"Just" Paul

Agreed!!!!!!!!!!!!

I went through the first few months on such a high from my weight loss, I did not have time to grieve. Now, as the loss settles down, there are times when I miss eating "normal" (Normal, meaning the way I ate before, and likely the way most Americans eat all the time). I do miss biting into a big hamburger, or having a big plate of food. For me, I think it is the sensation, not the flavor. I can eat anything (almost) in reasonable quantities, as long as there are small bites, well chewed. But, a big bite of a double-decker burger, with cheese, lettuce, tomato onion and bacon, with a sourdough bun... I couldn't take that big bite... and in reality, it is not the same sensation as taking that little pee-pee bite I take now. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't. So, no, food is not my life, but like anything else you give up (smoking, coffee, alcohol...) you will have times of feeling withdrawal, at least I do. But, you know, when I look in the mirror, stand on the scale, bike 10 miles, or just not get winded going up a flight of stairs, I don't regret it one bit. Hmmmmm... I think I'm making burgers for dinner tonight.

Again, that discussion continues in private, as you suggested. So, please leave my "hijacker" discussion out of it. Much thanks. P

You just said it should be in private... Oh, I give up.

Moderator, Please close this thread. This discussion is going nowhere, and is continued, as necessary, in private. Much appreciated.

The stuff I just looked at does not, but check back with your doc, and make sure that they are OK with it. I can't see why not, but just check to be sure. Also, if you are getting 5 calories from the crystal light, then you must be using the bottled version (I assume) as my powdered version has 0 calories. My doc stated to stay with 0 calorie beverages ONLY. Again, ask your doc, and do as he says. P

Guess again.

I started in November 0f 2005 at 371.

Tommy, I think you just made the ignore list! If we keep going, she won't have any posts at all to read. I'd be afraid that I offended her, but she can't see me anyhow. woooooo wooooooo I am the invisible man!! Wooooooooo wooooooooooo!!

Good gracious, all I said was Chill. I'm done with this conversation, OK?

Then that was an interesting comparison to make.

You are only arguing with yourself. I have no beef with you. If you want to quote me, and then assume you know what I meant, then go ahead. By mentioning understanding the situation, I meant that I was privy to conversations about this situation that you were not privy to. It has nothing to do with intelligence. So, NO, you have NOT read the same information as I have on this topic. Quoting is fine, it makes sure the words are identical. Assuming is not the same. Taking someone's words, and assuming you know the meaning behind them is not. I write what I am trying to say, there is no hidden insult or agenda. My feeling are denigrated by someone taking a post that had nothing to do with them, and turning it into a personal argument with them. Again, I have no beef with you. Chill. Let's agree to disagree about my initial post, and call that quits.

Jill, I am confused. Why are you taking this personally? I was not referring to you in any way, nor was I insulting your intelligence. I think you need to stop reading in between the lines of my post, believe me, if I wanted to insult someone, I would say it directly. I absolutley reaspect your right to disagree with me, and to post your response, however, do not denigrate my feelings as to what I feel is happening on this board, and MY OPINION as to the cause. I have the right to that opinion, as much as you have to yours.

Ignore a hijacker... Hard to do when they keep coming back in your face everywhere you go, that is why I used the term hijacker. If you understood the situation, you'd see that they left the board because the hijacker is turning it into something else, not what it was. And, no, I do not have to leave because of one person. That is why I am making my stand now, and making it clear that they bother me personally, and I do not approve of their actions. Period. I never asked you to agree with me. I never said "he/she started it", I simply stated that most conflicts begin with the actions of one. I do not beleive that hijacking a board should fly either. Again, you are free to ignore my postings if they bother you.

"Qualifications? Many Doctors and Nurses who deal with bariatric surgery have never: - Had a band. - PB'd - Been obese - Had a band complication - They have qualified their knowledge by learning. They have read, researched, and dealt with these situations from a third party perspective. We do not question the knowledge that they have at their disposal. It is equally not right to disqualify someone because they may, or may not have this device fitted. You need to find out if they are right, before you can say it isn't acceptable for them to post." So, do you consider yourself as qualified as a doctor?

All, I never said you had to agree with my opinion. However, since this person began their posting parade of 'INTELLECTUAL BULL", the flaming has begun, arguments have escalated, and good people have left in anger. It may indeed happen all the time, but it doesn't mean I have to like it or tolerate it quietly. Yes, Jill, there are many posters on this board who resemble some of the remarks I made, but only one who resembles them all. You may be right in that it takes two to have a war... But, one has to start it! Oh, and by the way, if anyone does not believe me that this one person is causing the problems, then ask each of the people who have left recently why they left... you'll be amazed at the answer! Feel free to use the ignore feature on my posting.

