princess_n_thep

for the "f" word : freak, fudge, fughedaboutit for the "s" word: shhhhhheeze, shitola, crapper for "gd" word: See above catch phrases... I stopped saying the real words when my son was 2 1/2 and was with me when I dropped some cake mix on the ground and said the real "s" word and he walked around the house for WEEKS throwing toys on the ground on purpose saying it. He thought it was funny as heck. I was embarrassed but my mother-in-law was peeved. So I got at least a little pleasure out of it.

As I live in Arizona where there are many "commuters" and "workers" that send the cards home to their families while they work. It is known to me that the phone cards that are US/Mexico compatible can be dialed by dialing a 800 number in the US. Which means, if you can dial the 800 # from the phone, you can use the card. Also, the cards are cheaper here in the grocery stores and convenient stores rather than the gas station. Also, my landscaper knows I am going to Tijuana and he is from Nogales. He suggested about a week ago that I get my phone card from www.callingcardplus.com but I haven't done it yet. He said you can just keep renewing the card. Hope this helps.

okay, here I am, wayyyyy past my bedtime and without a patch. aaaarrrgh. I take the patch off at night because I get wierd dreams when i wear it to bed (wierd I know but i swear its the patch). And, to top it all off, went out to put my stuff in the knap sack of the motorcycle and the DH (read as damn if you want) is changing my oil!! So, back to the car for me. I think I will hang my head out of the car window like a basset hound to try and simulate the ride. I am going to go try a nice hot bath. Thank you all for your words of encouragement! I knew you all would be here for me! P.S. So much for my "lurking" status. I guess I am in full posting mode now.

I am not banded yet, but my mom and sister had Gbypass and they have a great idea for their old clothes.... they go through once a year and collect all the large sizes. Then they advertise the "larger ladies garage sale". They come in drovessss! They take the money that they make from the clothing sale and donate it to a different children's charity. This year was the Missing and Exploited Childrens Foundation (my favorite charity). Last year they donated to the Humane Society. They don't raise A LOT of money but those that get it appreciate it, and those "larger ladies" appreciate all the brand name clothes like Lane Bryant that haven't been used very long and are a good sale deal!

Well, it is almost time for bed and even though I ate like a pig for dinner with 2 sloppy joes, had a big bowl of ice cream, then sucked on candies (god I cant wait for the band) the night was CIGARETTE FREE! woo hooo! I have been thinking about the whole ride to/from work and have decided on the perfect solution. I am going to take my motocycle to work (thanks for the suggestion of a motorcycle feel!)! It is nice enough here in Arizona and I NEVER do that to work because of hair/helmet issues. But, I am going to leave 30 min earlier than normal so I have time to fix it before work. Sooooooo, That will be my salvation! I am not coordinated enough to ride and smoke so I will be just fine! Thanks all.... I will update again tomorrow.... Gosh, I really hope others who are quitting/getting ready to quit can use this thread to help them!! I know I couldn't have even gotten this far without you all! Thinking I can and KNOWING I CAN, Jenna

Evening update on day 2: Today was a good afternoon. I didn't really crave much. (especially since that yucky tasting one). I think hope is right, and DH agrees, I am holding onto that pack and if I get an UNcontrollable urge I will light it and drag (and probably gag again). And it will also alleviate a headache pang. But I haven't needed to all day! The evening I am hoping goes well too. I find myself hoping for sleep time so I can sleep through some cravings. (nothing interupts a princess and her sleep!) The "smokers bracelet" has been SO wonderful for in the car. I twist it, turn it, and sometimes suck on the beads. It has really helped. My family aren't really talking much about this because I think they don't want to make me think of it, so we aren't saying anything about it. But I know my son wants me to quit, he hates it. I am a very "respectful" smoker, always have been, so they were never affected by second hand smoke. Tomorrow is going to be my first day back to work. I am used to going 8 hours without a cigarette since I can't smoke at work, but the drive to/from work is going to be tough because that is when I usually "stock" up. No cigarrettes since Friday night at 10pm!!! *except that gross 4 drag one* People tell me I have to get through 3 weeks and I will be fine. Is this true? Does it ever get easier? The lower dose patch seems to be working. Thank Penni, I needed that!

I have always been told, and it seems to work, that swimming is the best cure for cramps. Head off to the nearest indoor pool and swim a couple laps, I bet you will feel better! I swear it works for me!

Day TWO: This morning I was okay. I put on the patch again and it was okay this time. I think I was just stressed and emotional yesterday (when am I not). I was doing fine until my husband and I noticed a very large mass that has appeared on our dog's chest wall. He is breathing kind of heavy (not labored but differently). We will take him to the vet this week. Then our lawnmower decided to die. I decided to clean the garage. I found an old pack of cigarettes. I caved and lit one in secret. It was GROSS! I took 4 drags and put it out. My taste in my mouth was gross. I don't know if it was a really old pack or what but I put it out and went to brush my teeth and change clothes. I didn't tell anyone (but all of you of course). Little set back, but I am back on track I think. Today I am going to try and keep busy working on the computer. I am taking things very day by day I think. I NEEEEED to do this! I CANNNNNN do this darn it! You see, getting the band surgery is part of quitting smoking. Back when I decided to do this and self pay (which I really don't have the money for) my mom said she would give me $5,000 for the surgery. The rest I am financing. That is a HUGE chunk that she will not pay for if I don't do this!!! And she WILL keep her word about giving me or not giving me the money if I fail/succeed. More updates to follow... (hopefully with better news).

Oh and I forgot to tell you all! My son spent his Saturday morning in his room (not watching cartoons) and made me a "smoking bracelet". He said it was like a worry stone only made my him. It has beads on a stretchy elastic and he says that when I feel like I should have something in my hands, then play with that. It REALLY helps in the car. What a sweeeet boy!

Well I felt a little ill this morning about 2 hours after I put it on. It is only 15mg (one of the lower, the only lower is 10 and then 7). I quit on the patch before once so I am not convinced that it isn't just my nerves jumping around on me. I had a rough first day but I am holding fast. I would love a relief from these headaches though. Tried Ibuprofen, rest and then I went to store for Excedrin. Nope, still have a tinge. It seems to take the edge off of the headache but I can still feel it pounding. Geez, what I wouldn't give for just ONE drag to take the headache away. I think I will try and go to bed early tonight. That way I can get another 8 hours of smoke free under me!

This was geared toward going to Mexico but still has some great travelling tips in it. Good luck and have a safe trip!! http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=5161&highlight=travel+suggestions

I really needed this posting today! When you start "putting off" shaving your legs because it is just too hard anymore to bend over and get it done, so you just wear pants. The stewardess doesn't wait to be asked for the seatbelt extension, it is just delivered to you. You order a coke at a restraunt and the waiter says, "diet ok?"

My headaches began about 1pm today. Had our taxes done this morning and for the first time ever we are not getting a refund... WE OWE!!! I almost went to get some cigarettes but I refuse to be beaten. Then the headache hit. I think I will go lay down and hope it does not evolve into a really severe one. I have the Patches but this morning I think it made me feel ill so I took it off 2 hours after I put it on. So for now, I am cold turkey. A friend told me to limit myself today to 3 cigarrettes, tomorrow 3, the next day 2, the next day 2, the next day 1, the next day 1 then quit all together. I have to admit I thought about it. But I know if I pick one up, many will follow!!! And besides, today is the day (grandma's birthday, she died of lung cancer from smoking 8 years ago) and I will NOT give up this day. I am hoping the headaches subside within a few days. As for now, its ibuprofen and rest. I look forward to checking this post. It really really is helping! Jenna

The day is here and I hit it hard!!!! I have cleaned the backyard of any "butts" around my smoking chair! Then I took the chair and moved it to a completely different part of the yard. Threw away any and all "tools" to smoke (ashtrays, lighters, etc). I opened the 2 packs that I had and I watered them down and threw them in the trash too! Then I took the trash out. I also took a tylenol at about 6am to get rid of any headaches that were likely to follow from not smoking. (i get the WORST headaches when I have tried to quit before) First thing I did this morning is try and vary my normal routine. (which was normally go make tea and go outside to my chair for a smoke). So instead, I brushed my teeth, put on my patch and came here for the morning and woweee you all have been good to me! Thanks! (((((((((HUGS TO EVERYONE))))))))))) Jenna

Okay, now I am crying again. Thanks everyone. I REALLY appreciate it. And with 3 weeks before surgery I need it sooooo very much. Thank you thank you thank you. All of you are wonderful. Jenna P.S. And DH just brought me a dozen roses! And of course, I am crying HARDER NOW!!!

