A1ikou

Wednesday didn't turn out so good! I woke up with a cold sore as a result of my constantly dripping nose! Decided this must be allergies finally cos I'm much better indoors than out. never had allergies of any kind before :cry How did I know it was a cold sore..my glands in my neck were swollen to drain the fluid from it - always happens to me. Now my nose is sore, my neck is sore and my lip is sore. My foot is swollen from walking in the heat and the left one refuses to go down. Add to that for some unknown reason my blood pressure rocketed last night..from 110/69 to 162/88 and I'm just not a happy bunny :think Today, all is status quo with neck and cold sore...foot is beig rested and BP has dropped a little -down to 140/72 but still has a way to go. Still not a happy bunny :cry

I am so white I make milk look tanned! I lived in Northern England most of my life so it never bothered me. Then I met DH and moved to Greece. Now my paleness makes me laugh. I stay out of the sun full stop (why bother to go red and then white again). However I confuse the heck out of everyone when I go home to the UK and I'm the palest of everyone in the airport and I'm the one that lives here!:Banane13: My skin is in good condition at 39 and to be honest I've just accepted tanning is not for me and as of yet there isn't a band to help me fix this :Banane11:

Wednesday didn't turn out so good! I woke up with a cold sore as a result of my constantly dripping nose! Decided this must be allergies finally cos I'm much better indoors than out. never had allergies of any kind before :cry How did I know it was a cold sore..my glands in my neck were swollen to drain the fluid from it - always happens to me. Now my nose is sore, my neck is sore and my lip is sore. My foot is swollen from walking in the heat and the left one refuses to go down. Add to that for some unknown reason my blood pressure rocketed last night..from 110/69 to 162/88 and I'm just not a happy bunny :think Today, all is status quo with neck and cold sore...foot is beig rested and BP has dropped a little -down to 140/72 but still has a way to go. Still not a happy bunny :cry

Oh you poor thing...((((((((((hugs)))))))))) I am so very sorry that this has been your journey so far. You seem to have dealt with everything with courage and resilience and I am amazed that only now you sound as though you are at wits end...not surprising! Your would is now healing well and you have a doc to keep it that way for you. Once that is over and done with you can take a little time to get your breath back and go and chase your dream again. With your strength, there's no reason to believe next time it will be the same...next time dreams will come true. All best wishes Alison

We finally got into Athens today. I wasn't sure last night if we would go 'cos my foot was swollen and my knee aching from the extra walking. This morning when I woke up, things were better and the weather was gorgeous so I said we'd go. I had a bit of a bad food day yesterday (fresh baked bread and butter and then later chocolate!) and so wanted to make up a little. Now getting a taxi in Athens is an adventure in itself believe you me :help: You have to wave them down and then shout like crazy through the window where you want to go. If they like the look of you they might say Ok and in you get. Otherwise you stand like a Wilbur on the pavement as he merrily drives off to find someone else! You can pre-book them but a) it costs more and it takes away from the fun So mum and I stood here and there and then here again and tried for a good 20mins. Finally an empty cab came and after checking his watch (morning traffic is a nightmare) decided we were OK and in we got. Now, even after 6yrs here my Greek aint perfect. I can talk real good (talking never was a problem ask the chat room gals) but still need more vocab to understand everything others say. Me and the taxi driver got on just fine and were laughing and joking all the way there. :eek: Monesteraki is an area just below the Acropolis full of little streets and little stores. They sell all kind of touristy things but it makes for a great wander round and has a great friendly atmosphere. We walked up to where the little train takes folk around the area. Mum has always wanted to go on this but it has never been working. Low and behold today it was. We had time to go for coffee and then we climned aboard. Not enough others did the same :cry Too early in season and he needed 8 of us. 6 of us offered to pay a little extra but he said he couldnt go...so we waited a while and then gave up...poor mum - next time! We bought what we wanted and went to eat...what a rip off! Greek food places are usually great...bread and water always offered before an order is taken. This place was all for the money. I got mum chicken souvlaki and fries. I ate a few bites of chicken and two or three fries and that was that. Disappointed for mum though. Anyway we finally (LOL) found a taxi home and all in all had a good day. Omelette and salad for tea and now TV and computer night! Thursday if weather is fine we're off to poshest hotel in Athens for 'brunch' and then a tram ride to trendy Glyfada for more shopping. Maybe I should start up Ali's tours...any takers?

