Lap_dancer

LOVE IT LOVE IT!! I can pick berries with the best of 'em. (use to) She is adorable. That wood will come in real handy. We have a wood stove that we need to repair , it does get cold in Florida..like 40 degrees and that is cold for us, so we do enjoy a fire. That pile was a kindly deed for them to do for you all. **and I watched your Governor on the tube tonight deliver her speech. All I can say is...Wow. Strong woman. Love it. She was amazing.** I cannot begin to find words for you right now. I'll try. We have a house full of pets and they are part of the fam. our fur babies. Our oldest, Big Ed, just had a benign cyst removed, and ear surgery. He had lost his "skip" (one leg remains up in the back and he does this little double jump in his walk). I told my husband I sensed he was not well at all. I badgered and finally when I left for Texas my son took him in and they got the tab which would be close to $1000 with surgery and all the tests and meds. The vet was kindly and given that we loved our dog and still could not choke on that steep a bill reduced the fees somewhat. Every little helped and Ed had the procedures and was home same day with recovery instructions. He is fine now. Take it one day at a time. Your heart is in the right place. He is your boy. You are being a responsible pet parent. Hope and do the best that you can and try not to focus on tomorrow. There is enough in tomorrow for the 24 hours it occupies. Pamper yourself with Yankee Candles that smell absolutely divine, fresh flowers, a nice meal OUT and enjoy the fine selections of things like French onion soup and a rich with fresh crisp greens salad. Get a pedicure. For $30 plus tip someone soaks your feet and rubs them and paints your toenails and for some reason that makes me feel like a million. Be well. WAY TO GO!! and WELCOME to the band. :thumbup: Glad to see another step forth and bravely join the challenge. I think it does something to the motivation factor. HEY, I think I only lost 3 lbs the last challenge but something about putting forth a weekly weigh in to someone adds to the excitment and keeps the focus on "THE BALL".

Okay we are moving on past my head twister and adding a new more surreal celebration of our Halloween challenge...meet "Byron". Byron is one of five fish in my aquarium. The photo is courtesy of the new setting I found on my camera. WOO HOO. It turns everything in the photo a lovely black and white but for the yellow and blues which fight for the most dominant color, the winner appears almost in neon. Sooo import the photo into Picasa and hit "saturate" and boooom you get BYRON in neon.

COUNT (Dracula) ME IN FOR THE HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE! Sounds like a great new challenge for us. Put me down for 20 lbs.

Long post with loads of replies to: Deb healing thoughts sent your way. It's one thing when adults get sick but when the kiddos tackle it that is totally different. So emotionally draining. Two cents are great. I want to say to all that getting banded doesn't end there. It's important to understand that all along the way we are changing. Tapping into why we eat what we eat, and we all have red light foods, is a journey in and of itself. I believe for some certain foods are toxic. For me that would be sugar. Sugar can send me to the moon and alter my mood and since addiction is in my family, mood altering is no stranger to me and mine. Whatever it takes, boots back on and straps up, whatever it takes, come back here and check in. Check BACK TO SEE YOU ARE MISSED AND LOVED. I personally had a bad experience with WW where a weighing person 'chastised' me. Okay, I already have a mom who did plenty with a belt so I don't need another chastise. That was my thought when I left WW for the last time. (and I always felt like it was 'smiles..keep coming back so we can get your money') and I was oh, so broke in those days. At any rate, that is my issue and I continue to deal with many. *Mal you better watch it girl, when I get super mobile, I am going on a mighty whirlwind road trip and I may take a piper to your little nook. In turn I'd love to have you here in Florida. I have to heal!! Meanwhile, Hanna is blowing this way next but looks like it will hit the east coast. Got slight wind and rain from Gustav but we were lucky. THANKS! Lap - like I said before...get your arse outta there and come visit me...no natural disasters here!:smile: If you choose not to, make sure you have a 72 hour kit (stuff you may need for a few days - water, food, granola bars, sweatshirt, undies) in a backpack by the door so if the sh@$ hits the proverbial fan (well, in this case...the fan throwing the sh@$) then you can just grab the bag on the way out. Take care sister!:frown: Sidann and Munch...that you so much for your support involving my back, the pain meds, finding resolution. It pointed me in a determined direction. WAY TO GO!!!!!!! And just to let you all know, when I get mobile and thinner (that would be one in the same) I'm going on a Medical Mystery Tour Yes yes yes.... I'm getting on a plane and I'm touring parts as of yet unknown and I'm stopping to visit friends and loved ones and I'm going to take two months with a pause in between to satisfy hubby from leaving him too long. So up and coming is Patty's Medical Mystery Tour

