Devana

Is this a result challenge or an effort challenge?

Dang, it doesn't work. I posted the wrong one anyway. This was to do with the proliferation of the use of "lite".

I'm not sure if I've done this correctly, but here's a link to this morning's bbc news that fits right in with this thread. www.httpi//news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5396866.stm

Nancy, what can I say after Jack's eloquence. Well put, Jack. It was almost two months for me between commitment and surgery and I, too went through a period of mourning for my anticipated loss of food and my old way of eating, but the reality turned out for me to be a freedom and a blessing. I was more deprived on some of the extreme and wacky diets I tried than I am now. Now, I'm certainly careful and calorie conscious, but if I really want something I go ahead and have it, just a bit. I find, however, that I'm feeling so empowered with the weight loss that I don't miss a lot of what I used to crave and eat before. And it actually feels good to be empty sometimes. I don't think my stomach was empty for years. I'm glad you found us. All the best to you, Nancy. You have a whole new life ahead.

In the 70's I attended a class on communications where the instructor took two students out and showed them a photograph and they each in turn came in and described it to us. The man described an old, tired and lonely woman trudging home in the snow, hauling her heavy groceries. The woman described the first day of warm sun where the snow is beginning to melt and this old woman, who has been housebound all winter is joyfully having her first outing to the grocery store. Then we got to see the picture. That led to a discussion on perception, and I've been intrigued by the subject ever since. Over the years I've tried to clean up my relationships and resolve any left over issues and I've been shocked to find that people have been hurt by something they THINK I've said and have carried that hurt around for years. And often what they perceived is so far from my original intention it amazes me. Add a second language to all this....yikes.

In contrast I can now eat almost anything and by that I mean I can get down without pbing grape skins, salmon and other proteins that used to cause me trouble. I'm feeling very little restriction, consequently I only lost 5 lbs of my Sept. 8 lb goal. I go in for another fill Oct 8. Good luck with those scales, Carol, I hope they keep on moving for you. There's got to be some payoff for all that, hey?

All the best to you, sir, on this fine day.

It looks kind of phallic.

This has been my question of the week for everyone I've seen in my office. One fellow, who happened to be wearing nothing but shorts was scoffing (worse than me before I was put in my place) about people who collect things. However, this guy was COVERED in tattoos, I mean they were everywhere. He told me that he had accumulated them over the last 6 years and intends to get more but he absolutely doesn't see it as "collecting". Go figure.

You know, I think even with a common language we can have misunderstandings and I think it has to do with perception. Everything of that makes us what we are as individuals affects how we hear (or see) things. For example, a person with low self esteem could hear "Why isn't dinner ready, what have you been doing all day?" when the actual question is "Is dinner ready yet?" In my youth I used to hear everything through the filter of my insecurities. Thank God, through more maturity, personal security and much use of the old "what I hear you saying is..." I can get more accurately the gist of the intention of what is being said. (Makes me easier to live with!)

Welcome Linn, I'm glad you found us. There's a ton of information on this site so read away and maybe it will help you sort through those pros and cons. That's what helped me with my decision. Good luck with it and keep us posted on what you decide.

I heard an interview with an English fellow who headed a society that had the aim of simplifying spelling of the English language. He said that just for a start no other language had such complicated spelling for basic numbers - one, two, four, eight are the worst culprits.

I can remember reading somewhere that the band was really effective for low BMI patients, but I can't seem to find it again. My friend Jane who came to Mexico and got banded with me was like you, low BMI, tried everything. I have never seen anyone work so hard at losing weight. She's doing really well. She's losing at a different rate than I am, but of course it shows a lot more on her. She's very happy and says she feels 10 years younger. So if you have a doctor who is willing to take you on and you trust him, then I say go for it and all the best on your journey.

It's a beautiful day for a birthday. Have a good one, Malice X Girl.

Speaking of next month, I'm (planning on) doing the October challenge on the June bandsters thread, if I can only remember it. It's 1200 cals, 64 0z of water and 30 minutes of exercise each day. I haven't been calorie counting, and I've been doing bugger all for exercise. I'm on my feet all day but that doesn't count. I know that all I have to do is take a 45 min walk each day to accelerate the weight loss. I'm just feeling light enough to get back to it though. However, every morning I make some lame excuse and plan on the next day. All I need is that first day.

Way to go Maria and Lila. I'm 5 lbs down so far this month, but none this past week. I tend to lose only every second week so with luck I may still reach my 8 lbs by this weekend.

Sheri, a big welcome to you. I did the same thing as your planning: read every thread here. There's such a wealth of information from recent and long term bandsters. Good luck with your research.

Welcome Awsheba, I'm glad you found us. Check the threads and do a search on low BMI. That may help you with your questions. All the best and keep us posted.

When is your party?

fee, you're doing so well. Either your GP is a total boob or else may be busy. Some practitioners see so many people in a day, week, month that even if they've seen you many times, they may honestly not remember what your condition on previous visits was without carefully going over their notes and we know they often don't do that. I'm hoping that is the case rather than insensitivity. Anyway, congratulations on your fabulous loss.

Let me know if you're successful signing up for the Canadian lap band site, Loriely. I tried once and wasn't accepted and I can't even contact them to ask why (because I already applied. Go figure.)

Hi Cloe, I'm doing the tiny plate, tiny fork thing. I only put approx. half a cup of food on the plate. I know I can eat more but my fill is a couple weeks away and I want to exercise a modicum of self discipline. I even put wine in a liqueur glass.

I had to go back and find the October challenge again. So it's 1200 calories, 64 oz of water and 30 min of exercise per day, is that correct? Count me in. I have done little exercise so far but I've lost enough weight that I feel I can walk and move with more ease now. I seem to be losing only every second week. Perhaps this will keep things a bit more steady. By the way, I found your pics while I was looking, Pinky. Way to go, you look fantastic.

You are all my heroes! I feel like we should be placing bets or planning a celebration or something.

Hi Gillian and welcome to Lapbandtalk. I think many of us here have felt, at one time or another, a "failure" because we couldn't do this on our own. The thing is, it is still work and definitely not the "easy way out" as some non banded have described it. I've posted my analogy elsewhere but here it is again: for me the band is like someone holding the ladder. I'm still doing the work. I'll bet this will be just the help you need to start a new life. All the best with it. By the way, I'm from Canada but have lived in Essex for a year and in Bournemouth for 5 years. The UK is kind of like my second home. I'm still a BBC addict.