mousecrazy

Kimberlilly - wow! I love the picture cross-off thing you did...and I agree with the alteration of Kevin! LOL! So, bye-bye Melissa; although, I did like her voice when she was "on". Kevin is giving me flashbacks of last season and that red-headed guy....anyone remember his name? Anyway, there are people out there who band together and vote for the worst one, just for the pleasure of manipulating the vote. I heard there was a website for it? Total shock that Ace and Lisa were in the bottom three. I'm not a huge fan of Ace...he's good looking, that's for sure, but I get tired of those long, smoldering looks...it seems fake to me....but I understand you girls (and guys?) who think he's hot. Now, just have to wait til next week? Anyone know what the theme is going to be?

My top picks: Chris and Mandisa; then Taylor and Paris Bottom: Kevin and Kellie Ya'll have said everything about Kevin already...just not ready for the big time, but who knows? Three years can make a big difference. Kellie...well, I appreciate her story, and I think she'll do well in the business, but she's not my pick for American Idol. I guess I'm a suspicious person or something, but I'm just not all that sure about her naivete. Sorry. Maybe she'll grow on me. Mandisa just performs every single time...Chris also. It's fun to watch!

Like you, I've been thinking about what may cause erosion...your theory sounds plausible, at least to me (untrained layperson). I still ask myself if it isn't like any condition, in which various factors are involved...some people have diabetes, some don't; some people get skin cancer, some don't...you know? I also wonder if having too much restriction for too long plays a role in erosion? Maybe the skill of the doctor? There are just so many factors, I think the answer will remain at least somewhat in the air. You have an interesting theory. I'm looking forward to reading everyone else's opinion on it! Cindy

Well, I'm 50% as far as accuracy in the prediction department...I was really surprised to see Gideon off...there are some weird forces at work, if Kevin is still on, and Gideon is off. I'm not too terribly surprised at Ayla, but I felt for her last night; you can tell she is not accustomed to losing (which is a good thing). She will find success in whatever she tries; I think Gideon will, too. Anyone know what genre is picked for next week? Is anyone old enough to have seen a Joe Cocker live performance? His weird moves sure didn't hurt him any; I think Taylor is in that category, so I don't mind his little oddities in the movement area. It makes him unique. I still rank Chris as first, Taylor as 2nd. Each of the guys is very individual; the girls aren't as much like that to me, right now anyway. Thanks for posting the Mandisa email; her writing is in sync with my impression of her. Class act. Until next week, Cindy

Hey, did everyone lose interest? I think this thread just got buried too far down in the pages... Prediction: Kinnick and Melissa off; Kevin and Will off I've always liked Taylor, but I like him more each week. Still think Chris is ahead of the game; Mandisa is top-notch for the girls. What say you?

I voted for lunch on 3/25...I'm a bit more flexible, though. I will be out of town on the 11th (it's our spring break). I'll check back for time...the place is great! Cindy

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: Way to go, Keri!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: I loved your post and all the advantages/disad's you listed....don't know about that bra size:biggrin1: , but being in ONEDERLAND has just GOT to be worth it! Congratulations on a lot of hard work and determination, and..oh yeah, cute toes! Cindy

Hey, you are absolutely normal! Keep an eye on things while you concentrate on letting that band heal into place, nice and solid. This isn't an instant thing...it does take time and getting your head around the changes...which takes, you guessed it! Time. Take a deep breath, do the best you can, and concentrate on healing. You'll be a happy bandster in no time!

What's to explain? I wouldn't spend another minute thinking...there are LOTS of "not bad people" out there, but does that mean you want to develop a serious relationship with all of them? I think your criteria should be set higher than "not a bad person." It's over, if it ever really started. Respect yourself. Maybe during this time of changing, you would do better to fly solo for a while? Live and learn. Sorry you are confused, and please, just ditch this guy. Cindy

You are on your way! How exciting! That is a BIG hurdle right there, that you don't have do. Where in North Texas are you? You can ask for surgeon names from us NT people if you don't already have one in mind... Cindy

HI, well, no one else has a weight problem like I do, but then, they still drink and smoke, and I quit that a few years ago. I understand your anger and frustration, because I feel that way toward them and their drinking problems. One in particular has already had many physical problems due to smoking and drinking, and will not stop his risky behavior. I feel angry about him, and angry about the effects his decision to do nothing about his problems has on my DS and nephew. The bad news is, there is nothing you can do to control someone else's behavior, if they do not want the guidance. Very insightful thread, and I hope you get the support you need in this situation...Cindy