OK this might be a bit left field but has anyone suffered from a continual runny nose since surgery? I have and it's driving me nuts!!!!!!!!!!!!! OK, could be for first time ever I have a little hayfever but have no other symptoms and isnt coincidence this began immediately after surgery?...oh yeah...surgery was 7 weeks ago March 20th

We finally got into Athens today. I wasn't sure last night if we would go 'cos my foot was swollen and my knee aching from the extra walking. This morning when I woke up, things were better and the weather was gorgeous so I said we'd go. I had a bit of a bad food day yesterday (fresh baked bread and butter and then later chocolate!) and so wanted to make up a little. Now getting a taxi in Athens is an adventure in itself believe you me :help: You have to wave them down and then shout like crazy through the window where you want to go. If they like the look of you they might say Ok and in you get. Otherwise you stand like a Wilbur on the pavement as he merrily drives off to find someone else! You can pre-book them but a) it costs more and :girl_hug: it takes away from the fun :confused: So mum and I stood here and there and then here again and tried for a good 20mins. Finally an empty cab came and after checking his watch (morning traffic is a nightmare) decided we were OK and in we got. Now, even after 6yrs here my Greek aint perfect. I can talk real good (talking never was a problem ask the chat room gals) but still need more vocab to understand everything others say. Me and the taxi driver got on just fine and were laughing and joking all the way there. Monesteraki is an area just below the Acropolis full of little streets and little stores. They sell all kind of touristy things but it makes for a great wander round and has a great friendly atmosphere. We walked up to where the little train takes folk around the area. Mum has always wanted to go on this but it has never been working. Low and behold today it was. We had time to go for coffee and then we climned aboard. Not enough others did the same :cry Too early in season and he needed 8 of us. 6 of us offered to pay a little extra but he said he couldnt go...so we waited a while and then gave up...poor mum - next time! We bought what we wanted and went to eat...what a rip off! Greek food places are usually great...bread and water always offered before an order is taken. This place was all for the money. I got mum chicken souvlaki and fries. I ate a few bites of chicken and two or three fries and that was that. Disappointed for mum though. Anyway we finally (LOL) found a taxi home and all in all had a good day. Omelette and salad for tea and now TV and computer night! Thursday if weather is fine we're off to poshest hotel in Athens for 'brunch' and then a tram ride to trendy Glyfada for more shopping. Maybe I should start up Ali's tours...any takers?

Right well yesterday was the weigh in and I'm down another kilo (2.2lbs) which is fine by me Two more kilos and I'm down 20 which means teart time...designer sunglasses here I come. Actually I'm gonna cheat and get the glasses slightly before the weight comes off. I have a good excuse...honest. See, we are off into Athens tomorrow (don't go often) and they have the best choices there. Anyway, I've been working so hard at this I reckon I deserve the treat regardless of the numbers I ate a ham and lettuce sandwich today..took 25mins but was lovely and I enjoyed every mouthful. When I have more restriction I know bread will be off the menu for good so I treat myself once or twice a week. After her shower I'll take a walk with mum and have to extend my route again so we can stop off at her favourite coffee place. They do a grand cappuccino she adores LOL. I'll just sip my water. That's all folks....

Kalispera Yiannis! Welcome to the site! I had my surgery on March 20th by Dr.Gavriil in Athens. I had the lapband. I am English but married a Greek and live in Korydallos. Your weight loss has been great.I've lost 18kg so far and now seem to be losing about 1kg a week which is fine by me

Oooo, need to think about this one... I'll stand in the middle of the shopping centre and think about which clothes store I want to go in first - rather than heading to the only one I can buy from now. I'll wear more make up, not because I want people to look at me but because I dont mind if they do. I'll get hubby to take me round Europe and we can walk places together (this is his dream too:) ) I'll buy spa fixings for my bath that I'll then be able to sit in. I'll have a huge party and be centre of attention (you guys all invited). I'll buy some tailored clothes instead of loosest, baggest available. I'll get hubby to carry me to bed! I'll definitely go for one horse ride in my life And, I'll just enjoy being able to do simple things without having to think if I am able to do them first.

