mousecrazy

Congratulations!!!!! I'm about 2 pounds away from the 50 mark, and every single one of your tips is right, in my experience... Thanks for the postive post! Cindy

Hi...again! I am debuting my new ticker. I started this one at my highest weight recorded at my dr.'s office...286. The goal weight I chose was 180. It measure in pounds lost, so that's why it says 1 - 106...didn't want you to think I'd lost my mind and picked 106 as a goal weight...like THAT would ever happen! LOL! I know the tickers cause anxiety in a handful of people, but it serves a purpose to me, and I intend to continue using it. I am very sorry if this is painful for anyone.:ohwell: (No one on this thread has said anything about it, but when I am mindless enough to wander off this track and read others, I've seen it mentioned). Glad we're friends...I'd hate to come here and argue every day...but I guess some people like that, huh?:lalala: Later, Cindy

Tell her congratulations! Also, thank you for the upbeat, postive post! Cindy

Good afternoon, friends! Yes, Betty...here's some more cold weather, that I just love! Am I weird or what?! I'm actually looking forward to being stuck in the house due to icy roads! My DD has some activities in Denton this weekend, but I am a big wuss when it comes to slick roads, due the inability of others to drive like they have any sense! Anne, the procedure is relatively painless and quick and doesn't require much except time and minipads to recover. At least, that was the way it was a couple of decades ago when I had it done. Here's hoping for the best! Patty, your principal is awesome! Ours wouldn't even notice we were having a hard time. I had to straight out tell mine that I was struggling with everything, and he was very understanding, but wouldn't notice on his own! You're lucky there! Pat, you crack me up! And thanks for the laugh! I've always been a smarty pants, but over the years (and I'm a slow learner, I'll give you that) I have learned some bit of diplomacy, and usually use it. Not all the time, as you have seen here and there. Eileen, how fun to meet another band buddy! Children are so sweet (when they're like that, holding hands). With me it's all, "I love you, Mommy" and then the next minute, it's rolling eyes and stomping around. Poor DD, with 2 teachers for parents...we see it all the time, so it probably loses something with us. God knows what he's doing when he chooses parents for the little angels! Pat, oh yeah, the EAGLE! I've only ever seen one, at Lake Buchanan in Texas...I love bird-watching, or any animal, really...I get excited if there is a cardinal in my yard...much less an eagle! To everyone, have a great Friday! Thanks for taking care of me, long distance! Hugs, Cindy

Betty, (((hugs))). Thank you! Maybe I'm not losing my mind after all, well, at least not in an unexplained way. I feel I owe you all, at the least, an explanation for any weirdness I might be showing in my responses. Sometimes they are too long, and sometimes I don't include everyone, etc. I am really sorry for what you had to go through...I can't imagine. 10 days apart. (((hugs))) Anne, soooo happy to hear your good test news! I was expecting that you would be fine; glad you are! love ya, Cindy

The liver is right in the way of where they want to band the stomach...I know I didn't really understand this, UNTIL I was given the photos of the operation, and my surgeon showed me how nice and pink my de-fatted liver was! He said he can tell during the operation if someone is going to be successful or not...before I get angry responses, I felt sure he meant that this gave him a good indication, but no one could ever 100% predict anything. I hope this helps you, Cindy

Thanks, Eileen! How can someone thousands of miles away understand me so well? I really don't like to come here with all my cares and woes, but since I felt that I was being a big gripey gut, I thought I'd better explain. Thanks for seeing my heart of gold, too! Kisses! Cindy

Doc, for the reasons you have stated, I sometimes put myself on an LBT diet of sorts...I'll get really upset with a thread, or someone's behavior, and then post my blunt opinion, and wish I had just closed that thread and moved on to something else. When I cam here at first, it was hard to get to know people...just like in real life. I've written some pretty unpopular opinions, and got my share of feedback. Yet, all in all, the main idea is that I have developed some very supportive relationships with LBT members, and I come here for those, and if possible, make some new ones, and help some newbies out, like you. You are the only one who can determine what is best for you...but like I tell my DD and my students: nothing is going to be tailor made just for you...take what you need and leave the rest. Cindy

Eileen, I love your laundry smilie! If I'm not at work, that's probably what you'd find me doing! LOL! Thanks for being a good sport about my most likely unwanted advice to slow down...or calm down. I live with a drama queen (DD)--of course, it's not me!--and we all need to take a breath now and then...I love you, girl! Pat, I figured you were teasing me...love the play on words! Like my drooly baby thing I wrote about your car and gbaby... Sherry, sorry about the fall...I hope you are okay. Rest your ankle, and if it's not better, have it checked out. Betty, keep looking for that perfect pair of jeans! And remember, your body type may be different from the women you saw, so there's no harm in just putting some on...I found a brand called Jeanstar, I think at Foley's, and I love how they fit...They are a little low (below the waist), but not all-the-way-down-to-Christmas low! ON a more serious note, if I am smarty-pants, sarcastic, or seem short in my answers, I apologize. I have just been stressed out, and am not finding a good way to de-stress. Our big state test is next week, and you wouldn't believe how much pressure is put on the kids, and thus the teachers, to perform on that test. I think I've written about this before, so I won't go into detail and will spare you the agony. Also, it was this time last year that we were all in Houston, with Mom, who was getting ready to have her aortic aneurysm/replacement surgery...her surgery took place exactly a year ago tomorrow---and the feelings of realizing it's been a whole year since I really saw "my mom", as she was, are washing over me and causing great sadness. She didn't die until July, but she was never again the mom I knew. I miss her sooooo much. AND, I know this is not over yet, because these feelings will be even stronger when July rolls around this year...I know it will get better, but it's hard to really believe it, and (Eileen!) being the impatient sort of person I am isn't actually helping in this process. Thanks for listening, and for all the encouraging and kind words you've all given me...your help is very important to me, and very appreciated. Hope I don't bite someone's head off in here (classroom!)...no patience whatsoever! Eileen, oh yeah, CONGRATULATIONS! When the cat's away, the mice will play! Hugs to all of you, Cindy

HI, everyone! So glad to see you, Sherry! Yes, that port area is the trouble spot, but it gets better...I think Eileen was the one who mentioned this, but even now, if I overeat (which is significantly less food than I would have eaten BEFORE!) my port will ache, and I think it's because the weight of the food presses down on it or something. Anyhow, hang tough! Betty, no problem with the suggestion...just reassuring you that I'm working that protein thing! Our school cafeteria puts these salads together, so they measure everything, which is helpful. Beanie, keep after it! It's always great to see your face (I mean, eyes!) around here. Pat, narcissus is the flower...narcissistic is the adjective describing people who are "all about me". I feel like I'm writing the "word of the day" entry! Remember, I'm one of those dreaded English-teacher types, so I can't resist! Eileen, hope that computer class didn't drive you to madness! Patty, the road gets bumpier, huh? One step at a time... I have nothing really new going on. The regular teaching, mothering, wife-ing, friend-ing day-to-day life. With a headache. Of course. Everyone have a great day! Cindy

OOOOh! Paperwhites, right, Betty? Maybe they are called narcissus also? Beautiful! Thanks also for the protein reminder...I try real hard to make sure I have that...There's 1/2 boiled egg and 1 oz turkey, and small amount of cheese in the salad I eat for lunch. The Zone diet isn't just the bars, though...it's a way to eat that is balanced. That's what I'm trying for...I just don't want to leave out any of the food groups! Eileen, cool your jets, girl! I know you are very impatient to get this show on the road! Now, I'm just saying this as someone who is a few yards ahead of you on the path...Betty and Pat have lots more experience. I do remember the beginning of the journey, when I had one fill and thought it was all downhill, then I hit the plateau, or wall....no losing for quite a while...then *poof*...several pounds would disappear. You'll get another fill, and probably think the same thing, all downhill (I did!), but NOOOOO....I still had to work at it, and endure a 6 week plateau. Gosh, all I'm trying to say is keep your chin up, stick with it, and you'll see results! I'm upset for you that it's not going smoother...you'll get all the kinks worked out, I just know you will. Anne, funny car story! My DH backed into his Head Coach's Trans-Am a few years ago...THAT was embarrassing! Patty, good BP! Glad that's over! Dianne - go easy on that Italian buffet! Pasta and bread can be tricky! Have fun! Beanie - great bracelet! Eileen is a total sweetie to send you those flowers! Keep getting better! To EVERYONE: Happy Valentine's Day! :kiss2: :kiss2: :kiss2: :kiss2: :kiss2: :kiss2: :kiss2: :kiss2: :kiss2: :kiss2: :kiss2: :kiss2: :kiss2: :kiss2: :kiss2: :kiss2: :kiss2: :kiss2: Love ya, Cindy

Welcome from a Texan! I live in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, but am always glad to welcome our new members, and new Texans! Keep posting!

