DivaStyleCoach

Posting just to say GOOD LUCK to SNT on her banding day - the first day of the rest of your healthier life!:cool2: I'm also tired of election nonsense - I just want to VOTE already and miss the last few days of this hellishly negative and snipey (sp?) campaign. I'm so tired of the blame / guilt by association / negative / snarky / outright deceptive / prejudiced / shall I go on tone of the campaign! Gonna call my surgeon's office today and gently bug them - it's been a week since my info session and I haven't been called about the one-on-one with the surgeon and anesthesist and pre-op stuff. Plus, I hope to get my band date shortly. Hurry up people!:thumbup::cursing:

Good morning Warriors... Happy to report I had a really good workout last night. Mostly upper body - increased poundages and sets on my bench press, seated row, bicep curls, hamstring curls, and pulldowns. Of course that means I'm sore this morning, but oh well! :thumbup: Walked this morning with DD, DH and DDog - somehow, I was the fastest of all of us this morning. Woke up fired up and full of energy - gotta review my food log so I can remember what I ate and do it again - I feel great! :biggrin: Back to the gym tonight to blast lower body and other related parts...will check in tomorrow with the muscle-soreness-inducing results. Everyone have an awesome day, and Luluc - happy belated Bandiversary! :wink2:

Hey CT Lapbanders! Been a while since I reported in, so... New support group started in New Haven for Lap Band patients - went to the first meeting this month and met "Patient Zero" the first lady they ever banded at Yale. She's a real veteran - lots of wisdom and helpful hints. She was able to answer a LOT of questions for me and help ease a fear or two. :eek: There were only 3 of us there, not counting Dr. Bell, who came to the meeting as well. He was wonderful - kind, encouraging, answered lots of questions as well. :cool2: Had my band education session - 5 others there who I think will probably be banded around the same time I will. I'm hoping for the end of this month, but it may be early November - depending on scheduling. I still have to do a one-on-one with the surgeons (Dr. Duffy, because Doc Bell's wife is expecting) and the anesthesiologist, plus some pre-surgery testing. I hope to get a date for that and my surgery this week - if I don't hear from them by Thursday (I went to the session last week Thursday) then I'll call and bug them gently. :thumbup: I'm very fortunate - because I'm covered by the Yale Health Plan, I didn't have to do a pre-op diet or wait very much. I'm basically fast-tracked, which I love, but I wish I'd had the surgery YESTERDAY so I could really start my new life! :biggrin: Great to see all the connections taking place on this board - and I wish nothing but the best for all my fellow CT residents. :wink2:

Oh Kaytiebugs...I feel your pain, and I'm so sorry that happened to you...:smile2: I like SillyGoose's suggestion...in addition to selling things on EBay, do you have relatives that might kick in a little to help? Maybe they can't cover the whole thing, but ya never know until you ask. You could also move the money to a different bank / credit union all together - preferably someplace that is out of your way so it's a real effort to get to the money. Make it someplace that you don't go very often, and DON'T get a debit card for the account. An extreme solution would be to take out a CD for the amount, but by the time you get the entire 2K, you'll be scheduling your surgery again, so that's probably not an option. Throw a yard sale - depending on where you live, that might get you part of the way there...any chance of overtime for you or hubby? If you can even get part of the money, maybe you can make a 'downpayment' on the deductible and pay the rest over time. Hope it all works out quickly for you - I can only imagine the pain and disappointment...it will all work out! *hugs*

Watcher - you've given me quite a few laughs this morning - thank you! The mental picture of your ears bleeding at country music - you poor thing! Hope it's all better now! Had to post to give you big props on your loss - that's fantastic! I agree with you on the 'wider musical tastes' issue, Dionna - I never listened to classical music until I took a ballet class in college - now I love it. Like Watcher, I never listened to country before, now because my DH is a fan, I listen to it sometimes (mostly in his truck since he controls the radio) but we both still like bumpin' to R&B, a lot of rap, jazz, and some of the 'oldies but goodies' that both of us would have laughed at when we were younger...:smile2:

