serenity55

Hello all! Neenornina, welcome. I haven't been here for very long, but it's a great place with a terrific bunch of people. Where in the UK are you from? I've been to England twice and would love to go again. Not much happening here, but I have a question. A friend and coworker says she's interested in having the mini gastric bypass. She doesn't want the band because she's not interested in getting fills. I don't think she's done much, if any, research--she didn't seem to know a lot, and I think she's probably looking for a quick fix, because she's hoping it will help her eat fewer sweets. I'm just curious if anyone knows what the procedure is. I posted this on the Other Weight Loss Forum, and hope that maybe between the two I'll get an answer. She's going to a seminar this weekend, has been through nutrition classes and counseling before, but she says her kids talked her out of having anything done. . I took my pictures to my friend at work, and she's promised to post them for me. When she lets me know, I'll tell you all. I'll be interested in your comments. (I think!) LOL! Debbie

Good evening, It has been raining off and on all week, but I went for my walks anyway. It's been nice because it's cooler too. I showed some of my coworkers before and after pics of me--some that weren't there before I got my band. I love the reaction. I went to find a friend of mine who was banded and who promised to help me post my pics, but she'd left for the day. The nerve! :thumbup: Suzie, your walk sounds awesome! If I lived in a place like a lot of y'all do, I'd walk like that too. Night all. Debbie

Hey! thank you Michelle. I'm glad you enjoy the music. My original CD features piano, but I added other stuff, too. Most people who listen to it say it's very relaxing, which is nice. I'm glad you're feeling better and your voice is back. A little more rest and you'll be back to normal. Doesn't look like you're going to get that this weekend, though, does it? I went shopping with my roomy and her niece, came back and went on the treadmill. I haven't done that in quite a while, and it feels good. Talk to y'all later! Debbie

Hi everyone, Tracy, I had a hysterectomy eight years ago, and afterwards I'd just sit in my office and burst in to tears for no reason. I think I've mentioned that my therapist said she thought my depression was chemical. I started taking Celexa, and may have to for the rest of my life. You have my sympathy; I know what it's like to try to suck it up, and wind up crying anyway. Believe me, I did a lot of that. Huge hugs to you. Michelle, no voice? I've always wanted that, and have never lost mine. I hope it doesn't hurt, and I hope you're feeling better. Kat, I missed you too. It's good to hear that everything went well. You seem like a truly kind person and what you and Rick did for that man just confirms that for me. Suzie, glad all your appointments went well, and glad too that you don't have to have the hernia procedure done right away. Cindy, those baked beans do sound yummy, and I've never really been a big fan! Angela, it's always just a joy to read your posts, no matter what you write. Ok, I'm a little slow. Do you work at Wal-Mart? Is that why you and Tracy have seen each other there? Jenn, weren't you supposed to have some tlc--was it this weekend, or last? I can't imagine how exhausted you are, but what a great job! Hey Plain, how's life? Shar, I think you mentioned rain, or the fact that it was cool in northern Ohio? Like Michelle, I wish we had something like that here. It was pretty hot at the beginning of the week, but I still did my mile walk before work. It's going to be a pretty quiet weekend for me. I'm going to play again on Sunday at the hospital. I usually play on the first and third Sundays, but my schedule was thrown off because I had other stuff to do, so I'm trying to get back on track. Hope I didn't miss anyone. Everybody have a good night. Debbie

Apologies. I went back and read posts again, and the toy party hasn't happened yet. Sorry. Also, I may not have been too clear, but it's my brother that has cancer. Kat, when you come back, you'll know that I miss you too You're all a great group of people--haven't said that lately. :smile:. Debbie

Hi everybody, I'm at lunch. My supervisor doesn't let me have a computer at my desk, because he says there's not enough room. I think he's just evil. He's nice enough except when it comes to that. there's enough down time between calls sometimes that i could check emails--all work related, of course! :yesnod: Suzie, I'm glad you know what I mean about how good it feels. I've only been at this hospital for a year, but I think I'll keep playing there for quite some time. At least, I hope so. Take care of that back. Tracy, my screenreader didn't say a thing, so I'll have to make it tell me what happened! :smile: I'm taking antidepressants, have been for quite some time. My therapist told me for years that my depression is chemical, and I have to say that since I got over myself and started taking them, I feel better. I don't just sit, not able to function now. I guess it takes the edge off. I'm sending you huge cyberhugs, and hoping that you work through everything, and come out on the other side. Plain, I have an original CD on cdbaby.com. If you enter my name, I forget if I have Debbie or just D, and my last name, Lawrence, you should find me. The CD is called Life Tides. (you'll also get to see what I look like, but just remember those pictures are kind of old! Not that my looks have improved any! LOL!) Debbie

