ladykcusa

Great - what perfect timing. Hawaii after the wedding AND with a friend while DH works. Perfect. Enjoy. Took my daughters to dinner last night to celebrate my b'day ( yes again). Lovely steak restaurant - I had salmon again. What I brought home will make 3 more meals. So interesting to Learn how to eat out. So interesting to learn that others don't notice (or care) when I stop eating. It would feel more comfortable if I could sip coffee while others eat. Will be a learning curve to overcome this new situation in this journey. I know the answer is to focus on the conversation and the opportunity to share time with the friends/family. Will take time. Apples - I can hardly wait to wear all the clothes in my closets that I haven't worn for 10 years. Enjoy your new clothes and new body. How long have you been at goal? Joyce

For the Kids - congrats on 90 lbs. lost. I'm only 5 weeks post-op and can't help, but many others here will respond. Hang on. Joyce in KC

JDT3 - Relax and welcome the band into your body. Everyone has these fears the night before and we are all happy we went thru the fear into the light. JC in KC

I'm 5 weeks post-op and can drink shakes and Water as if there was no band. So don't worry about that. Don't look back - look forward. We can NOT allow ourselves to become too hungry. A yogurt, Protein shake, even Jello or popsickle might "calm the dragon" hunger. You need to call your surgeon and confess and put your mind at ease. You'll feel better, after you talk to him/her.

Great - Soon the wedding will be behind and you can pick the perfect lounge chair by the pool with a great book - then share dinner with DH. So interesting that the "support" groups are NOT providing support. Women can be so jealous of each other, which only proves how insecure they are. Our support group usually has 60+ people. I've only gone twice and both were "complaint fests". Mostly those having issues with NOT following the standards and using the band - expecting the band to do it ALL. I continue to go b/c I pick up a few hints here and there. This afternoon was spent in the home office pulling together all the info needed for our accountant to prepare our personal taxes. So glad I've completed it and can turn it over to him/her. Beautiful high 60's today - but expecting snow again on Saturday. Please, please - may spring come soon. My first fill will be 4/7 and I'm ready. Hunger waits outside the door - all the time. Joyce in KC

Go to CP User at the top of the home page and (on the left side) edit signature. Hope that helps you.

I agree - another informative video. Thanks for sharing it. Joyce

Very interesting that lapband is being used for "select" teens. Well done video. I was lucky to visit Sydney and Melbourne about 4 years ago. Had a wonderful time. How are you doing with your band? Joyce in KC

LauraK - I love massage too. Have one scheduled for next week and will go back twice a month for 90 minutes. Love them. Phyl - your wine, cheese and breeze blowing in the windows sounds sooooo relaxing. Enjoy. Loved the story about the ride with the doctor to the hospital - for your friends daughter. Prayer really works. What a miracle and blessing.

Happy St. Patrick's Day ladies. What a busy group you are. Went to lunch with DD and Grandson (17 yrs. old). He was first one to notice that I've lost some weight. Yippee Apples - forgot to thank you for suggestions re: constipation. I'm drinking V-8 with Benefiber each afternoon @ 4 pm. Also pushing in more water. Hope it will help. DH will be out of town for two days taking pix for Kansas Special Olympics. I have dinner plans both nights and a movie with dinner too. Should be fun.

Congratulations ladies - you look marvelous. You will make it to goal. Yippee. JC in KC

Thank you ladies for all the greetings. Joyce

mhp - Hope your doctor is able to resolve the pain issue for you. Let us know.

Great - That e-mail from future MIL of DD is so troubling. Your very gracious invitations to entertain them in the past (which were declined) is also strange. The idea that she needs to be center of attention sounds very possible. Prayers for your daughter to have this gal for a MIL. Had my first dinner out at a nice restaurant with friends who do NOT know about my band. They didn't notice a thing. One hurdle down - should be easier every time I do it. It was my birthday dinner (67 yuk) - or the 17th anniversary of my 50th b'day. lolol I feel empowered that I can pull this off and not share the private decision I've made. Joyce

Kendra, I'm still on mushies, so beginning of 4th week post op. That means 6 weeks (including the pre-op) that I have been limited in my choices. I've lost 18 lbs and am thrilled. When I do eat, I'm full on about 1/3rd of former portions, or less. I'm still in the learning phase, so Peaches response has more information for both of us. Joyce

Jessica - congrats on new apartment. Pool, workout area, independence -- all will support your journey to health. Apples - My husband and I own two companies and the TV commercials were for one of the companies. I even had a makeup artist on the set. Learned lots of tricks using products. So very long ago..... Lets make it a great week, ladies.

Peaches - I meant keep on going until we reach our goal. Not keep on going to the meetings. lolo Sorry I didn't make that clear. I agree, the meetings can be negative - however if I pick up one thing that will help me, I benefit. This is a challenging life-style adjustment and it will require great effort.

7 lbs. until I can join you. I can hardly wait. Congratulations to you.

Bigbirney - Keep your eye on the prize. So many have been successful with the band, and you CAN do it too. However, it is OK to whine sometimes.

Kendra and Peaches - It was nice meeting both of you on Saturday. Let's pledge to keep going until we hit our goals. Joyce in KC

Apples - When I was young, I loved having my picture taken. Made TV commercials for 7 years and had my picture on billboards on the freeway. BUT - that was 30 years ago and 65 lbs ago. lolol I also tear up photos of me now (or delete). That will change. If I sat on DH's lap, I'd crush him. Just asked him what he weighs - 170. I need to lose 37 lbs just to match him. NOW - lets talk fiber. Three weeks tomorrow from surgery date and I'm beginning to really have difficulties. Still on mushies on no raw vegetables. Started adding benefiber to fruit. Happy B'day to Mr. Eva. Love all the pictures. We are so diverse and love the idea of fish ponds. KC has been cold and gloomy. So ready for spring. Joyce in KC

Cheri - Love the blue font. Like Phyl, I struggled to read the green. Oh well, Phyl & I are the same age - until next Tuesday - then I'm 67. Does that make me the winner on the thread for the oldest??? Joyce in KC

Majj - they are adorable. Enjoy them and now you will be very healthy to run after them too. Joyce in KC

Happy Saturday, ladies. Loved pix of Janet and Apples. Also love to hear Apples is returning to happy self. Went to support meeting this morning (monthly). Several complainers who want the band to do all the work, but overall I ignore them and enjoy all the positive info from the successful banders. Gloomy day in K.C. and 38 degrees last night. Went to the mall for a short walk and realize how I need to build strength. Spring - where are you hiding????? Joyce in KC

Mrs. t - Glad you are joining us. Lots of great info here as you begin this journey. We are all doing it together.