mousecrazy

Jan 20 Friday B: Zone Perfect S: Zone Perfect L: Zone Perfect S: mini-choc. bars (2) D: chicken tortilla casserole Vitamins/calcium: yes Water: 45 oz

Doc, way to go! the high emotions should settle down before you actually tear your DH's head off! LOL! You get used to the differences; you accept that you are going to eat differently than other people. I don't even feel "cheated" at buffets anymore. I just eat what I like, and it feels so weird to only get the best stuff, because I can't have much. I think you'll find this to be true in time. I'm so glad to hear how good you are doing...fight that dragon of head hunger. Hint: it comes back to life from time to time! Eileen, did you make it through the day? Dianne, good to see you! We actually had a Sheltie once. Very sweet little dog; high energy but very sweet and loyal. You've got to do some regular brushing, though...lots of hair. I don't know how the collie mixed in would affect the temperment. We have 3 dogs and 3 cats, so I know what you mean about missing a little dog. We have an Airedale, a Bichon and a Mini-Schnauzer. Big, small, and smaller. Keri...I know what you mean about being too tired to hang out...that HAS happened to me, but not too often. LOL! Betty, good luck on your 2nd interview! Everyone enjoy your weekend!

May I add my birthday wishes? Have a great day, birthday girl! Cindy

Congratulations and good luck! Keep posting, and take care of yourself! Cindy

Mandy, I don't know what was in those PMs you received, but it doesn't sound like all of them were helpful. I will believe the best, that whatever was in them came from the perspective of the person sending it... and that they meant to be helpful, and not hateful. My DD had to have an EEG when she was about 2, to rule out seizures, and I know how stressful these tests can be, esp. on Mommy. My nephew has seizures, and used to take depokote, and now, finally, has an electrical thingie implanted that helps him divert the seizures. He is 20 now. Sweetie, you have good reason to be scared and worried, and I wish I could just put my arm around you and stand by you during these oh-so-difficult days and weeks. I am praying for you and your family. May God hold you up and bring you the ability to comfort yourself, your daughter and your husband. May He guide the doctor's to make wise decisions. God bless you. Cindy

Good morning! First, Anne...so funny about the underwear! I as going to post this as a NSV, but thought the guys would find it weird, but since you brought it up....I was so excited to buy size 10s the other day! They were even cute, with poodles on them (kinda retro looking). I used tow ear a size 13. Look on the back of one of those package-type underwear, and they have the hip measurements that correspond to the underwear size. I know I had more comments to make to certain people, but now your posts are on the previous page, and if I scroll back to them, I'll lose this post. I'll probably get back on later. Right now, I was trying to explain to a kid how an American democracy is, indeed, different than communism...now remember, I teach English (lit. and composition). I am wondering what kind of thing is being taught in history and government, if this is confusing.... So, it's FRIDAY!!! I really haven't started counting days, because it's too far away...I have to finish this year, and then come back and teach the first semester of next year...I'll start counting in August! I did have a visit with my principal and told him my plans. He was appreciative. Not because I was leaving, although that might be true, but because some people just spring this kind of thing on administration...I told him I wouldn't want to leave my colleagues in the lurch. I do still care very much about our program and what happens to the kids. Still, with everything that's gone on last year with my mom, grandma, etc., I felt I needed to retire ASAP, which is after first sem. next school year. Enough on this...right now, I've gotta get my paperwork together for the meeting this afternoon! Love ya, Cindy

