leatha_g

Thank you Alex. I, for one, certainly appreciate this board and what it should stand for. It's funny how 'debating' is debate for some people and if it's not to their liking, it becomes 'bitching' 'moaning' and 'complaining'. lol, too funny. Either way, once again, my determination is not for me, specifically. I was merely supporting a suggestion that I felt was a valid concern for Neal and, after all, I do believe that his voice is as important as any other. I regret that those who feel the need to be sarcastic about it have been inconvenienced. Again, thank you Alex for your trouble and your graciousness in offering this board up to all who may need Lapband support and information, regardless of their social standing, intellect, religous or political bent. There are those who appreciate your efforts.

Nope. I can already unsubscribe from that list, but that same type of functionality could be used on ALL threads to allow the user the option to 'hide' a specific thread. I'm sorry, my programming expertise is very limited and I do not hang out on other VBulletin boards much. But, Walgreens lets me 'hide' my old prescriptions.. lol.

You already have the basic function in the Subscriptions list.

To be quite honest, I never even seen the Top 5 until someone recently mentioned it. I generally click on New Posts because I want to see what is updated since I last read. If you have 5 people posting on a political 'debate' thread 40 times a day, they are most likely going to be the one's that float to the top of new posts most often. If I venture in there and try to join in the conversation and get ambushed by the controlling faction and I see that there is no way my point of view will ever be accepted, but basically met with insults and condescension every time I try to participate, I may no longer want to see the THREAD any longer. I may, however, enjoy seeing another thread in the same forum because it has a kinder, gentler subject. So, I click on 'hide this thread' and remove it from my sight so that I no longer see it unless and until I choose to seek it out and post on it again. Same goes for other threads. Maybe some group has made it clear they don't want others posting on their regional board because Texans just don't understand specific issues for those who live in Guatemala. If I 'hide' this thread, my list becomes shorter to sift through. I really don't see this as an awful option. Either you use it or you don't. For anyone who may be seeking particular attention or hoping to gather support for a specific subject, I could see how they might stomp their feet that others might not see their posts. Otherwise, I just don't understand why it would hurt to allow the option for those who would like to customize their view.

The conversation is irrelevant. Many people vote on the polls without feeling the need to enter into the volley of conversation. The poll was shut down before any significant amount of people were allowed the chance to put their votes in.

Crystal Light is my friend. I mix up a 2 qt pitcher and my goal is to finish it in the day. Some were told no straws, but I kept a drink with a straw in my hand constantly following my surgery and sipped consistently. I never had a single problem with it.

Amen Evilah and I just have one question. If the management of the board REALLY wanted to hear how the majority feels, why was the poll rushed to close? There are multiple other polls still open, after months... but this one was barely open what? 2 days? 3 days? I found it quite interesting that the vocal ones got their vote in, but perhaps those who don't spend hours and hours a day here never even got a chance. I'm just saying.. I still think a 'hide' button for a specific thread is much preferable to having to hide a complete forum. FunnyDuddies, I certainly appreciate your speaking out and Neal, I still think you're exactly right. Everyone isn't so computer literate or doesn't have so many hours to sit figuring message boards out. Some folks really do come here strictly seeking information regarding a serious life decision and for those of us who've been here our entire banded life, the tone has definitely changed. I have often felt like an enemy of the current voice of this board and so have many others who never said a single mean thing to anyone. Over the past few months, a thought has come to mind rather often and that is this: I used to come here for therapy and support. Now, I often feel that I need therapy for even continuing to come here at all. Irregardless of how others may feel about me and my views, that says alot about the current state of this board. I find it very sad.

Today, Saturday May 12, I am packing my car to go see my dear mother. I've only seen her once since Thanksgiving and honestly, I really hate that. You see, I love my mother. She is about to be 70 yrs old. She is a hardshell of a woman. Worked all her life, far too hard for us kids. She didn't make great choices about the men in her life, thus, we all suffered. But my mother never faultered in putting one foot in front of the other in order to raise us the best she knew how. We were so poor, I didn't even realize how much until the past few years, but she gave us integrity and honesty and tried to teach us self responsibility and love for something bigger than ourselves. My hardworking, self sacrificing mother had a stroke last year in June. Bless her heart, her speech is so garbled, she can barely talk, but we've learned to make it humorous and believe it or not, her heart has softened and I've seen her laugh more in this past year than in the last 20. God is surely mysterious. I love my mother. My heart breaks when I think of her getting old and not being able to work circles around me. She always has. Even now, she runs my brother's restaurant and comes home at night and does his books. She is an amazing woman. The woman I least want to be like and most want to be like at the same time. I surely love my mother. Today, myself and my daughter will go to her house (while she works) and we're going to clean for her, and move furniture that she can no longer move for herself. My brother has given her a laptop, so I'll be setting that up for her and making it easy for her to use. I'm also taking her my Oreck vaccum, because I don't particularly like it, but it will be lightweight and easy for her to use. It's brand new, she'll think she's had Christmas and that I've spent way too much money. It has nothing to do with money. I just want to make her life a little easier. You see, I love my mother.. If you have one, God bless her.. If you've lost one, God bless you.. If you are one, God bless you and don't forget to thank your children for the gift of being THEIR mother. I do it every year and it makes me feel so good to say Thank you to them for having blessed my life. Happy Mother's Day ALL!

Thank you FunnyDuddies. I really appreciate this post. :clap2:

Sallyjo, What an experience you and your daughter are facing! God be with you and your daughter and provide you with the strength and faith you'll need so desperately in the days to come. I truly hope all goes well and your daughter's life is enriched by this experience.

