TheGh0st

Yup, back to work full time, Pretty much at least. Yesterday & today I was 15-30 min late getting in but everyone is being good about it. Joking that they are just glad I'm not in my PJ's anymore. I could probably stop the pain pills altogether but have been taking 2-3 pills a day. The pain has never been more than a mild sit-up cramp pain since the drains came out last Wednesday. Even then its only when I first try to get up after sitting a while, or if I push myself and am up for too long (over 1 hour doing VERY light housework or walking I'd guess). Yes Mazziemommy, I am the one that was working my left arm with massage that I saw on TV a couple months ago. I've only done it a handful of times in the last 3 weeks and then for less than a minute. I was a bit curious if stopping the massage would cause my arm to "re-sag" but it actually seems to be another 1/4" smaller. I never really started in on my right arm with any earnest effort. And have massaged it only a handful of times in total. I've also "brushed" it with a boar's bristle hairbrush several times per some other hairbrained report I saw on the internet. Surprisingly it has gone down about 1/2" since I started any effort on it last month. The down side to the whole massage thing has been that I put too much effort in it at the beginning and did something to my right shoulder. I'm not sure if I just pinched a nerve or actually damaged the rotator cuff by hyper extending my right shoulder to massage my left arm. Either way it hurts most days. Sometimes bad enough it effects my sleep, sending shooting pains all the way down my arm. Needless to say this has kind of scared me about doing similar damage to my other shoulder. Though I will say the Physical Therapy that my doc ordered on my shoulder will be covered by insurance unlike an arm lift. Now if I could only find the time to fit than in with everything else. I don't really think that massaging your arms should cause shoulder pain for others. I think I just pushed it too hard at the start and I've also got fairly short arms compared to even others my height (so I'm told) so just reaching the other arm properly was a bit difficult. My other issue with the whole massage thing is that I've had several people express interest but so far only one has reported back that they've tried it and seen any results so far. No one else has said it didn't work either but still hardly enough evidence to make a judgement on whether it really works or was some strange fluke. I can try to post pics of my arms as well if you want. But it looks like you guys might have to wait until next week for them. My neighbor who took the first pics left her camera at her parents last weekend and my follow up with the doc isn't until next Wednesday. Unless ofcourse someone here is desperate enough and close enough to consider helping me take the pics.

I know what you mean about the clothes. I hate the idea that I'm looking at buying a whole new wardrobe just to have it replaced again after my Breast Reduction next year. I'm sure you can get him to come round in time for the surgery. I don't know what your clothing budget is like but you could alway argue that is an added cost he hasn't considered. Good Luck

Great Link Mrs Husker. Thanks for the info.

I absolutely LOVE my electric throw blanket but for the bed my suggestio is to get a heated mattress pad instead of the blanket. We've had that for years now. It has dual controls for either side of the bed and is designed to get warmer from around your knees down. DH & I have just switched rolls on who turns it on the higher setting and at what times of year. It's hard for me to believe when we were first married we actually managed to have a window freeze open because I needed some "fresh air" at night to breathe.

Paulax - Congrats on breaking into the 80's!!!

NO KIDDING!!! What about the good old "If you only did a few sit-ups"? If I hear that one more time I feel I could go "POSTAL" - You know in some small part that may be why I've been willing to show my PS pics online, even e-mailing them to a few family members and family. As some sort of "proof" to others that I really did need it. NOT THAT IT WAS ANY OF THERE BUSINESS TO BEGIN WITH OFCOURSE!

Yeah, Some of my family and friends are starting to treat me like I'm being selfish for wanting to actually get down to a healthy BMI range. Unfortunately, I have to admit I buy into this one from time to time (feeling personally selfish, NOT thinking others are selfish) I start doubting whether I should continue to work as hard to lose or just "be happy" with where I'm at now and focus on maintaining. Ultimately I think the real answer for me is to learn to accept and love myself for who/what I am NOW, WHILE I continue to strive towards that ultimate healthy BMI target. I'm not as messed up as this post may imply, every day the head issues do get better and better but they are still there for now.

Great thread. Thought it ought to be in RNR at first but after reading it through I think this is the perfect place for it! 2+ years out and my MIL still keeps asking when I'm going to have it removed so I can start eating healthy again (like her). This coming from a woman I always thought was thin in her size 12 jeans (me in size 24-26). Now I'm a size 10 and still shrinking she's still a 12 (which btw I'm not insulting that size, I still think she looks thin) but she has high BP and her Cholesterol is over 300! Can anyone tell me why she honestly thinks she is the one eating more healthy?

Thanks for the info. I like TheGh0st most days but sometimes seeing other peoples interesting names I'm tempted to change mine to something more interesting.

and why am I responding to posts that had nothing to do with me to start with? But then if I can't do it in RNR where can I, right?

OK all you Perv's :heh:! I'll do my best to get you some updated pics this week instead of waiting until after Nov. 7th. And wish me luck all. I've told work I intend on trying to be back to full time starting tomorrow.

