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Tracy- Again, welcome back! You were missed, and we all waited to hear from you. I was gonna go to the movies the day after I got home, but my tummy was making LOUD noises, and I was embarrassed. I rented some and took naps during. Anyway, welcome to bandland! We are all almost done! Michelle, is our May flower, and is always welcome here. What an amazing month April has been for us all. Did we ever come up w/ a name???? I like the SHRINKING VIOLETS!!! Terri- I had no idea you were getting your first fill next week! I am excited to hear about that! I get filled May 30th:(. It seems so far away. But I guess that is okay, at least I will be only working one job, since the college dismisses for summer the 20th!!! I went yesteday and I do have a little infection at the port incision. It is more of a pain in the butt, than anything else. I have to remember to take it easy, not lift anything, be careful during sex (I told him about my story), and I will be fine. Anyone heard from Sara??? I know she had a busy week. WHERE ARE YOU, WE MISS YOU. May should be a great month for us, w/ so many changes to look forward to. Tracy- tell us when you post the pix!! Oh yeah, some of us identify where in the world we are in our signature. I am in Southern California. I would like to know where everyone is from. I know Sara is from across the pond, and I think Lunasa is from Autrailia. If you want to play along... Have a great day!

Jenn- One of my first mushie meals was veggatarian refried beans, w/ a little cheese melted on top (all in micro). Or a 1/2 avocado, mmmm. I do love mexican food so this was a real treat for me. Plan some thing great, and you will really enjoy it!!!!:hungry: But remember, your eyes will be SOOOO much bigger than your tummy. Terri- Your scrambled eggs w/ cheese and salsa sounds great! That is my kinda dinner. I went to a fund raiser buffet tonight and ate turkey slices, swiss, rolled up dipped in ranch. I had watermelon, kiwi and strawberries for dessert, while everyone else ate casadias, huge onion rings, pasta and cake. I didn't miss anything they were having. My meal was full of protein, lighter, and just as satisfying! I've been wondering, where do you get the DiVinci syrups from? I would love to try 'em, so many people have spoken so highly of 'em. Are they online or available in stores? I thought about Tracy all day, that is so weird. I don't know her at all, yet, in so many ways, she knows (and you all too) me better than any one else. MUCH LOVE AND POSITIVE ENERGY TRACY!!!

Hi everyone, I know the Boss! When I read it this am it was 5:15, just getting my mojo working. As soon as Kat said the Boss, it clicked. I like his music, not a huge fan like you, but I like him. I LOVE James Taylor, and have seen him a few times. I am a music freak, won't bore everyone w/ the details, but I am very ecletic in my tastes, and I love every genre. You name it, I like it, know it, or have seen 'em in concert. I have seen the Grateful Dead over 100 times (without giving away too much about myself:kiss ). Christy- my lasagne was great. I love it and was very full from the cheese and meat sause. I make my own sauce (Italian girl) and had to smell it simmering all day. So when it was time to eat, I was ready. And DP got the pasta! Win Win!!! My scale has stopped too, at -23...but I am not complaining. My clothes are baggin and I LOVE IT! I have to go to surgeon today, my port site is infected :think and hurts, but nothing a few antibiotics won't cure. Have a great day!!!!! I LOVE THIS BOARD!!! XO~ P

Hi everyone, I know the Boss! When I read it this am it was 5:15, just getting my mojo working. As soon as Kat said the Boss, it clicked. I like his music, not a huge fan like you, but I like him. I LOVE James Taylor, and have seen him a few times. I am a music freak, won't bore everyone w/ the details, but I am very ecletic in my tastes, and I love every genre. You name it, I like it, know it, or have seen 'em in concert. I have seen the Grateful Dead over 100 times (without giving away too much about myself:kiss ). Christy- my lasagne was great. I love it and was very full from the cheese and meat sause. I make my own sauce (Italian girl) and had to smell it simmering all day. So when it was time to eat, I was ready. And DP got the pasta! Win Win!!! My scale has stopped too, at -23...but I am not complaining. My clothes are baggin and I LOVE IT! I have to go to surgeon today, my port site is infected :think and hurts, but nothing a few antibiotics won't cure. Have a great day!!!!! I LOVE THIS BOARD!!! XO~ P

Michelle, I LOVED THE SONG. What tune does it go to? Your very funny, thanks for sharing. I also woke this am and was thinking about Tracy. Good Luck Sweetie!!!

Hi All, My doctor described his fill philosophy the same way as your did. He thinks it is the best way to hit the "sweet spot" (his words), without going back in. Congrats!!!! I have a month to go until my first fill, and I feel it is gonna be rough (already is)!