Evening everyone! I just want to say I am SO proud of Country Music in these days of God bashing. The country music stars sing boldly their love for God and country and they stand up on national TV and thank Jesus and this makes my heart swell with pride for them. I am a great music lover. I love rock and roll, I love alternative. I grew up in a small west Texas town, learning to country dance by the age of 10 and I grew up where country music was heard around me all the time. I am simply filled with hope and gladness when I see these people stand in the face of all that is important and declare their belief. Thank you God for these role models!

Pardon my lack of political correctness, but I'd tell this man to kiss my fat ass and I would do whatever it took to take myself back from the depths of low self esteem and hiding myself beneath the comfort blanket of food. THEN, I'd take myself and my NEW boyfriend to Disney World and send pics later.. There are LOTS of things more important than a trip to Disney World. Your health and renewed vigor for life, specifically.__________________ As for Mark, I doubt very seriously that he was intending to be hurtful. While his comments are often direct and even sometimes caustic, in reading his post, it seems to me that he is imploring this young lady to take control of her health. Sometimes it takes something other than sympathy or 'nicey nicey' to bring a point home. Being a victim generally just keeps us spinning our wheels when what we need is action.

My great grandfather was walked down on the Trail of Tears with my full blood Cherokee grandmother. He was an Irish schoolteacher. My grandfather was born on a reserve before Oklahoma was a state. He then moved down into Texas in the early 1900's. I absolutely LOVE Texas. I have been to other places, but there is no place like home. God bless Texas. Now living in McKinney, north of Dallas. Home is farther west Abilene/Lubbock region.

Neal, I thought your point was very valid. I also agree that new people can often barely figure out how to add a signature or do searches in this forum. I doubt very seriously that they'll know how to edit options to the extent of blocking whole forums which doesn't sound like a good choice to me, either. I've been on this board since it's inception and only begun using the 'list subscriptions' probably this past year. People tend to think that everyone know what they know immediately, when we were all 'newbies' once ourselves and over time learned the little tricks. But it is the nature of the beast. I see nothing wrong with adding a button to check 'hide this thread'. There are buttons all over this board for other features. I do sincerely appreciate your efforts in trying to provide an option for those who may wish to sort the folders into something more suitable to their sensitivities. You are to be commended for trying to think of others before yourself.

Yes, but you DO get to keep the malabsorption/diarrhea/dumping syndrome for life. So.. well, it sorta is for life.

I'm a classic rocker at heart. I love to dance to country and I can keep up with most of the newer, more adult alternative/rock bands as well. I simply love music- something I can sing or dance to. Absolutely no violent vulgar rap, sorry.. I also have begun to learn alot of the Christian genre which has some really great stuff. Hard to say my favorite song, I have so many. I'm a big Steve Nicks, Pat Benatar, Sarah McLachlan.. Journey, Zeppelin, Def Leppard, ZZ Top, Bad Company, Ted Nugent, Styx, Aerosmith, Foreigner, BLUE OCTOBER, Bob Seger, Tom Petty, OMG.. I could be here a week and never get them all in... just GIMME MY MUSIC! I currently have ticket to see LIVE on 5/18.. and I cannot wait!

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa070510_mo_botchjobs.58582e96.html

Sounds fair. Check out THIQ.

It's not THE food, it's THE TYPE of foods. You can be addicted to sugars, starches (carbs) etc. Don't you think? Basically, all that metabolizes about the same as alcohol in your system. Then, we have the whole 'endorphin' process - which is very much linked to addiction. Makes alot of sense to me.

I sure wouldn't go buy any larger clothes. You will need something that is loose fitting, especially about the first week. I wore what I call 'house dresses' during my first week or so, then got back into my regular clothes for work 2 weeks later. You will definitely be swollen the first week or so, but it gets better so quickly, you'll be surprised. I think I lost 13 lbs the first 2 weeks and felt more like 25.

Thank you. I appreciate the kind words. Actually, I'm not such a bad person and I do know a bit about addiction. My only secondary education was in drug/alcohol counseling, psych etc. Not to mention I have a sister who's life has been destroyed by heroin addiction AND, don't forget. I quit smoking 7 months before my band surgery. Been there, done that. Generally, most people I come in contact find me very strong, credible and understanding. Imagine that.. lol

Ahh.. so it IS possible to hate the sin and not the sinner.. :clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2: Yippee! Glory hallelujah!

It's never a good idea to attack more than one serious addiction at a time, anyway. Time changes things, we all do things on our own time. Some of us found our bottom with food quicker than others. Same thing with smoking or heroin. Just as with the band, it's a very personal journey and no amount of coaxing from someone else will help. You gotta wanna..

I'm certainly sorry to hear of your son's illness. That is a very tragic thing to go through, for him and for you. I'm really sorry this has happened. I understand your aversion and the reason behind your adamant posts. God bless you both..

The leg pain could be from any number of things. I had a pretty severe pain in my right hip after one of my surgeries and it resolved itself pretty soon, but because of positioning on the OR table or having someone lift and pull you onto the other bed, you could have some nerve damage or pinched nerve etc. If it doesn't seem to get better, I would defintely bring it up with my physician. As for your chest discomfort. You are going to notice many changes in sensations in your chest/throat area, but if you can't relate it to eating, drinking or band healing, I would surely let the doctor know about it. Sorry it took so long for someone to reply to your post! Welcome and congrats on your surgery! I hope you're doing better now!