First of all, this journal won't be specifically about lapband surgery and weight loss. I'm on this site every day more than once usually, and I need to start journaling again. So, it's just common sense to use this space. Secondly, I like to write. Last year, 2005, was the toughest roughest year I have yet experienced. My mom had surgery, stayed in hospitals for 5 months due to complications, and a septic infection finally ended it. Her funeral was on what would have been her 73rd birthday. There will be more about this in other entries. Part of this journal's purpose is to work through this grief. So, the first half of 2005 was spent in hospitals. I decided to face this weight problem and the health problems associated with it and had lapband surgery in July. In November, the day following my 50th birthday (THIS was the highlight of 2005 - my 50th birthday...go figure!), my beautiful, wonderful 92 year old grandmother passed. She had a stroke that led to a coma and she passed peacefully. Yeah, she had a great, healthy long life, but dang! My mom and my grandmother in one year? I told you it was going to be about other stuff. Attitude of gratitude - well, that's just a reminder! One way to handle loss is to try hard to see the good stuff you have. Seems like that might be a good idea for us "lapdancers"...that's what my DH call us...to have the attitude of gratitude, too. I'm sure I'll explore more of that idea, too. I'm grateful for this journal space, and the invitation to use it. I'm grateful for the blessing in disguise offered by the dr. who told me I was too heavy for him to realistically treat my ankle...and suggested this lapband surgery. I am grateful for my little girl's unquestioning, unconditional love (if you don't count being held hostage by the desire for more Polly Pockets!) To be continued...

First of all, this journal won't be specifically about lapband surgery and weight loss. I'm on this site every day more than once usually, and I need to start journaling again. So, it's just common sense to use this space. Secondly, I like to write. Last year, 2005, was the toughest roughest year I have yet experienced. My mom had surgery, stayed in hospitals for 5 months due to complications, and a septic infection finally ended it. Her funeral was on what would have been her 73rd birthday. There will be more about this in other entries. Part of this journal's purpose is to work through this grief. So, the first half of 2005 was spent in hospitals. I decided to face this weight problem and the health problems associated with it and had lapband surgery in July. In November, the day following my 50th birthday (THIS was the highlight of 2005 - my 50th birthday...go figure!), my beautiful, wonderful 92 year old grandmother passed. She had a stroke that led to a coma and she passed peacefully. Yeah, she had a great, healthy long life, but dang! My mom and my grandmother in one year? I told you it was going to be about other stuff. Attitude of gratitude - well, that's just a reminder! One way to handle loss is to try hard to see the good stuff you have. Seems like that might be a good idea for us "lapdancers"...that's what my DH call us...to have the attitude of gratitude, too. I'm sure I'll explore more of that idea, too. I'm grateful for this journal space, and the invitation to use it. I'm grateful for the blessing in disguise offered by the dr. who told me I was too heavy for him to realistically treat my ankle...and suggested this lapband surgery. I am grateful for my little girl's unquestioning, unconditional love (if you don't count being held hostage by the desire for more Polly Pockets!) To be continued...

Welcome to LBT! You are doing great with your weight loss! I think you'll get the best info and definitely the best support from the people here. Be sure to read the old posts, and use the search feature to find info on your questions! We're right here to help you! Cindy

Hi, there! I am just amazed at how well you have worked your band! I've been looking at your picures, and you are looking good, girl! Way to go! Cindy

Hi, Kim! Sorry about the uncomfortable gas pain...I had it, too, and it was the worst part of the surgery. It took at least two weeks to finally escape (somehow, don't know how). I used simethicone (baby tummy drops) and Gaviscon. Try a damp, hot washcoth, like a mini-heating pad. Maybe standing under a hot shower and let it run over that spot? If I could giv eyou any ideas that would help, I would try, because I know you are miserable. You have a good attitude, and you will make it through this. (((hugs))) Cindy

Thanks, Beanie...I am learning by asking questions. I"m not really planning on going anywhere, but we are going to Maine this summer. Somehow, I don't think our cabin will have wi-fi. But, I"ll check, just to be sure. It's hard to type with two dogs bumping into your elbows! Cindy

You are doing fine. The only correction I would suggest is just to feed yourself like you would a baby or a toddler...nothing difficult to digest. Let your espophagus and stomach heal totally before you ask it to do a rough work out. Don't worry right now about low caloric intake...concentrate on your protein. If you don't like the shakes you have, try some new ones. So far, everyone who has written the same things at the same stage of recovery you are in, have written a month later praising their band, and feeling great! Hang in there! Cindy

