SuperDaddy!

No apology was needed. He had his opportunity to speak his mind (his livelihood is held together by his ability and integrity...so I would have written something, too!), and you have the right to speak yours. I think that there is a marked difference between ripping on other memebers in LBT, which would be slander, and expressing your position on a doctor, which is basically what you did. One is degrading, and one is common consumer protection. You are the consumer, and if you have evidence that supports a misconception he's stated, then speak what you know. They have government departments dedicated to following up on malpractice and rediculous medical coincidence. Take a look at QuackWatch.com and see for yourself. I don't think the problem on that thread was you. I think the problem is the natural tendency we have to "one-up" each other in writing. Somebody will share an opinion about a subject...then somebody else twists that into something that becomes slanderous, exagerrated, eroneous. It's all good, girl. Quit apologizing for speaking your mind. This is not a public television speech....it's your LBT family! Besides...you rode a bull and told Paul and I that we're hot...so you are now going to stay FOREVER! HA HA! For goodness' sake, who wouldn't love our dear Delarla? Jon

Piano Man....THAT'S IT!!! Shoot, I could have skipped the band if I could earned romantic "prizes" every....5 pounds (2 pounds?!). you know....maybe sex could be a prize for everything. Something tells me a lot more would be accomplished in the world! Keep smiling, y'all! Jon

You know, for me...it was a three reasons: Gracie, Duncan, and Brenen. Those are the three sweetest kids in the world! I was sick and tired of being sick and tired...I wanted to feel good about how I looked, but mostly I wanted to be a daddy for a long long time. I think that it is part of our society norms that stop guys. I was a big, funny guy in school, even through college. There is a social acceptance of big guys that will never have equity with women. When women are overweight, I can see clearly even in my third grade class that I teach that girls are looked at in a totally different, negative way. In almost every society there is a higher value on the appearance of women as opposed to men. Watch the TV, read a paper, go to a pageant...you'll see it everwhere. The reverse is true for men, to some extent. We are given social acceptance (to a certain degree) to be average, but we place such high value on appearance to women. So...I think until there is a crisis of some sort, many men feel little obligation to take such an extreme measure. My dad just kind of laughed when I told him, like it was a big joke. He saw no need because "YOU'RE NOT THAT FAT, LIKE OTHER REALLY BIG PEOPLE"! I suppose a real man makes decisons based on what's best for them and their family...and the rest let society decide for them. Jon

aw shucks...you girls just made my day! I feel so spoiled by my fabulous LBT babes! Seriously..how much fun will this thread be if we just kick serious butt and show it off just in time for summer? This can be OUR YEAR! Keep up the great work everybody. Keep those NSV pics coming! Jon!

Hooray for NSV's!!! This is not nearly as cool as the bull riding and the cleavage (although I think I still have a pretty good rack until I lose more weight!). This is a picture of my daughter and I after I sang for four packed concerts at a large church here in the Twin Cities. I've been singing with a band for a dozen years, but this was the first time I was hired as a professional to take a lead role on my own. I sang the part of the Angel Gabriel in the Musical "Child of the Promise". (thus the glitter and flashy sash!). Thanks to my band...THEY HAD TO TAKE IN MY COSTUME, it was too big. WAHOO!!! Keep up the good work, y'all! Jon

I noticed the Slumber Parties shirt in the picture. That shirt...and that mechanical beast....oh, there's a joke just sitting on the table....waiting to be said about what a marvelous cover picture that would be for your next SP catalog....oooh, if I wasn't such a goody goody two shoes!!! I'll just have myself a little snicker about that and say, dang girl, you look sensational! Keep up the good work! Jon

Helllllooooo? Isn't that Hippo voiced by Jada Pinkett Smith? She's HOT! It's a fabulous compliment! Jon

La Madam- Thanks for jumping in. That is a perfect example of what Alex said earlier in the thread: erosion can happen for no apprent reason, too. I was talking about how easy it can be to sabatoge diets with human user error, but your case is a great explanation for the other side of that dilema. Delarla- thanks for sharing your story, too. As I mentioned before: I appreciate hearing personal experience so that I can take that and apply it for me. Jodie...um, I'm not sure why you were jumped on for your signature...but I spose when people get crabby they say stuff they shouldn't. Something tells me that they were more annoyed about the comment about "good parts or Mexico", so they jumped on the other thing. Personally, I took two years of Spanish in high school and found zero talent for languages...so it sounded just fine to me! Thanks for participating in the thread. Jon