Mornin' Sistas, I think the issue with people not telling about their lap band surgery is the nearly-automatic condemnation from those who don't know what it's like to be clinically obese (or those in denial). My health issues (diabetes, high blood pressure) made me a good candidate for the band - without those, I would have had to be even heavier in order to 'qualify'. I've struggled with my weight since I was 12 years old. Nothing has worked for very long - the only other thing I think might have worked would be if I were a contestant on 'Biggest Loser'. I think Jillian could have worked / pounded the weight off of me like she did last season's winner Ali. I was unsuccessful in my application for the show, so I've taken my life, my health and my destiny into my OWN hands by going through the surgery process. I don't mind discussing it with people, but I'm not broadcasting it. Some people - and in some cases your family members are the worst - just don't understand that the Nike motto "Just Do It" doesn't work when you're more than 50 lbs overweight. I've read that studies indicate that once you hit 50 lbs overweight it's extremely hard to lose the weight without extraordinary measures. Whatever it takes, I'm willing to do - relative to getting my band. I hope to have my final appt with the surgeon and the anesthesist within the next 2 weeks and a date for banding shortly thereafter. I'm still hoping to be banded in October, but as time moves on, I'm less optimistic about that...

Hey ladies, Went for what I hope is my last info session before being scheduled, and specifically asked the doctor about port placement. He was very firm about not giving us a 'choice' of where he puts the port, but I'm just as firm about not having it in a place where my underwire bras are going to irritate it! I get the feeling I'm going to be one of those that marks her bra position on her body with a marker so he can't say he didn't know...I have one more one-on-one with the surgeon and the anesthesist prior to my surgery (hoping for a date before the end of October) so I'll re-emphasize it then as well. I'm going to be stubborn about this - I can't give up my underwires yet - hopefully someday, but not yet!

I'm joining the 'need a kick in the butt' club today - did absolutely NOTHING over the weekend, and ate WAY too much... Getting back on the stick today - walked with DD and DDog today, will walk again at lunchtime (at least I'm consistent with that) and will be in the gym tonight. Just waiting on my pre-surgery appt and to get a date to be banded. Seems like my appetite has gone crazy in the past couple of days and my willpower is waning. I am journaling my food now - it makes me think twice about shoving something in my mouth if I know I have to write it down. Not feeling strong today - hopefully getting in the gym tonight will help that slacker feeling... Nice to read everyone else's progress - y'all are doing great!

ROFLMBO at Watcher - there are some really good country songs out there that can help get ya in the mood for lovin' - my hubby loves country music! He says its one of the few types of music that you can sing all the words without being embarassed at the language... Trace Adkins has one out - "One Hot Mama" - about how his woman thinks she's lost her appeal, and that all he can do is try to get back the breath she takes away...it's a cool song. There are others, but my hubby is better with the names than I am... Dionna - I like a LOT of your selections - not so sure about the big band music, but I'll have to try it and see...

My story...married 18 years, known him for over 25. We were high school sweethearts, broke up, married other people, started families, both got divorced, got back together just before the 10 year reunion, got married shortly after the reunion. He was my first love...the cheating has been on his side, and all emotional. Don't let anyone fool you, it still hurts like a bitch.:smile2: His cheating comes in the form of inappropriate messages to other women in chat rooms and online forums. It also takes the form of visits to porno sites and sites set up by women who don't mind making money off their bodies. I don't mean that to sound judgemental - they don't force him to visit... What hurts the most is that NONE of the people he chats with or looks at online look like me. If they were built similar to me, or looked a bit like me I think it would hurt less. In every other way he is a good man - a good provider, most often a good friend, a spectacular lover, great father. It's just this one area of his life that I can't deal with...after I found out about the latest episode - it was worse a few years ago, one woman actually emailed me copies of their conversations to try and break us up - I told him how much it hurt me that he did this. I asked him if he would understand if I did the same thing. I think it opened his eyes...he definately would NOT like it if I did the same thing. He's cut his online activities way down. How do I know? I have his email password and I can check. Whether he knows I have it or not, I really don't care...I don't want to be the last to know. I am more technologically savvy than he is, so I can check cell phone records, etc. If I find something I don't like, I ask - and then I keep copies in my very own evidence file. If he screws up really bad (and it would take a LOT to get it to that level) then I've got evidence for the divorce. It would break my heart - he is the man I've loved forever, it seems, but if he doesn't want to stay, I can't make him. What I can do is make ME happy...right now, staying with him makes me happy. We are working on our relationship and he is 100% supportive of me being banded. I pray the current happy climate stays around for a long, long while...

