DouglasP13

Ok, here is my complaint. Being overweight is discriminated against more than anything else. I once dated a blind girl. We went out a few times, and I started to like her. Well, she turned me down because I was overweight. She couldn't even see me, and she was afraid of what others would say. She was thin and very pretty. We seemed to be great for each other, and she had very few flaws until that.

Most every girl I have met, won't even consider a relatioinship with me because I'm fat. It's like if you fall into a certain category, girls won't even think of you as dating material. Let's see what would those categories be: married, gay, priest, and being fat. I'm a perfect gentleman when I'm with a lady. And they feel very comfortable with me, and safe, because they think that I would never make a move on them. It's a good feeling to have, to know that all the girls feel safe with me, but it's the reason they feel safe. Most of them it's because I'm fat and I'm just not the boyfriend type, and they all think that I know that too. It's almost a sin for me to fall for a girl. Anyway, it sucks at times.

That's great to hear....congrats!!!

Kewl, are you scheduled for your surgery yet?

Hey guys! I know how you feel. I'm at 391 right now. I have never been anything but fat. I know I have been. I don't eat a lot, most people I hang out with eat far more than I do. I'm very active, I hike, and walk a mile 3 to 4 times per week. I actually jog some as well, and at times, I run. Yes, I run! I work with teens, and at times we do things like compete with running, and other things. I am a fast runner, but of course, I can't run very far. When I take the kids to 6-flags, they can't keep up with me. Of course, I can't ride most rides due to my weight. So I just tell them that I'm scared of roller coasters, or things like that. I love bumper cars, but I weigh too much, and my cart can never get up enough speed. I have always been happy with myself, and have been able to love me for me.

That being said, I have always tried to lose weight, but have never been successful. Even though I'm fat, I never felt fat when it has come to my activities, but I have felt it in my dating life. I finally decided to do the lap band. Since I have been talking to people on here, it has made me feel so much better about me doing this. I can now freely admit that I can't get my weight under control. And with the help of you all, I feel that I'm making the right choice more than I ever have. I have never doubted my decision, but it did take me a long time to come to this decision, and I believe that I will be happier in the long run.

Well, this has been very enlightening so far. I hadn't heard that interview with JKR. I guess I'm one of those who watch, or read, things like this to get away from reality for awhile, and I just take things for what they are. It's great to hear everyone's point of view. No matter what everyone's own opinion is, the story still brings us all together.

Oh, and it's good to hear from you wheetsin. I'd love to chat with you sometime. PM me if you want.

Thanx Laurigee! What state are you in?

Ok, I am paying for my lapband surgery myself. Someone mentioned to me that it could be tax deductible. Does anyone know anything about this? I would love to hear from you.

Well, bitteroldhag, first I have to say, it's kinda weird calling you that. ) But I want to say that I know what you mean, but I actually liked the first actor for Dumbledore better, which was Richard Harris. I think that Michael Gamdon didn't bring the right qualities to the part. He was too jittery and he seemed to hop around a bit much. Not like an older wizard would do. I really do miss Richard Harris.

Ok, I've finally decided to reply. I just wanted to comment about the avoiding death thing. I don't think that JK Rowling is intentionally trying to help children deal with death. It's just a story. No matter what way it works out, I think it is a wonderful story. I do grief counseling with youth, and let me tell you that they don't have a problem with not experiencing death. Three of my youth have lost their parents. One of those parents worked with me at church, and is a music director for another church, so several teens and youth were very close to him. Then 3 years ago, the director of the school system killed himself. He was a very close friend of mine, and all the kids in school thought the world of him. I do agree that children don't need to be shielded from death, but in my experiences there is no shortage of death for the kids to experience. One girl's mother was killed by her boyfriend, and she had a very hard time of it. After she read the last book, she got into a major depression again and she doesn't even want to see any more movies, or read the last book. Her mother and I had taken her to see the movies as they came out. So what I'm trying to say is that I hate to see something as simple as a good story to be made out to something that is meant to teach kids about death.

I hope you don't mind my rambling this time. *smile*

And as far as my favorite movie, that's a tough one. I loved 'Sorcer's Stone' because of the way everything was introduced. Of course I love The Goblet of Fire.

Hi Hunny! I see you live in Chicago, huh? Sounds like I will have to come up there some day and take you to see it. It is incredible! I know you would love it. Have you seen many musicals? I am a piano player, and I have the music to Wicked, and I love to play it.

So Hunny, what's your story? Tell us about you.

WOW!!! I think you have nailed it Chrispy. I totally agree with you, and I haven't found anyone to agree with me. There had to be some reason why Dumbledore trusted Snape so much. He had all the faith in the world in him. Why? I know they had to be up to something, working together. And I think that will come out in the next book.

Well, I know that Idina Menzel was good, because she was the first, but I have to say my favorite Elphaba would have to be Stephanie Block. Who is now doing the lead in the Pirate Queen in Chicago before it hits Broadway. I had the chance to see the original cast in New York right after it opened, but the people I was with thought it sounded stupid, so we didn't go. GRRRRRRR. I should have gone by myself. Anyway, I love the musical so much more than the book, of course, I only listen to audio books, but it's the same. The book was too dark I think. I love how they work so many remarks in from the Wizard of Oz. It is just totally hillarious. You're laughing one minute, then crying the next. So, any favorite actors or actresses from Wicked?

