gentlespirit

I"m so sorry you had to meet that awful man! I agree with Sunta that he must be really unhappy..and probably unhealthy carrying all that anger around. But it is hard when someone takes awhack at our already shaky self esteem. Consider yourself hugged! Emily

cheese is one thing I refuse to give up...I gave up chocolate (it's been a whole week now!) but cheese has enough redeeming qualities that I can tell myself it's good for me. I'm eating a lot less than I used to, so I'm counting that as progress. I love refired Beans, salsa, and sharp cheddar for dinner! Emily

I"m in the same situation as Robin...my knees have major arthritis and it's all I can do to ge through the day...any more stress on them is out of the question. I did Water aerobics for a couple of years and didn't hate it, w hich is more than I can say for any other form of exercise I've tried. I need to get back to it but my budget is SO tight right now that I don't feel I can spare the money for the class and the extra gas.,,hopefully that will change soon. Any other suggestions for exercise that won't put stress on the knees? I just got a cortisone shot in one which has helped but I'm afraid to do anything to jeopardize it because it's so great to be almost pain free! Emily

I'm thankful for my sons, who as adults are such great people and support me in my struggle to lose weight while loving me as I am. I'm thankful for my parents and my sister, who is my best friend as well as my sister. I'm thankful that I just got my bankruptcy discharge and can begin again with a clean slate and a determination to stay out of debt. I'm thankful for my work situation...I have a great boss, and since there's only two of us in the office, it's wonderful that we get along so well. I'm thankful that I still have my mom, although she's getting really frail. I'm thankful for my faith and the way I've seen God work in my life. Emily

I don't have any words of wisdom...just a hug to send. I feel so bad for all the stress and roller coaster emotions you are going through. It must be incredibly frustrating to want to get on with your life and have people playing games with you. Please be good to yourself and try not to let him make you nuts...sounds like he's a master manipulator! You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Emily

I haven't been here for awhile...just too busy, but now I need some feedback. I recently had my 5th fill and am now up to 2.2 in a 4cc band. I previusly was eating about a cup at each meal with no problems at all. Now I am eating less than that and feeling full faster. Also am feeling the golf ball more often and having more problems with sliming more often. The food stays down but I'd say several times a week I have a sliming episode. I can still eat most things, just very small portions. I'm not unhappy with that, just wondering if it sounds to you more experienced bandsters like I'm at a good place in the restriction continuum?? Thanks. Emily

I just had my 5th fill and am now up to 2.2 in a 4cc band. I have noticed that I'm having a lot more of the sliming thing than I've ever had. The food does stay down but it's like I'll slime for half an hour or more (last time it was closer to 2 hours). Not after every meal or anything like that, but just several times a week.

I haven't been here for awhile and am just wondering how it is going for you, wonderkidsmom...have things settled down? Having been through something similar, I really empathise with you and have been concerned for you. My ex pulled out the old "I'll kill myself if you leave" thing and I know what everyone means about the mind games. Please update us and let us know if you're OK... Emily

I also like Quorn veggie meats...my son, who is very anti-vegetarian due to growing up vegan, even likes that brand. Emily

Wow! You should be SO proud of yourself! That's an amazing accomplishment, and we're all proud of you, too! I hope to join you one day! Emily

I had one about 10 years ago...it looked like the little "knot" that's your belly button is coming undone. I had it repaired and was awake during surgery...walked to and from the operating room...not a big deal. It was pretty uncomfortable for a couple of days afterward, though. Emily

Dontcha love it! Congratulations!!! Emily

Having been through a divorce myself, I don't think it's ever a good answer, but sometimes it's the only answer we have. It's hard on everyone, even the one who initiates it (I did, too). A lot of kids son't like their familiar world to change, even if they aren't happy with it the way it is...the unknown can be frightening. Give your oldest some time to adjust. My two were more like the "it's about time" child you mentioned. You'll be in my thoughts...hope everything goes as well as it can under the circumstances. Emily

I think people have given great advice. All you can do is let her know you love and value her and try to get her to be around other people so she can see that there are other choices. Sounds like he is a real control freak and emotionally abusive...and when she gets tired of it or in trouble because of it, she'll need her family to still be there to support her. She's lucky to have such a caring and concerned sister. Emily

Congratulations, Kellie! A good marriage is such a wonderful blessing! Best wishes to you and y our new hubby! Emily

I'm so glad everything is straightened out and that you're going to get your band as planned. What a difficult and emotional thing to have to go through. Wishing you a speedy recovery! Emily

Congratulations!!! Way to go, girl! Emily

Crystal~ You're in our thoughts and prayers...hope everything goes well for you. Emily

There's no such thing as a silly NSV! Enjoy every one of them, no matter how little! Emily

Aren't NSVs wonderful!!! Congratulations! Emily

Alex~ As mousecrazy said, you SHINE! You look absolutely beautiful and so full of life. Congratulations on your amazing success and thank you for the advice you share with us here...it's always thoughtful and helpful. You truly are an inspiration to so many of us. Emily

I haven't tried the black bean burgers, but they have a tomato basil burger that's got a little mozzarella in it and is really good. I also use their sausages in Soup for a little extra flavor. Emily

Jess~ Nice to see your name when I checked in here...and so sorry to hear what you've been dealing with. I'll be sending good thoughts your way regarding the slip and praying for you and your husband both as you cope with the MS. It sounds like he's doing his best to stay positive. Emily

Congratulations!!! What a great thing to be celebrating! Emily

I've gotta ask my nurse practitioner about this...more energy would definitely be good! Emily