PhotoNut

It's weigh-in day! All those participating get your updates in today and I'll update the board tomorrow. The following is the correct update format (and, as usual, is my update for the week) C 236 (-71 lbs total, -1.5 this week) I've switched back to weighing in on Wednesdays again. I just couldnt stand weighing on Sunday and posting that weight the following Wednesday.. just knowing that I might have lost more! *laughs* It's so exciting to see everyone's NSVs and Kathy! Your scales finally budged? Yay! I know you have to be seeing the changes in your clothes and body. With all the exercise you're doing and no weight change you must be putting on some nice lean muscle and THAT is awesome! Funny!! EIGHT POUNDS?! AMEN SISTER! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Lins - A summer challenge.. Hmm.. I think that can be arranged. *smiles* Thanks for the compliments. This really is a great bunch of losers we have in the Gone for Good Club. Shackdog - You are doing so GREAT! Be sure to let us know if you get a fill, and say hello to Dr. Cahn for me. :eek:

I think what happens, and I could be wrong, is that we develop a mindset of being able to eat whatever we want because the band limits the amount. Then, if we lose the fill, we question why am I gaining weight when I'm eating the same things I did before?! The fact is, that without that restriction, we do get hungry and it does take more food to fill us up. So eating more of the "same thing you ate before" is naturally going to cause weight gain. Add to that the stress and worry of gaining without that fill, and in come the comfort foods. It is not natural to eat 1/2 to 1 cup of food and be full. So don't be so hard on yourself. What has happened is very understandable and can be reversed. It was a hard lesson learned, but it sounds like one that you will not soon forget. As for the feelings of envy and and bitterness... I think those most likely equate to fear. When we feel ourselves slipping backwards into the dark pit we just climbed out of, it's hard to keep a smile and cheer on the ones who are still climbing. Tomorrow is a new day, with lots of choices to be made. And you have the power to make whatever choice you truly want to make for yourself. Beating yourself up isn't going to give you the desire to keep trying. So do try to remember to be kind to yourself. This is probably one of the hardest things you've ever tried to overcome, and the battle is far from being over. *hugs*

Given enough time, everyone's true colors show through. Now that I've been publically named and insulted and hurt, isnt it time this thread was locked and deleted too?

Hiya Jess! It's always good to see your shining smile. Even in times of turmoil, your posts always have a sparkle to them. I hope your dad continues to do well, and that you can join us again very soon. You're missed! *hugs*

Ok, so I guess I'm classified as a troll now? Oh and an annoying member... How nice. I was trying to go along with the joke, and thought that all threads on LBT were open to anyone to participate in. I thought the upset at people was about treating others crappily, yet that attitude seems to be alive and well here. :eek:

I'm sure several people "got this". As many times as you've posted that you've pee'd on yourself... I'd recommend Depends on a regular basis. :eek:

