Bye

But Rachel would have been as bad as Star about hogging center stage and looking for freebies. Rachel was a hoot on Real World -- another Diva. Since NBC passed over Ann Curry, why not add her to the View??

But it is that big head that makes her a good subject for magazines, TV and film. When casting children for film or modeling, they always look for big heads. Tom Cruise is a good example. His head is bigger than his body. :biggrin1: AND in more ways than one!!!:biggrin1:

I really doubt that Gale King goes to the View, because she is in charge of Oprah's XM Channel, which starts in September as well as editor of O Magazine. The more likely replacement for Star is Deborah Roberts, who is an ABC journalist and known for her level head and humor. And her name has been tossed around more since the XM deal announcement. As for Elizabeth, I am surprised at the thread comments. Joy and Barbara are equally closed minded on the liberal side. Before Elizabeth was added, there wasn't a Republican or conservative view. She is not as vocal as Joy, partially because of her age at the table; partially because she is reserved and classy; and partially because why get into a fight with these women? It all comes down to choosing battles. I've seen Elizabeth go to bat against the women on an issue she feels strongly about. I have never seen Elizabeth display racist behavior, and if she had I doubt ABC or Barbara Walters would have her at the table. I remember the close friendship of Henry Fonda and James Stewart -- a strong liberal and a strong conservative. Each respected their right to have opposing opinions. They avoided talking politics when together, but they would support each other's right for their opinion to others who would put their friend down. That is the respect we need to see at the table and among all women.

Star Jones was on Larry King for the whole hour tonight. He had talked to Barbara Walters and had statements from ABC. Star said that in her book she says that she had a medical intervention by her doctors, because of several conditions that were getting life-threatening. Though she never used the term "gastric bypass" or another form of WLS, she says that "surgery" is understood. She just wanted her privacy in the matter. AND she thinks it was a mistake not being more open about the weight loss surgery. ABC said they told Bill (show producer) and Barbara Walters in November 2005, that they wanted Star to go ASAP. Barbara got them to hold off, because it was the holiday season, and Star had a book coming out. Finally, in April, Barbara and Bill agreed that it was time. But Star learned the news that she was being dropped from her agent...not Bill or Barbara. The wedding situation was a little unclear. She had sponsors, but she said the View had her doing wedding segments. ABC was upset that she gave exclusive rights to the wedding photos to People and did not allow the View to show wedding photos. Star said that People didn't pay for the pictures.(..that doesn't ring true.) She did not explain why the photos were not shown on the View. She says she loves the ladies and feels that they are still her friends. However, Barbara told Larry that her own relationship with Star is torn beyond repair. (Honey, that bridge is burned). Star says she has a TV project in the works, but didn't describe it. I do believe that ended her 15 minutes this week.

April 2006. Star's contract with the View was not renewed. Was this before Meredith made her announcement or not is unclear. One story says the problem was Star's dropping viewer comments (the donate wedding, not up front about weight loss). Star's side says that Rosie wouldn't come to the show if Star was there. May-June27th...rumors run amuck. June 27th. Star's surprise announcement that she is leaving. Rumor has it that the _hit hit the fan backstage after the show. And her name was really mud with Barbara after People posted the interview on the web saying Star felt fired. Don't you love a good cat fight?!?!!

I absolutely LOVE the Gone for Good Club. PNut, your posts are always filled with humor and encouragement. Everyone's pictures really got me going in June. I want to have a picture like THAT!! I rush to the scale first thing every morning, then to LapBandTalk to find the cyber embrace that gets me through the day. Have a great July!!! See you Wednesdays.