I get some kick-yo-ass cramps, my tummy, my back, my thighs. The best thing for me is hard exercise, been using that for cramps for about a year now. It takes them down a notch from kick-yo-ass, to just mild discomfort. I also take an NSAID called Arthrotec for my bone spurs in my feet. It is bariatric friendly, which helps during TOM. Oh yeah, I love olives!!!:hungry:

Terri- LMAO...THAT WAS SO CUTE. My girls have been heading south since I was 20. AAAHHH reality. Hope your well. I seemed to have stalled too on weight loss. Still at 23 pounds. Some days, I feel soooo skinny (yesterday) and today I feel fat again, hummmmm??? My incision at the port site is infected, and it hurts today, with every movement. I am calling the doctor at lunch. Tracy- Deep Breaths, Deep breaths...relax and let go now... everything is ready...everything will be ok...you are very prepared...(insert own needed meditation phrase here). We all love ya and are excited for you. Post as SOON as you can. Sara- Hope your busy 2 days are behind you. We've missed you on the boards girl...hurry back. Laura- Call your doc. Continued pain will interfere with healing. This is not normal, and it has been tooooo long now. Jennifer- Follow your heart, your head and body will catch up. Any luck w/ the job search? Keep us posted. A 3 mile walk would kill me, but it will lift your spirits. Everyone else...Sending love and prayers and lots of positive energy. The month is almost over, then we will ALL be on the other side!!!!:clap2:

Edie, How many Carnations do you use for one shake? The sf ones I bought only have like 7 or something. Just wondering.

Hi, My doctor says the size is determined once they are inside of you. Some people have more external fat around their organs and stomach, while others may not have as much. I have a 10cc band, and my doctor said that he thinks I made a great decision in getting the Lapband. He said that I had a lot of extra fat on my organs. This scared the you know what out of me...because of my heart. Also, doctors in different parts of the world/country may have a different idea, but that is what mine said.

Kat, Thanks so much for sharing something so personal w/ us. I couldn't agree more with you, the LBT gang has become friends. I've told secret on this thread that I wouldn't tell anyone. I remember when I first started talking about LB, in Dec. my partner (Susanne) asked, "Well, how much do you weigh?" (This from a size 10). I lied and said about 230-235 because I was ashamed of myself. She now knows the truth, and coming on here daily and announcing on the world wide web that I am currently 260 is down right liberating. Kat, it was nice to know that even through times of trouble, the band is there for you. I am in a great place now (had a hard many years), but I know trouble will come my way again. I talked yesterday w/ my psychologist about strategies for later, when trouble comes my way again...how to cope w/out using food as before. I hope DH is 100% better! I agree w/ Judy, you are an inspiration for us, a constant source of support and knowledge. Thanks for being our guardian angel!!!:hug:

Hey Everyone- This morning my principal walked past me and said, "Who are you...?" That felt so good. He has been at meetings and I haven't seen him in few days. He had bypass surgery, so he knows what it feels like to lose 20 pounds. Just thought I'd share. Another crazy thing happened. Yesterday I was wearing a pair of peg pants (capris) and a month ago, they were, um, very snug (who am I kidding, they were tight as hell). Well, I ran to the potty, and undid the belt (which, is on it's last whole!!!) and when I finished, I stood up and noticed that I had been able to pull off the pants, WITHOUT UNDOING THE BUTTON AND ZIPPER!!!! I just cant believe it. The scale says the same now...but I can feel the inches and clothes don't lie. :girl_hug: :clap2: . I've never lost weight before...just kept putting it on. This feels amazing. Today, the Parent/Teacher Group (PTG) put out a wonderful spread for the teachers. All the yummy goodies that lead me to 280. Well, I stopped, and grabbed 4 grapes, and walked away!!! Good for me! Lastly, (sorry to toot my own horn, but these are great events that I want to share), I was starving yesterday. I mean sooooo hungry, and I didn't pack enough food for my 12 hour day. I pulled into Jack in the Box, was thinking I could get a chix breast from a sandwich. Then I quickly backed out...I DONT WANT TO EAT THAT CRAP ANY MORE. I was very proud of myself! I loved fast food, and ate it way too much. I ran to the store and got some chix salad from the deli. It was so fresh, good, and better for me, (even w/ the mayo) this was a victory. I don't ever want to eat fast food again, period. I hope everyone is doing well. Pain, gas, hunger...it is allllllllll worth it. Tracy- I was thinking about you this morning. I remember 2 days before (just a few weeks ago) and how nervous I was. You are very well informed (thanks LBT) and have so many supporters. I am actually looking forward to reading your post op post! Deep Breaths...Deep Breaths. Good luck w/ the job search Jennifer!!!

I shop at Gottshcalks, Avenue and Lane Bryant. My DP wants me to cut up my Avenue card, now that i am/will be losing weight. Not sure if that is gonna happen. I also shop at Wally World (Walmart) and Target too, especially for summer clothes, shorts, work out clothes. Macy's also has a plus section. Robinsons/May had the best, a whole floor, but now that is gone. The Old Navy here doesn't have plus sizes...the biggest size I've found in the store was 18, lol, as if.

