live2canoe

That's great! I have a friend who is 4.5 months into a 6 month contract on Carnival Cruise Lines as a "Piano Bar Entertainer". He is wickedly talented and can play just about anything. He plays requests so people can sing along. He works about 5 hours a night, 7 days a week. He does get kind of tired of playing "Piano Man" over and over again, and of course the occassional obnoxious drunk person, but - this is the first time in his life he's been able to make a living just by playing the piano - his passion. Except fpr missing his son terribly, it's not a bad gig.

Rica - I've run through the infertility gauntlet myself. I was fine, but my husband, much like yours, was essentially sterile. We tried artificial insemination with donor sperm, and when that didn't work, we went the adoption route. Adoption was not without it's trials and tribulations (we had a birth mother back out after we had supported her financially for 4 months) but in the end, we got the baby who was meant for us. That 'baby' is 17 years old now and a spoiled rotten terror who I love with all my heart and soul. I wouldn't have missed one minute of my life with him. Adoption is great way to build a family, if you have some time, patience and financial backing to see the process through. Good Luck - you're going to be a great mom.

my doctor told me as I get closer to goal weight, I may have to have a port revision surgery to place it deeper under my muscle tissue

Hell with being patient!! I hate being patient. Vines better get her little butt back on this board the very minute she comes home from the doctor and let us know what's going on!! :-) We're with you Vines - all the way!

Betje - Are you serious?? You've lost 30 pounds in less than 6 weeks. It took me 9 months to lose that much weight. You are averaging over 5 pounds a week. What, exactly, were you expecting to lose? Congratulations - you are far, far from being a slow loser. You are a super star rabbit. Enjoy your success and start to keep track of your NSV's. Good Luck to you.

Welcome aboard Kryssa! We turtles are all here to help support one another. We're glad you found us, too.

Good Luck - I know everything will go well and you will feel great for Christmas. Take care and let us know how you're doing just as soon as you can - you know how we worry!

I'd buy a book she wrote!!!

http://www.schoolhouserock.tv/Bill.html Check it out - this should help your cause.

Wow - Congratulations. You've already done so well with your band that your going to have no trouble maintaining a healthy weight through your pregnancy. And I'm all for that being pampered thing!

Wow - You both look great. Very lovely bride. Congrats on the seatbelt extender!! That had to be the icing on top of the icing on the cake!.

I love to go there and order just the cheese fondue, salad and of course the dessert! It's just perfect! I can't remember what it's called on the menu - but you'll be able to find it.

Oh my - I could've written your post. In my case, it's high school reunions and keeping in touch with friends. I'm happy to hear that you went and caught up with your old friends! I think it's stupid that I've been hiding for so many years, too. Thanks for the wake up call!

We are kind of silly about the "Slow Losers" thing - I hope you understand why it's so important for those of us who are losing less than a pound a week to have a place just for us. You speedier losers have the whole rest of the board!!! I encourage you to spend some time and read Vines eloquent posts on this thread about how hard it is for us to really get all worked up and feel bad for someone who has lost twice the weight we have in half the amount of time. We don't mean to act like some dreaded high school clique - (((((((hugs)))))))) all around.

Jorjet - I have to agree with Smooch that your weight loss has been too rapid to consider you a true slow loser. I'm sorry if you felt that Smooch was butting in. That was not her intent - I assure you. In fact, we applaud the success of rabbits like you all the time - it's just that we who have been averaging less than a pound a week weight loss have a very specific and different set of issues than people like you do. In the meantime - I think you should Celebrate your awesome success!! 50 pounds is wonderful, and something I have yet to acheive in my 15 MONTHS of being banded. You might want to think about starting your own NSV list (non-sale victory). Vines is the queen of the NSV list and it is always quite motivational to read hers. We're talking about things that have changed for you that have nothing to do with the scale. Things like the seatbelt on an airplane fitting better, being able to cross your legs, being able to walk up two flights of stairs without feeling like your going to pass out. You get the idea!! Good Luck and keep posting!

Aren't 16's great!!! That means you can shop in every single store! You're also too small for Lane Bryant or The Avenue!! GO Keri!

Welcome to Onederland!!! and I'm glad to know that I'm not the only woman on the board who has to shave her toes!!!!!

Wow!!! That was fast!! Before you know it - you'll be overweight!

I would have to say that that is VERY cool! Did you know they were coming or did they just show up and surprise you??

Welcome to our very exclusive club, Laura!! You have a most impressive list of NSV's here. I wish I could say that I am in control of food, instead of the other way around. But for me, without my band, the food would still rule - without a doubt. I'm glad you're feeling so much better. And Bones!! I love it that you and your husband can feel bones now. That's one of my favorites, too. Thanks so much for posting these. It helps us realize just how much we're ahead since being banded. Good Job and Good Luck!

Yes - I know what Tribbles are. One of the very best episodes EVER. And I KNOW my Star Trek. Jonathan - I have to admit, that's pretty geeky, but in a very nice, sweet sort of way. She's not going to dress like one of Kirk's Yomen (sp?) is she? Cap'n Jack - help me out here with the spelling.

Run, Rabbit, Run!!!! If that's what it looks like to be 'overweight' - sign me up!!!

We can't forget Ms. Letha G.!! I nominate her for most inspiring banding "Pioneer of the Year!!"

OK - so I've been away on business for a week, and aparently I have let my duties as the 'Membership Chairman' lapse. So the 'official' rules of the turtle tribe require that you have averaged less than a pound a week loss since being banded ( I looked it up in our bylaws) With that as our guideline, Lovecats (Laura), can't officially join us for another few weeks. However, I submit to the committee (Vines, Best Me and Candy) that we approve her membership on a temporary basis, with the understanding that with our love and support, she may graduate to rabbit status. Carrie has as exceeded our membership requirements as well. She has however been very active on our little section of the board. We can submit to the committee for 'auxillary, little sister' status. Her membership to our sorority (and while I'm on the subject - why is it that all the turtles are woman??) can be given a favorable review at a future date should her weight loss slow precipitously. The Great and Powerful Oz has Spoken!!! (pay no attention to that woman behind the curtain!)

The potato spores are working in concert with the photosynthesis solar particles. It's all a part of the evil conspiracy dictated by McDonald's (the largest buyer of potatoes in Idaho! - coincidence???? I think not. Oh - it's all so clear now!!! Why didn't we think of this before??? ((((Vines - my spiritual leader)))))