gentlespirit

I have thought about it somewhat seriously and I know my weight affected that thought process, but it wasn't the only factor. I agree with Kare that suicide is always an option. I feel very strongly that it is our right to choose when we are done with this life. If I had some horrible degenerative disease that was killing my by inches, I would make certain that I had the means to end my life at the time I felt it was appropriate. My youngest son, who at 25 has had Type I diabetes for 9 years, has decided that when that disease makes his life more of a burden than a joy, he is going to end his life. This is a logical, well thought out decision not made in a moment of emotional distress or anything, and I have come to the conclusion that if I love him, I have to respect and support his decision. I think our society does such a terrible job of dealing with end of life issues and right to choose. They make suicide illegal (ha) which only means that someone like my son would have to end his life alone for fear of causing legal difficulties for those of us who would like to be there if/when he goes. If he ever has to do that, it should be able to be done with his family around him as an act of love. I am a Christian, and like Kare, the God that I worship would welcome with open arms someone who had made that difficult decision. Anyway, enough of my ranting...it just really bothers me that our government/society tries to regulate this most personal of decisions. Emily

Until I got married and started working in an office, I was 5 feet 9 inches and weighed 140 pounds. Then when I started working full time and realized 3 months into my marriage that I had made a big mistake, the pounds accumulated quickly. I don't think it has made me stronger...I'm the same person I've always been. I do know that some unexpected and traumatic events in my life have made me see my own mental and emotional strength, but they had nothing to do with my weight. Like Sarah, I think my struggles with my weight have made me a more compassionate person. My philosophy is that we are all in this together--we all have struggles and trials. Most of us are trying to live our lives with grace and dignity, and we need to be kind to one another and help each other when we can. Having said that, I am noticing that I have less patience with people who are unkind or unpleasant or fake; and as I get older (I'm 50), I am getting choosier about who I spend my spare time with. Emily

Vines, I think you are awesome! I'd love to see you dance. Hope the tips were fantastic!! Thanks for reminding us that focusing only on the scale is really narrow minded...there are so many other ways to measure our success. Emily

Rica, I'm so sorry for both you and your husband in this difficult situation. I can't imagine how hard that news must have been to hear. I hope the two of you hold tight to each other and stay close and loving. It sounds like you will be wonderful parents, and I'm sure that somewhere a child is waiting and hoping for a home like yours. I pray that you will someday hold your child in your arms and share your joy with us. God can work in amazing ways. Hugs to you... Emily

I agree with Jacqui that it seems awfully judgmental. If we were able to do it on our own, we wouldn't need the surgery. And to make you do it twice seems sadistic! I'm sure it's hard enough to get through when it's the real thing. My surgeon wants me to try to lose a few pounds...even 5...before surgery and I understand why with the liver shrinkage thing, but a friend who also had him didn't lose a pound and he still did the surgery. I know every surgeon is different, but he doesn't seem so rigid, at least. Good luck!! Emily

Cottage cheese Roast 4 eggs 1/4 c. soy sauce 1 T. onion powder 2 24-oz. cartons cottage cheese 1 c. chopped or ground nuts (I use pecans) 8 cups Special K or Rice Krispies Beat the eggs, add everything but the Cereal and mix well. Then add the cereal and mix again. Put in 9 x 13 pan and bake 1 1/2 hours at 325. You could use whatever seasoning you want instead of the soy sauce if you are watching sodium. You can use lowfat or fat free cottage cheese, but I usually use one lowfat and one regular carton because all lowfat makes a softer loaf, and I prefer it more solid for a meatier texture. Walnuts are also good but make a lighter colored loaf. My son is diabetic, and at one time we figured the exchanges out as 2 starches and 2 Protein exchanges if it's cut into 12 pieces. Emily

Thanks for all the responses...I'm anxious to get some different products to try. Although I draw the line at mud with worms in it!! Emily

I have a great recipe for a vegetarian "meat loaf", if anyone is interested. I have shared it with non-vegetarian friends, and they all love it. Gave it to one of my volunteers at work whose husband has heart problems, and he even liked it. It's one of our family favorites. Emily

