mousecrazy

Good morning, I am sorry you are frustrated, and even more upset that you did not receive good advice prior to your surgery on what to expect. But you are here now, and we will hold your hand and help you, like everyone helped us when we were new bandsters! Welcome to bandland! The biggest thing to learn right now is that the first 6 weeks are for healing. You want that band to heal inside your body, nice and healthy. Don't stress it out or push it. The liquids and mushies are to give your stomach a break, NOT to lose weight. Restriction comes with fills, and I don't think you've had one yet, am I right on that? Fills are very personal, some people need several, some need one or two. The amounts are personal...some need very little; some need more. The band is a tool. You still have a lot of work to do on your own, and most of it is in your head. Start looking at the big picture and let go of your need for instant results. You will be happier and healthier, and will see your success! Good luck, Cindy

Eillen, sorry you have a cold. I sure hope you feel better fast! Betty, what's wrong with your ankle/foot? Did I miss that part somewhere? Like you said, it's hard to keep up on here, especially when I'm watching the MAVS take it to the HEAT! ARe they ON or what!? Sorry Donna. Don't mean to boast. They'll be in Miami Tues and Thurs, so things may change for your team! Patty, I love your Disneyland stories! Sherry, hope your chili wasn't too intoxicating! Diane, I can see how that last trip would do you in! VBS was fun tonight...I was a helper in the music room, so I sang and danced for a couple of hours! It was fun, and the best part is that last year, there's no way I could have done it, so I guess that's a NSV! I won't be around a computer until Tuesday afternoon...after swimming lessons tomorrow we are going to my dad's. We are going to clean out some more of my mom's stuff and spend the night over there. Then on Tuesday, I have to go to school; it's an inservice day...I have one on Thursday, too. My sister's staying over at dad's too, and taking my DD to swimming. I'll check in when I can, though...I'll just never catch up with ya'll! Hugs, Cindy

Happy Bandiversary! Your story really inspired me today, and I thank you for that! You have a great idea to use this as a letter to your mother. You should do that while you can; there is nothing moms like more than that! I'm so happy for you! Congratulations!

Sherry, now take it easy on that wine, girl...next post will be something we can't figure out! LOL! Darcy, sorry I confused you. My email program resizes pictures when I email, but that doesn't happen when I just try to post pictures on LBT, only on email. Go figure. I'll gladly take someone's lessons on the subject; I have the software that comes with Fuji cameras. DD and I just got home from her friends' recital...actually one friend invited her, but she knew a good half dozen girls. It was really fun, but then I guess I'm a little weird; most people would run screaming from a dance recital! LOL! Tomorrow our vacation bible school starts...ours is at night, from 6 -8:30. I am a "floater" which means I am there to work at whatever they need me to do. Could be little kids, or crafts, or story time...just whatever. It is usually fun. Who knew that the Mavericks (Dallas' pro basketball team!) would be in the NBA finals for the first time EVER? I should at least be able to see the last quarter, maybe more. Anne, my DH played football in high school and college, and he doesn't watch much in the way of sports, either. I'd have to say I'm more into it than he is! I've always enjoyed being a spectator; don't ask me to play any of them! If you've seen the pictures of my DD, you'll see why we have always said she would be an Olympic shot put competitor! She's her daddy's daughter! She's supposed to play softball, basketball and volleyball starting next school year. Well, I guess I better get busy doing something...I didn't know the recital would take all afternoon! Hugs, Cindy

THANKS, DARCY! I appreciate you posting those pictures for me! Now we know where Elvis has been... and Eileen, you have the prettiest eyes!