Jennifer- You've been through a lot. You should go into your room, and have a good cry for about 15 min. This is very emotional. I cried on and off all day on Easter, until I went and exercised. Go through some magazines or catalogs and think about how wonderful you will feel next year this time. I know the depression hurts, and we can not eat for comfort. This too shall pass. The job thing will happen, when it is your turn. I am a firm believer in "if it is meant to be...". If nothing panned out today, then those weren't the jobs for you anyway. What do you do? What are you looking for? Keep your chin up. Go to the Before and After pix page (I LOVE THAT THREAD, HAVE LOOKED AT IT MANY TIMES, IT REALLY LIFTS MY SPIRITS). Treat yourself to a SF pop, or a cup of tea. We are here for you! Speaking on behalf of your LBT friends~ :)

Lunasa- Loved your post! What raw honesty. Thanks for sharing. Chula Chica- your beautiful now...what a smile! It is nice to see;) you! Tracy- Did I miss something...are you going back to work after 4 days????? WOW, that is ambitious. Just in case, you may want to have a plan B, I didn't get my shoulder pain until the 4th day. I know lots of people go back right away...you may be able to. It also depends on the type of work you do. Did I read a while back that you work in a convent? LOL, brings back memories...went to Catholic school for 8 years (maybe that wasn't you)! Terri- Thanks for the book rec. I have so many I want to read, just don't have the time, but that sounds like something worth making time for. PS- Did 30 min on the bike today, up to 5.5 miles!!! I had to get up at 4:45, but am glad I did!

I will check out thedailyplate.com. I also like sparkpeople.com. It sounds like it does the same thing for people. What I noticed is that I put in that I had a 1/2 cup of veg. refried Beans, and the calories were much higher than what the can said. I am not sure which one was wrong. Anyway, thanks for the tip. Jennifer- you are going from clear liquids to mushies??? What happened to the full liquids??? That was a great stage! Creammy Soups (watered down of course), yougart shakes (watered down of course w/ milk). You might want to check w/ doctor. OK...gotta run!

Hi everyone, Terri-I am so in for the pinkie swear. It is weird how much I share w/ my LBT family, that few who "know" me really know. Thanks for always being here. Tracy- DEEP BREATHS...DEEP BREATHS...A few days before I just "gave in". I knew everything was taken care of. I told myself, "stop thinking about it and just show up." It really helped. I am excited for you...this has been a long road...your pot of gold awaits:clap2: . Laura and Jennifer- hope your feeling much better. The official second week was wonderful! When do you have to go back to work Laura? Jennifer, good luck w/ the job search! Everyone getting banded this week...YEAH!!! You'll do fine and know we are all in there and on here with you! Post when you can. Judy- Congrats on moving forward!!! It is so wonderful as we move towards real food. Check out the food thread for receipes (that is not spelled right). Have a great day everyone!!!!!

Hi Everyone, I really reccommed that everyone should see a psychologist concerning the issues we all have w/ food. I started 2 months before being banded and it has helped me to learn about this aspect of my life, as well as many I had no idea about. I learned these behaviors/patterns stemmed from events in my life as early as 5 years old. Noting bad happened, per se, but how I interpreted things set the stage for the rest of my life. Long story short, food is something I can control, and is something that has always been there for me. WOW...eye opening. 6 days postop, I had my first...oh crap, i can't eat, but want to moment. I was upset, crying, and could NOT use food to comfort myself for the first time ever. I thought...oh shit, now what. So I dried my tears and went to the gym. I quickly had to learn new behaviors to "comfort" myself. Good luck to everyone. This is not an easy journey, but one that reaps such great rewards later!

Oooooo I Guess I Figured It Out...hahahaha, What An Airhead!

hey laura, jennifer, sara, tracy or terri--- how do you upload pics from My Computer into a post on LBT? I wanted to post a couple also, not my official before pix (on camera still), just a couple face ones here. Please advise! Thanks in advance! me and johnny.bmp

Dee- Thanks for the welcome! It must be nice to be banded w/ your partner. My partner is a size 10, but she is very supportive. Again, thanks for the welcome. Look forward to more chats!

Hey Idol Friends, Now that the idiot is gone, who is next? I like everyone, but still wish Gina was still on. My bet to win is Jordan!

It is so nice to see who it is we are talking to. You do have a great smile, and I'd imagine, the next few months you'll be smiling a lot!

Nurse- I go to a pyschologist to discuss my "issues". I began before surgery, and will continue for a while to come. At one of my sessions, I learned that my "issue w/ food" stems from events in my life when I was 5 years old. These events were continually reaffirmed my entire life, (not bad events, just feelings of emotional abandonment). Food became my constant...it was always there, and I could control the relationship. I want to be successful w/ my weightloss (congrats on your 55 pound loss). So I knew I would have to get to the root of my problems. I've never done OA, but I would reccommend something, perhaps more three demensional for you. Psychotherapy has really helped me a lot! Good luck!

Laura, Gosh how totally scarry!!! I am so glad your home. Rest well today and know that we are all here for you. Jen, Glad to hear your feeling better! It is about 5 full days, and then whaalaa...you start feeling better. Just don't over do it...I live alone and had to lift dog food, garage doors, and lots of other stuff. Even though your feeling better, still continue to take care of yourself. Have a great Sunday everyone! PS- The lasagne was yummy!!! I just gave DP my pasta, and at the sause and cheese! It felt great to have good food again, that didn't come out of the magic bullet!