mykidsrock

I just realized, as I was checking my e-mail, the thing that peaves me the most is being sent an e-mail that tells me "If I truly love the Lord, I will pass on my e-mail to everyone I know". Since when has God commanded proof of e-mail correspondence as evidence of my commitment to him...uh, NEVER! Man...I loathe those e-mails!!!!!!

I have been reading this thread for the past few days with a very heavy heart. I am a Christian and proclaim Jesus to be the love of my life! I am however of the belief that those who seek public acknowledgement and praise for their "Good Christian Attributes" have already recieved their reward. I, myself, prefer to store up my treasures in heaven. My prayer life is personal and quiet, my mission work is frequent and without any earthly reward and those that I serve never know my name. I hope that those of you that are searching for the truth in Christianity do so through a Christian friend that loves you unconditionally...not through the brow beating, scripture abusing manner that I have seen here. I am not a theologian and I do not quote "snip-its" from the bible to scare people into my religion...I live as closely as I can to the example of Christ and find that my actions speak louder than my words or my acclaimed knowledge of a Bible that will never truly be explained on this earth. I have truly enjoyed this group of people, for the most part, since I was banded in October...I have prayed for those of you with troubles and spent most of my time here in a full "belly laugh"! I think you are all great in your own, sometimes quirky, ways...and I love you regardless! Remember...Mercy is not getting what you deserve...Grace is getting what you don't deserve...Mercy and Grace to us all!

Oh you guys have to love "White & Nerdy"! Gangsta Rap Rules!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME!! My gift was waiting on me last night when I got home from an out of town business trip! I absolutely love it !!!!!!!!!! My SS is the best !!!!!! I have had an incredibly long week (I am an insurance agent and have one enrollment after another this month) and I put my bath goodies to use in the whirlpool last night! I had a pillow for my head, wonderfully big bubbles, a pretty pink puff, body spray, lotion, and vanilla candles to boot! There is not a more perfect gift for me! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU...it's just what I needed! Hugs & Kisses, Santa!

He needs Jesus !

I am a Life and Health Insurance Agent (mainly employee benefits). I've been selling insurance for 12 years and absolutely love it! It allows me all the time I need for my two kids who are big into athletics. I think I work harder keeping them going than I do at my money making job...but I wouldn't trade my life for the world!!!!

Hey Monica! I am soooo sorry you are not feeling better! I had a really tough first week myself, although I never actually vommited. I too had a hard time getting things down and found that warm liquid was much more soothing than room temperature. I also LIVED on anti-nausea medication that first week. In its liquid form, it works great...but it did make me very sleepy. Are you taking any medication for the nausea? Don't fret...I really wondered what I had done to myself in the beginning, but now I am 5 weeks out and know without a doubt that the early struggles are so worth it! Keep the faith and BE PATIENT! We are all pulling for you!

I know exactly how you feel! Scales are the devil and they can make or break your day before it even starts! I have developed a bad habit of weighing myself daily rather than weekly...and of course, its a crap shoot as to whether my weight is up or down. I have had to buy new jeans and can feel my body taking on a different shape even though the weight is not moving very quickly. I'm with you...I am setting new goals that place less emphasis on weight and more on what I want to achieve. You are an inspiration! Thanks for the food for thought!

The best way I can describe the "golf ball" is that it feels as though you are trying to swallow one...kind of a feeling of something being stuck in the middle of your chest. I have never had acid reflux, and know that some people on this site have likened it to a severe episode. It didn't last but a few hours, but the discomfort really bothered me. I also read that you can get the same sensation from eating too fast or swallowing too large a bite of food. I'm not a pro at this yet, so my descriptions may not be the greatest! Hope this explains me!

Hey Chris! I just had my surgery last Wednesday. I had considerable (not unbearable) pain on Thursday and Friday after surgery. By Saturday, I was able to move as I wanted. Most of my pain seems to be around the port site...it's just under my bra line on my left side. It is still tender today, but not a bother. I had real difficulty sleeping on my left side and rolling over in general for a few nights, (moved to quickly one night and felt as if I had torn my liver from body) but all that has stopped. I went back to my normal life on Monday...attended a volleyball game and two footbll games this week...climbing bleachers, working the concession stand and the whole bit! I think the worst pain was when I awoke from surgery. The golf ball in my chest felt like a heart attack, and I struggled to swallow. I have a tendancy to panic in those situations, so I probably made it harder on myself than I had to. Just relax and allow your body time for adjustment. I am sure you will do great and the two or three days of pain will be a faint memory. One week out and I am elated! Good luck to you...keep us posted!

Hey BooKoo, I was banded a week ago today in Texarkana with Dr.'s Rachael Keilin and Ron Hekier. I AM SOOOO VERY PLEASED! Their website is www.pswecare.com and their phone number is (903)794-0022. They have done over 250 lapbands, the after-care is fabulous (inclusive of a support group), they have a real "bulldog" of a gal that works with the insurance companies, and currently they have a cash price of around $15,000. I think you will be pleased with them. Oh...they also hold seminars every other Tuesday evening at Wadley Regional Medical Center...give them a call and see what you think! Good Luck!

I am also an October Bandster. My surgery is scheduled for October 11 in Texarkana, Texas. I've not had a difficult time either with the 2 week liquid diet...I think because I know it is all going to be worth it LONG TERM! I can't wait to get involved on this site...I think it is great and I look forward to the advice and support !! Like Neal, I need to know how to get a ticker going on my posts...any help will be greatly appreciated! HAVE A HAPPY!