mousecrazy

Anne, I love real strings of popcorn and cranberries! I haven't done that in years, but I would like to! We made little ornaments for our trees outside, with peanut butter and birdseed and dried fruit, for the birdies! Uhm, not this year....but it's fun! Countdown update...counting today, 12 days! I'm starting to get "short-timer's attitude." I actually don't care about some of the things that are being discussed. I think I'm switching gears to "home-centered." I love it!

Would it be like throwing oil on a fire to question the accuracy of the claims of dwindling natural resources? I am not an expert in this field, but I have flown over many parts of the US that appear to be totally un-populated. I stand on the side of thinking of children as gifts from God, not burdens. I believe most people give more to society than they take. I am not comfortable with the idea that I should tell others how many children they should have (China?), but I sometimes find myself wanting to tell people they, in particular, shouldn't have children. I know that's wrong, but I'm being honest about that. When I was younger, I did not believe I would ever want to have children, and I said things about having children much like those who do not want children are saying here. I changed my mind. It is possible to change one's point of view, even when you are really old, like me, at 51. I, too, once believed that I was so much more educated and aware of the world than the "others" and it was easy to be condescending and look down my nose at "them." I understand the inter-connection and overlap between pagan rituals and history and parts of Christianity, and it doesn't screw with my head. What Christianity has that makes the difference is the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, and the message of forgiveness inherent in its doctrine. This is more powerful, to me, than the length of the days in summer and winter. Whether you want no children or a dozen, matters not. I doubt our grandparents had to wait in ERs because there simply weren't very many. The answer to that problem has many other causes, besides a growth in population. Perhaps we could just force people to move out of the urban centers? There is plenty of open land available in the world. We could quit developing cures for diseases,and that would cut down on population growth. Or, we could stop improving food production and more people could starve, which again would reduce population growth. I think a fascination with the, in my opinion, non-problem of over-population, is a symptom of something else. It is interesting that the "problem" of a few couples having many children is so upsetting, but the "problem" of many couples choosing not to have any, and choosing not to adopt the ones without parents, and choosing to abort the babies conceived who are unwanted, is not upsetting at all. Very interesting.

Something to consider is that part of the effectiveness of the band has to come from you...we are not perfect, I know that! We are not the best decision-makers about food, that's why we are in bandland now...but we've got to start sometime. You didn't say what you eat or how much, but your band is just one part of the system. You are the other part. Try to be a partner, and understand that your band will do part of the work, and you will do part. Your weight loss journey will be much more relaxed and enjoyable that way. You are losing very well, I think, and the next fill will help you ought a little more. Just don't get overly restricted, because all kinds of problems can begin that way! Good luck, and if you are still worried, make your next fill under flouro, so they can see the status of your band. It is probably fine, but there's no need to be so worried, when you don't have to be!

Nice to meet you! Take it easy and be patient...it's more of a marathon than a sprint!

I think it's true that the plus sizes take more weight loss to move down into another size...I am a little over 5'7" tall. I weighed 286 and wore a size 26 in pants. Now, I weigh 208 and wear a size 18 in pants. Here's where it gets confusing...at Target, I am just getting into their size 18's, which fit much tighter in the hips and thighs. On the other hand, some Bill Blass jeans in size 18 are very loose. I wear them, but I'm always yanking them up, and I'm about to give up with them. So, size is a combination of height, weight, body shape, and manufacturer. How's that for a confusing bowl of spaghetti? Basically, I just try stuff on, and if it fits, I buy, regardless of what number is on the tag.

Good morning! My favorite Christmas song (this is hard, because it kinda depends on the day!) is "O Holy Night" especially if sung by Josh Groban. I also love "I"ll be Home for Christmas" and that gives me the sad, happy feeling, because I feel like I'll never be home again, since Mom is home to me, and she is in heaven...so someday, right? I just remember that now I am "home" to DD, so we must keep going, and that's what my mom would want me to do. Sherry, you always notice my little scale moving! It's just a little, but I'm happy for every little pound. My goal for December is just to hold what I've got. It used to be "onederland" but I don't want the stress. I'll get there...seems the less I think about it, the easier it is. Betty, the lights and cold weather ought to help you get in the mood...but I agree, it is quite a bit of work. I will try to post a picture for you. WE have the tree up but no decorations on it...and I've tried one photo session for our Christmas card, but wasn't really happy with the shots, so I'm going to try again. See ya later!

