PhotoNut

Someone get the smelling salts, Jessie's out again! LOL! And a little bird told me that Tommy is trying to be a good boy. It's not always easy for guys like him ya know. *winks*

Welcome to LBT, Sparkey! You've found a great site for support and information! I had a ventral hernia repaired when I was banded. That's located between the belly button and breast plate. They did the band first, then the hernia. The first few days after surgery, my port area was the most sore of all the incisions. However, it took longer for the hernia repair to reach complete healing around the mesh that was used. Everyone is a bit scared of the unknown. Having been madly in love with food all of my life, I know exactly what you mean about your fears of losing that love. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by how much your desires will change after your surgery. It isn't so much that you won't be able or allowed to have those things you love anymore, but rather you might not even desire them at all. It is a remarkable process that affects both the body and the mind, typically with wonderful resluts. I wish you the best in your journey.

:happybday: :happybday: :happybday: Happy Birthday, Sunta! I hope your day was wonderful! :happybday2::happybday2::happybday2::happybday2:

I question this on a daily basis. There are some days when I can eat more than I "should" and other days when a little bit fills me up and keeps me full for hours. The last time I had a week of feeling hungry all the time I talked to my Dr about getting a fill. But after we looked at my overall daily average for the past two months, it showed that I was only averaging about 950 calories per day. You'll be able to see in my journal that there was a week, maybe a bit longer, that I was eating between 1,000 and 1,350 calories per day. Bet you can guess that was around my TOM. But since things leveled out again, we decided I didn't need a fill. This really taught me something. Looking at our weightloss, restriction, etc on a daily basis can be very misleading. Rushing out to get a fill after a few days of being "loose" can cause leave us overfilled when things naturally return to normal. Weighing everyday can cause serious frustration and feelings of defeat by watching the natural occurance of the ups and downs, but charting the loss over a longer period of time shows an encouraging downward trend. So, in response to your comment... Yes, I guess I do have good restriction. I can eat most foods without problems (have not eaten any bread products) and yet I seem to be able to maintain a reasonable average calorie intake, even though some days do require me to use a little of my own "won't power" as Jack says.

I have to add that I really wouldn't have any problem working with the current moderators, so that is not my reasoning. I think a good team consists of a lot of different personalities - it brings balance. Anyway, this got off topic. I really do feel that calling people Trolls is hurtful and we should stop directing the term at people that we just happen to disagree with. Your right, Vines, I heard about multiple accounts being used to post hateful things. But there were also very hateful and crude things said by people who used their primary account. Does that make them Trolls too? My point was, even though some of us see things very differently and just flat out don't like each other, it doesn't mean we have no heart and that we never feel remorse, nor does it mean we get enjoyment out of hurting others. If I can see that even when some of those attacks were aimed at me, I don't see why others can see it as well. It's time to stop hurting each other with the lables. Much love to all of LBT *hugs*

Actually, the fact is.. I dont think I could be unbiased. I have already developed opinions and feelings, both good and bad, about certain people that would be hard to ignore. I appreciate the kind words of support Dody, but considering what's gone on here recently I think this topic is only going to generate more problems. I really do not want to see another thread dedicated to arguments about me. And I sincerely do not want to see mention of my name with DeLarla's anymore. As far as I'm concerned, its all in the past now and it should stay there. And Vines, you are right. I am very passionate about the people here at LBT becuase I feel we are all brothers and sisters fighting the same battles. I can empathize and sympathize with everyone here, but my form of encouragement is seen by some as being controlling and smothering. If that is how I come across to people, then how would they be able to trust my decisions about board matters? No, I have no desire to try to become a moderator here. LBT is my source of friendship and support, a place where I can vent my frustrations and share my victories with others. I wouldn't want to have to give that up in order to become unattached enough to do that job. So, can we let this conversation fade away now? Please? *smiles*

Well thanks Vines, but I wasn't interested anyway. And the point was to stop calling people names and let this place get back to peaceful times. There are plenty of bitches and assholes around, but we don't have to go pointing them out and calling them such, do we?

You guys are making me giggle! *big smiles* Freakin' A indeed!! *grins*

Aww *big sis hugs* for you.

Rock on strep throat! *laughs* Funny told me that her throat was so swollen and tight that she couldnt swallow her own spit. She decided she never wanted to be overfilled! *laughs* Glad youre feeling better sis, and GRATS on that 340!! w00t!!