Good morning! It's Friday and there are no swim lessons today, so DD gets to sleep in a little later. She's like a teenager in that way; she hates to go to bed at night, and hates to get up in the morning. It gives me some nice quiet morning time, though! My work friends went to Outback last night and had a great time! One of my friends has a gluten allergy, and she and I split one meal, which turned out perfect. And thanks, Eileen, for noticing that the scale is on the downward move again, even though I never understand the whys of it. I'm not really doing anything differently, unless it's just not being at work around all the stuff people bring in? I didn't realize I hate that much of that stuff, but I guess maybe I did. Something to think about there. The band just keeps on teaching, doesn't it? Patty, hang in there, as always. Prayers for you. Donna, well, I'm not the type to get overly confidant or anything. It was just the first game, but it was exciting, wasn't it? I think the next game is Sunday night. Go Mavs! (This is about basketball finals, for the sports-challenged among us, lovingly added). Darcy, did you get the pictures I emailed you? I figure you might be at the cabin, so no rush. Mary, how's it going this weekend? You should have the kids this time, right? Sherry...hey! Pat, Diane, Kat, Beanie, and all the rest...have a great weekend! BBL, Cindy

You know, Donna...you are right. It is HOT here, and it is probably due to the HEAT being in town...we'll blame them for that! We'll see how that heat settles out this evening, though.... GO MAVS!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Hi Patti in Jersey...you might also want to post on the Introduction thread, just to get a wider response, but you already found the best group! LOL! I was recommended the lap band by an orthopedic guy due to my ankle/foot problem...he wouldn't fix anything due to my excess weight. I had a lot more to lose than you do now. I decided it was a sign, and I looked into it. The surgery is not a magic bullet. In fact, people who think it is, are disappointed. If you think of it as a TOOL, you will be in a better frame of mind. It does help control your hunger, and the amount of damage you can do, calorie-wise, when your "head-hunger" takes over. It gives you some time to get a grip when you don't feel like you have a grip. It is adjustable; you have control over what type of restriction you want. It does not permanently change your insides as gastric bypass does. Can there be problems? Of course. Are there problems in being morbidly obese? Of course. Can you use the tool responsibly and reduce the likelihood of these problems? Yes. Are some of the problems random, like Anne's flipped port? Yes. Only you can weigh the pros and cons to your circumstances. As for me, it is one of the best decisions I ever made, besides having the good sense to marry my DH, having a child at 41, and finding the wonderful friends on this thread. I'm not the "biggest loser" or the fastest loser, but I have dropped 5 sizes and 60ish pounds in the last 11 months. I can walk for many hours without crippling pain in my ankle. I can do stairs without even thinking about it (much!). My cholesterol is normal, my blood pressure is normal. If you are thinking it over, get all the info you can, and keep an open mind. Read what the (reasonable) people here (all the people on this thread are good!) have to say, and yes, definitely learn about the possible complications. We'll answer you as honestly as we can...good luck with your fact-gathering! Cindy

I see you are in Tx; so am I. What is your district doing with the money that the big and rich districts are sending to the small and poor districts in the way of equalization? You might want to ask around. I teach in one of the "rich" districts, and believe me, they are not real excited about funding art programs, either. They are, however, excited about funding superintendant salaries...to the tune of over 300,000. Have you ever checked out the salaries of your top dogs? Oh, I've been teaching for 29 years. It sure has changed. I hope you find some way of getting what you need...I think art is very important. I'd just sneak stuff in myself...and wouldn't worry one bit about political correctness!

I understand, too. I truly think one gift of the band is patience. Think about it. We eat to comfort ourselves, even when we know it doesn't really work...it just works for the moment. That's a lack of patience. So, sometimes, we'll do that eating thing...just try for most of the time making a decision NOT to, even when you want to. I think that is the real gift...patience. You have a lot going on. Take it one day at a time. Treat yourself the way you would treat a good friend. Hugs, Cindy

Dang it, Anne! All that stress, AND a flipped port? As our best friend, Eileen always says, WTF???? I know life isn't fair, but can't it be fair at least sometimes? You have a good attitude about the whole thing, and I hope you can maintain and make the best of it. Hugs to you, Anne! Miami/Mav trash talk on the NJ board...what will we come up with next? I love this board! LOL! Eileen, how is your DD? My nephew had pains kinda like you describe when he was 4, and we took him to the children's specialty hospital here in the DFW area...turns out they were growing pains. I kid you not. Of course, I wouldn't want to ignore something, because sure enough it would turn out to be something...but just wanted to let you know about it, in case it might put your mind at ease. I know we were worried, and I'm sure you are too... DH is grilling chicken and ribs tonight, with grilled zucchini and potatoes. Then, we might watch another movie...A Wrinkle in Time. I loved that book, so I hope the movie is good, too. Love to all, Cindy

