MrsFlipFlops

With all the discussion about "proving" that there is a God, I do have one question. I've always believed that my belief in God goes hand in hand with science. But if we take God out of the equation, how does science explain the concept of "miracles"? I ask because I believe, when I see or hear of a miracle, that's proof to me that God exists and that He loves us. But from a purely scientific standpoint- how is that explained? I'm not trying to be confrontational here... I honestly am looking for honest and thoughtful responses.

I went in for a fill yesterday, and this woman said to a lady who was in for her first fill, and probably weighed about the same as I "Well, you didn't get THAT big over night, it'll take some time." I know she was trying to be encouraging, but did we really need to qualify big? If I were to say something like that, I guess I would have implicated myself and said, "Well, don't get discouraged, I know I didn't get big overnight, so I knew it would take some time to get if off." Anyway, after the lady said that, it was kind of uncomfortable and everyone started looking around awkwardly... so I said, "Yeah, I don't know if there's a skinny girl inside of me. If there is I think I ate her a long time ago." And tried to move on to another topic. The lady says to me "Oh, there's a cute body underneath all that. blah blah" I didn't hear the rest because I wanted to say, "I have a cute body now!" I'm proud of who I am and don't think I'm dog looking. I'm a cute girl, weight or no weight! Just made me giggle. I thought, yeah... even fat people can make uncomfortable fat comments. She had about 100 pounds to lose, so maybe we're on different playing fields. My 200 pounds to lose must be overwhelming to her. :thumbup:

Wow, you guys are great. Thanks so much. I do have two older sisters and of course my dad. Both my parents are in their 50's. It seems like my mom is too young to be babied by her youngest daughter. Both my sisters work fulltime and my dad works too. It's funny I guess, as we were talking about who could take the most time off work- my family decided it was me! Dad has to work, of course, to support mom financially and keep medical insurance up, my two sisters are both single and rely solely on their own income, I just happen to be married and have the less amount of income in our marriage, so me losing out on some cold hard cash isn't as big of a deal than if my sisters did. One of my sisters goes on Saturdays to take my mom out and spend time with her. The other one goes up when she can. We really do all chip in, I feel like I do more, but we all do what we can. You know, as I reflect on my situation- if you could call it that- I think that my mom being sick my whole life has really brought me and my family together. Once about every six months she has an "episode" that's like a stroke and it lands her in the hospital. For her own safety, we never allow her to be in the hospital by herself, so we take shifts. It's hard on us, but having moments of crisis and constantly having to work together has really brought us closer. I speak to every member of my family every day.

jjsmiles- right on, your concept of low BMIers being ready to change at a lower weight than I was, dead hit. We really do hit rock bottom at different times. Hopeful- wow, no, I didn't have any problems at all. That would definately frustrate me! Are they wanting you to have RNY surgery instead? Doesn't seem right...

Gloucester- I don't think that there is any other way you can put it than what you already have. I've read your posts and feel it exactly describes the emotional aspect of believing and how it's different than the science aspect of not believing. I think the fact that there isn't a deep rooted emotional belief, there is lack of understanding of what that feels like. Your example of being willing to die for the belief is perfect! How many atheists would die for their non belief? Ya'll might think dying for something or nothing is silly, but to believers, there's substance there. The fact is, unless you have felt religion's effects, you will never "get it". If I ask you how salt tastes, your response is salty, are there other ways to describe it? Just like if someone asks how religious feelings (or the holy spirit or whatever you want to call it) feels, there aren't accurate words. It's the same thing. Just because you can't describe it or see it (although, I believe there is logic to believing) doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

I have UHC, they pay for the fills. I pay a $20 copay.

Gloucester- I've felt that way too.

JDs- you're not alone, I think that too sometimes. I know I know, "imagine how it is for short people" or some people get it as prevention. I guess I wouldn't have done it at a lower weight because of how scared I am of surgery. But we're all different I guess. Sometimes I get annoyed at people who had to lose 60 pounds. I wanna be like "I have to lose two whole people, you have to lose a couple of watermelons" Clearly we're not on the same level. :smile2:

Welcome to the site! I'm still new to being banded. but just wanted to shout encouraging words to you! It is a long journey, and I feel discouraged all the time. I remind myself that without this band, I wouldn't have made it this far, no way no how! :smile2: Be proud of what you've lost so far!! You've done awesome. Good luck and keep us posted.

