Cindy C

The only part of "fat me" that I miss is the DD's. But when I think of all the other fat that went along with them, its not so bad. I guess if I get to the point that I really want them back its only about $5000!!

Its no biggie. If they were concerned about it they would have cathed you!

Feels good to get things off your chest!

LOL!! Feel free!

Dementia is a strange creature. I work in geriatrics. Sometimes there's no rhyme nor reason what they can and cannot remember. You have provided her with something that she can hang on to. Good for you and good for her. Continue to encourage her and answer her questions. Enjoy it. There may come a day when she forgets that too. Congrats on you success!!

In no particular order: I don't keep "crap" in the house! (Although there's more now while my son is home from college for the summer but I'm doing pretty good at staying away from it.) When I think I'm hungry, I wait 15-20 minutes to see if its physical hunger or just head hunger. I never eat just because the clock says it's time. I use small plates and silverware. This makes me eat less and take smaller bites. If the TV is on, the fridge is off limits. I keep my before picture on the front of the fridge. It makes me stop and think before opening the door. I NEVER drink calories!! (With the exception of protein shakes and maybe the occasional cocktail.) Regular exercise. It doesn't always have to be a rigorous gym workout. Yard work, walk, clean the house, play with the dogs etc. Just keep the body moving. Stay well hydrated. I usually have a glass of something handy..water, iced tea, s/f whatever. I try to stay focused on things that are not food related. Pick a sports team and follow them...get involved in politics...volunteer at your child's school or a senior center...throw yourself into your career....it doesn't matter what it is just keep the mind focused. Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum. Track food and exercise. I keep a spreadsheet on my computer of my weight every week along with any other medical information...doctor's appointments, fills/unfills, menstrual cycle, mammogram, pap etc. GO TO THE DOCTOR!!!! Whether I think I need a fill or not, I always keep my lapband appointments. For the first 2+ years, I went every single month. Now I go every 2-3 months. Mix it up. The body has a mind of its own. If you do the same thing everyday, your body will know what to expect and you won't lose as well. Once every week or two, kick the calories up. Change your activities. Cardio one day, weights the next. Have fun!! Get the gang together and find somewhere that's having "Ladies Night" and go dance your a** off. Camaraderie and its good exercise. Keep a positive mental attitude! I always look at the bright side, no matter how hard it is to find. Don't linger in bed. When I wake up I get up, even if it's 6am and I have nowhere to be. (Like today!) I find that regular chiropractic adjustments keep my body and mind working at optimal levels. I realize that some people don't "believe in" chiropractics but then again some people don't "believe in" lapband either. We all know that they are wrong! I could probably come up with a few more but I'm still on my first cup of coffee. Besides, I think I've babbled long enough. Hope some of this helps!

Another example of "different doctor, different rules". My doctor says it's ok to eat before a fill. I never do though but that's because I don't want to eat before I get on the scale!

Don't be too disappointed if some or all of that 4 pounds comes back. Sounds like you dehydrated yourself.

Set your fork down between bites. Sometimes I use a pickle fork so I take smaller bites.

How about an exercise class or join a gym together.

There's a big difference between black and dark brown. It can difficult to distinguish between the two. If it really is black you should be concerned. It can be a sign of internal bleeding. Call your doctor!!

If you are feeling like that after the first bite you are probably too tight. How's your weight loss been? When I feel "full" it's no longer a feeling in my stomach like the old days. Now I feel it in my esophagus. It's a completely different feeling.

Centrum makes a liquid one.

I don't miss risking a $65 ticket for not wearing the seatbelt. Darn thing wouldn't fit around my gut!!

Walking after surgery will help ward off blood clots. They can also insert a "screen" to stop a clot from traveling. I would discuss it with your surgeon before making a definite decision. Good luck with whatever you decide!

I've had mine 3 years and have had no problems. My BFF has had hers for 8 years. She went from over 300 pounds to about 155 and has maintained it. She even battled and beat (knock on wood) ovarian cancer during that time.

Don't feel bad. Sometimes I do the same thing and it's been 3 years!!

To add a friend, go to their profile and click "Add me as a friend". It's the first link under their picture. The easiest way to add a ticker is to click on someone else's and follow the instructions to create your own.

My doctor told me there's no problem with coffee. He even suggests drinking it in the morning to help loosen the band. I drink a pot every day!

Nice, Wheelchair! Brie, feel free to ask whatever you want. We are here to help each other. Yes, practically every topic under the sun has been discussed here but, good luck finding the answers you're looking for. No one here minds answering again.

liquid anti nausea meds. S/F hard candy. Minute Maid makes a light lemonade. It only has 10 calories and the lemon in it helps the nasty taste you get in your mouth from being on the liquid diet.

There are dozens of posts here every day. I see you've only posted twice ever. Maybe you should try starting some threads on topics that interest you instead of just lurking.

Food gets stuck in your band causing nothing to be able to go through it. Not even your own saliva. It's caused by eating too fast, eating too much, not chewing well enough... Sometimes it feels like someone parked their Buick on my chest. It's not pleasant!! You avoid it by taking time between bites, stopping when full, chewing the heck out of every bite and staying away from you own personal list of things that cause it which you will figure out in time. For most of us that list includes bread, pasta and rice.

You can also try mixing the powder with applesauce, pudding or yogurt.

If I eat to "full" I get that left side pain too. It's horrible! I no longer eat to that point. I eat very slowly, taking several moments between bites. As soon as the hunger pain goes away, I stop.