Gosh, a month off!! What will I do??:grouphug: Of course, in July in south Georgia I can sweat it off. I do want to claim the -3 on my scale this morning for June, so I am 391 lb (-59):clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Well, I didn't have much choice about keeping my plans to have lap band surgery this summer a secret. As soon as I told my father, he went to the bank and announced it. Being a normal small town, my WLS news was all over town by sunset. When I got home, there were 34 messages on my phone with congratulations, info from people who had done gastric bypass, and people volunteering to walk with me. Honestly, working at home or traveling for my job, I am quite alone. This outpouring of love and concern was overwhelming -- but deeply appreciated. Much of my success so far is from that community embrace. I believe that if Star Jones Reynolds had been honest about her WLS instead of letting her pride get in the way, it would have been healthier for her. Just think of the community love she missed by holding her nose up so high. Karma bites.

I love a good reason to sleep more, but as a south Georgia resident, I'm not turning off the air conditioning. NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - "Super-sized" fast food meals and TV time shouldn't take all the blame for the U.S. obesity problem, according to a research review published Tuesday. <SCRIPT type=text/javascript>if (window.yzq_a == null) document.write("<scr" + "ipt type=text/javascript src=""http://us.js2.yimg.com/us.js.yimg.com/lib/bc/bc_1.7.3.js></scr" + "ipt>");</SCRIPT><SCRIPT type=text/javascript>if (window.yzq_a){yzq_a('p', 'P=uwQlus6.I3oMK09aRKFaWRAYRNwytkSjvdYAB5Ny&T=17b35a3bh%2fX%3d1151581654%2fE%3d7666449%2fR%3dnews%2fK%3d5%2fV%3d1.1%2fW%3d8%2fY%3dYAHOO%2fF%3d4293078391%2fH%3dY2FjaGVoaW50PSJuZXdzIiBjb250ZW50PSJkaWV0O0hlYWx0aDtJdDtjaGlsZHJlbjt3ZWF0aGVyO2l0OyIgcmVmdXJsPSIiIHRvcGljcz0iIg--%2fS%3d1%2fJ%3d4723BECE');yzq_a('a', '&U=139fb8112%2fN%3dMt0BB86.Isc-%2fC%3d378029.7424007.9670348.1442997%2fD%3dLREC%2fB%3d3800058');}</SCRIPT><NOSCRIPT></NOSCRIPT> In fact, a group of researchers contend, a number of aspects of modern living -- from lack of sleep to exposure to environmental chemicals to living with air conditioning -- may be feeding Americans' weight woes. Writing in the International Journal of Obesity, they argue that obesity research and prevention efforts need to look beyond the "Big Two" -- food industry practices, like beefed-up portion sizes and added sugar; and reduced physical activity from factors such as cuts in school gym classes. That's not to say that diet and exercise aren't important, said report co-author Dr. David B. Allison of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. However, he told Reuters Health, the evidence linking obesity to food industry marketing and lack of gym class is circumstantial. It's equally plausible that a range of other factors are also involved, Allison and his colleagues point out. Lack of sleep is one, they say. Research in animals and humans suggests that chronic sleep deprivation boosts appetite and eating, and studies also show that U.S. adults and children are sleeping less than they used to. In recent decades, adults have gone from sleeping for an average of 9 hours to about 7 hours, the researchers point out. There is also evidence that industrial chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors may increase body fat. These chemicals, which are used in products such as pesticides and plastics, alter hormonal activity when they get into the body. Studies suggest that people have been increasingly exposed to these chemicals through the food chain in recent decades. Another factor potentially weighing Americans down is air conditioning. The body burns calories when forced to regulate its own temperature and, Allison noted, people tend to eat less in hot, humid weather. He and his colleagues cite 10 potential obesity risk factors in all, including: increased rates of older mothers, whose children may be more prone to excess weight gain; a range of medications, such as antidepressants, which can promote weight gain; and a decrease in smoking rates, because people often gain weight when they quit and the absence of nicotine, an appetite suppressant. No one is suggesting that people should stop taking their prescriptions, keep smoking or swelter in the July sun, according to Allison. When it comes to any one person's weight, he said, "what ultimately matters is calorie intake and calorie expenditure." That means diet and exercise is still key. But, Allison argued, researchers and policymakers should be "open-minded" about the potential contributors to the obesity problem and not assume that the answer lies in simple fixes like ridding schools of vending machines or installing sidewalks in the suburbs to encourage walking. SOURCE: International Journal of Obesity, June 27, 2006 online.

