mousecrazy

Doc! Great to see you! I can understand how you can get confused; you're in safe hands now. Pat...funny story about hiding and poopin'. Can you try to steer him to the toilet, or does that step on the mom's toes? As for your fill, it IS a hard decision...you know I have gone back and forth on this decision myself. I think the difference in the salad and the chicken is that the salad has dressing on it. Does the chicken have sauce on it? Chicken trips me up lots of time, but if it has barbecue sauce, Heinz 57 or something, I do much better with it....I bet you've tried that already, but just in case...anyway, you've done great with your weight loss, and you are probably just allowing your body to adjust for a while. I think that's probably a good thing in the long-run. Eileen, I hope the end part of your day is relaxing; sorry about the funeral. It sure seems like there are too many of those these days. Betty, how goes it? Any word on any of the positions you have interviewed for? Thanks for asking Doc to come hang out with us...she's a great gal. DD's teacher called and put me on the job to get the materials and pattern for Austrian hats...DD's school has an International Week, where each grade studies a different country, then sets up a display. This year they are studying Austria. I'm gonna look online for something simple...felt and glue. Gotta go, the natives are getting restless.... Cindy

Lots of good info here...like Donali said, a teeny unfill seems to be in order. If you want more variety and more choice in your situation, you do have to be able to take the responsibiliy over from the band a little...only you can decide if you are ready for that. I've made a decision to lose a little slower than I could, in exchange for not having a super-tight fill. It's an okay decision for me. Still, even with the small fill I have, I cannot eat 6 muffins! I can eat one. I cannot eat a whole order of nachos, but maybe 1/2 order. So, maybe stop dwelling on the word "finality" and think about the word, "opportunity." Adjust the band to your particular needs, that's why it's adjustable... However you work it out, I know you will, and you will do just fine! Cindy

My mom died in July 06. I know what you are talking about. There is no quick solution, only steps you can take toward acceptance. I'm not there yet; I grieve every day. Some days are easier than others. Some are painful. Here's what I want to offer you in the way of compassion and help. First, something one of my friends wrote in a card: "Your life will never be the same, but it doesn't have to be bad." Next, give yourself a little freedom with the food/comfort, but plan in advance what that means. I know you are sad and probably scared right now, but take care of yourself like you would take care of your best friend. You would give that friend healthy food, you would make sure she got her rest, you would make sure she had a safe place to cry. Do these things for yourself. My heart goes out to you in your loss. I hope knowing that others understand will comfort you, and I will pray for God's hand in lifting you up and protecting you. Hugs, Cindy

You're my hero! Cindy

I don't have any advice for you, but want to offer you my support in whatever you decide is best for you. It's a big decision, and I know I'd probably ask my bandster mates for their opinions, just like you did. Cindy

So, by the doctor's name, I assume you are in North Texas? I'm a Texan, too...live in Sanger north of Denton. Glad you're here...good luck with the start of your journey! Cindy

Well, now, let's see. One thing pops to mind, so try this idea out: "Worry is a hobby, don't confuse it with a useful act." Maybe instead of obsessing over calories, fat grams, protein grams, scales, and so on...spend some time obsessing over NOT OBSESSING. No matter what, your scales, and your ticker, are not going to smoothly move down, down, down. (Of course, as soon as I say this, 14 people will write to tell you that their scales do!) Anyway, I feel you on the obsession-thing...but I am working on getting over that little habit, or hobby, as the quote I shared with you simply states. I guess you can start by exploring the need to control...and understanding that you don't (actually!) have to! Janet, PLEASE take this as some thought-provoking input, and not that I am the guru of anti-obsession...I'm just sharing some stuff I think about when I come to the same place you are in right now. You are doing great! Cindy

Flower, I know this is not always what people want to do, and for their own good reasons. This is one way to handle it...just come clean. Tell everyone, and then there will not be any gossip. I think we're about split 50/50 on this topic...some want privacy, some just tell. I have experienced no negative responses at all...only warm and supportive encouragement. I may just be lucky to work with fantastic people (for the most part) and I've been here forever, so that might have something to do with it, too. Good luck with your situation, whatever you decide to do! Cindy

I sometimes have a little of what I'm craving, which works for me most of the time. Head hunger is a battle we all face. I do not win all of these battles, to be honest. Sometimes I stave off the hungries by drinking water, and sometimes it even works! Sometimes I try to wait 15 minutes, then find out it's easier to say no. I am a little sensitive to artifical sweeteners, and find they increase my sweet cravings...but I use SF products now and then. I am trying to learn the Zone Perfect nutrition program...it makes sense, but it's not easy. Good luck in your struggle with sweets, Cindy

Hi Diva girl! This has happened to me, too...I know when it happens to me, I'm usually really hungry, take a bite that is too big, and chew fast...sometimes, I'm in an animated conversation, and not paying attention. Sometimes, I take bites too close together...I can usually wait mine out, and that's what I do. I call it the golfball. Even my DD knows the "golfball" look! Keep at it, we'll all help each other learn the hard stuff! Cindy

Hello! No testing in my room today...tomorrow I do, but not today. So, it's a normal "abnormal" day in alternative school world. Boy, you should hear my tummy growl! It is sooooo loud, but kids just think I am too poor to eat or something, and they are offering me all kinds of snacks. They are so sweet...I had an apple and an ounce of 2% fat cheese for breakfast, and I guess it's time for a Zone Perfect bar...confession: I had ice cream last night, AND chex mix! I am noticing that I go through 2 week spells of being hungry a lot...then a couple of weeks where it is easy to portion-control. Interesting. It is not PMS, because I had a hysterectomy a couple of years ago...although the ovaries are still intact. Menopause wouldn't cause that type of hormonal eating, would it? Sheesh, ya'll are too young to help me out with that! Betty, are you out walking in the rain? Beanie, you are healing from surgery. Don't beat up on yourself for not working out. You will start losing...I know it's hard not to be impatient. Eileen, you are the model of patience...can you help out Beanie here?! LOL! Dianne, how's it going today? Sherry, how are you? Patty, what's up? Pat, any eagle sightings lately? Everyone else, have a great day! Cindy

Hi, and welcome to LBT! You'll find lots of good support and info here...you're doing great! Cindy

Good for you! I'm glad you found us here at LBT, and hope we can be supportive and helpful to you on your journey! Cindy

Great work! My DD has to do a science project next month...I think hers is going to be on organic fruit vs. "regular" fruit. Girls do have it easier than guys when they are smart and in elementary school...tell him he'll have the last laugh, and maybe tell him about Bill Gates. congratulations! Cindy

Well, I just now have the time to check in with my pals here, and what to my wondering eyes does appear? Dylansmom! I'm sooooo glad to see you here, and I'm pretty happy with that little birdie, too! You made my day by showing up here, and I'll check out your new website, too. Kim, tell Dianne I am so happy to hear that everything went well and she has a new band. I said my prayers for her this morning, and will continue to pray for her healing. Eileen, I am so sorry about your uncle. I will pray for God's comfort for all the family. ((HUGS)). Now, this is weird, but I was craving chocolate last night, too...middle of the night, too. I didn't get any, so that's a victory, but weird that we both had the same urge. Also, glad to hear you are feeling some restriction. When is your next fill? Sorry, I should know that. Betty, you are a hero in my eyes, and I'm still glad you said what you said. I tried to explain what was going on to a couple of newbies...I probably shouldn't have, but I do want the new bandsters to have access to the great people on LBT... Thanks to the NJ crew, who allow all of us outsiders to hang out in their state! Love ya, Cindy

I hesitate to post here on this topic, but I feel for you new guys, and want you to get the support and info I always get here... Plain and simple, some members live for controversy. Some people enjoy having their feelings hurt, even though they say they hate it. These two groups get together, and wooohooo! Additionally, there appears to be some control issues. Some members like to lurk more and post less, and some members want to post on every single thing they read. I think new and old bandsters both have support and information to contribute, so likely instead of substance, some people are objecting to style. It is the way it is said, not what is said. I've been banded since July 05, so I'm not new and I'm not old. I've met some great friends on this board, too. On the other side of the coin, some people here are annoying (to me, anyway)...so that's life. The "shock-value" threads play into the leavings, too...believe it or not, people do find this kind of thing offensive, or at best, immature. I hope I've helped to fill you in on what might be going on...I do hope you can find the support you need here at LBT. Cindy

Betty, I don't blame you one bit for speaking your mind. I'm just wondering? How does the ignore post thing work? If we just put ignore post on certain ones, would that mean we would never have see what they write? I wrote Leatha a PM telling her how much I appreciated her input, and asked her to check us out over here in the NJ thread...I don't know what to do about all this except wait it out. That's what I'm gonna do. Seriously, there are some really inflammatory things being said, and most of it is really immature. Or indicative of mental illness. ???? I am always supportive of honest opinion, and you spoke with great authenticity. Yea, Betty! OH, sorry you're still cold! Hugs goodnight, all around, Cindy

Just poppin' in to say hi to everyone! You know, here in Texas, 1/16" of ice on the roads causes the biggest trouble! I got up at 4:15 this morning, so I could leave really early...before I left there was an 18-wheeler jack-knifed on highway, closing it down...I got lucky because it was already taken care of before I got on...whew! Still It took almost 2 hours to get to work. It's gonna warm up now, so that problem is over, thank goodness! I am really happy with my haircut...short stacked bob in back, with longer sides...then I used Butterscotch Creme color w/ highlights...I like it! No more gray! That's all that's cookin' in these parts...hope everyone has a great day, and good luck, Dianne! Cindy

