mousecrazy

I want to say thank you for being a military wife, and God Bless. You are getting good advice from you NC friends, so I won't butt in on that, but I read your post and want you to know we care, we understand, and we will help you however we can! Cindy

Jan. 8, 2006 B: coffee and Zone Perfect S: Mocha at a coffee place L: Zone Perfect and an orange D: ham/corn chowder Water:16 oz Exercise: Took vitamins/calcium

Doc, I'm just going to wish you good luck on your trip and on your surgery. Keep praying and trust in the Lord. You are going to be okay...better than okay! We are here for you, and will answer any questions you have. We will hold your hand in your moments of doubt and nervousness. You CAN do it. It won't be exactly what you think, either. You will now have the chance to develop a healthy relationship with food, instead of the weird one we are already used to. Let's just get through the surgery and recovery, and then we'll take the next step. Hugs, Cindy

I love it! I'm so happy for you! Cindy

Glad you had a good ride, Betty! Your comment about dinner made me look at the time, and it's almost 5PM! I better think about dinner, too. That's weird...hadn't thought about food in a while... Made some fruit smoothies for lunch for DD and I. I snuck protein powder in there, and she didn't notice!

Good morning! Well, I hit the clutter first thing this morning, and it feels like all I've done is clear out 6 square inches! I am just working on this big mess one little job at a time, and at least that makes me feel like i can eventually do it. Now, I'm hanging out here, reading everything and spreading my (????) wisdom around, which means I'm probably hacking off several people! LOL! Anne, you shake your sister's hand for me, and tell her "Job well done!" Teachers need to educate people on what the job is like these days. The schools of our past are gone, and so are the leaders. The teacher organizations are more about political lobbying (in arenas other than education) so we don't even have that anymore. I promise, I know there are some bad teachers out there, but I do believe that at least 90%, maybe more, are working hard to do what they can with their hands tied behind their backs, and the other side has a 16 year head start! Still, I love kids and that's what keep me going...probably other teachers feel the same way. Way to go, Sis! Eileen, keep your spirits up, girl! You are doing so well, and you can check again in a few weeks. We're here for you! Beanie...you ARE busy if you forgot it was Friday! You are the kind of person who can do whatever you put your mind to! More power to you, and hope you hear soon on the progress of your appeal! Did you ever check JQPublic's threads? He hasn't had the band, either, and has done so well. I hope I didn't forget anyone...Pat, whatcha doin'? Betty, I bet you are out riding today...it's just beautiful. We are gonna be so sad when winter show back up! Have a great day, everyone! Cindy

Hey, John. I LOVE Zone Perfect bars...especially Fudge Graham. They have 16 g. protein, and taste great. I am not sure about the carbs. The hard part is remembering they are a MEAL REPLACEMENT, and not to be eaten inbetween meals. For you, though, you need a few more calories because of how hard you work-out. You might throw a couple in during the day, or before you exercise...see how it works. Try them. They are good. Cindy

I'm just incredibly nosey, so I weigh in the morning and at night. I like to see how much difference there is in my weight at night, then in the morning. I know it doesn't matter, but mayabe it just reminds me about what I'm trying to do. I have tried to drink a Diet Coke, but it just felt weird and tickly, and I didn't like it. Empty calories anyway. I will take a sip of my DH's Dr. Pepper sometimes.

Glad you're here! You'll find this is a great place to learn and have fun, too! Post anytime! Cindy

Thank you for taking the time to post your insights and experience. I think that's what makes this board different...it is so easy to see that we are all different in some ways, the same in some ways, and haven't figured it all out enough to tell if we are the same or different! I have learned something from your post, and the biggest part of the battle is finding the chains, then finding the keys to unlock them. Thanks! Cindy

Leatha, I"m so glad you are healthy and doing good! Sore throats are painful, so take care of yourself! Cindy

I'm in the "tell-all" category. Just for documentation's sake, I do not feel like I am under a microscope at all! All I ever hear is positive feedback, like "Wow! You are really looking good!" If I eat something "non-band" no one says anything, I don't get the feeling that they care. NO one makes perfect food choices 100% of the time. Maybe that's something to think about. We may be somewhat delusional in our expectations of ourselves...too many people think they are failures, just for being human for goodness sake! That being said, just want you closet bandsters to know I support you and you must know why you need to be private, and you should feel fine about whatever way you choose.

If she says it was lots of work to lose the weight, AND she had some kind of WLS, I think she's right. We should know that WLS does not mean losing weight is easy. We KNOW THIS, right? IMHO, people pay way too much attention to these celebrities in the first place. Since we live in a society that will sue for anything, she is probably protecting herself from that possibility. I don't blame her. Does anyone think it's ironic that we don't like people judging us for choosing WLS, but we are doing the same thing to her? I see the difference in being "open" and hidden, but we should respect the choice of each individual in this. I used to use the "fat is beautiful" mind-set, too. We shouldn't indict her on that. Hope I'm not coming off edgy or gripey on this, but we should examine our feelings about this, and see if they coincide with our response to her. Cindy

Jan 7, 2007 B: coffee/coffeemate, Zone Perfect bar L: Fruit smoothie (banana, peach, milk, protein powder, Splenda, ice) S: Chex Mix (homemade), 1/2 cup D: salmon, cream cheese and pumpernickel mini sandwich; pita chips and hummas, cranberry bread (we had a snacky dinner!) Exercise: cleaning out heavy stuff Water: 20 oz. Vitamins/Calcium: yes