Well, it's great to hear from you all. I think that the "Order of the Phoenix" is my favorite book at the moment. I do love them all, however, and it's hard to pick. As far as what will happen? Well, some people think that Dumbledore is till alive and will come back, it's just a trick. What do you all think? And wow, I would love to meet the twins, I have heard that they are very nice. I would love to go to a book release party, guess there aren't too many left, huh? I can watch the movies over and over. Anyway, enough babble, talk to ya lata.

Okay everyone, I have seen Wicked, the musical 5 times now, and can't wait to see it again. Lots of people I know are now addicted to it. So, anyone seen it? Any comments? I would love to hear about it.

Okay, I'm just wondering: does anyone out there enjoy Harry Potter movies or books? I would love to hear from anyone. I've read the books, well actually books on tape, but unabbridged, so the same thing, and have seen the movies. Let's chat!!!!

It sounds like we are all moving along quite well. I have my psych test tomorrow, and a class on a liver shrinkage diet. As anyone ever heard of that? Do you all have to do this, or know of anyone? Do tell. Well anyway good luck to you all. Hopefully my surgery will be within about 6 weeks. Not sure yet, we will have to see, but I'm hoping. Can't wait to get to know you all, except for you, JDru, I already know you! How's things going? I have been away for a few days, but I'm back now. Finally caught up on my journal. Hope to talk to you all soon!!! Lata!

Hey Girl! Welcome to LBT! It is a great resource, not just for information, but for friendships, and help during those tough times as well. I'm from Kentucky, I don't know your doctors, and I haven't had my surgery yet, but I'm on my way. I have more than half my tests over with so far. Good luck to you, and message me if ya wanna chat sometime. Talk to you lata.

Hey PJ! Sorry it has taken me so long to reply, long weekend, I'll fill in the blanks in my journal in a few minutes. But I'm back, and excited about another day and another test closer. I have my psych eval tomorrow. I'm gonna cross my fingers on that one, and so am I, oh yeah, me too. Oops, there go those voices again. Oh well, at least I have studied for this test. I even have a cheat sheet. As far as my job, all days aren't like that, just the Sundays, but it's easy work, mostly playing piano at church, and singing. Not too terribly stressful. Well, i'm gonna go do some journalling, lots to write. Talk to you soon.

By the way, my sister has m.s. as well, I know how hard that can get. You are both in my prayers.

Hey PJ! Well, as far as what I do, I am the music director at a church. We had an 8: 30 Mass, 11:30 Mass, and a 5:00 p.m. Mass. We had a meeting in the afternoon for an upcoming retreat, then the youth had the life night that I had to attend. So I get to church by 7:00 in the morning, and I get done by 9:00 at night. Lovely day! Long hours, but not hard work at all. I love what I do. I'm also a private music instructor during the week, so I keep very busy. Anyway, I had a few tests today, and that went well. Lots of fun.

I am going to be a private pay. I guess that means things will move along a little faster than having to wait for insurance. It sucks, but I'll live with it. So have you had any tests yet? Are you just waiting on insurance right now? Or do you have everything to do still? You might have mentioned that before, but I'm too tired tonight to check. I know, I'm lazy. I only worked 14 hours today, so i'm ready for bed. So I'll chat with you later. Good luck to you.

Hello BusyWoman! I was so close to Hopkinsville last night, I went to Evansville to see Rockapella. It was awesome. Of course, you can read all about that in my journal. Anyway, I'm with Anthem BCBS, and they don't cover my surgery. The place I work for made that an exclusion, so I'm going it alone. Kinda sucks, but hey, I've been dealt a rotten hand before. Anyway, what do you come to P-Town for? Anything fun? Do you have any idea how long until your surgery? Do tell. Nice to meet ya, talk to you soon.!

Well, I had my 1st appointment for tests today, just had a couple, but it went well. I have scheduled my appointment with the nutritionist and the psych test. I also have about 8 or so other tests scheduled already for the next couple of weeks. I can't believe it's going so fast. I'm pretty excited today about it.

Welcome Sarah! I just had my initial appointment 2 days ago, so I'm just getting things rolling too. I heard today that my surgery would probably be about an hour long. I hate staying in hospitals too. When I had my sleep study, I couldn't sleep that well at all. So tell us a little about yourself Sarah. Where are you from?

Keep in touch, and good luck with your venture.

Sorry to hear your stumbling blocks Jessica. Hopefully the camera will help out. Check out my journal to hear the rest of what is happening. My first meeting with the dr. was today, and things are on the way, and I'm excited!!!! Keep in touch!

Hey everyone. I had my initial meeting with the Dr. today. So far it went great! I can't believe it. I have 10 of the tests scheduled for the next few weeks, starting tomorrow morning. Even though the insurance won't cover it, I'm excited.

By the way, mysherrijo, please tell me what you think. Is he going too fast? Should I be concerned. Please know that I value your opinion, but I will still go with my heart, so please be open and honest with me. *smile*

My initial appointment with the doctor is today at noon, so I'm hoping things will go well. I'm a little nervous, but that's just cuz I dont' know what is gonna happen. I have always done my best to avoid the subject of my weight, now it is the main point of conversation.