mousecrazy

Chris S, that's what I usually do...I bought a digital scale (guess I'll sell the other on Ebay), so I'm set. sometimes weighing every day makes me crazy, but I probably won't be able to help myself! You have done great!!!!!! I was reading your stats, and you are at the goal weight I have set for myself...thanks for visiting here and posting even two years out from your surgery. You inspire me, and other, too, I'm sure! Of course, I'm kinda new, and they probably know you already...thanks! Cindy

Go for it! It isn't hard at all...if you're crafty! I'll let you decide which definition of the word applies best here.....Cindy

Hi, Ann! First, welcome! Second, congratulations! We are starting out at approx. the same weight...but you've lost quite a lot since your starting weight, so you're further along than I am. You'll love reading and learning here, and the support is tremendous! My pre-op doesn't sound as strict as a lot of other people...I can have fruit and oatmeal for breakfast, then a protein drink, then 1 serving protein and 1 serving green vegetable for dinner, and another protein drink. I am doing different things...like somedays I have had the pro drink for breakfast, tomato and egg for lunch, and pro drink for dinner, etc. I am losing weight, but want to wait til surgery pre-weight before I change my ticker! Glad to have you with us! Cindy

Hey all of us July banders! There are so many! I just want to say good luck to everyone, and I will be eagerly watching the boards for news of your surgery and progress! I am proud of everyone for being brave and courageous, and for keeping such great attitudes! Hugs to all, Cindy

Like the others, I think you have to make the decision that fits your personality. Myself, I'm an open book about lots of things, not everything. Lapband surgery is one of the things I have been very open about; and have had nothing but good wishes and encouragement. My situation might be different, too. I have worked with the same teachers for 20 years or so...yes, there are a few new ones here and there, but mostly, the same crew, kinda like a dysfunctional family. So, if I tried to keep a secret like that, it would soon be out anyway. Also, I have found when I can tell others about something, they respect it, and I have even helped some people to learn about subjects they were previously uneducated about. On the other hand, I would never be offended if someone kept their surgery secret. You do what you think is right for you. My 2 cents (but I usually throw in 1 more for good measure!) Cindy

Thanks, gals! I doubt I'll weight myself for about a week after surgery...4 days away now! I appreciate all the help, as always!

Yipee, Katerzz! It's probably not practical, but I think you should get a few things in your new size. I say you've earned it! I like Walmart, Target...and how about eBay? I sell stuff there sometimes, and I buy from there, but you do need to knowy our measurements, because that's the only way to check the size of the clothes. I know you are thrilled! Way to go! Cindy

I was wondering if there is a card that says "I am a lapband patient" or something like that, and we could show it at restaurants, so we can order small portions or child plates or whatever? I was especially thinking of buffets...I'd like to have what I want, but it seems silly to pay a high price when I know I will only eat a very small amount. Anyone ever get a card, like a medical alert, or anything like that? Cindy

HI Lovecats85! I drive through Coppell, too, on my infamous commute to work. I like the idea of a North Texas Bandsters club...although my husband calls us the "lapdancers!" It cracks me up, but hope it doesn't offend anybody. I'm certainly no lapdancer, in the usual sense of the word! I get banded this Friday by Dr. Marsden. He's really great! Cindy

Hi! You're right about this site being informative, but it is also warm and caring, and a lot of websites can't say that! Good luck on your surgery; mine is this Friday, and I wish it was tomorrow....oh yeah, I need to finish the laundry. I guess Friday's gonna work after all! Enjoy hanging out here, Cindy

My dr. doesn't require me to be quite as strict...a small breakfast, protein drink for lunch, a small dinner and another protein drink. I went to The Vitamin Shoppe yesterday to get the Source of Life vitamins that were recommended on this board, and talked to the guy there. He showed me several other choices in protein drinks, and after I told him I was having lap band surgery he told me that dr.'s had come in the shopt o teach him what products were best for us "lappers." So, go check out your local vitamin Shoppe or GNC...they know more than I thought they would! He showed me something (I hope this is right) call ISOTOPE...a clear protein drink, low or no carb...it was nice for a change. Cindy

Penni! You're the best! Thanks a bajillion million! Cindy

Thank you, Paula. Would someone help me learn to make an avatar? You gotta go to Disney World! It is the most fun!

When you open one of the boards, there will be a button that says "New Thread" up at the top. Click it and start a new conversation. I have been on pre-op for about 3 days, and am almost following it perfectly. Just a coupld of adjustments like I had some fresh tomato with the broccoli and chicken...that shouldn't be too bad of a deal breaker, I wouldn't think.

My adorable 7 year old daughter with Dale!

I don't have Adobe, so it took me a while to figure out how to use FinePix Viewer. Here's another picture of just me, again, in December...at the kick-off party before our trip. Are you getting an idea of where I got the idea of my screen name? I have cut my hair and have cooler glasses now!

I love pictures, too! Here's one of my, my honey, and my little honey at Walt Disney World last Christmas.

Hi, DEEtermined! When are you getting banded? I am a teacher too, an English teacher at an alternative high school! I hope you like your new counselor job! I counsel all the time in my classroom...if you know what I mean, and you do, because you are a special ed teacher. Welcome here. I have truly enjoyed the great people and the help and encouragement...oh, and the information, tips and speed bump warnings, too!

I have been trying to post a picture and finally had the good sense to read past posts and stick notes, and thank you Barb! Now, I can do all that, but the picture is too big. How do I make a picture smaller? I can do it on other things, like in a word document or something, but when I edit with Paint, all the resizes don't include the whole picture, just the left hand corner! Help again?

EDNAK, thanks for the good wishes! And congrats on how well you have done. I like hearing these great stories, because even though I'm not nervous (well, not excessively), it just builds confidence and reassurance. I've already noticed that the two drinks I am using right now cause some gas...not a big deal, for me, anyway...not painful, just that I notice. I would think the body would adjust to it after a while. Again, congratulations, and continued success!

Takiesha, HI! I"m being banded on the exact same day! We'll have to stay in touch and see how each other is doing. You can learn alot on this board...and the people here are great! (They let me hang out here!) Good luck, Cindy

Hi, everyone! Where can I find instructions on how to insert an image? Thanks, Cindy

Since my big day is a week away, I have some "wondering" questions. What do I need to get ready for when I return home from the surgery center? I want to be prepared, so my husband isn't out running around to meet my needs...he has already been doing almost everything while my mom was in the hospital for 5 months, and since her death, he has had even more to do. Any help with your advice so I can be ready is appreciated. I have seen a thread about this somewhere and got some good ideas from that...liquid Gaviscon, liquid Tylenol (is there only children's?), etc. Thanks a bunch, Cindy

Thanks again to everyone for their suggestions! I've made notes and will start gathering! Thanksfully, my husband is great in the kitchen, so that won't be a problem...Can you have jello (gelled?) as a "clear liquid"?

I know it is so hard for you, and I'm going to sound like another dumb grown-up who doesn't understand, but I'm going to give it a try and see if what I say makes any sense to you. I tend to think that the high school milestones, like homecoming and stuff like that, is quite a great deal over-rated. Now, I know it is important right now, but we need to look at the big picture here. I am 49 years young. I love young things, have young interests, and teach high school. You will be doing yourself a big favor if you can focus on yourself and your health RIGHT NOW, and push to the back burner all those things like boyfriends, and hyped up social events. When you are healthy again, and thinner, all that you think you have missed will still be there! While, I myself acted like a teenager until I was 40! Okay, not all the way like a teenager, but I had plenty, plenty of great times, and they beat the heck out of those awkward high school events. I swear. I promise. Take care of yourself, get your education, and nothing will pass you by. "It is never too late to be what you might have been." I read that on a Mary Engelbreit poster, and I thought it applied to someone of my advanced years (ha!), but it sounds like you might relate. You are the star of your own life, so get after it! Cindy