HI! Glad you're here! This is a great place to get lots of info on the band, plus support...great, fantastic people! Look and the Before and After pictures, and use the search feature. That'll get you started! Looking forward to seeing you on the boards! Cindy

Great pic1 Where were you guys? Maybe it's because I've (just) crossed the 50-yard line, but I just really don't care what other people (not including my good friends and my family) THINK about my decision. It's mine. That's why I have never tried to hide it. I just admit I have an eating problem, and I am facing it and this is the way I have chosen. The end. I really have never had anyone say, "Why don't you just have some will power and lose the weight w/o surgery?" No one's ever said that. I've only experienced positive responses, support, and interest. Do what is right for you, and don't worry about the others. Cindy

Jan 6, 2006 B: Coffee S: South Beach chocolate bar (kinda like a rice krispie thingie) L. The meat part of a taco salad at Wendy's S: Peppermint Mocha at Starbucks D: Zone Perfect bar Water: 48 oz Exercise: Shopping? Took vitamin/calcium Cindy

To all of you who thought you were getting a fill and didn't: look at it as another learning experience. You will be thankful for it later. It IS hard to learn this new way of eating and living life. But you will; it takes time. After some time has passed, you'll learn to trust your new tool; and know if you are slow, it's okay. Probably you'll find that you are slow sometimes and fast others, and maybe you'll even learn to love it when you hear your stomach growl! Hugs to all of you! Cindy

Congratulations! REst and sip, rest and sip. It's great to see all the new members around here these days! Talk about New Year's Resolutions! Keep posting and take care of yourself (or the other way around?) Cindy

Eileen...I"m sorry you were disappointed on your fill. I remember thinking it would be easier, too...but I've had periods of struggle throughout. Not long, and not excrutiating, but enough that I had to actually think about what I was doing and what I was eating. Hopefully posting our meals will hlep you out that way. If you are still really struggling after a couple of weeks, ask him again. On the other hand, it sounds like he is truly looking after your best interests; so that ought to be reassuring. Betty, I'm sitting here crossing my fingers for you and that job search! HOpefully, the companies have their new budget for 2006 and there's enough money for you! Doc, you just hang in there, girl. You're getting closer everyday! Be sure to buy Sugar-free popsicles! But don't pack them because they'll melt! Patty, that package thing is fishy. I'm very envious that you have annual passes to anywhere Disney! I forgot to tell you all a cool NSV. Yesterday, I needed a brown shirt to go under a vest...and hanging in the closet was an XL. IT FIT! Not all XL's fit, but that even one in the universe did, well, that's an NSV, I don't care who you are! (Okay, I stole that last part from Larry the Cable Guy). It was so cool. Just got back from Sam's and bought my big supply of Zone Perfect Fudge Graham bars...they are so good I feel like I'm eating something that's not good for me! That's why I like them. Even if I pig out and eat 2 of them (not often, but I've done it), at least I'm getting 16g of protein in each one. Pat, I guess Wednesday's are pretty tiring...I just figured you were in you new car, jamming out on the stereo! OH Eileen - I'm not working for Starbucks...I just went to a meeting there! Although the tips do sound pretty good.....I had Peppermint Mocha, non-fat, no whip...so it wasn't great, but it wasn't damning! More later, check in everyone! Cindy

YOu showed up at a good time, Monymo! We've had several members experience some problems and complications lately, so it is really great to hear from someone who is 4 years out! Thanks for joining! Cindy

Hi, Dar! I just want to say hi and welcome you! EVeryone else has already given you some good starting points. See ya on the boards! Cindy

Thankfully, we know each other pretty well, and can tell when something is fishy. I would be very careful about posting something on a public forum that could be traced back to me and for which I could be sued.

I'm thinking about you, Eileen! Have you had "the fill" yet? I hope it went easy for you! It's Friday!!!!!! I tell you, these short weeks are the hardest weeks. I (oops!) volunteered to be on this little committee at school, so we whined until the principal let us have our meeting at Starbucks instead of at school! Sometimes, us school marms can overpower the giant! After all, who would want a bunch of feisty teachers looking for ways to get revenge? Believe me, it wouldn't be a pretty scene. LOL! Beanie, I bet you would be a prefectly wonderful elementary teacher...something those test don't know is that some people, like you, are smart enough to adjust your communication level to those with whom you are communicating....it's not really rocket science. And, perhaps that test doesn't know the level high school kids communicate on these days, anyway. I swear, sometimes I just ask them if we have spun back in time to 4th grade or what? (Time warps do exist...just come to my class!) Doc, I want to reassure you that you are thinking and acting in a perfectly normal way before making a life-affirming (some say "changing") decision like lapband surgery. You are right to reflect on the meaning of food, and you are right to "mourn" it. This process continues, even after surgery. With God's help, your inner wisdom, and some great support from here, you will get through all the issues. Just keep trying. You are going to be okay. Patty, sorry about your fall...I think the worst thing about falling like that is just the feeling you get that you are such a goof! Then, you have to suffer the indignity of stiff knees, and walking like you are 90! I hope you get better soon! Have you called the doctor yet? Please do, if you haven't already. No need to fret over stuff like that, when you can see if there was an error, and if not, deal with the issue. Well, I've only had time to come to LBT during school, and have been too busy when I get home in the evening, but it's a weekend now, so I'll have some more time. I forgot to say, "Hook'em Horns!" and "Texas #1!" I went to UT for 2 of my years of college....great game, right, Betty? Gotta run, hugs, Cindy

My dr. waited 4 weeks, and it didn't hurt. Cindy P.S. Everyone is different on their toleration of any kind of discomfort/pain, and all the people who do the fills are different in their skill level, too.