Wow. I must have had fog brain when I replied to this thread because I had forgotten a few things you posted about. Yes, he did call us later that day after my surgery. We were back at the hotel, I was sleeping but he spoke to my husband to make sure I was doing alright. Colorado I think what you are seeing isn't so much an attack but shock from a large group who have had a life of sad stories from being so obese and doctors who regularly criticize for being "overweight" and the following lecture of the need to lose weight (the lecture) with no viable options and here is someone who DOES offer a viable option minus the lecture, minus the guilt with an amazing bedside manner. He speaks very methodically and you don't feel RUSHED (which I hate). We're all in the same boat rowing in the same direction. Whatever it takes for us to get there, whichever doctor is chosen is really not the point. The essential thing is we get healthy, we move away from borderline disabled to living a full life once again. Less me more we. Luck to everyone and safe healing/recovery with what doctor you choose.

I would just add another flower or petal if my port moved. I'm going to do it after my stomach reduction when I am close to or at goal. I love the idea of getting a little bit of this and that. I just put together a basket for someone who has a loved one in the hospital and wasn't able to be home. It had: fresh fruit-apples, a banana, two pears (all within a few days ready to eat just right), chocolate covered espresso beans, chocolate covered macadamia nuts, nuts-peanuts/cashews, gummies, a bottled frappachino, two bottles of sports drink, ...this was a big basket. Music is a great idea if you get the right band. I know Radiohead has a fairly new release that they are touring the U.S. right now to promote. click multiquote one time, the font changes to green, when ready, click NEW REPLY which is above the reply space at the bottom of the last post, left handside.

The first gathering...here we go Mal. That's left to right: Anita, Mal, Michelle, Patty (me)

Lifesaver: It's windy but no high tide cresting the sea wall. Clearwater Beach should be lovely but the sand might sting your eyes from the wind. Watch HANNA which is coming in on the other coast. We should be getting feeder bands from that one which will bring wind and rain on and off but might effect the flights.

Okay then, sounds fantastic. I am totally hip with hosting a gathering at the Westin or thereabouts in the area. The more I read about the hotel the more I like it. I love the best and you all can come up and lay on it to EXPERIENCE the HEAVENLY WESTIN BED. Amazing!

ing LOVE LOVE LOVE THE TAT and jelous of the MAC. I am seriously thinking of having a Tiger Lily tat on my port site when my stomach is complete. Or a Magnolia ( I'm southern) but something in homage to the band. Mommies you is hot! Wow. Way to go!! I'm happy for you and envious. MILF for sure. We are watching the Weather Channel and I do not trust this storm. Hurricanes are like tornadoes. They swell and shrink and move with no true predictable track. I live right on the Gulf of Mexico. I can take a Cat. 2 direct hit if it is at low tide and the feeder bands are not on the eastern side of the storm. It's after it passes that can be worse than the storm itself. I do know Tally. Should drop her a LUCK note. I need to get to know Christiana as that is in my back door. We could talk pain! But I get what you mean by some days no pain. What is that all about and if we knew we'd repeat the process to stay painfree. Naproxen works on some of my pain but not all of it. I take a combo of Xtra strenght Tylenol, give it a chance to kick in, if it does do the job then I add my anti inflammatory drug. That usually does it with no sleepy effect. I take Tylenol PM at night. That puts me out.

I am really glad other people posted. Some great thoughts Excellent thought because my doctor once said, "I'm your doctor not your priest." Those of us with addictive behhaviors concur. It would be super easy for me to switch out alcholol for good. Gaurd yourself. Unfiltered smoke. Hotter, coughing and that impact. Mouse ...Check with your doctor.

Miss Mouse this is your first post? Don't expect too many responses I would say but I'll BITE with my thoughts. I was a stoner for years....Y E A R S. I have not embibed in the herbal remedy for some time but my answer would be the same if I did. I would not tempt recovery with an altered state just yet. You're still in the healing stage and the hot smoke may not be the best thing to put into your body. I got the munchies, tempting yourself by putting yourself into a different control ability is another concern. Try this "clean" phase which is what I call it still. I miss the mellow sensation, I do not miss having a "Turbo cough" in the morning or chest burn. I don't miss the second level of thought connection with reality. Luck to you.

OH OH forgot to add that I am probably going to head out to Denver in November. Has anyone had an issue with any of these? white raisins Raw oats Simply Jif apples I have taken this WW recipe from years ago and mixed it all but the apples and spread it on top of an apple, in this case, one half of an apple cut into slices. This took me to work as my breakfast on Tuesday, Wednesday. By Thursday I had horrid gas and OUCH moments. My stomach began to swell. I switched it out on Thursday to liquids in the morning, warm soup, scrambled eggs. Stopped taking pain meds for the day and by late last night the grand exodus began. This continued through the day. Rememeber the 4 lbs? Gone. So like I said...anyone have trouble with any of those foods? My guess is the apple peels perhaps slowed up, stayed in one place longer than they should have, didn't go through the pipes. I dunno. Crazy gas. Horse farts. I think I will head out to Denver in November. Got way too much happening the next two months and I don't think anything is hyper serious but I'd like to get the once over with our doctor. It would be great if we could try a gathering. I have already looked at the Westin. I think I am going to splurge and go for a Heavenly Bed to sleep in. My back is getting intolerant these days and the Heavenly Beds are amazing. Anyone have thoughts on the Westin Denver - Tabor ?

I went to the doctor's today regarding the medication. Here's what's up. I wrote the name and doseage of all six drugs on a large index card. When compared, it was apparent I had four drugs that could cause weight gain. I can't say there was a hunger issue because my appetite has been so tame compared to what it use to be. We switched the medications and right now I am transitioning to one new medication, the one for depression. It's a new drug that WHO WAS IT RECOMMENDED IT? it's late and I can't remember at this moment. I was taking Inderal and this is a drug that she said, "given your age I never would have put you on this." I take this for migraines. We switched that one too. Lesson learned: Check your medications yourself on the web. Search the drug name and side effects then see if it applies to you.

Hello Friends: Reading everyone's comments, I can almost hear these voices talking to eachother. The support and encouragement is something unique to this group. I wonder what element is present that distinguishes Dr. K's patients from others? Everyone, please be cognisant of our hurricane coastal friends and family. We have four storms heading this way one, two, three, four. Reminds me of 2004-05. (Katrina). Mal your open thoughts are appreciated. I too have felt discouraged, disappointed, with nothing to say. I can assure you that not seeing you since spring 2007 I can see a difference even from just your face. On the same up and down, I can relate. But I keep thinking and asking myself, "What's happening here?". "What am I doing differently?" and I keep asking the questions and mainly exploring this journey. I am finding answers whether I like what I discover or not. Let's see now... there was: The bad fill I had locally that made me sick pretty much each time I ate and I didn't know if it was normal or not. Flew to Denver, Dr. K drained the cloudy yuck and put fresh in. But that was 4 or 5 months of a setback ( I felt ). Then there was eating too much liquid calories. Then there was too much fat. Then there was my lazy butt ( I thought ) that didn't want to do anything but lay in bed but turned out to be damage in my spine causing pain. NOW..the medications. It's fine though. We keep pressing on and as long as we keep going, it really doesn't matter how long it takes to cross the finish line. If we don't quit, time is on our side.

