BJean

Jack to answer your earlier questions: yes, and I darned sure hope so. As for your last remarks are you suggesting that we set up some kind of licensing and testing for political candidates?

Ghrelin, huh? Amn't familiar with that term. Gonna have to Google it. I'll bet my bod is good at making that stuff.

Nanook: That's funny! I don't have the stomach for actually running for public office. I don't know how my Dad did it. I've served on 4 homeowner's boards of different neighborhood Homeowners' Associations in 4 different states and that was surprisingly political! Sometimes the people who wind up serving on boards like that are way too hungry for power and they like to shove people around in the neighborhood. It can get ridiculous! Fortunately in this town, the neighborhoods employ privately owned companies to manage the affairs of the neighborhoods. I like that except right after we moved into our house here, I got a card repremanding me for putting a quite lovely small bird bath in my front flowerbed. They carded me for not having drawn plans submitted to and approved by the board. For a 3 foot bird bath! Yeah, right. Moved the sucker to the back yard and just lived with it. Most people would defy the association and dare them to come after them. That's just not worth the hassle to me. Besides, rules is rules.

Right on, Pearlygirl. After I enjoyed my first intitial weight loss with the band, over 40 lbs., and then settled into a slower pace, I kept being very disappointed in the 1 to 2 lb weight loss per week and tended to beat myself up for not being able to achieve quicker results. The dietician I met with regularly, who has a very well-rounded educational background, routinely got onto me for being too hard on myself. She said that I should feel great about losing, no matter what the amount, and that not giving myself credit for what I was accomplishing was self-defeating behavior. It has taken me a long time to get it. I had spent years being too hard on myself, not believing compliments, and using self-deprecating humor to handle most things. I think that may be a familiar bit of behavior experienced by lots of us who are battling or have battled the bulge. The dietician also says that many people who are susceptible to addiction are way too hard on themselves. They never are able to quite live up to their own standards. She may have something there. Btw, I agree that you can't lump all obese people into one category of being addicted to food. If you could, treating obesity could be handled the same way for everyone and we might all be taking 12 steps or methadone.

great post, snowbird. I've gone through a similar thought process and I sure enjoyed reading your thoughts on addiction and obesity. I had about a year of acupuncture treatments at one point in my life and a very good friend of mine was a chain smoker. She asked if acupuncture could help her. The doctor I was seeing told me that he could definitely cure the physical addiction to tobacco, but that he would not be able to cure the mental addiction and behavioral patterns that she had spent years doing. My friend did wind up going to him and in fact, she was able to quit (after trying everything else). However years later, when her husband had some severe medical problems and she was very stressed, she reverted to her old behavior and dependence on nicotine. She's hooked again and recently told me she's going to begin withdrawal again through acupuncture treatments. We are very strong creatures sometimes and very fragile at other times. None of this is simple, and if we can learn from each other, and garner some support from time to time, this is a good place to get involved. Sometimes we even learn when we're beaten about the head, neck and shoulders. :-)

Wow. These latest posts are really, really helpful! So much insight and wisdom here. I hope lots of people are tuning in. It has helped me get refocused and think a little more about how great it's been since I lifted the veil of depression that I was in for so long. If our disagreeable exchanges helped to generate these fantastic posts, it may have been a good exercise for us, not a bad one. If a few raw feelings got exposed in the process that may be a good thing too. Maybe we need to name the thread Dr. Jachut's Musings.

One of the biggest disappointments to me in my lifetime (if you don't count the assassinations) was to see that Bill Clinton was unable and unwilling to stand up to it all. He had big dreams and made wonderful promises, but it didn't take long for those to be shut down. He did manage some worthwhile things during his tenure, but nothing like we'd hoped. One person who did try to stand up to try to change the way things are done in Washington was Jimmy Carter. He was booed out of town and ridiculed by congress. And the public went along with the booing. He was nearly impotent as a president. But I don't believe he sold out like the Clintons and I respect him for that. He has worked since he's been out of office to do good things all around the globe. And interestingly, he is criticized constantly for it. Meantime, Bill Clinton has become wealthy. He and elder Bush made a few appearances and said some good stuff, but neither of them has done anything very impressive other than building their empires. And that, I'll admit, has been impressive. You don't hear me criticizing Nixon, Reagan or George W. and that is because they sold out even before they took office. They really never promised any changes to improve the way Washington does business and that's exactly what they delivered. They enjoyed the fruits of the way things are done and they started building their empires way before they left office. I understand why Jack feels so jaded, but I hope I never give up on the idea that things can improve. The Washington "system" has evolved into such a giant self-fulfilling circle of reinforcement, it may never be able to be changed. But it sure won't change if we don't figure it out and demand more of our politicians, just as we must turn away from our dependance on oil instead of allowing those who profit from it run this country into the ground.

Leslie2lose: Wow, that was a powerful story. I could relate to much of it. I'll never forget the day my niece showed me a picture of me sitting on my sofa and I didn't recognize myself. Seriously. I asked her, "who is that?" Talk about denial!! You sound very Enlightened, as does Juli and I am very impressed with you both.