Whoa! TIME OUT! I'm throwing my flag on the field for Unsportsmenlike Conduct. I think I missed something here. My wife is Latin American (Brazilian), and to say the whole of Mexico is dirty is like saying that all of America is perverted because we have some trashy TV shows. Blatent Generalizations are the start of discrimination. I would like to ask how many of the those who have erosions also followed the diet to a "T". I was told that you can erode your band by overeating often, drinking too much carbonation, vomiting from illness, etc. All of those things can happen in America as easily as Mexico. My Doctor in Minnesota is fantastic and well respected, but he said the average rate of erosion in America is almost 3 percent over the life of the band. Zero erosions in any practice that is established for a long time is not the norm. I understand that we are free to post what's on our mind, and for the most part that's a great thing. I sometimes struggle when passion for a topic turns into misinformation or generalization. If you have a personal experience with a Mexican doctor that was poor, that's your experience. Share it with everyone with a pulse if you want. But to then say that your experience is common, or expected just because of the counrty you had it done in...that is inaccurate and not particularly responsible to say. So...speak your mind, but speak the truth, and know your facts. hey- I'm not aiming this at anyone in particular...I just know that I get more from this board when I can see real experiences, good or bad, and decide for myself how to assess that information. Jon

Hooray for Minnesota!! There's plenty of us here....so welcome to the club! Sift through everything with the understanding that each experience is unique, and we all have different highs and lows along the way. Let's all get skinny together! Jon

When I took the test I woke up 147 times in 5 hours....basically every third breathe! When you suffer from Apnea, it is impossible to get enough deep REM sleep because your body has to force itself awake enough to clear the airway by shifting or moving the muscles (all done sub-conciously) They sent me home with a CPAP machine that day...and I truly HATED it for several weeks. My wife said I looked like Darth Vader with the stupid mask on...but I grew to really love it and how I feel after a good night's sleep. I've used it for two years now. I'd love to tell you that I'm never hungry becuase I sleep better...but I still had the band placed in October! If you promise yourself that you're willing to try it for a few months even if you don't like it....once you're used to it you'll LOVE it! Jon

God loves that little girl. He does not make mistakes, so I know that even in this he has a plan for your family. I am praying that God can heal her of this mental disorder. The God of the miracles in the Bible is still God today. He hears those prayers. Hang in there. Jon

Porclndoll- Many have posted since I wrote, but I wanted to follow up. No need to apologize for your tone. I wouldn't have taken that as sarcasm. I agree that his addiction is different than ours. My impression from what you said was that he was seeking help like treatment. If he's still drinking...then it's a whole different ball game. I will certainly be praying that all goes well at his visit with dad this weekend. Going back to the church thing...you said it wasn't your "thing". The last thing that I would ever want to do is be pushy...but I'd love to just let you fully understand the strength and comfort that you can find in knowing that the God of the Universe loves you and your son. He sent his son Jesus to save and redeem messed up people like me. He promises to never leave or fosake us. You don't have to go to a church to find your strength in him, though. Hang in there, girl. You have great focus on success for you and your little guy. I believe that you'll find your way. Jon

Among the many hats I wear...I'm a public school teacher. I've taught many many kids with no dad in the picture. Their success is determined by the support they receive. If he is in a bonafide treatment program...and the visits can be supervised...than I'd ask yourself how he treats your son. If it's with any measure of love and respect, then your son could benefit from having a father, even in a limited capacity. I don't know of very many dads who are faithful with payments like yours, and for me that says something. I'm not saying he's a saint...but maybe, just maybe he's one of the guys that can beat his addiction. That's what we're all trying to do with a band, right?!? More importantly than seeing dad, though....does your son see you? I mean are you working more that you're separated? Is your son feeling safe and secure and nurtured throughout the day? I spent years in school for teaching, and lots of that in child psychology classes...and this kid needs a support system that includes you primarily, but not solely. He needs social play groups, other family members, often a church to plug into is the key from what I see. All of this to say: protect your son, but walk carefully through this process and earnestly seek what's best for him. My guess is that if you tell your ex that he has to clean up or he won't have a relationship with his son...he'll attempt some changes. It's not a perfect answer, but since divorce was never meant to happen, it's always messy. You will be in my prayers this week as you think about what to do. I hope that all works out for the best. Jon. ....by the way...do you have wise counsel? A pastor maybe? You need professional counsel through this, too.

