mousecrazy

I just gave away some of my cookies to the Schwan's guy. (Frozen food delivery). But, I guess this would be an NSV: I had a cookie after lunch, and left half of it lying on the counter...totally forgot about it! Like THAT's every happened before! See ya'll tomorrow...it's my day out. Shopping, then meeting a dear friend who is in town only this one day. We have dinner with "the old circle" of friends. It's a lot of fun...we drink more ice tea than margaritas these days! Cindy

Thank you for staying with us and sharing your good news...even without a band, a support group can be very helpful! You are doing great! Cindy

Hi, how many fills have you had, and what amounts? I can't really give you any ideas right now, because I don't know enough about your situation. What and how much are you eating? Are you following all or any of the "bandster rules"? What does your doctor say? What kind of support do you have? Give us more info, please! Glad you're back! Cindy

That happens to me sometimes, too! I think it is because I am used to taking a big ol' first bite and not chewing very well. In the before-band days, this would be the common approach. Now, I have to be very conscious of that first bite being small, and chewed well. Something that helps, but is very hard to do, is not to get too hungry before you eat. The hungrier I am, the faster I want to eat. I hope this helps you a little, and good luck! Cindy

<p>Breakfast: Zone Perfect bar and a cookie</p> <p>Lunch: pita chips and hummus</p> <p>water: one 20 oz. bottle (lots of coffee, does that count?)</p> dinner: ham chowder, and two biscuits with butter and jelly water: 40 oz. I don't know how this edit is going to work out...there's a smilie face between each and every letter of my previous post. Oh, exercise....oops!

Adorable! Sorry I missed this post earlier! Congratulations! Cindy

Hi, my doctor is in Lewisville, and does his surgery at a surgery center in Fr. Worth; actually, it's in Hurst. Name: Dr. John Marsden. I am very pleased with him, if that gives you a place to start. Cindy

Okay, I checked out the chat room, and talked to Alice LBT Bot. Fill me in? Is she automated? LOL! Cindy

Penni, I just want to wish you well and encourage you in your journey...I know it has taken a new direction and one you didn't plan for, but you will find your direction again. Any plan is better than no plan. Look at some of the ones that have been suggested, and choose one that fits your likes/dislikes and personality. I know WW has been fantastic for lots of people, but counting points just wears me out and makes me rebel. I have read and like Dr. Phil's book, and am willing to send it to you if you want it. Good luck, Cindy

Hi, all! My DD is out with my sister getting a pedicure...that little girl is going to be spoiled rotten! Fancy restaurants, big vacations...what's a mom to do?! LOL! I guess she's reaping the benefits of being the only little girl, in a family who was quite a bit older than average. She's enjoying herself, that's for sure! Hi, Zan! It's hard taking care of ill parents. I understand. How old is your mom? Sure glad to see you are back with us! Eileen, enjoy Scooby Doo! I love watching movies with my DD. I think she will like Narnia...my DD loves all the Harry Potter movies, and they do not upset her at all. Night, all! Cindy

EVerything went alot faster for me. I got a referral in mid-June...saw surgeon in early July, surgery July 22. All the insurance companies do things differently...I'm a teacher in a district that self-insures, and they have no exclusion for lap band surgery. I had already been seeing a dr. regulary for over 4 years, mostly on weight-related issues, and had documented several dr. supervised programs in that time, so that was one time-consuming step already taken care of. After reading all the frustrating long wait stories, I do feel lucky. Hang in there, it will be worth it! Cindy

Eileen, hang on! The holidays will soon be over and we'll be back to our regular routine, and all will be well. I'm joining you on the posting thing...the good, the bad, and the ugly. I don't mind being totally honest here, since that is the whole point, right? I will post exactly what I eat. I don't exercise much, so probably won't have much on there for that. Still, I can't resist the excellent company! Beanie...I think you're right on the "you never know until you ask" idea. I've looked up some stuff on the internet about demand letters and how to write them, and I like writing, so I am going to go that direction...when Mr. Adjuster calls, I'll tell him to wait on the certified letter, then call back with an offer. We go to church with a personal injury attorney, who will advise us if the offer is way too low. It was a mess with the property part of the settlement. I hate dealing with these things, but I'm no pushover. DH can get downright scathing, so I can always sic him on them...play good cop/bad cop. We can sing carols anytime! Come over and play with DD's karioke (spell check, Ira?) machine! Everyone have a good night, Cindy

Visuals are always helpful! Thanks!

