mousecrazy

You got excellent tips and advice on what to eat. I want to comment on the statement about how you can eat more than 4 oz at a time...first of all, I know I ate more than that almost the whole first year I was banded; however, this is very dependant upon the level of restriction you have. Just asking around about how much fill people have won't give you the answer, because it is different for each person. Another point to go along with this is that it is important to go beyond the idea that just because you can do something, means you should or will. Getting to the heart of these matters is the important part of being banded...the band is there like a safety net for you, and it works even better if you work on the behaviors and thoughts as you go, too. Please accept these ideas as kind suggestions, because I have not followed every rule or done everything "right"...but making good decisions a lot of the time eventually ends up with good results!

This just seems like an idea that is best left un-tried.

Happy Birthday, Jack! Hope the party was big fun!

Good morning! I thought you knew, Eileen...that's why you said BOOOOO! LOL! Congrats to you, Ira, for making it to goal! Congrats to Anne, for the scale is moving! It really is a hard time, waiting on our bodies to catch up to our weight loss...I'm in a time like that now. I just try to ignore that, and keep going. Good for you! Eileen, you were so busy yesterday...I didn't do too much, not near as much as I wanted to do. I gave in to my stupid headache...I just vegged out most of the day, and visited my sister. I'm going to be more productive today! (even though I still have the stupid headache). So, off I go, at least to tackle one little corner...and iron...gotta do that. The Cowboy game is on, and it will be the T.O. sideshow, but I don't want to miss it. We're going to try to grill a pork tenderloin and some veggies tonite, too! YUM! See ya later, chickies! (And Ira, too!)

:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: Apparently, this is me..... :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: Hopefully, this is all of you, smiling indulgently, but I know you are ROFLYAO! I really did think it was October today...sheesh. I shoulda known I could only hope to be ahead. Bummer. Well, we're organized for tomorrow.... I'm the official Daily Dork!

Hi, Larry! It is very normal to feel sore and tired...after all, you just had surgery! I liked a low heat setting for the shoulder pain (which is caused by the gas they use to blow you up like a balloon so they can see what they are doing during the surgery). I used baby simethicone drops to help with gas pain, because you only needed a few drops to help. It was a couple of weeks before all that gas pain really subsided. I could only drink about 2 oz. at a time at first, then 4 oz., but follow your doctor's instructions. It will be difficult. Psych up for it, and do it, because your future health and the integrity of your band depend on it! You can do it! Congratulations on your surgery, and welcome to BANDLAND!

I started an OCTOBER CHAT thread here in the NJ area....so go look for it! (still can't believe I figured it out....)

Good morning! Thanks, Eileen, for the update on Olivia! I pray she recovers and heals completely. Good for you for doing some shopping! Another catalogue that carries "giraffe" sizes are L.L. Bean...they have talls (34" inseams). I like their jeans and khakis; I'm so glad I can wear them again. I normally wear 18s, but in their sizes, I need a 20. You can look at their stuff online. Patty, what a blessing! Put a stamp on that sucker, and let's get started on the appeal process! Have fun in the Land! Make sure you keep that ankle up for a while, even though you are busy! Rita, good luck with your job hunt? What kind of job are you looking for? Eileen, you asked how many days are on the "count down to retirement"? On Monday, 52 days! I am only counting work days, not the weekends. I've got to get DD ready to go visit my sister and the baby cousin...I'll check back later! Hope everyone's having a great OCTOBER DAY!!!! Oops, I just figured it out....there's probably an October thread....okay, I'll go look for it....dang, I do this every month!

When I go out to eat, I order from the appetizer menu, or if I order a regular entree, or a salad, I ask for a to-go container right off the bat, put over half of it in there, and eat what I can of the rest. I've saved a lot of money on food, that's for sure! I am open about my banding, but I don't think I need to explain to every waiter...I am sure they just believe I am watching my portions. As you go down the weight loss/banded path, you will slowly start to realize just how huge of portions you were eating...and wonder why you worry about explaining small portions, when you didn't give a second thought to explaining the super-sized ones...very interesting. It's all going to be okay...you'll see! Cindy

Sounds like you've already got it figured out. You are thinking of ways to distance yourself from her (good.) She has shown you who she is. Now all you have left to do is learn to control how much you reveal to others, especially after they have shown you they are not trustworthy. Perhaps this is the lesson you are supposed to learn, and why you have this person in your life. As soon as you learn it, you will be free of her. You're on your way! Good luck, and sorry you are going through all this!

Happy FRIDAY afternoon!!!! It's a beautiful, sunshiney day in North Texas, 81 degrees. The State Fair of Texas opened today, but we are not going until next Saturday. Haven should be almost home by now; she is supposed to get back to school around 3 PM, and my dad is picking her up. I can't wait to hear all about her trip to Sky Ranch...it's nice not hearing "Momma, momma, momma" all day, but on the 2nd day, it's just too quiet! Yea, Darcy! You're here! I was very, very happy to see you! Glad you are feeling okay, and it sure sounds like you are busy! Beanie, you and your DH are right on target with other research, which says that if you concentrate on getting enough sleep, it is easier to lse weight. Maybe we should just try THAT? LOL! Eileen, still saying prayers for Olivia...post when you know something. What's everyone doing this weekend? Hugs, Cindy

Hi, Mandy! Bye, Mandy! You KNOW how I envy you the trip, but you deserve it! I'm glad you know what is causing the pain, and you better take care of that thing! Get a wheelchair sometimes...at least get a front row seat for the Spectromagic Parade! Have a fantastic time, sweetie! Hugs and kisses! Cindy

Eileen, I just said a little prayer for Olivia and your brother, and your SIL too, because I know we are supposed to pray the hardest for the ones it's hardest to like. PLEASE update us on her progress. (I wonder if there is a department store lot he can park in nearby? I am no expert on NYC parking, but maybe one of the nurses there could give him an inside tip?) Anyhow, I wish the best for her surgery. I know it is a sensitive procedure, and you love her very much! Beanie, whoohoo to you for going to the gym! I know what you mean about why do we fight it...I know I enjoy it when I do it, but I just procrastinate and put it off. There must be some explanation for that....??? Rita, congratulations on getting to ONEderland! It's a goal for me, and I wonder sometimes if I'll ever get there...it's a LONG trip, I'll tell you that much! LOL! Good for you! Today was a stay at home day...I enjoyed every minute of it! When's the last time Darcy checked in? Starting to worry... Later, pals!

Good afternoon, gals! Mandy, sorry about your kitty. I've been there and it is hard. I just remind myself that it is worth it, to have the companionship of a pet and the unconditional love they offer. Everything has a price, and that's the price. I'll pay it every time. Hugs, friend. Wow! 11/12! That seems like a foreign language to me! I'm so proud of an 18! You are so petite, I swear you DO remind me of Tinkerbelle! Eileen, do they teach this obnoxious managment style in some mysterious school somewhere???????? Isn't it kinda odd, you being in corporate world and me being in education world, and both of us having the micro-managers hovering around all day? Things that make you go, Hmmmmm? Sorry about your bum knees...I'll join you in the F*** exercise group. I WANT to like it, and sometimes I really do, but it's the very first thing that gets left off if there's a choice! LOL! HI, Mary! Hi Pat, Beanie, Betty, Sherry, Dianne (still cruisin?), Patty, Darcy (are you still glowing?) and EVERYONE ELSE!

Mandy, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! I hope a trip to the World will lift your spirits! It's definitely magic! Pat, good luck with the next step. I hope you find a doctor who can make it happen for you! So, what's everyone up to tonight? I just got home from going out to eat with my pal for her birthday. I ordered a salad (you know how big they are). I asked for a to-go container, and put half of it in there, first thing. I ate the rest, but the cool thing is that the waiter, without being asked, brought me a to-go container of salad dressing for my to-go salad! Wasn't that nice? I gave him a great tip! Kinda reawakens your appreciation for the human race! See ya tomorrow! Cindy

For those who have posted who have been teaching a long time, do any of ya'll remember Mark White? Did any of you work on his campaign? I did.

Hi everybody! Pat, well, I don't know what to say about the "girls". I guess what you want is what you should do...a second opinion never hurts, though. I would be hesitant about inserts, too. Mandy, my mom was in a wheelchair when we went, and it turned out to be a great thing! Special areas for watching the parades, special lines for riding the rides (you can leave the wheelchair behind, then ride, then get back in...it was great! The Disney busses were totally set up for taking on wheelchair guests, and everyone was so nice! We were even thinking if we didn't NEED a wheelchair, we should pretend we did! Just something to think about! I am sorry about your bone loss...I too had very much trouble with Depo. I hope you get everything sorted out with that. I only took it for a year, how long have you been on it? Patty, I don't blame you for having a lawyer...sometimes it really does pay to get someone who knows what they are doing! I've had to do that in regard to the estate issue. It's not free, that's for sure! yeck. DD left this morning...all happy and excited. I'm the one who worries about everything...she's just matter-of-fact. I guess that's good, huh? Tonight, I'm taking a friend to dinner for her birthday...no plans (really, Pat!) for the next two nights! Hugs to all, Cindy

Sorry, I didn't have time to even check in today...my principal was wandering around for some reason, and I had a room full of kids, actually working (!), not to mention a few little reports that the counselor wanted...so, it's not the world of big business, but some days are pretty busy! Patty, you were a regular whirlwind today! Good luck with your appeal. Do you think you can write an appeal letter without an attorney? Eileen, hope your mouth doesn't hurt too bad...that pineapple juice idea sounds like it's worth a try, and tasty too! Beanie, is FAO Schwartz still open in NYC? Or is it Toys R Us now? I bet November in the City is really great, and I super wish I could get away and join you! DD leaves tomorrow for Sky Ranch...she's all excited! She'll come home Friday afternoon. All the 4th and 5th graders at her school are going. Gotta run, sorry for the short visit! Hugs to all, Cindy

Okay, I'll try again...some weird thing happened, and it just started submitting in the middle of the post, then told me my message was too short...???? WTF? Anyhoo..... We just got back from DD's vocal recital, and whoopee! She was just great! I was a nervous bunny, but she was calm as could be. She was the first one; I was so proud of her! DH filmed it, and both grandpas, and her aunt and uncle were there. We show up for family triumphs! Then, the little ensemble did the Annie songs, and they were so cute, and good, too! Best of all, she had fun, and said she wanted to be in more performances! Kids are amazing. Sherry, your calzones sound so great! We're having pizza tonite for a celebration...I can have one piece. That's so weird. I used to eat 4 or 5 pieces. Can ya'll still eat pizza? Well, sorry to say, it wasn't my lottery ticket that won....haven't been to Southlake lately! Darn it! Have a great evening, everyone!

Hi Chrispy! I'm a blurt it kinda gal. I might lead into with a "this is a bit awkward..." or, "Let's plan our dates around anything but food, for now...". I sure understand your question, and hope he's a good guy and an understanding guy. He'll probably want to know if you'll ever be able to enjoy dining out again...and you will! You'll be a cheap date! I hope things go very well for you!

I believe it was at least a couple of weeks before the gas pains really subsided totally. It's tough, but you are tougher! You might try baby simethicone drops...Little Tummies, I think. You only have to get a few drops down, and I thought it helped a lot. I still use it sometimes, when I feel gassy. Hang in there. It will get better!

Definitely, you must make this a lifestyle that is livable for you...you might lose more slowly, but hey, it's better than gaining! I would evaluate whether or not you may be too tight/too restricted. Next, make a plan that includes some of your favorite snacks in it, so you can be happy, and in control of your choices. I'm not a picky eater (duh!), so I like a variety of foods, and that makes it both easier and harder...what about you? Do you like some of the foods that were suggested in earlier posts? Can you try the 100 calories packs, so you can have snacks you like, but have good portion control? It is really a good idea to find a level of restriction that allows you to lose, slowly, and keep a decent lifestyle...it's probably different when you are so young! Please post questions and concerns anytime! Hope some of this is helpful!

My DH is overweight, but has been completely supportive of me as I lose. He has been understanding about the changes I've needed to make about how and what I eat. We have already overcome some of our co-dependency issues years ago when we dealt with different addictions, so perhaps that has something to do with the success we are having with this change? I think it's great that you are aware of the possible problem, and are already thinking about it? It can only help!

Hi everyone! Betty, I couldn't make it down to Carrollton today, but it's a good thing, since you got rained out...but, it is soooo beautiful this afternoon! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I sure hope you were able to do something else that was fun! DH said he would like to go to one of those bike shows one of these days! Today was a full-time job, driving DD to all her activities. Eileen, so glad your dentist experience was nice and easy! I guess up in in NJ it would be time to shut down the pools for the fall and winter...I know that's a bummer! Sherry, stress affects my band, but only if I try to eat actual chicken or hard protein...the junk food is easy peasy, of course! I just try to keep it out of my arm's reach! If I'm playing games on the computer, sewing or something like that, I can't snack...that's one of my tricks! Hope your stress at works slacks up enough to make a difference for you! Darcy, how it glowing...uh,er...I mean...GOING? (JK!) Hope you are doing okay! Mandy, I bet it will cool off a little, even in Florida! Besides, you'll be in the Happiest Place on Earth! I wish I could go to WDW in October...I think it would be nice, then. You should try to get down there during Christmas sometime...it is so beautiful! If I ever win the lottery or something, I'll just book us all a trip down there...would that be fun or WHAT?!!!!! Now, I better go buy a lottery ticket.....:clap2: Tomorrow is DD's vocal recital...I got her a cute white long-sleeved knit shirt, with lace around the v-neck, and she is wearing it with a black velvet skirt...and a silver chain link belt. She looks nice in it. (She has no waist at all, think apple...so the belt makes her look like she has one, kinda! LOL!) Wish us luck...I get nervous, but I can put on the smiley, calm face when I have to! Luv ya'll, Cindy

Whatever you do, get them out of your closet! I take turns giving mine to various charities...I have given some of the nicer clothes to personal friends who were okay with taking them.