mousecrazy

I second the hot chocolate idea. I have SF hot chocolate, and I add a Davinci SF syrup, like almond or peppermint paddy...it is delicious. When I give in, I confess I have ice cream...but a lot less than before. I have tried brushing my teeth, getting away from the kitchen, and sewing...if my hands are busy and I'm not thinking about food, I do lots better. That's one way I used to quit smoking 5 years ago. Good luck!

I can see from all the different answers, that it is a very individual thing. I sure know that big pain in the chest feeling, and I have gotten (is that a word?) it from all kinds of things...the common denominator is eating too big of bites, and too fast. If it's not liquid, and I eat too fast, and too big of bites, it happens. I can eat bread, small bites, chewed up well...but here's the thing: before band life, I could eat half a loaf of french bread, no problem. Now, a bite or two, and that's fine. I don't feel deprived about it.

Fantastic! Congratulations! You are living up to your screen name! Cindy

Maybe this will help you slow down...the doctor REALLY CAN TELL if you have been following the recommended diet...wanna know how I know? They took pictures! Yep! Right there in living color, you could see my liver, nice and pink...not white and splotchy like it would have been. I did have all the same feelings you have...and I gave in a time or two...but for the most part, I just made up my mind I could do this thing...really, you will be able to eat most of the food you like, just lots less of them. Good luck, Cindy

You express my thoughts perfectly...this is a fine group of people, and it is so much fun to get to know people all over the place, with all kinds of opinions...like you, I check out the site for a little while at work, then before bed. I read almost every post, even though I don't respond to all of them...mostly because someone else already said what I would have said... Thanks for bringing it up! Cindy

This has been mentioned somewhere on LBT, but I bought some Davinci sugar-free flavored syrups, and have just added them to instant breakfast, plus a 1/2 scoop of UNJURY unflavored protein. I WANT to make the blender shakes, but I end up eating a protein bar (Zone Perfect) instead, just because it's faster. Cindy

Thanks, Vines, for bumping this thread, and I hope you do it regularly! I hae forgotten to write about NSVs and I need to. Once again, I really appreciate your posts! Cindy

Hi! Isn't fitday.com great? By using it and being honest, I have kept myself on track (for the most part...I still battle the ice cream dragon!). I think it is a good thing to lose slowly, because skin has a chance to change with you...you made your own decision, in your best interest, and that's all that matters. Just say, I appreciate your concern. Then you are polite, but aren't really saying anything or having to defend your decision! You're doing great, Cindy

A perfect story to help us understand stress management...or at least the absolute need to manage it! I would imagine that story could change a few lives! Cindy

Hi, I lost my Mom this past July, after 5 months of hospitalization. The pain is very real, and I can't imagine when I will not think of her every day. So, only two months, and while there are times I feel "normal" there are times that I can't stop myelf from sobbing. For sure, everyone is different. Secondly, a friend said this and it helped, "Your life will be different now, but it doesn't have to be bad." When I have a hard time with something emotionally, I try to remember that my mom would not want me to stop living and enjoying life over being said about losing her. I am very sorry for your loss, and pray that God will lift you up and carry you through these first most difficult days, and He will continue to guide and comfort you while you learn to live with your loss. (((((Hug))))) Cindy

Sheilaj! Hi! I live in Sanger and Dr. Marsden did my surgery on 7/22/05, so about 7 weeks ago. He is fantastic! I don't have a nutritionist, but haven't really needed one...but I bet if you call and ask, he can set you up! PM me and I'll give you my home email address, or my work one, whichever you might like. I'd be glad to chat with you about things! Cindy

I hope you are holding up okay. I know how hard it is to bear the pain of loss, and like someone else said, watch others we love suffer. I lost my mom to a long illness in July. Many prayers and hugs coming your way, Cindy

Welcome to LBT! You'll find lots of friends and neighbors (look on the Missouri thread), good advice and lots of fun! You've done fantastic on your weight loss! The first fill is fine...I was surprised at how simple it was! enjoy! Cindy

I second Penni's opinion/suggestion. Also, what does your doctor tell you? He or she might like to get a nutritionist to analyze your eating patterns. It is possible, I hear, to eat around the band...maybe you are filled too tight to eat the right foods, and now have an excuse to go with the chocolate and other things that are "easy." See someone about your problems with food, and then start over to use the band...that's one thing: you still have the tool. Cindy