After two fills, I can eat 2 pieces of pizza. Of course, before I would eat 6 at least! So, 2 pieces, put into perspective, is a victory! How do you like that spin?! Patience, girl. You'll get your fill, and things will change. Cindy

Eileen, I'll join in with you! I don't think I'll take on the no eating after 7PM, but I'll grab onto everything else. (My commute makes it very hard to get dinner completed by 7PM). We start tomorrow, right? WE can do it! Cindy

Good luck! I know you will do great, and what a blessing you have in your family! Cindy

Fills are so personal...I don't think there's any way to predict them. That being said, I do like reading these threads, just to see what works for others. I have .7cc in a 4cc band. I have never PB'd or slimed. I have had the golf ball feeling if I eat too fast or don't chew well. I am starting to consider a tiny third fill...I am so cautious, maybe too much. I think the difference between a dr. who sneaks up on the sweet spot as opposed to the ones who believe in aggressive fills is also a matter of personal taste. I have so much head work to do about food, that the sneaky approach works for me, so I have time to readjust my thoughts regarding the lifestyle changes brought about by the band. Good luck to everyone as we seek the perfect adjustment! Cindy

Good morning! I think today is the first day I don't HAVE to do anything! I will, of course, but I don't have anything scheduled. DH has to take his father to a dr. appt...he's not driving yet (fell again after partially recovering from hip replacement). He offered to take DD with him, but I think I'll keep her with me and have a lazy day. I do need to get some paperwork together, since the insurance company of the guy who hit me (car wreck, not assault!) is now antsy to settle the personal damage part of the case. Does anyone have any experience with this? I did not have many serious injuries...bruises, neck/back pain, the normal stuff. However, because of the wreck, and being without a car for a while, I was not able to go to Houston on the weekends to be with my mom while she was hospitalized down there. Also, I was driving my grandma's car i bought from her when she had to quit driving, so it was paid off and you know what happens when an older car is paid off and totalled...we did not get enough $$ for it to replace it, so I had to get a new car, and new payments...so, any advice or personal experience with this would be appreciated. Patty, good for you! You have your car working, and can go on your trip. I've seen pictures of the Crystal Cathedral, and it is beautiful. You can have snow at Disney World, too, as I'm sure you know! Have a good time! Eileen, enjoy the Narnia movie. There are some "scary" parts, but my DD, who is 8, did not suffer any problems from seeing it...the parallels to the story of Christ are obvious, and she is familiar with the sacrifice Christ made on the cross, so the similar event in the movie is moving, but not frightening. We made our reservations for our Maine vacation in July. Thank God! No vacation at all last year, and we definitely need one. Rough year. Pat, Betty, Beanie...just waiting to hear from ya'll and hope you are enjoying the holiday! More later...hugs, Cindy

I like checking in on a challenge...I like everything about your challenge, the NSV's and the weight posting! The one suggestion I would like to throw out there (for any comments!) is to shorten the length of it. Maybe Jan. 3 to mid-Feb or so? I don't have a calendar with me, but I think 6 weeks is about all my attention span will handle, and still have a good time with it. Whatcha think? Cindy

