mousecrazy

Hi, Anwyn, we were banded around the same time, and you are doing great! I am having some of the same mental issues as you are having, and I'm searching myself for the answers...the things that come to mind to offer as support is to really look yourself over. Look at before and after pictures, try on before and "now" clothes. When you look at the pictures, don't just look at your "special" spots, the ones you can't take your eyes off, the ones that you think of as negative. Look at the unnoticed areas...your neck, the back of your neck, your ankles, your wrists. Review all the NSV's you have noticed and received. Write them down. Fifty pounds is a big, big accomplishment, and it is a big change in your body. Give your mind and image of yourself a chance to catch up. I do not do well if I let myself get too hungry; I do the same thing you do...too big of bites and don't chew very well, then I get that lump feeling, and it hurts. I am working on slowing down, and preventing that really, really hungry feeling by eating something like yogurt first...you can't take a big bite of that or fail to chew it, you know? Most of all, you're doing great! I've got yer back and hang in there! Cindy

Hi, all! Yes, I am at home resting, if you call reading LBT and shopping on Ebay resting! Still, I am not talking and running around a classroom, so it is rest in that way. I want to thank everyone for the support in my decision "to fill or not to fill". I called this morning and made an appointment for next Thursday afternoon...this time they had afternoon appointments, so I can work 1/2 day (our busiest time) and take off at lunch and drive over there. I am actually excited now, and not nervous...it takes me a while to process something, then when I decide, I DECIDE! I really am tired of turtleville, and ready to kick it up a notch! LOL! I wanted to be at 240 for my birthday, so I still think I have a fair chance of it. Did ya'll see my DD's Halloween picture posted on the Halloween costumes thread Nana started? I think I will go take a little snoozeroo...and check back here this afternoon! Happy Friday! Cindy

Hi to all, I'm just checking in to see that the plans are on, and we're ready to go! Come on down, Makena!

Thanks, Jack! I love your Dragon metaphor. I think of it often when facing my own. I now have an appt. for my 2nd fill...the one I have been putting off. It's round two for me and my Dragon! Cindy

Besides that, I am positive Tom could not put together a sentence with the same skill as our Beanie! Only two days "til Saturday! Gosh Eileen, sure wish you and the NJ pals were part of this party!

Beanie, your diabolical plan appears to be working! I am keeping my fingers crossed for you! All of you guys are right...and I'll call tomorrow to schedule a fill, though it might not be until the week of Thanksgiving, because I have some time off then. I think I'm tired of being a turtle. Beanie, you're funny! I love the words you use like "dreadmill"! You just have a wonderful attitude, and thanks for that! Betty, absolutely correct! I'm not always eating the best I could, and that has to contribute to the slow losing, and maybe since I feel hungry, I am easier tempted to the Halloween candy? There's only one way to find out, so let's get on with it! Thanks! I'm feeling bad and have been since Tuesday...but I thought it would get better with each day. Instead, it has gotten worse...maybe I'll call in sick tomorrow, but that is such a wrestle with my conscience! So, I'll see how sleep is tonight, and how I am feeling in the morning. Everyone, have a good night... Until tomorrow, Cindy

I know...I was just trying to be proper and have that there thing called etiquette and all! LOL! And I was kidding about how would we know each other...forgive me, I am sorta sick with a sore throat and headache, and I'm trying to be funny...probably not a good idea. And I do all of this while teaching? Insanity, for sure!

Ryan! How did you know I (used to?) to get up and eat when everyone else is asleep? It is amazing that we all share such similar circumstances, and it is comforting, too. The whole subject of addiction is interesting, and relevant. Thanks goodness you popped back in! Cindy

This post is helping me to decide to go for the 2nd fill...I'm nervous about PBs and not being able to take medicine, but I was nervous before surgery, too, and I went ahead with it. I think it's time. Thanks for the good questions! Cindy

I guess we'll decide when we see each other in the lobby? So, do we need to wear a certain color? Put a flower in our hair? Carry our Inamed folders? LOL!

The last two ladies' questions are the key: is it better to know that you are literally killing yourself, or to take a very small risk ( in comparison) and take action to start improving your health? Keep reading posts on these boards, and asking questions...you will find your answer. And welcome! Cindy

Congratulations! You have done a great job, and your post was inspiring and encouraging. I am at the almost 5 month mark, and I am losing slowly now, but steadily. I am a rule bender, too, so I understand that part. good luck on the remainder of your journey! Cindy

AFter reading "winterizing" I had to dig around and find some other posts! This one did not disappoint; in fact, it inspired. It explained. I miss food. I can't believe it is that simple! Thanks for the insight! Cindy

Zan, way cool to see Carnie in person! I guess you might see lots of well-known people in NYC! Eileen, I'll take pictures if it's okay with everyone, and I can get the camera away from DH who uses the same camera to take pictures of stuff for Ebay! RE: my fill dilemma...well, the 1st (and only) fill I got was .5cc, and it has been fine until just recently. Eileen, you make a good point, and maybe I am just hanging on to my ability to eat. I also wonder about being able to take medicine, but I know that's probably another excuse. Keep talking...I'll get myself ready for fill #2! Zan, we were banded the same month, and we have lost around the same amount...I guess it is also important to remember that slow and steady is plenty good enough. It is better than the slow and steady gaining I was doing! Goodnight, Cindy

Thanks Beanie! I've got my little map, and now I know where it is...I'm excited to meet everyone! Renee, for sure, you come on and meet us! I've been banded for 3 months, Betty for over a year, and Beanie is still fighting the insurance battle...that should give you a range of information! Cindy

Eileen, I guess "choke" is the wrong word, and what I meant is the dreaded PB. I don't want to be so tight that I have difficulty swallowing food, especially "good" protein like meat and chicken, etc. I read so much about people foaming and sliming, and I guess what I'm thinking is I don't want to do that. I can eat about a cup and a half of food in a sitting...which is nothing compared to before. Also, I am feeling hungry, and the band is meant to eliminate that, but it has to be filled right, and I know mine isn't, but then I go back to not wanting to PB, and I keep going in circles. I'll come to a decision eventually. I still welcome any feedack anyone cares to offer!

Where is everyone????? Looks like Beanie and I are going to meet each other this weekend in Irving! yeah! Beautiful day, sunny, a little warm for my idea of November, but I'll take it! Nothing big going on...struggling a little with ANOTHER plateau, and my own bad habits that caused it...or IS causing it. I am thinking more seriously about getting my 2nd fill...and I am reluctant, still, for the same reason as before. I don't actually want to choke on food! Anyone have any reassurance/advise for me on this subject? I think everything will be okay, and the weight will come off, but I'm probably not supposed to try to "schedule" it...what do ya think? How are our NJ friends? Thanks again for letting a Texas girl hang out here! Cindy

Hey, is that 3 of us? I can't wait to meet you guys, (or should it be, ya'll?) LOL I still have to get directions, but I can do it on the internet, unless someone just happens to know them.

I hope you are getting paid somewhere for your writing! A pleasure to read! Thanks...(she says, turning from a pile of well-meaning, if not well-written, English essays)...for the bright spot in a sea of gray! Cindy

Thanks for posting your beautiful picture! It is easier to see change when you can see it side by side! Great job! Cindy

Yes, it is possible...depending on the requirements of your insurance company, and what kind of proof you already have that you have attempted and followed dr. prescriped and supervised weight loss programs in the past (if they require that). In my case with my insurance (all situations are different) I started the process in late June, and had my surgery July 22, so it only took about a month to get it set up. I already had the dr supervised diet thing documented. It is possible, so get started! Good luck! Cindy

Hey, let's have a cup of coffee! I am so pleased to meet you! Cindy

I guess it could be considered odd that two Texas gals are the first to post on the New Jersey thread, but hey, we're all family, right? Beanie, good luck and keep after those insurance people! You are amazing with sticking to the fight! Eileen, how is your MIL? Like Beanie said, it is a difficult realization, or at least it was for me, that my parents are "elderly"...and even harder to accept death. So, I pray that your MIL is doing okay, and if not, that you and DH are able to handle whatever comes. I did not actually overdose on candy, but I had some of it...it is soooo true that when you eat sugar, it wants more sugar! Yet, I take the risk every time! What a goofball! Hope everyone's doing well, it's time to get back to stampin' out ignorance! Cindy

I need directions, so if you can get me an address, I can mapquest it...Yes, I will be there...are we eating somewhere, or what? Wow! I am excited to meet everyone!

Happy Birthday, Maria! Hope your day is full of special surprises! Cindy