It's payoff time for all your hard work...enjoy every second of it! Emily

My nurse practitioner is a really big lady, and she finally had her chin and upper lip done. I think she said it was about $1,000. I'll have to save up for it after I get done paying my share of the band surgery. Does anyone know if once we lose the weight the hormones get more balanced and the hair goes away??? Emily

I'm so sorry you had to part with your beloved friend. If you can, take comfort in the wonderful life you gave him and all the love the two of you shared. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Emily

Our family stopped the gift giving about 5 years ago, and we are all so glad we did. My parents can get anything they want and the grandkids are getting old enough so that my parents just give them money and let them go shopping...usually the wait and go shopping after Christmas so they can stretch the dollars. We get together and enjoy each other's company and just relax and visit...it's been great. We used to draw names among adults and among kids, but this is even better. Emily

Hi~ I'd enjoy having a pen pal. I'm 50 years old and have my surgery date of Jan. 24. I'm from Minnesota and like reading, sewing, quilting and spending time with family and friends. I have a parrotlet (a mini parrot about 4 inches long and 2 inches tall) that keeps me company now that my kids are both in college and I live alone. I love cottage style decorating and shabby antiques and enjoy checking out new shops everywhere I go. I work at a chamber of commerce as an administrative assistant. Emily

Hi, Kathy~ How's it going Hope everything went well and that you're on the mend post op. Congratulations on being on the other side!

I"m getting banded on the 24th, and I'm feeling exactly the same way. I want this really badly and it was a decision I reached after much thought and research...but I'm still nervous. I think more than the surgery I'm almost mourning the fact that my relationship with food will never be the same...and the unknown is always scary. We'll have to compare notes post surgery! Emily

I did Water aerobics 3 tiems a week for almost 3 years and found it was the only exercise I don't dislike...in fact I missed it if I didni't go. Makes you feel fantastic afterward. Then in late summer I cut my leg and had stitches that took a few weeks to heal c ompletely and I just never started again. But as soon as I can after surgery, I'm going back and will do it faithfully. Emily

Has anyone heard anything from DeLarla? She has been in my thoughts off and on all day. Emily

I've been thinking ithe same thing about the behavior modification facet of the band. It would seem to me that after several years of eating with the band, that new behavior would be ingrained and should continue even if I lost the band at some point. It would be interesting to hear from anyone who had their band removed some time ago about how it's going for them now. Emily

I've been thinking ithe same thing about the behavior modification facet of the band. It would seem to me that after several years of eating with the band, that new behavior would be ingrained and should continue even if I lost the band at some point. It would be interesting to hear from anyone who had their band removed some time ago about how it's going for them now. Emily

I've been wondering the same thing...I was vegetarian for about 30 years and just in the last year or so have started eating small amounts of chicken and turkey (I don't really like but can tolerate them) to pacify my two adult sons that I'm getting enough Protein. I'm wondering about the Worthington, Loma Linda, or Morningstar Farms meat substitutes...anyone have any thoughts to share about them? I use them occasionally now and am wondering if I'll be able to after I'm banded. They don't seem to chew up very well even when I'm really concentrating on chewing. I do use Beans...lentils are a super source of protein and others are good, too. Refried beans and salsa are one of my staples, and I'm thinking I'll be able to use that when I get to mushies. Thanks for startingthis thread...it will be interesting to see how many of us there are. Emily

Jack~ I always love your posts...they are always wise as well as usually funny. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Emily

DeLarla~ I really love your optimism after all you've been through. I wish a wonderful 2006 for all of us! Emily

Congratulations! There's nothing like it for boosting the self confidence! It is a wonderful NSV. I'm all for accepting appreciation wherever we find it, even if you don't do anything to follow up... Emily

Sure sounds to me like you need to be on antibiotics, although I'm not a medical professional. I've always been told that if the gunk is colored it means an infection. Hope you feel better soon! Emily

I'm also interested in having my chin done...I HATE the shaving...it makes me feel SO unfeminine. I'd like to know what it might cost, as I'll have to do some serious saving up... Thanks! Emily