Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum

[munchkin392 1]

We must be kindred spirits! So often I read something you have posted and thought to myself (hmmmmm....yes).

*Another thought for all, look at the mistakes other people make and learn from them. It's free and costs you nothing.

A good friend had an affair with a younger man. The thrill of his young body, his stamina, sent her to the moon. That was all well and good for the first few months then she tried to continue on with him and establish a LIFE. Life as in living day to day, bills, home mortgage, family, car payments, and suddenly her stud was not so studly. He was not the responsible one her husband had been who enabled her to drive a nice car, have a good home and live in a comfortable place that was warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Gone were surprise weekend getaways. Sure, hubby was losing his hair, getting a paunch belly but there was a lesson in there. My friend ended up having a nervous breakdown. Worth it? Not in my eyes.

The media portrays romance as this imaginary state of life with oiled bodies and candles and exotic beaches. Those people go into hair and makeup before they start being filmed or photographed.

Romance for me is when the rubber hits the road. I think a mature, responsible man is sexy hot. Take away some of the stress in my life, pay the bills, think of me and rub my back after a long day of hard work, speak kindly and respectfully the way you do to strangers. THAT is showing me love not just saying the words. And as I so often am known to say in this house: " Your actions speak so loudly I can't hear your words."

So true Lap. Sometimes I wonder if I am making a mistake divorcing my husband even after the horrible things he has done, because when times weren't bad, they were like you described-he took away some of my stress, helped me around the house, etc. I find myself almost completely overwhelmed with all the household maintenance, yard work, etc. Unfortunately, in the case of my husband, his actions when he is behaving less than admirably, do speak louder than his words. Sigh.

[munchkin392 1]

Friends do take the time to photograph yourselves.

I have a digital camera and took nudies of myself prior to the surgery. I took side photos of my volumous stomach.

DANG

Had I not taken another set today and compared them I wouldn't realize the VOLUME that is gone from my stomach. I can see the lifting of fat off the bottom of my stomach and it pulling inward.

.......................

Loss for this week is a shiney little 1 pound.

............

Physical therapy hurts like a son of a gun. Doing CORE STRENGTHENING:

Pelvic tilt: Flatten back by tightening stomach muscles and butt, hold 3 seconds, repeat 5 times, twice daily.

Hip and Knee strengthening: Isometic Hip Adduction: With folded pillow between knees laying on my side on the bed, squeeze knees into the pillow, Hold 3 seconds, repeat 5 times, do twice daily.

Khip and Kneww Quadriceps: Tighten muscles on top of thigh by pushing knees down into the bed. Hold 3 seconds, Repeat five times, twice a day.

Abdominal Bracing: Breath in and pull belly inward at the navel, hold for five count, breathe out, relax. Repeat ten times.

Lap-I know it hurts, but you will be amazed how much it will help. Hang in there! You are a go getter and you will do great at it!:tongue:

[Lap_dancer 8]

Good thoughts as always Lap. The other thing is, we had a verbal agreement with the gentleman who owned the house who has since passed away to let it go that it was slightly over the property line. It was put up 3 years ago. If he did not pursue actions to get it moved, I cannot imagine they have any standing to now. (But I have been wrong before!) Plus, he has a concrete parking slab that he had poured AFTER the fence was erected. (Which also shows, IMHO, that he was ok with where the fence was). It runs right up to the fence. If I was to move the fence, there would obviously be a huge drop off right where someone would get out of a car, which is potentially hazardous.

One of my friends said I should move the fence over, but then paint something atrociously UGLY on the side facing their house so the house will never sell. Luckily for them, I am not that petty!

And I would like to focus on myself, but it is hard when there are people all around you that seem hellbent on making you as miserably as THEY ARE, you know what I mean? And that is what these people are-miserable, hateful people.:tongue:

The executor of the estate is a nurse at the hospital. I know her from committees and such. I emailed her this morning and told her that I have always respected her and thought highly of her, and that I was very disappointed she had to resort to such heavy handed tactics instead of coming to me personally in an attempt to resolve this. Especially since this complaint is based on the hateful neighbors putting a bug in her ear. I personally would be embarrassed if I were her!

