lbriteyes

My grandkids cry because they don't want to leave. lol Even the 11 year old. Tickles my innards. The craft/computer room is covered with their artwork. Its cheap wallpaper, and I don't have to paint! My daughter-in-law is a stay at home mom, and does tons of stuff with the kids. She starts them really early. They learned to write their names by using pudding on the table and using their fingers. She's full of really great ideas. On of the favorites is a sand and water table outside. She doesn't care if they get really messy or the house gets covered in flour. I admire that. I'm a bit OCD myself, and I HAVE to have organized stuff going on. I'm sure I'll get a folder with information when I go to that class. I'm hoping it has some of the stuff you mentioned in it. I like to be prepared to the nth degree. I've already started looking at protein drinks and thinking about *soft* foods I'll be able to eat. A steak in a blender sounds wonderful! I'm going to look at that scale you mentioned. It'll be nice to have that bit of technology that I don't have to think about. When I cook, I don't really use recipes. I make stuff up. Sometimes I'll dream of recipies. lol But when I make them, they turn out well. I think its great that you have walking partners. I know I have to start slow. Maybe I'll get an ipod or something. Maybe download books to listen to. Linda

Well... I don't know what to say about you finding sisters! What a shocker! I wish the one I have was closer to me. I'm an emotional eater too. My mom was that way as well, and my sister, too. The problem with Mom being that way is that she never ever taught me the right way to eat. Always for dinner we had a meat, a starch, a vegetable, a piece of bread and butter, and a dessert. We always had to clean our plates, too. Sometimes I'd sit there for hours. Then it was nothing to eat a big bowl of ice cream or an entire bag of chips while watching TV. Do your feelings hurt? Here. Eat. Bad day at school? Here. Eat. Is it Tuesday? Here. Eat. I've been trying to educate myself on what to eat and when to eat. It isn't easy undoing 50 years of crazy. I'm so glad to hear you don't have to take meds for your diabetes! That in itself is enough to have it done! I'm hoping that my blood pressure comes down. I don't know if it does anything for cholesterol or trigs. I'm pretty sure it doesn't cure bipolar. lol But on the other hand, I do know I'll *feel* better. Linda

Awesome! And some really good information there too. :-) I'm glad you're pumped! Linda

I forgot to mention the other thing that relaxes me. Its called *mindfulness.* Its a technique used by different sectors of the population. The basics are learning to breath deeply... in through the nose, and blow it out through the mouth. Another part of it is learning to concentrate on exactly what you are doing at one time. If you're washing dishes... wash dishes. I know how hard this is to do with a young child. You have to be everything to everyone at all times. There's more to it, but I find these two to be most beneficial,. There is no energy when there's a two year old in the house. They have it ALL. lol He calls me *grandpa.* We watched Barney. We colored pictures. We jumped from the coffee table to the couch. We ate oranges. And yogurt. And crackers. We had milk and orange juice. He terrorized the cat and his two sisters. I finally, to stay awake, went into the kitchen and started to make dinner. It was done by the time Larry got home. And the kids got to spend some time with them, too. My daughter-in-law brought me a digital frame. She put pictures in a slide show of my marriage, through the kids time, to our time again together. She even included pictures of past and present pets. It was all set to "You're my best friend" by Queen. I cried. It was a beautiful thoughtful gift. Now I'm REALLY sleepy. Linda

Well, it used to. Now I can't deal with a lot of noise. I remember it used to help if I sang. Loudly. I don't use salt (except on potatoes and eggs). We eat mostly whole foods... fruits, veggies, nuts. The medication seems to be working for now. Hoepfully after the surgery, that will resolve by itself. Linda

I'm sorry you get dehydrated. Is that something that is normal? Definitely check to see if you have stones. Have your husband pick up a new thermometer on the way home. I sure hope you don't have an infection. I wouldn't worry about the weight right now. Just concentrate on getting well. Linda

