Laurinda

How dare Oprah challenge anyone to do it "the hard way" It's not like the rest of America has the money to hire the staff she did. As for the article ( I have not read ) the topic in general. People with weight problems are looked down upon and when the same people try to do something about it they are still looked down upon if they try to seek outside help. ( WLS ) the public has a mind set that if you are fat it's your fault and if you have surgery you cheat and you should have lost that weight on your own, after all you put it on on your own. Just the attitude I have seen for years. Your damned if you do and damned if you don't in the eyes of some. I am so glad I am damned that I DID get the lap band and that I cheated with my weight loss! Best damn thing I ever did!

You said you already have a gift for her. Tell her dinner is not good for you but maybe you can meet for coffee cause you have something for her and you want to give it to her then!

Awesome!!! Hang in there because it is so worth it! As I posted some where else on here I started my journey Nov-06 and was band Jan-08. It was VERY long for me to but I am so glad I ever gave up! Good -luck to you!

Your so very blessed not to have the extra skin your sister is speaking of! Good for you! Yes slower weight lose is suppose to help with this I am 78 pounds down and still have a good way to go ....and I have loose skin. I do think it depends on many things including starting weight- age etc etc etc. For me I had lost and gained so many times my poor skin pretty much hates me lol. I do plan on having some nips and tucks. It's awesome that you are doing so well!! Keep it up!

I went to my seminar Nov. of 06. I had my surgery Jan. of 08. I did everything I was supposed to do and had hoped to have my surgery 7/07 BUT even after doing everything that was required in the time frame it was required I still ended up waiting for insurance to get it together. At one point I became very depressed and was almost at the point of thinking this would never happen when FINALLY I got "approval" I am not telling you this to discourage you but encourage you BECAUSE even though I waited way longer then I should have I am so very glad I did not walk away and say forget it! The Band is the best thing I have ever done for myself! *I hear many insurance companies require the 6 month diet. Time flies so very fast! Good-luck to you!

It's very exciting yes ! Good-luck

Hey there! Yes this is a very good site to learn so much! Good-luck with your journey!

This is a wonderful place to be! You will learn so much and get great support! Read on!

Hey there and welcome! I do not live in the area but if I can help in any way please feel free to give me a holler! Good-luck to you!

This is a BAD situation and I am so sorry your in it! Is there any way your mother can move in with you or another family member? I know when my father was in Hospice he was here in my home until the last few weeks and we could not care for him, he went to the hospice hospital. It's so very sad that times of crisis seem to bring out the negative side in family members. Personal opinion 1) your mother does not need to have her home left alone at any time 2) as much as I know ya'll don't want to, someone if not all of you need to confront the one sister that is causing problems. I hope ya'll can work it out because you guys need to be strong for each other. Good-luck to you and I am so sorry for your mom's health and the grief you are going through from all directions.

Hey go without a crust! It would work great as a pudding...thingie of sorts lol

Hello and welcome! They should have told you about no drinking with your meals! I have found more info on this board then from my doc ! Good-luck on your journey!

Hi! I so know what you mean about dieting your way to the weight that you are now! The Lapband has helped me so much! Read on..lots of good info! Good-luck to you!

Hello and welcome! You will find so much info here! Good-luck on your journey!

Howdy there! Good-luck with your surgery ! Just keep reading this board, most info I had ever gotten! Good-luck to you!

Tofu chocolate Pie 1 package silken Tofu (drained) 2 packages sugar free Chocolate pudding 1 store bought gram cracker crust ( I am all about easy) Blend tofu and pudding mix in blender, food processor or use hand mixer. When blended well, scrape into pie crust a refrigerate. True story that is the whole recipe.....but after playing with it let me share what I have done to "tweak" it a little: It is true that Tofu has no "flavor" of it's own BUT it does seem to have an after taste. I add a little vanilla to the mixture AND ( don't hit me) I fold in half a container of fat free, light or sugar free cool whip, almost like making a mousse. This helps to add a little sweetness and changes the texture a bit. I have tried several Chocolate Tofu Pie recipes and this one seems to be the simplest and taste the best. Remember this is heavy and you will only be able to eat very little

PennyLane WOW I am very impressed and would like to chat more with you about your Projects! ( I am short on time tonight) I WILL check out Google Or Blackle lol about the 100 mile diet! It sounds very cool and something I would be interested in. I too have gone to shopping at farmers markets as much as possible, and well I have not taken up canning I so want to. I do freeze a lot. MrsFlipFlops you have done it too!?! Very cool. I am looking into making soy candles but have yet to find the time. You said you have made your own candles. Any tips or web sites I should check out? Have you been making them long? I am so into all this stuff and want to post the cleaning supplies I make but again it's a time thang. I find sometimes I have to defend my way of thinking and the things I choose to do. You would think in a world that has gone "green" I would not even stand out! lol but what are you going to do? I have posted a few Tofu recipes on the food link, another thing that I enjoy working with.

This is a blended drink they make up there? Not a pre bottled drink? The skinny lattes are full or protein too and are very yum!

Hmm I have not, but how very interesting. I wonder a lot of things about it ...some how I think some one is making a buck.....not saying it don't work but wondering if it is needed. I would like to learn more also from any one who may have checked it out. :thumbup:

Welcome and good luck with your journey!

Blackle - Energy Saving Search I know longer use Google I use blackle :thumbup: Very cool, check it out

Vegetarian Artichoke and Spinach Quiche 1 onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp olive oil 2 containers firm tofu, pressed 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp salt ½ tbsp soy sauce 1 10 ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and patted dry 1 6 ounce can artichoke hearts, drained ¼ cup grated cheeses ( optional) 1 pre- made pie crust Preparation Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Sautee the onion and garlic in the olive oil Blend the tofu, soy sauce, salt, pepper and basil until smooth. Add the cheese, spinach and artichokes to the tofu mix and stir to combine. Pour the mix into the pre-made pie crust. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until set. Sprinkle with additional cheese if desired and enjoy! *** I added more cheese then what is called for. I blended it in the quiche and sprinkled some on top.

Awwww PennyLane we have all been "Scared to death" at this point your at now. Hang in there I PROMISE it gets better and is so worth it! I too am very into the environment and things that are "green" I have washed my car in the rain for about as long as I can remember because it saves on Water and is a great rinse job!! lol I work hard at recycling and do it with great passion, it has become a way of life, a hobby, a way to focus my time and energy away from food. Now that my kids are almost grown I am feeling the pre-empty nest syndrome and keeping busy in a positive way has helped me so much! My daughter is a vegetarian and I have always cooked geared towards her needs but have found since getting my band I have really gotten into and enjoy organic and meatless cooking. I have always had to struggle to find ways to get my daughter to eat enough Protein in her diet, now it's a breeze lol. At first friends and family considered me "odd" in some of the things I have cooked up but I have to tell ya (laughing) I get more request for my tofu chocolate pie then I EVER had for any other pie I have made! PLEASE share any ideas you have of things you do! It's always great to learn something new. I will be posting some of my "weird" food recipes in the food section soon.

Welcome!!! Keep on reading! This is a GREAT place to be! Good-luck on your journey!

Vinegar in the wash I have used vinegar in the wash for many years. It is great to help remove strong nasty odors like mildew, pet odors and hubby's gross me out work clothes. After adding my soap and clothes I let the washer fill up and put a good cup ( I don't measure) in the wash cycle. Vinegar in the rinse cycle is suppose to be a good replacement for fabric softener , I read a tip to fill your Downy ball with vinegar just as you would your regular fabric softener. That being said I have to tell you I have not had very good luck with the vinegar smell rinsing out at this stage of the wash load ( Per my 15 year old)