Hi! I am in North Texas, also...I believe you can have a BMI of 35 with comorbidities, which means weight-related health problems. I guess you need to start with your regular doctor, who, hopefully, has documented your efforts at weight loss. You will need that documentation for insurance approval. So, first step, see your doctor. Ask all your questions. Check into your insurance and see if weight loss surgery is excluded. I was lucky, my insurance covered it, and by the time someone told me to think about it, I already had 6 months documented doctor-supervised diet. I don't think age has anything to do with it...I sure wish I had done it when I was younger!!!!! Good luck and welcome to LBT! Cindy

Interesting topic...I don't have all that much experience with perspectives outside of the US, or their medical stats, for that matter. I do know that public demand causes restaurants to serve larger portions, and we get used to seeing that as normal, and we get used to eating that much as normal, too. Maybe they pioneered the lapband because weight issues have more importance to them???? Just guessing, Cindy

Hi, Candice! You have found a great place to learn and research and find support! Use the search feature, read up on past posts, and ask any questions...glad you're here! Cindy

You've done an amazing job, Jess! I have often read your posts, found lots of good advice, and always--inspiration! Congratulations! Cindy

The day after, I was content to rest and I used the heating pad alot for gas pains. It wasn't the worst pain I've ever had. Lots easier than the hysterectomy! As for shopping, no...I think I drove on the 4th day after, if I remember correctly. So much depends on personal and individual inclination...are you a toughie? Or a mushie? I'm sort of in between, leaning toward tough. I think I did some laundry and light house stuff, just because I was bored! Listen to your body...do what you have to do! Good luck! Cindy

Call you surgeon! No use waiting! Congratulations! Cindy

I doubt the baby's daddy is anywhere near. Probably an empty threat, but a threat all the same. Now, it is difficult to deal with people like this, but I encourage you to do due diligence on behalf of the kids. I know it's scary. It's not just the bad guys that have rights...you do, too, and those kids have absolutely no choice in the matter. Please document everything, report it, and take care of yourself.

There have also been reports of those whose fill didn't "kick in" for awhile...I think it would be a good idea to check with your fill doctor, in any case. Good luck! Cindy

I haven't lost as much as some of the others here, but one thing I think is helpful is to understand that no one is perfect and so to hold yourself to a standard of perfection is counter-productive. Be flexible, what is working for you now might not work for you in a few months; be able to look for little changes you can make to keep the weight loss going. One more thing: don't freak out when you stay the same for awhile...most people do that, and your body needs time to adjust. Be nice and let it have it's time. Good luck, Cindy

My DD is 8 1/2...last year she was complaining of pain in her pelvic area, so much so that we took her to the doctor, who had her do a sonogram..they detected ovary growth at that time, and told us she would be early into puberty. She has not had a period, but she does have breast development, and has had to start using deoderant, so I suppose we're not far off from periods, either. I have taken the honest approach...I try to be very up front and as detailed as she wants to get...which isn't very detailed at this time, but she does have questions. My goal is for her to understand how her body works, objectively, and then to give her strong guidance in how to respect that womanly body. I filled in too many "blanks" on my own, made mistakes, and wasn't really taught how to esteem my body and give it worth. I want that for her, and it's up to me and Dh to do it. I don't have book suggestions, but I know there are some good ones out there, maybe go to Amazon and search? DD is big girl, is yours? She is almost 5', weighs 155, wears a size 8 women's shoe...my DH is 6'4". Have you had to buy bras yet? I have DD wearing sport bras for the time being, it's hard to find "training bras" for a 40A! LOL! We'll get through this, but like you, I can hardly believe it's happening so young! Hope any of this is helpful, Cindy

I'm 7 months out, and doing great! I have not had any problems and believe that this was one of the best decisions I ever made. It's not magic, and you do have be somewhat compliant to your post-op aftercare directions, but if you do your part, it will be a success!

I'm just over 7 months, and have lost 53 pounds or so, depending on the day. Lovecats85, looking over the stats, I see you were much lighter when you started, which might explain the slower rate of loss, so don't worry. You are doing great! Cindy

Honestly, I'm not sure there is anything that helps stretch marks...Mine aren't too bad (from pregnancy). If anyone knows any solutions, though, I'd be interested. Cindy

Not familiar with the Central Expressway Pappadeuxs, but do know the one at 35 and Northwest Highway... Would the Lewisville area be a good one? No Pappadeuxs, but there are lots of restaurants by Vista Ridge? Just throwing out ideas... Cindy