mousecrazy

I'm kinda new, but I know I look forward to reading everything you have to say...witty, caring, spunky...well, you said it yourself: a sensation! I know it's frustrating, but we have given the scales too much power. Way too much. You're in charge here, sister! The scale is a tool, but it does not see. Compact muscle vs. soft fat. Better breathing vs. inhalers. Smaller clothes sizes. It cannot see these things. But YOU KNOW. Trust yourself and what you know. Scales are non-thinking and do one thing: weigh things. They do not have god-like qualities, you know? Hang in there and stick with us. We need you! Blessings, Cindy

Im in the Far, Far north (even of Denton)! I'm in Sanger, but work in Carrollton. Cindy

I am so sorry you are in so much pain and discomfort. I've never gone through anything like what you have, so all I can offer is that I read what you write and say a little prayer for your speedy, and complete recovery. Blessings, Cindy

Hobbit name: Azaelia Hardbottle (should we have a Hardbottle reunion?) Elf name: Larien Elanesse

I just have to heap on some more praise to top off all that you have already! You are doing fantastic! I know you are so happy and proud of your accomplishment! Thanks for sharing your success, because it is an inspiration! Congratulations! Cindy

Sorry about your situation...I have been under some serious long-term stress, but have not found an issue with eating solids. HOWEVER, I have only been banded 3 weeks, and don't try to eat a lot of hard food...chopped meat has been okay...crabcakes, hamburger, etc. I haven't really attempted a whole chicken breast or something like that. I hope things work out for you, Cindy

If you are concerned, call your dr. I would guess it might be gas pains, but wouldn't want you to count on that. Gaviscon, Gas-X, and just time itself helped me with mine. Cindy

Of course, I knew that, Mandy:ermm ...I just space out and forget stuff at times! Please have a Mickey bar for me, okay? You already know how envious I am...I'm still daydreaming about the cruise! Cindy

Hi Mandy! Thanks for keeping the July list, because I love to keep up with my fellow bandsters...hope people will post with news of their progress. When is your first fill? Mine is the week of Aug. 22. cindy

It isn't easy, but you can do it...my surgeon took digital pictures during the surgery, and there was my liver, nice and clean and fat free! He says he can tell from that if a patient has a good chance of being successful...so show your dr. you can do it! Courage! Cindy

How exciting! I remember the feeling well...but it hasn't been that long, lol! You're right behind me, and I hope it goes as well for you as it has for me! Good luck! Cindy

I wouldn't even try to tell you whether or not band surgery is too extreme for a BMI of 31-32...you'll have to ask your dr. and your insurance company...some insurance companies require a medically supervised diet, and you may lose weight that way. Just to put in perspective what you're thinking about, I had a BMI of 45, I'm 5/7 1/2", and would be jumping for joy to weigh 205! I'm looking forward to getting into size 20! I'm just telling you this to give you some idea about what it took to get approved for the surgery. Of course, I had some questions and had to make a decision, so I researched all I could, and read the stories of people here...I have no regrets. Good luck in your decision-making, Cindy

Allow me to add my congratulations on your anniversary! What a year! I often wonder what I will be like, and what my life will be like in one year. There are some things I hope change, and there are many I don't want to change. Still, a new Jag would just about hit the spot! Thank you for your inspiring story! Cindy

I like anything Mary Engelbreit, Willow Tree angels, vintage jewelry, Disney pins...everyone in our family collects stuff...oh, and Christmas things like Santas and ornaments.

I am married with one daughter. I love football (Cowboys), fall, and scrapbooking. I have an Ebay store.

I like Coldwater Creek (check the outlet tab), Lands End, Old Navy (online has a great selection of plus size, if you're still a plus size!), Ebay, and in person, Ross or Marshalls. I love a good deal! Cindy

Congratulations! You really will get to eat again, and even though it might not be in the quantity you are used to, you will still feel like you have pigged out...it's the best! I'm so happy for you, and you can know you will have your surgery! Cindy

My daughter is 7 and this kind of thing does happen, and not just to you! LOL! This is a corny idea, but one thing that does help is if I make a game out of it..."who can get the most videos put up in two minutes?" Then we race to see who can win! Another theory I have is that too much television causes some of the sassy talk...or, could it be me?! I'm kinda sassy, and every now and then I see and hear myself through her little 7 year old self...does that happen to you? But back to tv...when we limit it, we see improvement. Hang in there...school's right around the corner! Cindy

What a great topic! I haven't had much time yet, but I have more energy already and a better attitude. I can't wait to read from all the others...this will be such an inspiring thread! BTW, I've been wanting to tell you, DeLarla, I love the quote at the end of your signature. Cindy

Good luck! Cindy

Good job! Take it easy and you'll be up and around in no time! Cindy

Probably more coomments and advice than you were wanting, but my first thought was that she is just excited and proud of you, and wanted other people to know. Now, that's not right, since she knew what you wanted and expected. My suggestion is tot alk to her, sooner rather than later. Get your calm voice on, and just simply ask her why she did it, and then listen. There's doesn't need to be yelling and accusing. You don't need to ask her IF she did it, you know she did. So, just ask her why, and then listen. I bet you a nickel it wasn't to hurt you. If it was, well, she's not a friend. If she goofed up, then forgiveness is the best policy. There's my 2 cents' worth....Cindy

I told myself "It's worth it, it's worth it." When family is eating, I get on the boards and see what's going on. It really is for just a short time, even though I admit it seems long, so find something to occupy your hands and brain. It is hard, but it is worth it to feel as good as you're going to feel!

I use fitday.com also, but I've started carrying around a little folded up index card in my pocket (I usually wear pants). When I eat something, I write it down, even if it is a bite of something. It is hard to figure out how many calories a bite has, but I try, and then I list it as a Custom Food, and at least try to include those calories. Carrying a card around helps me to not "forget" the little things. Hope this helps, Cindy

Vinesqueen, this is a very interesting topic. And, girl, you were so 80's!! I"m going to look for a picture like that too. I clearly remember in high school that I weighed 135!!!! I was HUGE! If you're around 50 years old or so, you'll understand what I'm going to offer as an explanation of my body dismorphia: TWIGGY. Pencil thin was in, and I was a normal sized girl...but not a stick. You can imagine if I was 5' 7" and 135 and thought I was so fat, how that lead to diet after diet, which worked, but then failed, and plus I gained 10-20 pounds each time. Add that up over the next 30 years, and you end up with me: approaching 300, with no end in sight! So, I know I need to change my body image, since I've had the same one for 30 years. Thanks for the great thought-provoking topic, and continuing to bring it up for thought! Cindy