In a nutshell... I can most definitely tell you why long time members of this board are leaving. Before I give the reason, I can tell you that it is a darn shame to see these special folks leave, as they have been support on this board for quite some time, and their contribution for the last several YEARS cannot be denied. First off, I can tell you what is NOT the reason that folks are leaving, it is NOT the x-rated, or Adult threads. These have been around forever, and are nothing new. They are generally in the Lounge, and if you object to the subject matter, then it is not recommended reading. They are well marked as being of an adult nature. This has never been a problem. Second, another reason is NOT religion. There have been many very religious individuals on this board. They share their thoughts and prayers, and do not hide their beliefs. If you object to their system of belief, then their posts are not recommended reading. This has never been a problem. So, what is the problem? I can tell you that the problem has plagued me as well, so I have not posted in quite some time, and have considered leaving the board all together. The answer is this... this board has been hijacked. No, I am not saying that every post is suspect, or that everyone on here has been taken astray. I am saying that for the most part, one individual has hijacked this board, and driven away very important, long standing members of this board. I cannot say why this person has done this, and I cannot begin to imagine why, but that is the fact, nonetheless. I am not going to name names, but I am sure the inferences I make will be clear. It started quietly, with this individual acting as our educator, and correcting other posters for content. They acted as if it was a joke, but continued nonetheless. From there, it became criticism, and repeated complaints about issues as simple as grammar. No big deal, right? Then came postings about how one is supposed to do the program. I expect, and love these postings and ideas from everyone on this board, they are helpful and informative. However, this individual became less helpful, and more critical, and even went as far as to make personal comments on other posters relationships based on their own viewpoints and concepts. The remarks this person made were hurtful, whether they meant it or not, and when called on that issue, the individual became even more agressive. I do not mind thoughtful postings, I do not abhore know-it-alls, but this individual began to make it a point to jump into any and all conversations, and to put forward a pseudo-intellectual superiority towards all that challenged their viewpoint. I know, you say, then "don't read this person's threads." Could be, but they began to post more frequently, and to avoid their agressive, and nonsensical posts would involve not reading any threads at all. Above, Alex mentioned that we all have something in common. That is true, the Lap Band. This individual is not banded. That is not the issue, many folks here are not banded. This individual shows no intentention of ever being banded... that is an issue. This individual expresses constant expert knowledge of the banded situation. That is something I have an issue with. Yes, I do know that many medical practitioners who are experts on the band do not have one...true... but they are medical professionals, not self professed experts from their short experience of someone they know having one. This board is for bandsters... people who have the band, people seeking the band, people who lost the band, people who want to know about the band, people who want to support a loved one who is any of the above. It is NOT a forum for one individual to continually flex their pseudo-intellectual muscles in an attempt to feel superior to all those around them. This individual is doing just that, and I'd rather that they left, and that the folks who they chased away come back, but that is not my call. This person has expressed the desire to NOT GO ANYWHERE, despite numerous comments from members of this board as to the inappropriateness of their attitude, and since they choose to stay, others have left. That is a hijack. That is a shame. To the individual, show some class. Apologize. Understand how you have made people feel. Be the intellectual adult you claim to be. Go someplace else. I know you won't, however, so some of our best members are now gone. That is a shame. I'd like to end with the fact that I do not know the individual personally, and I may be judging their actions incorrectly, but whether they intended it or not, this is how they are percieved, and this is the result of their actions... the overall number of postings is dropping, and some of our best, long time members are now gone. That is a shame. Think about it.

If I may... Skip the Slim fast, althogh less sugar than regular slim fast, it is still loaded with sugar! try Atkins shakes, or sugar-free Carnation instant breakfast mixed with skim, or better yet, Carb-countdown Skim milk. Is this specifically what the doc ordered? Protein bars are not liquids, and many have ingredients like glycerol, or sugar alcohol that are not really as carb-free as they claim. If he says liquids, then stay that way, if your list is as he requested, then ignore everything that I just said. Always do what the doc says!!

I like the naughty threads... But like Pam said, I don't read them... I just get it for the articles, Honey, honest!

Eye dunno wut u all ar thinkin abut wit all dis speling tawk. Wee all spel prety gud, eye thunk soo. Eye meen, cum on, wee r all edukated peepel heer! Thankz, evereewon, fur lisening too mee. Pall

Any time we have a family get-together, like a reunion or such, we all take bets on when the conversation is going to turn to shit. Not shitty conversation, mind you, but an actual discussion of shit. Somehow, my aunt, who works with special needs adults, or another who is an intensive care nurse, or one of my cousins who have infants will bring up a shit story. We all laugh, and then check the time to see who was closest in guessing when we'd talk about shit. Any time people talk, shit will work it's way into the conversation. Just be prepared for the shit, and eventually the shit will blow over. Enough of this shit. Let's get back to the shit we all came here for!

At Kennywood Park in PA, they do a funnel cake deluxe... It is a funnel cake, right out of the grease, sprinkled with powdered sugar, then cool vanilla icecream, and strawberries in syrup, then whipped cream. I can feel my arteries hardening from here.

Axe. heh heh heh. No, I didn't read any of this, honest.

Go by what your doc tells you to do. Many docs are different, but they have their reasons for what they do. Use their advice and council, and follow their rules, and you will do well.

Happy Birthday from a much younger guy (I'm 40). I think you miss-typed your age, it is 29, right? Look at it this way, it is the 21st anniversary of your 29th birthday! All the numbers in the sentence are in the 20's. BTW... you absolutely do NOT look 50, take it from a dashingly handsome ladies man. Hey, it could be worse, biggest snowstorm of the year here in DC, and my furnace broke on Sunday. The replacement part won't be in until tomorrow AM. Brrrrrrrrrrr