BigPaul always makes me feel really good about myself. He's funny and silly but really smart right when you need him to be. DeLarla TellyMelly keeps me motivated on days I think I want to slack and theres always a smile on my face when I'm talking to her, she just keeps me laughing. She brightens my day! Cutiern reminds me of my daughter. I love how she is young, independent, and willing to make financial sacrifices to change her life. Dawg is a great husband. Selfless and supportive. He lives a banded lifestyle, without the band, so that he may succeed along side his wife. Pennie always seems so level-headed and diplomatic. I really admire that. Jack cracks me up with the use of his warped sense of humour in the manner in which he offers practical advice. Humour and practicalilty...great match and I always appreciate his input. (I also like his avatar!!) The best me (Kathy) has one of the most loving and tender hearts I've ever seen. She is always caring and giving to others even when she's needing support for herself. Her love of God and her desire to be a better servant shows in every post. Paula is my sweet Band-daughter and I'm so proud of how genuinely sweet she is and how her caring heart and love of God shows by her actions towards all others Iluvharleys has a good heart and is always so thoughtful, kind and caring always thinking of others in their time of need. NJChick (Eileen) Cracks me up!!!! She brings a smile to my face no matter what the topic. Bandland would be a boring place without her : - ) VinesQueen reminds me never to give up no matter how bad things seem at the time and encourages me that I should dance my heart out no matter whos watching~and I wish she would hurry up and get back on LBT!!! Michelle, without a doubt the most inspirational person to me. Even while having her own family problems, she finds time to come here and offer her help. She's a great person! Susan (PhotoNut) is one of the most supportive and knowledgeable people I've ever known. EmileeKaye is the sweetest, most genuinely nice and wholehearted bandster and online personality I have ever met.. and I have met quite a few. The sun shines on her goodness and it feels really nice to surround myself with people like this. K@t has been my friend and support since the moment I joined this group. She listens and gives without asking in return and makes me feel anything is possible. DeLarla is my vision of independence, strength, wisdom and trust and has always been a person that speaks her mind and has gained a tremendous amount of respect from me as an intelligent and witty person. StrawartS is smart and funny, and she has the strong personality I admire, yet she's kind. Plus, her screen name is a Palindrome. It's spelled the same backward and forward. Very Cool. Kathy (best me) Jenna (princess n thep) is always honest and straight foward. And she is a great booty dancer. Kathy was kind and gentle with me when I was cursing over my first PB. I was shocked by her generous spirit at first, but now I see that that's how she treats everyone. And her baby is pretty cute. And I don't even like babies. The NJ Board: I can't chose just one person because so many have come to my rescue. They give their heart and soul and they do it with compasion and love. *Cheers NJ Board, I Love You ALL* Since I have known Mychevygirl (DeAnn), she has shown incredible inner strength, focus and determination in the midst of extremely trying times. She has kept a positive, happy attitude in spite of the stresses she has endured, and she has a smile that shines through her words because it comes from her heart. FunnyDuddies is a beautiful, intelligent, loving woman who's quit witt and sense of humor is a blessing to those around her. She makes me smile, and I feel so bless to call her my sis. She has also earned my respect and admiration for showing a deep inner strength during times of adversity. MoOrless is another one of my personal inspirers. She has lost weight all on her own. Reading her posts have been a great eye opener, showing me that weight loss is nothing more than willpower and self-control, which she displays very well. She cheers me on as I do my wild goose chases with myself and she keeps me motivated, letting me know daily that every goal I set for myself, no matter how outlandish it may seem, is very possible and attainable. I thank her for believing in me, (a complete stranger). Alex is the best thing ever...he has given us this board as a place to learn, laugh, commiserate, cry,...pretty much whatever we are in need of!! And...he just keeps making it better!!! Thanks, Alex!!!!!!! I have to have a second go at this! MoOrless keeps me going in ways I never thought I'd need. She is working and trying so hard to lose the weight on her own as well as coping with health problems. She finds positive ways around her setbacks that put me to shame and motivate me all at the same time. Kind words and thoughts for others come easily to her and she makes me smile.

Am not in the best of moods as I write this.It's 12:18am, I've had a busy day and I cant get tucked up nice and warm in my bed.:phanvan Why? :Banane59: Well, I live on a pretty little square in Athens, it has trees and a fountain and makes me happy. It has a downside though...we live above a store. Doesn't belong to us. It was rented out before Christmas and the guy made a taverna! It didn't bother us too much until he decided, to drum up business, he'd have live music on a Saturday night.:think Drives me nuts. I'm on the 1st floor and his little stage is right below my bedroom. So I thought I'd come and waffle. (waffle to me being writing about anything, everything and nothing in particular.) I'm having a good time with my mum visiting and she is being really good at motivating me to get out and walk. We went shopping today..the first time I've ever been to the local shops with her. We were going to go into Athens to Monesteraki which is the place below the Acropolis but Athens was closed off today. :faint: There was a big anti war rally and no taxis would go near the place. We will try and go on Tuesday instead. I'm doing OK and the weight loss continues to be steady. I get weighed Sunday mornings (tomorrow) so I'll see what the new total is and if I'm happy with it. I haven't been an angel this week...nibbled a few chips and a piece of chocolate but I haven't been a disaster either. I have walked each day and my back is definitely easier. I wore some jeans today I couldnt wear before. They are still not perfect but wearable! My knee support bandage fits better now too which is the silliest NSV but hey I takes what I can get That's about it for now...maybe later!