Congratulations! You have done amazing work in the past year, and you look amazing to match!

As I have said before, and again, the juice is probably not worth the squeeze (but I just can't help myself), the sanctimonious attitude of some posters is disgusting. Asking for tolerance for their minority beliefs, while being completely intolerant of all other beliefs is pitiful. If I could devise a way to pull the blinders back, so that the holders of these attitudes could see they have one point of view, and other people have a different point of view, and that is not necessarily a problem, I would do so. I have learned it isn't possible. So, if you are reading this, and you understand what I'm referring to, please know you are not alone. There are many people on LBT who understand and hold a more conservative point of view; they just do not bother very often to post to Rants and Raves due to the pushy, intolerant people who post here, regardless of how they describe themselves and their attitudes. I do, however, respect an atheistic, secular point of view, though I do not agree with it. I do not respect the attitude expressed here and in other threads that this point of view is right and educated and differing points of view are wrong and ignorant...thus, I have used the terms "disgusting" and "pitiful" to describe this. I just wanted to clear that up, because I am sure I will be attacked for being hypocritical. Again, for emphasis, I am tolerant of the point of view, but not of the sanctimonious, "I am right and educated, and you are wrong and ignorant" attitude. It is elitist and insulting, which may not bother the ones holding such attitudes, but is that really the effect that is desired? Perhaps it is. Possibly, the Rants and Raves section should be renamed, because it is apparently the Liberals Only Rant Section/Others Enter at Your Own Risk. That's why very few of "us" ever come here, but ya'll are interesting every now and then.

Kat, I like hearing your stories! It never fails to interest me, the crazy things people get themselves into! I love the "bought a big playground toy at Sams" story! NOT! That's hilarious, and who does he think he's kidding? Like you, I hope they can play grown-up for the kids' sake. Also, sorry about the food problems...hope you are feeling better! Hi, Darcy! I bet I'll miss being at work one or two days, myself. I will miss the kids. I won't miss being part of the system; if I can figure out how to improve the system, I'll probably get involved in something like that sometime. This week's big activity is the holiday luncheon on Thursday, which I was volunteered to coordinate. It's a big job, but a fun one! Today is DD's first basketball tournament, and DH and my dad are going to it...wish I could go, but since I missed 2 days last week, I have to pass up this one. I just told her I will be at every game in Jan/Feb. If she stands under the basket with her arms up, she should be able to block a few shots! Hope everyone's warm and dry, and in the spirit! Hugs, Cindy

Kat, you are soooo good about getting everyone in your post! This post is just a quickie...we just got home from the recital. She did real well, except for one little part where she forgot a word...of course, she was upset about that, but most people barely noticed. I'm just impressed that anyone can stand in front of people and sing! I thought she did great, and looked beautiful, but then, I am biased! It is still cold, but no wet stuff, so that's good. Guess I'll have to go to work tomorrow...13 more days! I'll write more tomorrow, promise. Love you guys, Cindy

Good afternoon, all! Eileen, glad you could be up so early, and visiting with us...I suppose your throat is feeling better? I sure hope so! How is NJ weather? Did you get any snow this weekend? Patty, say happy birthday for me, too! Hope ya'll had a big blast! Chrispy, how are you feeling? I haven't heard any complaints, so I guess you are doing very well? Sherry, Beanie, Kat, Anne, Darcy, Pat, Ivan, Mary, Mandy...is everyone busy decorating their homes? We're poking away at it. I think we're mainly just making a big mess! Had to make a unscheduled purchase of a mattress this morning...little DD was sleeping with me last night...and had a BIG oopsie #2 accident in the bed. Of course, no mattress pad. It was about time to think about a new mattress anyway, but that kinda pushed up the time frame, don'tcha know? It is supposed to be delivered between 6-9PM tonite. Weird delivery time. Poor thing, she didn't even know it happened until she woke up, then she was really upset about it, and we had a big mess to clean up. All's well that ends well, and I'm excited about the new mattress. Otherwise, nothing much of any importance...regular weekend stuff. Check in later...hugs, Cindy