This is too funny - I was just putting together a list to *ahem* break in our new fireplace insert tonight...:smile2: Barry White - mos def - lots of his stuff is great Quincy Jones et al - Secret Garden - one of the all time best Usher - Trading Places - brand new and very hot! Jordin Sparks - No Air - more romantic, great for getting started Chris Brown - Take You Down Whitney Houston - Saving All My Love for You Teddy Pendergrass - Turn off the lights J Holiday - Suffocate and Bed Chrisette Michele - If I had my way Jill Scott - The Way Lemme search some more...this is fun!

I'm in...I LOVE Biggest Loser - I find it inspirational... I love Jillian cause she's a badass...Bob started out as kinder and gentler, but he's got an EDGE this season...maybe because Jillian's gal kicked butt and won last season? I'd love to work out with either of them...and I feel like some of y'all - if those people don't want to be there, then SEND ME!:smile2: I can't stand the brown team :wub: they are pissy, whining, moaning and talking bad about other people constantly - I'm glad he's gone! Purple team gets on my nerves as well - Mom is a whiner, daughter doesn't seem to be taking this seriously. I want to tell them both to shut up! I like the Red team to, and so far, Heba is my favorite. She seems to put her whole self in to the work - mind, body and soul... The saga continues...

Good morning Crew! Just posting to say that I went to my info session for the band yesterday with the surgeon. It was a group session, and one of the last steps before I get a surgery date. Good info - though there was this ANNOYING woman who kept interrupting the doctor and throwing her .02 in everywhere. He was pretty even-keeled, but the rest of us were getting annoyed! On a positive note, it looks like I'm already pre-approved, so I may be one of the first from my 'group' yesterday to be scheduled. I've already talked to my employer about the time, so I can be short-listed for surgery. If they call me and say come in a week from Monday, I can do it!

ROFLMBO - Y'all have me cracking up this morning! Slim - if you need help with that bigmouthed co-worker, just let me know...I grew up in Detroit, ya know, and I can pull that violent, kick-serious-as* woman out of the closet I locked her into at a moment's notice...I HATE big-mouthed people that don't know how to keep their noses out of other people's business. How DARE she break your confidence!:cursing: Leslie - you down for a drive-by beatdown of the bigmouth?:cool: Plain - the genital comment is too funny - though if you have to advertise, one has to wonder if there is something *ahem* lacking in the reality??? Just kidding...:eek: Keep 'em comin' folks - you have absolutely MADE my Thursday!:wink2:

ROFLMBO :sad_smile::smile: at Froggi and Tap - y'all are too funny! Any other time of the year, I can't stand it either, but recently they've been so cold it's hard to get to sleep... My hands stay pretty cold sometimes as well - I think it's the diabetes (my mom always had cold hands and feet) affecting my circulation. Another reason I can't wait to be banded so I can put diabetes into remission in my body! I understand (or at least I think I do) that you can't "cure" diabetes, but you can put it into remission and get off the meds. My first goal as a banded gal - get off the meds!

