PhotoNut

Here in Boise, the boys have started buying their jeans to fit just above the tops of their legs, so a great deal of their underwear shows. I'm really not sure how they keep them up, or how they can stand it. It looks very uncomfortable. :cake:

I'm joining Jack in this same prayer, for you , for me, and for everyone here on LBT. What a blessing it would be to have that prayer answered in each of us.

I wish I'd seen this earlier so I could have been praying for you guys as well. But I know that God is good and has heard the prayers that were lifted up for you and your husband, so I trust that all went according to His perfect will. I will be praying for comfort and peace for you and your family and will be anxious to hear back from you.

My tips: I try to keep my house stocked with a variety of foods that I allow myself to have. There are no junk foods, or breads, or sugars in my home. That way, I know that when I get the urge to browse my hand is only going to fall on something that won't hurt me. I too refuse to eat breads and sugars. These are my downfalls and I know me - once started it would take months or years to stop again. Within the bounds of those foods that I bring into the house, I have the freedom to eat what I want, when I want it. And I rarely struggle to ignore that certain food that is calling to me from the pantry. I swear some foods are possessed and have telepathy powers! I have been working very hard on brainwashing myself to think differently about the aroma of foods that used to trigger "hunger". Much like when we smell beautiful spring flowers along side of the road.. we enjoy the aroma but we don't stop and get out to graze on the flowers. I think I am succeeding. When we drive by a steakhouse, donut shop, chinese restaurant, or burger joint and those smells come drifting into the car I just take in a big deep breath and focus on how pleasing they smell, tell myself that was the end of the experience and go on. I rarely carry cravings with me after such encounters now. Avoid temptation. Alcoholics don't frequent bars and remain alcohol free. Drug addicts don't go to parties where their favorite drug is being passed around. And I don't go to ice cream parlors, Mc Donald's, or any other of my once-favorite food places. It's been about 6 months since I've been around the foods that I used to live on morning, noon, and night. And now, when I do encounter such foods by accident I find that they don't even look appealing to me. I was at dinner with a group of friends last week and there were dishes of Pasta and some deserts that I used to die for. I looked at them and it was like they didn't even register as real food. My response was more like, "Why would anyone want to eat that?" So I guess no exposure to temptations really does pay off over a period of time. Weigh no more than once a week. Weighing everyday is like clock watching. The days will begin to drag by and the natural fluctuations of body weight will drive you nuts. Pop Secret 100 calorie packs of Kettle Corn. The only snack allowed in the house. Never leave home without some sort of safety food with you. Getting caught out with no "safe" food when hunger strikes can lead to impulsive choices and justifying foods you know aren't going to help you get healthy. And finally, journal your food intake, calories, and Protein. While you may THINK you aren't eating very much, you can easily overlook 300-500 calories a day in those things you just nibbled on or drank while you were working.

Hi Sherri :cake: I was required to see a cardio specialist, who recommended a sleep study. So I spent a night in a clinic with all these wires hooked up to me and they found that I have sleep apnea. So I had to buy a CPAP machine. I also had to have a psychological evaluation, which I failed the first time due to depression. I was allowed to retake the "test" two weeks later and passed just fine. I had been on Effexor for only 4 weeks when I did the first evaluation, and it takes 6 weeks for it to really do its thing. I guess it worked. Let's see... I had a meeting with the nutritionist and was on a special diet for 2 1/2 weeks prior to the surgery. I was allowed Protein drinks, slim fast drinks, and all the fresh veggies and fruits I wanted. This was to be followed 75% of the time, so occassionally I added some tuna to my salads. I was really surprised at how easy it was to stick to the diet. I think I was motivated by the thought of waking from surgery without the band and a frowning Dr telling me that my liver was too large to move because of all the fat in it! I did ok, though. Lost 16 pounds and enough fat to get my band. It seemed that the days crawled by. I was so anxious to be banded and get the show started! It will help the days to pass quicker if you have a lot to do. So you might focus on getting as many things in order as you can prior to surgery. Things like house cleaning, laundry, yard work.. anything that you won't be up to doing for a few days after surgery. Grocery shopping, precooking meals for the family, etc. Speaking of all of that, have you seen the thread with the list of things to ask your Dr prior to banding, and the list of things to buy before surgery? I refer those to so often, I can't remember who I've already told. So, if I'm repeating myself.. sorry. :cake: Here they are: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=15595 http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=14814

I want to be able to get up from the floor gracefully. I want to be able to get up off the couch or my office chair and walk without looking like I'm crippled because of the pain in my feet and hips. I want to be able to backpack into the mountains and camp out in places most people dont want to go. I want to be able to go swimming without feeling embarassed about how I look. I want to skydive. Just once - no need to press your luck. hehe I want family pictures that include me. Ones I don't hide away in a box somewhere. Oh shoot.. I just want to live! Really live! And not be hindered by my size or looks.