Happy *cold* Sunday afternoon to all! We're just hanging out around here...I've already done the ironing, and am sitting here with hair dye on my head, then I'll highligh it. I just can't graciously move to gray hair...I won't! Maybe when I'm 70 or something, but with an 8 year old, I don't want to be called "grandma" when I'm with her! Beanie, I'm 5'7" (and a half)...I look at those charts, and I believe them, but I just don't know if I can be happy at 150...I guess we'll see when I get closer to it...right now, I'm patiently waiting for the 230 mark. I know I'm slow, but it's okay with me. I've started reading the Zone Perfect books and learning about nutrition/health, and trying to work this knowledge into what I actually eat. I like all the info I'm learning. Ira, I am glad you educated us on the fill/osmosis thing...it makes sense to me, and I'm always interested in facts like that! Thanks for checking in. Eileen, OMG! You're human after all?! I guess we could call this thread "News from the Land of Imperfect Bandsters"! I'm just joshing ya...I know you are worried about the future with your band, and changing your habits and all that, and I relate so much. I just don't want you to be so hard on yourself. Do you get another fill pretty soon, from your stingy doctor? Love you! Sherry, good luck going back to work. You will feel better each day...try to rest when you can, and take it easy on what you make your stomach try to process. Gotta run, it's time to rinse this color out! Hugs to all, Cindy

You go, girl! I was just giving you moral support to put whatever you want to put on your sig, that's all! I suppose there are not any perfect Christians, since we wouldn't need redemption if we were perfect. All we can do is try. I know you don't want to start trouble, but I'm hugging your neck for bringing up this topic. I am bothered by how it seems that some of the more pushy people are running others off the board. I'm just a little stubborn, though, and I am staying. I got your back, girl. Cindy

Just want to say hi and welcome! There's a lot to read on the board, use your search feature, and find lots of info that should be helpful! Cindy

Hi, friends! I tell you, it's crazy out there on the other threads! I was just so proud of you, Eileen, for starting a little scuffle about the adult threads...you know, I don't mind a little sexual innuendo, teasing, and goofing around of an adult nature, but OMG! Some of this stuff is just plain trashy, and then for THAT to be compared to "religious stuff" was too much for this word warrior, and I had to post on your thread. We'll see what kind of response I get for wondering aloud how XXX topics and religious topics were equal? I guess I'd get flamed pretty good if I suggested that the lack of spirituality might be leading to some of the psychological issues some people are having? Eileen, don't you dare change your sig. to delete the religious beliefs you proudly claim...I understand the ticker, but I will not be pressured to give up my right to religious expression. Pat, I could be talked into flying out to your place...if you're serious about the get-together. It would need to be summer, though, when I have time off, or after next December, when I'll be retired! (laughing giddily at the thought!) I am sooo sorry, Betty! I'll try to get you some warmer weather before the week is over! Anne, your gm reminds me very much of mine...she was sharp and "with-it" until the end of her life...a true blessing in my life, as yours is to you! We have sleet/freezing rain off and on here...got up early to take DD to a Girl Scout Thinking Day thingie, only to get there (15 miles) and find a CANCELLED sign on the door! Dang it! NO one from the district council called anyone, either...so, since we were already in Denton, we went to get our hair cut...both of us, DD and I. So, at least we got something done. Then I made Chex Mix (3 hours, stirring every 15 min), paid bills (yuck!), did laundry (whoopee!), and looked at all the treasures DH brought back from the auction he went to this morning. Please, someone write about their weekend, and let me live vicariously through you! Zan? Dianne? Patty? Beanie? Oh yeah, Pat? As far as feeding the eagle, just keep your small pets indoors...LOL! Sorry you didn't get quite enough time off...I love my DH like crazy, but I love time on my own, too! I'm so glad we have our little thread, where we can relax. Hugs, Cindy

NJChick, I don't know the first thing about running boards like LBT, but I do know the concern you are expressing. Now, I do skip the sexual content threads, because (call me a fuddy-duddy if you wish) I believe there IS such a thing as too much information. I think it is a fairly simple matter to skip them. It would also be a fairly simple matter to exercise some self-restraint in relation to what is posted here. I didn't know that XXX topics and religious topics were equal, but it is interesting to think about how that could be true. And why. Let's have fun, but let's be civil(ized). I don't think good manners have ever gone out of style. Thanks for trying, Eileen. Cindy

Hi, Loopylou. I don't know what category I fall into, but I hope I have something helpful for you. My heart hears your struggle with the eating addiction...I win these battles most of the time now, but I lose them more than I'd prefer. This is what I have convinced myself of...I want to eat like a "normal" person. Now, this requires some actual observation, and not our assumptions about what this is. Normal people eat cookies sometimes, right? So don't feel guilty about a cookie or two. But, normal people don't eat a box of cookies every day. You sound like you might have some rebelliousness, like me, and when told not to do something, it becomes that much more inviting. So, I have worked hard to take the "no-no's" out of my thinking, and try to make good choices the biggest majority of the time, and not beat myself up over the other times. I'm not setting the world on fire with my rapid weight loss, but I'm okay with the rate I'm losing...it's not a race. I sure hope this helps and I have not opened the pandora's box of angry rebuttal. Rebuttal is fine; PO'd rebuttal is not. I'm still asking for more civility in all our posts. Cindy

I hope you are doing better! Crutches are sooo much trouble! Cindy