The puppies are SO cute...remind me of my black Lab, Dave. We saw a notice in the paper, went to visit, he was the only one that would come out to 'investigate' us...we had him 13 years before hip dysplasia got him...had to let him go once winter set in and he couldn't go outside to relieve himself. Got snappy at the end because of the pain, and we just couldn't handle it. I miss him still...R.I.P. Dave :sad_smile: Plain - I love the 'real' you! Looks a bit like your old avatar, but cuter! (I know, I know, don't get him started...I couldn't help it) Here's wishing for a long and restful night's sleep for all those with sleep challenges - not something I usually deal with - even when preggers I slept like a rock! Lately I've been wearing socks to bed - warm feet are the best way to get me comfy and sleepy!

YAAAAAY Tina! Go Tina! Go Tina! *dancing around computer* I am SO PROUD of you! 60 miles is an AWESOME accomplishment...and you can count on me for support next year as well - I know we'll still be here on LBT together! Make sure you check with your doc on the tendon thing - though I'm sure you already have. As to the weight gain - that could be Water you've retained because you worked your muscles so hard during the 60 miles of walking...I have heard that after a tough workout, you can retain water. Of course, I'm not a doctor, so take that with a grain of salt - but - you are phenominal!:tt1:

Leslie, I've become a fan of Quizno's commercials because of that man's voice... "Mmmm...tasty"...be still my heart!:redface::wub::w00t:

LJM, Leslie - I've been blessed during my pregnancies to be able to 'talk' my children to sleep... My son was pretty active at first, but he nearly outgrew me! He was 9 lbs, 9 oz at birth - :eek: - I used to rub my belly and talk to him before bed and he actually seemed to sleep when I did. My daughter was a surprise - they thought she was a fibroid tumor and could never find her heartbeat...imagine my surprise when my doctor's appointment turned into "did you know you were pregnant?" :eek::eek::eek::eek: One of the best surprises I EVER got! :wub: I 'talked' her into sleeping through the night in late December - told her mommy had to go back to work in January (she was born Dec 7th) and if she wanted to give mommy a Christmas present, to start sleeping through the night. She DID! :redface: She Smiles - would setting up a certain bedtime routine help? Warm milk, cozy blanket, foot rub from a loved one, etc, etc, etc? Here's hoping a restful, restoring sleep is yours tonight and every night :wub: Had to post just to post...:w00t:

LOL - Fugly - I've said that a few times! Leslie - I'm feelin' you on Sean Connery - my mom lusted after him too. That accent! The Sam you are talking about is Sam Elliott - and he's mos def a hottie of the first order! :w00t: I always loved James Earl Jones - that VOICE...Avery Brooks does it for me too - remember him as Hawk from Spenser for Hire, or perhaps on Star Trek - Deep Space Nine? :wub: Throw Ving Rhames in there too - Mission Impossible, Tombstone, etc...and let's not forget Michael Clarke Duncan from Green Mile and Daredevil (among others). :wub: Now if I can get myself back on track here...attitude definately has a big effect on whether a man is attractive or not (are you listening, Plain? - just kidding). I love men that can make me laugh - my DH is great at that! I also love real gentlemen - the open doors, help you out of the car, pull out your chair for you at the restaurant, walk on the street side of the sidewalk to protect you kind of gentleman. I tend to like blue-collar, working guys - but he's gotta be able to wear a suit well. No sense in not being able to dress him up and take him places... The conversation is a big plus - I know guys that are the strong, silent types, but when they do talk - it's with deep sincerity and a gentlemanly courtesy that makes them soooo attractive! I always HATED the "Hey ma, how you doin?" kind of approach...talk to me like you've got some sense, and I'll respond accordingly. Come at me like a thug, and you get no love here!:redface:

