mousecrazy

Who are those guys? You must tell, you must! Beautiful family, and you are cute as pie! (Is pie cute? Well, I'm talking about the cute pie, no other pie...) Cindy

Thank you for the birythday wishes! My actual day is on Thanksgiving, but we have to spread it out, you know! And guess what?! When I got to the restaurant, it wasn't my two girlfriends, but about 10 people! Some I work with, some that retired from my school, and an old friend from the "old days." I was truly surprised! They got a journal, and took it around and had people write in it, instead of a card...it is the coolest keepsake. I am supposed to carry it around and have people write in it during this year, and keep it for prosperity. So, that was the fun part of today's rollercoaster; as in life, the hard part comes also. My aunt called to update me on Grandma's condition...it is getting worse. Non-responsive, pneumonia is getting worse, everything that suggests the end is near. We are still waiting to hear what tomorrow brings. My aunt asked me to think real hard about whether I should go up there now or not. Many fo the things that grandma is going through, physical changes, are very similar to my mom before she died. I think grandma would know why I really don't want to experience that again, and I know she knows I love her. My DH was just there with her last weekend. We always say I love you to each other every time we talk on the phone. So, right at this minute, I'm going to stay here and wait. How can something you can foresee, such as the death of your 92 year old grandmother, still be so sad? I appreciate being in your prayers. I will let you all know what is happening. The tale continues... Ya'll have a good night! Cindy

Nsv's are the best! Congrats! Cindy

Another advantage of the fill process is to have a little restriction, learn to work with that, then a little more, learn to work with that, etc. My 2nd fill is doing very well, but if had been like this, right off the bat when my head wasn't banded yet, I would screw it up. Patience, friend. Cindy

Happy Friday before a holiday week! I can hardly stand myself, I am so ready for a break! Our meetings go fine around here...I swear we are like a big, dysfunctional (but loving) family! It's the REASON for meetings that gets on my nerves...It is never that we (teachers) are doing anything right, or even miraculous! There is so much nit-picking and micro-managing, and most of the true managers (state legislature, Congress) have not been in a school for decades or ever studied the business of education. Let's hear it for more governmental interference! NOT. I believe in standards, and high standards at that. I also believe that most teachers work their butts off, and want their kids to excel. It would be hard to explain how gov't. regulations, and special ed rules, and gifted rules, and high-stakes testing gets in the way of the overall objective, but they do. Okay, that will end my mini-lecture on the state of education in America. (Oops, who got that soap box out?) Tonight two of my best friends are taking me to dinner for my birthday (it's always during Thanksgiving, so I get to spread out the celebration!). Tomorrow, two other friends are taking me out to breakfast. On Sunday, my family is getting together to go to lunch (birthday again!). Am I lucky or what?! My grandmother is immobile on her right side, and apparently can't see out of her right eye, either. She is sleeping alot, which I understand is to be expected after a stroke. We are "on hold" as far as our plans to go to Kansas next week, until we see how things are going. We might make a decision on Sunday. Everyone, have a great Friday! Cindy

Since this is a lapband board, of course, most of us have made a decision to have Lapband over DS...and of course, most of us are committed to the decision we have made. If someone else makes a different decision, whatever the reason, they have made that decision based on the best info they have available, taken into consideration along with their own physical health issues. There is no need for a battle, unless is it purely academic/medical, and people enjoy the lively debate. If it is personal, it's best to excuse ourselves. I wish Rachele the best, and a quick and safe recovery. Cindy

I completely respect your decision not to tell, but I am posting this just so you, and anyone who is reading, can know that it is not always a problem. I was honest with everyone, even my male boss, and I do not feel like I am under a microscope. Instead, I found lots of support, love, and understanding. If you don't give people the chance to learn about something, how can you blame them for not understanding? Not raggin' on you, please understand...just raising a question for consideration. Good luck with whatever you decide to do...it isn't anyone's business and it doesn 't have to be. Take care of you, Cindy

