mousecrazy

Hey, Robyn! You read my mind...I was just wondering about my July bandster buddies! Although, I hate to measure up to your weight loss results, and I can't, I am still proud to report 45 lbs gone forever, and 3 sizes down! Check in, July bandsters! Cindy

I am just getting to this thread for some reason, but you do speak the truth, Veritas (great name choice!). I KNOW what I'm supposed to do. I have this forum to talk about issues. I am well-educated about the medical and emotional aspects of weight loss. I can encourage others. When I have that feeling, and reach for the salty snacks, or even the chocolate ones, it's as if I've left my brain somewhere else and, like you said, disconnect. We'll just keep working on being "present" all the time, and making better choices. Thanks for your post. Cindy

I'm not recommending this, but just letting you know there are all kinds of support. I have never gone to an in-person support group. I have used LBT only, and couldn't be happier. You know yourself; you decide if you need a person-to-person support group, or if this will do nicely. Do what works. You are pretty new, but you are doing okay, and it all takes time. We'll try to give you the support you need, just ask! (((hugs))) Cindy

I flew to San Antonio this morning, and I could buckle the seat belt, AND had 3 inches of extra strap! It felt so good! I'm not having many scale victories, but am sure noticing some NSV's! Congratulations to all of you on yours! Cindy

Hi, everyone! The wifi works great! I can hardly believe it! My roomie is out having a beer, and I am up here in my room, blessed alone time! We had a nice dinner at La Fogata...I had tortilla soup, and it was great! Then our principal took us to the mall and we "shopped" without spending money, just looking around. When it was beer time, I begged off and cam up here to play with you guys! Tomorrow we have lots of little sessions. We're going to breakfast at7:30. Beanie, I'll give you a call later this weekend. To all, good night, Cindy

What causes "blue" days? I can be going along, doing pretty good...then the next day, WHAM! All I think about is mom, I replay the scenes from her last days, I remember other times that were great, and times that I know I hurt her feelings. This type of thinking is with me all day, if I'm lucky, and several days or a week if I'm not. It affects everything...my work, my family, my attitude. The strange thing is, I KNOW I'm doing it, I know it isn't helping, and I cannot nudge myself out of it. Tears are just waiting to be released, but not every time is a good time for a cry. I mean, I can't just start crying in the classroom...I don't want to upset my DD by crying too much. I can cry on the way to work, but it does take a toll on my make-up and I arrive at school all red-eyed, and at this school, the automatic thought is that I'm smoking pot...that comes from the kids, not the teachers! Just don't want you to get the wrong idea... Maybe these waves of sadness are the reverse of birth contractions. There's really no way to avoid them, and at the end, a new life arrives. Like contractions, fighting them only adds to the pain, and you know they won't last forever. But it feels like that, that these pains will never go away, and when you're in them, it is your total focus. Mom had these pains when I was born, now I have them when she died. I guess that's about as balanced as you can get. I'm grateful for being able to wear some pants that didn't fit last week. I'm grateful for the love and comfort of family. I'm grateful for the blessing of a good mom, thank you God.

What causes "blue" days? I can be going along, doing pretty good...then the next day, WHAM! All I think about is mom, I replay the scenes from her last days, I remember other times that were great, and times that I know I hurt her feelings. This type of thinking is with me all day, if I'm lucky, and several days or a week if I'm not. It affects everything...my work, my family, my attitude. The strange thing is, I KNOW I'm doing it, I know it isn't helping, and I cannot nudge myself out of it. Tears are just waiting to be released, but not every time is a good time for a cry. I mean, I can't just start crying in the classroom...I don't want to upset my DD by crying too much. I can cry on the way to work, but it does take a toll on my make-up and I arrive at school all red-eyed, and at this school, the automatic thought is that I'm smoking pot...that comes from the kids, not the teachers! Just don't want you to get the wrong idea... Maybe these waves of sadness are the reverse of birth contractions. There's really no way to avoid them, and at the end, a new life arrives. Like contractions, fighting them only adds to the pain, and you know they won't last forever. But it feels like that, that these pains will never go away, and when you're in them, it is your total focus. Mom had these pains when I was born, now I have them when she died. I guess that's about as balanced as you can get. I'm grateful for being able to wear some pants that didn't fit last week. I'm grateful for the love and comfort of family. I'm grateful for the blessing of a good mom, thank you God.

Congratulations! You have a great attitude and I'm glad to hear that things are going well for you! Cindy

I heard this somewhere...get a bag and cut out holes in it to see through, put it on your head, and then look in the mirror. They explained that when we see our face, we can't be objective about our body. ????? I think it's worth a shot. You've lost a lot of weight! Be patient with yourself while you adjust your image. Cindy

Thanks for the info....even if your computer is protected, it will screw up other systems, and affect you eventually...some websites might not operate correctly, etc. That ought to be fun! Why do people create these things?

So funny! He's as cute as ever! Cindy

Good morning! Happy Birthday, Ira! Well, it's February...we've been chatting for months now! I am getting better...still coughing like crazy, but I think it's on its way down. Patty, I hear you. Some of the stories I have would break your heart. I'm glad everything got checked out. Working with kids puts you in a very important position...so many things you can have a big effect on...and then there are some situations where you have no influence. Like the serenity prayer says..."the wisdom to know the difference." Eileen, thanks for starting the Feb. thread! Beanie - I know you're getting ready for your big day! I'll call you! Betty, I'm jealous you got to do some outside work yesterday...it was really nice out there! If I don't check in for a few days, it's because I'm at a conference in San Antonio...I leave work tomorrow around 11, and will return Sat. afternoon. I am taking my laptop, since the Omni has free wifi...so I'll get to figure that out...I just don't know how much surfing time I'll have! I'm looking forward to going, but I never like leaving my little family. They do fine, but I miss them as much as I like getting away once in a while. I bet you moms understand what I mean! See ya later, Cindy

Thanks for this thread, I'm getting some good ideas. Probably all of us are looking for ways to deal with stress...so far, writing is one of the things I like to do. Soaking bath, with candles for light. Music. Watching a movie if I have the time. I will read with interest the rest of the responses to this. Mikey, you've got a great list there, I'm getting out my post-it note now, and will wear it into the teacher's lounge for lunch time! Cindy

Could it be that as you are losing the weight around your abdomen, that it appears to be bigger? That would seem to make sense...but you should have your dr. look and let you know if it is okay. Cindy

Come on girl! You can do this! Do ONE thing differently today. Do it well. Do it again tomorrow. Before you know, it...the job'll be done! Cindy

What's the hot topic for today? I've been thinking about "community." We all have our little groups (communities)...family, work, church, activities, our children's activities....maybe even people who have chosen the same surgery, like here at LBT! These communities give us connectedness to the outside; they provide a meaningful way for us to relate to each other. Sadly, not everyone feels that they belong to a community, so they make some up: gangs, drug and alcohol abusers, unhealthy relationships, etc. Ironically, these communities seek further isolation from society, so that the problem that led people to them is exacerbated further by their participation. Ask yourself if you know anyone who is part of a community that leads to further isolation....I know I have sought company by banding with others who have the same isolating problem I have had. Maybe you're doing the same thing? Take a close look at your communities. Make sure you are part of groups that are caring, positive and supportive of each other. If you are "stuck" in a group that is not like this, (family) do what you can to change your reactions to it. Notice I have not said that these communities have to think, talk, or believe exactly the same as each other...there must be room for respectful disagreement. Respectful. Disagreement. Those two words do not go together often today, do they? They should. So, let's start in our little communities...allow a disagreement of opinion. Seek to give help more than you ask to receive it. Instead of going within, reach out. Somewhere earlier I said I think I do better when I'm helping others...since this topic came to me today, I would imagine I've done enough introspection for now, and it's time to take the show on the road! I am grateful for my communities...my family, my work, my church, my friends, and LBT. I am grateful for my electric foot warmer...so cozy! I am grateful for the love and friendship I share with my husband. To be continued....

