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Laura thanks for the AI tip...It was great that I knew early and told my friend too. Your rock! Terri~ Man o Man...I hear you. I told you about the eating, and the totally bitchy attitude (tattling on someone...who am i). Then tonight, whamo...out of nowhere, started crying...and then the topper...a pimple OUT OF THE BLUE. I thought, what date is it? AAAAHHH yes, I know now. Thanks for comiserating (not spelled right) with me. It does help to know I am not alone in this. There is something to the weightloss, and hormones. I am what they call peri menopausal already. Anyway, I guess we will get through this together.

:help: Ok Violets: I need help. I have 0 restriction and am eating too much. I feel fat fat fat. I actually had m&ms today (did you know they make 'em in dark choc.). Feeling like the old me has reared her FAT UGLY HEAD. I need a fill, because as of now...it is as if I never had the surgery, except for 5 scars on my tummy, one of which is just now healing from infection. Remind me that this is temporary. I am too freakin busy to find time to exercise. So basically I am just waiting until May 30. Gonna see the doctor tomorrow regarding infection, and gonna ask if I can get a fill sooner. Ok, just needed to vent. Did I mention I am in a BAD freakin mood? I actually "tattled" on someone at work this morning, and this is the quote I said to my boss, " blah blah blah (boring work stuff), but I swear I wanna slap the shit out of her!" HELLO...this is not how professional women should talk. Anyone else just pissed off? I bet exercise would make me feel better, haha.

Hey...who is out???? please tell me. Can't wait until 9pm:help:

LMAO Sara~ That was very funny. Buy batteries at Costco...TMI? I know. I think the weightloss will help w/ both libido and desirability. The largest sex organ we have in between our ears and once we are feeling good about ourselves, we will have a "sexy vibe" which will help w/ our own and our partners wanting, hehehe...this is fun!

Carlene~ Yes the memory foam ROCKS!!! It is a Cal King, and was about $4000.00 (I just made my last payment this week!). But is is awesome. It responds to your body heat, but then when you get up it "comes back". If my toes are laying there and Imove them, I can feel the ridges from where each toe was...how cool is that. Again the best $$$ I've ever spent on myself!! And a 20 year warranty!

Ok, here is my story: I've always been "chubby" and boy crazy. That is why when I told my family about my partner, they were confused. I love men...always did, always will. I think they are physically beautiful (the winkie has always facinated me;) ). But in my late 30's after I took care of terminally ill mother for 8 years, I decided to "try" sex w/ a woman. I had thought about it since I was 14 from time to time. Always wondered what that was like. All the while I was completely fulfilled w/ men, and had a number of wonderful relationships w/ great men. I had no, no, no intention to become gay. I was just in a place in my life where I thought, why not. And as many of you many know...your desire intensifies in your late 30's. So I met her...and the rest is history. It was mindblowing, intense, and more fulfilling than I could've imagined. I feel blessed to have this person in my life. I live in the second "gayest" city in California. So many people argue that gays are born that way. I agree this is true for many, my partner included. But some of us DECIDE to be gay. Plain and simple. And on a final note, how do I put this delicately...if your inclined to have a full sexual relationship with a woman...then your lesbian. I don't think true straight women would even consider having sex w/ a woman if they weren't a little bit gay. I don't know if I made my point, but I doubt women become gay because of low self-esteem. Maybe they do...I don't know every gay woman in the world, LOL!

Thanks Laura- It is Paul or Phil or something like that. I like Jordan or Blake to win it, but love all of the people now...hated idiot sanjaya. I will look for the pm;)