Congratulations! But, I don't believe it was your first NSV...there had to be size changes, seat belt changes, etc...so, fess up! I am so excited for you! Cindy

Congratulations! You are looking good, buddy! Cindy

Go get an unfill, quit being stubborn, listen to your doctor, and let well enough alone. Get to a level where you are healthy, and are slowly losing weight. Like I've heard over and over on these boards: 1. Everyone is different 2. Be patient 3. Listen to your doctor 4. Good health is the priority. Follow your bandster rules, and hope you feel better soon! Cindy

You have a great attitude, Patty. God has blessed you with so many things, I am sure financial security will be on its way. Cindy

I guess the best way to stop is not to buy those things. You are right, chips are always easy to eat. They were never my big thing, so I probably don't have the attraction to them that some people do. I love ice cream. I've just had to quit buying it. Do you need a fill? Cindy

What if you take some turkey, chop it up fine, and add to a little stuffing, or mashed potatoes and gravy? A couple of years ago after a different surgery (hysterectomy) I did that so I could eat Thanksgiving dinner. You'd have to be careful, and maybe make sure you serve yourself on a small plate, because a spoonful goes a long way! Welcome to LBT...best people on the planet! Cindy

I am sticking mainly to Zone Perfect bars for breakfast, yesterday I had one for lunch and dinner, too. I indulged in some Hersey nuggets (toffee) at a meeting yesterday, so that wasn't too good. I'm working harder at getting more water. I am planning on something "chicken" for dinner tonight. Cindy

Hey, Pat! I've got some good recipes for you, and they are not hard, either. When I get home tonight, I'll get the recipes out and post them here. One is a rich, chewy chocolate cookie, one is a drop cookie that is butterscotch and chowmein noodles and peanuts...I'll look for my others. I love baking! I have an old-fashioned sugar cookie recipe from my great-grandmother, that makes the softer type cookie, but can still be rolled and cut with cookie cutters. I"ll check ya when I get home. Cindy

Pat, he's adorable! I love the wood Harley; did someone hand-make it? Thanks for posting the picture! I LOVE pictures! Beanie, I say a special prayer for you every night, and sometimes during the day. I want this for you soooo bad. I am proud of you for not giving up! Eileen, what you said about "old eyes" is sooo true. My grandma has not had an easy life...grew up on a farm, was a farmer's wife, and he was an alcoholic. Not a bad man, but a difficult, complicated guy for a farmer...he passed away when I was 27 or so, so over 20 years ago, and she just got on with her life. She quilts, she's in a church quilt guild, she is active in her church and does things like cooks for huge groups when there is a funeral or shower or something. She is still driving, even. She is strong in her faith, and was here with us helping take care of my mom, her daughter. Her only son, my uncle, died about 5 years of ago of cancer, and she was there, taking care of him, and helping him cross over. She is a huge inspiration to me, and when my DH went through rehab for his alcoholism, she was supporting us all the way. She said she was proud of me for having the courage to "force" the issue, and him for loving his family so much he went through the struggle to break free of alcohol. That was over 4 years ago. Sorry, I am telling you all more than you want to know, but you are right, Eileen...there is a great story in every person, and the older you get, the more your eyes have to say. She did have a CVA (stroke) and it has affected her right side. It is too soon to tell if she can regain the movement. My aunt will be in contact with me and we will put our Thanksgiving plans on hold for now, but I may go up there to see her, just in case. When I talked to her about 4 days ago, she was telling me she thought she was doing real good for a 92 year old. She could still quilt, which is what she loves to do. Now...well, I just don't know. Thanks for listening, Cindy

I've had two fills...my dr. just aims and shoots! LOL! They don't deaden the area or anything, and it only feels like a regular injection going in...except you don't feel anything after the needle enters the port, because, of course, the port has no nerve endings. I was nervous, too, but there was no reason to be. I handle these things pretty well in general, some people are more squeamish, so I guess it depends. All fills are done with flouro in this office, and that makes a difference, too. Good luck! Cindy