My involvement was quick and then I was out. I really don't even know what is going on now. But I was one of the ones who decided it was best to "lurk" here and post very minimally and use the PM for talking to friends. The site is WONDERFUL though for information and networking. As far as the moderator issue goes, I really don't know if I have an opinion one way or the other. Other than a few catty words I had very briefly, I haven't been affected by any moderator I don't think. Heck, I don't even know who the moderators all are. Bigchix had responded to my post and about me "leaving" but I made it clear I wasn't "leaving" but deciding to cut back and just watch for awhile. Some of you know, as being my trusty internet friends, that I am an emotional wreck these days. And on top of it all, I get my monthly friend (aaargh). So I think I jumped into a conversation that had NOTHING to do with me and I was just buttin' in with my 2 cents that really weren't called for. And some of this stuff I don't even know about (bigchix, pm's, deletion of posts, etc). But I would like to admit my faults for my part in the mess. I have apologized to those I feel I need to and am moving on with things. Never, in any of the time spent here, have I meant to diminish anyone or make them feel terrible in ANY way. I apologize if I stuck my big nose in anyone's business or made any comments that were mistaken for anything other than friendly. Posting/Typing can be read one way when it is actually typed with a whole different idea behind it. I apologize for not recognizing this and being more careful with any words/quips/one-liners/jokes/or otherwise. As someone becoming banded soon I need this site to get support/encouragement/ideas/information/networking etc. etc. etc. Love and Hugs, Jenna

ahhhh, to heck with it all.... this is ridiculous. I am a grown woman and getting upset at all the things ppl do in here. Well, no more for me. I will be here for the info and will post only in dire circumstances, but if you need me... PM me. Otherwise, Im outtie.... Sorry friend (you know who you are!) I just can't stay in it for the catty stuff in here. I have a son to raise, a surgery to do, a husband to be a wife to, and a job to do. Bye all! Hope all of your dreams come true!

Did someone actually want me to look? No one asked me to look, I had just taken it upon myself to grab a few better rates. I didn't hold anything or make any plans. I put it out there but no one really wanted to say much about it so I figured I would just back off a bit. I just thought the Excalibur wasn't as good of a "deal" as some of the others. And I figured that people can put that extra $40 they save on hotel right into the slots! ha ha Wasn't everyone psyched to be at Excalibur? (although I don't like that hotel because it isn't a good walk from/to the strip, even though it is "on" the strip, but FAR to one end of it). My personal opinion is that MID strip would be best and one of the older strip hotels like the Sahara or the Riviera (which aren't as "themed" but are still clean and nice) but they have all done this before so I figured they wanted to plan and execute it? Who is heading this project up? DeLarla? Penni? Whoever is doing it should try and get some group rates going. Vegas hotels are BIG on providing wonderful group rates!

LOL I believe my question has been answered. Thanks to all the posters for their maturity in handling the question and their accuracy/honesty/correctness in their responses! So I believe the decision is.... what? like I was going to tell you? ha ha ha.

THANKS ANITA! You just made my day!!!!!!

I am going to Tijuana on March 22 (surgery March 24) and I had a friend on another board suggest a massage, pedicure and a manicure before surgery to pamper myself, make me more relaxed and calm any nerves. Anyone know of a good day spa in Tijuana?

Oh my.... it is very long and very medical but VERY informative about what is going to happen inside you on surgery day! Good post!!! However, I think some who are overly nervous already, don't watch it until AFTER your date. :cool:

ohhhhh, that sounds GOOOOOD DeLarla! And I am not even banded yet! Let the party beginnnnnnnn!

this is turning out to be a darn good thread! Wish it was in the food section though so others who are specifically looking for it would find it. I am even getting some good recipes myself! wooo hoooo! good idea to post jamie!

Thanks for the offer Penni! However, I will be traveling with my mom and sister to go there so that won't work. Can I have a raincheck? :cool: Darn, I was really hoping to at least get a nice massage or pedicure in Tijuana.