mousecrazy

I've only had 2 fills, and I think the total is .7cc in a 4cc band. I am happy with the conservative philosophy, because it has allowed me time to adjust my "head band." LOL! For me, that is the key to the whole thing...being banded, and knowing in your head that you are banded, can be entirely different. If my dr. had just pumped in the saline to have lots of restriction, and my head wasn't ready...I think it would be disaster. I like the slow adjustment better. Whether insurance pays, or you pay, it doesn't matter to the office. I guess there may be some dr.'s who might do it, but I bet it is a very small number. Mine wouldn't. Good luck! Cindy

Thanks! This is a fantastic safety feature...and will save lives, no doubt! I'm doing just right, I think, on my weight loss...about 40 pounds in about 4 months...I get impatient sometimes, but I am learning to relax and concentrate on each day's habits. How are you? Cindy

Happy birthday to ALL of you! That's a big group!

I have coffee with Splenda and (right now) Coffee Mate Peppermint Mocha, just a splash. I've had no trouble with coffee at all, and since it is practically the only vice I have left, I'm trying to hold onto it! Cindy

Good for you! Cindy

Fantastic! I so admire those who can use their gifts to praise the One who bestowed them! I try to do that as a teacher, but it's a lot less people at one time. And they don't all believe. And, it's public school, so it's touchy. You are living my secret fantasy life...singing! But believe me, it's best if I only sing in the car! Thanks for posting this! Cindy

Eileen, good morning! Thanks for starting the Dec. Chat! I think I look forward to visiting here about as much as anything! Patty, happy "birth" day to you! You hae gone all the way to make a great day for Lew!~ Perfect!~ Love your picture, too! Gold Legos! How cool! Betty, well, what can I say? You know I can relate to the waiting you are doing to hear news of your aunt. I hope everything turns out okay. You and family are in my prayers. What is "Tied Potato Stick Candy"? Are you going to publish all these recipes? When I get things cranked up to bake, I'll let you know what's cookin'! My principal brought in a HUGE floral arrangement today...it's from the staff here at my school. So pretty, hydrangeas, snap dragons and cala lilies. I wasn't expecting it, but it sure cheered me up! The kids are sooo impressed! I told them to try to find a place to work where the people care about you...it's always been a blessing to me. So, it's off to work I go...well, I'm already here, but I'm goofing off! Hugs, Cindy

Beanie!!!! Your new avatar is GREAT! That was your Christmas gift from Vines, right? I am mailing my Secret Santa gift tomorrow, so can't wait until my person gets it! Ira, talk about irony...really! Keep after them! Betty, (((hugs))). Thank you so much. I have 2 weeks and 2 days until I get a couple of weeks off. Hopefully, I can make it until then. My teacher friends have all volunteered to do part of my work, take some of my students, and even my kids have hugged me, told me how sorry they are, and have been extra cooperative! I don't expect that to last forever. I'll try to vent less, but I do appreciate the willingness you have to listen and absorb it. Lisa, I told my 8 year old daughter the truth about it all, also. She is able to take that stuff in pretty well. I understand why you did it, and she gave you such a gift with her honesty. Remember how much you are going to want that in the teen years! Beanie, before I close, I want to say thanks for the solid advice. I have not allowed myself to turn to food for comfort (for DD). I have spent more close time with her, more snuggling, those kinds of things. She is more interested in comforting me! She is a sweet little spirit, feels things so deeply. Thankfully, we have a very close family, and everyone rallies for the other. To all, a restful goodnight, Cindy

Hey, girl! It's always nice to have another Texan around the boards! Remember you do not have any restriction right now, and ALL you should worry about it taking it easy on the food so your band can heal correctly. That's ALL. You will lose weight anyway, you're just gonna have to gut it out through some of the hunger pains. Keep up drinking liquids constantly...don't wait until you are hungry. Keep drinking. Post any questions here, and people will be running to answer them! I'm up around Dallas (north of there). Cindy

I just want to say thanks for being a great guy and posting on this board for Francesca. You are highly esteemed around here for doing that! Please send gentle hugs and best wishes to her, and a prayer for her continued healing. Thanks, Cindy

