mousecrazy

Eileen, I admire your resolutions...especially about getting closer to the Lord. I'm always interested in learning more about my faith, and usually buy a good Bible study book to use to learn. I don't go to a Sunday School class, and so I like to learn by reading. I volunteered to write a devotional for Advent, and needed a little help with the scripture, so found lots of info online. (in case you didn't know already, or are interested). I know you won't mind being included in my prayers. Dreams...I've been reluctant to dream too much. But since you asked, I think it's a sign that I should. In 2006, I will retire from teaching after 29 years. I will wear a size 16 by July (cross my fingers). I think if I weigh under 200, that will be a possibility...I may not be dreaming hard enough on this one. It is possible to do better perhaps? I wear a tight 20 now, and weigh 238. It seems like every ten pounds equals a size...so 230 would be a solid size 20. 220 = size 18. 210 = 16. 200 = 14? Everyone's so different in sizes, so ya'll may not know if I am guesstimating correctly. Those are my career and health dreams. There are some other issues I'd like to put behind me: the car accident personal injury case, and move forward with the grief work I still need to. Sorry to mention it so often, but it is a big thing in my life right now. I am interested in hearing all our dreams for 2006...maybe someone else's will inspire me! The Cowboys are playing...no chance for wildcard since the Redskins won, but I can't help keeping my eye on the game anyway! g'night, Cindy

Thanks, Eileen. I get the concept, but have trouble highlighting and copying with the touchpad on my laptop. I still feel like I'm test-driving it! Breakfast: coffee w/ Creme Brulee creamer Lunch: 1/2 cup of Chex Mix Dinner: dumpling, pork roast and saurkraut, a tablespoon of black-eyed peas, and a few bites of the choc.chip/cherry cheese ball with graham sticks Water: better, 50 oz. Exercise: cleaning the closet...the DVD player is still cued for "funky" dance session...probably tomorrow! I took my vitamins and calcium. Keep after it, everybody! Cindy

I will post my food/exercise later today. I am still having trouble with editing posts, so I'll post a new one. Cindy

Hahahahaha! That Texas Santa looks even more handsome now that he's out of the plastic covering! Pat, you are so welcome, and I loved talking to you in person! You really did make my day! Eileen, I like your "out with the old, in with the new" attitude! I'm doing that in my closet! You know how tempting it is to hold onto just a few clothes that are two sizes too big? I'm giving that idea up for the new year! I bought some cute clothes in my size, and want to give them some breathing room! Anwyn, welcome here! This is the most fun group of chat crashers on our site! We have Texas, Virginia, New York, and now Michigan crashers on this NJ thread! It's some kind of kismet thing! One of the advantages of not drinking is getting to spend New Year's Day doing something besides nursing a hangover! We did make it until CST New Year's, after watching various objects all over the world "drop". Today, we have both our fathers over for the traditional (German) pork roast and saurkraut with dumplings. That happens at about 4 PM. Then, the Cowboy game is on at 7:30; we have some kind of outside chance for a wild card playoff spot...we'll see. Pat, your new car is fantastic! Hope you don't back into too many things! Does it tape what you hit? LOL! Other than that, I got our new yearly calendar ready to use, and cruised through DD's room to pick up piles of discarded cardboard, plastic casings and twist ties from all the Barbies and Polly Pockets and computer games...along with the clothes from yesterday, etc. What bugs me the most is that I was JUST LIKE THAT when I was a girl...kinda hard to gripe! I know my mom is LHAO in heaven, just as she did here, knowing I am now dealing with a "mini-me"! It's justice, I guess. Does anyone eat black-eyed peas for good luck? Enjoy the day! Cindy

Happy Birthday, Kelli! Hope your special day is just that, SPECIAL! Cindy

I used to hate the term "morbidly obese," because I didn't like thinking of myself that way. Then, I learned to love the term, because it allowed me to have this great lapband surgery. It's a term, a medical term, that describes a condition of excess weight that can cause conditions leading to death. Take the emotion out of the term, and use it for your benefit. We tend to be emotional about all of this, and I sure understand that. But, while we are adjusting our attitudes toward food, we can also adjust our attitudes toward things that bother us and drive us toward food for comfort. Just my thoughts, and I wish you good health, Cindy

