mousecrazy

Thank you for posting this! I have also found that restaurants will happily bring you to-go containers when they serve your meal, and will supply extra condiments like salad dressing for the part you are taking with you. If you are splitting dishes with a friend, most places will divide the dish before it is served. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want! I think that is a very important lesson about both sushi and everything else!

Good morning! Patty, you'll love this! Our school does a blood drive with Carter Blood Care twice each year...all the students and teachers! We usually get about 70 units each time. I think it's just fantastic that the kids are introduced to this type of giving at a young age, and that it's something they can do, just getting over a little fear, that can make such a big difference in someone's life. The beauty shop birthday party went great yesterday! All 5 girls had cute little hair styles, manicures and pedicures (rainbow colors of pink, polka dots, flowers, etc). I served cookies and fruit and juice there at the salon. We played DD's favorite CD's and did a little dancing (we had the salon to ourselves). Then, we went to the cute little ice cream parlor on the square in downtown, and had "make your own" ice cream sundaes. After that, we went across the street and played in the park, and my DH brought our two small dogs for the girls to walk and play with. The parents all came and got their little girls, and everyone had a great time! One of the moms and I went to dinner and to a Chekov play at the university. I was a busy bee yesterday. Today it is raining, and we are going to clean out a few pieces of antique furniture to get it ready to sell at auction next week - a big armoire and smaller hutch. This is part of getting the house ready to have the wood floors installed. Unfortunately, I feel lazy today, but I'll get those two things done! Hope everyone has a nice Sunday!

Great news, Kat! We'll keep up the prayers, and you take care of the guy! AND yourself! God is good! Darcy, did the service guys figure out what was causing the problem in your new van? Mary, I wouldn't say the guy was off the hook, exactly...he still got to sit through a lecture on excessive and underage drinking...and I don't pull any punches! But I have to give him credit for the gesture...he knows I'm after him all the time because he can do better than he is right now. Somebody has to get onto these guys...sheesh! LOL! I've only got 42 more days!

Mary, it was so nice to read your really newsy post! A treat for Friday! Yes, they train and train...the problem is, it's not new. However, it is probably very useful for the newbie teachers, so I put up with it, for their sakes! LOL! Dianne, I am sorry about your dad. I am sure you are totally right, it comes in spells. When I started understanding the pattern, it helped me get through them. I hope it helps you, too! Eileen, take that medicine, and pretty soon you won't need the cane, but at least it's attractive, right?! I sure hope you are feeling better really soon! Funny story: I have a student, a guy, who is living on his own, so naturally, his apt. is the magnet for all drinking parties, and his 4 friends are starting to miss a lot of school, due to being hungover after being over there. Or, should I say...they sleep in over there, you know what I mean. So yesterday, a few them were in class, but not "the one". I was bustin' their chops over their decision-making abilities...in my usual sarcastic, but loving (of course) way....one of them said H. was gonna bring me flowers today to apologize (suck up) and I said to tell him not to bother, it wouldn't work anyway. Well, today H. came in, not with flowers, but a pint of Haagen-Daas Rocky Road ice cream! ROFLMAO!!!!!!!! You gotta hand it to him...these are some adorable, clever kiddoes, here. I'm still amused. So, it's lunchtime now, and I'll eat my little pitiful salad, and enjoy my ice cream! I'm crackin' up! Love all you wonderful girls! Cindy

I sure understand what you are feeling, but really try hard to beat those feelings back! They will undo your best efforts if you let them get to you! 4-5 pounds a month is really good, and expecting anything different is just setting yourself up for self-sabotage. Another thing to psych yourself up for are the plateaus. There will most likely be some long periods of time where there will be NO weight loss (measured by the scale). Be sure you are taking measurements with a tape measure. Also realize that you are probably carrying extra pounds in places you don't measure (neck, hands, feet, back, etc.) Some of the long plateaus I've been through have also been times that other people have noticed more than ever how much weight I was losing. Ironic, but true. Hang in there, it's gonna happen for you!

