BJean

I don't want to take the time to go through Brandy's posts to pull out all the other things she said just to prove something. She started this post explaining from the beginning, saying that there are many threads out there for people who have problems with the band. She was talking about how the advertisments would have everyone believe that it is a simple gizmo that works for everyone once you get it installed. She was wanting to discuss the fact that it doesn't work that way for her and she wondered if others have found themselves in a similar predicament. From the beginning people have assumed that she's flawed and lazy and sabbotaging the band, and that there's nothing whatsoever wrong with her band. My point is that just because many people have success with the band, doesn't mean that everyone does. And it may not be all that unusual for people to not be able to figure out the combination of proper restriction/hunger abatement/exercise, etc. Brandy seemed to be wanting to open a dialogue about that. I believe she was hoping that there is some key to breaking the code that she's having trouble with. You all answered that there's no secret to it. You just stay really restricted, don't eat much and exercise a lot. Okay. I have no quarrel with that. But you went on to accuse her of things that are very insulting and hurtful. And then you say that you did because you think all she needs is some tough love to jolt her into reality. I believe that there is a place for discussing the reasons for people being disappointed in their band and not achieving the results they hoped for. By understanding that others have had similar experiences and are struggling in a similar way, maybe we can figure out if we have failure due to unreasonable expectations or if there really is something out of adjustment or some kind of trouble with the band that is brewing. Perhaps an enlarged esophogus is the problem. At any rate, I've read lots of threads where people have been attacked when they complain of being disappointed with the band. There are always a bunch of really successful people who give them hell and tell them how they have it right and all you have to do is exercise and eat very small amounts of food. I know because I have been on both sides of the story. I lost a lot of weight very quickly and I sneered at those people who I thought were obviously sabbotaging their bands. Now I'm on the other side of the story, stuck, unable to get the other 20 lbs. off. I AM exercising. I AM taking in hundreds of fewer calories, and yet I am stuck. Trust me, you can't understand it if you haven't gone through it. And it is extremely difficult to put into words. Especially when you are bombarded from all sides when you try.

Thanks Michele I've spent a lot of time in Tulsa and I do know about the religious climate there. lauren: Thanks for clearing that up. I wasn't sure about the actual rules of conduct about the national anthem, although I do know what the military thinks. Of course they salute or take off their hats for lots of things that civilians do not. I am completely disgusted by people making a big deal over this because those are the same people who support McCain, and just as you said, McCain is a man who does not want to give our military a respectable amount of money to attend college after the war. (Obama supports addtional money for verterans to attend college.) We spend more money in a week in Iraq than what some legislators were wanting to add to the entire program for higher education for veterans. Which Bush also rejected as well. He has no problem spending billions every week and making our military go to war, but forget helping them afterwards. They truly have some nerve, don't they? No wonder they can't win by just debating the issues. They know they are in a weak and vulnerable position when it comes to the real issues. So they get down and dirty and attack the man, his experience, his religion, his life as a child and his even his wife. How do they sleep at night?

kimaly: I wasn't targeting your post when I wrote my last one. It was written just as a general message. I do not know if Brandy is a wimp who is an "I can't" person as you characterized her, or if she is having serious issues right now. You've decided that she's just lazy and not willing to work hard enough to get what she wants. I have a right to disagree with your opinion and your post. And you have a right to disagree with me and mine. Let's let the chips fall where they may and not get angry with each other. It's pretty much a philosophical issue, your experience and beliefs influencing your posts and my experiences and beliefs influencing mine. It's no different from a religious or political discussion, really. And neither you or I or any of the others know for sure what is actually going on or what the answer really is for Brandy. If Brandy's situation is more like yours, then you are right and I am wrong. C'est la vie. It is still of interest to me and I still have every right to voice my opinion.

LilMissB.A.- thanks. What I have observed is that some people who profess heartfelt patriotism or Bible thumping religion are the ones you have to watch out for. Some of the patriots are the first to want to take our children to war and the religious ones are the ones who will screw you to the wall in business. When someone in Texas prefaces their bid for a job at my house or business with their claim that they are "a Christian-faithed business" we all step back a couple of steps because it's often the first clue to their unscrupulous character. Never in a million years would I have thought this would be the case in my country. What in the world has happened to us? Why have we chosen to use patriotism and faith as tools to hurt others? It is truly a sad state of affairs.