Maybe it's a little too soon to read too much into any of the conversations you are having regarding your WLS. I know I had some ideas about how things might be before surgery, and even after surgery, that were actually not true. I order off a regular menu, not just appetizers...I just don't eat all of it. I have cake and ice cream, too; just not as much. My suggestion to you is to take one step at a time, and see how things go. It is really hard to predict the future. Now, if you have other evidence that's he's a sabotaging you, then you are the best one to make judgements on that. I would give him the benefit of the doubt, and make no mistake that this big change in you is going to have a big effect on him. Of course, he will have some adjusting to do; so do you. Don't borrow trouble, you know? Good luck, Cindy

Dec. 31, 2005 breakfast: coffee, several cups lunch: Zone Perfect bar dinner: out to eat at Master Grill...smoked salmon, a shrimp, salad, 2 lamb chops, and 3 bites of chocolate mousse cake. Yummy! Water: 20 oz. EXERCISE!!!!!!! Yes! 20 minutes of salsa dance cardio workout! I finally did it! Happy New year! Cindy

Happy New Year to you, John! And to everyone reading this right now...hope your new year is the one where you meet your goals, and find health and happiness! Smooch! Cindy

Did you try posting on the New Jersey board? They might see your question there. Good luck! Cindy

Don't fret. Just record your weight on fitday.com or some place like that, and find it interesting to notice the pattern of weight loss that is unique to you. I always lose, hold, gain, and lose more. That's just the pattern I have noticed, and now it doesn't freak me out or make me worry. I am not the perfect bandster...I know there are a few. Sometimes I make less than ideal decisions, most of the time I make good ones. This is just the beginning; pace yourself. It's a long journey. Good luck! Cindy

Happy New Year to all my chat buddies, in New Jersey, New York, Virginia and Texas! Can't believe another year has passed. I'm very hopeful for a better new year, and even more hopeful for a year that brings good health and happiness to all of us! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being just a "click-click" away! Ya'll are the best! I'll look for our new thread tomorrow! Love to all, Cindy

Hang in there, guys! I agree with Jack; she'll be pulling out of the gloomies in a day or two. Why don't you do her a favor, and get a journal, and write down things she tells you are plusses...like when she notices that she is not obsessed with food all the time, or she sees the hope that she can beat the food demon, finally! Write it down for her; she'll love you for it! Thanks for being her eyes! Cindy

Here's to you! We don't drink here, but I am sending good wishes for a healthy and happy new year! No need for a pity party...you're not missing anything you can't repeat at a date of your convenience. Maybe this is a good start to a new year? You are doing something totally out of the box! Cheers, Cindy

This must have been a busy day for everyone...I was the last person to post at 9 this morning. Had to take DD to minor emergency clinic this morning. She flung herself off the bed, goofing around, so she fell off, knocking her arm into the bedside table, chair and floor. She's a goober. Anyway, it was swollen this morning when she woke up, so thought we better take her for an x-ray. She's okay, no break on x-ray, just a deep bruise. Kids are so fun. LOL! Then, I didn't think I wanted to go to the family thing tonight, and tried to bow out, but DD cried...guess where we went? Of course, we went to the family get-together, and it was fun. I'm glad I went. Just fighting off the funky mood I get every once in a while, since mom passed away. It stinks. They are getting fewer and further between...so that's good. Just wish, well, you know what I wish. Are we starting a new thread tomorrow night, or Sunday? Love you guys, Cindy

Dec. 30 Breakfast: coffee and Zone Perfect bar Lunch: pita chips and hummus, only a few, because for some reason, this food gives me a golfball. Dinner: the dreaded "snack buffet" at my neices...sausage, queso and chips, choc. chip/cherry cheeseball with graham crackers, and (the last!) sugar cookie (because I left them all there! LOL!) It could have been worse. Water: 24 oz. Exercise: none I think this is working, because I'm feeling guilty about not exercising! Cindy

