mousecrazy

I probably do something like that every day. Maybe not a shake, but something. You're doing great on your weigh loss, and I'm a firm believer in NOT trying to be perfect. I think it leads to shame, then more emotional eating. You'll get different feedback from other people, so take what makes sense to you, and leave the rest. You can make better choices at the next meal, right? Cindy

Economic Left/Right: 7.50 Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: 0.67 I'm kinda near Tony Blair, and below the President...I think it was a pretty accurate little quiz.

You're already at least halfway there! You recognize that you eat for emotional comfort...now, all you gotta do is decide if you CHOOSE to do this, or NOT. Put it in terms of your choice. Just like regular, "normal" people, we choose how we comfort ourselves, and there are lots of ways: alcohol, sleep, sex, drugs, food, reading, prayer, meditation, exercise, talking, etc. Give yourself the choice. Maybe you'll see you have some choices, and don't have to choose the same old way. Sorry there is so much going on. I like the one day at a time approach, and when I get all freaked out, I usually realize I'm not using it! Good luck! Cindy

Here, I copied this link (I hope!) that explains a lot of the abbreviations: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=7959

Hi, Cinderella! LOL is Laugh Out Loud...it's a good thing! There's a thread somewhere on here with all these little abbreviations on it...use the Search feature (look at the top of the page.) I live north of Dallas, but we're all still Texans! Good luck with your journey! Cindy

LOL! I'm cracking up on "fighting with my kids on manners!" My DD is 8, and that is one constant battle. Something I've noticed is it gets better when I restrict her TV time. Even though she's watching Disney, there are just too many teens with too little adult supervision on those shows, and of course she wants to act like them. Good luck in the battle! It's worth it! Patty, hang in there. You have really been made to jump through hoops, that's for sure! Betty and Donna, I guess we'll have an exciting game to watch on Sunday, huh? It's all tied up now. The Mavs couldn't hit anything last night, and the Heat was hot! Eileen, you and I need to accept the challenge of finding new avatar pictures! Wanna try? Darcy's is sooooo cute! Beanie, wow! Great to hear from you. Hope this fill turns out to be what you're needing, and not too tight. I know exactly what you mean by being spoiled and not following the rules...I'm just accepting the slow loss, and learning how to eat as I go. I have learned so much in the last year. Sherry, you're doing great on your progress...I wonder sometimes about the need to be "perfect". (Not suggesting you are of this mindset; I just read this on the other boards). As far as I can tell, I don't know any perfect eaters, thin or otherwise. I'm just going for normal, I tell you! LOL! Last night was the end of VBS, and it was fun, but I am happy it is now over! You know what I mean? I get really concerned when I see kids at church who are mean-natured and ill-behaved, and no one has the "you know whats" to correct them...is everyone just totally wimped out? Yours truly here did my share of "guiding" and no one complained; they thanked me. I suppose people are just afraid the parents will complain, but I think if they are bringing the kids to church, there is probably some expectation that there will be some behavior guidelines. I expect the adults to correct my DD if she is goofing up; in fact, I would be really disappointed if she were to say something mean to someone and an adult heard her and did not try to correct her. I am afraid I am a small, dying breed of parent who still recognizes that my child could possibly be wrong at something, and would love to have the help of other teachers and guides in raising a well-behaved and polite young lady. Sorry, I'll quit on the soapbox! Betty, hope your back/headache is better today...probably the Mavs fault! Today is a lazy day, or at least I hope so. Hugs, Cindy

HI everyone! July 22 wil be my one year date...I have probably lost the slowest in this esteemed company, but I am very happy with what has happened this year. I started at a size 26, and am now wearing an 18. I have only had two fills, for .7cc total, and you can see in my signature that my last fill was back in November. I am most proud of learning to eat "normally." I do not eat perfectly. I have learned patience, and I am able to do all kinds of activities that I could not do this time last year. I am helping to lead the music program in vacation bible school, and it involves a lot of physical movement...I do that for 3 hours each night! No way I could have done it last year! I can climb stairs, walk long distances, and I sleep better at night. My cholesterol is down to below 200, and my blood pressure is completely normal. It is amazing! I would do it again in a heartbeat! Congratulations to all of us, and I will repeat that in a month! Cindy

Darcy, that is the coolest hair ever! I love it! I'm just checkin' in...home for tonight...VBS was crazy fun! We taught a reggae-type song and dance, and I promise it was the hardest one (physically) yet! Tomorrow, I am taking charge of the 3rd graders ( my DD's group) because the regular lady won't be there. That ought to be interesting...not as much dancing, though! Gotta run, gotta finish laundry, pack and get ready for tomorrow. We're spending the night at dad's again, and I work again on Thursday, so won't be checking in again until Thursday night! Luv and hugs to all! Cindy

Good morning, I am sorry you are frustrated, and even more upset that you did not receive good advice prior to your surgery on what to expect. But you are here now, and we will hold your hand and help you, like everyone helped us when we were new bandsters! Welcome to bandland! The biggest thing to learn right now is that the first 6 weeks are for healing. You want that band to heal inside your body, nice and healthy. Don't stress it out or push it. The liquids and mushies are to give your stomach a break, NOT to lose weight. Restriction comes with fills, and I don't think you've had one yet, am I right on that? Fills are very personal, some people need several, some need one or two. The amounts are personal...some need very little; some need more. The band is a tool. You still have a lot of work to do on your own, and most of it is in your head. Start looking at the big picture and let go of your need for instant results. You will be happier and healthier, and will see your success! Good luck, Cindy

Eillen, sorry you have a cold. I sure hope you feel better fast! Betty, what's wrong with your ankle/foot? Did I miss that part somewhere? Like you said, it's hard to keep up on here, especially when I'm watching the MAVS take it to the HEAT! ARe they ON or what!? Sorry Donna. Don't mean to boast. They'll be in Miami Tues and Thurs, so things may change for your team! Patty, I love your Disneyland stories! Sherry, hope your chili wasn't too intoxicating! Diane, I can see how that last trip would do you in! VBS was fun tonight...I was a helper in the music room, so I sang and danced for a couple of hours! It was fun, and the best part is that last year, there's no way I could have done it, so I guess that's a NSV! I won't be around a computer until Tuesday afternoon...after swimming lessons tomorrow we are going to my dad's. We are going to clean out some more of my mom's stuff and spend the night over there. Then on Tuesday, I have to go to school; it's an inservice day...I have one on Thursday, too. My sister's staying over at dad's too, and taking my DD to swimming. I'll check in when I can, though...I'll just never catch up with ya'll! Hugs, Cindy

Happy Bandiversary! Your story really inspired me today, and I thank you for that! You have a great idea to use this as a letter to your mother. You should do that while you can; there is nothing moms like more than that! I'm so happy for you! Congratulations!

Sherry, now take it easy on that wine, girl...next post will be something we can't figure out! LOL! Darcy, sorry I confused you. My email program resizes pictures when I email, but that doesn't happen when I just try to post pictures on LBT, only on email. Go figure. I'll gladly take someone's lessons on the subject; I have the software that comes with Fuji cameras. DD and I just got home from her friends' recital...actually one friend invited her, but she knew a good half dozen girls. It was really fun, but then I guess I'm a little weird; most people would run screaming from a dance recital! LOL! Tomorrow our vacation bible school starts...ours is at night, from 6 -8:30. I am a "floater" which means I am there to work at whatever they need me to do. Could be little kids, or crafts, or story time...just whatever. It is usually fun. Who knew that the Mavericks (Dallas' pro basketball team!) would be in the NBA finals for the first time EVER? I should at least be able to see the last quarter, maybe more. Anne, my DH played football in high school and college, and he doesn't watch much in the way of sports, either. I'd have to say I'm more into it than he is! I've always enjoyed being a spectator; don't ask me to play any of them! If you've seen the pictures of my DD, you'll see why we have always said she would be an Olympic shot put competitor! She's her daddy's daughter! She's supposed to play softball, basketball and volleyball starting next school year. Well, I guess I better get busy doing something...I didn't know the recital would take all afternoon! Hugs, Cindy

THANKS, DARCY! I appreciate you posting those pictures for me! Now we know where Elvis has been... and Eileen, you have the prettiest eyes!

Good morning! It's Friday and there are no swim lessons today, so DD gets to sleep in a little later. She's like a teenager in that way; she hates to go to bed at night, and hates to get up in the morning. It gives me some nice quiet morning time, though! My work friends went to Outback last night and had a great time! One of my friends has a gluten allergy, and she and I split one meal, which turned out perfect. And thanks, Eileen, for noticing that the scale is on the downward move again, even though I never understand the whys of it. I'm not really doing anything differently, unless it's just not being at work around all the stuff people bring in? I didn't realize I hate that much of that stuff, but I guess maybe I did. Something to think about there. The band just keeps on teaching, doesn't it? Patty, hang in there, as always. Prayers for you. Donna, well, I'm not the type to get overly confidant or anything. It was just the first game, but it was exciting, wasn't it? I think the next game is Sunday night. Go Mavs! (This is about basketball finals, for the sports-challenged among us, lovingly added). Darcy, did you get the pictures I emailed you? I figure you might be at the cabin, so no rush. Mary, how's it going this weekend? You should have the kids this time, right? Sherry...hey! Pat, Diane, Kat, Beanie, and all the rest...have a great weekend! BBL, Cindy

You know, Donna...you are right. It is HOT here, and it is probably due to the HEAT being in town...we'll blame them for that! We'll see how that heat settles out this evening, though.... GO MAVS!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Hi Patti in Jersey...you might also want to post on the Introduction thread, just to get a wider response, but you already found the best group! LOL! I was recommended the lap band by an orthopedic guy due to my ankle/foot problem...he wouldn't fix anything due to my excess weight. I had a lot more to lose than you do now. I decided it was a sign, and I looked into it. The surgery is not a magic bullet. In fact, people who think it is, are disappointed. If you think of it as a TOOL, you will be in a better frame of mind. It does help control your hunger, and the amount of damage you can do, calorie-wise, when your "head-hunger" takes over. It gives you some time to get a grip when you don't feel like you have a grip. It is adjustable; you have control over what type of restriction you want. It does not permanently change your insides as gastric bypass does. Can there be problems? Of course. Are there problems in being morbidly obese? Of course. Can you use the tool responsibly and reduce the likelihood of these problems? Yes. Are some of the problems random, like Anne's flipped port? Yes. Only you can weigh the pros and cons to your circumstances. As for me, it is one of the best decisions I ever made, besides having the good sense to marry my DH, having a child at 41, and finding the wonderful friends on this thread. I'm not the "biggest loser" or the fastest loser, but I have dropped 5 sizes and 60ish pounds in the last 11 months. I can walk for many hours without crippling pain in my ankle. I can do stairs without even thinking about it (much!). My cholesterol is normal, my blood pressure is normal. If you are thinking it over, get all the info you can, and keep an open mind. Read what the (reasonable) people here (all the people on this thread are good!) have to say, and yes, definitely learn about the possible complications. We'll answer you as honestly as we can...good luck with your fact-gathering! Cindy

I see you are in Tx; so am I. What is your district doing with the money that the big and rich districts are sending to the small and poor districts in the way of equalization? You might want to ask around. I teach in one of the "rich" districts, and believe me, they are not real excited about funding art programs, either. They are, however, excited about funding superintendant salaries...to the tune of over 300,000. Have you ever checked out the salaries of your top dogs? Oh, I've been teaching for 29 years. It sure has changed. I hope you find some way of getting what you need...I think art is very important. I'd just sneak stuff in myself...and wouldn't worry one bit about political correctness!

I understand, too. I truly think one gift of the band is patience. Think about it. We eat to comfort ourselves, even when we know it doesn't really work...it just works for the moment. That's a lack of patience. So, sometimes, we'll do that eating thing...just try for most of the time making a decision NOT to, even when you want to. I think that is the real gift...patience. You have a lot going on. Take it one day at a time. Treat yourself the way you would treat a good friend. Hugs, Cindy

Dang it, Anne! All that stress, AND a flipped port? As our best friend, Eileen always says, WTF???? I know life isn't fair, but can't it be fair at least sometimes? You have a good attitude about the whole thing, and I hope you can maintain and make the best of it. Hugs to you, Anne! Miami/Mav trash talk on the NJ board...what will we come up with next? I love this board! LOL! Eileen, how is your DD? My nephew had pains kinda like you describe when he was 4, and we took him to the children's specialty hospital here in the DFW area...turns out they were growing pains. I kid you not. Of course, I wouldn't want to ignore something, because sure enough it would turn out to be something...but just wanted to let you know about it, in case it might put your mind at ease. I know we were worried, and I'm sure you are too... DH is grilling chicken and ribs tonight, with grilled zucchini and potatoes. Then, we might watch another movie...A Wrinkle in Time. I loved that book, so I hope the movie is good, too. Love to all, Cindy

I add Mrs. Dash (seasoning) to the cottage cheese, and cut up tomatoes. I prefer the salty to the sweet with cottage cheese. If you don't have Mrs. Dash, try the tomatoes (or other diced up veggies) with cottage cheese and salt and pepper.

I just want to underline the connection you already made between giving up smoking and giving up the food addiction. I've been banded almost a year now, and it hasn't been a smooth progression, much like giving up smoking wasn't a smooth progression, either. However, as time goes by, it is easier and easier, and some of my worst habits are just old memories (like eating 3 or 4 bowls of cereal at a time....after dinner!). Have faith. It DOES get better. Remember to keep your patience with yourself...I think that is really important. Good luck! Cindy

Good morning! Mary, that's a cool dress! I have a dress for medieval events, and have never worn it...how dumb is that? I love the color of yours, and I think it looks like it will adjust to your changing size, too, which is even better! Pat, I have to agree with Betty... the MAVS are the best basketball team in the country, and if you want to find out, just watch the game on Thursday night. I love the visual of you peeling out on the pier in your little cart! I am laughing so hard! PLEASE come to Texas!!!!!!!! It would be so cool! If you can't work it out for the summer, try next spring. I'll be retired then! I just love saying that.... Betty, my mom made sure my sis and I were very good swimmers, since she wasn't (she could do all the strokes, but only if she could touch bottom!) Now, I'm passing the favor on to my DD, and I'm so proud of how well she is doing. It seems like in past years she wasn't really catching on, but this year it's clicking and she's "getting it." Anne, honestly. (hands on hips) There is no reason to be embarrassed or whatever around here. Every one of us has been to the "out of control" party, and understand what you are going through. There are so many reasons for it, and we can at least hold your hand until it passes. And it will. Good wishes for your fill today, and I hope it gives you the help you are looking for! Darcy, look for a PM I sent you this morning. Sherry, Donna, Patty, and everyone I'm leaving out...I"ll catch ya next time...Kat, you are still in my prayers. Hugs and blessings to all, Cindy

Good afternoon, all! Congrats, Donna, on a hard decision and your new fill. I know it's so hard to decide. I know you are doing what is best for you! Kat, you hang in there. Just know that we are all praying for you, and that we know you're in a hard place. Come here to vent, or ask for help...anything, anytime. Betty...two more days, can't wait for the first game! It's fun teasing with you, Donna! It's gonna be a tough game, that's for sure! Eileen, how's your DD? Darcy, those are the best pictures! Post more! DD and I are watching Ice Princess now... it's cute. Other than that, we take it easy in the morning, then go to swim lessons. She's doing really good at those this year. DH is teaching summer school. So, we're definitely into our summer schedule, which is great! Well, I'm gonna watch this movie...see ya later! Cindy

HI, everyone! I just got back from our little weekend getaway! We had a good time, very relaxing. I tried to shop, but couldn't find anything I wanted to buy...don't you hate that?! Darcy, that's the cutest frog! Betty, beautiful house/garden...great looking trophy, too! Sherry, I can see why you're a proud momma...nice boat...don't blame ya for borrowing the sample. I'd do the same thing! I haven't even caught up on the goings-on around the thread...just sat down after dumping the suitcases by the washing machine, and wanted to say hi to everbody. We ate at this very upscale restaurant at the Gaylord called Ama Lur...it's a Stephen Pyles place (celebrity chef, in Texas, anyway.) I had tortilla soup and a halibut ceviche with avocado....yummy! I tasted some of the other dishes, but they were too big for me. I treated myself to a Dove bar (ice cream! my weakness...) while I was there also! We swam alot and walked alot, so it all evened out. Betty, are you so excited about the Mavs? I guess we'll have to make a bet with our Florida friend, Donna! Whatcha say, Donna? I'm gonna catch up with all the reading, and check everyone later! Hugs, Cindy

All prayer requests are lifted to God's care. For those praying for strength and wisdom, you already have it. For those praying for healing and comfort, God holds you and your loved ones in his hands at all times. When I come to this thread, I imagine all of us, connected by our prayers, and strengthened in spirit by God's grace.