Mornin' Everyone! Tough workout yesterday - primarily upper body. Went up on several poundages and I'm feelin' it today! :w00t: On the cardio / weights question - I agree with Lulu in that there are lots of ways to handle this. I have done cardio and weights on the same day, but only if I'm not working legs that day. When I do cardio, it's usually the hill program on the treadmill or the elliptical. I push pretty hard (or as hard as I can with my slightly irregular heartbeat) and I can't give 100% to both. On a leg day - no cardio. I have lifted heavier and not done as much cardio, and unless you are training circuit-style with minimal rest between exercises, you can 'bulk' up a little. If you don't cut the bodyfat through exercise and diet you will build muscle "on top" of the bodyfat which might make you look bulkier. I think it's temporary, though, because muscle burns more fat at rest. The more muscle you gain, the higher your resting metabolic rate will be and your body will naturally burn more calories. :redface: Now - disclaimer - I am NOT a certified trainer, so this is just based on what I've read and heard. I used to work in a gym, so I got to talk to many of the trainers. They use a LOT of cardio on Biggest Loser, and do cardio and weights on the same day (or so it seems). I guess some experimentation is in order to see what works for your body - be sure to write down what you are doing, track your responses and measurements, and then you'll be able to decide what your body likes best.

Hey Shadia, Congrats on your impending marriage - may you and your hubby be happy, healthy and have a long, loving marriage. I love to shop too - I can only imaging how I'll be when I get to a smaller size! I can't wait - I've already bought some things for my 'transition' wardrobe once I'm banded! I want to take a pole dancing class too - in fact, one of the threads on this board was about some members' experience with a pole dancing class at their local aerobics studio - you might be able to find it via a search. I want to wait until I'm not as heavy before beginning...I don't know if I could hold ME up right now! :eek: Welcome!:thumbup:

Welcome to all the newbies!:thumbup: I'm moving right along - have a loooong appointment on Thursday to do a (hopefully) final education session with the bariatric surgery team. I'm hoping that shortly after that, I'll get an appointment for pre-op stuff and an appointment to be banded! I was hoping to be banded already, but things happen on a schedule that I don't control :tt2: I'll just be glad to get the scale moving on a DOWNWARD path! Will let y'all know how the education session goes - wish me luck!

Hey y'all... Just caught up on the thread...I firmly believe that we have to tell and teach our partners what we want. That's for both men and women!:tt2: I have to remind my DH of 18 years occasionally that while my breasts enjoy the occasional tweak, too much pressure is painful and does NOTHING for my desire level! He gets 'caught up' and tends to forget when he's really excited...same for me - I'll get excited and forget to ease up on him as well... I frequently cliimax with penetration - though I must say it's usually preceded by lots of foreplay. My DH is masterful at finding the right spots on my body with his hands and mouth - and I love to return the favor! Take it slow at first - I read an article where they suggested a couple do everything BUT penetration in an effort to make each other climax...it can be fun to explore the landscape of the body. Use toys if they help you, and not just the battery-operated ones - use feathers, fabric, Fluid, food, restraints, hey - whatever has the potential to turn you on! Try reading some of the stories on erotic websites like Xandria.com - they have a section called "Pillowbook" that has reader-submitted stories. Might inspire some new ideas (or new positions) that could spice things up. :frown: Above all - be safe and have fun!:thumbup:

'Morning Ladies and Gents! Friday I went out with DH to a concert - the arts organization in our town has 'First Friday' concerts. It was a hawaiian-themed group with hula dancers...Yes, I got up on stage and shook my hips with the rest of the rookies who were too silly to be scared. Fun, but not a heck of a lot of exercise!:tt2: The weekend was pretty active - though not in the gym...raking leaves, cutting brush and wood, cleaning out the garden for the fall, etc. Lots of bending, reaching, stretching, toting, lifting, etc. I was a bit sore on Sunday, but finished up early. Sunday afternoon was fun - my DH is a justice of the peace and one of the couples he married invited us to their reception. They had the wedding earlier, then had the reception when the most family members could attend. We danced quite a bit - my DH is a great dancer and loves to be around fun people. Had a wuuussssaaah moment when a woman attending the party got a little too friendly with my DH, but refrained from pounding her into the pavement (she was a little tipsy, so I cut her some slack)... Back on track for the gym today - woke up late, so no morning walk, but will hit the sidewalk at lunchtime, then the gym tonight. Have a great day, everyone!