What's the hot topic for today? I've been thinking about "community." We all have our little groups (communities)...family, work, church, activities, our children's activities....maybe even people who have chosen the same surgery, like here at LBT! These communities give us connectedness to the outside; they provide a meaningful way for us to relate to each other. Sadly, not everyone feels that they belong to a community, so they make some up: gangs, drug and alcohol abusers, unhealthy relationships, etc. Ironically, these communities seek further isolation from society, so that the problem that led people to them is exacerbated further by their participation. Ask yourself if you know anyone who is part of a community that leads to further isolation....I know I have sought company by banding with others who have the same isolating problem I have had. Maybe you're doing the same thing? Take a close look at your communities. Make sure you are part of groups that are caring, positive and supportive of each other. If you are "stuck" in a group that is not like this, (family) do what you can to change your reactions to it. Notice I have not said that these communities have to think, talk, or believe exactly the same as each other...there must be room for respectful disagreement. Respectful. Disagreement. Those two words do not go together often today, do they? They should. So, let's start in our little communities...allow a disagreement of opinion. Seek to give help more than you ask to receive it. Instead of going within, reach out. Somewhere earlier I said I think I do better when I'm helping others...since this topic came to me today, I would imagine I've done enough introspection for now, and it's time to take the show on the road! I am grateful for my communities...my family, my work, my church, my friends, and LBT. I am grateful for my electric foot warmer...so cozy! I am grateful for the love and friendship I share with my husband. To be continued....

I was rubbing my shoulders, and was amazed to feel my shoulder bone! I mean, I was really aware that I had not felt it for such a long time....then I wondered if I was going to like that feeling, all over? After that little brain sputter, I realized I would get used to being the healthy me, even if I did have bones I've never felt! Great idea for a thread, Wheetsin! Cindy

The hardest thing for me is to remember to eat THOUGHTFULLY. That involves slowing down, chewing thorougly, and waiting between bites. It is hard because if I'm talking while I'm eating, and I'm really into what we're talking about, I forget what I'm doing and eat too fast. Then I get the golfball. Thank God it's never been a PB.

I have goosebumps up and down my arms, Christina! I believe you. Cindy

Good Monday morning, everyone! We've got sun, too! Very pretty day. Eileen, you'll get that fill for sure if you whip out a 12".....sub! LOL! Patty, so glad to hear you had a great time! We have to have times like that to regroup for the rest of the week! Dianne, how's it going? I'm praying for you. Betty, what are you doing today? I bet you're out for a nice, long walk! Pat, glad to hear you have hired someone, even though I know it will take time to train her the way you want...that sounds weird, like we're talking about a pet or something! Are you gonna try another fill anytime soon? Just being nosey, because I think I need one, but will wait until spring break. Frightening breaking news: I've been forced to take Benadryl and teach! Actually, it's going pretty well....or my brain is so covered in slime that I can't let them get to me! LOL! Really, I'm going to see my doctor this afternoon; she's working me in. God love her. She's really great, and she hasn't seen me since the pre-op work-ups. I can't wait to see how much I've lost, on her charts. When I weighed in there last, I weight more than even I claim was my high point...I think it might have been about 286. I"ll let you know. I'm going because of this cold/bronchitis/sinus infection or WHATEVER it is, but I know she'll talk with about the surgery, too. Everyone have a nice day! Cindy

I am really interested in this, also, as my DD is overweight. She's 8 years old, and has problems with portion size, and a BIG sweet tooth. She is watching me with admiration, but it hasn't changed her habits very much...my experience with kids as a teacher says they watch for a LONG time before they start practicing a new habit. Make sure they see that you are working hard and that it's not easy....which shouldn't be too difficult! Hopefully, they will see that surgery is NOT the easy way out. Cindy

I agree with Betty. Although it's practically impossible to stop doing it, quit reading the boards. I've visited lots of boards for different reasons, and WITH THE LBT BOARD AS AN EXCEPTION, have mostly found that the people on the message boards are pessimistic, whiney, and wallow too much. I would push that idea to the curb, talk to your doctor, and deal in the reality of what is said. Ask him for support group ideas, and keep looking for a discussion/message board that has warm and upbeat people, like this one! Holding your hand, long distance, Cindy

Great thread! I think if we have more discussion on these issues, and less on stuck scales, we would solve both problems! I'm bursting with pride for all of you! Divalicious, special comment to you: your transformation is simply amazing, and I love your "voice." I think "Do tha' dang thing" will be my new motto! When you write, I feel like I'm sitting in a room talking with you. Everyone! Heads up, eyes front, and a little sashay in the step won't hurt!

OOh, Anne...I love your glitter signature! Where do you all find these great things?' I'll say that the combo of Benadryl and sleepiness will account for whatever strangeness exists in my posts! Eileen, I also love being up when everyone else is asleep. It's so peaceful and cozy, isn't it? DH has DD at church; she's singing today. I hate to miss that! Better for all concerned that I don't spread germs, and rest more. I do still have to finish a little laundry, though. Next week is when I go to San Antonio for the alternative ed. conference...something to look forward to! Cindy