Good afternoon! Patty, sorry about all the bumps...Eileen's right. Everything will smooth out and it will get better. I think you're harder on yourself than anyone else is on you...duh, right? You know that already, but thought I'd mention it...cut yourself some slack. Eileen, are you losing weight? Pardon my asking, I just didn't see a ticker in your signature so if I wanna know, I have to ask. I go in and out of that impatient feeling...about the time I feel impatient enough to get another fill, I start having trouble with stuff...no PBs, just golfballs...sorry if you've read that a million times, but I forget which thread I've said that in. I can eat more than you'd think, but what I've been trying to do lately is to eat "Zone" like...1/2 apple, 1oz cheese around 7AM, a Zone Perfect bar at 10:00, salad at 1:30, Zone Perfect bar around 4PM, then dinner, around 7. That's pretty much a normal day...when I started eating in the Zone, I started losing weight again. I ordered a few books from Amazon by Dr. Sears (the Zone guy) so I can learn more about it. Anyone else using this? Zan, total bummer that you have to work when there's all that nice snow around! Sherry, I'm sure your home by now, and I hope you are doing fine. Rest and sip...that's the bandster mantra. Gotta run, more later if possible, hugs, Cindy

Cashley, PB's are "productive burps" and sliming is pretty self-explanatory...I have never had either of these things. Your MIND is ready for more than liquids, but your body isn't. This is about not making your stomach work at all, while it is healing. I know it's tough and unpleasant, but it is temporary, and worth it. Hang in there, all of us bandsters know just how you feel! Cindy

Betty, thank you for explaining the moderator's role in weird threads! I do understand more clearly now. No way was I holding you responsible, just wondering the standard operating procedure...I guess it's just best to avoid those posters...or maybe PM (nicely, of course) to ask them to be nice? Thanks, Betty! Goodnight, Eileen! Good luck tomorrow, Sherry! I feel like I'm on a re-run of The Waltons! Cindy

Besides getting fills, most weight loss is not a steady, downward course. It is more of a moguls course (shameless reference to the Olympics!). You are going downhill, but there are ups and downs along the way. It's just the standard pattern for me; don't worry. The large majority of bandsters go downhill; it takes time. Cindy

Fantastic pictures, Pat! Beautiful car...drool! Drooly baby...beautiful! (I love it when I can do a play on words!) Thanks for posting them! You must have good picture editing software...if I want to post a pic, it takes me soooo long to make it smaller.... Cindy

I think I remember the term ischemia being used in relation to a portion of the intestines...when my mom was very sick in the hospital, and had a feeding tube, and no real food for 5 months...they worried about the condition of ischemia in her digestive tract...and isn't that the same thing Sharon (Israel's PM) just had that caused them to remove 2 feet of his intestines? Jessiebear, I have no medical training, but my gut feeling is that a very tight fill and erosions may be related. I am SURE there are other factors that play into it, but I wouldn't be surprised if you are correct. Interesting question! Cindy

Anne, THANK YOU! To summarize: be nice. Sure, everyone has opinions, and I enjoy reading them; I enjoy giving mine. BUT, there's a big difference in sharing an opinion, and personally attacking someone whose opinion is different from yours. Let's try for civility and respectful disagreement...even if in the "outside world" it's difficult to find. Let's start with our little corner of LBT. Whatcha say? Cindy

Wow! Pat's back! I hear you about taking a break...I do that from time to time. I love the people on this thread, and don't want to miss anything going on with us! I suppose Anne and I will just kick a little butt, and then come back here and confess! Sorry you took a beating on the car swap, but I know you are happier. You may need your navigator sometime; you know, when you drive to Texas and let your DH play some golf while we go to a mall! I'd laugh, but I hope it's not THAT funny! Sherry, most of all, good luck to you tomorrow! You have my prayers for a safe and successful surgery, and an easy recovery. Come here when you are feeling up to it, and get a little love! Dianne, I'm watching NYC on tv, and thinking of you. I'd do exactly what you're doing...taking a walk. I love that quiet, snow-draped city thing! Eileen, you've got the big snow, too! I can just picture your dog playing in all that snow! You have a great time, make some hot cocoa...whenever it DOES snow around here, I get the urge to work jigsaw puzzles...do you ever do that? Betty, I guess I'll PM you whenever there's a crazy thread going on...sorry you missed the PDA one! I am kinda surprised it was deleted...or if it was going to be deleted, why not sooner instead of later? Or, why doesn't a moderator PM the snippy people, and tell them to chill out? I still don't agree that some groups' offenses should be taken more seriously than others...I guess I'm gonna have to run for office or something...except, I don't think I can pass the "I've had a perfect past" test that seems necessary these days! LOL! I like the cold weather, but NOT all the wind! I'm sorry for mentioning it....grin! Anne, I'm leaving to read your thread now...I'll probably add something to it, to support you! Cindy

Thanks Divaliciousdee - I totally appreciate the sentiment! I'm so happy for you that you are doing great, and I really do repeat your slogan, "Do Tha' Dang Thang!" when I need motivation! You are a fantastic motivator for me! I second your nomination for NJ Chick...she is too wonderful! ((hugs)) Cindy

Zan, can you get some liquid Tylenol Sore Throat, or Cough medicine? It's liquid, so no problem. I hate to think of you getting out in this weather, but maybe there are stores that deliver? I just got over my cold/sinus infection, but it took antibiotics to do it...hopefully, you can snuggle up and watch the Olympics...I love the Olympics, too. Watching Sweden and Russia in womens hockey right now! Hope you feel better, Cindy

Be proud of yourself for facing the facts and choosing to do something about it! Focus on the personal responsibility you are taking for yourself...you have tried and failed, like all of us here. The only real failure is just the person who quits trying. Good for you for going out there and finding out what else might work, following through, and making a decision. I am proud of myself for doing it, and my friend, family and coworkers have all been completely supportive and proud of me, too! Cindy

You're gonna get a lot of different answers here, since everyone is different, has different levels of fills and all that. Yes, for me, I feel normal. Every now and then, if I eat too fast, eat too big of a bite, or just don't chew enough, I'll get the golfball feeling; no PBs or slimes for me, as of yet. I enjoy social occasions with food, and the benefit is, I just get a little of what I really want. No wasting space on junk that's just so-so. I don't think of buffets as a waste of money, because I just enjoy the parts I have, and it's worth the $$ not to cram myself full of junk, just the things I really enjoy. I go to Starbucks sometimes, too...I love a good hazelnut mocha! I'm not big on Indian food, but I go to Mexican restaurants, and have a little of an enchilada, tortilla soup, nachos, whatever I feel like....I don't finish my plate, but my DH is happy to help! I totally understand your feelings on getting rid of the "bad vs. good" food mentality, and one thing I've done to help me with it, is to observe how my slender, normal friends eat. They eat all kinds of things on occasion, but not every day, like I used to. They also do physical activities, most of them run. I am no runner, but I know I need to get more exercise. You are in charge of how your band works for you...so get all our feedback, and take from it what you think fits for you...and experience will be the best teacher for you! Good luck, and you asked a really good question! Cindy

Zan, you make some thoughtful points...I agree with you that I WISH we didn't have to watch every word carefully, but know that we do. I do still think that the recipient of the alledged offense has some responsibility to react in an adult manner, also. So, yes, I would prefer that people be careful of what they say, but they should be able to express their opinion, and people should consider that there is more than one way to view the world. Both sides just need to chill! I think I'm just going to read the threads I know, answer the introductions with a welcome, and move on. Eileen, VERRRRY INTERESTING. I had never though about the split personality thing, but hey, I think it's definitely a possibility. I've got to hand it to you: you would make a very effective private detective. The more I think about it, my gut tells me you are right. How weird. There's so many things to do in the world, what a shame that one person turns into two and both of them do nothing but cause trouble. Sigh. Urrrgh. I'm not as good at writing sounds as you are! Sherry, one day at a time. Get read as best you can, and then give it up to the Lord. You are going to be fine, better than fine. Beanie, I have never been to IKEA, but I have the catalogue, and I love the stuff. I hear you on "clutter". We have way too many books, and it is hard to give them away...do you know anywhere who will welcome used books? Well, DH is on the way to the store for lobster and eggs...lobster omelets for breakfast! Yummy! I guess the weather makes him feel like he's in Maine! To my Nor'easter friends: stay warm. If you want to make us Southern girls happy, post pictures of snow. I guess that only applies to the Texas girls who have never lived up north - the rest of us are happy not to have snow! Have a good day, everyone...Cindy