Lately, the term "Trolls" has become a term used in reference to members of this message board. The thread has been bumped in the middle of heated arguments as an implication that "Trolls" live among us. I have to say that just the use of this term in reference to anyone here is mean spirited and hurtful. Isn't using this term to describe fellow LBT members also taking on characteristics of being a Troll? Here is the definition from the website that was shared on the first post of this thread. I think if everyone would read it carefully, they would realize that there is not one person here who truly qualifies as a Troll. "An Internet "troll" is a person who delights in sowing discord on the Internet. He (and it is usually he) tries to start arguments and upset people. Trolls see Internet communications services as convenient venues for their bizarre game. For some reason, they don't "get" that they are hurting real people. To them, other Internet users are not quite human but are a kind of digital abstraction. As a result, they feel no sorrow whatsoever for the pain they inflict. Indeed, the greater the suffering they cause, the greater their 'achievement' (as they see it). At the moment, the relative anonymity of the net allows trolls to flourish. Trolls are utterly impervious to criticism (constructive or otherwise). You cannot negotiate with them; you cannot cause them to feel shame or compassion; you cannot reason with them. They cannot be made to feel remorse. For some reason, trolls do not feel they are bound by the rules of courtesy or social responsibility. Perhaps this sounds inconceivable. You may think, "Surely there is something I can write that will change them." But a true troll can not be changed by mere words." It's a harsh term used in reference to people who just move from site to site starting trouble for trouble's sake. I would ask everyone to stop using this term to describe others here. While we do not all agree on issues, and some of us do clash on a deeper level, NONE of us are heartless and beyond reasoning. In my opinion, calling people Trolls is equally as bad as being one. *shrugs*

Elizabeth, do you mind if I just copy and paste what you said? Because that is exactly why I'm losing weight!

I saw her on last night and sent her a pager message but she didnt respond.

Hiya Katt, welcome to LBT. I think you'll find quite a few folks in your age group with similar medical problems that were banded and doing great now. As long as you are medically stable to have surgery, your current or past medical conditions shouldn't keep you from being banded. Let me direct you to a few links that are informative and encouraging. And keep posting! It's how we get to know each other. Surgery Video and Q&A: This is a recorded Web Cast of a Lap Band surgery. The surgeons provide a lot of basic information and answer a LOT of questions from the viewers. The video shows the placement of the lap band via laparoscopic camera and also shows the positioning and attachment of the port. It's not gory at all, but it is surgery so watch with caution: http://www.brighamandwomens.org/surg...st/default.asp Questions to ask your Dr before getting banded: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=15595 MuffinBirdie's (an LBT member) personal website: http://www.myagb.homestead.com/index.html LBT'ers who have lost 100 pounds or more: http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=16050

I'm another shoe hater. I wear Berks in the middle of winter! We do take our shoes off in our home because our carpet is so light. And other people's shoes by their door are indeed a good indication that mine should come off too. However... What if people have some sort of foot fungus, or planters warts.. Ewww! Imagine your barefeet walking over that, or your kids playing on it! Again, Ewww! I know my family is clean so yeah, shoes off please! But anyone else can feel free to leave a bit of dirt rather than possibly leaving behind some nasty fungus for me to lay on later! Ewww!

Thanks y'all! *big smiles* Alexandra, my eyes are still bugging out at the words, "thats a normal person". It boggles my mind to think of myself as being anywhere near "normal" looking. It's been 13 years since I've worn size 16s. It's hard to remember feeling "normal". Bug, I posted my food journal for April and May. Here's the link to it: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=19053

This thread has step by step instructions on how to get a picture into a post: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=17595 Everyone is looking just awesome! Keep up the good work!!

This forum is a good idea, but remember. We aren't here to attack each other personally. There is absolutely no good reason to hurt people with our words. No reason at all. The rules say attack the idea, not the person. Let's stick to that. And as far as I'm concerned the other stuff is over. In my eyes, behind the scenes, the Moderators were doing their best in difficult circumstances. I appreciate others being concerned for me, but everything's fine now, so let's let it go where it should go now. Away from our thoughts so it doesn't drag us down anymore, ok? *hugs to all* Oh, and Dody, I don't think willbethin was directing that at you. It sounded more like a response to Jenna's original post on this thread. Many people don't follow the entire thread, but rather just respond to the author's original statements. *hugs*

Well I'm the oddball. During my TOM I felt like I lost all restriction and wanted to eat the entire kitchen in one sitting. After the TOM had passed, I went back to my usual restriction and could care less about eating.