Hi Sammy! Congratulations on getting your band! I'm not sure I can answer the questions you have about the burping, but I would guess that does go away. You had surgery three days ago? Your tummy may still be swollen from the procedure, and it could be gas that's causing the burping. Maybe someone who knows will come along to answer that one! :smile: As for feeling overwhelmed about what to buy? Did your surgeon give you a list of the things you could or couldn't have? I was allowed Soups (creamy ones. I ate butternut squash, and tomato bisque, for example), yogurt, sugar free puddings and popcicles, coffee or tea, neither of which I drink, Protein shakes, and of course all the Water I could drink. (Actually I was told 64 ounces. I don't like yogurt, either!) LOL! It can be hard these first few weeks, but hang in there, and be sure to let us know how you're doing! I hope this helps. ! Debbie

Hi Rose, Over thinking things is something I can relate to, especially when it comes to surgery. I'm terrified of breathing tubes, needles, but tend not to worry about what's going to happen after it's over. I find it really helpful to come here and share my thoughts, or read those of others. It seemed that I wasn't the only one thinking about the what ifs, and am I sure. I hope you will find as much support, information and encouragement as I have. Good luck! Debbie

Hi Donna, :smile: I think you've come to the right place for support and encouragement. When I decided to get my lap band, I came here and read a lot, and asked questions. If your surgeon has support meetings for bandsters I would suggest you try to go if you can. I've made friends that way, and it's nice to have people in your area that maybe you can connect with. If that's not possible, or even if it is, this web site is fantastic. I can't tell you how helpful it has been for me. So keep posting, and keep reading. Be sure to let us know how everything is going. It was really helpful for me to come here and talk, and complain when things weren't going so well. Good luck, and congratulations for starting the process! Debbie

Hey Deana, congratulations on your weight loss! Glad you found us. This really is an awesome place! Welcome to LBT! Debbie!:smile:

Hi Lynn, First of all, welcome to lap band talk. What exactly are you scared of? The surgery? What will happen after? How you're going to deal with it all? I can tell you that lots of us, me included, were scared before the surgery, for those reasons and even more than I've mentioned. So you're not alone. Just let us know what you're afraid of, and we'll try to do our best to give you some reassurance. Debbie

Hi all, Yesterday I went to my sister's and spent time with her, my brother-in-law, nephew and my brother. He's doing well, has had his first round of chemo. He'll be taking it for six months, and if in February the cancer hasn't spread, they're going to take out his pancreas. He's in good spirits. It was good to see him and give him long hugs. Every other Sunday I volunteer at the hospital where I got my band. I was so tired lasst night--transportation problems getting home--that I didn't think I would go, but I'm glad I did. It sounds kind of corny, but it's rewarding for me to feel like I'm making people feel good, even if it's just for a little while. I got a really nice letter from the executive director saying they've received so many positive comments about "how warm and soothing" my music is, and people have come up saying that I make them cry, and other things that fill me with wonder, for lack of a better phrase. Suzanne, I've never been to a toy party either, but I'll bet it was fun, and as someone else says, you sure would have figured it out! :smile: I hadn't heard of scentsy parties until a friend of mine mentioned it just this week, would you believe? I might have to ask my coworker about them. Jenn, glad you're going to get some tlc soon. Night all. Debbie

Evening all, Kat, have a safe trip, and enjoy those grandsons, and Kinsey! Pretty low key weekend for me. Tomorrow I'm getting my hair done, and going to my sister's. She doesn't live far from my hairdresser. I'm hoping to see my brother--the one with cancer. My sister says he's doing well, walking, and complaining of boredom. He has his second chemo treatment this Monday. Sunday I'll play for about three hours at the hospital where I was banded. I know I just had a vacation, but I really need another one! Everyone have a good night! Debbie

You all are crackin' me up! Irene, just because you're no longer a bandster doesn't mean you shouldn't come by and visit! Especially after all the great things you said about the band! Jenn, we'll be waiting on Saturday to see what the doctor says. I don't get up at the butt-crack of dawn, but it's pretty damn close Ya know, they used to give me a little more when I played for the annual meetings, and it was just this time they gave me the gift card, and nothing more. We're not getting raises this year, either, so I guess it's the economy. That's OK, I'll take the $100! Everybody have a good night Debbie!!

Irene, I wish you nothing but more success. You reached out to me before I was banded, and I'll never forget that. I'm so jealous of all y'all getting together in Texas. Someone send me a tape--or CD! (hahaha!) Sounds like you're gonna have heaps of fun! The lunch went well today. Everyone is always appreciative, stopping me to tell me how much they enjoy the music. There are lots of chairs set up in this room--chairs and tables--so imagine, if you will, this blind woman walking through without killing herself! (There were at least 200 people there.). I stayed pretty close to the wals, and only got a couple of plants in my hair! LOL! And they gave me a $100 Visa gift certificate to spend where ever I want to! Pretty freakin' awesome! (I went in before the crowd got there, otherwise I'd never have attempted it, not with people's chairs pulled out, and them standing around the way sighted folks do!) :smile2:! Everybody be good! (hahahahahahahahahaha!!!) Debbie

Kat, I just read your last post. I really hope it won't dampen your spirits too much, because you're going to see the boys. As for Rick's niece, I'm with you. She won't ever get her act together if they try to bail her out. Alcoholics and drug addicts are cunning, and they'll continue down the path of destruction until they decide they've had enough. It just causes more heartache for their loved ones. My father was an alcoholic, as are a couple of my sisters, and one of them was doing drugs for awhile. I don't know if she still is, I haven't spoken to her, but that's a story for another time. I'll send positive thoughts that you're able to enjoy your trip in spite of everything.

Hi all, Shar I know what you mean about the getting back in to the right mindset. I feel like I've lost mine, mind that is, sometimes. But I got on the scale this morning, and had only gained one pound, which is amazing when I think of the junk I've been eating, meaning sweets. Michelle, you are a courageous, strong woman. You're still working, doesn't matter if it's just a few hours. I know you may be thinking you have no choice, but that doesn't make you any less courageous. Angela, I'm truly sorry to hear about your uncle. I will definitely keep him, and you, and the entire family in my thoughts. Kat, glad you're going to see your grandsons! Bet they'll be just as excited to see their grammy! Tracy, I live in southern California, in Van Nuys, which is a suburb northwest of L.A Suzie, you go ahead on, with your bad self! You'll be my inspiration to keep moving in spite of everything. Jenn, I hope you feel better, but it doesn't sound like you're going to be able to get much rest. Please be as gentle as you can with yourself, OK? Hope I haven't missed anyone. (Hey, Plain!) Tomorrow the place I work is having their annual meeting, which means lots of donors and the board of directors and a fancy lunch, for which I'll get to play. They pay me too, which is nice. I've been treated like sort of a celebrity there, and it gets me away from the board for a couple of hours. When I recorded a CD of original music, the organization bought 150, and people still talk about it. . It's kinda nice. Everyone have a good evening. Kat, what did you make for dinner? You asked for suggestions. (I went on the computer at work, but couldn't answer because my lunch hour was almost up.) Debbie

Jenn, glad you're OK!

Oh, Michelle, I'm so sorry! My younger sister has Lupus, and although I've read some things about it, I still feel that I don't understand much. I'm sending you gentle hugs, and will keep you in my thoughts as well as sending support, like everyone else. When you can't be strong, let us hold you up. Kat, just reading your post pisses me off and it's not even happening to me. It really bugs me when good, hardworking people are taken advantage of, because that's what it seems like to me. Sorry your headache is coming back. Take care of yourself, girl; you just got better. . Suzie, you're home and busy! Sounds like you'll need another vacation before long! :-) Jenn, Cindy, Angela and Shar, be good! LOL Oh, and you too, Plain, especially! :-) Debbie

Hey everybody, It feels so good to say that I don't eat the way I should and know that y'all understand. My meals have been healthy, it's the stuff in between that's crap. (How many calories in M&'M's?) I went to a memorial service today for a former coworker and friend. She drove me to work for 7 years, and went above and beyond what a human resources director should have. There were sandwiches, broccoli, potato and pasta salads, and chocolate cake, carrot cake, which I don't like, red velvet cake, and a white cake, all home made. I had the chocolate. It was fan freakin' tastic! I loved reading about the last part of your trip, Suzie. Like just about everybody else, I wish I could have been with you all, it does sound like fun. And the comments about the pics? Hmmm!! I don't want to be too much of a downer, but I was feeling just a little anxious, I guess before the memorial, and now that it's over, I'm better. I still have to deal with my feelings around my brother's cancer. And I need to get my butt in gear and find somewhere to play. I need money! I can pay my bills, but I don't have much after that, and that sucks. But all of you are awesome; I can't tell you how much it means to me to feel a part of this fantastic group of women--and man! Becoming a part of this thread was the best thing I could have done for myself. Michelle, your doctor's appointment is tomorrow, isn't it? Let us know how things go. And I'm truly sorry that your sister has had to deal with the things she's gone through. I will keep her, and you, in my thoughts. Jenn, Kat, Tracy, Cindy, Shar, take care of yourselves! Angela, I'm sorry to hear about your house. That's got to be overwhelming. Plain, how ya doin'?! Debbie