OK All I'm sorry for quoting so many people and editing so much of there original posts. But just to be a Devil's Advocate here on the Rants and Rave board, I thought I'd post that even though I CAN see how some here have might read phyllisc's post negatively. I chose to read it as simply trying to be supportive of SSDiva's personal positive self esteem at her current weight when some (I repeat SOME) people aren't lucky enough to have as good a self esteem no matter what weight they are. Though I have to add I can't say I've met a single person here on LBT that I would ever point to as "proof" of someone with an unhealthy self-esteem, DEFINITELY NOT any one of the posters I have seen here so far, with the possible exception of myself. I know I struggle daily with the "where am I?", "where am I going", "where do I need to be" and worst of all the "how will I recognize it if I ever get there?"'s I pray everyday to find the strength to be happy where I'm at while I continue to decide where I need/want to be. I worry that I may never be satisfied with who I am no matter how matter how far the scale moves. I don't find Jachut or Chickie TOO Thin nor have I read anyone here's post as intentionally trying to say that. Even though I know some cruel people have done this to them in PM's and elsewhere. NOR do I consider anyone who chooses to remain at a higher BMI as failures and again I don't believe Chickie, Jachut or anyone else here has intentionally tried to say that either. OK - I'll duck now while everyone takes there shots at me. (Why, oh why, do I like these Rants and Raves areas when they are so much trouble?:drama::biggrin1:)

OMG!!! I had the same thing happen just a couple weeks ago with the undies. Both the double take on wondering just who's undies were the ones that now fit me and then deciding it high time I toss out those double sized drawers.

Hmmm...Interesting... Very Interesting... Do you lose your posting history and restart at zero count or does it just transfer all the history over?

How about a frozen frut pop? Would that help or a no sugar added frozen fruit dessert? If your doctor will allow it I like to blend a cold chocolate Protein drink with half a frozen banana. That might also feel good on your throat. Once he clears you for soft foods like puddings I love freezing SF chocolate pudding with some Protein powder mixed in until its the consistency of soft serve icecream. I stir in just a little Peanut Butter to take the edge off the fake chocolate taste, but I've heard of others stirring in things like a pinch of instant coffee instead. Good luck this phase will be over before you know it.

Hey there BooBoo - I know I just had PS and all but I can completely relate. I have battled the same 5 pounds for over 10 months! Even now post surgery I'm no lighter though they say its due to swelling. And according to the BMI charts I am still not considered to be in the "normal" healthy range of weight for my height. I am 81% of my way to get to a BMI of 25, and only 72% of the way to get to the same BMI you've listed as your goal ticker. I've only mention the second % for comparison's sake. I realize each of our goals are a very personal issue. Just to be a devil's advocate I will say your current BMI is under 25 and as such would classify you as having gone more than 100% of the way in some people's eyes. But then again the ONLY eyes that matter are yours and I am NOT trying to imply your goal is too low. It is yours and yours alone to set. Honestly, part of me still wishes that someday I'm re-evaluating my goals and bringing mine in line with yours. Then the other part kicks in and wishes I could just be happy where I was at and quit striving for more. I realize for me a lot of the problem lies in motivational or head issues as well as exercise. I only walk 1-2 times a week for 1-3 miles, barely working up a sweat (or not). More than that I've been falling back on some old bad habits. The form they take today is nothing like pre-band but they are still unhealthy. Pre-band I might have ate an entire frozen pizza and a pint of Ben & Jerry's with Fudge & Peanuts added in, PLUS all my day's normal overly large meals. Today I might eat the top off 1/3 of that pizza and 1/4th of the pint of Ben & Jerry's (still with the fudge and peanuts added on and maybe some chocolate Protein Powder mixed in for good measure) but now not only is that less than half of what I ate before on those "bad" days it generally ends up being the only thing I eat for the day. Not healthy by any stretch of the imagination but still if its not a daily occurance much better than my pre-band diet. It seems from watching this site that those who have made it to whatever they call 100% did it through the good old standby of healthy diet and lots of exercise. Something I just have not yet been able to incorporate into my life the way some would say I should. Sorry if I didn't have any great advice. Right now I'm more focused on trying to decide if I can be satisfied with where I'm at. But I'll be watching this thread with interest to see if anyone else out there can get my head back into this game.

I keep thinkin can this really be me? Have I really turned into one of the skinny Bi#@es that are always cold? I've actually used a small heater under my desk already this year and I bought an electric throw blanket to use in front of the TV at night. I can remember being outside in nothing but a sweater on a day that was in the mid 40's pre-band and thinkin what's all the fuss about it being cold? This is just a nice brisk day. This year there have actually been many times this summer I complained to my husband he had the airconditioner set to cold even in the car.

My DH & I are still battling over the thermostat. ONLY now I'm the one turning it up hotter and he keeps turning it colder. UHGHH!!!:faint::biggrin1:

Love this thread - Will have to scan it from start to finish when I've got more time. My real name is Diane. TheGhost comes from the fact that the last name of my favorite Grandma (God rest her soul) was Casper. I always liked that name better than my maiden name and always felt an affinity towards Casper....THEGHOST because of it. It also has suited me as I've spent most of my life either depressed because I felt like I was or depressed because I was wishing I was, invisible. A little off subject in highschool I use to frequently sign pictures with a symbol of a cube with a "-0" in it as I felt like a square peg who both a Social Zero as well as someone who was "too smart" getting no marks taken off much of my homework. Sometimes I'd like to change my ID to something more related to the band or my evolving & blossoming life with the band but after 2 years I'm pretty stuck with this one.