Before I start this, I want it to be very clear that I am not looking for a fight, nor do I want anyone jumping in here turning this thread into an Us vs. Them thread. I want to say something to everyone that I feel is very important and I don't want it to be lost in stupid bickering. It was stated that I slapped someone around and planted vicious seeds on the chicken Sh*t thread. That is a strong accusation that I felt I needed to address. If the moderators wish to ban me for doing so, then so be it. I would hate to lose LBT, but I hate people thinking this way about me even more. I grow continually frustrated with being treated like I refuse to hear the truth about what one can encounter with the band. I grow equally frustrated with being accused of living in a land of rainbows, pink ponies, butterflies, and so on, simply because I see no reason to rain on people's parades all the time. Yes, the facts are there. Yes, the facts do contain a negative aspect, but I see no reason to constantly focus on them. When people do, it causes fear and upset in others that just isn't necessary. THAT attitude is what my response on the Chicken Sh*t thread was all about. That and that alone was what I addressed. I had no idea that anyone else was going to express such strong feelings about the user I addressed. In fact, there were quite a few of those people who posted that I'd never really talked to before. Those feelings were theirs, not mine, and obviously they needed to express them. It was not my intention to begin a war, or plant any seeds. I spoke out in frustration without thinking about what others would have to say in response. I just felt bad that this user felt it necessary to bring down a woman who was excited and hopeful about her weight loss journey. What happened after that had nothing to do with me. It was, in my opinion, people voicing their feelings about a user who has attacked, degraded, scared, and harassed others to the point of them not even wanting to post here at LBT. As I said in that thread... she spread enough of it around that some finally got on her. I do feel bad about the way the thread ended up going, and I did try at one point to step in and get people back on the topic. I even stated that if it couldn't get back on topic, it should be closed. I do not apologize to the user for my opinions about them, nor do I feel responsible for the way others responded to that thread. However, I do feel bad that I participated in the Sunshine Sisterhood thread with a direct slam at the user in question in the first thread. That was childish of me and I apologize for allowing myself to be caught up in it. I am proud of the women who were referred to as Sunshine Sisters, as named by the user in the Chicken Sh*t thread. They are caring, loving women who are always so ready to help a brother or sister stay on track. They are positive happy people who, in my opinion, are indeed rays of sunshine on LBT. I do know how easy it is to get caught up in these types of fights, but I think it's always more productive to avoid them. So I restate, that was not my intent to start any wars when I posted my opinion on the Chicken Sh*t thread. I know how upsetting that is to many people who come here and I'm sorry things went to the point of requiring intervention by the staff. Sincerely, Susan

Have a great trip and a wonderful time with your mom. I know you've been looking forward to this. I hope it turns out to be very relaxing and refreshing. See you when you get home. *hugs* :hippie: :flypig: :rainbow:

With all due respect, Mods... I wrote this before I had any knowledge of any previous threads being deleted, and my post was an apology and statement of regret that things went so badly. Yet, three of the four Mods here have posted on this thread, shaking a finger of warning at me. I ask each of you... why have you not posted these sentiments on the thread started by DeLarla, entitled "Old Disgruntled Failure Forum" in which she and Geezer Sue continue their mocking remarks about the deleted threads? Perhaps you missed their ongoing jabs at the people who were involved in those deleted threads. I sincerely hope that's the case. I choose to believe that your concerns about the rules of LBT and the protection of personal rights are extend to all members and not just a select few. With that in mind I hope this "oversight" will be remedied at once and that all members will be reminded of the rules and that all threads containing such disturbing posts be locked. Thank you.

Oh my gosh, Audrey! Your pictures took my breath away and made me cry. (Passes the tissues to DonnaB) I'm so sorry about your mom's passing. I can't imagine how hard that must be to face. I'm sure your mom is very proud of you and pleased at your fabulous accomplishment. I hope you don't mind my putting your pics up side by side. They are so inspirational.

dinner is at Johnny Carinos in Meridian. There's a shopping center on the east corner of Fairview and Eagle Rd. Old Navy and ShopKo are in there. Carino's faces Fairview and is in the same parking lot. If you are coming from the freeway and Eagle Rd, turn right onto Fairview and it's the second or third driveway on your right. You can't miss it, but if you get to WalMart, you've gone too far. Can't wait to see you and give you a big hug! I miss walking so much. LindaV and I walked every day for a solid week until she got banded and I got my grandson! hehe

Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness! I was so glad to see this post! I owe you an apology for not getting together to walk yet. I've been babysitting my 2 1/2 yr old grandson during the week and it's pretty much kept me off the computer and worn me out but good! But Kayla! I'm very happy to hear that you are back on track. I was really worried about you girl. *hugs* Come to the Idahobandsters dinner Tuesday night - and bring your hubby!

Reminder: Next Tues, May 23 Johnny Carino's 6:30pm Be there or be... somewhere else! For reservations, I know that Shackdog and most likely his wife will be there too.