She doesn't know everything you know and that's the bottom line. If she did, and she is a rational woman, she wouldn't have been so heavy handed. But, like our lawyer told us, bad things happen to good people every day.

My husband and I went through a very tedious three year legal process and prevailed. I can tell you be patient. Don't rush to respond whenever you hear from them. Take an "I'll get back to you on that" attitude and let it be a month or more before you do. After all, you don't have any legal responsibility to respond to a letter from a lawyer. He's being paid to get stuff for his clients. You are not his client.

Another thing..no lawyer that I have ever met or what I have heard EVER likes to go to trial. It's too expensive. If they lose they have to eat the costs if the client isn't bound to pay.

I know it is easier said than done but try to ignore all parties in this matter. Take a TIME IN. TIME INside yourself. It does wonders for me. I avoid adversity, I don't answer the phone, I stay in my room, I choose what I read, I don't put the cable on but watch movies. I control what goes into my environment. I'll say that again:

I control what goes into my environment.

It's my objective now to protect myself from negative influences. My normal response has been to eat over anguish and I am like a junkie going through withdrawal. Try a little tenderness.

[munchkin392 1]

Thank you for the great advice Lap. Especially the part about not responding right away to every letter they send me. Because when it comes down to it, it is THEIR problem, NOT mine!! Yes, the neighbors will spread around the neighborhood that I am not cooperating, etc, but they can't hate me any more than they already do I don't suppose. I think it just shows what petty and vindictive (and SAD) people they are personally.

I am going to go out and actually be social tonight and try to have fun with my friends, since I don't usually have any weekends off. The Guess Who is playing for free tonight, so we are going to go see them. I am going to rock out to a little "American Woman"...:tongue: (Although once I had that song stuck in my head literally for TWO WEEKS straight and it about drove me insane!)

[Lap_dancer 8]

Thank you for the great advice Lap. Especially the part about not responding right away to every letter they send me. Because when it comes down to it, it is THEIR problem, NOT mine!! Yes, the neighbors will spread around the neighborhood that I am not cooperating, etc, but they can't hate me any more than they already do I don't suppose. I think it just shows what petty and vindictive (and SAD) people they are personally.

I am going to go out and actually be social tonight and try to have fun with my friends, since I don't usually have any weekends off. The Guess Who is playing for free tonight, so we are going to go see them. I am going to rock out to a little "American Woman"...:biggrin: (Although once I had that song stuck in my head literally for TWO WEEKS straight and it about drove me insane!)

WOW ..you say music I say WHEN! THAT is what we should do, we should go to Red Rocks for a concert some time. What an awesome adventure. I dare not try it anytime soon but that is a dream.

Next time a neighbor offers to tell you the latest gossip being spread by the infection next door just be real "eh" about it. You know? Like "yeah yeah yeah...same tune different day". They want you to pay, lawyer wants what his clients want..you to pay, you have no judgement against you, it's just paper games at this point. ( I got to a point I LOVED the paper games). They use big words to try and threaten you. Like getting a letter from a lawyer is going to make you shake in your shoes. *Lawyers are actually pretty cool people with great jokes, the best ones are lawyer jokes* Too bad their lawyer got a putz for clients. Eh...their problem come to think of it. If somebody wants to pay them money to make an argument over a property line, hey, they gotta make a living right? Funny. People like your neighbors can be "RS" really stupid.

Need a report on that concert. I love love love concerts and live musical performances. Awesome thing to do on a Saturday night.

[ShelbiCallie 0]

I'm still eating my oats too! I've been following a modified vegetarian diet lately. I'm going to go on the 21 day Detox diet that Oprah went on. It's 100% Vegan and you're supposed to lose 7lbs a week. The calories are 1200-1600 a day. Lower version fat, good carbs and adequate Protein (60grams) - I love those soy products and currently I'm eating lots of fruits and veggies! So this shouldn't be difficult! But first on Sept 1st, I'm doing a research project for Dr. Kuri's Lap Band Coordinator - she's studying the weight loss results with the different Liver Shrinking Diets. I'm going to follow Dr. K's LSD for 14 days. After that, I'll do the 21 day Detox!

I hope I lose weight! I've got to get this poundage off!!!

