mousecrazy

We share the same reasons for lapband surgery...and just hearing the excitement and pride in your post brings chill bumps to my arms! That's the ticket, girl....skate away! A big hug of joy for you! Cindy

HI to all of you! It's like a 3 for 1 sale! The more you read, the more you'll see that the journey is very individual for each of us. I know some of us talk about being able to eat whatever we want, but I will bet you a nickel that amount post-band is NOTHING like the amount eaten pre-band. Just to give you an example, I used to eat 3 big honkin' bowls of cereal for lunch, or breakfast, or in the middle of the night. I have had one bowl, very small, of cereal since being banded 6 months ago. If I write about eating too much, you can be sure that the amount I am complaining about it more than half of what I used to eat. So, don't worry and don't be confused...start out on your journey, and take each development as it comes. Post your worries and questions, and see what kind of responses you get. I've found everyone supportive, and not shy about setting you straight if you're off base! Welcome to LBT! Cindy

Hi, everyone! Pat, I think you're right...we're on the same, reluctant schedule to get new fills. I did say I was thinking about it in March, didn't I? I"m just gonna ask them to do barely any...last time was .2cc, so that's what I'll ask for next time...I think. LOL! WoW! I can't believe that story about your former helper...what a liar! I can't stand stuff like that! Hope she enjoyed her rent free housing there for a few months! LOL! Beanie, Eileen, Zan...I sure hope ya'll had a great time! I'm waiting to hear about it! Anne...so is anti-fungal cream a good conditioner? I've never tried it! LOL! To all, a good night! Cindy PS...I started a journal on the journal section...needed to start one nayway, so thought I'd do a public one...what was I thinking? Check it out; it's not (at all) about weight loss...but I imagine I"ll hit on those topics at some point!

Saturdays...I remember when Saturdays meant sleeping late and hanging out, just waiting on Saturday night's excitement. Now, it still means sleeping late (well, anything later than 4:45 AM is late to me!) but the hanging out has pretty much disappeared. Now, there's laundry, and cleaning, and errands...there are bills to pay, activities to organize, and transportation to arrange (these last two are related to DD!) Saturday night excitement means my FIL is coming for dinner. Strangely, not always but 90% of the time, I'm not bitter about these changes; to the contrary, I rather like them. Living "on the edge" had its moments...my crazy younger days certainly hold their charm, even today. But just thinking about the uncertainties, the headaches, and the forgotten drives home are enough to make me thankful, not bitter. I'm one of the lucky ones, who found the right man at the right time, and we now have a normal, regular, happy little family. I laugh when I think that in days gone by, I wanted nothing whatsoever to do with "normal" or "boring". Now, I consider a boring day, a GOOD day! It's nice to remind myself of that when I've spent yet another Saturday organizing our lives to get through the next week. I still can't believe I'M the mother...you'd think at 50, I would think of myself as an adult, and I do, but maybe an adult in the 30-something range! I'm grateful for my funny little puppy that always makes me laugh...especially his yodel! I'm grateful for Saturdays, and the chance to be at home. I love my new Royal Elastics red and white shoes...they are so cute! To be continued....

Saturdays...I remember when Saturdays meant sleeping late and hanging out, just waiting on Saturday night's excitement. Now, it still means sleeping late (well, anything later than 4:45 AM is late to me!) but the hanging out has pretty much disappeared. Now, there's laundry, and cleaning, and errands...there are bills to pay, activities to organize, and transportation to arrange (these last two are related to DD!) Saturday night excitement means my FIL is coming for dinner. Strangely, not always but 90% of the time, I'm not bitter about these changes; to the contrary, I rather like them. Living "on the edge" had its moments...my crazy younger days certainly hold their charm, even today. But just thinking about the uncertainties, the headaches, and the forgotten drives home are enough to make me thankful, not bitter. I'm one of the lucky ones, who found the right man at the right time, and we now have a normal, regular, happy little family. I laugh when I think that in days gone by, I wanted nothing whatsoever to do with "normal" or "boring". Now, I consider a boring day, a GOOD day! It's nice to remind myself of that when I've spent yet another Saturday organizing our lives to get through the next week. I still can't believe I'M the mother...you'd think at 50, I would think of myself as an adult, and I do, but maybe an adult in the 30-something range! I'm grateful for my funny little puppy that always makes me laugh...especially his yodel! I'm grateful for Saturdays, and the chance to be at home. I love my new Royal Elastics red and white shoes...they are so cute! To be continued....

People say it is good to get back to your routine. I think that is true, because life is for the living and life does go on. One of the saddest parts of my day is my drive to work. I have a long commute, 40 miles, which takes close to an hour. Each morning on my way to work, I would call my mom...she was always up early, and it was our time to visit. She lived between my town and the town where I work...so we lived close to each other, too. She knew all my friends, all the people I work with (and the ones I used to work with but don't now). She knew everything about my DD, because she took care of her from infancy until she started kindergarten. There was not one topic I could talk about that she didn't know all the details, and we could hash over everything. Now, I'm not saying we agreed on everything; we didn't. Over the years, I made some "right turns" and found myself squarely in the conservative mindset, while my mom became, if anything, more liberal. We clashed on political topics to the point I refused to discuss them with her, especially after the 2004 elections. We agreed to disagree on that. There is not one single morning that I don't physically ache to talk to her. My dad, kind man that he is, calls me every morning while I am driving...and I know he does it because mom and I used to. I enjoy our talks, too, but it's not the same, of course. Not many people know how hard it is, just to get to work each day. I wonder how many people notice the tears...I suppose most people are so busy thinking about their own stuff, there's no way anyone would see and wonder what is causing that lady to be so sad. Funny, sometimes I look at the other drivers and wonder what's on their minds? Are they missing someone, too? Are they worried about a sick family member? I guess that's kind of weird; but I know this: until you have experienced it, there is no way you will ever, ever understand what losing a parent actually means in the way of sadness. I know I can never be nice and helpful enough to any friend who loses a parent in the future. I am grateful for a dear friend I work with who has been there for me without fail, and knows how hard my morning drive is. I am grateful for this journal space. I am grateful for my compassionate DH, who has the patience of Job. Until tomorrow...

Please post what has happened to your dog...I am so sorry you are going through this, and will pray that your dogbaby is going to be okay. Cindy

People say it is good to get back to your routine. I think that is true, because life is for the living and life does go on. One of the saddest parts of my day is my drive to work. I have a long commute, 40 miles, which takes close to an hour. Each morning on my way to work, I would call my mom...she was always up early, and it was our time to visit. She lived between my town and the town where I work...so we lived close to each other, too. She knew all my friends, all the people I work with (and the ones I used to work with but don't now). She knew everything about my DD, because she took care of her from infancy until she started kindergarten. There was not one topic I could talk about that she didn't know all the details, and we could hash over everything. Now, I'm not saying we agreed on everything; we didn't. Over the years, I made some "right turns" and found myself squarely in the conservative mindset, while my mom became, if anything, more liberal. We clashed on political topics to the point I refused to discuss them with her, especially after the 2004 elections. We agreed to disagree on that. There is not one single morning that I don't physically ache to talk to her. My dad, kind man that he is, calls me every morning while I am driving...and I know he does it because mom and I used to. I enjoy our talks, too, but it's not the same, of course. Not many people know how hard it is, just to get to work each day. I wonder how many people notice the tears...I suppose most people are so busy thinking about their own stuff, there's no way anyone would see and wonder what is causing that lady to be so sad. Funny, sometimes I look at the other drivers and wonder what's on their minds? Are they missing someone, too? Are they worried about a sick family member? I guess that's kind of weird; but I know this: until you have experienced it, there is no way you will ever, ever understand what losing a parent actually means in the way of sadness. I know I can never be nice and helpful enough to any friend who loses a parent in the future. I am grateful for a dear friend I work with who has been there for me without fail, and knows how hard my morning drive is. I am grateful for this journal space. I am grateful for my compassionate DH, who has the patience of Job. Until tomorrow...