I love that about this place. You do have a lot to do shortly. I don't wonder that you fall asleep so easily. Don't sweat it. We'll be here when you're ready. Linda

Its nice to have family so close... but not TOO close. I'm in Ohio. It takes 2 hours in any direction to get out of the state. You'll have a lot of great destinations to choose from. I loved Las Vegas. Maybe too much. We missed the Grand Canyon that year. Lots of touristy things to do. Linda

Something else to research. Thank you for the information. Linda

OMG! Where are you going that its so hot??? I wonder if you could count just sitting in the sun (like a sauna, there) as exercising. I think I'd count it. hehe Good luck on the move. I hope it doesn't put too much strain on you. Linda

Feeling tired today. Gotta get my chit together. I'm watching the grandchildren at noon, and making a nice anniversary dinner for Larry. Linda

Sticky notes are awesome. I have a computer/craft room in my house. I let the grandkids help decorate. They made pictures that I have (yes) taped to the walls. Sticky notes aboud. On another wall I have a plaque that says, "Welcome to Grandma's House, Children Spoiled While You Wait, and then current pictures of my babies underneath. The craft table is for them to do anything they want. They have all kids of different papers, marker, pencils, sissors, glue, sequins. lol Oh... so the sticky notes are everywhere. Its good to know there are guidelines to follow. I'm sure there are SO many things to remember. I hope I'll be as organized as you. Two-year olds are a trip. I can't imagine chasing one around at my age. I don't remember how I did it at your age. lol Today is the day. 30 years at 10:30. Larry has been working overtime. Not over, but under. He goes in at 2:00 am instead of 6:00. By the time he gets home, he won't want to celebrate. I am making a special dinner. We'll have fresh steamed spinach, a small bbq'd chicken breast, and my favorite... mashed root vegetables (potatoes, turnips, parsnips, carrots). I won't ever make regular mashed potatoes again. If I do my portions right, it'll be very health,. I usually do spinach and yellow squash, but the store's selection left a lot to be desired. Now that its warm out, I want to walk every day. Cat be damned! I'll start with small trips around the block, and then drive to the big cemetary in the next town up. It has a bit of hilly terrain. Not today, though. Its raining cats. I don't think I want a walking partner. I will just use my ipod. I feel so bad for those people because I know that but for the grace of God, I'd be right there with them. I can't imagine what they must go through day to day. And then there are the ones who don't make it. It breaks my heart. I do need to get a scale. I think I want one with the BMI thing too. I also need to get a new blood pressure monitor. I was doing research and found that they aren't as accurate as the arm cuff ones. Been looking for that for a few days. I think my best bet is to go to Walgreens, or the local medical supply place in town. Sorry for the length. Linda

My brother died in 1994,.. Mom in 2008. Seems like yesterday. My sister and I would probably never meet or be friends in the *real* world. We're completely different people. The only thing we have in common are our parents. Our blowout was a long time ago. I only see her now on occasions. Deaths, weddings. I love my dad to death, but after Mom died, we saw what she had protected us from all those years. I can only take him in small doses. I do love him, but its complicated. No wonder she ate her feelings. I think it takes a very strong person to look deep inside and find there is a better way of doing things. Look past what people see or say. To do better for yourself. To do things you know are right despite what other people... close to you people... think. I was the first in my family to get help for bipolar disorder. My dad is the oldest of nine. They ALL have something in the mentally ill family. Those things didn't get talked about until I sought help. It was just a given that you'd have *something.* I will be the second to get lap band surgery. I think we are strong because we are intelligent enough to realize that things need changing. We are strong because we look for solutions and follow through with them. We are also smart enough to know that everything we've done about our weight hasn't worked, and so we need to move to the next step. That comes from a place of strength. Linda

Doctor prescribed Losartan for HBP. Took it yesterday and it threw me for a loop. Severe fatigue, nausea, bad poopy stuff going on. Today is much better. Looks like its working for the blood pressure, though, so I'm good. No sides today. Linda