I add Mrs. Dash (seasoning) to the cottage cheese, and cut up tomatoes. I prefer the salty to the sweet with cottage cheese. If you don't have Mrs. Dash, try the tomatoes (or other diced up veggies) with cottage cheese and salt and pepper.

I just want to underline the connection you already made between giving up smoking and giving up the food addiction. I've been banded almost a year now, and it hasn't been a smooth progression, much like giving up smoking wasn't a smooth progression, either. However, as time goes by, it is easier and easier, and some of my worst habits are just old memories (like eating 3 or 4 bowls of cereal at a time....after dinner!). Have faith. It DOES get better. Remember to keep your patience with yourself...I think that is really important. Good luck! Cindy

Good morning! Mary, that's a cool dress! I have a dress for medieval events, and have never worn it...how dumb is that? I love the color of yours, and I think it looks like it will adjust to your changing size, too, which is even better! Pat, I have to agree with Betty... the MAVS are the best basketball team in the country, and if you want to find out, just watch the game on Thursday night. I love the visual of you peeling out on the pier in your little cart! I am laughing so hard! PLEASE come to Texas!!!!!!!! It would be so cool! If you can't work it out for the summer, try next spring. I'll be retired then! I just love saying that.... Betty, my mom made sure my sis and I were very good swimmers, since she wasn't (she could do all the strokes, but only if she could touch bottom!) Now, I'm passing the favor on to my DD, and I'm so proud of how well she is doing. It seems like in past years she wasn't really catching on, but this year it's clicking and she's "getting it." Anne, honestly. (hands on hips) There is no reason to be embarrassed or whatever around here. Every one of us has been to the "out of control" party, and understand what you are going through. There are so many reasons for it, and we can at least hold your hand until it passes. And it will. Good wishes for your fill today, and I hope it gives you the help you are looking for! Darcy, look for a PM I sent you this morning. Sherry, Donna, Patty, and everyone I'm leaving out...I"ll catch ya next time...Kat, you are still in my prayers. Hugs and blessings to all, Cindy

Good afternoon, all! Congrats, Donna, on a hard decision and your new fill. I know it's so hard to decide. I know you are doing what is best for you! Kat, you hang in there. Just know that we are all praying for you, and that we know you're in a hard place. Come here to vent, or ask for help...anything, anytime. Betty...two more days, can't wait for the first game! It's fun teasing with you, Donna! It's gonna be a tough game, that's for sure! Eileen, how's your DD? Darcy, those are the best pictures! Post more! DD and I are watching Ice Princess now... it's cute. Other than that, we take it easy in the morning, then go to swim lessons. She's doing really good at those this year. DH is teaching summer school. So, we're definitely into our summer schedule, which is great! Well, I'm gonna watch this movie...see ya later! Cindy

HI, everyone! I just got back from our little weekend getaway! We had a good time, very relaxing. I tried to shop, but couldn't find anything I wanted to buy...don't you hate that?! Darcy, that's the cutest frog! Betty, beautiful house/garden...great looking trophy, too! Sherry, I can see why you're a proud momma...nice boat...don't blame ya for borrowing the sample. I'd do the same thing! I haven't even caught up on the goings-on around the thread...just sat down after dumping the suitcases by the washing machine, and wanted to say hi to everbody. We ate at this very upscale restaurant at the Gaylord called Ama Lur...it's a Stephen Pyles place (celebrity chef, in Texas, anyway.) I had tortilla soup and a halibut ceviche with avocado....yummy! I tasted some of the other dishes, but they were too big for me. I treated myself to a Dove bar (ice cream! my weakness...) while I was there also! We swam alot and walked alot, so it all evened out. Betty, are you so excited about the Mavs? I guess we'll have to make a bet with our Florida friend, Donna! Whatcha say, Donna? I'm gonna catch up with all the reading, and check everyone later! Hugs, Cindy

All prayer requests are lifted to God's care. For those praying for strength and wisdom, you already have it. For those praying for healing and comfort, God holds you and your loved ones in his hands at all times. When I come to this thread, I imagine all of us, connected by our prayers, and strengthened in spirit by God's grace.

