Theresa Marie

That is a beautiful quilt; I love your color choices. I like to quilt too and usually just do it in the winter as I garden in the warm months. I have about 2 acres of perennials so it is a relief this time of year to be done with the outside chores and can focus on fabric and sewing and crocheting. I know this will be a godsend in keeping my mind focused instead of just thinking of food and what I can eat next as I start my journey this winter to health after banding on 11/30. Your quilt got me to thinking about digging out my stash of fabric. I had a dear friend who used to say whoever dies with the most fabric wins. She died and had a ton of fabric -- she won. Thanks for your inspiration of the quilt and your example. Sew on Babe. Show us more as you go along and will do the same if I ever can figure out the digital camera. :-) Don't be looking too soon for my finished quilts. HA. Take care, Theresa Marie

Leatha, great link. I really learned alot from that. My surgeon said I am going to be getting the newer band that has several small balloons to fill rather than one bladder. He thought it might provide more control. I hope that is the case. Your link showed the image of the two types of bands and that helped me to really understand what he meant. Thank you. Theresa Marie :glasses

Hi Ryan, I was asked to do 2 weeks of liquid diet before surgery on 11/30. I decided I am going to do 3 weeks and starting on Sunday the 7th. I am doing that as I have eaten more than I should of recently..... So, for one week we will be doing the same in preparation for our new life. So, November band brother, you can also be my November broth brother. Such an honor, I am sure you are overcome with emotion. I too am so glad Patty is home and able to support your efforts as you will her healing. Best wishes to you both. I am looking forward to that yummy broth. Don't forget the sugar free Jello -- I actually really like that. I bought a bunch of those little containers and pretend it is such a very nice treat to have that. Okay, so it works for me???? Take care and best wishes in your preparation for victory. Theresa Marie

Ryan, I missed your post earlier and just read everything tonight. I totally agree with everthing everyone said. Most importantly, you realize that you are doing the right thing. We all realize that about ourself and our journey in this lapband process. You are my November lapband Brother -- I join the others in defending your honor and worth!!!!! I am so glad you are so close to your surgery. I will keep you close in thought and prayer. I am just two weeks behind you and consider you one of the leaders on this board I admire. I am so glad your wife is home. I hope everything went well for her. I have been thinking about her and was hoping you would post on her successful trip and surgery. I will continue to pray for her healing as well. You start looking at the catalogs for your new "smaller" leathers for next year while you are sipping your delicous hot broth preparing for your surgery. I will probably be sorting through quilting patterns as I sip mine. :-) You touch my heart with every post -- many on this site do. I agree so strongly with you that everyone here is such a blessing -- a royal blessing -- kings and queens...but there is only one tiara and she wears it so beautifully!!!!! Ryan, you go on with your positive journey, hold that beautiful head high, continue to lead a life filled with positive, loving energy. We will be continuing to watch for your light to fill our computer screens. YOU ROCK!!! By the way my vaccuum just broke too. :-] Ha Ha. That is a classic line. Till next time brother, Theresa Marie

Way to go Marie!!!! Not only did you achieve the great success of those two marvelous bike marathons, BUT you have inspired everyone on this board to reach for the stars and dream big as we set out goals. Thank you so much for not only sharing your victory stories of the rides, but for sharing your love and spirit with us. Everyone on this Board inspires me. My surgery is Nov. 30 and then I will be an official part of your family. Till then, I am sharing in your dreams and wishing everyone continued blessings and success. Thanks for your care and sharing. Theresa Marie

Hi all, I am gearing up for surgery on 11/30. I have been buying soup, apple sauce and s/f jello. I already drink lots of water but I am wondering how you can get all your water in if you cannot drink 30 min before meals and one hour after. Are you only able to drink 4 oz. - 6 oz. at a time or does the water go quickly through the pouch so you can drink more than that at one time. I am thinking it is probably best to just take little sips all day. Right now I drink about 8 oz. at a time several times a day. I would like to start to adjust to routine that I will be doing after surgery. Will you please tell me your routine for water intake? Any insight is great. Also, I am excersizing to get in a routine before surgery too. I have cut down on portion size and making more low carb choices. Is there anything else I could do to make it easier after surgery for me to adjust? Thanks so much fo ryour insight. Theresa Marie

Ryan, what a remarkable person you are. You express emotion so vividly. My prayers are with you and your wife. I pray everything will go smoothly for her and she will find some relief from her pain. You have less than a month until your surgery; I hope she will be home, comfortable, and in less pain so you will be able to relax and focus on your healing after your surgery. I pray November will be a new beginning for you both. Please keep posting; you are a true inspiration. Give your friend a call in the mountains, and please remember all of your friends here too. You are very valuable member of this family as we all grow in our lives and shrink in our clothes. :-) Take care, Theresa Marie

Hi Paula, I always look for the bars that have the most protein and the least sugar. Most use sugar alcohol, which supposedly does not affect our blood sugar. There are some really good ones out there and some that are loaded with sugar. Be sure to read the labels carefully. I have tried EAS brand lemon cheesecake and Think Thin peanut butter and I like both of those. They are 2 - 4 impact carbs per bar and good amount of protein. There are many other goods ones, just take the time to read the label before you buy one. They are nice to have on hand in an emergency for a meal replacement. Take care, Theresa

Marie, way to go girl!!!! That is an amazing success story. You kept the faith and worked hard and you are reaping the benefits and glory of all your commitment. You are a very inspiring person. Keep us posted on all of your fabulous victories. I am going to be banded on November 30 and I am so hopeful I can one day share success like you are experiencing. I am just so very happy for you. You are awesome.

Ryan, you are a gifted writer; I find myself drawn into the imagery and I can feel the wind, the sun, the snow -- whatever it is you are writing about. Your cycle will be fine resting for the winter. My husband had a Road King and was in a bad accident this spring. He is still healing and anxious to get another one as his was totalled. It is a glorious feeling that cannot be fully understood unless you too know the thrill. He has a boat too so we are fans of both. I am so thrilled for you that your surgery is scheduled and it is soon your turn to start the great journey. You have been through alot to get to this point and I feel so excited for you. Please keep us posted and inspired with your gifted writing. It will be exciting for you to ride next spring. You will most likely be needing a new leather jacket for sure!!!! Best wishes to you, Theresa Marie (I am scheduled for November 30 -- so we will banded in the same month-- really makes us family that way!!!)

Congratulations. I am happy for you. I am new to the board too. My surgery is scheduled for November 30 and I am excited and somewhat scared too. I found so much helpful information as you search and read historical posts. The personal experience and insight is invaluable as we newbies prepare for our new life. I have so appreciated all these people and feel already like they are friends; I know you will gain strength and knowledge from these posts too. Please keep us posted on your recovery and your journey to health and renewed energy. God bless you. Terry

Hi, I have been reading your posts for about a month and think you are all wonderful. My name is Terry and I am scheduled to be banded on November 30. I am both excited and scared. I have learned so much from all of you; thanks so much. I don't know how to set up my weight info under my signature block yet, please advise. I have struggled with my weight for my whole life and am excited to get this tool to support my efforts. After so many nights reading your posts, I wanted to join in the group/family. I look forward to getting to know you and learning from each other more. Thanks again. Terry

Thanks so much. I am so thankful for each of you as I start my journey to a new life.