mousecrazy

Okay...I'm going to throw out a few ideas, and you try them and see if anything works, or sounds plausible for you. First, let's figure out the difference between full and satisfied (satiated). For me, "full" meant "stuffed to the max". That definition doesn't work for bandsters...you will get sick. Now, you need to operate on full = not hungry anymore; satisfied. Examine your definitions and see if that's where things are going wrong. When you have some saline in the band, you will have to learn the mechanics of eating differently. Cut you food into much smaller bites. Chew LOTS more than you usually do. Put your fork down, so you don't swallow food as fast or as often, giving the bites more time to go down. If you don't do this, you will get the "first bite syndrome." You will get the golfball feeling. You will PB. Re-read all the bandster rules and guidelines and really, really, concentrate on following them. I bet ya a nickel the confusion is on the feeling full = stuffed, instead feeling full=satisfied, not hungry. Hope this helps!

Welcome! This is a great site for information and support! You've received excellent advice so far, and I want to emphasize the caution not to compare yourself to another bandster...it just sets you up for all kinds of emotional grief. The important thing for you to do is the best you can do...THAT DOES NOT MEAN BEING PERFECT. Come here for support, ideas, and friendship and much luck to you! Cindy

Congratulations! Well done!

God's blessing on all the children who are suffering with these difficult diseases. God's wisdom to their doctors and medical staff. May God guide their families to bring the best support and love they know to bring, and may their friends bring the rest.

Weekly weigh-in for 8-23-06: 225 J / 218 C / 199 G (-2 this week) "Walking in a winter "one"derland." OMG Paul! That's one delicious-sounding egg nog recipe, and it's got to be better than Borden-in-a-carton! But, and I know this is heresy, what if you don't drink? Do I just drink the melted Haagen-Daas? LOL! I love the egg nog flavor...

Penni, your family will be in my prayers, too. I know October seems like a long time away...it is. I will pray for a miracle. Slimwithin, you have done very well. I do not think you should feel that you are failing. You have lost 24 lbs! Praise God for your success! Ask God to give you goals that are realistic, because the only reason you are disapointed is because you are expecting too much. See yourself through His eyes...his beautiful creation. God does not make mistakes. Blessing on you all.

Good luck, Donna. There are people who are determined to believe that all of us simple American folks are just politically insensitive and ignorant, instead of sure of what we believe and ready to defend our culture. There are people who are convinced that the USA, or worse, one particular President, is to blame for all the problems on the planet. I despise political correctness. It is at the root of the confusion causing most of the problems we are experiencing. I for one have the spine to fight this battle, but I'll find another hill.

Wow...so much has happened today. First of all, Pat, I have already sent prayers for your girlfriend's d-i-l and son...most of you know that I am a true blue patriot and troop supporter, and honor the sacrifices our military makes. They are so brave. So, if there is anything at all that can be done to improve that situation, please let me know. Even if it's just to send a card. I will do it. I'm sooo happy to see your posts, Pat!!!! I want to second the kudos you sent out to Sherry, too! She is an angel. I can just picture the angel with a flag tatoo! Kat, you were describing how weird it is not to eat very much...I totally understand what you are talking about. I've found myself just laughing sometimes. It's like a totally unexpected and funny thing. It doesn't bug me, it just amuses me. Poor Darcy! That stuff is just gross! I know you don't want to go to the store, but do take a look at that mag. Pat told you about, Real Simple. It's really great, and I've enjoyed the ones I've read! We ran our little errands, and saw Material Girls, then came home and started piling up all the stuff she has to take to school tomorrow...her school requires her to read 4 books in the summer and do projects, so all those go to school with her, and she has to prepare a presentation to give to the class, too, on one of them, so that's ready, too! I'm not complaining. I am glad she goes to a school that requres something out of her. So, that's it for me...all's well here. I will say prayers for Darcy and Pat's friends, and of course, all the rest of you. Hugs, Cindy

