aubrie

It's just as much HIS baby as it is yours, and if he's feeling left out, then by all means do something for him. The beer and BBQ thing is a great idea. What about getting a kit of some kind for them to build your baby furniture. Like a man power thing..... That would be cool. I would love the furniture all the more.

My mom is a tiny little thing. But she walks, exercises daily, and eats a healthy well balanced diet. Always has. My Dad has SKINNY arms and legs but a big bubble belly. My brothers and my sister are big. I wasn't big at all until I turned 31. I gained 60 pounds in one year. (undiagnosed thyroid) BUT my maternal grandmother was huge. I am a carbon copy of her. She ate like a bird and was always big. I think she had an undiagnosed thyroid problem as well, but back then who cared. Several of my cousins are big too. It "could" have been genetic in my case, but since I didn't blow up until age 31 I tend to think not.

If you have a Dillard's in your area, go there to buy your bras. They have professionally trained bra fitters. I won't buy a bra anywhere else. It made all the difference in the WORLD!! They spend a lot of time with you to get just the right bra that won't chafe, ride up, bind or pinch. I don't hang out the sides, or pooch out the front. It's amazing what a difference it makes. I may not get the cute little bra that I want..... but I get one that FITS.

My husband is a sucker for chips...... They come in every shape and size in our house. Every flavor too. It's maddening. Of course, when I slip up, it's ALWAYS on chips and crackers...... Grrrrrrr.....

I'm still trying to get over CHARGING $40 for a buffet!!!! Holy Moly!!! Where do you live? I would pay that for an exclusive restaurant with a full wait staff, and a fancy menu, but NOT for a buffet. Living on the coast, a seafood buffet here is usually pretty inexpensive, so I'm bowled over. But even in an exclusive restaurant, a "top shelf" menu item is rarely more than $35.

You CAN make a very healthy pumpkin pie. Just substitute fat free consdensed milk and splenda for the sugar. The eggs and pumpkin are perfect for you. Just don't eat the crust. There's no calories per se in the spices. BUT.... will you be at the mushie stage by then? 6 days out? I was still on full liquids. In that case, decorate a jello mold!!!

Up until age 31 I was a 34B. That was perfect for me. I HATE having huge, heavy, uncomfortable breasts. I'm delighted that mine are getting smaller. I was a 42DD and am down to a loose 38D. I in no way want implants. I want to be smaller. BUT. At my age, they do droop, so a breast LIFT is definately in order.

Send a letter to the editorial page of your local newspaper. There may be other families who feel the same way. If a good deal of attention is brought to it, and the poor decision of the ballpark manager is exposed, it will ensure it doesn't happen again next year. Personally, I think the picture of the costume you posted was an insult to Private School girls. If I were in Catholic school, I would have taken offense. It was degrading. I think your private school should be alerted as well. Punky sluts taking pot shots at the students through a tacky costume would not go over well. This IS your community, and this game was supposed to honor or celebrate private schools. NOT mock them.

My husband is 50, and occasionally he has some difficulties, but we have found ways to work around it. No excessive alcohol. It never even leaves the gate if he does. If he has "specific plans" for me that evening, he will do it himself in the shower about an hour or so before we hit the sack. That way he lasts longer. It also depends on the type of sex. If we're making love, it can last for up to half an hour. If it's hot nasty sex, when we finally get to penetration it's usually about 5 - 10 minutes. We take turns going first. I don't have an orgasm with penetration alone. Although some well placed toys can work wonders. If we spend an extra long time on foreplay, sometimes it doesn't happen at all. It all depends on our stress levels, our mood, the type of sex, if he's fatigued, if he's been drinking, where we are when we are having sex..... A hotel or vacation destination is always better. It just depends on the circumstances.

Oooo Oooo.... My turn!!!! Kat18 I have you beat in the age department, but this weight loss thing makes me feel 20 again! I've had several NSVs over the last couple weeks. 1st from my Dad. He hasn't seen me since last December. I got my band last November, so I hadn't lost much weight when he saw me last. I went home for his 50th wedding anniversary party. When I walked in the door, he walked toward me and literally stopped in his tracks. His mouth hung open and he just stared. When he finally regained his composure, he says: "My God. You look like a movie star!" (I have cut and bleached my hair, and got a new makeover) Added to this.... My sister picked me up from the airport. I told her I would meet her out front and would be wearing a red and white polka dot top. She drives toward me and my cousin tells her, there's a red and white top, that must be her. My sister tells, my cousin, "NO, that's not her. She's to tall and she's blonde and skinny." IT WAS ME!!! My hubby called me yesterday and told me that he wanted me to go out shopping this weekend for a fantastic outfit. We have been invited to a very posh and elegant party. Okay..... Then he says, "I've always wanted to see you in a little black dress. with pearls. (He bought these over the summer for my birthday)Get some sexy black pumps and black hose. Simple elegance. I want everyone to see what a trophy wife I have, and those rich bastards can eat their hearts out!" I couldn't stop grinning. My eyes are tearing up just thinking about what he said!! My oldest son is moving out of our house in the next week or two. My husband told me that his first purchase upon exit was going to be a blow up baby pool. ?????? WHAT?????? What for, I ask? He goes on to tell me he wants to put it in the middle of the living room in front of the fireplace and put Astroglide all in it and roll all over me in the firelight...... *GASP* Me?????? He says he wants to start having some REAL fun with his new wife...... *blushing*........ From where we were two years ago in our marriage, this is like a dream come true for me!! (I also can't beleive I told you all about this.....)

My doctor didn't give me any restrictions in this department. I was able to go out walking 4 days after. Swimming 4 weeks later. As far as sex goes, I waited about 2 weeks. Maybe a little less. I just adjusted the positions. My husband was very gentle, and concerned with my comfort. It wasn't any big deal at all, with the positions we came up with. Missionary was DEFINATELY out. It was actually kind of fun coming up with some new ways to do it. I wasn't uncomfortable. He was terrified of my port. To this day he will not touch it. It freaks him out. My son calls it my alien thingy.

My sister chose not to spank or physically correct her children. She tried to "reason" with them even when they were 2 years old. In one ear and right out the other!!! The blank stares were priceless..... Needless to say, they felt like they got away with everything, and are the rudest, most impolite, unruly, misbehaved little hellions I've ever known. they have sour and surly dispositions. I've watched one of them HIT MY SISTER when they didn't approved of what she instructed them to do!! They interrupt her when she's on the phone, and when she doesn't drop the conversation and give them her full attention they've been known to hang up the phone. I cringe and grit my teeth, when all she says is" Now Melissa, you know that's not very nice. I know you can act better than that. What would be the proper thing to do? Should I put you in time out?" I just want to scream. Now that they are older, they are so rude no one wants to be around them. My feeling is that much of this could have been avoided with a good swat when they were little. In my opinion, my sister did them just as big an injustice without disciplining them as she would have if they had been emotionally abused. Their anti social behavior is NOT going to help them in life at all.

I'm pretty rusty at my old high school biology, but isn't fructose what is also found in all fruit?

I get hungry if I eat cereal for breakfast, UNLESS its the Kashi Go Lean high protein cereal, or the Quaker Weight Control instant oatmeal with added protein. The secret is the protein. It helps control the hunger.

BBK. When I first read the letter, I thought, okay, a very concerned mom. Maybe a little over the top, but concerned none the less. The internet can be dangerous, and I could see her point. The pictures? Good heavens. I was a high school teacher for several years and I've seen WAY worse parading up and down the hallways!!! Your pictures were in good taste, and nothing, absolutely nothing was showing that would warrant your mom's criticism. Then, I read your post further down about what you suffered through as a child, and that your mother did nothing to stop it. WHAT? I was stunned. This reaction coming from the same person that allowed that to happen to a child? I clentched my teeth. There's a whole lot more to all this. Now I understand your pain. YOu're right. she had no right to say it at that point. She lost her priviledge to act like a mother to you. And notice I say priviledge. She squandered that. I now see the letter as concern for HERSELF!!! She was worried about Ralph for God's sake!!! She didn't want this to reflect on her!!! Her concern for "you" is a load of crap. Pure and simple. Sorry. I hate to be blunt. Once you do that to a child, you're unredeemable as far as I'm concerned. You live your life, love your kids, be comfortable in your skin (Hell you deserve it!), and celebrate your blessings. Leave the dirt where it belongs.... In the bin. Don't EVER let her get the best of you.