Ok, Idahoans! It's time to mark your calendars! This month I'm reminding you prior to 15 minutes before the meetings! *laughs* Hope to see you all there! St. Alphonsus Support group Tuesday, May 9th, 7:00pm - 8:30pm In the white "tent" behind St. Al's. Usually about 30 people, led by two psychologists. Relaxed invironment. Meets every month on the second Tuesday of the month. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Idaho Bandsters Soup Night Tuesday, May 23rd, at 6:30 p.m. at Johnny Carino's at Fairview and Eagle in Boise/Meridian. Take the Eagle Road exit off of the Interstate and turn right onto Eagle Road. At Fairview Avenue, turn right, and then turn right into the parking lot when you see Johnny Carino's (before the next light). Last month we met at Outback Steakhouse. Great food and great fun. There were about 15-20 of us. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Walking groups. Some people have started getting together for walking. If you live in or around the Boise area and are interested in finding walking partners, hop onto Yahoo groups and search for Idahobandsters. Join the group and let us know you're wanting to walk. I'm sure there's a group you could join, or you could start your own. See you on the greenbelt (bring lifejackets).

You are blown to smithereens when your fun loving co-worker fills a whoopee cushion with nitroglycerin. Hm.. I always said that co-worker was a pain in the ass.

Hi Gayle! Welcome to LBT! You'll find an endless supply of friendship, support, and great information here, and I think you'll also find that the Texas bandsters are a wonderful bunch of people. Congrats on getting your band! I'm very happy that it was all smooth sailing for you! Keep us posted on your progress.

My Dr told me that until you get that first fill, your band is pretty much wide open and you'll be able to eat anything you want just like you did pre-band, but that doesn't mean you SHOULD. What did eating guidelines did your Dr give you? Those should be followed to help you get the most success from your band. Eating solid foods too early (especially large quantities of them) can slow the healing process of the stitches in your stomach by pulling on them as the stomach works to digest the food. It sounds like you don't have much swelling left, otherwise you could have had problems with that burger, such as PB'ing or putting a lot of pressure on the band, both of which could result in a slip. There is no way to tell if you've done any damage, but I would be very careful from here on out. Will you be getting a fill soon? If they do that under fluro, they will be able to see if your band is still properly placed. Take good care of yourself and your band. *hugs*

That would be great Mystjin. I'm sure Dody would LOVE to have a bandster sister nearby to share things with. I just got a PM from her and the plan is for her to be banded on the 5th, which isn't long after you!