CAN I GET AN 'AMEN'!!! Lunasa- I bet there was smoke coming off of the keyboard, girl! I LOVED YOUR POST. WHAT DO WE REALLY WANT SPECIFICALLY??? GOOD DAMN QUESTION. I too was a smoker. I quit last year Jan.9 2006! I was doing great, then on Mother's Day, I went and bought flowers and a pack of ciggys and took them to the cemetary. I lost mom in 2004 after an 8 year fight w/ cancer...she was 58. This is no excuse...just my reality. So then I started cheating at smoking (just like on many diets), hiding it from my partner. I would smoke during the week, and then wear the patch on the weekends when we were together. Sometimes I would be such a bitch on the weekends, and felt sooo bad about it. This went on for months...here and there...wearing the patch, then trying to hide the patch...what a liar I became. Then the surgery was planned. My doctor said he wouldn't even consider doing the surgery on me if i didn't quit for about 6 weeks before. As the months lead up to the surgery, I was mentally preparing myself. I got to the point where I thought, "I am spending $6000.00 to become healthy, then it is time to walk my talk." I was tired of my own bullshit. So I decided on Valentines Day (2007) to really quit. I wore the patch again, something I had been doing for so long. Then a few weeks later, I just quit the patch. Something clicked inside of me, I was done...officially done. I have been smoke and patch free since the beginning of March. I can't do 5 miles on the bike or 30 minutes if I am smoking (although I haven't been in a week:phanvan ). For me, it was just time. What do I want? I want a healthy long life. I want to be around to love myself, my partner, enjoy things. I want to lose weight for myself, for my health. I have to remind myself this often. Laura- I really wish I had this convo w/ you yesterday morning. Man, that just made me sick. I will never do that again. Hey, will you do me a favor? Could you post or pm me who leaves tonight early. I am in Cali and you'll know before me. Maybe pm me so we don't ruin it for others. If you don't mind. Ok Violets, go out there and find your best self, be your best self, and look for the answers to the questions: What do you really want/????? xoxo~Pamela To all my smokin violets...when it is right, you will quit. Until then take care of what you can.

Hey Violets- Tracy- My guess is that you probably got sick from the hot sour cream. I have in the past (similar symptoms) from just that. A suggestion: I buy the veggitarian beans (less animal fats). And just add the sour cream after it is already heated. I'd hate to see you give up on beans, it has been my staple. Or the ice cream, after being on liquids for soooo long, your body just probably said, "what the #$%^". We all learn as we go. HERE IS MY AHA MOMENT FROM YESTERDAY. I went to the drugstore, where BLB I would always buy a candy bar. Well, I thought I would buy some SF candy, choc. covered peanuts. So as I was driving, (DID I NOT LEARN ANYTHING FROM MONDAY???) I ate the whole bag. My first thought, "I hope I don't get sick". Well right during American Idol, guess where I was...yep, on the potty, trying to listen from the bathroom. Man o Man...will I ever learn. It said SF, but what are sugar alcohols...and why do they give you the "squirts" (thanks Tracy) when you EAT THE WHOLE BAG??? I was pissed that I missed most of the show! Have a good day ladies (and gents). I have also not exercised since last week...oooooo man...what happened to me. my poor charm braclet is soooo lonely w/ one sad charm on it. I NEED A FILL!!!!!

*hair in an upsweep (make an appointment w/ your hair dresser for a fancy updo) *Dangle sexy earrings- big: attract attention to your sexy neck *Big bracelet (try a second hand store for something perfect, doesn't have to be real or expensive *No necklace, it will take away from the neckline *The shoes are very sexy...great choice Just my 2 cents, but I am a total girly girl...I know and live this stuff!:kiss2: BEST ACCESSORY: ATTITUDE AND CONFIDENCE! Have fun!

These are a few of my favorite things: *coffee bean grinder *Temperpedic Bed...OMG...the best Money I've ever spent (besides LB) *1000 count sheets *my cleaning lady ( my friends make fun of me because I live alone, and I may be viewed as lazy, but my house is perfect and clean all the time) *Hazelnut SF creamer *my nephew (makes me laugh) *cottage cheese (such a staple) *dried minced onions (I put in everything; eggs, Soups, Beans, etc) *my recliner *TIVO (and All My Children, been watchin it since I was 5) *Saturdays!!! *My beautiful partner, my great dog, my wonderful family and friends!!! *Oh yeah, I've become quite hooked on LBT

Kat- I pack my protein shake, beans and cheese, cottage cheese, oz. of turkey rolled in cheese (2 of em), low carb and low sugar yougart, etc. I have a lunch bag and I put 2 blue ice pack in. Needless to say I can't wait until I get a fill, then won't have to tote all the food around w/ me. Last week, I didn't pack enough and ran to the deli to get some chix salad. What a pain. I hope your doing well! I've been there, you have no idea. Take care of yourself, and thanks for keeping us all "in line". xo

Schexy Momma- You mentioned that you never thought you looked fat. Your never gonna believe this one. Up until about 30 pounds ago (about 250 and below), I NEVER thought I looked bad. I mean, I knew I was overweight, but i still felt very sexy and healthy. I even wrote to Oprah once about overweight women who don't think they overweight. I told my doctor that I had "reverse anorexia". I am not being flip about the disease. People w/ anorexia look in the mirror and no matter what they weigh, they think they look fat. I would look in the mirror and think I looked great! LOL... Anyway, I am also in therapy. I really want to be a success at this, and want to deal w/ all my demons. Good Luck everyone!