I know that Gone for Good Club for June ended yesterday, but I lost 3 lbs as of this morning, so I want to claim it :Banane56: -- and the July GGC isn't up.

http://www.redhatsociety.com will give you the contact info for the closest group to you.

I am so glad that Star Jones Reynolds has been booted by the View. :faint: I liked her so much before she turned 40. I swear during the past four years, we had suffered through her non-stop chatter about her 40th birthday party, the donate a wedding to Al, whether Al is gay, the battles with Joy, her moods while losing weight:hungry: , her book, her lies by obmission and her drama. Enough of the Drama Queen!!! PLEASE replace Star with Deborah Roberts and let Deb have the moderator spot.:clap2:

Boy, does that make me happy. I thought I would have to stop celebrating St. Patrick's Day. And for an Irish lass born in Savannah, GA, that is HARD!!! I haven't had a drink since March 18th!!

Boy, does that make me happy. I thought I would have to stop celebrating St. Patrick's Day. And for an Irish lass born in Savannah, GA, that is HARD!!! Oops...I was responding to the booze or no booze thread. I swear I'm not drinking at this moment.

I can't wait to turn 50 and become a member of the Red Hat Society. I've been a subscriber to their magazine for a year and love the attitude. They have a wonderful monthly feature that lists 50 things to do. Maybe not 50, but what is on your list to do after losing the weight? I've already lined up two friends to enter the Amazing Race with me. I might not make it past the second show, but I want to Celebrate life. Red Hat Banders....let this be our support thread.

A thread for books! I'm in hog heaven!! I read 2-3 books a week at the same time. Right now, I'm reading: 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet. by Suzanne, Jennifer, and Amy Barnett Louisiana Burn. by Carl T. Smith Lies at the Alter. by Dr. Robin Smith

This question caught my eye, because I am battling with the decision now. I started at 450 lbs, but they won't do the lapband till I am 327 (BMI 40 or lower). I've been eating what the banders eat, really to get my body prepared for what was ahead. Actually, I love the Protein drinks, fruits, veggies, and have adjusted to the portions. I've lost 56 lbs since March. So, with still 67 lbs to lose before I can get the band, do I need it? If the lap band is a "tool", and I have succeeded in changing my habits and lifestyle to be healthy -- do I need the band? I wasn't an overeater, but an unhealthy eater. I lived of soft drinks, fast food, and candy. I no longer desire these things. I do LOVE LAPBANDTALK, because even with my diet/exercise, y'all keep me motivated. I guess I will make the decision when I reach 327.

I think your wish will come true, now that Nicole is living in Nashville with Keith Urban. A few mornings at the Loveless Cafe will add the pounds with their heavy Breakfast. Joyce

My last straw? Well, it had to be after the third doctor told me the only way they would remove the tumor behind my knee was if I would be banded and lose 100 lbs. Of course, they didn't know that the bariatric doctor would make me lose 123 pounds before I could be banded. So, I've lost 56 pounds on this journey so far. The fat that was holding the tumor is now gone, so the mass is swinging between my legs. Lovely. I'm tempted to get the hedge clippers and my quilting needle to finish the job, but I guess I will wait so they can reconstruct my leg properly. See, I have been jolly and fat so long, it feels normal. I have never felt fat in groups, and only get that "damn" look when traveling for my job. If the tumor wasn't hampering my walking, I would still be jolly and fat. Now, that I've started losing, those near and dear to me are excited. I didn't realize how many had been planning my funeral to a heart attack. I love discovering a wellspring of energy, furniture that I can now sit in comfortably, and I sleep better. So, it took a tumor to make me see the light.