Let's just say that Papa Murphy's pizza had to close early for the night. It was a one-way ticket to naughty town. .....I'm pretty sure cookie dough was involved in the diabolical scheme, too. lots and lots of cookie dough. umm....

Well...if you want to up the ante a little bit....I bought my wife a Digital SLR Canon Rebel XT last year and it is AMAZING. I noticed that you had a Rebel with film...the new SLR can by bought now for less than $700. It's not cheap, but the difference and the speed and quality of the shots are pretty amazing. I can hold down the button and shoot as fast as film...but I can store 500 pics on a half-gig card, download them, edit them, and send them to my local print shop. I believe that some of your old lenses and filters would fit, too....but I haven't tried it. Happy hunting! Jon

The boys around here love you, too girl! I always find myself looking for a Delarla post because I know that the LBT goddess is going to having something to say that was worth reading. So keep it up and don't go anywhere. Wow....5000 posts?!? I'm pretty small potatos around here. When do you find time to work?!?! God bless you. And all the bandsters out there. Lift each other up daily! Jon

Well....I flat out gave up on the no sugar chip. Ugh, dumb idea right before Christmas. But I am now officially NINETY FREAKIN' DAYS WITH NO SODA (carbonation) or Caffeine (decaf coffee sucks). Do I get a 90 LBT Circle thingy?!?! YEEEHAAAW! And I've made it to the gym at least 4 times a week for two weeks....so that's my next goal...to keep exercise up every week. First time I've ever lost a couple pounds during Christmas break (I get to move my ticker!). I have a big push until a big fancy Birthday date to see a broadway show with my lovely bride (Les Miserables) in the middle of February. By golly, I almost fit in my nice suit again! Keep up the good work, y'all. Jon

God Bless You, Dear Delarla! I'm glad to hear that you're home and recovering well. Just know that band or no band...you're in the club! We'll continue to support you and each other throughout your journey! Hang in there, girl! Jon

Well, I don't drink...and I'm not much of a dancer in pj's...so I'll pour a glass of wine into my PJ'S! OOOOOOOOH COLD! I'm dancing now!!! Our "living it up" New Year's party consisted of gathering with 40 or so friends from church and all of our kids went out in the driveway with noisemakers and we pretended it was New Year's at 8:30. zThen all the kids went balistic at bed time, and we're already on the couch watching tv with no booze. So here's to you girl. 2006 is gonna' be a great year for us all! Jon

Camoflauge and boots are ON! I 've been lying to myself for a month and a half that I've been "trying", and have lost ZIP! So count me in. I made it to the gym three times this week. Time to continue stepping it up! Go Team Go! Jon O.

BLING BLING BABY! I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY ACTUALLY SENT THE MONEY. FIFTY BIG ONES JUST CAME INTO MY MAILBOX TODAY. WAHOO! Jon

One more from our mall adventure!

Oops...here's the Christmas/birthday pics we took.

HEY...I'M not sure what happened, but I just noticed this today and wanted to say thanks. Aww golly, aren't you all so sweet (especially you, dear Delarla...just made my day calling me a hottie!!!). I had a great birthday. I spent the day with my kiddos. we went and got Christmas pictures downtown (Minneapolis), and then I went out with the misses to a new restaurant and caught a movie (I'm a 3rd grade teacher, so we went to see Narnia...SO AWESOME!). I'm posting pics from our day. These ended up being our Christmas shots that we sent out (late). Christmas was also a delight. I led music in my church in three different services. What a wonderful season to celebrate the birth of the KING! God Bless You All this Christmas Season. -Jon