mousecrazy

I heard this somewhere...get a bag and cut out holes in it to see through, put it on your head, and then look in the mirror. They explained that when we see our face, we can't be objective about our body. ????? I think it's worth a shot. You've lost a lot of weight! Be patient with yourself while you adjust your image. Cindy

Thanks for the info....even if your computer is protected, it will screw up other systems, and affect you eventually...some websites might not operate correctly, etc. That ought to be fun! Why do people create these things?

So funny! He's as cute as ever! Cindy

Good morning! Happy Birthday, Ira! Well, it's February...we've been chatting for months now! I am getting better...still coughing like crazy, but I think it's on its way down. Patty, I hear you. Some of the stories I have would break your heart. I'm glad everything got checked out. Working with kids puts you in a very important position...so many things you can have a big effect on...and then there are some situations where you have no influence. Like the serenity prayer says..."the wisdom to know the difference." Eileen, thanks for starting the Feb. thread! Beanie - I know you're getting ready for your big day! I'll call you! Betty, I'm jealous you got to do some outside work yesterday...it was really nice out there! If I don't check in for a few days, it's because I'm at a conference in San Antonio...I leave work tomorrow around 11, and will return Sat. afternoon. I am taking my laptop, since the Omni has free wifi...so I'll get to figure that out...I just don't know how much surfing time I'll have! I'm looking forward to going, but I never like leaving my little family. They do fine, but I miss them as much as I like getting away once in a while. I bet you moms understand what I mean! See ya later, Cindy

Thanks for this thread, I'm getting some good ideas. Probably all of us are looking for ways to deal with stress...so far, writing is one of the things I like to do. Soaking bath, with candles for light. Music. Watching a movie if I have the time. I will read with interest the rest of the responses to this. Mikey, you've got a great list there, I'm getting out my post-it note now, and will wear it into the teacher's lounge for lunch time! Cindy

Could it be that as you are losing the weight around your abdomen, that it appears to be bigger? That would seem to make sense...but you should have your dr. look and let you know if it is okay. Cindy

Come on girl! You can do this! Do ONE thing differently today. Do it well. Do it again tomorrow. Before you know, it...the job'll be done! Cindy

What's the hot topic for today? I've been thinking about "community." We all have our little groups (communities)...family, work, church, activities, our children's activities....maybe even people who have chosen the same surgery, like here at LBT! These communities give us connectedness to the outside; they provide a meaningful way for us to relate to each other. Sadly, not everyone feels that they belong to a community, so they make some up: gangs, drug and alcohol abusers, unhealthy relationships, etc. Ironically, these communities seek further isolation from society, so that the problem that led people to them is exacerbated further by their participation. Ask yourself if you know anyone who is part of a community that leads to further isolation....I know I have sought company by banding with others who have the same isolating problem I have had. Maybe you're doing the same thing? Take a close look at your communities. Make sure you are part of groups that are caring, positive and supportive of each other. If you are "stuck" in a group that is not like this, (family) do what you can to change your reactions to it. Notice I have not said that these communities have to think, talk, or believe exactly the same as each other...there must be room for respectful disagreement. Respectful. Disagreement. Those two words do not go together often today, do they? They should. So, let's start in our little communities...allow a disagreement of opinion. Seek to give help more than you ask to receive it. Instead of going within, reach out. Somewhere earlier I said I think I do better when I'm helping others...since this topic came to me today, I would imagine I've done enough introspection for now, and it's time to take the show on the road! I am grateful for my communities...my family, my work, my church, my friends, and LBT. I am grateful for my electric foot warmer...so cozy! I am grateful for the love and friendship I share with my husband. To be continued....

What's the hot topic for today? I've been thinking about "community." We all have our little groups (communities)...family, work, church, activities, our children's activities....maybe even people who have chosen the same surgery, like here at LBT! These communities give us connectedness to the outside; they provide a meaningful way for us to relate to each other. Sadly, not everyone feels that they belong to a community, so they make some up: gangs, drug and alcohol abusers, unhealthy relationships, etc. Ironically, these communities seek further isolation from society, so that the problem that led people to them is exacerbated further by their participation. Ask yourself if you know anyone who is part of a community that leads to further isolation....I know I have sought company by banding with others who have the same isolating problem I have had. Maybe you're doing the same thing? Take a close look at your communities. Make sure you are part of groups that are caring, positive and supportive of each other. If you are "stuck" in a group that is not like this, (family) do what you can to change your reactions to it. Notice I have not said that these communities have to think, talk, or believe exactly the same as each other...there must be room for respectful disagreement. Respectful. Disagreement. Those two words do not go together often today, do they? They should. So, let's start in our little communities...allow a disagreement of opinion. Seek to give help more than you ask to receive it. Instead of going within, reach out. Somewhere earlier I said I think I do better when I'm helping others...since this topic came to me today, I would imagine I've done enough introspection for now, and it's time to take the show on the road! I am grateful for my communities...my family, my work, my church, my friends, and LBT. I am grateful for my electric foot warmer...so cozy! I am grateful for the love and friendship I share with my husband. To be continued....

