Zoe

I'd love to write an eloquent response to Ryan's story and the other wise and wonderful posts here, but the first words that come to mind are: CAROL SUCKS! And Craig's even worse because he set up the little game with no object in mind except to bring you down. You're smart to recognize that the co-worker gremlins are so powerful because they're echoing your own self-doubts. But we know that you're doing the right thing, and we know what courage and, yes, strength are required to decide to get the band. You might work in a prison, but if these two vipers have to entertain themselves in such a hateful way, they're living in one.

Congratulations, Megan. That's a big deal, getting down to a teenage weight, no matter what the number is. When I was 13 I dieted down to 142 lbs. I was a big-boned 5'7" then, and my parents and the diet doctor all said I was still too fat. When I look at pictures of myself, I don't know what they were smoking! And of course I didn't stay that size for very long. . . headed straight for 200. By the way, I love your Buddha quotation.

Congratulations, Denise (and Michelle too)! You'll feel a lot better in another couple of days. Welcome to Bandland!

Good luck, Bobby. Sounds as if your daughter comes first in your life, even if she doesn't always know it. I hope she comes back soon. At least you know she is safe.

You can get bitters or Campari from a liquor store. Bitters are a bright red liquid that lives up to its name, in sort of a good way. (This cure is not for anyone with alcohol problems.) Good luck and let us know what the doc says. PS: Try turning off the "caps lock" key.

Amen! (and I think the word is saboteur. . . saboteuse for a woman.) Send us her address! Or let the biker convoy deliver the stuff in person. I have been hiding from the trick or treaters because I didn't buy any candy. Last year I bought a huge bag of mini-Butterfingers and only a few kids showed up, so guess who scarfed down the leftovers in one sitting. I don't trust myself alone with the stuff. Penni, I don't know how all of us are going to get through the holidays. Can any one-year-plus bandsters out there who have gone through the Halloween-Thanksgiving-Christmas/Hanukkah-New Year's food riot give some advice?

What amazing stories from amazing people. I am in awe of everyone here. Some of you have gone through such trials, far beyond weight, and instead of allowing yourselves to be subsumed by life, you have held on, gathered your courage, and prevailed. I feel privileged to be part of this board.

Hi, NY Lapster. You're not alone in trying to figure out if, or when, you should tell people about your band. Check out the "My Secret Lapband" thread started by Gail: http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=3061 Good luck!

Hi Avery -- I haven't had the hiccups since I was banded, but I used to get them all the time. A bartender gave me a tip that has worked every time: Get a slice of fresh lemon or lime and sprinkle some Angostura bitters or Campari on it. Suck on the slice. Magic!

Oh boy, do I need this thread! I think there must be something in the planets, or maybe it's El Nino. The Axis of Evil is not Iran, Iraq (pre-Saddam) and North Korea, it's Frito Lay, M&M Mars, and Cadbury. The only thing that works for me is keeping junk out of the house, period. If I have to have something, I have it at a restaurant or somebody's house. Otherwise I'm with Penni -- the size of the bag/bar/carton is the size of the serving. DeLarla, I think all of us on LBT should sign a joint message to Erin: "Hello, dear, we don't know you, and your life is your business, but do you realize you are subverting someone who's worked very hard to lose weight, and who could use some support in her life-changing effort? Eat what you want, and as much as you want, but please keep it to yourself, or a bunch of big irritated women (and men) are going to kick your ass from hell to Breakfast."

Hey Greg, good luck. Too bad you have to wait until the 15th for the tests -- let us know how you think you did.

Great post, Lisa! I have just gone 48 hours without LBT -- hope I haven't missed much.

HarleyNana, have a big piece of cheesecake for me and tell me all about it!

Lauri, I'm thinking of you and your family -- as everyone who reads your message will be. Hope your grandfather is going to be OK.

Hmmm, that's a tough one. I'm too far from my goal to fully relate, except to the "classic overachiever [who] feels that things need to happen immediately." If you really want to lose more weight, hey, why not? Five months doesn't sound that long to me, though; we're talking late March, plenty of time for shorts and bathing suits next year. You've achieved such a remarkable thing by losing all those pounds. Here's one old newbie who votes for doing whatever you want -- coasting at the same weight, getting a fill, losing slowly. . . the choice is yours!

One suggestion, Betty: Low-fat fudgsicles! They melt, so they're considered liquid. Seriously. And just 60 calories. (They're kinda addictive, though.) Counting the hours for you. . .

How cool! Thanks for sharing the ad. I don't know where you're going to find another 70 lbs. to lose, though . . . you look great!

Cut it out, Selecia, you're making me tired! What are snake drills? They sound like something the Crocodile Hunter keeps in the shed. Marie, if I can stop laughing long enough to find a photo of that triceps exercise somewhere, I'll try to post it . . .

Oh, Marie, stop making us laugh! You remind me of my friend Marcia, who says that in a strong wind her entire body starts flapping. Seriously, you might be able to work on your triceps; one simple exercise involves lying on your back, knees bent, and grasping a weight (say, 5 lbs.) with both hands over your head, cupping the flared end of the weight between the thumbs and index fingers of both hands. (Wish I had a picture of this; it's easy to show, but hard to describe.) You then slowly lower the weight behind your head. Repeat as necessary.

Ryan, I hope Patty heals quickly and is back by your side ASAP. . . and how wonderful that she has decided you need the extra time off after your own surgery. Do you have enough vacation days to rush down to Cleveland if you just can't stand the empty house another second? If not, we'll try to take care of you through the cyber ether until the two of you are home together again.

Congratulations, Denise! Please check in with us after your surgery to let us know how you are doing. Welcome to Bandland!

Nancy, my heart's still racing after reading your story. Congratulations for taking control of your body and your life.

Way to go, Deb! After over two months, you're probably ready -- although some bandsters can go for ages without a fill. Let us know how it goes.

Good luck, Jodie, and let us know how you're doing.

Excellent, Janie! Good luck, and congratulations for taking action. Let us know about your meeting with the new guy.