Just stopping in to see who is up early this morning! Good morning, Eileen! DH has gone to some sales, DD is sleeping, and I'm goofing off before I start getting our stuff packed for our little weekend trip. My sis and I are having so much fun planning this...my dad is a little uncomfortable with us paying for everything, but I just keep telling him not to mess up our plans! He can pay for something else (and he always does!) We think it's great fun, and love to do it. My DD bought a cute little purse to take shopping this weekend...she'll freak out when she finds out she has a little $$ to spend! For those of you with kids...or those who just like family movies...we watch Dreamer the other night. So good! Makes we want to own a horse! Ha! Everyone have a good Friday! Cindy

I go through this same debate with myself. It's obvious from my sig. that I have not had a fill since Nov, and that I only have .7 cc in my band. I definitely can eat more than 4 oz...and like you describe, I get the gofball if I eat too fast or take too big of bites. Basically, I just decided to take it easy and slow, in the hopes of keeping my band and avoiding erosion problems. I also have a niece who is too tight, and she is having problems. I may get a little fill at the end of the summer, but for now, I am still losing at what I consider a nice pace, maybe 3-4 pounds a month (but not steady, kinda in spurts) and I'm happy. It's a personal choice, I think. Good luck with your choice! Cindy

Happy June! Kat, you and Dh are still in my prayers. On the fill, my 2 cents...stress really does affect what I can eat, probably because if I'm stressed I eat too fast, and too big of bites. I can eat out just fine, though...there will always be soup, where ever you eat...but you just do what you think you can handle. It will all work out eventually. The band is still there, and it will wait for you. Diane...you go, girl! 201 is soooo awesome! I'm looking so forward to getting there. I'm so happy for you! Betty, I bet you are doing the happy dance for the Mavs tonight! The next game is Sat. night, and we'll be at the Gaylord Texan, so guess I better see if they make reservations at the sports bar there...huh? My DD and I might swim, but my sis, BIL and dad will definitely want to hang out and watch the game. Darcy, hang in there. I've been there, and it's tough. Pat, what's up? Eileen, Beanie, Mary, Patty, and all the rest of you wonderful people, hope you have enjoyed the first day of June! Hugs, Cindy

Happy Memorial Day, and thank a service man or woman for their sacrifice! I am back from Kansas...we just worked puzzles and chatted like normal. Until 5 minutes before we were leaving...then my aunt put some paperwork under my sister's nose, showed her the "fine print" that said she had right of survivorship on the checking account, etc., but sis did good and only said "okay." We are not allowed to discuss the estate with her, those are the rules per our attorney. Besides, Mr. Lawyer asked for records on a bunch of accounts, not just that one. Anywho, we decorated grandma's grave, went to church to represent the family when my grandma's and mom's names were called out (oh, where was dear auntie? not there...) and we did it all without cracking. Now, we'll follow through on making sure grandma's wishes are carried out. Betty, how 'bout those Mavs? The game was a welcome distraction last night! Donna, I am proud of you for being strong and not bailing out your DS. You probably helped him more by doing that than anything else, as you know. I am sorry he is suffering, but I know it is necessary in order for him to get well. I am really sorry you are having to go through this. Pat, fantastic garden and yard! I love the pictures, and the little flower cart! Eileen, how's it going? Sorry TOM is coming every 2 weeks...what a bummer! I am a chocolate lover, too. The craving for it kinda comes in spells... Tomorrow I am going to donate blood (I was supposed to do it last week, but rescheduled), and take DD to grocery to buy her ingredients to make her menu for movie night Wednesday. She wants to learn to cook, and I told her I'd start teaching her some stuff. She started voice lessons last week, once a week for an hour...we'll try that for the summer...this week we don't have any swim lessons. They start next week. DH starts teaching summer school next week also. Well, I'll catch up on stuff and check back in...what's all this about trolls and such? I'm pretty sure we've been visited by trolls on the boards before, wouldn't you think? Thankfully, I don't think they've been here on our thread. I'm so glad to be home! Hugs, Cindy