I consider all of you people who have come down so hard on Brandy as friends as well. That has nothing to do with my reaction to your harshness. And I wasn't patting anyone on the head. I just wasn't beating anyone up for having a difficult time. Maybe you all think that working with the band is a simple thing. Just like you may believe that losing weight is a simple thing. If so, more power to you and hurrah that you have discovered the key to being slim and eternal happiness. Some of us are not that successful and just because you've found the key to greatness and decided that the band is your everlasting friend, doesn't mean that we all have discovered that or that we all even can. Everyone is different. We all have different problems and body chemistry. If you've bought into the notion that losing weight and embracing the band is simple, you need to understand that for many people, that is not the case. Some of us even have complications related to the band. Some have undiagnosed problems with our thyroids, pancreases (pancreasi?) and even metabiological disorders. You can't claim to have a clue why another person is having problems. So to accuse them of simply having crappy habits and crappy, shitty socially unacceptable behavior as the reason for their difficulties, is "a load". I see nothing wrong with encouraging someone and sharing your stories of success. I don't even have a problem with calling someone on the carpet when they're struggling with the idea of exercise and proper diet. However that's not what I observed here. It seemed to me that no one tried to understand why Brandy was having so much trouble - you just figured her for a lazy, socially inept person who has no clue about how to use the band. If being snotty and strutting around with a superior attitude is what you consider socially acceptable behavior then keep it up and win friends and influence people - if you think you can.

Let's see. Does that qualify for being immature enough to go uncalled on? You let me know. You seem to be an expert on immature posts. Go girl! I can't wait to see what you come up with next. This is fun! :grouphug:

Jachut: "Shut your gob and move your ass"? Ok. I will certainly abide by your rules and be as sweet and charming as you obviously are. Please. If I ever get out of line again - especially if I ever spout out any "verbal raspberries" that you find unattractive, please let me know. I live to be dressed down, just as I am sure Brandy does. And as I am sure whoever else you disagree with does. I thank God everyday that there is someone out there that I can depend on to keep me straightened out. I didn't intend to get into a peeing contest but yes, I decided this was a good time for sarcasm. What else is can you do in a case like this? (Besides, I certainly learned from the best!) :lol::biggrin::redface::tongue::lol::lol::lol::tt2::lol::lol::lol::grouphug:

I loved your post Kat817 - as usual. And I thought your post was very insightful taz. We would all do well do read them and learn from them. Yes, I was very put off by kimaly's remarks to Brandy. And yes, I was trying to make her think a little more about what she said. I do realize that it is not my job to do that. And Kat817 and taz certainly did it so much better than I did. But the heat that has been put on Brandy when she has been posting from her heart and has been willing to put her feelings out here is really insensitive as far as I am concerned and uncalled for. I know some of you think that hitting someone in the head (like you "coulda had a V8" or slapping you because you "think you're important" - as we've seen in a couple of current TV commericals) is really cool. I do not think that loving someone that tough is appropriate and I sure don't think it's cool. Now kat and taz... they're way cool. P.S. Some of you seem to think tough love is only good for you to do. It's not so good when I do it, huh? You might think about why successful tough love sessions are done by FAMILIES under the guidance of a professional, or in professional counseling sessions.

kimaly, not to question your honesty and sincerity, but if you are a woman who is really happy with herself and cares about herself (no pity parties for you, huh?) why are you so fat that you need a Lap Band? Just wondering.....

Jack, is it any wonder that Obama's podium decor displays his website? I must say that I don't believe anything I see online though, what with all the photoshopping that people are doing these days. Before I buy into anything I research it - otherwise I try to ignore it. plain don't get me started. McCain's flipflopping started a long time ago. I don't have to back it up. If you aren't aware of it, that's your business. And you don't have to believe a word I say. That's also your business. I just post what I know to be true (like we talked about on another thread) and what I believe. Everyone's viewpoints have everything to do with their own politics (and I use that term in the broadest sense). I'm just happy if something I post makes someone think a little and pay closer attention to the candidates in action.