Tracy, we posted at the same time. The beans are great...it was my first mushie meal. I hate soup too. One problem I have is that on Mon and Tues, I work 12 hour days. I pack breakfast lunch and dinner all by 7am. I hate that, but it is needed so I never do fast food again (i love fast food). But it is all just shit...sorry, but it is. I would eat a burger and fries and be hungry 2 hours later, because the food had little or no good nutritional value...just bad carbs that left me feeling empty. Please God, don't let me ever eat fast food again. I repeat this in my nightly prayers. Anyway, enjoy your beans Tracy...mmmmmmmmmm

Hey all, Just wanted to share. I am on "soft foods" and today for lunch I had something very yummy!! 1/2 c. refried beans 1/4 cup cheddar 1/2 cup grilled chicken Threw it all together and popped it in microwave. I added 1 table spoon of salsa and 1 tablespoon of lite sour cream... The total was 2 grams of sugars!!!! And that came from the salsa and sour cream. My doctor has me focusing on counting the sugars, so I try to be mindful as I prepare meals. But this was warm and yummy!! Thought I would share!

I am an overweight lesbian, however, my partner is extremely fit, beautiful size 10. I don't know if there is a correlation, interesting as it might be, and if there is a correlation, so what. Aren't there other things researchers could focus on, like inventing the "skinny pill" I've been waiting for all my life, LOL. I know many gay women, come on, I live in Palm Springs, CA. This study would not hold water in PS...but perhaps, in other parts of the country/world. Lastly, I put on about 20 pounds since I've been w/ my partner, over 2 years. We are happy, in love, cooking, snuggling, watching movies...basically enjoying life, and are probably not as concerned w/ getting to the gym as we should be (this is my preband self talking, of course). Perhaps the lesbians they polled were in love also...wonder if the results would be different if they polled single vs. partnered lesbians??? Enjoy!

Hello violets, Yesterday, while driving out to the junior college, I was starving...as recently usual. I had an ounce of turkey rolled into a piece of swiss (2 of those, yummy) and I was eating them while I was driving!! This is an old habit behavior from BLB (before lapband). Well, I felt the golf ball for the first time! OOOOOOOO, ouch. I've read here where people are feeling this, or sliming a bit, and the occasional PB...ALL BEFORE THEIR FILLS. Up until yesterday, I had not felt anything. I can eat just as before, bite size, speed, etc. Although I try to be mindful of my band, and at home I try to practice the band rules for post fill...but I have nothing reminding me that it is there. Until yesterday. I think it was the speed in which I was eating...on the go...in a rush...hurry hurry hurry. That is how I live. But I learned my lesson. Also eating in the car is now a no no. If I ever do PB or something, I would hate to be doing 50mph while I was doing it. THIS IS JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF MY MANY BAD BEHAVIORS THAT GOT ME TO THIS PLACE! Have a great day violets...just wanted to share my story!

1. Was your procedure outpatient or did you stay overnight? I had to stay overnight...about 36 hours 2. Did you have complications related to surgery? No, but last week I got a little infection at my port incisions, on antibiotics and responding well! 3. What you were given for at home pain? How many days did you take it? I was given liquid Loritab for home. I took it from Wednesday until Sunday. 4. Pain after surgery for how many days? I was really hurting the first 2 days. I even posted here when I got home that if I would've known this much pain was involved, I might have reconsidered. NEEDS TO BE SAID THAT I NEVER HAD KIDS, AND HAD NO OTHER SURGERIES...BIG BABY! 5. Degree of pain...10 being your arm was cut off and 1 being a paper cut? Day 1-2= 8: Day 3-5 =6: Day 6-7= 2 or 3 6. Doctor and state where surgery was done? Dr. Bobby Basker-Rau Palm Springs, CA

Judy, I am happy to share...anytime!!! Terri, I can't wait to hear about the fill. We want/need all the details. I am a little jealous, I must admit...I am so tired of being hungry. I was in the psychologist office today, in session, and my stomach growled sooo loud, he initially looked out the window. I told him that was me, and he laughed and said, " oh, I thought it was thunder." Anyway your lucky to have your fill! HAPPY MAY 1ST EVERYONE! ((BIG EXHALE)) WE MADE IT AND NOW WE ARE ALL ON OUR WAY! I COULDN'T BE INVOLVED WITH A BETTER GROUP OF PEOPLE!!! THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME THROUGH THIS. I LOVE YA VIOLETS...

