Nanook

I agree too Alex!! Nanook:smile:

OMG I've been there, it was the first time I ever experienced complete sensory overload!! Was driving my daughter to visit UMass and thought we'd make a quick detour on the way home. It was a real treat for anyone into YC, never made it to the factory but found the shop to be enough for me. I didn't know where to start it was so much fun. Another fun place to go is Boyds Bears near Gettysburg! Nanook:smile:

When I think of fluffy, I do tend to think of furry animals but wouldn't begrudge a person the name they feel comfortable with. Some people can never come to terms using the word fat because they're used to so many negs being involved with their life experiences. Being called "you're fat!" can give most of us a pretty bad feeling inside even if we're past the large size and down to average or where ever we choose to be or our band takes us. There will always be mean and nasty people out there in the world and if they want to call us names they will and use whatever they want to make themselves feel better! I think people tend to project their own insecurities onto others and some of the worse culprits are other fat people or previously fat people who had/have a lot of self hatred and it still continues to spew out in their attitudes of other fat people. I like plump and large but fat can be used as a descriptive word like blond or brunette I suppose it's all in how it's delivered and how you feel about yourself. Nanook:smile:

BJean, I don't remember and haven't read all your posts on this matter but have you been involved in politics, maybe you'd be a good candidate!!:tt1: Nanook

QueenV, Congrats on quitting smoking, that's a definite plus on the healthy side:thumbup:

Got to agree with you there Ingyrob!

Startingover, Have a thing for crab cakes too and crab dip and I remember not being able to tolerate them when I was too tight. I know there are many ways to make them etc... so I'm sure you can come up with a healthy version that suits you. I've gotten them at the Outback Steakhouse before and they were really good but otherwise I have to buy them frozen from Phillips. I guess if Proteins are allowed you should be fine. You can always just eat a portion and save the rest for later. Nanook:smile:

It's okay to feel bad about feeling bad. You can have the greatest family in the world and still suffer with depression. It's a chemical imbalance in the brain, it's not your fault it happens. Having a supportive family helps though, that's for sure! Sometimes we need extra support and may need to reach out for help to fix the problem. Jasmine, your mental health is just as important as your physical help it's all tied together actually in a nice package called "Jasmine". I understand money can be an issue and also there are those that even if they had insurance would be too embarrassed or afraid to use it to cover some of the costs as there is still a stigma involved with mental health in our society. I know people that won't go because they're afraid it may affect their job. Those are all real issues people deal with and sadly don't get the help that could improve their lives greatly. I myself was given free meds today from my nurse practitioner as the drug vendors give them to them by the truck load, well not literally. I can afford to pay for a prescription, after insurance of course, although I'm no where near rich but it's a nice to get them free once in a while too! My daughter's friend suffers from depression and anxiety but lives on her own and is not insured. She ends up going to her primary, which is the same primary I have she's honest and upfront with him and he gives her sample packs too! Although I know therapy is expensive, psychiatrists are a commodity these days there are other options for you out there. You could see a social worker from a team that may charge you on a sliding scale. I did so myself when I was in my 20s and having problems with phobias and anxiety/depression. If for some reason they felt you were in need of medication to treat this they would work with a psychiatrist to get you a script. Your own doctor if he saw signs of depression/anxiety would prescribe but they're usually would suggest some type of therapy and it's best to get a script from an actually doctor trained in that field. I did see my nurse practitioner but was a failure when it came to actually locating a good book to read. I'm sorry about that. I think you know it's a bit more complicated and are on the right track about feeling better you just have to research who is out there for you, someone who deals with women and eating disorders and also who can deal with you on a sliding scale. Be honest up front about your needs and issues and it will make it much easier. You're not the only one who doesn't want to spend the money on her mental health but you know it's the best thing you can do for yourself and that will reflect in other aspects of your life. Good luck to you and keep me posted, Nanook:smile:

Jasmine, If it weren't for writing down rambling thoughts 90% of this forum would be gone! I know it's hard to put down posts that are very personal and sometimes difficult to even hear yourself say. But if you want support about this feel free to come hear as I have found this to be a good place for me too! I have been there before, not post-lap band but before that piece of plastic was just a twinkle in Mr. Lap Band's eye! I also had fears of gaining and didn't know what to do and where to go and yes it did come back. You don't have to answer such a personal question but have you discussed this with a therapist who specializes with "eating disorders" they tend to be more on the ball about these things? I'm on my way to my therapist's office now (well the nurse practitioner, need my meds) but I'll see if she has any books on the subject. You'll be fine and love your avatar! Talk to you later Nanook:smile:

Jasmine, restate please, want to be able to read what wasn't able to, thanks Nanook. Refuse to let you self fulfill your prophecy unless it's a positive one:thumbup:

Kudos to you BJean, you are good people!!!!!!! I may not know what having a "fat mentality" has to do with anything but I do know when someone has a "bossy, mean, vindictive" type mentality and it's obvious to me and many others who aren't your sheep!!!!:thumbup:

I am on an SNRI and have been on various anti-depressants for about 18 years or so. It's almost like a vicious circle. You eat you're depressed, you take medication for depression you eat because of the medication. Not all medications will do that but the ones that don't are not as effective in treating my depression/anxiety. Nanook:smile:

Hello:thumbup: