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The collage I have in my signature I did in paint shop. It took me some time to fiqure out. It was listed in programs under accessories. I had to resize each pic in paint and just placed them side by side. I did it that way because LBT wouldn't let me upload them all into my sig. Now when I load it into my sig LBT thinks it's just one pic. Once you get the pic into paint you can resize it by clicking on "image" and then "stretch/skew" Then type in what size you want it to be. I believe mine are 15% of their original size. Then just drag them where you want them and open the next one. I also like to open pics in paint and draw on them sometimes. Let me know if you need help. I would love to see a pic of your tattoo. We will be in Helen July 1-4 on the 2nd we are going to Deals Gap NC to ride on The Dragon's Tail with our motorcycles. Maybe we can get together on the 3rd. Are you busy?

Kurby, I just wanted to say welcome to the group. I have a story very similar to yours. After 2 years of trying to get pregnant with my second child I was diagnosed with PCOS. It lead to a deep depression where the docs discovered I was Bipolar too. I went into such a deep depression from everything. My depression started to lift but I kept noticing I was still exhausted all the time. Doc sent me to an endocrinologist who said I had metabolic syndrome. He recommended the lapband because I needed to get the weight off and diet and exercise were not doing the trick. I had my lapband done on Jan 4 and have lost 53 pounds from preop to today. I am not exhausted any more and have been in college the past 2 semesters. I also sent in an application for nursing school a few weeks ago. I have improved greatly in my mental and physical health over the past year. My lapband has played a huge part in me getting my life back. I hope you stick with this group of ladies and post often. Good morning ladies, I have had such a busy week. Wed my son had an awards ceremony in choir, Thursday I got my tattoo and Friday my son graduated from preschool. I slacked off abit but still lost a pound this week. I am getting back on track today. No worries. Hubby also got results back from his xrays. He doesn't have a buldging disk like the chiro said. It is arthritis and muscle spasms. No surgery. He did ride the motorcycle yesterday so I am hoping by the end of the month he will be ready for the long ride to Helen Ga. Here are a few pics from the happenings this week.

I love challenges they help me set goals and keep on track. If you would like to join in just post your current weight and goal weight for Memorial Day which is May 31, 2010. We can take it a week at a time and weigh in on Mondays because Memorial Day is on a Monday. I am currently 218. I believe I can lose 10 pounds by Memorial day that would put me at 208. So, that's my goal.

My doc told me it usually takes 5-6 fills before you feel restriction. Don't panic. We are all differnt and our bands are moody. Continue to follow the eatting plan your doc gave you and make sure you are getting in enough exercise. Keep at it and it will catch up with you. Our bodies are stubborn about weightloss which is why we got the band.

Well, Sorry I didn't get to your post sooner. I hope all went well. Sometimes insurance companies require a doc supervised diet for 6 months before they will approve. You can just give them a call and ask. Let us know how it went.

I had the same issue post op. I missed food so much. My doc explained it to me like this. You are in the process of divorcing food. You will miss it because it has played a huge part in your life but it is time to move on to a better way of living. Food is not a good companion. In the book Women Food and God, Geneen Roth helped me understand that it is actually "comfort food" that makes me so miserable. It helped me avoid feelings and added another problem onto them, morbid obesity. A healthy way of life makes me feel better. I traded guilt and shame for confidence and pride. Remember all the things that are coming to you as you lose weight. I watch many youtube videos of vloggers dancing in their new size 6 and 4 clothes. Being able to cross your legs, and run when you need to. Maybe even deciding you want to run a 5k. You are on your way to that. The stage you are in now was the hardest for me. I survived it and am so thankful I passed through it. Read up on all the NSV's people have had. It encourages me to see all the happy moments that are coming to me. I actually crossed me legs yesterday. I was so thrilled I could have sat there forever. I got my wedding ring back on. I can wear lace up shoes now. I was able to buy some cute underwear instead of granny panties. I was running and training for a 5k but got tendonitis. Once that heals I can't wait to get going at it again. I wanna feel the excitement of crossing the finish line of my first 5k. I FEEL so much lighter and happier with myself because I know I am making the right choices. Just try to focus on all the positive that is coming in your life. I had no idea what I was getting into and am so excited about my lapband. You'll make it through this and then the fun will begin.

Check out WLSFA.org.

I reached my goal of losing 10 pounds. I am now 208. Can't believe just a short time ago I was 260. I even hit my first 50 pound goal.

Afternoon everyone, Got to the fitness center this morning and worked out. Still resting my leg though. It was a little difficult because I didn't go this weekend and negative thoughts began to seep in. I fought them off and did it. Still working on eatting at the table instead of the computer desk. It's so boring over there. Had some junk yesterday and that's just what it tasted like. Nasty. My tastebuds are definately changing. Next time I will be more inclined to make the right choice. I was looking for soy crisp couldn't find them so grabbed a bag of regular chips. They didn't taste like I remembered. I actually checked the expiration date to make sure they weren't stale or something. Don's back is feeling a little bit better. Still can't ride the motorcycle though. Vacation is coming up quick too.

Just wanted to say welcome and good luck on your surgery. These ladies have really helped me when I feel low. I have spent the past 3 days in the florida sunshine. Only about 5 minutes of rain. Really getting back into the book series I am reading (twilight). Finished the book Women food and God and have another one coming by Dr. Garth Davis. It is about WLS. While searching I discovered that Muhummad Ali's daughter has a Lapband and a book out about it. I will be getting it next. My tattoo is going on my ankle. I thought with my uniform pants and socks I could cover it well while I am working. Outside School/work, I live in flip flops and sandals so I'll see it often as a reminder never to go back into myself and to 260 lbs. My son is graduating friday. I went through my closet to find something dressy and only one summer dress fit. Nothing else. I have no dress slacks or dress shirts, skirts. Nada. I will just have to buy things as I go. Not going to go out and get a whole new wardrobe yet. Good will is just around the corner.

I didn't have restriction until my 4th fill. I had to learn all over again to eat slower and chew better. The feeling I get when full changed so I had to make some mental adjustments. I was on liquids the first 5 days post fill then pbed on everything the next 5 days till I fiqured outwhat was going on. The constant pbing was wearing on my psych. Driving me to overeat. It was a cycle I had to break. I adjusted and am losing steadily. It is an adjustment but well worth it. Be patient with yourself.

I have scheduled my first tattoo session this thursday. I am so excited and nervous. I am getting a butterfly because the past year I have really broken out of my cocoon. I drew one up and the artist changed it so it would look great as a tattoo. It's beautiful. Can't wait to post pics of it. I am not a tattoo expert but I think losing weight doesn't effect the tat as much as gaining. I asked the women who will be doing my tattoo and she said not to stress about it.

Just checking in, Not much to report. Just spent the morning by the pool reading then posted a youtube video. Made ribs for dinner. Yum.

Cheri you look HOT! Way to go. Evening Ladies, I had my surgeon appt this morning. I lost 14 pounds in 4 weeks! We were both very excited. He said he would do a fill if I wanted and after discussing it with him I decided I didn't want one. I am doing great and would hate to get too tight and set myself back. Plus I would like to save it for a rainy day. In case I hit a platue. Just about everyone in the office came in to say how great I was doing. It feels good to finally have some success with my weight after fighting it for years. I am starting to grasp that the battle is in my thinking. Is comfort food really comforting if it makes us fat and guilty and miserable? Does it really taste that good to be worth all I have sacrificed for it? I think of all I gave up for comfort in food only to realize I found no comfort in it at all. I only found guilt, shame and disappointment. My leg is feeling great now. I am still waiting the rest of my 6 weeks though. I do understand it is still injured even though it doesn't feel like it. My husband was having lower back pain that sounded like sciatica. He went to a chiropractor who told him he had a bulged disc in his back. He also said it would be fine with a few adjustments and turned Don down when he asked for pain meds. The man can't even sleep he is in so much pain. I sent Don to the family doc today and now he has pain meds, anti-inflammatories, and a muscle relaxer. He went and had x-rays done and we are waiting to hear back. He is so upset he can't ride his motorcycle and we may have to cancel our vacation. We were planning to ride through the mountains over July 4th weekend. I am just worried about wether or not he needs surgery. He has been sleeping on my sons extra bed because we have been using an airbed. I wanted to go get mattresses from my inlaws but no one can help me get them down the stairs. I need to stop stressing myself out. We are just waiting on a call from the doc. ttyl

Lady, Thanks for the advice on making Definate plans. I will try that and see how it goes. Apples, No plans this weekend. Not sure if hubby will be working or not. I am trying to get plans together with my Dad but he is dragging his feet. Yesterday I went to a tattoo parlor with my hubby. He wants to get his arm tattooed. After looking at portfolios and talking to a women my age also named Jessica I decided to get a tattoo. I have wanted to get a butterfly tattoo since I got out of rehab but didn't want to stir up any trouble with the inlaws. Now I have been on this lapband journey and I have been wanting it more. I have changed so much and would like to do something besides eat to mark the occasion. Anyway I came home and sketched out a butterfly and took it to Jessica. She modified it a bit into a tattoo and I am scheduled to have it done next week. My hubby is jealous. He wants one so bad but what he wants will take some time to save up for. Can't show you a pic yet because they keep the art in the studio. Once it's done I can show you. It is beautiful. I have a appointment with my surgeon tommorrrow. I am still debating if I should get a fill or not. How do you know when you need one? I can not eat eggs for breakfast anymore. I have been eatting yogurt (slider) or cheese. By dinner though I am wide open again. I do fine all day with my portions and not snacking. Then after dinner I get into a feeding frenzy. A part of me is not wanting the fill because my last one was soo tight at the begining I was pbing every meal. I don't wanna go through that again. I guess I should look at the bigger picture. It's just 2 weeks and in the end it will be to my benefit.

I did try the greek yogurt. It was plain because the flavored ones were too many carbs. I didn't like it. Doc says no fruit too. He is really strict on the carbs. Less than 30 and only meat, cheese and some veggies are allowed. He gives specific instructions on no yogurt too The weight is coming off but once I get to maintenace I will add at least fruit into the mix. Congrats on feeling so good. So glad your appointment went well and congratulations on becoming an aunt. Morning all, Got my exercise in this morning and had the yogurt for Breakfast. It went down fine. I have an appt this afternoon with my son's teacher. She is meeting with all the parents to go over somethings with us now that the year is wrapping up. I realized (by reading WFG) that I am eatting at the computer for breakfast and lunch because I feel lonely. I am here by myself all day and am reading post and watching friends youtube videos while I eat. So I am trying to eat at the table by myself and be aware of how fast and how much I am eatting. I have been numbing myself with food for so long I am afraid to actually allow myself to feel. Loneliness won't kill me for 20 minutes while I eat and it is better than being numb and fat. I knew I was feeling a bit left out and have been trying to get friends to come over or go to the beach with me. I am not really close to anyone so I keep getting put off by people. They say sure we can get together I let you know when but they never do. One lady keeps asking me to babysit so she can go out with her other friends. My hubby told me not to sit for her anymore and I think he is right. Plus I am not the greatest person with kids. Hopefully I'll meet some people at school next semester. It just makes for a long summer for me and Jake to be by ourselves the whole time.

Thanks Apples I went on Dannons website and they say they offer carb and sugar control yogurts. I put in my zip code and the type of yogurt I wanted and the thing directed me to Publix. I got there and there was no sugar and carb control. I know winn dixie and walmart don't carry it. I'll have to try another store. For now I got some yogurt with 10 carbs. Thats 1/3 of my daily allowance but it is better than pbing on eggs. Also got some soy crisp. They are ok, not exactly like chips. More like rice cakes. Publix offers alot more variety than the store I usually go too. I will probably drive the extra 5 min to shop there.

Wow thanks everyone. When I first checked in it looked the we were having a party in here. All the emoticons. I really appreciate it. My son spilt milk in my car so I spent the morning cleaning it out. Then did my upperbody workout and am finally eatting lunch, shrimp, which seems to be going down fine. I used to be really intimidated by my surgeon. Scared to go see him if I didn't lose weight. He is very blunt about my progress and it made me nervous everytime I went in. I have learned to roll with it. My weightloss dosen't decide if I am a good person or not. Everyone has their struggles just don't give up. You will get the hang of it if you keep trying. Our life doesn't change in 45 min on the operating table. It changes through hard work over time. Sometimes I think my doc forgets that during surgery he forgot to remove my carb craver. I have a surgeon appt on friday and am debating if I need a fill. I struggle to get an egg down for breakfast but by evening I am wide open. I am so hungry and everything goes down. Maybe just a tiny bit of a fill. My doc doesn't want me eatting carbs that is why I am eatting eggs. I am thinking maybe eggs just aren't friendly to MY band. I'll try to find something else for breakfast and try to determin if I really am tight or if it is just the eggs. Welcome back Eve.