Tawnya... a bit worried. I know you're moving and such. I hope you'll have time to check in and let us know how you're doing. Linda

I need to find a good way to relax. I meditate, but not regularly, and it wouldn't help while I'm driving anyway. Deep breathing is good. I'm going to look into other methods as well. Losing the weight will definitely help. Linda

Happy anniversary! My 30th is on Monday the 10th. We aren't doing anything special, though my daughter-in-law insists its a milestone. Moving is a lot of work, Tawnya. You'll sweat in places unbecoming of a lady. lol At least your weight is coming down. You should be proud of each pound you lose, no matter what. I'm in awe. Linda

"One day at a time" is also a good motto. I love the idea of putting sticky notes around the house. I'm going to use that. This whole thing seems so intense. I hope I have what it takes. I'm afraid I'm already having doubts and I haven't even done the class yet. When your dietician talks about protein, what exactly is she referring to? Rib eye? Peanut Butter? Have you been able to be referred to a doctor regarding the lap band? Are fills something a regular doctor can do, or will you have to have someone specific? Oh... and if its ok, where are you moving to? Tell your daughter that cats do NOT like to walked. lol I want a medium sized dog who will walk at the pace I want to go. Whatever that means. I think its important to get your pet from the human society/pound. On my soapbox, I think they should also be spayed/neutered and chipped. Its the responsible thing to do. My grandson will be two on Tuesday of next week. He's an amazingly busy and quite resourceful little guy. Constantly busy. I can't imagine keeping up with a two year old for any extended period of time. lol Walking will start in earnest after I start my blood pressure medication this weekend. I'll be a turtle. Slow and steady wins the race. I've never seen that show, but I seem to be consumed by watching shows like "My 600 lb life." Glutton for punishment? I feel for these people. I honestly do. I think maybe I'll try to find something more productive and positive. TWC has exercise videos on demand. Some of them are easy, but a lot are hard and require equipment. I've just been doing my own thing and hope something sticks. I really need a scale. Linda

Vent all you like. I learn something with each of your posts. My family is weird. My dad is a string bean at age 74 (always has been). He's also 6'1." My mother was 5' tall on a good day, and as big around as she was tall. She died from complications of being overweight. My brother had a thin build, but he was sick his whole life. Died from complications of cerebral palsy years ago. My sister is huge. Mom's family is mixed. Luckily, my father realizes that it isn't just always what you eat that determines ability to lose/maintain weight. He says if that's what it'll take, I should go for it. Sister is a nasty piece of work. I love her, but I cannot stand her. One Easter, we had a huge blowup over the meds I take for bipolar disorder. She told me I was weak, it's all in my head (where the heck else WOULD it be????), and that I took too much medication. I simply asked her where she got her doctorate specializing in it, and it shut her up like nobody's business. Never saw her speachless before. lol I don't know where she stands on the lab band front, and frankly, I really don't care. I have the people I really need to support me. So I guess I'm saying, take the good and leave the bad. What matters is that you're becoming more healthy. You've experienced it, and they haven't. They cannot know what goes into it, and how strong you have to be to go through it. Linda

I just find the whole thing amazing. I use coupons now, but never on a scale like you. I wouldn't know where to put it all. Linda

Seems like you and I are close to the same place in our journey. Tawnya has been a major inspiration to me. I assume you've had *the class* by now if you're on your way. How was it? Linda

That's FANTASTIC! Keep up the good work, and let us know how it's going. :-)

Called in my record of blood pressure for the last week. Looks like I'll be starting a new med (yay). I think that gets me a bit closer to insurance covering the surgery. Linda

Just checking in to see how you're doing! I know you have a lot on your plate right now (odd analogy - sorry). Linda

I don't know how to do it with the app, but in general, here are instructions to post to this forum: Drop down bar at top: Forums/Forums Home Click: Basics for Lap Band Surgery for Beginners Click: Pre-Operation Lap Band Surgery Questions and Answers Click Black Button: Start New Topic I think that should get you there. Good Luck. Linda