Merry Christmas, everyone! I know it's been a few days since I checked in, but I could barely get everything done, much less play with MY toy! LOL! Yes, I got my cranberry orange bread made, but not the mini-cinis. Some things just don't get done, and it's okay! We had a good day, as good as it can be. Everyone was at our house for gift opening, then separate houses for a rest, then met at the movies where we all saw Narnia. Today, we went to the Gaylord Texan to see ICE...2 million pounds of ice carvings in a 9 degree environment. They even give you parkas! So, we survived the first Christmas without Mom and Grandma. It wasn't easy. We all did the best we could! Everyone's holiday sounds like it was good...anyone want to tell what their best gift was? I think mine (will be) a new watch. It's backordered, but it's a Seiko gold and diamond watch. The picture is beautiful! Of course, I also love my laptop. The best thing we gave my DD was a collection of vintage Polly Pocket compacts (from the 80s) that we got on Ebay. She adores them! She likes here little Nintendo DS with the dog program, too! It's good to be back in touch with everyone, and find out I'm not the only one eating cookies and other sweets...I gained some weight, too...but am determined to chill out, and get back on track after the holidays. I hope everyone is having a blessed holiday! Oh, Beanie...the choir practice is for DD!!! I only sing in the car! Hugs to all, Cindy

Everyone gave you some good advice...when you are told how long you need to have liquids, it seems like forever, but it does go by fairly quickly. I've had two fills; I can still eat a moderate, decent meal. Jack is right; listen to YOUR band. It will tell you what is right. If you overdo it, you will know right away! Keep reading, and good luck! Cindy

It's ALL about the attitude, girlfriend! You're a beauty, and great job on the weight loss! Cindy

I'm writing on my new laptop! Can you tell? I'm in the livingroom, sitting on the floor. Everyone just left after decorating sugar cookies, and I finally have time to use my new toy! What a blast! I am sure most people think they are old hat by now, but I am thrilled! Eileen...sorry you are having such a time with your inlaws' health. What a terrible time of year for all that. I guess pretending you have diverticulitis isn't as bad as pretending you have some other things. I'm trying to find something light-hearted about it...LOL! Hi, beanie! Better luck next time. Love you, too! Betty, you must have a great family! I bet they love to see you coming with all those goodies! It's been a good day, and lots of fun! I did find cranberries...our local store got a shipment of 12 bags, and DH bought me 3 bags. So, now I can make my cranberry bread tomorrow! What did ya'll get your DH's for Christmas? See you tomorrow! Cindy

Hi, Roger. You'll have plenty of time to get what you need before surgery. I think the best stuff was some kind of liquid antacid...I even used simethicone drops for babies. Sugar-free popsicles were really great! A heating pad for the gas pains, which I thought were the worst part of the surgery, but not all people have the same problem. I guess because not all people feel pain the same. It was a little uncomfortable getting a good sleeping position for a week or so, but it goes by fast, and then you tend to forget all about it. Check the "search" feature and see what others have to say about preparing for surgery. Good luck! Cindy

Wow! A busy day for all, I see! I just got back home from Haven's choir rehearsal, and then I went to the store to get cranberries (Does anyone know that song Christmas Wrapping by the Motels? I always think of it when I say cranberries!), and guess what? Out of cranberries. They tell me there's a shortage???!!!! So, I guess I'll keep looking, or blow off the cranberry orange bread. MMmmm... Wrapped presents and made white chocolate dipped pretzels today. Sugar cookie dough is on the schedule for the morning tomorrow, with baking in the afternoon. Sister, nephew, and dad are coming over in the evening for a night of pizza and decorating cookies. I love it! Not the pizza part, but I can usually eat one piece, if I go slow. Thanks for the nice compliments about my DD. She is a sweet and sassy kind of gal! I love her to pieces! Betty - more cooking! And turtles? One of my faves, for sure! Beanie - what's up with your office expecting you to work? It's the holidays for goodness sake! Hope you sail through the rest of the week, and then get to rest for a while! Eileen, glad to hear you FIL is okay. Ya'll take it easy, and get through Christmas in one piece! Lisa - see, we LBT types assured you that you would be okay, and you are! Take it easy on those cookies, even if you are spitting them out! I wonder how many calories are absorbed while you're chewing....there must be a study out there somewhere.... Patty, have a great vacation, and post when you can! Pat? Whatcha doing? I know, it's crunch time! Shop, wrap, bake, repeat! Good night, all! Cindy