Another happy bandster here! I'm still working to my first goal of losing 50 pounds (the bottom ticker); around here, 50 sounds like just a little! but without the band surgery, I would not have lost anything at all, and more than likely would have continued gaining. Cindy

I want the answer to this, too. Since there are some night eaters on this thread, let me run this by you. Do you think that you are restricting your calorie intake too much during the day, and the body needs more calories and that sets up a cycle? Or is it just plain old head hunger? Thanks, Cindy

Glad you're here, chicken! You are doing great! YOu'll find lots of info and support here at LBT! Cindy

Jan 19 Thursday B: coffee and Zone Perfect L: salad with turkey and boiled egg, nf french dressing S: cupcake (homemade, in teacher's lounge from PTA) D: chicken tortilla casserole and green beans I WILL NOT EAT ICE CREAM TONIGHT! Water: 40 oz vitamins/calcium: yes Cindy

LOoks like we're in a "write and run" kinda day! Paula, there's not such thing as a party crasher here! LOVE the pic! Hilarious! Pat, dang! You know, I bet it is so hard to find good, trustworthy help. Emphasis on the trust. You are a good judge of character, so you will eventually find someone you know will do a good job for you. Sorry you're having to work your buns off...if it would only work that way, we wouldn't mind! LOL! Patty, congrats on a good day with no pukin'. Betty, how long do you think it'd take to ride out to VA? Mmmmm. I'm afraid it would be like a Thelma and Louise thing, and that couldn't be good! LOL! Beanie, good info...yes, let me know what happens when you get your bill. Have fun! See ya guys, everyone hang tough! Cindy

Beanie, a question: Since I am new to the wireless/laptop scene, and rarely go on trips, how does the hook-up work? Do I pay extra to use the hotel's wi-fi? How do you connect to the internet if you are not near your ISP computer? Am I asking stupid questions? (there's no such thing as a stupid question....repeat) Have a good trip! Cindy

I soooo admire brave and courageous people! You look, and are, amazing! Thank you for the positive effect you have on me and others, and thank you for posting "reality" shots...both before and after...it is so good to see the good news! Cindy

Ditto. We're all standing with you, Vines. You will discover the answer; if it was easy, we wouldn't all be on here, would we? Thank you for all the guidance you have given to me and others! Cindy

I am a little skeptical about artificial sweeteners, too. I think it is a worthy experiment...cut them out and see how you feel. Cindy

Keep after it, Patty. You are certainly getting good practice in handling disappointments! (a purely optimistic point of view!) Keri, isn't quiet time great! I LOVE when I can be at home alone, even if I'm not alone, but the others are quiet and/or asleep. Pat, now you know perfectly well that we had that little conversation re: Sturgis, and how (some of) the ladies didn't seem to own mirrors, or at least look at them before they suited up and went for a ride...that's when the idea came to me to help you design some leathers that befit a woman of your dignity and stature...I'm thinking black, of course, with a couture cut...not the typical tight-as-hell fit, but something flattering. The regular boots will be great, since the harnass boot is all the rage anyway....my mind is running amuk! (but thanks for letting me have fun!) It looks like Eileen, Betty, Pat and I are enduring the stuck scale phenomenon. It would be aggravating, except that I know exactly why my scale is stuck, and it's not the scale's fault! LOL! I am really trying to focus on the goal, and get the rest of the sugar cravings under control. So, when I found out I was getting lapband, I bought a stick mixer. I have never used it. Has anyone had any experience with this kind of mixer/blender, and if you do, will you give me some tips? Have a good day! Cindy

I appreciate your taking the time to post this, and do all the research. You've just done great! Thanks again, Cindy

I used the canned Atkins protein drinks, but only chocolate. Body for Life drinks are okay, but the vanilla has that "egg white" feeling, yuck! I use Unjury protein powder, vanillla and unflavored. Cottage cheese is good. Each day you will do better and better, and be able to add more variety. Right now, it is SO important to take it easy, and let your esophagus and stomach rest and heal. Be nice to yourself, and put up with this liquid phase. You'll be glad you did. Hugs, Cindy