The video of Abi and her daddy sledding is so cute!!!! Thanks for posting that, Mandy. I wouldn't have the slightest idea how to do that. You are becoming a computer wizard! Kathy, great job in quitting smoking. I quit in 2000, as my millenium gift to myself and my family. It's hard to do, but worth it. Good for you! Beanie, remember, they really can't fire me, can they? LOL! I'm just a big chicken about driving on ice, that's all. Thanks for being nice about my little theories...I do seem to have a few! Ivan, thanks for starting our thread, and I'm glad to hear your wife is doing well, and you are successful in maintaining your goal weight. I know that it's not easy to do that! Hi, Anne! Plans for the weekend: makeup voice lesson for DD, DD sings at early church on Sunday, and has a voice recital Sunday afternoon. That's about it, plus work on decorating our Christmas tree, and other "housey" things. To all, stay warm! Cindy

Chrispy, I think you're on to something there...I distinctly remember being right at 50 pounds lost...not quite there, but almost. I was on that plateau for a couple of months, probably partly because I was eating carelessly. The good news is this: the phase passes. I also think it is almost necessary...you go at the weight loss really hard for so long, then it is natural to take a break for a while. More good news: thanks to the band, you aren't really going to lose any ground. And even more good news: you actually NEED that time to get used to the new, thinner you. So, that's my little theory (haven't you had enough of my little theories today?) Sorry Betty, for the cold weather...I really like it, as long as I am not driving in it. Dianne, I sent you a PM about your resume. Eileen? What's up with you? Mandy, how is Abi? Kat, I see you are on here at the same time! Gotta run, and get the little one ready for bed. Cindy

Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary! My other boyfriend is ice cream, and I can vouch for your evaluation of his seductive nature! Great job!

Hi, all! I chose to stay home and avoid the drive home, AFTER the ice is all over the road. Just blame it on common sense. Also, my DD's school closed today, so that cinched it. We did get the internet working, believe it or not...the DSL guy showed up after 9 this morning and fixed it all up for us! Yea! We are having snow flurries off and on, so school is kinda iffy for tomorrow. I'll have to see how I35 is doing tonight and in the morning. Now that the internet is working, our cable is out, so haven't been able to watch tv. If it's not one thing, it's another! My personal, untrained, nonmedical theory about erosion: I think it is a combination of factors. I do believe it includes over-restriction for too lengthy periods of time...I mean, that just makes sense, doesn't it? My niece was so restricted, she could not eat hard protein, and was doing the whole soft food thing (plus alcohol), and now she has slipped, and they've removed all the fill, hoping for it to right itself. So, I don't know, but it seems to me that it would be better to err on the side of caution. Well, it's snowing again...it's so exciting for us! (Sorry, Betty...I know you don't like the cold!) See ya later!

Welcome to LBT, and good luck with the bandster process! I hope you enjoy the threads here, and learn a lot...get some good support, too!

I can see how this would be a good idea (a small unfill to maintain weight lost already)...my only caution would be to minimize the number of fills/unfills in a general way...somehow I have the impression that they more you tinker with the band, the more difficulties are likely to arise. I was thinking about getting a small unfill before vacation this summer, but have decided that I should leave well enough alone; I just don't want to tempt fate. Good luck in your decision, Cindy

Yet, insulting a new member of LBT, just because he/she did not agree with your views, is not a problem. Ironic, to say the least. There might have been a kinder way to handle this. This response: "Thus reducing the team roster on the 'very ignorant people' side. Keep up the good work" is flat out rude, I don't care who you are. Flame away.

Congratulations, Michelle! Your story inspires me to continue to do the "head work" I know has to e done for this to be truly successful. Thank you for all your wisdom and guidance!

You've got some good responses, and all are worthy of spending time really considering the content. A big part of being banded is doing your "head work." It is hard, and it takes a long time. It requires patience and persistence, and yes...courage. It also requires that you stop beating up on yourself and insulting yourself. This will cause more bad feelings, and if you are like a lot of us, what do we do when we feel bad about ourselves????? EAT! So, stop that right now! Take your journey one step at a time...you will learn what "satisfied" means. It will blow your mind! You will find yourself laughing inside to see what you eat, and compare it to what you used to eat. This TAKES TIME!!! You are worth this time and effort, so get after it! Do your head work. Come here to find encouragement and understanding, and some good advice!

I agree with both of the above posts...I know not everyone does this, but I also follow the 2 days of liquids/2 days of mushies after a fill. I am of the "slow and steady" school of fills myself. Assess your situation, be patient, and see how things are in a week. It doesn't seem like much, but a .25 amount can make a world of difference!

286 in July 2005 211 today! 75 pounds and 5 sizes, shopping in "normal stores"!!!!!

I wrote a post last night, and it didn't take...so I feel your pain, Mary! As Betty said, we are just waiting to see what happens with the weather down here in Big Texas...on my way to work, the wind was gusting out of the south, and it is only a matter of time before the big cold front hits that warm wet air...and BOOM! Thundersleet! It's a wait and see thing as far as road conditions, but as you remember from last year, I'm a big wimp about driving in it. It's just not worth it, period. Our house is "semi-normal". I can't park in the garage, because it is full of stuff we took out of the house and haven't put back yet. Maybe we'll just sell most of it, but there are a few bookcases and boxes of books we will put back, now that the big furniture is in place...we're juggling the available time with decorating for Christmas. And, I know I will have some time after the holidays to finish up the rest of it. Nothing big going on here...shopping online a little. Did ya'll know you can go to Walmart's website and make a custom CD? I am doing that for my DD. She always likes one/two songs from a CD, then hates the rest. I think she'll LOVE this CD full of songs that she really likes, without all the other "filler" songs. I used to burn my own CD's by downloading songs, but I got so many viruses, so I think this is better. Okay, gotta go...hugs to all! Cindy

Wow! There's a lot going on! Kat - my suggestion for office party clothes usually involves the black velvet skirt. If you get one with an elastic-type waist, you can wear it even when you lose 20 more pounds! Then, find a pretty top, or camisole/jacket combo, and you are set! Sherry - you just get in that meeting and stand up for yourself!!!! I know you can, girl! Pretty much, people will give you what they think you will put up with. Same here, in the public school world, believe it or not. Darcy - hon, I'm sorry everything is so frustrating right now. When that happens to me, I go back to basics. I choose one little thing to improve, because I can always do one little thing, even if I can't fix everything. Be sure you are taking care of yourself! Eileen, check in with a health update! And you've got it right -- I do not foresee any problem keeping myself as busy as I want to be! Cass, how are you doing? How was that first day back at work? I bet you were tired. I can't remember who asked, but the answer to "what will I do after I retire" is #1. Be a mom, #2. volunteer (church and DD's school), #3. catch up on my scrapbooks, #4. learn to quilt, #5. ??????write????? I am looking forward to having some time to do things I want to do, and not driving for 2 hours every day, just going to work and back. We hear that we are going to get some very cold temps down here in Texas...in the 20s Thursday night. They have even mentioned the "S" word: sleet. My most dreaded weather event, because driving in it is no pleasure in Texas, where everyone with a Dodge Ram pick-up truck thinks they are immortal! LOL! Love to all, Cindy

Kelly Ann, Kat has some good questions and things to think about in her post, and I hope you'll check those out. Another possibility you might need to consider is that you have the optimum fill (for you), and the rest of the journey will involve more "head work" than "band work." You have made great progress (I'd call it a success!) with your weight loss, and in order to keep your band, I'd quit fooling around with the fill. That's what I, personally, would do. Keep it where it is, or get an unfill to where it is comfortable, but still gives you a level of restriction you can LIVE with. Then, take it from there. This may just need a re-committment to your goal, or maybe even changing your goal to where you are now. I know I have changed my goal from where I set it when I first started. Good luck to you, and congratulations on all you have accomplished!