(((((Pat))))) It is soooooo good to see you! Thanks for jumping in! That stupid, stupid girl...she deserves to be miserable. I'm glad you found someone else...and what's this about a boob job? Sounds like something to do in the fall when it's not so hot, that's for sure! Hope your DH liked the hotel you picked! Are they going to the Smithsonian or anything like that? You made my day by showing up here1 Hi, Beanie! I really understand your whole quandry about slow weight loss...I think when you are ready to take it to the next level, you will know. Trust yourself. If you are really just being lazy, I believe you will know when enough is enough, and you'll kick it up a notch. I remember many phases of being complacent, and I really think it was okay...I learned some other stuff during those times. Dianne, can't wait to hear about the good times (not too much info, though...but Eileen wants all the details!)...hope ya'll had a great time! Allison...I've just got to say that is one cutie patootie. No doubt about it! He is simply adorable! And congrats to you on your weight loss...30 lbs is a great milestone! Kat - you are doing so well! If your DH can't take heat, this is the wrong place to come! It is sweltering here. Nothing like Texas in August! Thanks for remembering all of us in your prayers...I like the thought of it. Makes me all warm and fuzzy! Eileen, make sure you tell DD happy birthday from all of us! Have fun going out to eat! What's the theme of the birthday party? Darcy - Well, what can ya do but go get the thing checked out? I hope you are not worrying too much, but I'm sure you are worrying. You amaze me with your bright attitude, you are such a good role model! And, Darcy? You're not a brat. (wink) Patty, it's gonna happen. Stick with it, like I need to tell you that! Glad everything's sorting itself out with your friend... Did I remember everyone? If I forgot, write me a rude message or somethin'! I've gotta get to bed...but I'm staying home tomorrow and going to see the Hillary Duff movie with my DD...my dad does volunteer work at the food bank, so he can't keep her tomorrow, so I just have to miss work. Dang it. See ya tomorrow! Cindy

I hope I'm gonna be forgiven for forgetting to come here on Sunday! Praise God for a special I saw on Fox News about Rick Warren, which reminded me to pull out the Purpose-Driven Life again (I may have that title wrong, but you know what book I'm referring to?), and re-read it...God does work in mysterious ways... I pray that His will is being done in all our lives as we serve Him through his Son, Jesus Christ. Blessings to all.

Cool, Darcy, a doggie day care! That sounds like great idea, and if we were closer, I'd loan you my DD to work with you. She has been wanting to start something like that...and a spa, and a fashion design business, and.....she's only 8! You never know about these little entrepeneurs...let us know how your plans are going! I'm not gonna start any stuff with anyone for a while...that was an exercise in futility is what that was! Still, it was fun for a while! Hi, Mary! Glad you are catching up with everything! Betty, how'd you like this cooler weather? I think it only registered 105 in dad's garage today! Where's are those darn mittens? Hi to everyone!

You may be building muscle, which weighs more than fat. Have you been measuring yourself? What are the changes there? Other than that, I can say that I have gone through regular plateaus, and I think they are necessary to our bodies as the adjust to new weights. They are also necessary to our minds as we adjust to our new, smaller sizes. Stick with it. You will see results!

Eileen, you sure are perky this morning for a gal who had such a wild night...oh yeah, you were kiddin! Silly me! Dianne is wearing a thong! OMG, I had to wear one for this spa treatment seaweed wrap...these buns need a little more support than THAT! But, go for it, girl! and, Happy Anniversary! Happy Birthday to the "little Eileen" too! Five years old...is next year kindergarten? They grow up so fast! This is a sloooooow Monday here at school...I guess some of the kids forgot to set their alarms or something... Mary, I see you out there lurking...hope you stop by to say hi! We miss you! TTYL...what's everyone doing? Hugs, Cindy

I have never had a problem, even in all-you-can-eat places. Most places have even brought the food out to the table divided already on two separate plates for my friend and I...or at a buffet, charged me a child's plate price. Some buffet places, the less expensive ones, I just don't bother saying anything. After all, if I was a "normal" person with a light appetite, I would only eat a little, and pay the same price. I would consider that I received my money's worth.

At first, I could eat small bites of food...probably regular bites for "normal" people. Not the super-size bites that I used to chow down. Now, I have much more restriction, and if I am eating pure meat, I do cut it into pea-size bites, or I will get the "golfball." It doesn't matter what people think, because everyone knows I have a lapband, so that pressure is not on me. It all depends on your level of restriction, as to how you need to deal with it.

First of all, it is good that you understand what you are doing. That is a big step. Now, when you go see your doctor, I would say don't get another fill. That will likely cause you to do even more creative "eating around the band." Learn to live with the restriction you have now. Learn to eat healthy foods, the way we are supposed to eat them. You might want to consider a referral for some counseling to help you with your emotional issues surrounding food. Perhaps you are not really ready for motherhood? Whatever is the issue, it would be best to address it now, then be prepared for motherhood and a life of health and healthy eating in the future. I am not into scolding for this behavior...you are feeling bad enough already. I hope you feeling bad enough that you are ready to change. Good luck with all of it! You've had the power all along.... Cindy

What he said. LOL! This is not what is the focus right now. Healing is the main focus of the 1st 6 weeks. As the swelling is reduced, the tightness will also be reduced...this is a good time to start working on your "head band." Keep up the good work!

I eat both...go figure.

Road Queen is so right. The plateaus are gifts, disguised as problems. Those are times to get used to being a smaller person...time for your skin to shrink, time for you to clean out your closet...all those things that waiting is good for! As you lose more and more, it might take longer to lose the last part...that's where I am now, but I am losing steadily again. I just try to believe in myself, and go with the flow, instead of trying to fight it all the time. Enjoy your journey!

It's hard to say for sure, but I will bet you a nickel that you are slipping back into your old eating mechanic habits...so, get out that small plate, find some little forks/spoons (like children use, or cocktail forks), cut the food in tiny bites, chew it really well, put your utensils down between bites. See if this feeling goes away. Also, when you feel satisfied, not full, stop eating. You can always eat again later. You are probably eating too much, too fast. The only way to find out is to make really, really sure you are controlling the way you eat. It's hard, but you can do it!

Let's see if I can remember everything... Dianne...I once took Meridia. Is that the one you are talking about? It helped with weight loss, but I swore when I got this band I was never doing any of that stuff again...do you think you need something like that? Please forgive me for not getting my writing to you, yet...I am still excited about doing it. WHERE'S DONNA/DOC????? THAT'S GOT ME WORRIED NOW! Eileen, I'm so sorry you are feeling sick...and nice of your DH to take your DD out for a while...sounds like we all have some nice guys! Hope you are feeling better by now! I gave up on that T.O.M. guy...too much hassle..."the juice just AIN'T worth the squeeze"! Kat, zippity doo dah on the big 50! That is a big milestone and worth a celebration! When was your birthday? Happy birthday, too! The way you told the drunk smelly guy story, I could totally visualize the whole thing. Like Darcy said...once upon a time, there was a little mousy princess who enjoyed honky tonks and bars of all types...dancing til the wee hours of many a day...thankfully, that little princess has left all that in the past! But, I still remember....sounds like ya'll had a blast! I love LZ! Alrighty then, it's about that time to call it a day...everyone have a good night, and we'll see how tomorrow goes! Hugs, Cindy

Your work is key to making it a success...that and PATIENCE. If you stick to making this a healthy process...don't worry about how fast you are losing, and deal with the emotional eating issues as they come, you will get through year 1 and see a whole new person! Maybe it would be better described as "finding the person you were hiding". One of the best decisions I've ever made!

What a great problem! And, a fun problem to solve, too!

First of all, don't scare yourself to death before the surgery, at least! LOL! You're going to be fine. Everything was smooth for me, I took it nice and easy for a week, then started driving, and slowly increasing my activities. I followed a pre-op diet for quiet a while before my surgery. Are you sure you are not supposed to be doing that? Your surgeon surely told you that. Get that stuff out and read it. There's a lot of making this a success that is up to you...please care enough about yourself to at least read your doctor's instructions. If this surgery works for you as it has for so many others, your son will have such a healthy mom, he'll be so happy!

You SHINE! Your new life speaks for itself...and you lead by example in all ways. (pssst...eating ice cream is not out of control, it's just normal. Eating a gallon of ice cream a day is out of control!) Thank you for all you do at LBT, and congratulations!