Thanks for asking. I'm actually feeling pretty great. My drains came out Wednesday. Boy that hurt. Not a 10 on the pain scale but definitely an 8+. It was pretty quick though and the nurse was great. Shed had a tummy tuck herself 4 years ago so she understands what I'm going through and is able to answer my questions better than someone who has only watched people go through it. I'd say my energy level has nearly doubled since the drains came out. I'm still not 100% back to my presurgery levels but I'd rate it at 80% or better. I'm also finally out of my pj's and back into my old jeans. A little bummed that they are still a bit tight and not falling off of me yet. But the nurse said it took nearly 3 months before the swelling came down enough for her to need to start buying smaller clothes. Julie, are you out there? How long did it take you? I will say they fit better, they are snug but in an all over way not like before where I could have swore it looked like I was wearing a small fanney pack under my jeans. I am 17 days out from surgery now. And the incision is doing pretty well. Today is the first day I'm trying to go without any gauze along it. It's fairly well healed with only a couple small scabs, and a few blisters from a reaction to the steri-strips. I'm a little torn as to whether to get my neighbor to take a couple pics now for everyone to see or if I should just wait 2 weeks until my 1-month post op visit at the doc where they will be taking some after pics and the blisters have had time to settle.

Mariposa - You and your entire extended family are in my thoughts and prayers. I feel for what you are going through. Not being in that household there is just no way for you to know what was really going on much less any of us. I agree with everyone. All you can do is be there for your daughter. Try to support her as best you can. Another avenue for outside help may be CASA though I'm not sure if they would get involved since she is not a direct party to the allegations. Still they are a great resource. Sticking my neck out ever further I'd say no matter how much you may grow to believe in his innocence (or guilt) as a his ex you need to stay as clear of his case as you possibly can. Support your daughter's support or lack of support of him wholeheartedly but don't get sucked into the middle of the actual legal proceedings. Longterm I just can't see any good coming of that. Not that I'm suggesting you would or that I have any grounds for giving this advice. I'm sure you will handle this the best it can be under the circumstances. We are all here for you.

Perfect Ticker! I can't believe how fantastic you are doing already. Keep up the great work! You know its strange there are people out there like Jachut & JulieNYC that are my heroes and I look to them as what I can only dream of being someday, it still feels lightyears away most days. But I also look towards bandsters like yourself for motivation. Your energy and enthusiasm (spell?) for this journey you have just begun is addictive and helps me when I feel like dragging my feet on this last leg of my own journey. I look forward to seeing you around and watching your future successes.

OMG!!! I could have written that post verbatum. My MIL and god knows I love her. Has been driving me absolutely nuts for practically the last two years of this band-journey. If she isn't on my case about "when are you going to start eating normal/healthy again?" then she is either making "joking" threats about beating me up if I regain my weight or telling me yet again how all I really need to do is read that god awful book "Why French women aren't fat." If I hear one more freaking thing about French women and how they are so blankety blank perfect I might have a coronary. (This also crosses over to a completely off topic book about how French women potty train their kids as infants rather than toddlers - I am just not going there) I actually did blow up at her over this same issue back on 4th of July in 2006 in the middle of a party no foul language but was yelling at her to drop it until she left crying (so unlike me) and here it is the fall of 2007 and she is still on about the same issues. I'm at my wit's end with her I tell you. Funny thing is even though we still have these roles to play where I'm the chubby flawed one and she's the healthy and fit one giving me her words of wisdom. I looked in her closet the last time I visited and realized all her trousers/jeans were 2 sizes larger than mine. OK she is a few inches taller, but still once my swelling goes down it will be an even bigger difference. Not too mention her High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol that is beyond through the roof. Last I heard it was still over 300! No joke. I do lover her and its not the size that matters or bothers me. Its the constantly trying to treat me like this band is just another "phase" and that I need to find another cure for what ails me. Personally I think I'm feeling healthier than I have at probably any time in my life. Hmmmm maybe she ought to start asking me for advise. OK I'll step down from the podium and let someone else vent now.

Hey Tami - glad to see you hear too.

There is a website TickerFactory.com that has a bunch of tickers to choose from. Once you've made the ticker it gives you several strings of code to choose from for copying and pasting into signature line on Lapbandtalk. BUT!!! to be honest I've never figured out how to make that work myself. Instead I just highlight the picture of the ticker I made that they have at the top right click on my mouse and hit copy then paste that picture directly into my signature line on Lapbandtalk.com's User CP screen. Oh and one other tip for some reason it won't let me highlight the picture unless I start on the end of the line above it. If I click just to the left of the ticker it acts like I'm not allowed to highlight it. Go figure. Of course if you figure out the "right" way to do it feel free to let me know.