ladykcusa

Apples - Sorry for the pain of passing it - but glad it is gone forever. Great plan to focus on rest today. Well - tomorrow I advance from mushies to all foods. I'm a sissy, so I'll go very, very slowly keeping in mind all I have learned here. I understand that it will be my responsibility to get to know MY band and that each one/person it different. I'm very comfortable here - so I'll go slowly. Now for confessions - my b'day week - total 3 glasses of wine (one at each dinner/celebration) I enjoy wine and have missed it since Feb. 8th when pre diet began. Also had a 4 oz. Hagen Daaz choc. peanut butter ice cream for my b'day dessert. Started to mentally punish myself and experience guilt --- then called it to a Halt. I'm human and occasional, moderate treats are OK. Any suggestions/advice as I move forward?? Joyce Phyl - way to go girl - so few want to volunteer and good for you to train for emergencies. Love the pictures.

Congrats, oldone. Now the learning begins. After my first month being banded, I feel so healthy and proud to have made the decision in favor of health. The band will help me and you. Joyce

Julie - so sorry you are experiencing so much pain. Hope you find some relief soon. Apples - so sorry the kidney stone monster has ruined your weekend. Here in KC - temp went from gorgeous 70 degrees on Friday to snow. Still snowing and about 7" on the ground. DH was stranded in Hayes, Kansas and won't be back until tomorrow. Oh well, I'll watch My TV tonight. lolo

Skittles - this is such a good thing to read. So many have difficulties - and it is great to hear that you did NOT have problems. I pray I am so fortunate. Will finish mushies and move to real food on Monday. Cross your fingers for me and I'll do my best. Sandi - way to go - so good we can all be here to keep each other accountable. Very important. Joyce in KC - with lots of snow today

Kendra - You are on your way. Good job on pre-op diet and loss. At the shower, just say your tummy is a bit upset. They will all be fine with that. You are making the right decision. Joyce

jbflorida - sorry about the dull, selfish date. I did laugh with comment the dog would have been better. Well - I'm proud to have now gone to 3 movies without popcorn. Didn't think I could do it. Snow is starting. yuk

Great - I have a red convertible for summer and a GMC Acadia for winter. The GMC is marvelous for KC winters and has everything on it. However, 14 miles per gallon. But I would definitely recommend it. Joyce

Thanks for the compliment - did you notice I'm hiding behind a tomato planter? lololol When I reach goal - I'll do a full body photo again. It's been a very long time.

Great - what perfect timing. Hawaii after the wedding AND with a friend while DH works. Perfect. Enjoy. Took my daughters to dinner last night to celebrate my b'day ( yes again). Lovely steak restaurant - I had salmon again. What I brought home will make 3 more meals. So interesting to Learn how to eat out. So interesting to learn that others don't notice (or care) when I stop eating. It would feel more comfortable if I could sip coffee while others eat. Will be a learning curve to overcome this new situation in this journey. I know the answer is to focus on the conversation and the opportunity to share time with the friends/family. Will take time. Apples - I can hardly wait to wear all the clothes in my closets that I haven't worn for 10 years. Enjoy your new clothes and new body. How long have you been at goal? Joyce

For the Kids - congrats on 90 lbs. lost. I'm only 5 weeks post-op and can't help, but many others here will respond. Hang on. Joyce in KC

JDT3 - Relax and welcome the band into your body. Everyone has these fears the night before and we are all happy we went thru the fear into the light. JC in KC

I'm 5 weeks post-op and can drink shakes and Water as if there was no band. So don't worry about that. Don't look back - look forward. We can NOT allow ourselves to become too hungry. A yogurt, Protein shake, even Jello or popsickle might "calm the dragon" hunger. You need to call your surgeon and confess and put your mind at ease. You'll feel better, after you talk to him/her.

Great - Soon the wedding will be behind and you can pick the perfect lounge chair by the pool with a great book - then share dinner with DH. So interesting that the "support" groups are NOT providing support. Women can be so jealous of each other, which only proves how insecure they are. Our support group usually has 60+ people. I've only gone twice and both were "complaint fests". Mostly those having issues with NOT following the standards and using the band - expecting the band to do it ALL. I continue to go b/c I pick up a few hints here and there. This afternoon was spent in the home office pulling together all the info needed for our accountant to prepare our personal taxes. So glad I've completed it and can turn it over to him/her. Beautiful high 60's today - but expecting snow again on Saturday. Please, please - may spring come soon. My first fill will be 4/7 and I'm ready. Hunger waits outside the door - all the time. Joyce in KC

Go to CP User at the top of the home page and (on the left side) edit signature. Hope that helps you.

I agree - another informative video. Thanks for sharing it. Joyce

Very interesting that lapband is being used for "select" teens. Well done video. I was lucky to visit Sydney and Melbourne about 4 years ago. Had a wonderful time. How are you doing with your band? Joyce in KC

LauraK - I love massage too. Have one scheduled for next week and will go back twice a month for 90 minutes. Love them. Phyl - your wine, cheese and breeze blowing in the windows sounds sooooo relaxing. Enjoy. Loved the story about the ride with the doctor to the hospital - for your friends daughter. Prayer really works. What a miracle and blessing.

Happy St. Patrick's Day ladies. What a busy group you are. Went to lunch with DD and Grandson (17 yrs. old). He was first one to notice that I've lost some weight. Yippee Apples - forgot to thank you for suggestions re: constipation. I'm drinking V-8 with Benefiber each afternoon @ 4 pm. Also pushing in more water. Hope it will help. DH will be out of town for two days taking pix for Kansas Special Olympics. I have dinner plans both nights and a movie with dinner too. Should be fun.

Congratulations ladies - you look marvelous. You will make it to goal. Yippee. JC in KC

Thank you ladies for all the greetings. Joyce

mhp - Hope your doctor is able to resolve the pain issue for you. Let us know.

Great - That e-mail from future MIL of DD is so troubling. Your very gracious invitations to entertain them in the past (which were declined) is also strange. The idea that she needs to be center of attention sounds very possible. Prayers for your daughter to have this gal for a MIL. Had my first dinner out at a nice restaurant with friends who do NOT know about my band. They didn't notice a thing. One hurdle down - should be easier every time I do it. It was my birthday dinner (67 yuk) - or the 17th anniversary of my 50th b'day. lolol I feel empowered that I can pull this off and not share the private decision I've made. Joyce

Kendra, I'm still on mushies, so beginning of 4th week post op. That means 6 weeks (including the pre-op) that I have been limited in my choices. I've lost 18 lbs and am thrilled. When I do eat, I'm full on about 1/3rd of former portions, or less. I'm still in the learning phase, so Peaches response has more information for both of us. Joyce

Jessica - congrats on new apartment. Pool, workout area, independence -- all will support your journey to health. Apples - My husband and I own two companies and the TV commercials were for one of the companies. I even had a makeup artist on the set. Learned lots of tricks using products. So very long ago..... Lets make it a great week, ladies.

Peaches - I meant keep on going until we reach our goal. Not keep on going to the meetings. lolo Sorry I didn't make that clear. I agree, the meetings can be negative - however if I pick up one thing that will help me, I benefit. This is a challenging life-style adjustment and it will require great effort.