mousecrazy

Hey, guys...I just wanna ask you something... has anyone else noticed or felt that some of the other posts are just getting kinda petty and mean-spirited? I try not to get involved in them, but (of course! You know me...) I did have to finally say something on JQPublic's "gay men kissing" thread. What do you think is causing this flaming? I just hate to see this kind of thing happen on LBT. Any feedback? Why do people get all bent out of shape because not everyone agrees with them? Why is it perfectly okay to criticize Christians or men or *endless list*, but if someone says they were embarrassed by a PDA with two men, members start calling each other homophobes, and threaten to leave because they are not wanted....WTH?! Big sigh. What do ya'll think? Cindy

Yes, of course! I'll repost when you get a Secret Bunny exchange thread going....thanks! Cindy

I did eDiets for almost a year, and did really well. I stopped when I had my hysterectomy, and long story, but gained all the weight back and then some in the 3 years between following eDiets, and getting the band. I loved the organization of it, and didn't mind the shopping lists, because once you got used to it all, it was really a help and not confusing. Good luck! Cindy

I'm stopping in to welcome you to LBT! I spent a few days in Scotland way back when...went to Edinburgh Castle...we rode the train around the country...loved it! I'll have to refresh my memory on the name of the other little town we stayed overnight in...it was on the coast...fishing town...had a great and funny experience in a pub up there, as you can imagine when two young ladies from Texas just walk into the town pub full of burly Scottish fishermen! It's a fond memory! Good luck to you in your journey, and hope you stop by here often! Cindy

Just a general post for now...it's raining, gray and getting colder...I love it! Sorry for the NJ friends, who are getting much worse weather! Plans for the weekend: watch opening ceremonies of the Olympics tonight, take DD to grandpa's so they can go see Nanny McPhee, then meet for a pizza buffet (is there ANYTHING worse than that for us bandsters? I guess I'll eat salad). Sunday, church. Pretty simple, huh? Of course, there's the laundry...that's always fun. Maybe you noticed on my ticker...the scale is going down again, and that just gets me all excited! It's only a little, but I'll take it! Love you guys! Cindy

You won't believe how much your tastes will change. I was a cereal freak, and now, I bet I haven't had cereal in at least 5 months. Just don't want it. I'm struggling more with ice cream, but even that is changing. I don't think I've had that in over a week...doesn't sound like much, but it's a victory. Take it one day at a time, and don't borrow trouble! There's plenty of that around, anyway! Cindy

Hi to both of you! Don't worry about asking anything on here...someone will have an answer for you, and probably more than one! That's because the band is really individualized...no two people have exactly the same experience, but they are enough alike that we can relate to each other. Sometimes the weight loss seems super fast, and at other times, super slow. The point is, it will happen, and it will stay off, if your band stays healthy. I can't answer the alcohol question, because I no longer drink. I did have an NA beer last weekend, and it was okay, but a little bubbly in my tummy. Me, I tell it all. Everyone at work, my family, friends...I was so excited and proud to have this surgery, and take care of my health. I have had 0 negative response, 100% positive support. I know that is not everyone's world, but wanted to let you know my experience. There are lot of people on the boards who have chosen not to tell anyone, so I'm sure they'll be replying, also, and tell you their experiences. Be sure to use the search feature, and you can look up all the older threads on the subjects you are interested in....welcome! Cindy

Another option: Dr. John Marsden in Lewisville. He/staff are great and help out with all the paperwork/insurance junk. I haven't asked much out of him for follow-up, so can't comment on that. Good luck! Cindy

You are doing so great! I'm proud of you, and know you are proud of you, too! Fantastic! Cindy

Hi friends! Zan, you are making me tired with that schedule! I bet you're brilliant and motivated, and will whip out a presentation in no time, AND it will be better than anyone else's! Do try to relax a little, even if it's for a little while. If you can't, go get another cup of coffee! Beanie, I left you a message last night...Cindy from LBT...I was at church, so I felt weird saying "This is mousecrazy, your band buddy," out loud! LOL! YOu are doing fine, it sounds like, and you'll get better every day! I guess watching the Food Channel is out of the question? LOL! Eileen, you're so crazy! Your description of Dr. Phil is hilarious! I like his question, "Soooo, how's THAT working for you?" I use it at school all the time. I never watch the show, though, because, well, I'm here at work. Betty, dig out the sweaters! I know my DH will be covering the plants (and we have bunches...he likes to garden and dig in the dirt, thank God, because I don't). But, as you know, I love the cold weather, so I'm looking forward to it. Sherry, you are getting closer to your big day? Are you all ready? Patty, I can be a worry-wart, too...but we want to save our worrying for things that are worth it, right? Like anything WE think is something that should be worried about! Did that make sense? Apparently there's a sign on my door that says "class closed" because no one's been in here since I got back from lunch....not complaining. Pat, gee, I miss you! Get out of that car and take a break! Have a good afternoon/evening, everyone! Cindy

I was stuck at 237 from before Christmas...just this week, the scale started moving again. Remember, fat takes up a lot of space, but doesn't weigh much...you can lose a lot of fat, and it will only be 1 pound. Also, when the scale isn't moving, the body is changing...I didn't lose any weight from December to this week, but I was able to wear one size smaller. Relax, and let your body adjust. Keep after it, and you will see the results you want. Cindy

Hey, glad to have you here! Take it easy, if you'll look at the statistics thread, you will easily see that erosions are a small percentage of the total...not there isn't any risk, of course, there is. REad everything you can, get all the info you can, and ask lots of questions. Be sure to use the "search" feature up at the top under the big banner...you can look up any aspect and find discussions we have already had on them. But, ask away! Cindy

Eileen! You are hilarious! I'm still giggling about the port cherry! Seriously, I am so glad you have your fill, FINALLY! Take it easy as you start eating new foods...and if you get that golfball feeling, stop! Dianne...glad you got your surgery date, sorry I forgot to mention it yesterday! Beanie, hey girl! How's the life of leisure going? I am soooo sorry I haven't called you YET! I go running around after school, taking DH here and there, and then I lay down to go to sleep, and POP! OMG! I didn't call Beanie! Well, it's 10 o'clock, and that is just not a proper time to call someone, so...maybe this afternoon. I'm glad to hear you're doing well. Patty, don't be scared! Just do one step at a time. No use worrying about stuff that's way ahead of you....I'm glad to hear that your "to-do" list is getting shorter! I'm swarmed with kids right now...Urgghhh! Love ya, Cindy

Gosh, Betty...I don't know. I'll check into it. I was probably foolish enough to think I wouldn't get another ticket, and just ignored all those articles! LOL! Thanks for the "heads-up"!

Cindy, Diane, I understand what you're talking about regarding the body image in our minds...the only way I can combat that is through photos...I took one front, one back and one side view before surgery, and then on the 22nd of every month, I take the same three pictures again. When you look at them all side by side, you can see where you've been, and how much progress you have made! The only other trick I've heard of is to put a bag with holes in it for your eyes over your head, and look in the mirror. Taking your face "away" is a trick for helping your eyes see what is really there. You have lost so much weight, and I know you are proud of yourselves! Glad to check in with everyone! Cindy

Good afternoon! I'm still swimming in all kinds of "catch up" projects, but I have been reading some of the new posts...boy that one about why people eat around and through their bands touched off some controversy. I didn't post this on that thread (I wisely decided not to touch it!) but something that I wonder about - just generally, not about anyone specifically - is if the tendency to take EVERYTHING personally is one of the traits that leads to eating as "stuffing your emotions" and might be worth looking into, if you happen to be one of those people who take everything personally. I trust you guys to know I am not attacking anyone by the mere mention of this possibility. Maybe I'll write about this in my journal. It's an interesting, and frustrating thread to read. And it is up to 5 pages! Betty - I hope your interview was a big success! Eileen - I'm still mad at your doctor for that horrible fill experience! In Texas we don't have points, but I know what you are talking about because a friend of mine in Colorado has those...here in Texas, you just pay your fine and move on, or contest the ticket and go to court, or take Defensive or Driver Safety courses, which wipes the ticket off your driving record, and doesn't raise your insurance. Irene, hope you are feeling better! Sounds like you are doing really well! Patty - glad you liked your support group...remember, you are in a support group here with us, too! Pat - I'm so happy to see you again! You got some great Valentine's gifts from your secret cupid! I kinda wondered if you were going to like your new (old) car...glad you are getting what you want! Zan - glad to hear from you, as always! You are busy in that big city, girl! Anne - OMG! What is happening in the ol' body? I hope everything will be okay, and I will be praying for a good report. Keep up informed! Love you guys! Cindy

I'm especially excited for you, since you had to fight like a dog to get approved. You fought the good fight, and now, the rewards are yours! Take care of yourself, and welcome to "Band Land"! Cindy

Hello all! All I can think about today is Beanie's surgery...I hope you are home, Irene, and sleeping right now. If not, then only sip your drinks, and walk from the couch to the bathroom. The port area will be the most uncomfortable, followed by gas pains. It will pass (no pun intended)...I think I was driving about 4 days later....I really CAN'T remember, if that's any consolation to you. I will give you a call. I got a little info on the old principal...not enough to insure my future, but enough that I can raise an eyebrow at him if he's not nice! Betty, you're right...very busy trying to catch up on the time I missed at the conference. Oh, and just for fun, I got a speeding ticket in Denton when I was returning from the airport! To make it worse, I got this ticket in the exact same location I got one last year! You'd think I'd learn....so, I'm going to find out exactly when my last ticket was, and cross your fingers it was at least a year ago, so I can take Defensive Driving again. Oh joy. A really cool NSV: I could buckle my seat beat on the plane, and had 3 inches or so to spare!!!!!!!! I also lost down to 233 on Sun., but after I weighed I ate all the junk at the Super Bowl party (some party, two grandpa's, my DH and DD!), so I was back to 236 this morning. Still, the scale moved! Gotta run, it's time to go home...to everyone, keep up the good fight, and keep praying for Beanie! Cindy

Hang in there! ((((hug)))) It may take them a while to figure it out, but you will get your answer, and then you will deal with the results. One step at a time. Thanks for letting us know! Cindy

Glad you're here! As an English teacher, I enjoy a great analogy, and yours was perfect! I got tired of "being wet" also! I love the band, and hope I can keep it healthy; that's the goal, anyway! See ya around, Cindy

Glad you're here! Congratulations on your fantastic weight loss! Cindy

Glad you're here! While you are learning, use the "search" feature and you can read past posts on topics of your interest. See ya on the boards! Cindy

Date Banded: 7/22/05 Country: US State: Texas Surgeon: Dr. John Marsden Eroded?: NO

Like everyone else has said, you are very brave, even if you don't feel like it, and someday, your kids will see that you stood up for them and for family. You mentioned your DH was like his father; well these sons may see a different example set, and you could be giving them the best gift ever. I am sorry you are going through this, and be sure to take care of yourself (one of the hardest jobs ever given to mothers!) (((hugs))), Cindy

Here I am again, hanging out in the room, checking in on my LBT pals! We went to Mi Tierra tonight for dinner, and my principal asked a high school friend and his wife to join us, so we learned some fun stories of Mr. Principal in his, let us say, "younger" days! Fun! Eileen, OMG I can't believe this fill thing is so dang difficult for you. Not for YOU! I swear, mine are so easy, and have never been difficult. I hope it is like that for you next time! I have my fingers crossed for you, and will add you to the prayer list. Anne, sounds kinda fun to do the photo albums...what is it that makes her sad, or should I know that already? I apologize if I should know, and am spacing out on it. Enjoy your adult dinner! The girl I'm rooming with is someone I've known for about 15 years, and we were young single girls together (at the same school) with another friend/colleague who isn't here this time. So, we've been roomies on conferences before, and actually get along great! I just like my "alone" time when I get the chance! Zan, good to see you again! Betty, glad you enjoyed the rain, I think it's over now according to DH. We changed our flight to early in the morning, so I'll have more time at home than I was expecting this weekend. I have to go to an observatory (stars and stuff) tomorrow night with the Girl Scouts; should be interesting. Sunday is the Super Bowl...I think we'll get chicken wings or something. DH's father usually joins us, at least he has every other year. Since I haven't been home, I'm not sure if the invitation has been extended. Beanie, I KNOW you're chomping at the bit to get the big day here and over with! I'm thinking about you, girl! Gotta get to bed, have a very early morning tomorrow! Cindy