P.S. I hope if you think of it and get a chance, you'll tell him that many of us here at LBT are grateful for the job he did and we are very proud of him.

LilMissB.A., I hope you posted your last sentence tongue firmly implanted in your cheek. I am really pleased to know your bro survived his tours and is living (happily I hope) with his significant other in L.A.

Yes, I know it wouldn't be free, Elenation. But when you look at all the things that we spend money on, this is a tiny little drop in the bucket. That's why you didn't hear McCain saying that he's against it because it would cost too much.

P.S. Saying they want to come up with a better plan is a usual tactic. They mess with it long enough and the media goes onto something else. Then it never actually gets done. Once again, are you going to believe what they're sayin' or are you gonna believe your lyin' eyes?

I hear ya, Elenation. Actually we do have a really big problem with our armed forces being so beaten down and depleted from this war. No one wants to reinstate the draft and I'm sure people would be totally up in arms about it if someone suggested it. Some of the reasons that people are diving out of the military instead of staying in is because of the way that they have been treated and the way that they have been taken advantage of. These people haven't done one tour in Iraq, they've done numerous tours. And they are not all regular Army or Air Force - many of them are "reserves". Why should anyone choose the armed forces as a career when we treat them this way? NOT giving our veterans help to go to college after their tours isn't going to discourage them from staying in. That's a crock! IMHO If we offer them help to get their degrees while they're in, that's an incentive to stay in. If we treat them better while they're in, they're more likely to stay in and make it a career. If we make it look attractive to our young people to make it a worthwhile career, then we won't have such a huge problem on our hands. By NOT offering educational help to people who have finished their commitment to our country, you aren't incentivizing those people to choose the armed forces as a career, you're treating them the way they were promised they would be treated. Giving them help to get their degrees only helps those people who already gave their time and did their duty for this country. Those who never intended to make it a career will probably be getting out, no matter what... unless as I said above, it is made into a job that ensures that they can be respected, make a good living for themselves and their families, and be treated fairly when they are expected to do an unpleasant job in the line of fire. The fact that we needed to employ mercenaries to do some of the jobs in Iraq says a whole lot about retention of our military and how we have treated our young people who agreed to do their duty for their country, and who have been misled and lied to by our government.

There are some really good posts above. One is from snowbird, one from Jack, very cool one from oh juli, one on point from losingme. They are all very constructive and witty and fun to read. That is far different from name calling and flaming someone out of frustration. I know you, laurend and Jachut, among others were very frustrated with Brandy's responses to your suggestions. So you, and others, let her have it. Then you said it was "tough love" - but I think you were just sick and tired of hearing someone whine. You've done the work. You've learned the lesson. You've broken the code. So what the hell's wrong with these whiners, right? I get it. Personally, I think you're lucky Jachut - you got a gut full and all you have to do is excise it with a rowdy PB. (I'm no psychologist but you might have exchanged your overeating behavior for your overspending behavior - all completely about control - something you may think your husband has way too much of.) (And if so, that's certainly one reason to take it out on someone here.) Laurend I totally understand what you're saying and I'm sure you're right as far as it relates to me. And as for snowbird, I'm down with that!!! Semi colons rule!! :thumbup:

Bias, laurenw? Yes, but it's bias born from greed and it is a blatant disregard for Americans and for America and its' future. And this from men who are so quick to label others as unAmerican and unpatriotic. Aw heck, I could be Michael Moore. :thumbup:

You're so right about some people voting for a guy because of the way he cuts his hair. I heard a guy on the radio this morning yelling about the fact that people think that if they vote that's all they have to do - their job is done. He was making the point that we really need to work at keeping our elected officials in line and focused on what we, the people, want. He is totally right. I wonder when was the last time any of us wrote to our congressmen or president to voice our opinions about their actions? We really need to not just elect a person and then go about our business and later complain over a Starbucks that they've done something we don't like. We need to make our voices heard. I've been a legislative aide and I do know that they listen to their constituents. Many of us have been guilty of just complaining about this administration and feeling helpless and victimized. What we should have been doing is spending as much time telling them what we think as we spend here at LBT! I am guilty as charged. And I'm ashamed of myself. It's been so unpopular to talk about politics. We've been made to feel unpatriotic if we criticize our president and governmental policies. That is just wrong! They're representatives of us. We are their bosses. We need to exercise our rights as American citizens. We should stop allowing the media to be our voices. We have the power, we just forgot or didn't realize that we had it. There needs to be a political movement in this country that wakes us all up and gets us seriously involved.

You're undoubtedly more knowledgeable about this than I am but I understood that the deal was that the Dems were wanting to up the benefits (money) for education assistance for honerably discharged military folks. The reason is because the amount that they were being allowed was seriously insufficient for the cost of college today. It was way outdated. McCain and Bush basically decided that they did not want to give our men and women who have served in the military anymore assistance for college than they were already eligible for. Obama backed the bill to up the ante. When you put it into perspective, the number that was being suggested to help our veterans for furthering their education was a pittance compared to the money that we spend in Iraq each week. Now that just doesn't seem right or fair. There have been other issues in a similar vein with regard to taking care of our military where Republicans didn't want to ensure that our military men and women are well taken care of after serving us - and in so many cases, risking life and limb. I do not understand how they have the gall to send our people to Iraq and Afghanistan - and potentially Iran and God knows where else - and then not be supportive of every opportunity to help these people when they return. It is a travesty and we shouldn't put up with it.