Victories like stepping on tip toes mean a lot to me. Congrats.

The photo looks fantastic! Thanks for posting it. Mal you look so great. WOW cheekbones! I can't believe that person started an entire thread about "concerns"??? WHU??? I guess because no one agreed with her here she thought there needed to be an entire thread dedicated to her perception that a 5 o'clock shadow means bad medicine????.. I do smell a fish. Yearbook mentality, you know, superlatives and the 'est' of doctors. Good work travels fast in this line of surgery. Roof and house repairs$ sorry to hear this as I deplore these kinds of surprises. Dork you are obviously good at what you do and to get kudos like that is impressive. Way to go. *winks* thank you for supporting the Special Olympics. I think it IS the greatest legend the Kennedy family has given. I am also very fond of the Very Special Arts. I reduced my Klonipin by half a dose the same way I increased it. I feel shakey and had psychedelic dreams two nights in a row. Appt. with doctor tomorrow for the med change. It was suppose to be yesterday but I was occupied with a student and could not leave. I am sooo bummed. I was up 4 lbs. this morning. I'm sure it is the salty diet of the past two days. That's the way I roll with salt. Sodium kills my progress. Onward! ..and thanks for noting the "Pristique" I will talk about it with my doctor. Need to switch three medications tomorrow.

:w00t: I remember now, the other southern BELLE on here. Mama says you can say anything when you add "bless your heart".:cool2:

AHHHHHHH!!! I was reading an article in O magazine today and it was on medications and do they cause you to gain weight? I am currently on six medications ( two more for the back ) and guess how many of my six cause weight gain????? Of all the medications I take, half of them cause weight gain. Four of them cause sleep disturbance. My band is definately doing it's job. As I whittle away and rehab and recovery on the back I find more and more things popping up. Needless to say, I'm stopping two of the medications and switching to Tylenol. I have an appt. with the doctor to review the other four. I am going to begin going off of one of them. The one for panic disorder. I'm changing the Effexor I take for depression because there is a viable option with lesser side effects. Something tells me once the meds are squared away I will give Dee a run for her weight loss money!!! (grins)

*just a side thought ColoradoCrazy. I moderate a music fan website that is Vbulletin (what this site operates with) and you can check stats on posters. That was your 5th post and you chose to come here to complain about this doctor when you chose to go with another doctor. Typically people tend to just stick to the forums where they found success. Strange that you didn't do that. I don't recognize the person you are describing as my doctor. (unshaven???) When I discovered Dr. Kirshenbaum in 2006, his name was going around because of his motivation for price. So people could afford the surgery and stay in the United States. By the time we spoke, I had never met the man but was so impressed by his education medium, tele conference and overall persona that I scheduled surgery with him sight unseen and flew from Florida to Colorado. My surgery was seamless in recovery. I even had a lower gastric problem that he helped me resolve and I'd been suffering with that one for years. I have pointedly asked questions to assure that my expectations were communicated clearly and understood by him. Communication is essential and goes both ways. Dr. K has never let me down. Good luck to a healthy lifestyle.

and the Goo Goo Dolls shredding same cover at the Concert for NYC. (buy it if you have the chance..great show) [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8FskLmlkCk]YouTube - Goo Goo Dolls and Tom Petty's "American Girl"[/ame]

Here's more 80's for you:

Here's more 80's for you: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXkblbJqwn0&feature=related]YouTube - American Girl performed by Tom Petty[/ame]

And girls, back pain be damned I get my groove thang on to this one, shimmy swingin', sookie sookie..... [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAf3gqdCrDs]YouTube - Santana & Clapton - Jingo[/ame]

He IS AMAZING in concert. I've seen him several times over the years. My husband loves his music. We have a vintage concert poster from one of the shows. Vintage tshirts from concerts, ticket stubs. Such awesome memories. Here is my husband's favorite song: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzSayxVM_E0]YouTube - Santana. Samba Pa Ti[/ame] And