Good afternoon all, Just wanted to let yall know I finally hit the 50 pound mark. I have lost a whole 50 pounds. I am so excited. 11 more pounds and I will be in onderland. My goal is to lose 10 in the next 6 weeks. I want to be down 50% of the excess weight by my 6 month mark which is july 4th. What an independance day. Freeing myself from myself. I will be getting a smartphone for my hitting 50 down and because my birthday is not to far away. I can't believe I am here. I haven't been 210 in 6 years. I am about to pass my husband he weighs 209. It feels so good because I know I worked for it and earned it. My life is changing so fast my mind can't keep up. Just 3 years ago I couldn't get out of bed and get dressed. I had to put my son in childcare because I couldn't care for him. I was a zombie. I was hiding food around the house saving it from my family. Binging. I'm not living in disappointment anymore. I feel accomplished and happy. I don't think I could ever thank you gals enough for your guidance and love. Without you I would be lost on this lapband weightloss journey. We all know it's about more than weightloss. My attitude and emotions have changed. Anyway I am just gushing cause I am so excited. Talk to yall later.

I was typing when you posted. Just wanted to say I am happy your date went well. I probably wouldn't mention the band either until you are further along in the relationship. Did he make any comments about how little you ate? When I eat out with someone either they or the waiter comment on it. Don't really know what to say yet in that situation. One person told me that they tell the waiter they ate before they came.

That is so true, Peace is what I am truly craving. The book I am reading is all about that. Women Food and God. She tells this neat story, A lady was meeting with her psych and the psych says imagine you are surrounded by 1,000 tigers. What would you do? The lady says I have no idea. Then the psych tells her to stop imagining she is surrounded by 1,000 tigers. I can totally relate to this because I think about things that happened when I was young and it wears me down. I get frozen sometimes, scared to take the next step. The things I am thinking are only in my head and don't exsist anymore. I have to learn not to replay them in my head. Don't know if that applies to you but I belive I will find peace if I could stop the thoughts that tear me down. Things like I am bad because I made the wrong food choice or gained a pound. I deserve to be fat. I used to tell people my weight is my scarlet letter. A sign that I had commited a terrible sin. I felt like I had and that's why I was fat. I really haven't done anything worse than the thin people of the world. I didn't earn my weight. So I need to quit punishing myself for it. Quit fighting with myself. Thats my peace. I know this might not apply to you but maybe to someone here. There is alot in that book that I belive we all could pull something from it. Thank you so much Joyce, So many times I feel like I take and take from this board. It's nice to know I contributed in some way. Good luck to you. Can't wait to hear when you make it to onederland. I need to start kepping records too. Think I'll get out one of my spiral notebooks and do that. Today was Jacob's last teeball game. I am gonna miss watching him play. It was so much fun to watch. My MIL found out about my injury vis FB and called me to see how I was. I told her I couldn't do much exercise for 6 weeks. Her comment was "Thats a good thing" and I just thought how far I have come that I don't feel that way anymore. I explained to her that I had worked hard to develop a habit and I want to keep it. Exercise is good for me and I am proud of myself with every workout I complete. She was a bit surprised. Also, after teeball today the team had pizza. I overheard a mother saying she wanted more because she would be starting her diet on monday and she wanted to eat plenty today. I use to do that too but I am different now. I try to make each meal good for me and if I fail I go on to the next meal. There are no days off and days on, there is a healthy LIFEstyle. Even if the weight doesn't come off I know I am doing something good for me. I am doing better everyday. I also decided while I am out of cardio I would use this time to refocus on other things in my journey. I will focus on habits that I need like take my vitamins and getting enough water. I am gonna join along with Joyce and keep a tally. I think it would be great to compare one day to the next. I can watch myself progress with actual numbers besides the scale. That scale is a fickle thing so another goal of mine is to only weigh on Sundays. Baby steps will get me there. Think I have blabbed on enough. Hope you guys get some good rest tonite.

Evening ladies, Today I am doing well. I worked my upperbody as my workout. Totally forgot I had lapband support group. Everyone has been telling me about this book called Women Food and God. The author was on Oprah this week. I went to the book store and picked it up. It isn't reall lengthy but it should give me something to do while out of school. Haven't read any of it yet but it sounds intrestiing. I have been focusing on getting my water in and keeping carbs out. Doing really well with it. Gotta develop the habit. Hope yall are doing well today.