Hiya Killer! Welcome to LBT, I'm happy you found us. Keep us posted on your progress while you have a look around. You'll find so much great information in the forums. Here's a couple of threads that will be both helpful and encouraging: Questions to ask before getting banded - http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=15595 Supplies to have on hand before getting banded - http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=14814 Success stories and pics: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=16050 http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=4642

:clap2: :welcomeB: to the Gone for Good Club, Lindsay!:clap2: I'll get you added to the Members Page. I'm just going to grab your stats from your siggy. If they need any additions or changes, just let me know.

Your day has finally arrived! I'm so happy for you. I'll be praying for you and looking forward to welcoming you home to Bandland!

Grats on moving up to the 60 pounds lost section of the Honors Page Kath!

Im on it.. I'll put them side by side.

I love ya Dee! *links arms with Dee* Come on sister, get up off it and get on with it. Time to do this dang thang! *big smiles*

Wow Jack... great analogy! I almost dont feel like a PB virgin anymore!

Hiyas MLJ, welcome to LBT! Congrats on your excellent weight loss and kicking the Diabetes and Reflux out of your life! As for the hump.. If it were me, I'd go back to square one of the journey and start fresh. Take a serious look at what you're eating now by journaling your food intake, paying attention to calories and proteins. If you're not exercising, start. If you already do exercise, try changing your routine. Sometimes our bodies become so accustom to the same old thing, that it needs to be shaken up a bit. Add in some extra cardio, swim, ride a bike. It's summertime and you've got to be feeling more like living now! Also, if you aren't drinking water now's a good time to start. Check out this article, I think you'll find it very helpful. Pay close attention to how they determine how much water you should be drinking. http://www.inch-aweigh.com/water.html Nice to meet ya. I look forward to celebrating your goal weight when you hit it. Won't be long now will it?

Woohoo! Grats Chris!! Way to kick some serious arse!

I've never had my cheek tongued quite like that before, Randy. It was - an experience! *laughs* No wonder Ms. Joy keeps you around. *winks*

Ok, here we go... The updates have been made for this week on the Members and Honors Pages (see pg 1 of this thread) and there is one more week left in the Spring Challenge. Who will win? Have you been keeping your card current? If not, I ask that you update it now so everyone has a chance to see where their competition is! Oh, I wanted to explain to the new members of the club that the club continues each month and that the challenges are just special add in's we do now and then. We have weekly weigh-ins for those who want to do that, and tons of laughs and support on a daily basis. I don't think I'll do a June challenge, but how about July? Or are you all raring to go for June? hehe

I have seen this happen SO many times! I remember people like Sunta and K@t arriving here with so many questions and watching them develop into people that others look to for support and advice. I think it's wonderful. It means that we are all progressing! Audrey, you're so down to earth about all of this which is awesome. Weight loss doesn't consitute celebrity status (well, ok it comes close here on LBT) but it sure does generate a lot of respect in my book. I know how hard it is to follow those rules you spoke of. I also know that they work. Seeing your success helps to reaffirm that, thus inspires me to keep on fighting the good fight.

Hey Syl, welcome to LBT. It's very normal to be scared of surgery - any surgery. There are a lot of people here who have been in your shoes and can share their experiences. You should start a new thread with your questions in the Indroduction Forum so more folks will see them. Best of luck in your journey.

Julie - I'm so glad to hear that they found out what the problem was and that it wasn't your band. Bless your heart. You must have gone through some rough days. Hopefully that's behind you now. Did they suggest you go on liquids for a while because of the esophagus? Just curious. DonnaB - That was excellent advice. Couldn't agree more.

Awww! *blush* Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the support and love! I'm not sure I deserve to be singled out like this.. I've seen so many folks here who just pour out their hearts to others and continue to encourage others even when they are going through such hard times - Skyeblu, Mychevygirl, Penni60, and Trish S are a few that spring to mind. It's such a joy to be among people who are so willing to give their time, sharing experiences and encouragement with one another. LBT is loaded with some of the nicest people I've ever met! *points to her chubby cheek* Right here, Randy my dear. :hug:

Reason number 22 for wearing a thong. You can always claim you wore your pants like that on purpose! *grins* I'm so happy to hear that you're shrinking sweetie! Grats on your funny NSV! Paper clips ... Im still laughing over that one too!

Kimmers! Oh my gosh, that house is gorgeous. You did a fantastic job on it. Our little 1,500 sq ft home just appraised for $174k. I feel jipped!! Too bad I can't take the Texas heat. I'd buy that house in a heartbeat. Love the style and the yard. Has your family started a betting pool on how long you'll be in the next house? *winks*

I'll bet you don't have to hold your breath anymore either, do ya? Oh yes, the buldging eyeballs and that gasp for breath when you stand up again. God I miss those things... NOT! Grats Mini You

What was in the kits, Jess?