PhotoNut

*laughs* Oh my gosh.. Linda I'm seeing that vision of the girls knocking together over the bathroom sink! Too funny! *clack* *clack* *clack*

chicken tenderloins and green Beans w/almonds. In a large skillet, sautee some garlic bits (I used the stuff in a jar) in some olive oil. Lay in the chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, black pepper and (this is important) McCormick's Seasoned meat Tenderizer (none other will do! It's my secret ingredient to chicken). Get both sides lightly browned and then cover the skillet and let the chicken "steam" while you cook the green beans. I buy frozen whole green beans that come with a sliced almond and seasoning packet. I throw the frozen beans in a skillet with a bit of garlic and olive oil and cook on a fairly high heat, tossing the beans often so they don't burn. Once they are all hot, and still very crunchy, I add the almond slices and seasoning. Mm Mmm! What a meal! Also, we love boneless pork steaks marinated in Krogers 30 Minute Marinade - Sesame and Ginger, or KC Masterpiece Marinade - Ginger Teriyaki. Either are exceptionally good on pork or chicken and then cooked on the grill. (outdoor grill or George Forman grill)

Me too! Hanging off the front as far as possible! LOL :pound:

Geeze, ya know my biggest fear in all of this was that I would somehow, yet again, inspite of the $26,000 worth of surgery and silicone, FAIL. I think that's a very normal fear. It's a huge step to take and how do we explain it to ourselves and those who have such high hopes for us that we couldnt even do it with surgery? Well, I knew this for certain... if I didn't do -something- I was only going to fail even worse. The beauty of the band is that it is a tool to help you on the days when you just can't help yourself. It won't cure emotional eating problems, nor will it magically make the milk shakes and cake turn into health food. What it will do is help you if you are truly ready to make such a big commitment to yourself and to your health. If you are, then stop worrying and just put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward. You'll do fine. Keep us posted on your progress. Best wishes.

We got a Health O'Meter and it is within 2 pounds of the Dr's scales. In fact, it's 2 pounds heavier and there I'm fully dressed. So I'm guessing its almost dead on. Love that scale.

GFG Members.. please.. ignore this. I don't want our thread locked. Take it to PMs to the Mods or to individuals. We will NOT be drug down in this. I have brought it to the Mods attention as instructed by Alexandra earlier. Thanks. P'Susan

I can and I will, just got sidetracked and wondered if anything specific had come up that they need. I'll get something sent off tomorrow. Promise!

Yes, but he gets psmacks *winks*

Other than the reasons listed above, there's.... the food mmmm... the ocean the beaches palm trees the food mmmm... margaritas :huggie: :ban: cigars ... eww i'll think of more.. really i will...

*laughs and laughs* P'Nut and P'Nis ... too funny!

Hi Shirley and Patti! Welcome to LBT! You both have to be just excited as you can be. I remember that month before banding. OMG! I was a mix of tears and laughter. It's a very emotional time for sure. To help you get prepared, look into the FAQ and References Forum. You'll find it on the main LBT page if you scroll down a bit. In there are threads which have links to some great information such as what to have on hand before surgery, what the abbreviations that are used here on LBT stand for, and questions to ask your Dr before you get banded. Be sure to ask lots of questions and keep us posted on your journeys!

I thought you looked big boned. *peers at Penis* But you're kinda cute too. Um.. you busy later? *nudge nudge wink wink* *runs back in for a quick edit* ROFL.. big boned.. ROFL!!

Spoon? Grab a straw and suck that puppy up! LOL Figures it would be something from a local place. I'll have to give it a try sans the avacado. I know, I know! Sacralidge! I still havent walked on the dreadmill. Some commitment. Didnt make it two days in a row. I suck. But then, that's the concensus of the day. *grins*

Linda! *laughs* Too funny! Well, not about burning your eyes out. Ya dork! *laughs* Diva, thank you for that. *hugs*

Er.. jeeze.. I feel bad. I haven't sent mine yet. All things happen for a reason tho, so um.. have the expressed a desire to have a gift card from anywhere else? Do they just need some cash?