This is part of a thread I posted too. Ug. I first should preface this by saying I LOVE my mom. But I'm so annoyed every once in awhile. My mom has an unknown neurological condition that has affected her ability to walk, her moods, and various other things. I am one of her primary caretakers, so I spend a lot of time taking her places, cooking for her and my dad, cleaning their house and what not. We went to the grocery store today. We go to the same store every Tuesday, so we see the same people. They're all very kind and helpful to my mom in her wheelchair. I find most people are annoyed that she is in a wheelchair and they cut her off or brush by her, or stand in front of her in the aisle when she's trying to look at something in the store, so I'm particularly grateful for these kind people. We were checking out and my mom was watching the prices. My mom started yelling at our checkout lady saying "How can you charge these kinds of prices? Don't you feel ashamed to work here and steal money from people?!" And on and on. I got on my mom and said, "Mom, she doesn't control the prices... if you have a concern about the prices, let's go home and write a letter to send to the company." The poor girl said, "I know they're high, I guess because gas prices have gone up so have groceries too." My mom said "That's just the lies they tell you... blah blah blah" I'm just annoyed that a perfectly pleasant trip to the store turned into a bad situation. I told mom once we got out of the store that all she did was make that lady's day worse. My mom is not a mean person, but her neurological condition makes her mood change from pleasant to angry in moments. I work a full time job and have a disastrous 4 day schedule so I can spend my 5th business day with my mom, along with weekends and evenings. I hate my job, but I stay because they allow me that flexibility to take care of my mom... but when I have days like this, it makes me want to scream! I guess I'm just frustrated because I take care of mom, work full time, and have a household and a husband to take care of. I feel guilty for being upset with her. I feel bad that I'm feeling like I make a huge sacrifice for her and she doesn't even care. I know she's my mom and has made tons of sacrifices for me too, but my mom has been sick all my life and it makes me feel like I never really had a mom! I just feel so alone, and it's not fair that I never had a mom! It's not fair that while my friends and their moms are having girls days out and talking like best friends, or relating on a mom/daughter level, I'm being a caregiver for my mom. I'm too young for this, MY MOM is too young for this! It just makes me want to crawl into bed and cry.:thumbs_up:

Jodie- you and your baby are so beautiful!! And, I wholeheartedly agree. MOST skinny people wouldn't say mean things, some do. Some people take things differently. I might be less sensitive to a comment than someone else might be. We all have different experiences and life events. It's okay for me to be offended at something and someone else not to. Even if no offense was meant. The point is, the skinny people think differently than fat people sometimes. It's okay. People who aren't in your shoes are going to be oblivious sometimes to how your feel. In my mind, it doesn't matter if the topic is obesity, race, or gender... if you're not that fat, that race or that gender, you don't think the same way.

Oh, it always helps me too, when my sisters tell me they're proud of me. It's a HUGE step to make, and having someone recognize that is very validating.

Wow, you are an AMAZING sister. Just tell her how much you love her! Saying you're scared and excited for her describes it all I think! :wink2: Just be always willing to talk about it and let her know that she can always turn to you. I don't know anyone in person who has had the lapband, but my sister told me I can always talk to her. It's nice knowing that even though she may not experience the same phsyical thing I did, that she's willing to listen to me rant and rave or get really excited over every pound.

That's seems like too long. I know when I finally get mine it is longer than usual, but since 4/22... that's almost 3 weeks!

I don't think that by finding a movie distasteful that suddenly means that I find myself the "victim". I don't. It means the jokes they make are inappropriate... a movie where they make fun of a race or a gender I don't find funny either... again, it's distasteful. These types of movies don't display the "truth" about being overweight, they demonstrate what people think about fat people.

Thought I'd try to get some movement going... how's everyone doing since band month? I can't believe that so much time has gone by!! It feels like just yesterday I was covering my stomach with a pillow when I laughed... lol. :tt1: Seriously though, I feel like I'm finally starting to "get it" emotionally and realize my life can revolve around things other than food. How is everyone else doing???

Hi Sam- what you're feeling is normal. :Dancing_wub: When I was sitting in pain the first few days I kept wondering to myself- when will I hit the point where I believe it was worth it? Because, certainly, while you're in pain you're not believing that it was. It took me a few weeks to adjust to new food choices and life changes, but I did finally hit the point where I realized it was worth it. Even if I only lose what I've lost up until this point, I still believe it was worth it! I never would have done it alone. Girl, the pain gets better! I promise. Just don't laugh! :tt1: Every day gets a little easier, and every step becomes a little lighter!

I'm so excited! I think I'll bring my two sisters, who both are thinking of surgery.

Mine was about 45 minutes long. We talked about my dieting, family, and how I'll feel with the band.

I didn't mind The Devil Wears Prada... never thought about it til this thread. I do have issues with Shallow Hal, and the one's where they wear fat suits however.

Decided to finally post here. I'm Heidi. Started at 380. I'm 25 years old and have been married for two years. We live in Texas- I was born and raised here as well. I'm a registered financial representative- but my life's passion is social work, my bachelor's is in sociology. It just doesn't pay the bills. :frown: I have two cats, no kids- we're working on it though.

I think that all the time... less and less now as time passes. I think it's completely normal to doubt the band and yourself. Sometimes when I get on the scale and I haven't lost as much as I wanted or thought I should I thought, man, I've failed again, the band failed me... blah blah blah. Just get past those moments. The first few weeks are the hardest. I'm just now getting to a point of normalcy...

Hey Carla- you're not alone! You can always come here for support... I could also suggest the chat room- it helps when you're looking for some instant support. :thumbup: Most the people I've met on these forums are incredibly supportive and caring. We're glad you're here.

Wow, a whole year! That's a dang long time.

I thought it was 50 days- I would call them. Sorry your friend is in a position to need blood... Hope everything works out. Good luck.