Yippee!!!! I am really happy for you, and thanks for sharing! Cindy

I still consider myself a newbie, but it has been about 6 weeks since my surgery, and I have had 1 fill. One thing I think is very important is to understand that each and every one of us is different, although there are some common situations. All of us must decide what level of fills we need or want, what weight loss goals we have, and what foods we can or cannot eat. I definitely use LBT as a starting place for figuring out if my situation is experienced by someone else, and then evaluate my own experience. Another really critical issue is that LBT should not be a substitue for medical expertise...I have seen posts describing situations that seemed like a dr. phone call would have been a better choice. I am very happy with my lapband...it keeps me honest.

I'm so excited you're posting these pictures as you go! I bet ya'll are having a blast!

I'm so sorry. I think the loss is as great as a child that has been born. Your dreams and hopes for your child are real, and you will have to grieve the loss of those hopes and dreams. Yet, there are limitless hopes and dreams to be had, and there will be more. (((((Squeeze)))))). There, there, I'm so sorry.

What an adorable princess! LOVE the hair! She looks very confidant for a 4 year old going off to school. Congratulations! Cindy

Welcome fellow Texan! I don't have answers for your insurance questions, but the people in your surgeon's office should be able to help you. Keep reading, someone is bound to have an answer soon! Cindy

If anyone is still wondering who was responsible for what, and want to read the actual City of New Orleans Emergency Preparedness Plan, go to this website: http://www.cityofno.com/portal.aspx?portal=46 This is the plan that should have been followed, and had it been, hundreds of thousands of people would be in much better shape than they are now. This information is completley accessible, though strangely ignored by the media (at least most of the media). The questions can start with this document. Responsibility is clearly outlined. The governor has admitted she told the president to give her 24 hours to determine what she needed from FEMA/fed govt. That is, after Louisiana and Mississippi were declared disaster areas TWO DAYS before the hurricane struck, by the president. Still on my mission for better understanding for all...thanks for reading. Cindy

Delarla, my sister and daughter are Libras, and the weighing both sides of every issue is a trait I am familiar with...I am heartend to find an open mind. Babs, you did an excellent job of expressing your views, and I agree with you. A couple of points: the Coast Guard did achieve dangerous rescues the very first day, as soon as the weather was safe to operate. Second, WE elect our leaders, be they mayors, governors, senators, etc., and I dare say almost half the population doesn't vote at all, and if they do, many of them do not know who they are voting for, and if they can be counted on in an emergency. Think of the manner in which Guiliani led NYC through 9/11. Very effective leadership, even if some of his personal issues are a bit iffy for some. Please, please, please, set aside personal animosity for the man who is our president, even if some of you can not give the title to which he is due, because Babs is right: he does not have all the pull people want to scapegoat him with. He is the head of a large cumbersome bureaucracy. Something else I beg of you: read and research stories of compassion, generosity, heroism and stepping up to the plate. America, the people, are doing those things by the thousands every day. I think this highlights the saying "United we stand, divided we fall." Why would be ever be embarrassed of that? Read, read, and read some more. Try watching some news with less slant, or at least a different slant. Try Fox Cable news for a change of pace. Read some blogs on the internet...there are lots of questions. I like to search around for the answers, and decide what makes sense. It just does not make sense that people just didn't care about the victims because of race...what about all the white people in Mississippe who are still waiting for significant help? Thanks for indulging me in my writing. I like this discussion. I know there are strong opinions here, and I do defend everyone's right to their own. Cindy

Yes...callouses not so bad right now, but I've been getting pedicures lately as my own reward system! Have varicose veins/spider veins on legs...Cindy

Hi, Soonergirl! I went through my closets this weekend, and sent bags and bags of plus size clothing to my daughter's school, and from there they are going to some shelters in the Denton area, or maybe even up to Reunion...we had to bag and label them according to size, just as you suggest. I just want to support your thread, and encourage everyone to find the need in their area...evacuees are being sent all over the U.S., even Massachusetts, Minnesota, Utah, etc. Hang on to your clothes, find your local shelter, and then you won't have to mail them.

Zippity-doo-dah!!!!!!! I'm thrilled to hear of your fantastic success! I enjoy reading your posts; they are inspiring! Blessings, Cindy