Fat people are very efficient at storing calories. The fatter they get, the better they are at it. That means that they definitely are not moving as much as a slim, faster fat-metabolizing physical machines. Most of us fat people become very good at avoiding exerting more energy than is necessary for any given task. All of this is true. Running in marathons will probably result in a person developing a great metabolism and a slimmer body. Some marathon runners become just as fixated on exercise as fat people do on meals. Being slender and in good physical condition is much more attractive than being fat and out of shape. All things we know to be true, right? However there is also another truth that we can mention here: people who are good at heart and who have compassion and understanding are generally more popular and nicer to spend time with even if they are fat than rude, boastful skinny folks who enjoy throwing their success in the faces of those who are having problems. Sometimes our hormones get the better of us - another truth. So what's your excuse for running off a perfectly nice person? Do you feel powerful? Do you feel that you're really smart for being able to one-up someone? What's your motivation, you people who are enjoying yourselves at another person's expense? Why do you dislike Dr. Phil so much? Does he hit a nerve sometimes? Well you've been able to hit a nerve. How does it make you feel to be in the company of Dr. Phil? Maybe Jachut won't be the only one who's apologizing for being grumpy or whatever, but I have been very surprised at what's gone on here and on the recently closed down thread. I think both of these threads have gotten completely out of hand. It's fun to banter back and forth, but once you realize that someone is getting hurt, don't you think it's time to mend some fences?

Fanny As: That's a great tip. I'm gonna look for it at Walgreen's. Your eyes look terrific.

LOL!!!

As for Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and Ann Coulter, do people really listen to them and do what they say? That's a truly scary concept. I'll bet it's no different for Republicans if they think people embrace everything Michael Moore says is a fact.

Me too Denise! And good job again, Kat. You're right on, of course. They call this road to "sobriety" () a journey I think because of all the twists and turns along the way. It is not like gastric bypass or other methods. It is different and although we do have some guidance by the doctor's office, this procedure is relatively new in the U.S. Everyone is still learning and some doctors are a lot less knowledgeable than others. The jury is still out on the big picture of whether it is the solution to everyone's overweight problems. We do need some mentoring and helping each other and that's why this website has been so beneficial for so many of us. Thanks for taking the time to jump into the fray here!

Oops did I go a little rad when speaking of the opposition? Sorry, didn't mean to offend elenation. I do feel very strongly about the subject. I do feel outraged when I put the past 7 years of Bush's reign of terror into perspective and I admit that I am angry. So if I came on too strong, I apologize. I respect you too and one doesn't win over any potential votes by being totally obnoxious. I believe you said it quite well laurenwhite. I used to like McCain too when I thought he was sounding more and more like a moderate who spoke the truth and bucked the machine. When he showed his true colors and sold out, like I believe Hillary Clinton sold out, I was very disappointed and he continues to disappoint me nearly every time he opens his mouth. Darn it! I do look forward to the debates. I know they will each be coached to the gills, but it will be interesting to see them side by each. And elenation is right, there's little doubt that I'm a Demo at heart. As much as I would like to think that I keep an open mind, when I find myself disagreeing wholeheartedly with everything the Republicans say and present to the world, it's pretty darned obvious who I am - and a Republican I'm not.

Well since you must fundamentally agree with McCain, Elenation, I can understand why you think it is perfectly fair for McCain to say that Obama should not speak to matters of national defense or foreign policy. If he can get the general public to buy that B.S., then he may win some votes. But it is absurd and insulting and hateful and disrespectful and not in the country's best interests for him to say something like that. Just as it was inappropriate as heck for Bush to make the statements he made in front of the Israelis. To disrespect someone who may well be our next president, to our allies and enemies alike, is irresponsible and assinine. But as far as I am concerned it is not beneath Bush - it's what I have come to expect from him. And he never seems to disappoint in that regard. Unfortunately it looks like McCain is going to fill Bush's shoes perfectly. Making the claim that not authorizing funding for veterans' furthering their education so that they will not leave the military is really, really self-serving and disgustingly obscene. There should be plenty of incentives to entice young men and women to serve our country. Republicans have always taken the tack of keeping the people down where they want them, time after time. I hope you are one of the extremely wealthy in this country because if you aren't, you should dig a little deeper when you're being so generous to these individuals, and figure out exactly what they are doing to you in their greedy grasp for power and privilege. I figure the way they sleep at night is when their head sinks into the pillow and they shut their eyes, they are like Scrooge McDuck, they count all the money flopping around in their banks, starting with $1 million...$2 million....$3 million.... and I'm only half kidding.

Yay Tommaney!!!! You Get It! Awesome.