Which, the first or second? I think the second one I like in red. Now red.. red turns heads *grins*

If that one's too fancy, check out this one... Click on the image for larger view and other colors http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=597&CatID=35054&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=0ee3912&ProdSeq=12&Cat=daytime+dresses&Dep=Women%27s&PCat=dresses%2bsuits&PCatID=28247&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=23&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0&RefPageName=CategoryAll.aspx&RefCatID=28247&RefDeptID=597&Page=2&CmCatId=28247|35054

What about this dress, Mary? http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=597&CatID=35051&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=0ee38fa&ProdSeq=1&Cat=little+black+dress&Dep=Women%27s&PCat=Dresses-suits&PCatID=28247&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=33&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0&RefPageName=CategoryAll.aspx&RefCatID=28247&RefDeptID=597&Page=1&CmCatId=28247|35051

*meek voice* bitch

Hang on to your FUPAs! It's time for an overhaul!

Right on, Mary! :clap2: I have had days when I sigh and feel sorry for myself because I can't go drown my sorrows in that big juicy burger and fries that I just know Ronald McDonald is holding out to me with a big smile. But then, I think about what Mary just said and I remember how sick I would feel afterwards. Not just physically sick, but emotionally sick. It was after I finished stuffing myself with the "comfort" food (and trust me, I fully believed it was my comfort) I often spent an hour or two mentally bashing myself for being so gross and fat and weak for doing it yet again. So, yeah, it does get a bit old at times, but the trade off is worth the down days. And ya know what? It's ok to whine. We all have our days of whining and moaning, but thank goodness they are outnumbered by the days of rejoicing the NSV's we experience. Hairagain - Grats on that 32 pound loss!! How are ya feeling today? Any better? Need a hug? :hug: Try focusing on the victories. The bennies of your weight loss. I'm sure there are many. And remember, this too shall pass!

I've seen a lot of posts with similar stories. "I could drink just fine in the Dr's office but on the way home the band got so tight I couldn't swallow my own spit." Logic tells me that it could be swelling. You won't become dehydrated ovenight. See how it is in the morning and if it's not better get yourself in for a slight unfill. Sometimes just .5cc is enough to make a huge difference but still keep the right amount of necessary restriction. Since you have been having problems with this most of the day, I wouldn't try to drink anymore for the rest of the night. There's no sense in trying to push the issue and make yourself sick. Good luck, Magic. Let us know how you're doing.

*laughs* You fell up the stairs? Forget the scissors! It's a good thing you didn't have the Starbucks in your hand! What a waste that would have been! My daughter called me on her way to school this morning. She had just dropped her hubby off at work and her boy off at pre-school. She sounded stressed and tired and then.. she said, "Oh god, there's a Starbuck's sign. The day just got better!" *laughs* Today has also been very emotionally draining for me. I've had a bowl of chili at Red Robin with LindaV, and for dinner I had some watermelon and some coleslaw. Crappy day for protein. I haven't walked on the treadmill, but I think it would do me good to force myself. I've only had two bottles of water and the idea of drinking 4 more tonight is daunting. But I'm going to try. Days like these... it's really hard to give a crap. Hey Penni.. That salad you eat sounds incredible. Do you make it yourself or is it a premade thing?

Wow, great timing for this thread. Back in December I had to take the psych test. It was a battery of questions that were all answered on a computer. The questions ranged from what I felt was relevant to the absurd. After completing the test, the counselor put my answers into a program and that program decided whether or not I was a good candidate for banding. The tests showed depression. I wanted to say "Well duh. I could have told you that and saved myself $400!" Three weeks prior to the psych test, I had, under my primary care doctor's guidance, begun taking Effexor to help with the depression. Since it takes a good six weeks for these kinds of meds to have their full affect, the counselor agreed to allow me to retake the test in another three weeks - which I did and passed. The band is designed to be a tool. It is not a cure all for the emotional problems which often lead to overeating. Making sure the recepient of the band is going to be capable of using that tool to its maximum potential is much the same as fixing a carpenter's broken hand before putting a hammer in it and expecting him to build a house. Answer the questions honestly and without worry. Your goal here is to overcome the issues which got you here in the first place. Treating your whole self will help you be more successful in your journey to good health. Best wishes.

I like the milestones thingy Telly. You should add dates to them if you can. Of course, pictures always add to the story and I love the ones you chose for your milestone thing!