Lisa, you were a great furbaby momma, and you know so well how "worth it" it is to love our pets. I am sad you had to endure this loss, and I am very proud of you for doing everything right. You have courage and strength, so rare. Now Kitty Milo feels great, and is playing all his games with the people angels who had to leave here without their pets. I've got some angels up there myself. (((((hug))))) Cindy

I am soo glad to see/read your post and understand what caused the problem...and I want to say thank you for sharing all the information and giving all the support you have since I have been part of this great group. YOu are an inspiration and someone I look up to a great deal. Take care of yourself, heal quickly, and continue your journey, and PLEASE give us advice when we need it! Cindy

Hi, guys! I'm back at work, maybe a day too soon...my emotions are a little shakey. As the day goes on, I feel better, though. Patty, "Cindy-loo" is so familiar...lots of people call me that, and my sister calls me Cimbo. My nickname in high school was "Fireball" for my debate style! I can still have a firey (sp?) temper on occasion...it's just that I don't lose it often. I think whatever decision you make in regard to the birthday party is fine, and good luck! Ira (or whoever knows), about the life insurance....are you getting new coverage, or trying to increase coverage you already have? I have life insurance, but was turned down when I tried to increase it, due to weight. I was going to get under their magic number, and ask to increase it, so I am interested in your saga. Since I am retiring in a year, I need to do that before then. Eileen, bummer on the washing machine! When you get yours fixed or replaced, have your handy DH (mine is good like that, too!) build you in some counters to fold on, etc...I think I would enjoy folding clothes if the room looked as good as your daughter's! Mmmmmm, that's a thought..... BEANIE!!!!! Do we smell bad? Or, are you recovering from your vacation? Hey, at least you know you are missed! I am picking DD up from school...my dad usually does it, but he's still in Kansas...then she has chimes and choir. HOWEVER, I am about to decide not to take her, and get her home early so she can rest. She was bawling and crying when I left this morning, so I know she is not "over it." That makes sense to me...I think she needs some home time, down time. The chimes teacher will just have to deal with it. She's a tough cookie, though, so I may get in trouble. More later, Cindy

I'd have to get out a thesaurus to add to the words already posted! After my weekend, your news is the best news!!!! I was so happy just to read the title! What a gift! Now, you are on your way, once again, and I know you'll do great! Thanks for your kind comments regarding the support and family on the boards...you are absolutely right, as usual! Great people here! Hugs, Cindy

Hi everyone, I just got back from Kansas and grandma's funeral. i got everything unpacked andput away, and am ready to go to bed and get some rest before work tomorrow. Everything went well. The weather was horrible...cold and super windy. I even saw a couple of snowflakes floating around in the air! It was good to be with all the cousins. Seemed like we were there a long time for such a short trip. My poor Michigan cousins had to drive about 18 hours, one way! My Colorado cousin's DH almost didn't make it, because the eastward highways through Kansas were closed due to high winds. But, we all made it, and got through a tough time. Patty, gosh. Part of me says to tell him no way, and part of me thinks it might go easier on the kids if you just suck it up and include them. I don't have any experience with your situation. So, don't put too much credence in my thoughts, okay? Eileen, enjoy this last week of "vacation"...I hope you got the chance to rest and enjoy yourself enough to last ya for a while! Lisa, wow! Already all decorated?! I bet it's pretty...post pictures if you can! Betty....be sure to give us the run-down on what you are baking....I'm just nosey like that! Everyone else: thanks again for the thoughts and prayers. I haven't read everything in this thread, so excuse me if I missed commenting on something...just wanted to write a little something before bedtime! Hugs, Cindy

Thanks Kelly Girl! BTW, I got your Watkins catalog! Awesome stuff, and I"m working on my gift list! Cindy

My doctor explained the process of stitching the stomach up and over the band, or something like that. He told me that it reduces the likelihood of slipping or eroding. I sure hope that's right! Cindy

