be kind to your self, you are always listening. Think of your self as a child, be gentle & loving. Be your own favourite grown up!!! I really don't mean to belittle anyone's struggle..Please know that..I'm just trying my best to move on & to heal & I want for us all to heal. As I said before food was rarely the issue, the reason I got where I am was because I was mean to myself. Don't be mean or hard on yourself. I know in reality it's hard to be Mrs Motivator all the time & keeping your chin up is not always what you want to do, but you do have to learn to force yourself in a more positive direction. that is how we fail, because we give in to our dark emotions, our sulks, we indulge, not in food, that's what happens next...our first indulgement is in our thoughts...catch them & push them out with better one's. Be mindful of your thoughts I don't really browse LBT much because I'm happy here with you...I want our thread to be the best. I have thought so many times that I'd love for us all to be able to meet up somewhere, sometime. I have pictured you all in person already...I think about you all when I'm at my blender in the mornings!!! :bandit :bandit :bandit :bandit :bandit :bandit BEEEE- AUTIFUL

Wow Darla..that's great...you two are the first!!! I don't get mine til kid june..8 weeks post op. So far so good, am still on full liquids (3 weeks) moving to Mushies next week...I better arm myself with some meal ideas now to be prepared. This is the first time in my life I haven't had potato chips (crisps) in a whole month...EVER (hello, my weakness...SALT FREAK!!!)

Hello again...just wondering if anyone is SE Florida?