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Right. But what I'm hearing is how AIG is "a symptom of a culture of corporate corruption and greed", stuff like that. What I didn't hear was an opinion on the constitutionality of congress totally shredding Article I section 9. The fact that AIG execs get gigantic bonuses from our tax money is morally reprehensible and unethical, to say the least.....but folks, if congress can pass a bill of attainder and laws ex post facto regarding one group of people, then they could do it to us all. It scares me to think that congress is trying to use the law to take away money from private citizens, when it was the congress (specifically Chris Dodd) and treasury department that approved giving them the money in the first place.

Hey, it's my party, I'll whine if I want to. Except.....I don't see it that way. If an atheist (or Wiccan, for that matter) converts a Christian, then I would be highly suspect of that person's Christianity from the start. I could more easily understand somebody that converts to atheism after a long, soul-searching (pun intended) period of thought. In short, I think it's a conclusion you have to come up with yourself. I personally believe in both. I don't get how some people think religion and science are mutually exclusive.

Monkey, when you use the word "austere", you make the rest of us look bad. And now back to the regularly scheduled thread.....

Oh, ok. I (as usual) got confused, I guess. Shows how much attention I pay, eh?

Hey there Dianne, welcome to lapbandtalk. A "stone" is like 14 pounds, right (going from memory, so I could be very, very wrong, lol)? Either way, sounds like you are doing great. Keep up the good work.

Well gosh, Bubba, you sure got me there. Christians are stupid for believing that the Bible has no omissions or transcribed errors, when clearly we should take the word of Dr. Laurance Vance. I've read the bible, and it doesn't say that Jesus was born in December, or even in mid-winter. So.....I guess we agree that's not an omission or a transcription error? I'm well aware that a lot of major Christian holidays are celebrated on pagan holy days. That doesn't bother me in the slightest. What is important is the thought that we Christians have one day a year to reflect on and Celebrate the birth of Jesus. Same goes for his death and resurrection. If the actual dates are celebrated by wiccans or pagans or savy businessmen, that's ok by me too. I kinda accepted awhile back that Christians (well, white Christians, anyway) are one of the last groups that it is still politically acceptable to mock (along with fat people). Whatever. I guess the thing is, the Bible is a focus of the Christian faith. You either believe that it was penned by divine inspiration, or you don't. There's not a lot of wiggle room on either side......neither side is probably going to gain a lot of converts from the other.

Hey Mandie, why are you going to the seminar?

Hey Elizabeth, please keep me informed on your reflux symptoms and if the sleeve resolves them. Being a sleep therapist, it sounds like those symptoms could potentially be part of a sleep disorder (I'm very biased in that area, though, lol). So, I'll be following your case with some clinical interest. Good luck with the sleeve. I hope all the bad stuff is resolved when you swith over.

Keep me updated as to whether the sleeve resolves your reflux symptoms, because it sounds suspiciously like your reflux could be part of a potential sleep disorder. Not that I'm biased, or anything, lol. I was thinking the same thing about Elizabeth. Here's hoping the sleeve will solve all your probs!

Congrats on the banding, and welcome to lapbandtalk!

Even though I obviously am not pro-drinking and driving (who could seriously take THAT position in a debate without laughing?), I'll play devil's advocate. Here in rual Texas, there is zero public transportation. Even in the moderately large city of Texarkana, public transportation is minimal (busses run in the downtown part only during "banker's hours". There are a few cabs, but they're downtown as well). Hence, suspending somebody's liscense for 2 years is tantamount to making them unable to work for 2 years (I, for instance, drive 45 miles one way to get to work). So, if somebody is 1/10th of a percent over the legal limit, putting them out of work on a first offense seems a little harsh. I'd argue for maybe a harsh and extensive probation with a curfew and punishing fines (only for a first offense....and only if no damage or death was involved in the first offense) I knew you were a bleedin' heart lib, tap!! It's them fancy words you like to throw around that was the giveaway!!

But, how would you ever know if things were mistranslated or omitted, unless....Moses, is that you?

But then again, it's a unique "icebreaker", I guess.

How come you say you're 67 in your narrative, but under your statistics you're listed as being 30? Weird.....unless this is just a spam post. I already deleted a very suspicious "reply" on how to lower California property taxes, and I'm keeping an eye on both accounts.

Yep, you sure can. My suggestion is to go into one of the sections that interests you / you have questions about (ie, exercise, food, etc) and snoop around or post a specific question. Good luck!

Hi Sandi, congrats on the approval!! Awesome!

My personal opinion? Yes. I think if you can't stick to a plan for a very short time then it will be more difficult for you to adjust to living with a band. Notice I didn't say you'd fail. It will just be more difficult. Good luck, and try to stick to the plan. It is for your safety, after all.

My doc's plan: Protein shakes for each of the 3 meals (plus SF liquids and water) for 3 days. After the 3rd day, a garden salad can be substituted for one of the shake meals. The garden salad is to be only moderate sized, and be made of stuff that comes from the ground (ie, no cheese, croutons, meats, etc). We do that for 7 - 11 more days (the plan is supposed to last from 10 days to 2 weeks). Good luck!

Ask your doc!! Mine told me to avoid showering or washing the incisional areas for a certain length of time.

Hey Melissa, I'm not trying to be snarky, but the band isn't really made to treat complex eating disorders. I think you'd be way better served seeing a specilist in that area before you contemplate getting a band.

Hey Dublin, if your doctor says you're supposed to be on liquids, then get back on them RIGHT NOW! Eating solids (even soft stuff) causes your stomach to move when it digests them. This movement of your stomach can interfere with the "healing in" of your band. Bottom line, eating solids too soon can cause bad things for your band down the road. Don't do it!!

Hey Noel, I've tried the pouch test. I think it works. Basically, it gives you a sense of how litttle you should be eating. IMO, the big thing is that you're relying on the band to do all the work. You've already said you know this isn't the right way, so I won't harp on it. The best thing to do is start over RIGHT NOW and get back on the train. You can do it!

Hi Jodi, welcome to lapbandtalk. I suggest you browse through the various sections...there's a TON of advice on here (follow at your own risk if it doesn't "sound right" though, lol). Probably the biggest tip I can give you is to follow your doctor's instructions very closely and to maintain good communication with him / her. Communication is key. Good luck to ya!

Hey Tera, welcome to lapbandtalk. There's a lot of info on here for you to read through and a lot of people to meet! Good luck!

Hi there stareeide, welcome to lapbandtalk. Here's a good start regarding ticker info: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f5/need-your-help-ticker-75456/ If you're still having problems, holler! Good luck!