Surprise! I'm still hanging out here, just having a busy end-of-the-school year! It IS the official last day of school for the 2005-2006 school year! We were all singing "Schoool's out for summer" as we walked (bounced!) down the steps to the parking lot. I'm leaving for Kansas (can we say AWKWARD?) tomorrow morning to go to my grandma's (may she rest in peace) house and my aunt and one of my cousins will be there. We can't talk :speechles about anything, since we are represented by an attorney now, and my aunt knows it, too. :omg: Still, we must go decorate the graves; it's done that way in Kansas. I'll be back late Monday night. Kat, you and DH are in my prayers Eileen, Beanie, Pat, Betty, Darcy, Donna, Mary, Patty, and everyone else: please know I am thinking of you and will be much more in touch now that I have some space to relax. Let's hear it for summer! Hugs, Cindy :cake:

I woke up with the "inner nervousness" thing...I finally get a chance to sleep-in and I can't! Wanted to check in and see how the Eileen party went last night, but APPARENTLY it is WAY too early for that! LOL! Must have gone well. Kat, glad to hear that DH is coming along. I send my prayers to both of you! bubbame, I'm sorry about those allergies...I know they are miserable, and I hope something helps you feel better! I was so busy yesterday...DD had her last theatre class, then a lunch break, then dress rehearsal, then a performance...she did great! Then we went to a restaurant for my nephew (21) and FIL (76) birthdays. I watched my little nephew order his first margarita. Wow. He just whipped out that ID, and I couldn't help applauding! He's a very conservative guy, no getting trashed for him, basically because losing control just freaks him out...but I imagine he'll have his experiences with being "overserved." LOL! He's a fine young man. I'll check back later, when Eileen rolls out of bed... Cindy

I have to agree with whoever talked about stress and restriction...for sure, if I am upset or stressed and try to eat, I get the golfball feeling, and it hurts. Since the PBs happens when we're in a hurry, stressed, or really hungry, I think that has a lot to do with it...if you know you are not "over-filled." 6 days to go! Just saying hi to everyone...nothing exciting around here! Hugs, Cindy

7 days left, but who is counting? ME! HI, everyone! I am glad to hear from you, Kat. I'll continue to pray for you and yours. bubbame, just take it one day at a time. You'll know what you need to do. Tammy, welcome! Glad you came back. On the PB thing...pretty much you can control that if you are taking small bites, eating slowly and chewing well. If I wait until I'm really hungry, I usually mess up and fall into old habits...so don't wait until you are really hungry. And if you are, really take it slow and easy, chew well, and you won't PB. Swear that you will have your dr. check you out if you keep doing this very often...it is not healthy for your body to do that. I went to the dr. on Monday, and she said I'd lost 5 lbs in the 5 weeks since I had been her office...that's pretty cool. Still haven't had a headache since I cut out the school cafeteria salads, so hopefully I've figured out a headache trigger. My DD left on her school trip this morning. The 2nd and 3rd grade classes go on a 2 night trip each year to learn independence, teamwork, etc...they are going to a state park, staying in a lodge, hiking, etc. It's really cool. Last year, she was kinda worried, but this year it was, "Bye, mom. I love you." No tears (except mine). She didn't see them, and I said have a great time, and left for work. sigh. It's great and sad, all at the same time....I know all the moms know what I mean....dads, too. So, tonight, my dad, and DH and I are having dinner together. It'll be peace and quiet, and all the dogs will be looking around for their little girl. Hugs, Cindy