Omg, don't encourage me... :redface:

MicheleK- now that's funny!!

What's the defense for Bush putting his hand over his belly during the Pledge? That he was sick of having to salute the flag and it made his tummy ache? Seems like that's the logic of this discussion. And Plain, that may be the military code for what to do when the National Anthem is played, but it wasn't taught in public schools that we are supposed to put our hands over their hearts during the National Anthem. If it's being taught in schools nowadays, that's news to me - and I am pleased as punch that they're teaching it. But think about all the Americans we've observed at sporting events and public events where no one is putting their hands over their hearts during the National Anthem. Why do you think that is, if it is clear to all Americans that we are being unpatriotic if we do not put our hands over our hearts during the national anthem? All this B.S. about Obama not wearing a flag pen and not saluting the flag and reciting the Pledge of Allegience, etc., is political propaganda. Go to the Obama website where it clearly explains what his real feelings are and to what country he holds dear to his heart. Or go to Snopes.com and see how they debunk the stuff. Otherwise you're just accepting something someone says or some random photo as proof that he is an unAmerican Muslim sympathizer. Obama is not and never has been a Muslim. He is an American with just as much patriotism as you and I have. My father never served in the military and he was a healthy, eligible for the draft, young man during World War II. Does that make him inelligible to run for public office (which he has done) or ineligible to discuss matters of national security or matters of national defense? No, it absolutely does not. My father didn't serve because he was a railroad engineer. He moved the materials across country that were made into airplanes and weapons. He and his job were as vital to the war as John McCain's was in Vietnam. And he was every bit a wonderful patriotic public servant as John McCain. I resent McCain's public assertion that Obama is not qualified to discuss matters of national security. What kind of person would say something like that? A stupid person? A desparate person? If we believe all this garbage that is being peddled by clever right wingers who will do anything to smear the name and reputation of a fine American citizen, we are ignorant! Stick to the issues and to the truth about who the candidates are. If you do that, you will probably still vote for McCain because you share his politics, but stop trying to act like Obama is a bad person or is unpatriotic or is Muslim and those reasons are why you won't vote for him. It just doesn't stand up to any reasonable level of scrutiny and it is naive at best.

C'mon ya'll. I just read this thread for the first time. Someone just resurected it and it caught my attention. When was the last time you put your hand over your heart when the National Anthem was played? I was taught in Girl Scouts that you put your hand over your heart during the Pledge of Allegience and when the flag is in motion - during a parade or when bringing it into or when it is leaving a room. One was not required to place their hand over their heart during the National Anthem. Of course that was many years ago, but I think lots of people were taught the same way I was. Obama may have been one of them. I have been present at military affairs and observed that the military do place their hand over their heart during the National Anthem when they're inside a room. Outside they hold a salute. I believe that Chris's quote was from a military document because it speaks of "saluting" not placing hands over hearts. Whatever the real expectation is I'm darned glad that I'm not running for president because there would be possibilities of photos all over the place that definitely do not show me with my hand over my heart - football games, basketball games, baseball games and elsewhere. Play ball!! I think this kind of crap has done Obama much more good than bad. Many of us find ourselves doing our homework and defending the chap. And then there's the bonus of finding a photo of George W. with his hand over his bellybutton. Priceless!

"...digesting the media" That's a great way to put what we have to do.