I have seen many posts in which people who have had the band a long period of time tell bandsters who are doing well and trying to encourage others that they are just in a "honeymoon phase" and once that goes away the successful bandster will lose their motivation and get tangled up in struggles which will leave them less naive about the real nitty-gritty of being banded. (Paraphrased - not quoted) These comments are always directed at those who are working hard at making the best of their lap band experience and are trying to encourage others to do the same. This topic has worked and worked on my mind since the first time it was directed at me. I've been called a know-it-all. I've been accused of being judgmental. It's even been suggested that I haven't been banded long enough to have the right to give advice to others. But the comments that have stuck out in my mind as the cruelest are the ones that imply that, given time, I'm going to fail. And to me, the "honeymoon phase" comment does just that. It says, "Sure, you're doing well now. You're pumped up because you're succeeding with your band. But you just wait. That's going to stop soon and once you start going through the hard times, you'll see. You'll see." <O:p I have to ask, how is that helpful or encouraging to anyone? Why is it even necessary to make such a statement at someone who is doing things right and sharing their success as encouragement to others? What is the point? The only conclusions I can draw in response to those questions are both sad and troublesome. I would like to say to all of the people waiting, praying, hoping for a lap band... and to all the people who have just gotten the band... and to all of the people who have been banded less than a year... Do not let these kinds of comments shake your hope of changing your future. Those of us who have been in a few relationships are aware of that beginning stage of the relationship when emotions are high and we are giddy with new love. We are also aware that this is just a stage of building a relationship. Though it may not always be like this, a successful relationship will advance to deeper levels and grow stronger. Sadly, there are many people out there who think that "love has died" when this stage of the relationship is over. They are disappointed when they no longer feel that "high" of new love, and believing that it must not have been real love, they give up. <O:p Yes, it is very exciting when we finally see our dream come true. "I am banded!" Yes, it is thrilling to see the initial burst of rapid weight loss after surgery. "This is really going to work!" Yes, we do find ourselves wrapped up in thoughts of nutrition, exercise, bandster habits.. portions.. rules, etc. And yes, all of the newness does level out over a period of time. BUT! and this is a very big BUT! Just because the newness wears off, it does not mean the band is going to stop working. Nor does it mean that we are all going to give up and go back to making poor choices. This is NOT something that is inevitable. This is merely something that is being said by those who have slipped into old habits and found themselves frustrated. And, rather than pulling themselves up by their bootstraps and taking the sound advice of those who are achieving wonderful success with their bands, they choose to be negative... claiming that the only reason this person is having any success is because they are in the "honeymoon phase" and that eventually they will fail too.<O:p <O:p I don't know about the rest of you, but I got my band to help me overcome a lifetime of bad habits, emotional addictions, and self serving attitudes. This band will only help me restrict quantities. It will not instantly change my bad habits, rid me of emotional addictions, or change my self serving attitudes. That is up to me, and NOW is the time to take on those things in myself... while I have this little marvel inside of me, saving me from eating myself to death. This is why people like Big Paul grab us by the shoulders and shake us hard, telling us to take advantage of this time and take care of our WHOLE SELVES. For if we don't, we may end up feeling disappointed when we realize that we haven't grown, we haven't learned, we haven't changed a damn thing. We are still faced with the same self-defeating problems that brought us in search of a solution in the first place. And some may label this as the end of the "honeymoon phase". I hope this is making sense to someone out there who needed to hear it. If not, thanks for allowing me the opportunity to vent about it, because it's been eating at me for some time now. <O:p I sincerely pray that each of us will find the ability to see truth, the willingness to embrace it, and the courage to let it change us.

Here are a couple of awesome threads that will be very helpful to anyone who is about to be banded. Click on the links to open them. Post-op Checklists - Things to have before surgery http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=14814 LAPBAND Questions to ask!!!! http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=15595

I know this may sound contrary to what you'd think would be logical, but I think you need to go get a slight unfill. Being so tight that you are constantly struggilng to eat good solid foods can lead to eating liquid calories and softer foods that are easier to get through the band. If you were able to eat fish and chicken, good solid protein, you would actually have the full feeling that helps fight that head hunger. My suggestions would be as follows: 1. Get enough of an unfil so you can live without PBs. 2. Make yourself go outside and walk a little bit each day. I don't know your circumstances or your physical abilities, but even if you can't walk far... walk as much as you can without pain. Getting your blood pumping and that fresh air in your lungs will help with the "depression" you're feeling. 3. Get rid of all foods in your house that are high in carbs, sugars, or flour. Sure, you can always just go out and get that stuff if you are that determined, but it does help when it's not at your fingertips, calling out to you from the kitchen. 4. Start your day with protein. Do you like cottage cheese? I have found that if I start my day with carbs, such as oatmeal or Fiber One cereal (although both are good for you) I will be eating like a fool all day. But, when I have 1/2 cup of low fat cottage cheese with 1/2 cup of canned peaches (light syrup) the rest of my day seems to be easily controlled. 5. Be aware of the foods that typically cause bandsters problems and avoid them. I was a dough freak before banding. My biggest fear was giving up my breads and pastas. I haven't had one bite of either since banding. I refuse to even try. I'm happy to believe that they will cause me pain. It's a enforced eating modification that I welcome. I had all the bread and pasta I wanted for the first 49 years of my life. I'm ready to give that up to have something I've never had - good health and a nice figure! It is very hard to get out of slumps, but very worth it when you can do the "simple" things that make such huge differences in your mental and physical states.

Mary, that is such a cute dress!! I don't think you're asking too much. Go for it, girl! :confused:

Ah ha! Thanks 3Loves :confused:

Leah, what's the SSS club you asked about. I haven't heard of it, but I'll be glad to help ya, if I can.