Jan 20 Friday B: Zone Perfect S: Zone Perfect L: Zone Perfect S: mini-choc. bars (2) D: chicken tortilla casserole Vitamins/calcium: yes Water: 45 oz

Doc, way to go! the high emotions should settle down before you actually tear your DH's head off! LOL! You get used to the differences; you accept that you are going to eat differently than other people. I don't even feel "cheated" at buffets anymore. I just eat what I like, and it feels so weird to only get the best stuff, because I can't have much. I think you'll find this to be true in time. I'm so glad to hear how good you are doing...fight that dragon of head hunger. Hint: it comes back to life from time to time! Eileen, did you make it through the day? Dianne, good to see you! We actually had a Sheltie once. Very sweet little dog; high energy but very sweet and loyal. You've got to do some regular brushing, though...lots of hair. I don't know how the collie mixed in would affect the temperment. We have 3 dogs and 3 cats, so I know what you mean about missing a little dog. We have an Airedale, a Bichon and a Mini-Schnauzer. Big, small, and smaller. Keri...I know what you mean about being too tired to hang out...that HAS happened to me, but not too often. LOL! Betty, good luck on your 2nd interview! Everyone enjoy your weekend!

May I add my birthday wishes? Have a great day, birthday girl! Cindy

Congratulations and good luck! Keep posting, and take care of yourself! Cindy

Mandy, I don't know what was in those PMs you received, but it doesn't sound like all of them were helpful. I will believe the best, that whatever was in them came from the perspective of the person sending it... and that they meant to be helpful, and not hateful. My DD had to have an EEG when she was about 2, to rule out seizures, and I know how stressful these tests can be, esp. on Mommy. My nephew has seizures, and used to take depokote, and now, finally, has an electrical thingie implanted that helps him divert the seizures. He is 20 now. Sweetie, you have good reason to be scared and worried, and I wish I could just put my arm around you and stand by you during these oh-so-difficult days and weeks. I am praying for you and your family. May God hold you up and bring you the ability to comfort yourself, your daughter and your husband. May He guide the doctor's to make wise decisions. God bless you. Cindy

Good morning! First, Anne...so funny about the underwear! I as going to post this as a NSV, but thought the guys would find it weird, but since you brought it up....I was so excited to buy size 10s the other day! They were even cute, with poodles on them (kinda retro looking). I used tow ear a size 13. Look on the back of one of those package-type underwear, and they have the hip measurements that correspond to the underwear size. I know I had more comments to make to certain people, but now your posts are on the previous page, and if I scroll back to them, I'll lose this post. I'll probably get back on later. Right now, I was trying to explain to a kid how an American democracy is, indeed, different than communism...now remember, I teach English (lit. and composition). I am wondering what kind of thing is being taught in history and government, if this is confusing.... So, it's FRIDAY!!! I really haven't started counting days, because it's too far away...I have to finish this year, and then come back and teach the first semester of next year...I'll start counting in August! I did have a visit with my principal and told him my plans. He was appreciative. Not because I was leaving, although that might be true, but because some people just spring this kind of thing on administration...I told him I wouldn't want to leave my colleagues in the lurch. I do still care very much about our program and what happens to the kids. Still, with everything that's gone on last year with my mom, grandma, etc., I felt I needed to retire ASAP, which is after first sem. next school year. Enough on this...right now, I've gotta get my paperwork together for the meeting this afternoon! Love ya, Cindy

First of all, this journal won't be specifically about lapband surgery and weight loss. I'm on this site every day more than once usually, and I need to start journaling again. So, it's just common sense to use this space. Secondly, I like to write. Last year, 2005, was the toughest roughest year I have yet experienced. My mom had surgery, stayed in hospitals for 5 months due to complications, and a septic infection finally ended it. Her funeral was on what would have been her 73rd birthday. There will be more about this in other entries. Part of this journal's purpose is to work through this grief. So, the first half of 2005 was spent in hospitals. I decided to face this weight problem and the health problems associated with it and had lapband surgery in July. In November, the day following my 50th birthday (THIS was the highlight of 2005 - my 50th birthday...go figure!), my beautiful, wonderful 92 year old grandmother passed. She had a stroke that led to a coma and she passed peacefully. Yeah, she had a great, healthy long life, but dang! My mom and my grandmother in one year? I told you it was going to be about other stuff. Attitude of gratitude - well, that's just a reminder! One way to handle loss is to try hard to see the good stuff you have. Seems like that might be a good idea for us "lapdancers"...that's what my DH call us...to have the attitude of gratitude, too. I'm sure I'll explore more of that idea, too. I'm grateful for this journal space, and the invitation to use it. I'm grateful for the blessing in disguise offered by the dr. who told me I was too heavy for him to realistically treat my ankle...and suggested this lapband surgery. I am grateful for my little girl's unquestioning, unconditional love (if you don't count being held hostage by the desire for more Polly Pockets!) To be continued...

First of all, this journal won't be specifically about lapband surgery and weight loss. I'm on this site every day more than once usually, and I need to start journaling again. So, it's just common sense to use this space. Secondly, I like to write. Last year, 2005, was the toughest roughest year I have yet experienced. My mom had surgery, stayed in hospitals for 5 months due to complications, and a septic infection finally ended it. Her funeral was on what would have been her 73rd birthday. There will be more about this in other entries. Part of this journal's purpose is to work through this grief. So, the first half of 2005 was spent in hospitals. I decided to face this weight problem and the health problems associated with it and had lapband surgery in July. In November, the day following my 50th birthday (THIS was the highlight of 2005 - my 50th birthday...go figure!), my beautiful, wonderful 92 year old grandmother passed. She had a stroke that led to a coma and she passed peacefully. Yeah, she had a great, healthy long life, but dang! My mom and my grandmother in one year? I told you it was going to be about other stuff. Attitude of gratitude - well, that's just a reminder! One way to handle loss is to try hard to see the good stuff you have. Seems like that might be a good idea for us "lapdancers"...that's what my DH call us...to have the attitude of gratitude, too. I'm sure I'll explore more of that idea, too. I'm grateful for this journal space, and the invitation to use it. I'm grateful for the blessing in disguise offered by the dr. who told me I was too heavy for him to realistically treat my ankle...and suggested this lapband surgery. I am grateful for my little girl's unquestioning, unconditional love (if you don't count being held hostage by the desire for more Polly Pockets!) To be continued...

Welcome to LBT! You are doing great with your weight loss! I think you'll get the best info and definitely the best support from the people here. Be sure to read the old posts, and use the search feature to find info on your questions! We're right here to help you! Cindy

Hi, there! I am just amazed at how well you have worked your band! I've been looking at your picures, and you are looking good, girl! Way to go! Cindy

Hi, Kim! Sorry about the uncomfortable gas pain...I had it, too, and it was the worst part of the surgery. It took at least two weeks to finally escape (somehow, don't know how). I used simethicone (baby tummy drops) and Gaviscon. Try a damp, hot washcoth, like a mini-heating pad. Maybe standing under a hot shower and let it run over that spot? If I could giv eyou any ideas that would help, I would try, because I know you are miserable. You have a good attitude, and you will make it through this. (((hugs))) Cindy

Thanks, Beanie...I am learning by asking questions. I"m not really planning on going anywhere, but we are going to Maine this summer. Somehow, I don't think our cabin will have wi-fi. But, I"ll check, just to be sure. It's hard to type with two dogs bumping into your elbows! Cindy

You are doing fine. The only correction I would suggest is just to feed yourself like you would a baby or a toddler...nothing difficult to digest. Let your espophagus and stomach heal totally before you ask it to do a rough work out. Don't worry right now about low caloric intake...concentrate on your protein. If you don't like the shakes you have, try some new ones. So far, everyone who has written the same things at the same stage of recovery you are in, have written a month later praising their band, and feeling great! Hang in there! Cindy

Another happy bandster here! I'm still working to my first goal of losing 50 pounds (the bottom ticker); around here, 50 sounds like just a little! but without the band surgery, I would not have lost anything at all, and more than likely would have continued gaining. Cindy

I want the answer to this, too. Since there are some night eaters on this thread, let me run this by you. Do you think that you are restricting your calorie intake too much during the day, and the body needs more calories and that sets up a cycle? Or is it just plain old head hunger? Thanks, Cindy

Glad you're here, chicken! You are doing great! YOu'll find lots of info and support here at LBT! Cindy

Jan 19 Thursday B: coffee and Zone Perfect L: salad with turkey and boiled egg, nf french dressing S: cupcake (homemade, in teacher's lounge from PTA) D: chicken tortilla casserole and green beans I WILL NOT EAT ICE CREAM TONIGHT! Water: 40 oz vitamins/calcium: yes Cindy