Take good care of yourself, let yourself heal, and you'll be yourself in no time! I'm sorry for all you've had to endure, and know you will find your way, once again. Hugs, Cindy

I"m really sorry for your loss. I have been there, too...it is hard, but you have cared well for Schnapps, and he is happy and running with some of my angel friends, right now. You were a blessing to him, and he to you. Hugs, Cindy

I'm so sorry, Vines. I've been there, and it is hard. You are loving dog-parent, and Astro is running like a puppy again. I know a few angels there, and they love dogs! Cindy

Start over. My surgeon does require psych eval on some patients, but I did not take one. He didn't require me to. Just go to another Dallas area surgeon, and pretend you've never been denied before. I believe where there's a will, there's a way. You have made reasonable arguments about all the suggestions; and while they are reasonable, they are also successful in keeping you stuck. Is there any part of you that is getting something out of staying where you are? This question is upsetting, but very important. There have been other threads like this on the boards in the past...and after the person kept trying to get the band and succeeded, they felt sooo good, and are on their way to a healthy life. I urge you to see another surgeon, if you want to make a step toward the life you want. Hugs, Cindy

Thank you for posting about this problem...I wrestle with this decision every day. I want to lose faster, but do not want to be too tight, and have those problems. I might be able to handle another .2ccs but for now, I'm staying with what I have. Don't be in such a hurry that you damage your band! I'd vote for a slight unfill. Cindy

That's fantastic! You've really worked that band! Way to go! Cindy

I can feel it, and when more of the fat is gone, I imagine it will stick out a little...I'm not planning on baring my midriff, so it shouldn't be much of a problem. My niece's port really does stick out, noticeably. She younger, and might wear a two piece swimsuit, so it bothers her. I'll see her tonight and tell her about the port revision option. Cindy

Good morning to all! Eileen, until just a few minutes ago, I was up writing on my laptop, with my little mini-schnauzer Mickey by my side. I am drinking Ghiradelli Chocolate Caramel coffee, brought to me by my DH when he came out here a little while ago! He's so great! Beanie, WAY TO GO! Great job! Have a good time at your NOON new year's eve celebration...being a teacher, we are never at work on this day, TG! Betty, have fun at lunch! I had a great time seeing my friends last night. I understand what you mean about getting back on track, then going off again for New Year's...I'm trying to avoid the last of my cookies, and I'm taking them to my neice's house tonight, to finish them off! Pat, I read your response to the Sturgis thread...I laughed my behind off! I'm still laughing! I worked with a guy who was a Harley biker...we got him a big book on Sturgis. You know, the kind with lots of pictures...especially of the women of which you spoke! Let's start designing your outfit now! I've got some ideas....LOL! We are going to a place called Master Grill for New Year's Eve, compliments of my FIL. We're going early, and getting off the roads before the amateurs start driving around. We are former "professionals" who have reformed...no drinking for us at all anymore. It's good. I bought some new clothes yesterday, and had the best time trying on clothes that fit right! Even a size 18, but didn't buy...I was tempted, but the pants were too short. I have some size 20s that are still tight, so I think those 18s were a fluke, but it was still a great feeling! Patty, good luck with the creme brulee. I love that stuff! Everyone else, do what you do and do it better than anyone else! Hugs, Cindy

I was out all day yesterday, so I'll post that first: (12/29) bfast: coffee and Zone Perfect lunch: Starbucks Peppermint Mocha, venti dinner: 4 nachos, Beans, chicken, cheese, and guacamole water: 16 oz, 16 0z. iced tea exercise: shopping for 6 hours (in person, not online! LOL!) I am so proud of those of you who are exercising! I bought a dance cardio DVD yesterday so DD and I can do something fun, and move around. It will help both of us!