mousecrazy

Weird. I had a cat named Athena.

Super! You're doing great! I can't wait to join you down there in the loser category! Cindy

I had my daughter when I was 41, one month before I turned 42. No problems at all. I find it hard to plan parts of life...I wouldn't have waited until my 40s, except I didn't meet the right man until then.

Thanks, Paula. We have the same situation with my DD, who is 8. She's a big girl, 5" tall, and 160 lbs. Like you, I don't want to give her insecurity about her size...at the same time, I want to teach her some healthy habits. Also, due to heredity, she will not be petite, to say the least. My being banded has taught her alot about food choices, which is good. I use the glass of water technique, also...if that doesn't do it, then we only offer fruit/veggies as a snack. Lucky us, she likes fruits/veggies! She just likes sweets more! I'm always interested in reading on this subject...it is a big concern for me. Thanks for posting it, Cindy

I have .7cc in a 4cc band...the only thing I've had trouble with, and it's not on this list, is chicken (if grilled and kinda dry) - Tortillas (white, wheat, corn?) I can eat all 3 - salad (what kind of lettuce can you eat?) I can eat all kinds of salad - Hard breads (pretzels, crackers, melba, etc.) never had a problem - "Fluffy" breads (pancakes, waffles, muffins) Yes, carefully..but 3/4 of one pancake is about all; 1/2 a muffin - Ground meants (turkey, chuck, sirloin...) Not a problem - Shellfish/crustaceans (scallops, shrimp, crab, lobster, mussels...) Not a problem - Hard cereal (grape nuts, oat bran, etc.) I just don't eat this very often, but I could - Hard cheeses yes I guess this is one of the individual aspects of being banded...the same fill isn't the same on each person...the foods that cause problems are different. When I try something new, I just take really small bites, and take it slow. For me, it's more method than content... Good luck, Cindy

Give yourself a couple of weeks to really feel good...even now, I still feel my port, especially if I over eat. It is not a painful feeling, it's just that you are aware it is there. Give yourself time to heal, even though I know you are impatient. Sometimes I think that learning patience is one of the best lessons the band teaches. Cindy

Sending prayers your way! I hope you can get through the healing process with as little pain as possible...be sure to take care of yourself! Thanks for your update, send more! Cindy

I'm sorry you are having a hard time...since you are stuck with your dr., you have no choice really. Do the liquid thing, make sure you are using protein powder or protein shakes, and you will lose weight...your body is in starvation mode and is holding on to whatever it can. It will figure it out eventually, and you will start losing again. Medical system in UK...is everyone on government medical care, like Canada? I don't know if I'm using the right words; if not, feel free to educate me! Good luck with your situation, Cindy

I don't think it's all that slow! Congratulations on your great progress! Cindy

I know how difficult all this is for you and your family. I will send my prayers for your strength and her healing. Hugs, Cindy

:happybday: Happy Birthday, Dee! Hope it's been a fantastic one! Cindy

I think you are bery brave and honest, and I am glad you came here for support. Yes, it is sure hard to work out these conflicts between wanting a healthy life, and turning to our old friend, lots of food! I cannot lie and tell you I've never felt disappointed that I couldn't eat more of something I really enjoyed. I'm really sad about it sometimes. Did you have any bulimic behavior before banding? This type of thing will damage your band and possibly your body...please seek some medical/behavioral advice if you do not think you can change this on your own. Big hugs to you, and I hope we can lend you some support in this struggle. Cindy

Congratulations on a great year, and for taking such good care of yourself! Cindy

In the 8 months since being banded, I've gone through two really long plateau's. I just try to accept them as part of the process and enjoy wearing that size a little longer. I try not to panic when loss slows down; it seems like a natural process. Good luck! Cindy

My answer won't be very dramatic, but maybe he's just going to have to adjust to the new you? You are spending lots of time dedicated to your weight loss journey, of course, but maybe he didn't expect it to take up that much time? Maybe he's worried about you looking TOO good? If ya'll have been together 21 years already, your marriage has some staying power. Have you, without anger, asked him about his reactions? Maybe you're just talking about it a lot, and he's tired of hearing about it? There are lots of possibilities, so I'd advise you not to get your feelings all hurt and get angry, and instead try to understand what is going on...likely, it's not a personal slam. You are doing great with your weight loss! Congrats! Cindy