Am not in the best of moods as I write this.It's 12:18am, I've had a busy day and I cant get tucked up nice and warm in my bed.:phanvan Why? :confused: Well, I live on a pretty little square in Athens, it has trees and a fountain and makes me happy. It has a downside though...we live above a store. Doesn't belong to us. It was rented out before Christmas and the guy made a taverna! It didn't bother us too much until he decided, to drum up business, he'd have live music on a Saturday night.:think Drives me nuts.:girl_hug: I'm on the 1st floor and his little stage is right below my bedroom. So I thought I'd come and waffle. (waffle to me being writing about anything, everything and nothing in particular.) I'm having a good time with my mum visiting and she is being really good at motivating me to get out and walk. We went shopping today..the first time I've ever been to the local shops with her. We were going to go into Athens to Monesteraki which is the place below the Acropolis but Athens was closed off today. :faint: There was a big anti war rally and no taxis would go near the place. We will try and go on Tuesday instead. I'm doing OK and the weight loss continues to be steady. I get weighed Sunday mornings (tomorrow) so I'll see what the new total is and if I'm happy with it. I haven't been an angel this week...nibbled a few chips and a piece of chocolate but I haven't been a disaster either. I have walked each day and my back is definitely easier. I wore some jeans today I couldnt wear before. They are still not perfect but wearable! My knee support bandage fits better now too which is the silliest NSV but hey I takes what I can get That's about it for now...maybe later!

BigPaul always makes me feel really good about myself. He's funny and silly but really smart right when you need him to be. DeLarla TellyMelly keeps me motivated on days I think I want to slack and theres always a smile on my face when I'm talking to her, she just keeps me laughing. She brightens my day! Cutiern reminds me of my daughter. I love how she is young, independent, and willing to make financial sacrifices to change her life. Dawg is a great husband. Selfless and supportive. He lives a banded lifestyle, without the band, so that he may succeed along side his wife. Pennie always seems so level-headed and diplomatic. I really admire that. Jack cracks me up with the use of his warped sense of humour in the manner in which he offers practical advice. Humour and practicalilty...great match and I always appreciate his input. (I also like his avatar!!) The best me (Kathy) has one of the most loving and tender hearts I've ever seen. She is always caring and giving to others even when she's needing support for herself. Her love of God and her desire to be a better servant shows in every post. Paula is my sweet Band-daughter and I'm so proud of how genuinely sweet she is and how her caring heart and love of God shows by her actions towards all others Iluvharleys has a good heart and is always so thoughtful, kind and caring always thinking of others in their time of need. NJChick (Eileen) Cracks me up!!!! She brings a smile to my face no matter what the topic. Bandland would be a boring place without her : - ) VinesQueen reminds me never to give up no matter how bad things seem at the time and encourages me that I should dance my heart out no matter whos watching~and I wish she would hurry up and get back on LBT!!! Michelle, without a doubt the most inspirational person to me. Even while having her own family problems, she finds time to come here and offer her help. She's a great person! Susan (PhotoNut) is one of the most supportive and knowledgeable people I've ever known. EmileeKaye is the sweetest, most genuinely nice and wholehearted bandster and online personality I have ever met.. and I have met quite a few. The sun shines on her goodness and it feels really nice to surround myself with people like this. K@t has been my friend and support since the moment I joined this group. She listens and gives without asking in return and makes me feel anything is possible.

I watch some things on Greek Tv and some on BBC Prime which is a satellite channel I subscribe to- here's a top ten: 1. Charmed (Greek TV channel) 2. Peninda/Peninda ...(50/50 to me and you) (Greek TV channel) 3. Seventh Heaven (Greek TV channel) 4. Ready Steady Cook(BBC Prime) 5. Dalziel and Pascoe (Police drama) (BBC Prime) 6. Friends (Greek TV channel) 7. To Buy or Not to Buy (BBC Prime) 8. Antiques Roadshow (BBC Prime) 9. Hercule Poirot (Greek TV channel) 10. Judge John Deed (BBC Prime)

August we are going to the island of Zakynthos for a week. We have a villa with a pool and I intend to live in it. The rest of the summer I think will be in mainland Greece at home though we might take the odd weekend up into the mountains for a break. Not going home to UK this summer...first time in ages so not sure how I'll cope with Greek heat!

