New Hope

And we love you, too, Penni! :rolleyes:

You're so right Darcy! Just ride your bike a little bit more each day. Your family will want to ride with you. We've been going to a park, where we see spotted baby deer and mothers -- just beautiful. I didn't ride 20 miles right off the bat. We had worked up to 10 miles around the neighborhood over the last few weeks. But tonight was magic. It was a midnight run, the temperature was perfect, and I got caught up in the fun and the spirit of the evening. It was a leisurely race and you could set your own pace. I originally planned to go 10, but when it got to the split, I thought I might never get another opportunity like this. So I chugged along and staggered off my bike at the 20 finish line. Thrilled, exhausted, and happy! I have always been short in the confidence department. I almost chickened out tonight, but I'm so glad I followed through. Plus, I got to donate some canned goods (things I don't want here to tempt me any more). I just want to encourage anyone to try anything that they've been comtemplating. You'll pleasantly surprise yourself and the look you get from your loved ones is irreplacable!

Gail, I swear that we were siamese twins seperated at birth! You have the same trials that I do! We'll get through this, by encouraging each other. But first, we just need to isolate the fat gene that's caused all this stress and worry to fellow bandsters everywhere! That would make us instant millionaires and solve a lot of the world's problems with obesity. Hey, hang in there. We'll order a balmy, calm, soothing week to lull us all into a sense of security.

Leatha, how long did it take for you to realize that you're satisfied with the amount of food that you're eating? That you don't need any more? I think that is a huge positive step forward. I'm still ignorantly looking for the "Thanksgiving Feast" fullness. Gee, it was a lot more fun gaining than it has been losing weight!

It seems to be that most of us having these problems are relatively new bandsters. Hopefully, we will learn from our senior bandsters and then take our turn and be able to share our knowledge with other bandsters. In my particular instance, I'm ashamed to say that I've been binge eating big time. I don't eat a lot, but I eat several times a day. I'm afraid that I'm getting back into my old "grazing" habits that got me in this shape in the first place. I never feel full. I seem like I could eat one more thing. But I don't want to stretch my pouch or cause slippage. I've got to pull my self up by my boot straps and have a good talking to. I fought too hard to get this tool, for me to mess it up now! Now, there's my confession -- out in the open for everyone to see. Now, I need to "get over it"and move forward in a positive situation. Monday, I'm going to resolve to eat proper foods, proper portions, and get some more outside activities going to keep me from obsessing about food so much!

Yeah, Carmen!! It took the boy a while, but at least you know he wasn't giving you a bunch of empty compliments. You have done a fantastic job!

O.K. Edistogirl, one word, "Depends". :rolleyes: Hey, can't wait to have you join the "Bandwagon"!

Do any of them taste halfway decent or come "flavorless". I can't stand my Flintstones.

Penni, hopefully you'll hear from her very soon. I know when our area's been hit, all phones give you a busy circuit, including the cells. Also, don't be surprised if your friend can't drive very far. The roads, that are usable, are jammed. Police are usually guarding areas and won't let you through (to protect from looters, damaged buildings, and electric lines.) Just the loss of electricity causes a lot of problems. Gas pumps, store registers, coolers for bagged ice, atm machines, a/c, -- we dont realize how dependent we are on electricity until it totally shuts down. I'm sure that she will contact you as soon as she possibly can. My prayers are with you.

Leatha, fortunately, gallbladder removal is laproscopic now. If that's the real culprit, you don't want that thing to rupture and that poison and waste to go throughout your system. That would be life threatening! And, right now, you can choose your date and time for surgery. Please don't wait until it becomes an ER rush and the pain gets much worse. If it's your gallbladder, rich fatty foods will trigger off an attack. Best of luck to you!

Penni, I'm hoping you've gotten in touch w/your daughter by now. If not, it could be that she just can't get access to a good phone line right now. Also, her husband is probably very busy helping other people get their power restored. Best of luck to her and all of these people hit by this disaster.

Amen, Leatha!!

Tricia, you are so right! The mental thing is the hardest part. Good for you for resisting that chocolate cake! Keep up the good work!

Thank goodness, she's a sensible person and is moving to higher ground! We'll be watching and hoping for the best.

I was banded 5/2004, Dr. Spivak, Houston. Great surgeon! Down 34 lbs., off most RXs, riding bike daily, feel great! Yippee!

Zoe, Jello makes a "Cheesecake" refrigerated pudding. It's 150 calories. So, when I get a sweet tooth, I walk or ride my bike a little extra.

Carol, that is absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing! I look forward to your pics. What are some "tips" that you've learned along the way?:banana :banana :banana :banana :banana

I know, I felt the same way! I felt like I'd missed out on so much "life" that had passed me by for years. I wanted to make up for lost time. In fact, I asked my surgeon if I was too old for the surgery. (Now, I'm determined that the next 50 are going to be the best!) You will get some answers. Just take care that you think everything out. We want your WL to be a success story, with hopefully no complications.

Betty, there are plenty of drs. that are "jumping on the Bandwagon". Just take your time and thoroughly check them out. You want to make the decision that's best for you. Money is important, but also a dr. experience, knowledge, and your aftercare plan. This weight didn't happen overnight. You've already taken an important step...you're ready to get healthier. Best of luck to you! :rolleyes:

Ryan and Zoe, you'll also probably wonder about 2 weeks after surgery, "What have I done?" You'll be "grieving" for your old pal (?) Food. But hang in there. It's only a temporary thing. Once you're able to resume eating solid foods, see the scales drop, your clothes are looser, your RXs reduced, and your energy level elevated --- you'll realize there is life out there that doesn't revolve around "the flavor of the day". You're going to do great!

Badger, best of luck to you! Research, research, research -- the type of weight loss surgery that you want, the surgeon, your aftercare. You just can't check it out enough! The Lapband will not affect your food absorption quality at all. The Lapband and RNY are totally different. Please be sure that you are well informed before making any final decisions. Good luck!

Do you have a built-in ice/water dispenser on your frig.? My husband added a large, exterior water filter to the frig. water line. It makes the frig. water (and ice) taste wonderful. I also p/u flats of individual bottled water at Sam's Wholesale for $5 a flat and keep several chilled in frig. (to grab on the run).

Wow, Leatha, maybe they can just put a zipper in your abdomen! No, hopefully, you're getting some real answers soon. That gall bladder acting up is a horrible, sick, yucky feeling. Mine was removed when I was banded. I haven't had one of those "spells" since. Please keep us posted!

Whoops, typo. Should be "watch out".

Ryan, you're one step closer to being a Bandster! Yeah! Hey, watch our for those trick Psch. ?? Nah, I filled out a four page questionaire, talked w/ the Psch. briefly, it was simple. :rolleyes: The only thing I can "play" is the radio.