As a matter of fact, it was through seeking treatment for the foot pain that I was shoved into thinking about lapband surgery! I am so grateful for that orthopedic surgeon who was blunt enough to just tell me that there was nothing he could do if I was going to remain at 286 pounds! I've lost 56 pounds so far, and the difference in the pain is incredible...only after walking a long time do I feel any pain at all! So, work hard with your band, losing weight will really help! Cindy

Hey, Kimberly...I don't really know what to say to get you back on track, but my heart goes out to you in the loss of your brother. I lost my mom in July, my grandma in November, and I think I understand where your head and heart are. Just treat yourself kindly, like you would your best friend...give yourself some understanding...When I feel overwhelmed, which is pretty often, I just try to concentrate on the very next thing. Not a whole week; just whatever the next thing is. Sometimes the next thing is a meal, and if I can concentrate on what is the best choice to make and make it, then I've gotten through that meal okay. If I choose not-so-wisely, well, I let it go, and do better next time. Like I said, I don't have great advice here, it's just what has worked for me more than it hasn't. Blessings to you, Cindy

Kimberlilly - wow! I love the picture cross-off thing you did...and I agree with the alteration of Kevin! LOL! So, bye-bye Melissa; although, I did like her voice when she was "on". Kevin is giving me flashbacks of last season and that red-headed guy....anyone remember his name? Anyway, there are people out there who band together and vote for the worst one, just for the pleasure of manipulating the vote. I heard there was a website for it? Total shock that Ace and Lisa were in the bottom three. I'm not a huge fan of Ace...he's good looking, that's for sure, but I get tired of those long, smoldering looks...it seems fake to me....but I understand you girls (and guys?) who think he's hot. Now, just have to wait til next week? Anyone know what the theme is going to be?

My top picks: Chris and Mandisa; then Taylor and Paris Bottom: Kevin and Kellie Ya'll have said everything about Kevin already...just not ready for the big time, but who knows? Three years can make a big difference. Kellie...well, I appreciate her story, and I think she'll do well in the business, but she's not my pick for American Idol. I guess I'm a suspicious person or something, but I'm just not all that sure about her naivete. Sorry. Maybe she'll grow on me. Mandisa just performs every single time...Chris also. It's fun to watch!

Like you, I've been thinking about what may cause erosion...your theory sounds plausible, at least to me (untrained layperson). I still ask myself if it isn't like any condition, in which various factors are involved...some people have diabetes, some don't; some people get skin cancer, some don't...you know? I also wonder if having too much restriction for too long plays a role in erosion? Maybe the skill of the doctor? There are just so many factors, I think the answer will remain at least somewhat in the air. You have an interesting theory. I'm looking forward to reading everyone else's opinion on it! Cindy

Well, I'm 50% as far as accuracy in the prediction department...I was really surprised to see Gideon off...there are some weird forces at work, if Kevin is still on, and Gideon is off. I'm not too terribly surprised at Ayla, but I felt for her last night; you can tell she is not accustomed to losing (which is a good thing). She will find success in whatever she tries; I think Gideon will, too. Anyone know what genre is picked for next week? Is anyone old enough to have seen a Joe Cocker live performance? His weird moves sure didn't hurt him any; I think Taylor is in that category, so I don't mind his little oddities in the movement area. It makes him unique. I still rank Chris as first, Taylor as 2nd. Each of the guys is very individual; the girls aren't as much like that to me, right now anyway. Thanks for posting the Mandisa email; her writing is in sync with my impression of her. Class act. Until next week, Cindy

Hey, did everyone lose interest? I think this thread just got buried too far down in the pages... Prediction: Kinnick and Melissa off; Kevin and Will off I've always liked Taylor, but I like him more each week. Still think Chris is ahead of the game; Mandisa is top-notch for the girls. What say you?

I voted for lunch on 3/25...I'm a bit more flexible, though. I will be out of town on the 11th (it's our spring break). I'll check back for time...the place is great! Cindy

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: Way to go, Keri!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: I loved your post and all the advantages/disad's you listed....don't know about that bra size:biggrin1: , but being in ONEDERLAND has just GOT to be worth it! Congratulations on a lot of hard work and determination, and..oh yeah, cute toes! Cindy

Hey, you are absolutely normal! Keep an eye on things while you concentrate on letting that band heal into place, nice and solid. This isn't an instant thing...it does take time and getting your head around the changes...which takes, you guessed it! Time. Take a deep breath, do the best you can, and concentrate on healing. You'll be a happy bandster in no time!