I am happy that all is well, and only property damage was sustained. I bet her heart is still racing! Blessings, Cindy

Stunning! Lucky you with the looks and the great husband! Cindy

Thanks, Pat for the compliment! Patty...sometimes we teachers can't see the whole picture. And, frankly, some teachers are so overwhelmed they don't have time to figure out the big picture. Does she/he understand your situation? If so, enlist her aid in figuring out a way to get this all done. Do they have special tutoring time in the afternoons? A mentor program? A big sister/big brother program? Sometimes high school kids volunteer to help elementary kids who need some extra attention. I'm just trying to give you some ideas. Something will sound like its doable, and then you can give it a try. Eileen...your hair color sounds fantastic! A change can really lift your mood, or it does mine! I've colored my hair since forever...I just am not ready to have gray hair, and an 8 year old daugher. Everyone would be saying, " Your granddaughter is sooo cute!" Urrrrgggghh. Our garage door opener wasn't working, so we called the co...well, after 6 days and several delays, the guy just showed up at 7PM. Connected a little wire and charged us $75!!!! In my next life, I"m going to have technical skills instead of a Bachelor's Degree! Okay, I wouldn't, but dang! I love the moon and cloud stories. I am looking forward to seeing my mom in my dreams. it has happened before with other relatives....I keep hoping. Found out tonight that my grandma (92) has had a stroke of some kind...she has a Lifeline thing, and when she didn't push the button that says she is okay (when she wakes up) they sent my cousin to her house, and found her. I don't know the details, but she had fallen and hit her head and had a black eye. I hate that part worse than the stroke. I don't know yet how severe the stroke was, but I am worried about her. I'd appreciate any prayers you feel like making, that if it is her time to go, she goes easily. I'd prefer not to lose her now, but one thing I know...it's never our choice. Until tomorrow, Cindy

Hi, cousin! (I just made that part up...but since we're family....LOL) I am so impressed that you evaluated your situation, came to some conclusions, and acted on what you saw to be the issue. We all understand your situation...emotional eating, stress, depression. All the reasons you had LapBand surgery in the first place, still exist: your health, the well-being of your children, and things like that. Put them first, now. It always seems easier to motivate for other people, especially our children. That gets me through some times when I think I would be lost on my own. Welcome back, looking forward to our visits! Cindy

The only idea I have to offer is selling things on Ebay. We started about a year ago, and both teach full-time, so haven't had all kinds of time to really get the thing off the ground...right now it is more of a tax deduction than anything else. However, in a year when I retire, I will put more oomph into it, and should be able to make a little money...I don't know if it would be enough to live on, but it will be a nice supplement to my retirement. I agree with Penni...really think about what you love and are good at...and start there. Let us know, Cindy

I just wanted to say good luck, and come here often for info, support and encouragement. It has helped me, and I know it has helped many others. Glad to see you found LBT! Cindy

Congratulations, Ray! And, yes, my tummy makes all kinds of noises! Cindy

You all are one great group of supporters, and I appreciate the heck out of it! Betty, thank you so much for sharing your story with me. I know everyone has to suffer loss, but it still helps to know from friends that they understand. Thanks to all for the encouragement. Beanie, keep working through it. You will find a way. I was thinking about JQPublic...I don't remember why he did not get the lapband, but I've read his posts and they are hugely inspirational...do you know who I am talking about? I thought maybe reading his stuff would boost your spirits? What if you put the down payment on the surgery, and then succeed with your insurance co.? Would they pay the remaining balance? I know I am saving lots of moneyu Zan, what a disappointment...it is so aggravating to be rescheduled over and over...I just read a post by someone whose dr. sent her FLOWERS to apologize for that! I don't imagine that happened to be your dr., huh? I've got curriculum meetings this afternoon, so no playing around with you guys until later! Have a good day, Cindy