Yo, Dee! You ARE getting this poundage off already --- I just noticed your ticker. You've lost 100 pounds in about 6 months! Yowza!! You are one inspirational chick, Ms. Dee. Tell me more about this LSD diet.

[ShelbiCallie 0]

Ok guys I need to vent. I guess I took a leap of faith and started a profile at match.com a while ago. I have winked, emailed and im'd. Nothing:cursing: Most guys want fit and slender women. No one even gives me a chance to get to know one another. What's the harm in talking. My profile picture is not too bad either. My daughter thinks it looks nice.

I am feeling better about myself since I have started losing weight and I think I am ready to pursue a companion. I am not looking for a long-term relationship at this time but I would like to have someone to talk to and have the occasional date. Why are men so shallow. Should I take my picture off and let them get to know me first before they see me? Do men even look if there is no picture.

Has anyone been on this site?

Bella - I've never been on that site before. But, I've known some women who've met wonderful men through the internet and some women who've met real duds. Sounds like they're duds on that site and it's time to move on. You deserve nothing less than the absolute best. I've read all the great insight you've gotten on this topic from our fellow banditos and I have to say I agree 100% -- this is YOUR time to do the things you enjoy and live your dreams; the right one is out there and you'll meet him along the way. (As a matter of fact, I was just noticing how many nice men there are walking at the high school track where I'm going now to walk/run in the mornings. Some are younger, some are older, some are just getting started on a walking program -- but they all speak when we pass (or they pass me!). I never thought that walking would be a way to meet men, but you never know where a path might lead. Not that I'm looking -- my hubs is often walking with me :biggrin:.)

[ShelbiCallie 0]

Romance for me is when the rubber hits the road. I think a mature, responsible man is sexy hot. Take away some of the stress in my life, pay the bills, think of me and rub my back after a long day of hard work, speak kindly and respectfully the way you do to strangers. THAT is showing me love not just saying the words. And as I so often am known to say in this house: " Your actions speak so loudly I can't hear your words."

Amen!

Can I get a witness!

I am most attracted to my husband when he is folding the laundry, I kid you not.

[ShelbiCallie 0]

Hi Mal,

Glad to see you back. I'm sorry your friend is not doing so well in the hospital. Hopefully the pneumonia will clear up soon so he can start rehab.

The low carb diet is going ok. I went to the bronco game tonight and brought two turkey hotdogs (no bun), swiss cheese and some strawberries.

Any tips from all of you on a sample daily diet for Dr. K's 7 day preop diet?

I am getting tired of hard boiled eggs!

Hey Denver,

I don't have a sample daily diet for you, but I can tell you that I really enjoyed all the meats -- turkey, chicken, tuna, beef, salmon and had lots of wonderful salads! The only hard boiled eggs I ate were in egg salad! As long as you avoid potatoes, rice, Pasta, bread and sugar you should be good to go. Enjoy a nice, juicy steak!

[ShelbiCallie 0]

Lap - Reducing the stress on your back with your weight loss has gone a long way in helping you feel better. I'm just sorry that physical torture umm I mean therapy is also involved. I have found that those CORE exercises are doing a great thing for me in improving my posture as I am losing weight.

I believe the advice all of you have given Bella about reentering the dating world has been right on target. I have been divorced FOREVER. I would like to someday marry again but I'm not putting my life on hold for that. Quite honestly as some of my weight has come off there are some out there who have taken a second look. But come on - I am the same woman who didn't get the time of day 4 months ago. It scares me at times to think that's all some men want but I know there are those out there who have their head on straight. I'll just wait until one comes along. If he never does then I have pursued my goals and live a very full life. I would like someone to share my life but don't need someone to complete me.

My fill still seems to be in a good place. I have to be much more careful than before with chewing well and not drinking with the meal but that's what I needed. I hope I'm like Dee and this is my sweet spot.

Guess I better go grade some papers - it's that time of year. School started on Aug 18th. I have been dropping in here to read then rushing off to catch up on something else. You all are a great addition to my life. My weight has taken many things away from me but in trying to get healthy I have found all of you along the way! What a great benefit.

Hey Sid! You're a great addition to my journey too! Go easy on those students this year :biggrin2:. Glad your fill is at a good place.

