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LOoks like we're in a "write and run" kinda day! Paula, there's not such thing as a party crasher here! LOVE the pic! Hilarious! Pat, dang! You know, I bet it is so hard to find good, trustworthy help. Emphasis on the trust. You are a good judge of character, so you will eventually find someone you know will do a good job for you. Sorry you're having to work your buns off...if it would only work that way, we wouldn't mind! LOL! Patty, congrats on a good day with no pukin'. Betty, how long do you think it'd take to ride out to VA? Mmmmm. I'm afraid it would be like a Thelma and Louise thing, and that couldn't be good! LOL! Beanie, good info...yes, let me know what happens when you get your bill. Have fun! See ya guys, everyone hang tough! Cindy

Beanie, a question: Since I am new to the wireless/laptop scene, and rarely go on trips, how does the hook-up work? Do I pay extra to use the hotel's wi-fi? How do you connect to the internet if you are not near your ISP computer? Am I asking stupid questions? (there's no such thing as a stupid question....repeat) Have a good trip! Cindy

I soooo admire brave and courageous people! You look, and are, amazing! Thank you for the positive effect you have on me and others, and thank you for posting "reality" shots...both before and after...it is so good to see the good news! Cindy

Ditto. We're all standing with you, Vines. You will discover the answer; if it was easy, we wouldn't all be on here, would we? Thank you for all the guidance you have given to me and others! Cindy

I am a little skeptical about artificial sweeteners, too. I think it is a worthy experiment...cut them out and see how you feel. Cindy

Keep after it, Patty. You are certainly getting good practice in handling disappointments! (a purely optimistic point of view!) Keri, isn't quiet time great! I LOVE when I can be at home alone, even if I'm not alone, but the others are quiet and/or asleep. Pat, now you know perfectly well that we had that little conversation re: Sturgis, and how (some of) the ladies didn't seem to own mirrors, or at least look at them before they suited up and went for a ride...that's when the idea came to me to help you design some leathers that befit a woman of your dignity and stature...I'm thinking black, of course, with a couture cut...not the typical tight-as-hell fit, but something flattering. The regular boots will be great, since the harnass boot is all the rage anyway....my mind is running amuk! (but thanks for letting me have fun!) It looks like Eileen, Betty, Pat and I are enduring the stuck scale phenomenon. It would be aggravating, except that I know exactly why my scale is stuck, and it's not the scale's fault! LOL! I am really trying to focus on the goal, and get the rest of the sugar cravings under control. So, when I found out I was getting lapband, I bought a stick mixer. I have never used it. Has anyone had any experience with this kind of mixer/blender, and if you do, will you give me some tips? Have a good day! Cindy

I appreciate your taking the time to post this, and do all the research. You've just done great! Thanks again, Cindy

I used the canned Atkins protein drinks, but only chocolate. Body for Life drinks are okay, but the vanilla has that "egg white" feeling, yuck! I use Unjury protein powder, vanillla and unflavored. Cottage cheese is good. Each day you will do better and better, and be able to add more variety. Right now, it is SO important to take it easy, and let your esophagus and stomach rest and heal. Be nice to yourself, and put up with this liquid phase. You'll be glad you did. Hugs, Cindy

Jan 18 Wednesday B: coffee and Zone Perfect S: Zone Perfect L: salad with turkey, nf french dressing S: Zone Perfect D: slice meatloaf and grilled veggies (leftover from Carinos) Water: 30 oz I had ice cream....:speechles vitamins/ calcium: yes

Please, take a breath and a long look at the big picture. Like Jack said, this is a marathon, not a sprint. From my own experience, I can assure you that I have gone through two good, long plateaus, and I know how hard it is, and how discouraged you feel, but there's nothing to be gained by feeling discouraged. More than likely, your body is adjusting to its new weight, its new food intake, etc. These parts are necessary on the journey. I know when I found out I was pregnant (8+years ago, not now, GF!) it seemed like 9 months was FOREVER! Yet, the body needed all 9 months to make a healthy baby. Your body needs whatever time it needs to adjust, then you will lose. 2 lbs. per week, average, is fantastic! You're doing great! Cindy

You're probably in bandland by now, but I am saying a prayer for your safe surgery and easy recovery. Cindy

Hi, Crystal! Great work on the weight loss! Fantastic! Glad to have you here - you are an inspiration! Cindy

I do not know first hand about the problem you are having, but there are plenty of good people on here who have recently been through the exact thing you are experiencing. They'll find your post. In the meantime, I wish you luck and good health. Cindy

Pre-banding: Cereal! I would eat 3 big bowls of it at a time. Ice cream. Diet Cokes Post-banding: I never eat cereal. I still eat ice cream. This is weird, but I pig out on Zone Perfect bars...that means I eat two instead of one, but only sometimes. I figure it cures the chocolate craving, and at least I get a lot of protein. How's that for a rationalization? LOL! I like pita chips and hummas...why do all the "empty" foods go down so easy?

Hi! I am a teacher (28 years!). I've been banded for 6 months; I know the beginning is especially difficult. Give yourself time to adjust...some people refer to it as "head banding." Right now, you are focused on healing well and completely. That is why you are only subjecting your espophogus and stomach to liquids/mushies...nothing it has to work too hard to digest. See, there's a REASON...when you understand the reason, it makes it easier (I think). I recall others posting that they had second thoughts about having had the surgery, but within 2 months, most, if not all, of them have embraced their decision, and are happy. Hang in there, it WILL get better. Until then, use this site for support, and post any time. Also, use the "search" feature to find old threads on some of the topics on your mind. Cindy

YOu've done great with your weight loss! Welcome back!

Hello, all! I am about done with all my meetings and work, and am out the door...and on to Girl Scouts! Doc, you take care of yourself, sip, walk, sleep, and repeat. Take something for gas if you need it. I liked the heating pad, but some say it doesn't help. Try it, though, if you need it. Glad you're back and safe! Pat, wow. I don't know what I'd like to try first, the Harley or the jet ski...something makes me laugh picturing you and I zipping down the river on a jet ski! Or, would it be funnier if we were on a Harley? I haven't forgotten about designing your biker babe outfit! Eileen, I had a week like that last week...no brain in head, just going through the motions. Yes, pink eye is all gone, and now I have no excuse! Gotta go to work, and get these kids ready for the state test. Fun. Betty, glad you're able to get on the boards a little more, you are such a positive person and I look forward to your little messages! Pat, again...You don't have to sell on Ebay to get a hug from me! ((((HUG))))! To all others, I love reading about your day, and hope everyone is doing great! later, Cindy

duh DUH duh duh dah DAH:music: Happy Birthday to you! and so on...it's supposed to be the Beatles version....:embarassed: Hope you have a fantastic special day! Cindy

Jan. 17, Tuesday B: Coffee/ Zone Perfect bar S: Zone Perfect Bar L: 1/2 meal at Boston Market...chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans D: 6 nachos at Taco Bueno, iced tea Water: 40 oz so far Exercise: (why do I even write this?) Vitamins/calcium Here's to a good choices day! Cindy P.S. I did not eat ice cream yesterday!

Welcome to LBT! When you feel nervous, come here and look at the before/after picture thread! That'll cure you! Congrats on your upcoming surgery! Cindy

Beanie, have fun on your NY trip! Might as well embrace the early time, let's see....the traffic will be very light! Yeah, that's it.... Eileen, enjoy your butternut squash soup! I know I'd love it, wish I'd find that sale! Patty, enjoy your day off...you have a big week ahead in nursing! Anne, I get Zone Perfect bars in 14 or 16 packs at Sams. Which flavors have you tried? Dianne, glad to see you around, and sorry about the caraway cheese...I like caraway, but have never had it in string cheese. Sherry, I will never eat string cheese the same way again! Betty, you, Beanie and I must get together sometime! It would be great to hug each of you in person. I'm home from Denton...DD had a great time bowling. I shopped, but didn't buy myself anything...I have plenty of 20s for now, and with the season change coming up, I kinda hate to overbuy in any size. As it is, I have some really nice sweaters and jackets I doubt I'll get to wear many more times. Can you say Ebay? LOL! We have inservice training at work tomorrow, but there's no telling what it is about, since principal kinda forgot he was supposed to plan something. I hope we may get some time on our own so I can get some stuff done like grading and posting grades on the computer. And visiting you all! Cindy

Kathy, I don't have any real answers, but want to give you a hug! Then, I want to tell you to say "no." So much is going on for you, you have to put your family first (after taking care of yourself, of course). If handbells gives you pleasure, stick with it; if not, take a vacation from it. You can always pick things up again later. Your sis and her husband can handle dad's house issues; they are going to live there (sounds like a blessing to me!) Main idea: simplify. Cut some stuff out, and go back to taking care of you. Hugs again, Cindy

Jan. 16, Monday B: coffee and zone perfect (glad you like them, Anne!) L: coffee and zone perfect (Yea, me! No goofing around today) D: (will be) pork loin, salad I WILL NOT EAT ICE CREAM TONIGHT! Water: 60 oz, better Exercise: shopping (I like to think of it as walking) Vitamin/calcium yes! Cindy

I know how you feel, so I'll lecture you and myself at the same time! No normal person makes perfect food choices every single time they get to choose. Think about that. I'm thinking we'd be golden if we gave ourselves an 80% target goal: make good decisions 80% of the time. This may not sit well with the perfection crowd, but I'm not trying to be perfect; I am happy with "progress." Sorry this isn't a kick butt lecture, but it is a sanity-seeking one. You can, will and are "doing it."

Good morning, my best band buddies! I've said this before, but I'm a little jealous of your cool weather! It is muggy and way too warm for my taste (for January anyway!) Hopefully, we wil get some rain...the fires have been so destructive. Pat, thank you for posting the pictures of your ranch. It is definitely a beautiful place...I think DH would LOVE it! Lots of room for gardening. I would love the dock, myself! I love being able to picture where you are in the house, and now you need to post a picture of your hogs. It's a beautiful place, Pat! You must be so proud of it. My DD is on the phone with her friend, talking about bowling with her friend and her friend's dad. Of course, that means I have to drive her down to Denton... Betty, oops! I wanted the Colts, too, but somehow goofed up the final score..I think it's called DENIAL. LOL! Gotta run for now...Eileen, I do my window shopping on the computer! LOL! Cindy