Darcy, I just read my question, and it sounded like I was questioning IF you were studying, and what I was wanting to know was if you were really busy with it, not IF you were really studying! I sound SOOOO the teacher!

Eileen, I'm so sorry about your hips...it's probably that flat table you have to lay on! And, it was probably cold, too! I hope you feel a lot better by the time you read this! Betty, it's good to see you on here so early! I remember when you had lots of time to hang out here, but it's better this way, for you, anyway! We know how busy you are, now, but miss the long posts! I usually have time about this time of day...many of the students leave around lunch time, and it gets much more calm in here! Dianne, sorry about the sad spells...just yesterday, I had a big one. It happens when a big family event is near - this time it's my DD's birthday, which is coming up- and I want to talk to my mom about it. It passes, but it's still sad. Sherry, hey, no problem if you don't have the oomph for personals sometimes, or ever! Hugs! Sometimes things are just too hectic, and we understand (hope no one minds that I speaking for all of us!) Darcy, whatcha doing? Are you really busy studying? Kat, if you are able to check in, just want you to know that those prayers are still going up for you and Rick. Hugs all around, Cindy

Hi Christine! I'm in the North Texas area...sorry I didn't see your post yesterday. I didn't get to check in on here at all! Sounds like you've had an interesting experience with WLS...I hope you like the lapband; I really have! Good luck with your first fill...remember, the band is a very individualized instrument...so what works just right for you will be different than what might work for someone else. Do what's best for you! There are tons of DFW bandsters...why don't you post in the Texas support group thread? Welcome to LBT!

Hi, Kim! I don't know any tricks, so sorry about that, right off the bat. Now that's out of the way, I will sympathize with you about the plateau. The good news is all you have to do is wait it out...During the time I've been banded, I've hit about 3 of these periods...and they have lasted for a month to two months. I have just come to expect and accept them now. I'm in one now. Does it bother me? Yes, sometimes. After I fight off the tendency to talk bad about myself and find fault with everything I do, and criticize myself for every non-perfect thing I've ever eaten or thought about eating... I take a deep breath and think, "It's not about being perfect. It's a long journey. I've come a long way. I'll keep going." You've done great, Kim! You're going to get there...don't worry.

I love the puppy pics! Oreo is a darling name! Kat, thank you for just taking the time to post to us...I know you are very, very immersed in your husband's needs and health, and it is touching for you to take that precious time to touch base with us! We are all still praying. I'm with Eileen, at least there is a glimmer of hope. That's all we need for now...I can't even imagine your poor heart. Hugs, sweetie. Great big hugs. Pat, if you want some pampering, you ought to check out the Grand Floridian. THAT's the place for you! That's the thing with Disney...they cover all the bases...if you want to romp the parks all day, they've got it. If you want spas and luxury, they've got that, too. If you like sports and golf, and boating...they've got it. Some of the prettiest weddings are done right there at Disney...or so I've seen on the Food Channel. Okay, that's enuf Disney...are ya'll ready to scream if you hear anymore about it?! Yesterday I didn't post because we had inservice...yes, they are still training me! LOL! Saturday is my DD's birthday party...her real birthday is the 21st, but this is for her friends. Did I already tell ya about that? The beauty shop thing? One last hug for Kat... Darcy, Chrispy, Sherry, Beanie, Pat, Eileen, Patty, Mandy, Anne, Allison, Mary, and everyone else....love you, girls!

I thought it was Chef Mickey's! We went there, too! We liked Crystal Palace a whole lot, also. Have you eaten there? I knew you were hurting, and I just hoped the "magic" worked, and you had enough fun that it is was worth it! Did you ride Everest? Cindy (self-confessed, signed-sealed-deliverd Disney nut!)