[ShelbiCallie 0]

Need some advice, banditos.

As I've mentioned several times on here before, I have periods of depression and tried many different antidepressants. I've been on a new medication -- Pristiq -- and it's has made a huge difference for me (and therefore for my children and spouse).

But....

There has been an increase in my appetite,for sure, and it coincides with when I started this medication. I still have some restriction with the band, but I am thinking about eating ALL THE TIME -- even when I'm not physically hungry and that scares me. I thought I might go in for another slight fill, but I don't want to be too tight and have this head hunger going on and really do some damage. I have lots of fresh fruit cut up in the fridge and I've been appeasing myself with that, but I don't want to stay in grazing mode, even if it's with healthy food.

Should I get a slight fill just to see if that gets me over this? I guess I want the best of both worlds -- I want the symtpom control that Pristiq gives me without the appetite stimulation (but I'm not 100% sure that it's the medication that causing me to eat more). What to do?

[smsmithart 4]

i love dr k.

and his staff i wish i wasnt so far awAy i would just go over there and visit them...

[munchkin392 1]

WOW ..you say music I say WHEN! THAT is what we should do, we should go to Red Rocks for a concert some time. What an awesome adventure. I dare not try it anytime soon but that is a dream.

Next time a neighbor offers to tell you the latest gossip being spread by the infection next door just be real "eh" about it. You know? Like "yeah yeah yeah...same tune different day". They want you to pay, lawyer wants what his clients want..you to pay, you have no judgement against you, it's just paper games at this point. ( I got to a point I LOVED the paper games). They use big words to try and threaten you. Like getting a letter from a lawyer is going to make you shake in your shoes. *Lawyers are actually pretty cool people with great jokes, the best ones are lawyer jokes* Too bad their lawyer got a putz for clients. Eh...their problem come to think of it. If somebody wants to pay them money to make an argument over a property line, hey, they gotta make a living right? Funny. People like your neighbors can be "RS" really stupid.

Need a report on that concert. I love love love concerts and live musical performances. Awesome thing to do on a Saturday night.

They are "RS". And the funny thing is, it is over about 4-6 inches! I mean really, what are they possibly going to do with 4-6 inches? It is just more for them to weed whack. Idiots!!

Well, my friends kind of ditched me for the Guess Who concert. They went to a bar first, and I didn't go with them because I just don't much do bars, and they decided they wanted to stay there. I couldn't find anyone else to go with me on such short notice. And my lawn guy even gave me passes to the VIP tent. :biggrin: But yes, we should DEFINITELY go to a concert at Red Rocks sometime, that would be awesome. I love concerts also! It is all I used to do all summer when I was younger...go to concerts. Next week I am going to Chicago to see Squeeze and Aimee Mann, so I am really looking forward to that! Remember Squeeze? Good old "Black coffee In Bed" and "Tempted"?

[munchkin392 1]

Need some advice, banditos.

As I've mentioned several times on here before, I have periods of depression and tried many different antidepressants. I've been on a new medication -- Pristiq -- and it's has made a huge difference for me (and therefore for my children and spouse).

But....

There has been an increase in my appetite,for sure, and it coincides with when I started this medication. I still have some restriction with the band, but I am thinking about eating ALL THE TIME -- even when I'm not physically hungry and that scares me. I thought I might go in for another slight fill, but I don't want to be too tight and have this head hunger going on and really do some damage. I have lots of fresh fruit cut up in the fridge and I've been appeasing myself with that, but I don't want to stay in grazing mode, even if it's with healthy food.

Should I get a slight fill just to see if that gets me over this? I guess I want the best of both worlds -- I want the symtpom control that Pristiq gives me without the appetite stimulation (but I'm not 100% sure that it's the medication that causing me to eat more). What to do?

Ahh, the evil side effects of medication. Particularly antidepressants. You could either try a fill, which is what I would attempt first, or switch medications to one that has an appetite suppressant effect like some of the older SSRI's. I would for sure try a fill before messing with your meds though, especially if this med seems to be working well for you. My two cents! :biggrin:

[munchkin392 1]

Oh Dorky one, where are you? Probably dispatching ambulances, big red trucks, and coppers, eh? At least it is not a full moon this weekend!:biggrin: