mousecrazy

Everyone's advice has been so great on this...first of all, (((hugs))) to you! The one thing I am thinking about that might help you is just to do one simple thing, as a way to start. You might make sure you get your water each day...you might walk 5 minutes...use mascara. Just one thing. It's a start...and no tellin' where it will lead! Good luck, and check in when you a need a hug, or even a soft kick in the patootie! Cindy

My DH brought home Heart Smart squeeze butter...it's really tasty. I like Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray and tub, also.

Fantastic! You're doing great! Cindy

(Can't say it enough...) Happy Birthday, HarleyNana!!!!! You bring so much happiness to so many....today's YOUR day, so have fun!

Hi, a great place to go for all kinds of ideas for kids is familyfun.com. It is a Disney-run publication. I subscribe to the magazine, but you can access all the ideas online. They have some fun recipes, where it looks like meat loaf, but it's really dessert, or it looks like something it's not...very cute! Go there, and see what you see. They also have great ideas for crafts and travel, too!

Yeah, even though I know he deserved to be off last night, it still makes you kinda sad when you watch the farewell vido..remember, though - pretty much all of these contestants will be finding a career in music, just because they were finalists on AI. He is so young, he's got all kinds of time...maybe a Broadway career? Seriously, I am worried about Paula A. I mean, I kinda like her and hate to think she's doped up. She was better last night, but her eyes are still looking glazed. Can't wait to find out the theme for next week! Cindy

Glad someone mentioned the Paula thing...something is wrong with her, be it drugs or alcohol...seems like someone would mention it to her. I think Simon is beyond patient with her.

My picks for the bottom three: Bucky, Kevin, and Kelly My choices aren't necessarily who I think "will be" the bottom 3, but who I think deserve to be in the bottom three. I actually like all of the contestants that are left, and I think it is hard to choose now. Kevin just isn't an "Idol." While I really like Bucky, his skills are not as great as the others. Kelly's pretty good, but too much like last year's Idol. I'm actually not sure about Katherine, although Simon just loved her last night...I was actually so-so about her. Chris, Mandisa, Taylor, and Paris are still in my top 4.

Weird. I had a cat named Athena.

Super! You're doing great! I can't wait to join you down there in the loser category! Cindy

I had my daughter when I was 41, one month before I turned 42. No problems at all. I find it hard to plan parts of life...I wouldn't have waited until my 40s, except I didn't meet the right man until then.

Thanks, Paula. We have the same situation with my DD, who is 8. She's a big girl, 5" tall, and 160 lbs. Like you, I don't want to give her insecurity about her size...at the same time, I want to teach her some healthy habits. Also, due to heredity, she will not be petite, to say the least. My being banded has taught her alot about food choices, which is good. I use the glass of water technique, also...if that doesn't do it, then we only offer fruit/veggies as a snack. Lucky us, she likes fruits/veggies! She just likes sweets more! I'm always interested in reading on this subject...it is a big concern for me. Thanks for posting it, Cindy

I have .7cc in a 4cc band...the only thing I've had trouble with, and it's not on this list, is chicken (if grilled and kinda dry) - Tortillas (white, wheat, corn?) I can eat all 3 - salad (what kind of lettuce can you eat?) I can eat all kinds of salad - Hard breads (pretzels, crackers, melba, etc.) never had a problem - "Fluffy" breads (pancakes, waffles, muffins) Yes, carefully..but 3/4 of one pancake is about all; 1/2 a muffin - Ground meants (turkey, chuck, sirloin...) Not a problem - Shellfish/crustaceans (scallops, shrimp, crab, lobster, mussels...) Not a problem - Hard cereal (grape nuts, oat bran, etc.) I just don't eat this very often, but I could - Hard cheeses yes I guess this is one of the individual aspects of being banded...the same fill isn't the same on each person...the foods that cause problems are different. When I try something new, I just take really small bites, and take it slow. For me, it's more method than content... Good luck, Cindy

Give yourself a couple of weeks to really feel good...even now, I still feel my port, especially if I over eat. It is not a painful feeling, it's just that you are aware it is there. Give yourself time to heal, even though I know you are impatient. Sometimes I think that learning patience is one of the best lessons the band teaches. Cindy

Sending prayers your way! I hope you can get through the healing process with as little pain as possible...be sure to take care of yourself! Thanks for your update, send more! Cindy

I'm sorry you are having a hard time...since you are stuck with your dr., you have no choice really. Do the liquid thing, make sure you are using protein powder or protein shakes, and you will lose weight...your body is in starvation mode and is holding on to whatever it can. It will figure it out eventually, and you will start losing again. Medical system in UK...is everyone on government medical care, like Canada? I don't know if I'm using the right words; if not, feel free to educate me! Good luck with your situation, Cindy

I don't think it's all that slow! Congratulations on your great progress! Cindy

I know how difficult all this is for you and your family. I will send my prayers for your strength and her healing. Hugs, Cindy

:happybday: Happy Birthday, Dee! Hope it's been a fantastic one! Cindy

I think you are bery brave and honest, and I am glad you came here for support. Yes, it is sure hard to work out these conflicts between wanting a healthy life, and turning to our old friend, lots of food! I cannot lie and tell you I've never felt disappointed that I couldn't eat more of something I really enjoyed. I'm really sad about it sometimes. Did you have any bulimic behavior before banding? This type of thing will damage your band and possibly your body...please seek some medical/behavioral advice if you do not think you can change this on your own. Big hugs to you, and I hope we can lend you some support in this struggle. Cindy

Congratulations on a great year, and for taking such good care of yourself! Cindy

In the 8 months since being banded, I've gone through two really long plateau's. I just try to accept them as part of the process and enjoy wearing that size a little longer. I try not to panic when loss slows down; it seems like a natural process. Good luck! Cindy

My answer won't be very dramatic, but maybe he's just going to have to adjust to the new you? You are spending lots of time dedicated to your weight loss journey, of course, but maybe he didn't expect it to take up that much time? Maybe he's worried about you looking TOO good? If ya'll have been together 21 years already, your marriage has some staying power. Have you, without anger, asked him about his reactions? Maybe you're just talking about it a lot, and he's tired of hearing about it? There are lots of possibilities, so I'd advise you not to get your feelings all hurt and get angry, and instead try to understand what is going on...likely, it's not a personal slam. You are doing great with your weight loss! Congrats! Cindy

As a matter of fact, it was through seeking treatment for the foot pain that I was shoved into thinking about lapband surgery! I am so grateful for that orthopedic surgeon who was blunt enough to just tell me that there was nothing he could do if I was going to remain at 286 pounds! I've lost 56 pounds so far, and the difference in the pain is incredible...only after walking a long time do I feel any pain at all! So, work hard with your band, losing weight will really help! Cindy

Hey, Kimberly...I don't really know what to say to get you back on track, but my heart goes out to you in the loss of your brother. I lost my mom in July, my grandma in November, and I think I understand where your head and heart are. Just treat yourself kindly, like you would your best friend...give yourself some understanding...When I feel overwhelmed, which is pretty often, I just try to concentrate on the very next thing. Not a whole week; just whatever the next thing is. Sometimes the next thing is a meal, and if I can concentrate on what is the best choice to make and make it, then I've gotten through that meal okay. If I choose not-so-wisely, well, I let it go, and do better next time. Like I said, I don't have great advice here, it's just what has worked for me more than it hasn't. Blessings to you, Cindy