Evening all, Just dropping by to say hey. Nothing going on, unless you count the one person that really ticked me off on the switchboard today. Oh yes, and I ate a couple handfuls of M&M peanuts. And I wonder why I can't lose! *sigh* But I did go for my walk today, one mile. Glad y'all had a good time last night, Kat, Suzanne and Terri. Plain, thanks for the description. You were one of the peeps who answered my thread a million years ago. Michelle, I hope you're doing all right. Jenn, I've been to New York, and hope to get back soon. Don't know when, though. Actually, I'd love to travel the way Suzanne and Darrell are doing. Thanks Tracy for the description. Let us know how you're doing, OK? Hi Angela, Shar, and anyone else I've missed.

Suzie, I just started writing when you were at Disneyland. I'm sorry, too; it would have been a great excuse for me to meet you there, somehow, because I haven't been there in years, and the good news is that I'd probably fit much more comfortably on all the rides. I love your description of yourself, and I'm looking forward to getting to know you, and everyone. Michelle, I'm so sorry you're in pain. I'm glad you checked in, and glad too that you went on FB; it means you're not disappearing, which is good. You're probably the closest to me, and I don't think you'd want me to come up and check on you in person! Hahahaha!! Cindy, does it hurt to talk? You poor thing! I really hope you start feeling better soon. Your students are pretty lucky to have you as a teacher. And crazy is good! :-) Angela, your personality comes across in your posts. You seem like you'd be a great person to know. Thank you for your description, too. Hi Shar. Hi Plain, whenever you drop by! Kat, Suzie and Terry--hope I'm not misspelling that--have a great time. Well, you're probably winding it up, but if not, party on, y'all! Jenn, congratulations! You go girl! Thank you all for accepting me. You really are a terrific group! Debbie

Howdy! Thanks Jenn and Kat for the descriptions. Kat, you're right; you ladies are gorgeous! And Jenn's right, you're good! OK, I guess it's my turn. I'm African-American, though I refer to myself as black, or as a friend of mine in England said, "Maybe you're just a citizen of the world." My hairdresser says my hair is a sable brown, almost black. I have a perm, which for me means straightening it. I wish it would grow, but it doesn't seem to want to cooperate. It's about shoulder length. My eyes are dark brown, but because I have cataracts they have a filmy appearance. The friend of a friend said, "She has really unusual eyes," to which my friend responded, "She's blind, fool!" I thought that was funny. I used to wear dark glasses all the time until someone said, "Take them off, I want to see your face." My family used to make me feel that I had to wear glasses; my friends taught me that it didn't matter to them. I'm five five, and am solid, but I feel my fat around my stomach. I think I could live with anything if I could just get rid of that. Although I have a perm, I curl my hair for work, or sometimes just wear it in a scrunchy--I have different colors to match my clothes. I do wear dresses sometimes to work, but lately I've been wearing pants more and more because the switchboard is not out where the public can see me. I've been told I have a beautiful smile, and a flawless complexion, probably the only two things I can really be proud of. Since I've lost weight, my hands are smaller, and my fingers really are long and slender, perfect for playing the piano. Debbie

Who was it that said you were all gorgeous? I can't remember, So I'm offering a challenge. I posted this as a thread somewhere, but I think it would be fun if y'all want to describe what you look like. I keep threatening to have someone post pics of me, but I'm not really where I want to be, as you know, since you've all read my last novela--uh, post--and that's kept me from really trying too hard. Anyway, Michelle, I think you kinda know what I look like. But if anyone wants to describe what they look like, I'd love it, and I'll try to do the same, or maybe just get my butt in gear and have someone post pics. Night! Debbie.

Evening everyone, I have to weigh in--pun intended--on not losing weight. I was so jazzed when I got my band, so determined to be the best bandster I could be, and the scale isn't moving. I know why. It's not that I'm eating as many sweets as I used to, but I'm not making the right choices, burritos, pasta, crap like that. Jenn, you said in one of your earlier posts that you suck. Not true. The guy who gets you is gonna be one lucky dude. I used to wonder what was wrong with me, why no guy was ever attracted to me. I've had a couple of boyfriends, but nothing that lasted, and I figured it was because I was blind, but so was one of the guys I dated, so there goes that theory. By the way, I'm glad you guys laughed, Jenn and Kat. I think it's important for us to laugh at ourselves, and each other, too. Anyway, I have a long way to go in this weight thing, and with my brother's illness it's just one more reason for me to not feel motivated. But my friend Ariane will go walking with me at work--there's a track there and we walk at least a mile before work. I also have a resistance program a personal trainer friend set up for us. Have I done that? Hell no! *sigh* Debbie