Mandy, I looked at all your pics! I feel like I took a little vacation...the Halloween party looked like a lot of fun! There is a picture of you I think it really cute, holding a green drink...it's a funny smile, but that's what makes it cute! Also, I like the picture of you and DH in front of Cinderella's coach with the pumpkins. What restaurant were you in with Donald and Mickey? OHHHHH, I'm gettin' all pumped for my summer trip! Except for the heat....but we'll deal with that! Thanks for the link! Still looking for news of Kat and Rick....praying extra hard!

Good morning, I am checking in to see how Kat and Rick are doing. There's no news posted since last night...I know we are all still sending up our sincere prayers that all will be well with them. Mandy, I'm gonna check out those pictures right away! I am so glad you have a new little lovie puppy! Dianne, I am happy you are back home, and your grandma sounds just like my dear departed grandma...she was full of life, right til the end. That's the way to do it; I hope I am that blessed! I did find some nice tile...basically, it's a brown/terra cotta, textured 12 inch tile. It's a nice neutral, which goes with lots of colors, so it can be very versatile. I decided to use the same tile in both baths. We have school holiday today, and I've already done one of my big projects this morning, so I'm going to goof around a little...(that means play Pogo, and watch for a Kat update!) Hugs, Cindy

Michelle, if you check this thread for our responses, PLEASE let Kathy know that we are praying really hard and very sincerely for her husband Rick, and for her and all her family. That is terrible news, and I'm so sorry to hear it. Give her a big hug, please? I'm just at a loss, he was doing so well. I will update on other things later...it just doesn't seem as important right now.

I have not ever PB'd. I have had the "golfball" feeling. I have been banded for over a year. I never pushed my restriction; I went very slowly on that. I would rather live more closely to "normal" and accept a slower weight loss. It's all about choices.

You do not have any restriction yet. It is WAY too early for the kind of worry you are having. If you need to worry, worry about making the healing process very smooth, and permanent. No one experiences the magic wand effect of instant weight loss...not even with the band.

I'm already praying, Eileen. Did you hear that one of the grandfathers went to the house of the man who did the shooting, to invite his wife and children to the funeral of his granddaughter. He offered the forgiveness of the families, and she accepted the forgiveness. Amish funerals are by invitation only (which is why the invitation was significant). May God bless all of them, and the family of the man who caused all this suffering. Beanie, say hi to Big Tex, and hope we'll see each other there! Eileen, good luck with the Pioneer Girl thing...is it kinda like Girl Scouts but at church? Tell us more! That Sock Hop sounds fun! Kat, thank goodness your DH is doing so well! I am worried about your DD, though. Did she eat spinach? I'm with you and DH, be pro-active, and don't let insurance rules make decisions for you! Do what has to be done, and sort it out later. Lots of work problems in our group...there must be a new management style called "Spineless" being taught to managers, whether it is in education or corporate-world. Where's my soapbox called "Problems Caused by Political Correctness?" Everyone's so afraid of offending someone, they cannot even make decisions anymore. Darcy, I miss you. Pat, I miss you. Patty, can't wait to hear what your attorney says. Anne, how are you? I miss you, too! Sherry, how is that 1 1/2 pounds? Gone already? I am sitting here making all kinds of strange noises! It's time for lunch! Chrispy, hope you are healing up all nice and fine! Allison, you made it to the weekend! Mandy, are you feeling better yet? Tonight I am going tile shopping for the floors in our bathrooms...that's kind of fun, and kind of confusing! We are getting ready to put all new floors in the whole house...have I told ya'll that already? I'm excited like crazy, but OMG! I have to move everything! Well, WE have to move everything, since it wil be a team effort, of course! I don't know when we will get this off the ground, but pretty soon, I hope. Gotta run, as usual, it's lunch time! Hugs, Cindy

Dianne, I am sorry about your step-grandmother. All losses are difficult, even when expected. (((HUGS))). Chrispy, congrats on your surgery...it gets better every day. Take your medicine! Allison, good luck with your new job! I hope it works out great for you! Mandy, welcome back! Sorry about the sinus infection, that's a bummer, but the Z-max should knock it out in no-time! I can't wait to see your pics, and hear about your trip! Eileen, can't wait until Friday, playday! We get a 3 day weekend, because here in Texas we get Fair Day! I love it because DH and DD do not get Fair Day (too far from the Dallas area)...so it's a day I have to myself. The retirement countdown is now at 49 days! Yesterday I received 3 blessings...3 of my former grads came to visit...one is an English teacher, one is just now going to college, and one is a manager of a Sonic. All 3 ladies are doing very well, raising families, and happy. I feel so lucky that they would take the time to stop by and let us know that that they are thankful for the chance they got here to get back on track with their lives, and that they used the chance to make things better for themselves. I just thank God for being part of that. I thought ya'll would like to hear something positive about schools for a change (even from me!) Tonight is Open House at DD's school...always a good time! I'm looking forward to going to that, and DH is taking her to her voice lessons tonight, so it's a win-win as far as he's concerned! Ha! Gotta run, I always try to write right before lunch! Hugs, Cindy

Thankfully, the change is in the band size...I am very happy with the "C"! 44C/38C

On measuring...for about the first 6 months, I measured and recorded what I was eating, just to learn (used fitday.com). As I slowly increased the restriction, with fills, my stomach did tell me when I had enough. I also had to learn to read the "new" signals. Virginia, the only adjustment I can suggest is in the morning meal...just because I am not sure how much protein is in the cappuccino's. Some have a good amount, and some don't. If you add some protein to the morning drink, you are likely to feel full a little longer! :grouphug:

Congratulations, Dianne! It's been quite a year, hasn't it?!!!!! I know we give the glory to God, but I love to hear your joy in your newly gained freedom! It's there, people....CLAIM IT! You rock, Dianne!

Oh, Beanie....so sorry about your missed job opp. That does suck. It works like that a lot here in the school biz, too...I've never understood it. Then you'll be expected to train the person who took the job you wanted. Go figure. I'm really proud of you for getting into the gym so many times. We are going to fair on Saturday, Oct. 8. We'll be there early (yes, like in the MORNING), and probably leave around 3:30, before the game is over, to get out of the crowds. It's a little different when you have a little girl...some of those drunk boys are not for her eyes and ears, if ya know what I mean. Are you going on Saturday?

Hello everyone! HI DIANNE!!!!! Glad you are back, and had such a wonderful time...and JEWELS, too! That ring sounds absolutely beautiful! Did I miss a link to a picture? I'll go back and look again! It's been a great year, hasn't it? I share your gratitude for everyone on this thread...what blessings! HI NATESMOM! We missed you! Sorry about your job, and hope you are finding good leads! Congrats on your good weight loss! Nothing new, here...same ol' stuff, different day. I am concerned about the rash of school shootings lately. I have always felt very safe here, but you never know...especially when it isn't a student, but some random guy just walking in...there really isn't any way to protect against that. We can't very well put a force field around every school in the U.S. ????? Hope everyone's having a goood, and safe, day!

Hi, everyone! It's been a busy day around here, so just now checking in! Glad to see your nice, long post, Darcy! Congratulations on the new van---what make is it? I've been looking at Subaru's myself. Any feedback on those? Anyone had any bad or good experiences? I'm not rushing out to buy anything, maybe within a year or so. Hi, Betty! I guess it's good that we're busy...otherwise, we'd just be bored, right? Eileen, how's Olivia? Sherry, are you getting any rest? At least, have you scheduled a little massage or pedicure or something? Hi, Mary! Kat, I see you are signed on the same time I am, so I'll read your post later! I've got a meeting to go to right now, so I've gotta run! Hugs! Cindy

Keep your tickets! Most of them were probably too drunk to remember anyway! LOL! Think of it as a very firm reminder that you MUST buy new clothes! You are going to lose weight very steadily, so you will need to have the basics in your new sizes...I didn't lose so fast that I felt I didn't get to wear my new clothes long enough...and it's better than losing your pants at a football game! Thanks for the great story, and I do think it's an NSV!