Great little essay, Gloucester. Truth as I see it is very personal. My truth is what is true for me. The country's truth is what is true for me. Whether a man is going to make a good president depends upon whether I believe the things he says are true, for me. Everything in my life relates to me and my viewpoints revolve around what is good for me. I do care about others and I do care about the world and my country, but I cannot help but be influenced by how it all affects me. I am involved in charities and I give back to the community, but if I say that I am just doing it only for others, I'd be lying. For the most part, I do good deeds because of the way it makes me feel about myself. I have donated anonymously and have given gifts anonymously but the reason I do it anonmyously is because it makes me feel unselfish so again, it boils down to me. Am I different that everyone else? I don't think so. I do think I try very hard to be honest with myself - about my motives, about my goals, about my citizenship in the world. As long as I understand this, it helps me to not be as self-centered as I could be. That sounds like a contridiction, but that's the way it works for me. I love doing things for my children. I love the feeling of patriotism and the love of other Americans. Those things make me feel good about them, and me. Truth is whatever we make it. Many politicians do want to work to improve this country and for the betterment of all of our people. Some politicians are greedy, pure and simple, laced with very few altruistic endeavors. It is very hard to distinguish one type of person from the other. All we can do is measure their words and deeds as best we can based on our own experience and knowledge. We can be fooled. We have been fooled. All we can do is hope that our public servants understand their own motives and are at least a little truthful about them.

Hey folks, why do you think that we haven't been looking for better options since Jimmy Carter or anyone else has been in office? Do you think it is because Americans are just in love with gas guzzling cars? Seriously? Really? Jack just because Obama feels one country shouldn't be allowed to aid and abet a proven terrorist doesn't have one thing to do with holding people who are not prisoners of any war without being tried for their crimes. In fact, we aren't even sure if they have committed crimes. He isn't suggesting that we bomb Pakistan because we suspect them of something. I don't understand how you can consider this flip flopping. To learn of McCain's flip flops, all you have to do is listen to the news every day. You can see him doing it in action. He's been flip flopping since he began his journey to the White House and I don't mean a couple of years ago. I used to be a McCain supporter. I listened very closely and read all I could so that I could know the real person behind the facade. I started out thinking he was smart and a moderate. I was wrong. The one thing I know for sure is that he is not straight forward and he is not focused. He only becomes focused when it is in his best interest and his focus changes in whatever direction the popularity winds blow. I am so very over him. I'm already tired of hearing the constant rehtoric from the Dems regarding McCain being more of the same. But the fact is, McCain is no better than Bush and he is embracing the same plans and policies of the Bush administration. If you like what you've gotten for the past 7 years, by all means, vote for McCain.

Elenation: I haven't lived in Cuba, I'll certainly give you that. But I've lived in Canada and their health care system at that time was incredibly better than ours here in the U.S. And one poster, green, who lives there now is unfortunately being treated for cancer. She backs me up on the health care system in Canada being better than ours. I just can't help but wonder how long ago you lived in Cuba and wonder if things have changed any since you've been living in the U.S. I'm not doubting you, just wondering. You do sound quite adamant that you know for sure that the health care system here in the U.S. is affording all of our people better health care than the Cuban system is for all of the people in Cuba. As bad as it is here and as unavailable as it is here for many, many Americans, people must be dying everyday in Cuba for lack of decent health care. If so, I am truly sorry about that. As for Michael Moore, I (and others here) have agreed that he puts his slant on everything he does. But I also know that a whole lot of what he puts out there is absolutely true. You know I can't stand Rush Limbaugh and I have heard him lie through his teeth, but there's usuallly a small element of truth somewhere around something he claims. I never see him show clips to back up his claims, unless they are edited and taken out of context. My point is, there needs to be a counter-balance to both extremes. We must filter out what we know to be illogical and slanted in order to learn from them. We can do that unless we take everything Limbaugh or Moore says as pure gospel and above reproach. Drilling lots more oil wells is not the answer, near or far term, to our energy crisis. We are drilling wells everyday. We don't need to ruin our wilderness and shorelines to know that the quicker we run out of gas, the quicker we will have decent alternatives. Until we stand up to the corporate greed that keeps us where they want us, they will continue to manipulate us and keep us driving exactly what makes them money. We absolutely MUST put a stop to it. And we, the people, are the only hope. We have to get behind a man who sees it for what it is and get him and a new administration taking charge of the fight. Otherwise I promise you, things will continue to worsen and it will continue to be at the average American's expense. I feel I must add that I believe that just because things are better for the people in the U.S. than for people in many other countries, doesn't mean that we can't or shouldn't make it better. And when you're buying into the idea that we're paying less for gas, keep in mind that we subsidize oil companies and that we, the taxpayers, are paying those subsidies. I too, say all of this with a total respect for you Elenation, and anyone else who sees it differently. We all have a perfect right to our viewpoints and we all can learn from listening to people with whom we do not agree. I've certainly learned from reading your posts and I appreciate them very much. Seriously.