Heather, you look great!! What a difference a year makes. Joyce

Heather, what a lovely wedding gown. Size 16 does sound -- and feel -- so much better than size 26. Congrats on all your achievements!! Joyce

If I had stayed in the OH chats and on their board, I would be giving up totally. I couldn't have the RNY because the doctors said my heart wouldn't survive that surgery, but they HIGHLY recommended the lap band. Well, that OH group kept saying that I was wasting my time with the lap band; and I might as well diet/exercise the old way, cause if I didn't have the RNY I was going to be FAT forever. The NEXT day I joined LapBandTalk.com and I am grateful that a Google search lead me to y'all. I am positive, I am losing, I am energitic. THANK YOU ALL!! AND TellyMelly, you stay away from those hateful RNYers on OH. Everything you need for success is right HERE. Joyce :clap2:

I love all the pictures and seeing how well everyone is doing. I've been told that I've lost weight in my face, and I fit chairs better. I need to get out the camera...maybe for the July Club.

JoyceGA H 450/ J 409 / C 391 / G 165 Gone for Good Club June Challenge Score Card Points earned for Rule 1 For each day that you drink a minimum of 64oz of water, you earn 1 point. You may earn a bonus of 5 points for a perfect week. 5-31_1_6-01_1_6-02_1_6-03_1_6-04_1_6-05_1_6-06_1_6-07_1_ Bonus_5_Week's Total_13_ 6-08_1_6-09_1_6-10_1_6-11_1_6-12_1_6-13_1_6-14_1_ Bonus_5_Week's Total_13_ 6-15_1_6-16_1_6-17_1_6-18_1_6-19_1_6-20_1_6-21_1_ Bonus_5_Week's Total_13_ 6-22_1_6-23_1_6-24_1_6-25_1_6-26_1_6-27_1_6-28_1_ Bonus_5_Week's Total_13_ Grand Total_52_ Points earned for Rule 2 For each day that you exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes, you earn 2 points. You may earn a bonus of 5 points for a perfect week. 5-31_0_6-01_0_6-02_0_6-03_0_6-04_0_6-05_0_6-06_0_6-07_0_ Bonus_0_Week's Total_0_ 6-08_0_6-09_0_6-10_0_6-11_0_6-12_0_6-13_0_6-14_0_ Bonus_0_Week's Total_0_ 6-15_0_6-16_0_6-17_0_6-18_0_6-19_0_6-20_0_6-21_0_ Bonus_0_Week's Total_0_ 6-22_0_6-23_0_6-24_0_6-25_0_6-26_0_6-27_0_6-28_0_ Bonus_0_Week's Total_0_ Grand Total_0_ Points earned for Rule 3 For each day that you do not eat foods that contain flour or sugar, you earn 3 points. (sugar substitutes are allowed) You may earn a bonus of 5 points for a perfect week. 5-31_3_6-01_3_6-02_3_6-03_3_6-04_3_6-05_3_6-06_3_6-07_3_ Bonus_5_Week's Total_29_ 6-08_3_6-09_3_6-10_3_6-11_3_6-12_3_6-13_3_6-14_3_ Bonus_5_Week's Total_29_ 6-15_3_6-16_3_6-17_3_6-18_3_6-19_3_6-20_3_6-21_3_ Bonus_5_Week's Total_29_ 6-22_3_6-23_3_6-24_3_6-25_3_6-26_3_6-27_3_6-28_3_ Bonus_5_Week's Total_29_ Grand Total_116_ Points earned for Weight loss For each pound that you lose during the challenge, you earn 1 point Beginning weight 5-31: 398 Weigh-in weight 6-7: 396 Weigh-in weight 6-14: 395 Weigh-in weight 6-21: 394 Weigh-in weight 6-28: 391 (ok, the last 3 lbs came in on the 29th) Total lost during challenge: 7 lbs Total points earned for Rule 1: 52 Total points earned for Rule 2: 0 Total points earned for Rule 3: 116 Total points earned for weight loss: 7 Total Challenge points earned: 175

I finally broke the 400s by weighing 399 today. It feels like rocks have been taken off my back. :confused: Next road mark, to get to a BMI of 69 (currently 73).