I don't know what thin is, so I don't know if I should be afraid of it? I've lost almost 40lbs and still my clothes fit and still my back aches when I walk and I'm still very big. Thin is such a long way off and although I know my band is working I suppose I'm still in denial that this is real, that for the first time in my life there might be a chance for real change. Like so many others I am taking it day by day. I shrug off the ones I love telling me they see a difference because I can't. How I'll feel and what will change when I do see it I honestly dont know. Thin is still another lifetime away...something others have that I'm not allowed to be a part of! When I get there...or at least begin to feel like I'm on my way I'll be sure to let you know how it feels and if I'm scared of it.

My mum is here in Greece for a visit from the UK. We took her up the nearest mountain yesterday for a ride out and on the way back down we stopped in a taverna to eat. This was only my second 'eating out' experience since being banded 6 weeks ago. I hated it :cry The Greeks love food and a taverna means lots of the stuff. I thought I would be Ok but the food looked and smelled so good. I avoided my beloved bread alright but watching the other two tuck in while I sat taking tiny bites and waiting for the minutes to tick by, made the whole experience miserable :think . What made it worse was that I made myself feel bad...I had only lost half a kilogram this week after weeks of losing at least 1. I have had 1 fill but still don't feel restriction so my diet is willpower based until I go see the doc again. I think I ate too much (DH said I ate more than at home) and yet it was still so little compared with what used to be... How do I get to enjoy going out to eat again...it's not something we do all the time but has always been something I loved...any advice you guys?

I didn't realise how "lucky" I have been with this. I have always slept on my belly and the days immediately after surgery when I couldn't were miserable. :cry Now I can again without any problems at all:) ...I am wondering though if there's a chance this might change again as I lose weight (started 375 - 6 weeks later 336 with most weight in belly area) - if the port becomes nearer the surface of the skin:confused: ...hope not...what do you think?

I live in Athens Greece and so this yoghurt is everywhere...not much help I know! Only problem for me is that I can't stand the stuff :phanvan The Greeks eat it with honey drizzled in the middle - not good for us anyway- but I just don't like the texture of it. Total is one of the better brands, some of them here are even thicker than that!

That one is simple...I come here! Just now I opened my fridge and thought "No, you're not hungry" and then I came here to see what's going on. It helps a lot in the house. Outside ofcourse not so easy but then I guess I give myself a focus before I go out and then try to stick to it.

From what I can see, things get a little easier every day. It used to take me 10mins to walk around the square outside my house, now it takes 6mins and my back doesnt ache so much. I've had to increase my walking circle. I could only do 3mins (shame:cry ) on my stationary bike five weeks ago. Now at 3mins I'm singing my head off and on my way to 10 mins. OK, compared to some of you guys this is nothing but I am doing it...it is a little easier and it makes me feel good each time something improves. That's not to say everything is a doddle...oh no...now I have discovered I can eat toast it's very hard not to! I love my bread. I have figured 2x a week until restriction says otherwise I can have a cheese slice (low fat) and a ham slice on a piece of toast and really enjoy it. If I start denying myself foods now I'll fail. I would much rather do my best to stick to rules and let myself have what I want. This way I don't feel like the band is punishing me in some way and we can remain buddies :Banane59: I am eating so much less than I used to...a tin of tuna today with onion and dill and little mayo took 20mins...LOL before my band 20 seconds more like!!! I enjoy the tastes now because I'm taking time to recognise them. I used to think about food all the time and yet ate so fast I never tasted anything. Chewing and slowing down the eating process makes things better and I was happily satisified after my tuna which i doubt I ever would have been before. Long may it continue :D :clap2: :clap2: (Don't you just love these icons...) If you see me in the chat room, please come in and say "HI"

uummm...meant to say...drink tons...sounds like (in my other comment) I invented a new drink!!!!!!!!!!

I'm a few weeks in front of you billi...you sound to be doing and feeling the same as all. Listen to your band and drink tonsto keep you occupied and help with hunger feelings. As you and your band get to know each other, you'll work it out. Good luck to you both :biggrin:))))

I think for me it's the kids I have taught. They may have snickered for a few seconds when they first saw me but they don't make judgements that stick like adults and once they grow to love you they simply don't care what you look like. Just once I heard an adult asking a child where to find me. He didn't know my name and was quite a rude man. He said to the girl.."She's the fat one..." The girl (who was in my class at the time) said in all innocence (I believe) "I'm sorry sir I don't know who you mean, plase can you ask at the office." She didn't know I was there and could hear every word...I could have hugged her to death!