You go Nazzy! Right on!

plain I'm obviously not that smart or I would be able to explain it so that you can understand it. Sorry, I don't know how else to say it. As for McCain crossing party lines, I don't want to sound mean, but in most elections the opposition calls it "flip flopping." John Kerry was accused of it ad naseum by Dubya. McCain has done more flip flopping than a freshly caught fish on the deck of a boat. Yep. I made that up all on my own. Sometimes I even surprise myself. :drool::confused_smile:

There are solutions to the gas problem - drilling more wells isn't one that makes any sense. We've kept drilling wells and it hasn't helped. Spoiling our wilderness and our oceans and shores isn't the answer. I will suggest that you watch "Who Killed the Electric Car" if you are serious about wanting alternatives to high gas prices. I believe that these higher gas prices, which no one has really been able to explain, have been thrown at us to get us outraged - and it certainly has. Now they are going to close the deal by getting us to agree to more drilling. How dumb do we have to be? If we don't call those greedy people in Congress and in the oil and automotive industries on this, we'll be looking at our children's children bellyaching about gas prices.

P.S. I have to agree to an extent about Michael Moore's movies. Although I do think that it is good that there is someone who is willing to buck the system and point out some of the horrendous ways that we've been sold down the river. Yes, he goes overboard, but he does make some very honest and serious points in the process.

I didn't hear the Bush speech this morning but I did hear about what he wants to do, with McCain's support, about drilling more oil wells off our coasts, etc. Anybody besides me think we've been set up? All these latest gas price increases have been done so that we will welcome their proposal with open arms... thrilled that new wells will bring the price down. Guess we look like we just fell off the turnip truck, huh? I'm sure Bush has promised one last great accomplishment for the oil companies before he leaves office and McCain wants them to know that he can be depended on and wants his cut. Thank goodness we have someone who is making sense running for office. I really don't think that there is a question about who we must vote for if we care anything about ourselves and the environment. And I'm not exaggerating, I really believe that with all my heart Obama should be elected and that he will help us turn this thing around.

Sorry. That's as short and concise as I can manage to make it.

I don't believe that Obama is suggesting an additional windfall profits tax. He is speaking to where the money should be spent. Other candidates have suggested doing away with the windfall profits tax completely. Which sounds like what you're suggesting, Jack. One thing you can't argue with is that the oil companies are making plenty. Three of them reported first-quarter earnings; combined, the total surpassed $27 billion! They have hardly passed that on to consumers. Our gas prices have gone up every month since then. My thought is that rather than taxing these companies more, it would be better to withdraw the $1.8 billion in subsidies being given to these exorbitantly profitable companies. And that was what I was referring to in my previous post. If we thought it was necessary, some of that money could be used to investigate possible price gouging. Investigators might ask why only from 81 percent to 85 percent of the nation's gasoline refining capacity was in use during April. When California suffered electricity shortages in 2000-01, firms such as Enron illegally manipulated the market by shutting down 12 percent of production capacity. Even that amount created a highly profitable crisis. Seeing oil refineries operating at even greater reductions is eerily familiar. As for drilling our way out of this crisis, as the president suggests, that's a smokescreen. The number of oil wells in this nation has increased by 66 percent over the past eight years. We don't need wells in wildlife refuges; we need better ideas. Obama understands this, which is why he has refused to embrace easy but flawed solutions to score cheap political points. Some of this information was taken from a newspaper report. Some is just thoughts of my own. As for the definition of windfall profits tax, all you have to do it search the 'net. There are tons of sources explaining it from every direction. And btw, the trickle down theory that Republicans embrace has never really worked. It doesn't have to do with government spending, Jack, it's the idea that large corporations make so much money that the poor and middle class benefit over time from the huge corporate profits. If only it worked! That would be fantastic. I would support it wholeheartedly. But it doesn't and we found that out during Reagan's presidency.