Your post made me laugh. I don't know about the cocktails. I like Jack and Water on the rocks, but rarely drink. I used to LOVE champagne w/ raspberries in it...yummmmmm, but w/ all the bubbles, I guess I won't have that for a while. I hardly ever drink anyway...but love to sometimes! Anyway, good luck! Congrats on the weightloss! Try a whiskey or burbon and water, good, smooth, and no extra calories from just the water.

Good Morning My Violet Sistas (and any Bros out there too), I just wanted to say hello to everyone. The last day of April...wow, it has been a long and busy month for us all! Terri- please tell us more about the May exercise challenge. I saw that you exceeded your goal!!! Way to go! Can I ask, what are you doing exercise wise? I am having a hard time dragging my butt out of bed at 4:30am. I tell myself every night, "just do it" (thanks Nike), but then the alarm goes off and I wanna die. I've noticed with just the 23 I've lost (hasn't changed in 2 weeks) that my skin is starting to feel loose. Has anyone else felt that too? That scares me a lot. I need to do some exercise quick. I am trying to schedule in some after school on Wed and Thurs, but my calendar fills up quick. I know I seem to be making excuses...just looking forward to summer! Also, I just started soft food this past Saturday. But I am finding that I can eat ANYTHING. I am not allowing myself pasta, bread or rice, but anything else goes. I get "full" faster, but also hungrier faster. I am wondering what everyone else is eating at this stage? Kat- Stay strong!!! God only gives you what He knows you can handle! Tracy- Hope day 1 back goes well! Sara- Don't work too hard, and don't forget to pop on LBT and say Hi! Judy- Let us know when the new thread is up! How exciting! Thanks for doing this! Congrats on your weight loss...and on your new charm. I am afraid that mine will only have the one on it until I get a fill:phanvan Have a great day! I just finished my protein shake this morning. I blended a banana, frozen berries, yougart, Unjury and milk.. It was soooo good, I haven't had a banana in a month and a half!!!:clap2:

Tracy- Good luck tomorrow!!! I hope everything goes well for you tomorrow. I am still dealing w/ an infection at the port site, yucky!

Hello Fellow VIOLETS! Hope all is well this morning. Tracy, those pix were so cool!!! I love that stuff. Did you watch the Lapband surgery, the actual surgery before? Rocko had a link here that showed the actual surgery, inside the tummy! I love watching it, made me feel sooo much better about what was going on. I saved the link if anyone wants to watch. It is about an hour long, but provided soo much information. Yesterday, I went to the safety deposit box and took out my grandmothers diamond ring to wear again. I used to wear it, but it just got sooooo tight. All my rings have been loose, and my committment ring needed a guard. I am so excited about having it on again, feels like grandma is with me. Even though I was naughty yesterday, this might remind me to behave!!! Have a great day everyone. Sending Kat much love! Who is getting banded tomorrow? I can't believe it is the last day of April...what a long month it has been!

Fellow shrinking voilet here...although I was a naughty violet tonight...amazing...piggy violet is more like it. Is this bandster hell? The fact that I am able to eat anything, and know that I shouldn't. I still can't eat the quantities as before, but I am doing a pretty good job. I think I just feel crappy because I over induldged tonight. We went to a great resturaunt, and I just kept waiting to feel FULL, hell, I am still waiting. :hungry: Kat- you know how we feel...sending prayers your way. Tracy- glad your back to feeling better. Judy- Thanks for calling for a formal vote on the name. I've been telling my friends that I am a shrinking violet since the liquid preop diet, and thought it was a great name for us here! Please let May be a very quick month. I need to get a fill soon!!! Tonight felt like my old ways, and I didn't like it. I did go for a long walk this am, but am feeling fat again!!!!:help:

Hey Everyone, Kat- You know you have an amazing support system here of cyber friends who will send you love and positive energy during this time. Keep your head up, stay strong. Sara- WELCOME BACK!!! I hope you have a relaxing weekend planned! I know busy weeks...uugghh! Sara, I got some great antibiotics and am already on the mend! Thanks! Tracy- hope your burping and farting your way to feeling better! It is gonna be 102 here today, so we are going for our long walk now! Something funny: We have organized a big Bowling Day for today, and I woke up this morning and said, "Oh yeah, I can't bowl." My doctor says nothing over 5 pounds for 6 weeks...the funny thing is was this was my idea and now we have a bunch of people coming! I just forgot!