Way to go! Congratulations! Cindy

Thank you, all of you. You understand so well. Today i'm just getting all the stuff packed for everyone, and making sure all the clothes are ready for the rest of the week. DD wears a uniform at her school, so that is pretty simple. I've gotta go to the pharmacy and get a prescription filled...don't they always run out right when you're going out of town? This is something for migraines...which I rarely get anymore, but wouldn't want to take the chance of having one (stress) in Kansas, and not having anything to take for it! My little DD finally broke down last night and cried for almost 2 hours. :think I'm not exaggerating. Losing her g. grandma only months after her precious Nana is really a lot to handle for an 8 year old. I just hug her and listen, and try to reassure her that this is part of life. I tell her about heaven, but she would rather they all stay here! Big concepts for a young girl. Any advice is welcome. Well, pals, you all are top-notch, and I am so glad we have our little chats every day! I have attached a picture of Grandma, on her 92nd birthday this summer! Doesn't she look great? I will send some pictures of our Christmas decorations, but we're geting a late start.

Welcome, Sherry! You have found the best place for hanging out, sharing concerns and gathering information...somebody will have great info for you, whatever the question! Be sure to read all the stickies on the different boards, especially the one on abbreviations that are commonly used. The search feature will help you find threads on topics of interest to you. Post anytime, and ask any question! This is a great place! Cindy

Good evening to all, I got the news this morning that my sweet grandma passed away at 4 AM. I'll never be able to prove it, but I think she somehow waited until my birthday was over. We have made all our plans, and my father and I will go up Sunday morning; my husband and daughter on Monday. Visitation is Mon. night, and the service is Tuesday morning. Then, we will come back home Tuesday night. Grandma grew up in Kiowa, and everyone in the town will be there, or nearly so. It is hard, coming just months after losing Mom, but I know how lucky I am to have had her in my life as long as I did. Thanks to all for your prayers. Pat, those pictures are worth a thousand words! Like Eileen said, wish we lived closer and could all bake together! That would be so much fun! Betty, you are STILL cooking?! I am with you on the shopping...that can wait until later. It sometimes sounds like it might be fun, and who knows? Maybe I will do it someday. Thenk I hear about these people fighting over some electronic thing, and I think, "You know, I think I will just pay the $10 bucks extra...." LOL! We had dinner tonight at Master Grill, which is a Brazilian meat place...I asked (for the first time) if I could pay the childs price, and they agreed, right off the bat. No problemo. So, I enjoyed what I ate, knowing I wasn't paying $30 for it, only $10. It was great! Well, I'll be checking in tomorrow sometime, then I will be out of touch until Wednesday. Good night, Cindy

WAY TO GO!!!!!!! YOU ROCK! I am sooooo looking forward to the -50 mark, and it's fun celebrating with you, too! Cindy

I had a little turkey, a little mashed potatoes and gravy, a little dressing, a little sweet potato, a little salad, and 1/4 of a roll. Then, a sliver of pumpkin pie. No PB's. I eat slow and chew well. I enjoyed it immensely, and my niece (also banded) ate about the same thing...we commented on how it looked like we ate so much, but imagine what we would eat before?!!!! Tonight, I went to a restaurant that specializes in unlimited Brazilian-style meat. I talked to the manager, who agreed to charge me child's plate price, and I had some salad, a slice of salmon, and a lamb chop. No PB. I could probably use a tiny additional fill, but I am losing okay and really don't want to blend my food....I"m taking it slow. Hope everyone had a great day with family and friends. Cindy

Thank you all! I had a great day, a little sliver of pumpkin pie, and I counted it as birthday cake! I appreciate all of your good wishes! Cindy

Another thread to check out is something like "I love my band and it has changed my life because.........." There were lots of good responses there. I am very happy with my decision. I am 4 months out, and have lost approx. 40 pounds...sometimes 41, sometimes 37. So, I say 40 because it's a nice round number. I would have eaten myself into a stupor today, and did I miss it? A little. But overall, I was proud of my "brake" for working so hard for me, even when I don't want to. Something to think about: would you be happy if you did not get the band, and kept up the disappointing cycle of depression, diet, success, failure, repeat? Good luck with your decision, Cindy