Before you go to get a lapband, I would suggest you do some further research on what the tool is, how it works, and what all of your options are in choosing who bands you. I don't say this to be condescening or rude, it's just very important that you don't go into this "blind". A fill is what makes the band work. It is the amount of saline that is injected into the port (which is under your skin) and fills the bladder of the band, causing it to tighten around your stomach. Here are some sites you should read, some are threads from here at LBT: Questions to ask BEFORE getting banded: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=15595 A very informative video of band sugery and surgeons answering basic questions about the band and the proceedure: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3190472028990485080&q=lap+band Things to have on hand before surgery: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=14814 Also, keep in mind that if you go to Mexico you will need to have a local Dr set up to help you if you experience any complications with your band. You will also need to find a Dr or clinic that will be willing to give you fills, or remove them, as you need. It is not uncommon to find that most Drs will not touch someone who has been banded by another Dr and especially if you are banded out of the country. Follow up care is essential. Best wishes for a successful band journey.

Some of my earliest childhood memories with my grandparents include Krispy Kreme donuts. I'm from Tennessee and there was a huge KK factory/bakery just down the street from my dad's mom's house. My mom's parents would always have some when we went to the lake on the weekends. My grandmother would cut them in half like a hamburger bun and fry them in a skillet. When they opened one here very near our home, the lines for the drive thru were unbelievable for about 2 weeks. It was insane. I think it was just the novelty of it. Prior to the store arriving, people were selling boxes of them out of there cars on street corners! Who knows where they got them.. the internet? Gaahh... no thanks. I think they are so sweet I can hardly stand to gag one down. We did buy them a couple of times (pre band), but we just aren't big sugar eaters so we drive by it everyday without even noticing it anymore.

food was always the center of any get-together with family or friends for me too. I was really worried about how it would effect the "fun times" but I've found that it's only affect has been good. I get a small plate of food, things I know I can have, and I just talk alot, put my plate down a lot, nibble a bit, and nobody notices what I'm eating. I am very careful to avoid eating things that are known to cause bandsters problems when I'm in public. I never try anything "new" in public. If I haven't successfully eaten it at home, I won't risk the public embarassment. I was on the pre-op diet over Christmas, so I didn't cook the big dinner like I usually do. But this year I will. Everyone in my family has focused on eating healthily so I'll just cook things I can eat too. No problem. I was scared to death to go into a restaurant the first time. But now I do it quite often with friends and for local bandster get togethers. If anything, this has set me free to enjoy my time with family and friends rather than being so focused on the food. And I never walk away feeling miserable and embarassed because I've made a pig of myself again.

Several people have asked for a copy of my food journal, so I thought I'd just put it here. You'll see that I'm a very boring eater. I pick out a good variety of things I like and I just stick to them for the most part. It's easier for me to not have to think about it and make so many choices. My shopping list is almost identical everytime. Sorry for the formatting. It's cut and pasted from MS Excel. I have been very slack about journaling over the last two weeks, so May isn't complete. Blanks will occur when I forgot to log and the X's mean I didnt take my Vitamins or meds. Nope, I'm not perfect! LOL! The fish fillets are Gortons frozen - not breaded - either Garlic Butter or Lemon Fish HC meals = Healthy choice - I only eat the ones with chicken or turkey and mashed potatoes. Not the big meals. The tuna lunch packs are by Starkist. They have 6 Ritz type crackers, a pouch of tuna, low fat mayo and pickle relish packets. I use only real butter. Canned fruit is DelMonte in light syrup. Applesauce is no sugar added, any brand. Cottage cheese is Viva low fat, small curd. Roast beef or SWS (sweet n sour) chicken are cooked in my crock pot. I use Contadina SWS sauce, and all I put on the roast beef is a can of Swanson's low sodium beef broth and seasonings. My vegetables are mostly the frozen variety, except green Beans which are canned. The popcorn is Pop Secret's 100 calorie bags of "Buttered" or Kettle Corn. April 2006 May 2006

Jacqui - *laughs* Don't count on it. While my rear is shrinking there are other areas that aren't co-operating as well. Like my boobs.. and my mouth. *laughs*

I would think that watermelon would be classified as a mushie. It practically turns to Water in your mouth. I've had watermelon accidentally freeze before - its like frozen lettuce, icky. Anyone eat salt on their watermelon? My mouth is watering now. Guess I'll be going to the store soon... AFTER I go walking with Linda V who is being a good friend and dragging my arse outside today! :clap2: