the best me

sobbing at the computer for you! How sad, I'm so sorry. (((((((hugs)))))))))

I got it again today..."When are you due?" AUUUUGGGHHHHH!!!!!! I'm NOT pregnant!!! I'm just fat!!! I know it's my terrible looking but OH so comfy wardrobe. What are you Size 20-22 folks wearing that looks nice? I have the lower belly overhang. That's a big issue in my choosing shirts that fall below that ugly roll, but it's the shirts that confuse people, that and the big boobs, which really aren't that big but somehow look it. I'm always surprised at my ample bosom in pictures. Maybe it's the body dysmorphic thing, anyhow, I have GOT to choose better clothing. What pants? What tops? What do I look for when I shop? HELP? Style-disadvantaged in NC

Hi Michelle! Welcome to LBT! I couldn't do this without LBT, so sit right down and make yourself at home! July is coming fast! Congrats!

I have seen a cat get put to sleep and it's a very quiet and peaceful way to go. I hate it for you, Teresa. It would break my heart, but if you must, well... The problem I have is that the poor dog must be miserable, feeling the need to lash out like that. Or is it just a dangerous instinct? Is the dog happy? Or is she telling you she's really not? I swear I'd try some Elavil/Amitriptylene before putting her down. That way you would know you went to the end and didn't give up too soon. However, easy for me to say since I'm not living in your prison. I'm really sorry.

My friend did South Beach and told me to mix 1 cup of Ricotta (or was it a half cup?) with a packet (or 2...to taste) of Splenda and a quick dab of vanilla extract. It's actually kind of yummy! It's NOT ice cream, or yogurt, but it's sweet and thick and filling. These days, I'm doing good to get my CIB in every day. I usually don't have trouble getting in a cheese or two, but I haven't had any yogurt, except those nasty Go-gurt thingys in the tubes that my kids love. Gross. Well, the strawberry/banana is good. So I filled my usual CIB glass with Water, then poured it in to the measuring cup and I'm drinking 14 ounces of milk when I have a CIB, and the packet says add 1 cup (8 ounces) of milk...so I'm ODing on the milk in my CIB but it's still yummy, and ALMOST 2 servings, right? Trouble is, it's liquid calories. I find myself skipping it because it's just extra calories at the end of the day. I just pour another cup of coffee instead and don't really eat until lunch. I'm not miserable, but I'm sure it doesn't help my get-up-and-go in the mornings. If it weren't for the coffee, I'd be sunk by noon!

Whew! Oprah got me off the hook on capris...just kidding, but aren't we supposed to march in a nice little neat line behind her? She IS Oprah!!! I'm not done on capris, I'll try some others on, and I like cute flipflops if they are sturdy...Wal-Mart has slides and other cheap but sturdy shoes that would look cute with capris. I haven't written them off just yet. OKAY! So DeLarla starts a picture thread and I dig up one of me and Paula and post it there, so I'm posting it here so you all will see my "uniform" and why people think I'm pregnant. My daughter took a pic of me in my jeans that I'll be returning (!) but it was SO grainy...the light was bad. I'll get one taken, I promise, and post it. Here's the current me though, yuck!! Paula looks so cute though, doesn't she?!

Oh my gosh, Jane, your kids are SO precious! I just KNOW how proud you are! Michelle, is this the same chubby woman from your before pics?! Wowza, girl! I just love your haircut, very trendy and flattering. You are so beautiful! All of you are!! And your hubbies are so cute! I'll get some pics...wait, I have some buried in old threads here somewhere...lemme see if I can dig some up... Here's one of me and Paula when we met at Chick-fil-A. I'll post some others. As always, DeLarla, FUN THREAD!!!

Thank to good Lord above and our Master Board Owner Alex B. for the EDIT button! I don't know what I'd do without it. Although I find myself more and more only fixing the REALLY bad ones. If it's still readable, I figure folks understand...and we do! Glad you seem to be feeling more chipper!

Wow, thanks everyone! I'm sure it's all fine, and it will be good to have this all behind me and a name for whatever it is. The right breast is a needle biopsy. That's the one that has been there for 5 years (that I know of) and is growing. She found the left one when checking assymetrically on the other breast...the fact that it's assymetric is actually good news, I'm thinking, because it shows a pattern, and not the willy-nilly-never-know-where of malignant cancer. There's really no science that I know of to what I just said, but it makes some sense to me...so the left breast is an attempt at aspiration first...treat it like a possible cyst, then if it's not, go ahead and get the biopsy while already there, since I've got one on the right, no need to wonder. I'm satisfied, certainly, with the care I am receiving. I think this young whipper-snapper obsessive-compulsive Boob Doc I managed to get knows her stuff. However, I did correct her! How often does that happen? She had the Ultrasound wand on my left breast, pointed at the whatever, and was typing a note onto the computer screen and put "left, 9:00" and I said, "isn't that 3:00?" Yep, she changed it. And handled it well. Didn't blush or gush or try to cover it up. Anyhow, I'm certain it's NOT the procedure where I'm laying face down on a table with the girls hanging. I'll be on my back, they will use the Ultrasound to guide the needle and draw out a sample for testing. So, I'll keep you all posted. Thanks, everyone, for your encouragement, wisdom, experiences, and good wishes. It helps to hear your stories. I really covet your prayers!

Hot Damn Karen! You look great!! Lisa, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the cut and color...your eyebrows are flawless, your make-up (or lack of it, hello!) is stunning. So glad you gave us the close-up!

Wowza, you go girl! Who's your TT doc? I'm pretty sure you are going to Monterrey, so you are driving AND taking your kids? How long is your recovery there before you can leave? I'm sure you have to stay until drains come out and all that... Weel, congrats, girl! You are gonna look SO great! And you'll be able to wear that cute little wrap dress without some snotty nosed little kid asking you when your baby is due! wahoo!!!

Ooooo, good one Vinesqueen! I'd really post a link to LBT. That way they can look for themselves if they are really interested. Or you can mention that if anyone would like info about the band from someone who actually HAS one, please PM you, or whatever feature that board uses. Hey! Post the link to your board and a bunch of us can show up there and lurk and post and generally harrass all the rude know-it-all RNYers with the wrong info. That'd be fun!

hehe. You know, if the jeans looked THAT great on me I'd do it, but they are a bit long and I think I picked the wrong ones to buy. I had two pair of size 20's and tried on one pair and purchased the darker-wash pair. These are more boot cut and have ALOT of flare and length...I'll post a pic...lemme get showered or at least presentable and I'll get my daughter to take a pic with my camera phone... The cami IS tight when I sit down, but I'm afraid if I got the 18/20 I'd hang out the top of it. I'm all for cleavage but I'm afraid I'll be out in public with my son on my hip and he'll reach down my shirt and say "Boobies!" with a huge smile. He's no longer nursing, of course, but he's all boy and knows the good stuff when he sees it. Plus he's two and has NO discretion! Wait, is the my hubby or my son? Oh yeah, my son...

I'm stumped. I have no idea what it could be or why it's there. Okay, verbal processing, state the obvious...just banded 2 weeks ago, port area still tender, upper back adjustment, vibration... I'd look for bruising to pop up, maybe the adjustment moved or slightly tore some healing tissue inside and caused the swelling? That's all I can come up with...please keep us posted! I'd also call the Chiro doc and see what he says?

I'm with you, wait on a fill when you can get it together at home without the stress of being away and can eat your regular foods and really know how your fill is doing. I'd keep your appointment, discuss this with the nutritionist, and then hold off on the fill for those reasons. Why add something to the stress mix? You band isn't going anywhere, you are only 4 weeks post-op...I'm thinking wait, especially if it's something you will be worried about and distracted by. Plus, you'll be back in just two weeks!!! Reschedule for then...IMHO

What a great way to start the day, Kelly! I love it when the kids crawl in bed with us in the mornings and we all "snuggle-bunny" as we call it. I hope your day is a sweet and special as you are! Happy Birthday!

AW, come on, I wanna see your brows!!! JK, but you should post a biggie pic...

There is liquid Advil, look for liquid Motrin, same stuff, but that is still an NSAID and is a no-no for bandsters. I hear some folks say it's fine once or twice a month, just not everyday, I hear others swear it off completely. Also, be sure to check the dosage and make sure you are getting the right amount of medicine as you WOULD be taking with the pills. IF you decide to take the liquid Motring instead. Maybe you'll get some better ideas here though. sorry you feel yucky!!

Thanks Paula! I think I'll start another thread in the Lounge about the boobie stuff...just to keep the conversation flowing here on the clothes. SO! I went to Lane Bryant today. I bought a pair of jeans, a tank/cami thingy (see, I'm all up on the lingo with the clothes here, right?) that's white and very silky/stretchy, and 3 tops. One top has a v-neck and buttons, with a seam under the boob line (is that an empire waist? can you have that on a shirt?) but it's a Spring Pink, like a nurse shirt color. Pretty, but I can't see me wearing it after Labor Day. Gimme a break, folks, I'm SO southern...the Labor Day/Easter cut off between Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter clothing and colors and yes, white shoes is too big a reality to fight! But I LOVE the cut of that shirt and wish I could get it in other colors. The other two shirts are collared button shirts with short sleeves, more tailored with darts at the boobs and down the front for a flatter appearance at the belly. Very cute unbuttoned with the cami thingy underneath. SO! I get home tonight after Bible Study Class (whew! I just finished a gender study on womanhood/femininity and went and signed up for a weekly summer course! hello!! It's great though, this one's on Believing God, anyone do a Beth Moore study? wowza!) okay, shake head, clear the cobwebs of distraction and STOP freeflow typing.... SO I get home and model my clothes for hubby and he starts acting like a Lion in heat while I'm wiping counters in the kitchen...he likes my jeans, God Bless the man...so I actually look at my reciept and they were $60!!! SIXTY dollars for a pair of jeans!!!! NOT! Those are being returned. I'm sorry, I just don't see it. I'd rather my hubby play golf one Saturday than spend that much on a pair of jeans!!! I just can't do it. Not when I can find jeans for 20-30 elswhere... I don't know what I'll do with the rest, you all love the layered thing so I'll keep the tops I guess. Plus I got 15% off when I re-opened my Lane Bryant card so the tops were only about 15 buckaroos a piece. I can handle that. Okay, I'm 5'5" and weigh 207 or so. I wear a size 18/20 in the shirts, a 14/16 in the cami, since it's supposed to be tight, right? and the jeans were 20's. I tried 22's and they were really too big at the waist. The 20's are a bit snug across the lower belly but they fit better around the waist and across the back so it'll do. I'm so bulbous and full of rolls it's pitiful. I did try on a pair of Capri's and can't do it, nope, not at all. It really isn't that they are terrible looking on, it's just that I can't get used to my neon white legs sticking out the bottoms of those pants, when pants that cover my legs are perfectly respectable! I love that folks can wear them and look cute. My sister is one of them. I'm just too white...it's not even funny-looking, it's awful! hehe. OH! and she measured me for a bra and said I should wear a 36DDD. WHAT? She's crazy! I couldn't even get a 38 snapped behind me, had to turn it around to the front to fasten it, then spin it and pull it up. Then, with the DDD cup, the whole top half of the cup was empty! My girls are pretty pitiful anymore. I looked like Madonna wearing coconut halves or something. I am NOT a DDD. A D, maybe, but not a DDD. So the new and improved bra situation needs lots of work. whew! You guys tired of reading this saga? Imagine THAT shooping trip. I'm overwhelmed. But I just love all the advice and the layering thing will work well if I can find the right pants. I'll let you know! Keep the ideas a-flowin' folks, I'm soaking it up! I WILL be stylish someday, sigh.

Wow, you guys are awsome! I have so many ideas about clothes, and had a good trip to the Lane Bryant...I'll fill you in on the clothes later because I want to carefully read all of your ideas again and see which items I'll be returning! BUT, here's the squish-o-gram update. Okay, so they do an ultrasound on the right side (just where I suspected the problem area to be) and she measures an area MUCH bigger than 5 years ago when I had this found at my first baseline Mammogram. So whatever it is (they called it a fibroadenoma at the time) it's bigger, but I can't feel it, my OB/Gyn can't feel it, so it's big but not THAT big. Doc came in and said my old pic measured about .7cm, and it is now 1.7cm. It may be a fibroadenoma, could be one of several other things, but it does NOT look like cancer, but since it's growing, we want to know just exactly what it is. So next week I get a needle biopsy. Just for fun, she took the ultrasound machine and checked the opposite side on my left breast (9o'clock on the right, 3o'clock on the left) and found a little something there, too. sigh. So they will needle biopsy both breasts. I'm not all that worried, but I am anxious and it will hang over me a bit until next week. I'm hoping what happened to you, Sallykotz, will happen to me, but since this has been there for 5 years, it's not likely that it will dissappear in a week. So, my biopsy is Tuesday, a week from today and I'll keep you all posted. Thanks for your good thoughts, kind words, and all you prayin' folks get to work!!

Hehe, they look great, though, don't they? Never underestimate the importance of a good wax job on the eyebrows! You inspired me to run up to Great Clips last night and get the ragged jagged ends cut off this mop of mine. I lost about 2 inches off the back, same cut, just neater and healthier. Yay! And I waxed my eyebrows last week. wahooo, aren't we stylin'?!

I was so dissappointed when leggings went out. I tried my best to keep them "In" but it didn't work. Fitted clothes DO look better...and maybe in time they will be comfy to me. I have a follow-up mammogram (a little leery!!) this afternoon, and as long as they don't tell me I have something that needs a biopsy and I fall apart from fear of the "Breast Cancer" monster, I'll stop by the Lane Bryant on the way home and try on a few things. Hubby is in charge of the kids for the afternoon until I get back from my appointment. Think I can sneak in a quick stop... The lady who yesterday asked if I was pregnant (or when I was due) weighed around 400 or so. She said she needed to lose 250, so I'm guessing she's a 400 pounder? Any way, she was super nice and we ended up having a great conversation about WLS and I told her about my band and she said she is considering the DS. So, it turned out okay, but STILL!!!! I think I know when my wieght problems started. I think I am cursed by a witch or some voodoo person. Back when I was in college, dating my big ole strappin' hunky cowboy boyfriend and weighed 125 or so, I was working in a grocery store pharmacy as a Tech. This lady was asking about a good multi-vitamin, we were looking at them and I commented about her needing Pre-natals, pointing to her belly. You can imagine that I liked to have died right there when she said "I just lost 50 pounds!" She was nice about it to my face but I was mortified, as I should have been, and I think she's the one who put the FAT CURSE on me. It wasn't long after that when I broke up with the hottie BF who couldn't put down the drink, graduated from college, moved back to NC, all the while gaining and gaining and gaining. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it. Gotta run get the girls squished again...I'll let you all know how it went when I get back. Thanks everyone! Back in a Flash...

I would feel that way about a mastectomy, so I'm relating. I guess since my tubes are tied and I'm not techically able to reproduce anyway, it wouldn't hurt my feelings that much to have the big H, as long as I kept my ovaries. But only because I would have to be on oral hormones after that. I had the tubes tied so I could quit the Birth Control pills. sounds like with ovarian cysts, though, you'd have to get the BIG H, right? Ovaries and all? Wow, that is tough. On the other hand, couldn't you just imagine life with no period, no ovarian cysts, no pain, no bleeding, Ahhhh!!! Just make sure you and hubby really don't want any more kiddos. You aren't too old, ya know! Anyway, glad you are feeling better now. Keep us posted on your progress and plans. I'll miss your Percocet Posts. They were so readable for me! lol

Okay, call me an idiot, it won't be the first time!!! So, last night, Gaynor, I read your post about "where does the Father/Son some into the equation?" I'm so confused. I went back and read where you said you took your son to the concert. Okay, I'm not crazy. Then you said how absolutely gorgeous the lead singer is, so now I'm thinking you are a modern-day kind of gay dad with a son from a previous marriage or relationship before you came out of the closet...I just didn't know what to say and I figured I had said enough already, right? So this morning, Vinesqueen makes it all come clear to me (that happens alot with her) and I figure you'll get a big kick out of me thinking you are a gay dad. Can I just shut up now, or what?! hehe, sorry! I guess with g curtis as a screen name, it feels like a guy thing to do that, and then I guess Gaynor to me is male? Or, like Vinesqueen said, curtis is a male name here. I don't KNOW! I just thought you were a guy! Now I get it and I really do think Gaynor is a beautiful name. Maybe change "Registered User" to something like "UK girl" or something clever and that will cut down on the confusion of us Americans? Anyway, hope you get a big kick out of that!

I saw that episode! And you went to high shcool with that guy?! What a trip! I like that show. I was watching it all the time just before I found out about the Band. I kept seeing these people who had hope. sigh. Feels good to have it now, just hard being patient while the fat melts.