I was rubbing my shoulders, and was amazed to feel my shoulder bone! I mean, I was really aware that I had not felt it for such a long time....then I wondered if I was going to like that feeling, all over? After that little brain sputter, I realized I would get used to being the healthy me, even if I did have bones I've never felt! Great idea for a thread, Wheetsin! Cindy

The hardest thing for me is to remember to eat THOUGHTFULLY. That involves slowing down, chewing thorougly, and waiting between bites. It is hard because if I'm talking while I'm eating, and I'm really into what we're talking about, I forget what I'm doing and eat too fast. Then I get the golfball. Thank God it's never been a PB.

I have goosebumps up and down my arms, Christina! I believe you. Cindy

Good Monday morning, everyone! We've got sun, too! Very pretty day. Eileen, you'll get that fill for sure if you whip out a 12".....sub! LOL! Patty, so glad to hear you had a great time! We have to have times like that to regroup for the rest of the week! Dianne, how's it going? I'm praying for you. Betty, what are you doing today? I bet you're out for a nice, long walk! Pat, glad to hear you have hired someone, even though I know it will take time to train her the way you want...that sounds weird, like we're talking about a pet or something! Are you gonna try another fill anytime soon? Just being nosey, because I think I need one, but will wait until spring break. Frightening breaking news: I've been forced to take Benadryl and teach! Actually, it's going pretty well....or my brain is so covered in slime that I can't let them get to me! LOL! Really, I'm going to see my doctor this afternoon; she's working me in. God love her. She's really great, and she hasn't seen me since the pre-op work-ups. I can't wait to see how much I've lost, on her charts. When I weighed in there last, I weight more than even I claim was my high point...I think it might have been about 286. I"ll let you know. I'm going because of this cold/bronchitis/sinus infection or WHATEVER it is, but I know she'll talk with about the surgery, too. Everyone have a nice day! Cindy

I am really interested in this, also, as my DD is overweight. She's 8 years old, and has problems with portion size, and a BIG sweet tooth. She is watching me with admiration, but it hasn't changed her habits very much...my experience with kids as a teacher says they watch for a LONG time before they start practicing a new habit. Make sure they see that you are working hard and that it's not easy....which shouldn't be too difficult! Hopefully, they will see that surgery is NOT the easy way out. Cindy

I agree with Betty. Although it's practically impossible to stop doing it, quit reading the boards. I've visited lots of boards for different reasons, and WITH THE LBT BOARD AS AN EXCEPTION, have mostly found that the people on the message boards are pessimistic, whiney, and wallow too much. I would push that idea to the curb, talk to your doctor, and deal in the reality of what is said. Ask him for support group ideas, and keep looking for a discussion/message board that has warm and upbeat people, like this one! Holding your hand, long distance, Cindy

Great thread! I think if we have more discussion on these issues, and less on stuck scales, we would solve both problems! I'm bursting with pride for all of you! Divalicious, special comment to you: your transformation is simply amazing, and I love your "voice." I think "Do tha' dang thing" will be my new motto! When you write, I feel like I'm sitting in a room talking with you. Everyone! Heads up, eyes front, and a little sashay in the step won't hurt!

OOh, Anne...I love your glitter signature! Where do you all find these great things?' I'll say that the combo of Benadryl and sleepiness will account for whatever strangeness exists in my posts! Eileen, I also love being up when everyone else is asleep. It's so peaceful and cozy, isn't it? DH has DD at church; she's singing today. I hate to miss that! Better for all concerned that I don't spread germs, and rest more. I do still have to finish a little laundry, though. Next week is when I go to San Antonio for the alternative ed. conference...something to look forward to! Cindy

Great car! Beautiful, and you look fabulous, dahling! Back to INXS...love them! I think Michael Hutchence is so cute...well, he used to be 20 years ago anyway...don't think I've seen a picture of him in forever. So, they replaced him? Great memories of those bygone days....I got all their autographs, once upon a time, by getting a backstage pass. Crazy and fun. Not a groupie in the usual sense of that word, but a big music fan nonetheless. I"m harmless now, at 50! Congratulations!

It's great to be able to have this seminar regarding the band and our Christian view of it. Our loving God allows us to make bad choices, but also provides the opportunity for redemption. Being led to have lap band surgery is just a path we can take to seek that redemption...not the ultimate redemption; that comes through our prayer and relationship with God. I'll make this short, since it could take forever to lay out the case step by step. We make bad choices, we suffer the consequences, we ask for forgiveness and redemption, we are led to it. For the other bad choices I have made, there was a way to change, a way to be better. I thank God for allowing me the bad choices; because of them, I have been able to support and love others who are looking for the way out of their bad choices. If we were perfect, there wouldn't be a need for God's redemption through Jesus Christ. I see the lapband surgery as a path, not a circumvention. (Sorry Kathy... I'm not that good with scripture, but I'm trying to be better at it...Mikey seems better at that!) Cindy

Yes, here I am! Up in the middle of the night, because I coughed so much it woke me up, and thought sitting up for a while would help. The big fat headache I had, I kept until last night. It seems to have backed off right now...I would guess this is some sinus infection thing. I can't stay well for 2 weeks in a row! Bleccck. So, I got up, took some Benadryl, sat in the recliner, and am catching up on everything. Oh yeah, I've even got a little fever. I didn't post Friday, since I was swamped in class, then had to host the big staffing meeting for the teachers on Friday afternoon...turned out fine, and I don't host again this year. Yesterday, I took my DD to UNT for a GS thing...called CSI. They could earn a couple of badges...ya know I had this headache, and a fever, then got there and I promise, there were almost a thousand kids there! It was obvious they had not planned for that many, so it was unorganized. That drives me crazy! We had to leave at noon to get something to eat, then went to my (step) niece's baby shower! That was fun, but still....24 people, lots of noise, etc. My niece had contractions that took her to the hospital, premature labor. They gave her a shot and sent her home. During the shower, I could tell she wasn't feeling that good. After everyone left, a friend, my DD and I put up all the stuff in the baby's room...is there anything more adorable than baby clothes! When I left there last night, she was having contractions, but didn't want to call the dr. Her sister stayed with her last night - her DH is in Daytona on a business trip. My personal feeling? I'd tell him to get on a plane! I don't think she'll make her due date, which is 2/17. I think she'll hold off as long as possible, since he'll be home tomorrow night. He would be sick if he missed it...first child! After being gone all day, I came home and didn't want to even touch my computer! I've read up on everyone...Beanie, please forgive me for addressing your PM to Renee...I'm goofed up in the head! Benadryl.... Dianne, dang. What a hard knock! Along with the rest of us, you know you have our prayers and love and support, and we do want to know what is going on with you and your 2nd surgery. ((((hugs)))) Eileen, happy anniversary! 16! We'll have our 10th this summer. I was 41 when I had DD, and turned 42 the next month! Where's Pat? I miss you, girl! Bettty, wasn't the rain great? I'm getting sleepy, so will browse the new posts, then back to bed! Love you guys, Cindy

I found myself saying to my best friend last night, that I was ready for a new chapter in my life...I just didn't know where it started or what it would be. Looking at that idea more closely, I feel very positive about what it means. I think it means that I am coming to terms with the big losses of the last year, and know there will be better days. One of the teachers I work with wrote this on a sympathy card: "Your life will never be the same, but it doesn't have to be bad." That's a big idea. Doesn't that statement cover almost any big loss or change? Acceptance and moving forward is the goal; not moving away or forgetting. There's a blurred boundary here, at least when you're in it. I imagine that once you are past this point, it is more clear, and you find out you "had the power" all along. I've always liked that line from The Wizard of Oz...what the good witch tells Dorothy when she says she wants to go back to Kansas...funny, that is where my grandma lived, and where my mom grew up. One thing for sure, we're not in Kansas anymore! We're on our way to somewhere else, and we can always return if we need to. Things won't be the same, but they don't have to be bad. I am grateful for the anticipation of my niece's new baby...she'll be born soon. I am grateful for the bigger idea of the cycle of life...my mom left, a new baby is coming. I am grateful for wireless internet, so I can journal in the middle of the night, without waking everyone else! To be continued.....Cindy

I found myself saying to my best friend last night, that I was ready for a new chapter in my life...I just didn't know where it started or what it would be. Looking at that idea more closely, I feel very positive about what it means. I think it means that I am coming to terms with the big losses of the last year, and know there will be better days. One of the teachers I work with wrote this on a sympathy card: "Your life will never be the same, but it doesn't have to be bad." That's a big idea. Doesn't that statement cover almost any big loss or change? Acceptance and moving forward is the goal; not moving away or forgetting. There's a blurred boundary here, at least when you're in it. I imagine that once you are past this point, it is more clear, and you find out you "had the power" all along. I've always liked that line from The Wizard of Oz...what the good witch tells Dorothy when she says she wants to go back to Kansas...funny, that is where my grandma lived, and where my mom grew up. One thing for sure, we're not in Kansas anymore! We're on our way to somewhere else, and we can always return if we need to. Things won't be the same, but they don't have to be bad. I am grateful for the anticipation of my niece's new baby...she'll be born soon. I am grateful for the bigger idea of the cycle of life...my mom left, a new baby is coming. I am grateful for wireless internet, so I can journal in the middle of the night, without waking everyone else! To be continued.....Cindy

Just an FYI - I looked up the calories on the FF smoothies at Sonic, and they have 400 or more calories. I was bummed. Cindy

Good luck with recovering from that PB...I bet Alexandra is right. Your esophagus/stoma are inflamed and swollen, and liquids are probably just what you need, to let things rest and calm down. It's tough. You're tougher. Check with your dr., too, though, just to be on the safe side. Take care, Cindy

I'm glad you posted these tips...this may not be true for all of us bandsters, but what the band does for me is to allow me to gain some discipline. I don't feel as hungry most of the time as I did before the band. It stops me when my emotions win and I want to eat and eat...I just can't. Having lost 45 lbs makes me feel like exercise isn't so bad, even though I haven't really acted on that feeling. So, being able to do those things after the surgery, does not mean you could have done them before. But that's just me. Cindy