My dog goes nuts when I come home from hospital. She constantly sniffs my skin, and knows exactly where my wounds are if I have any. Even my dog notices. Personally, I think you're in ketosis. It affects your breath, the smell of your sweat..... It's understandable that it would affect your feminine smell as well. Drink more water. It will help, but not get rid of it completely. Add a healthy carb or two to your diet, and you'll see the odor will lessen. Even my husband commented about my breath about 2 weeks post op.

ROFLMAO!!!! "Butt munch"...... I LOVE IT!!!

I was banded one week before Thanksgiving. I was able to cook the Thanksgiving meal for my family with their assistance, and was able to sit at the table and eat my butternut squash soup. I was on full liquids at the time. It wasn't that bad. I was exhausted though, and doubt I would have been able to entertain a house full of extended family. Your husband needs to step up to the plate on this. If they can't all chip in and help, then have it catered. I would make alll the foods you know you can eat. Like Whipped sweet potatos, whipped potatoes and gravy, creamed spinach, souffle, jello mold, cranberry sauce, cornbread dressing with gravy, spiced applesauce, pumpkin pie filling, etc. Let them bring everything else. Remember, you won't be able to lift a 20 pound turkey at that point. You're going to need help. I haven't told my mother in law about my surgery either. She's hyper critical, so I understand. But she needs to know you'll be under the weather so to speak for some reason. If this is your first Thanksgiving, then make the rules now. It's your home. Now is the time. Set the stage for future gatherings, or you could end up being taken advantage of for YEARS.

While I will freely discuss it with strangers whom I will never see again, I do not discuss it with people at work. That is my private life, and I like to keep mine private. It's none of their buisness, and I'm not close enough to any of them to divulge that kind of information. BUT, we did have an office party once, and the guest of honor was to have bypass surgery the following day. I was invited to the luncheon, and didn't even know him.... It was wierd. I kept saying no, but several people kept telling me to come. I was unaware of his surgery. At the party, it was PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED that I had had surgery and it would be great if I could help this guy out with any questions or concerns he may have had. I had told NO ONE at work. I was LIVID!!! Even now that everyone knows due to one VERY rude and ill mannered individual, I still refuse to talk about it. If they want to chatter about me behind my back, let them, but I won't give them the satisfaction!

My calcium citrate comes in "petites". They are much smaller and easier to swallow. They don't get stuck in my band. I can't stand chewing ANYTHING chalky. My gag reflex jumps into overdrive!! So the petites work great for me.

Shinymommy..... Have you tried those pump sprays of butter? It's just a thought.... It might get it even on your toast, and you may end up using less this way....

Not to alarm you, but I've heard of the catch on the band coming undone and the open band can float freely in your abdomen. Even then, I think they would be able to see it. That is very strange. Go to your surgeon immediately.

I've had a handle on mine for the longest time. It's just been in the last month or so, that my cravings and ravenous addiction to salty and crispy has gone out of control. I had been doing so good, and all of a sudden it's back with a vengence. I've even gained 5 pounds in the past 6 weeks. It's so disappointing and frustrating.....

I kind of know how you feel. When I was at my biggest, for two years my husband didn't cuddle, hold me, make love..... nothing. I was so heartbroken. (We've been married for 18 years). I was convinced he was having an affair, but he still swears he never did. Now that I've lost weight, he chases after me like he's in rut. Not that I'm complaining, but it does strike a deep nerve. I'm still the same person. I haven't changed on the inside. It really hurts my feelings too. I'm sorry you're dealing with this. It's so not fair. But according to my husband, sex is a "visual" thing for a man, and if it's not there, it's not there. Now that I look more like myself again, he's all into it. I have to admit, in my quiet moments I REALLY resent it.

You ROCK!!!! But I'm so jealous...... :rolleyes2: