WLSResources/ClothingExch

Call chez surgeon and get in to the office. I hope you've already done so.

Funny, I'm hearing it sung to the music composed for "Three little maids from school are we..." I can't say that I've danced with either or both, but Rudi stepped on my foot as we were both exiting the Met. He was properly apologetic despite his frenzy to escape the rush.

Many of the replies you got indicate that things have changed, but the product isn't exactly as it is in the U.S. or other countries. Once upon a time, cottage cheese was unknown in France. (I don't know about the Francophone world.) Similarly, the closest available thing to sour cream was crème fraiche.

You're supposed to give them a jab in the back so that they tumble down the stairs; much faster than stepping aside. Immediately upon jabbing, look up to appreciate the beauty of the Chrysler Bldg. Now proceed on your way. --------------------------- If you're a cab driver, you're supposed to know your way around. Don't mess with the idiot GPS buttons, especially when my destination is a numbered intersection. You're supposed to know your way around, damn it. Don't waste my time. I'll give directions, anything to avoid the idiot GPS, but in such case, I'll tip myself.

Yes and yes. Then, too, we have those who are given complete, reliable information and instructions, but mess up because it wasn't what they wanted to hear. Another group or subset are the people who leave an appointment knowing they need more info or clarification, but they take no responsibility to ask. There are other variations which I'm sure you've seen. Beware the "nutritionist" trap. In the U.S. anyone can hang a "nutritionist" shingle. There are no standards for the title. If a state does have standards, it is an exception. An R.D. meets standards set by states. I've since gotten past noticing, but when I'd see a BP post refer to "my NUT," I'd think, "I do hope you got that wrong." There are those who bill themselves as nutritionists and really have studied in depth, so I wonder why they didn't go all the way for credentials.

Ten days post-surgery is still brand new. Bands are filled gradually until comfortably effective. They are thereafter adjusted as needed, whether by adding or removing some of the saline. You'll probably find yourself wanting to compare band sizes and saline levels with other people. As chitchat, go right ahead, but be aware that no two people do well at the same level. It's an individual thing. In short, patience, patience. You'll get there. Also keep in mind that the band is an aid, not a magic fix. Later on just as now, you'll have to do some of your own work.

Losing weight isn't a matter of opinion. It's a matter of fact, it's happening or it isn't. If the number on the scale is changing, there's your answer. What are you really asking or saying? Are you merely nervous about your new undertaking? If so, that's cool. Many people are. You'll be fine.

Where to start? That there are no holidays for the wicked? That holidays are when friends get together, and there you have 'em? You have it partly correct, JoeVegas. Your life will change, but because you'll be making changes both in terms of your body and your mind and emotions. There are dunes with your name on them begging to made into anthills. You can do it and you'll have company.

What a thrill. You have me laughing and crying for you.

CG, I came back to add pretty much what Sharon began above. I was neglectful of people in my life and will never have the chance o do it over. They are my grandmothers. Lately, and I haven't determined why now especially, I think about them often and although not a 'believer,' apologize to them endlessly for what I lacked when all they wanted to do was love me. I cry for having been neglectful and despise myself for crying, which I see as self-indulgent -- all about me and not about them. In more recent years I discovered that, if we think a tiny bit less about ourselves and a tiny bit about someone else, we benefit greatly. The first couple of steps are hardest, but please don't squander this opportunity to support your grandmother, to kiss her and hold her hand, to sit by her side so that she feels your love and appreciation. Push to put her first now and I promise that you'll to be able to hold your head high forever after.

I've been having my annual asparagus festival. It includes many asparagus omelets. Yours, ISG, is much like mine, but I do feta with Greek oregano rather than goat. After decades of trying to acquire a taste for the latter, it failed, not even the fresh, creamy types. I can't get past what is to me the barnyard fragrance. The store where I do most of my shopping ran its good, early course. The asparagus now comes in with appallingly thick stems, perhaps as bad as 2/3" diameter. I'm not fond of gnawing wood, so I've transferred my affections to the nearby farmers' market on a more frequent basis. Asparagus, like eggs and cheese, is a reason to live.

Dear CG, do you really think you're fooling yourself? I don't believe that you really felt "safe" from 2011-15 and, therefore, certainly don't buy that disappearing into netflix and games now is making you feel safe. We don't feel safe when we have no idea what's going on around us. Reality, the nasty and and the nice parts, is far better. Feeling alive is better. Taking a stand is better. Taking action is better. Reality is going to happen whether you hide your head in the sand or not. As you describe the way you're feeling or trying not to feel is far more arduous than reality. I hope your grandmother has medical care, but it does sound as though she's nearing the end of her life. She's been a towering presence in yours. You'll both do better if you, CG, acknowledge its entirety. I won't dare tell you how much time you 'should' be spending with her now, as it isn't my place and I have no idea. I will say that if, when you are with her, you use start up conversation about the things she's interested in (interested, not used to be interested!), there' a good chance you'll be taking her mind off pain. Both of you can enjoy being real people together. She'll recognize your love and appreciation between the lines. You'll learn a little more about this wonderful woman. As to you, call your prescribing doctor first thing Tuesday. Stopping medication suddenly isn't good, as you know. It may be that your medication is available in a form that's compatible with surgery. If it means pre-approval from your medical plan, take the steps. Consider, too, ongoing therapy. You're done well since 2015. Letting yourself backslide will be too terrible. None of what's ahead of you right now is easy, but you found the determination and strength before. You can find them again.

What's that topic title, "NEW POLICE...?" It's got a strong whiff of paternalism and 1984. I'm unfamiliar with the posts that brought on the Gotcha Police and have no interest in them. It may be, however, that people write things in the heat of whatever and then decide they'd gone beyond what they'd truly intended to convey. Or not. The only good in all this is that, for a nominal fee, one can display one's uncouth nature for a lengthier period. Rejoice, the matter is not significant enough to be entertained by the Supreme Court, where it would otherwise be ground into the dust.

Gunness, gracious, you don't want to offend people? They'll squeal gleefully like little piglets if, with widened, incredulous eyes, you say, "Thank you ever so much. You've given me a whole new way to look at things." "Watson, the scalpel!"

There seem to be a few things going on here. First, you're doing yourself a disservice by discounting all the supportive people and letting this one nasty, miserable person color your view. Your history, motives, motivation and all the rest are none of her business. She is inappropriate in every way and beyond ludicrous to advise against surgery after the fact. Had she spoken up before your surgery, she'd have been out of line for commenting on something which you hadn't asked about. She doesn't matter in the least. My advice is to tell her not to speak to you about your surgery, your salads, your existence. You owe her no information or explanations, which you've been giving her albeit inside your own head. Since she's announced to you that she's been gossiping about you with co-workers -- and it doesn't matter whether it's true - you can make a complaint at the HR dept. Office gossip is against the rules because it harms productivity and morale. Whatever motivates this co-worker is irrelevant. You're the one who matters here. Your WLS success, ability to take pleasure in your choices and peace in the place where you spend so many hours each day are what matter. Let her stew in her own fatty juices.

Great suggestions from everyone. There's nothing like grown-up problem-solving.

Yes, there are those who are blatant saboteurs. I can't tell from the OP's description whether her boyfriend is one of them. I will say that it's too easy to see saboteurs at every turn and forget personal responsibility. In the end it's up to us. In many instances, it's way unreasonable to expect those close to us to drop everything and eat as though they've had surgery. You've heard of Bridezilla? Widezilla is equally unattractive.

You are a woman of exquisite, discerning taste and wit.

Si, is sweet. May you cause international incidents wherever you go.

A half ounce of chicken is worth two in the bush. Or is that something about an ounce of precaution and a pound of baked potatoes?

There's no way to say for sure what it was. However, your description of feeling that an ice cube stuck in your esophagus (am I reading you correctly?) suggests that your food, in fact, got stuck in your esophagus. You may have taken too large a bite (or spoonful, if you're still on purees or soft food) and/or not chewed thoroughly enough and/or not paused between bites.

The extent of "encouraging words" may be that, if you do all the right things -- including the small bites/thorough chewing/pause before the next bite routine, the don't overeat routine, the pay-attention-to-satiety-signals routine, the eschew certain foods routine, the learning to know when your band needs adjusting routine ...and all the other routines -- you'll have the best possible chance for keeping your band until the end of the road. Do yourself a favor now and concentrate on becoming partners with your band and feeling positive about your choice and your future. You're at the beginning of a learning process and you're in good shape. Yippee!!

Easy, there,@@Fredbear, easy. Very slowly move your hands away from your crotch -- it's in no danger here -- and place them on the table. Now clutch a cup of coffee and drink like hell. (I won't take time to get a pic of a police officer.) Easy, there,@@Fredbear, easy. Very slowly move your hands away from your crotch -- it's in no danger here -- and place them on the table. Now clutch a cup of coffee and drink like hell. (I won't take time to get a pic of a police officer.)

(A) Tell him that you told your parents what he said and that they are cross with him: They didn't want you to know until you were older. ( Nothing wrong with a visit, but punching him in the balls probably needs no more than one hand.

Do you recall that Scarlett had a 17-inch waist at the start of GWTW? And that Mammy's 24-inch waist got her described as a "cow?"