mousecrazy

I am very happy for you, and proud of you for following through on everything to make it happen! Good luck! Cindy

I have taken ibuprofen, maybe 3 times since banding, no ill results that I can determine. I do not have a tight fill, though, and didn't notice anything being stuck. I'm interested in the responses to this question...it is hard to sort out if "size" or "content" is the problem behind different medications. Cindy

Patty, honey, I don't know how you do it! I have one (just one!) child, and I am treading water like mad, just trying to get through this last week of school. Kudos to you! You deserve a medal or something even better, like a "Lose 10 pounds free" card! You are truly marvelous! Betty, who is eating all this candy you are making? Is it a business, is it family, church, what????? I just wish I lived next door! Thanks for the congrats. Eileen, I know what you mean, I read everything, then write later, so happy travels, and we'll check in later for your update. Dianne, glad to hear you are doing well...and congrats for being a Big Loser! LOL! Beanie, thanks for the congrats...and being called Skinny is fantastic for one's spirits! You've been nominated on the big board for Most Informed Pre-Bandster...did you see that! A well-deserved nomination! Gotta go grade a stack of papers before it takes over my desk and they find me gasping for air! Cindy

I nominate NJChick for "Most Encouraging." She's kept everyone's spirits high and started lots of fun threads. I would also like to nominate JQPublic for "Most Inspiring Non-Bandster." He rocks!

Cheers to you, Margo, for starting the "HAPPY THREAD"! I will add my "happy's" : 1. Down just about 3 sizes in 5 months 2. Approaching a big goal of losing 50 pounds! 3. I have lots more energy! 4. It is much easier to get in and out of a car. 5. People compliment me on my weight loss, almost every day. 6. I sleep better. 7. My daughter's little arms fit around my waist when she hugs me! 8. I have better posture, probably because I am not weighed down. 9. I enjoy taking care of myself (make-up, lotion, skin care) much more now. 10. I can find clothes that are actually flattering, instead of "camouflage" for problems! Best of all, because of LBT, I have lots of support and care anytime I need it. Thanks, everyone! Cindy

Congratulations and Happy Bandiversary! You're doing great! Thanks for your leadership in showing us how to succeed in spite of problems...I appreciate it! Cindy

Mandy, my items are not new and exciting, like yours! I really enjoy the Crystal Light mix-ins for bottled water. I like Lipton's Green tea packets, too. I LOVE Zone Perfect bars, better than the liquid shakes! Cindy (see, I told you... nothing exciting!)

John, I'm so pleased to see a guy complain about the arm slap! Not pleased you have it, just pleased that we women are not alone in that one thing! I was always told to work on tricep curls and stuff like that when I was an active participant in the weight-lifting/gym thing. I'm sure someone at the gym will be able to direct you! Good luck, Cindy

Almost always, I have a cup of coffee and a protein bar (Zone Perfect)

Well, that's a hard question. That's the level I want to be on, so I would say that's okay. I don't really think I am in the majority, though...it's such a hard decision, weighing out the choice between more restriction/more lifestyle changes. I think I have .7cc total fill. Good luck with your choice! Cindy

Hi, everyone! I'm baaaaacccck! Great weekend! We started at the mall at 9AM Sat., shopped, got a ticket to see Santa, and shopped until time to see him. Then we had lunch at the Zodiac Room at Neiman Marcus. Funny: DD said, "Everytime people leave, the new people get a new sheet! They don't do that at Applebee's." We totally laughed out loud! I had a nice salad with turkey and tomatoes. We shopped more and more (plenty of coffee!)...until about 7 PM. Then we went to the hotel and checked in, dropped out stuff and went back out to look at Christmas lights. (oh yeah, hot chocolate this time...with peppermint!) Then went to dinner at Blue Mesa...I had some of my sister's guacamole, and a couple of nachos. We got up Sat. morning, and went to the hot tub...then back to the mall! I had a great NSV! I bought a pair of size 20 jeans! And another pair of size 20 stretch cords! It is so exciting! We went to Sephora and tried on make-up...DD had such a great time squirting perfume on the testers, and trying on lip gloss. She's got some expensive taste for an 9 year old! She had a coupld of meltdowns...she just hasn't fully developed her "shop-til-you-drop" muscles! Basically, though, she was a trooper! Neimans, Tiffany's, Nordstroms, Via Spiga, Juicy, Coach, etc....all the fancy stores! I didn't buy anything from those stores, though! LOL! Mostly the Gap, Sephora, Dillards and Foleys.... We had so much fun! I'm trying to keep up with everyone on here....can't wait to hear about Eileen and Beanie! Pat, thanks for the invitation! Wish I could be in your group! I bet ya'll have a blast! Lisa...thinking of you! Betty, did you find out anything about the interview? Actually, Northpark Mall wasn't so crowded...I guess not many people can afford to shop there! LOL! We just picked it for the decorations, and the train exhibit! I personally am more comfortable in Target or Walmart, but it's nice to go the foo-foo mall and be treated well! Respiratorygirl...nice to hear from you, and jealous of your trip to Florida! Patty, hustle bustle, girl! I know just how you feel, though...so many things to do, so I divide them into "MUST" and "WANT TO". Then, I do all the "must" things, and make sure I get one "want to" done each day or so. I say goodbye to things that are not going to get done, and try not to stress on them. Easier said, than done, right? (hug). Back at work, it's "jeans week" for us, so that makes life a little easier! My puppy, Mickey, the mini-schnauzer, Mickey-ized my DD's glasses, so we are going to get new ones this afternoon...and shop for the angels we took off the tree at her school. I always love doing that! Ho, ho, ho! Cindy Oh, Eileen, I just read the report of your meeting with Beanie...do post those pictures!

I love salad, and it has always been fine for me. Cindy

I can hardly wait to hear all about the great meeting of our two great friends! Take pictures! I won't be checking in for a couple of days...this is our "girls weekend" where my sis, dd and I go to the big city (Dallas) and shop (mostly window) at the foo-foo mall (North park). It will be fun to check out Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus and Tiffany's and all that kind of thing. We're leaving at 7:30 in the morning, so we can have ALL DAY! I plan on lots of Starbucks and hope we can all be in a festive mood; it's kinda forced this year, but I think we can do it. Hope everyone had a great weekend! Love you guys, Cindy

thanks Penni, for posting so soon! Best of all, you have a postive attitude, and that will definitely help you heal quickly! Cindy

Take it easy, and post when you're up to it! Glad to hear you are "over the bridge" and into Bandland! Cindy

That's great! And really great about the free clothes! I'm still in a size that I have in my closet...and I've bought a few things in size 20, which is my next size...it won't be long until I get to wear some of them! And, that's the smallest size I've been in the last decade, so when I get out of those, it's off to shopping, again! Of course, I never mind doing that! Congrats! Cindy

Hi, there! I live in Sanger (north of Denton). We've had some cold days, for sure! I love it, though! No school yesterday due to ice on the roads, so decorated my Christmas tree. Well, DD did it, and I re-did it! LOL! Hey, this cold snap might be our only winter of the year! Hugs, Cindy

It's all going to be fine...keep working on your "head band" as you go. The dr. probably said no protein shake because, if you were to only drink those, you would not stay full as long (solid protein is best for this), and you could have 20 a day, easy, which would be too many calories. I started solid food on week 3. Because of all the changes and fills, I never actually figure out what I can eat...it changes! Take it slow. Chew very, very well. Take small bites (be especially care on that first bite! That is the one that usually give me a lump in my throat). Choose wisely. Like, don't try steak first thing out of the chute (oops, Texas slang!). For the rest of the world: Dont try steak as the first solid food you try! LOL! Take it easy. You'll be fine. Cindy

You should get a prescription for liquid Lortab (or something like that). You should take it, because if pain gets away from you, it's hard to get it back under control. You'll know when you don't need it. The gas pain from the surgery was the most uncomfortable and bothersome part...it did take 1 1/2 weeks to 2 weeks to get over that. Other than that, turning over in bed was a little painful, becuse the prot incision is the most tender. Frankly, I barely noticed the other 4, they are so small. Getting the tape off the incisions is another fun thing, but only irritating, because the sticky is so hard to get off. Use alcohol, and be careful around the incisions. All in all, not too bad...just a few little things. Good luck, Cindy

Fantastic! You'll make it! Cindy

Please let Penni know that she is on our minds and in our hearts. Cindy

You are soooo right, Betty! I am laughing out loud because I didn't even think of THAT! Last year, I would have grabbed a bag of Hersey Nuggets, toffee/almond. I would have maybe brought along a bag of Cheetos, and a Dr. Pepper. I think I'm gonna count that as an NSV!!! Thanks for pointing it out, girlfriend! I wish I was in your kitchen helping you bake! It all sounds so good. Where are the new recipes for us? I've spent half my day doing productive stuff, and half goofing off. That sounds fair, huh? LOL! Cindy

Happy Birthday, Dianne! Hope you have a marvelous day! Cindy

Hi, just want to welcome you to the group. My insurance covered my Band...I paid my part, they paid theirs. Fills are how the band is adjusted to each individual; it's not one size fits all. LOL! Keep reading. Use the search button to find topics you are interested in. PM members if you have questions specific to them. You've got lots of info packed into this little site! Cindy

Hi! Glad you are here! You will learn so much from the people here...and get so much support! And, if you are being "silly", someone will kindly set you straight! This is a great group...enjoy! Post anytime! Cindy