Phoenix

DH called his sister... They have two boys. His sister DS1 & DS2 get gifts, her husband is skipped, too. (DS = Dear Son) I'll chalk it up to a personal quirk. Now that I know, I feel better. My DH asked why it was troublesome to me and his BIL. I likened it to all employees at his office getting 2 movie tickets on their 1st year anniversary. Everyone. Except for you. It was the "except for you" part that bothered me.

At this point, I'm quite a bit like you -- except that while I'm in the stadium of "restriction" I'm not on the playing field yet. I've dropped 8 pounds in just about 8 weeks -- all in the first three weeks. None since solids. Didn't gain any back, but... If the next fill doesn't do what I think it will, then the next thing I'll do is head to my Dr.'s office for a full health work up. I'll ask specifically about metabolism and thyroid functioning. I'm thrilled for you all watching your successes. I just want to move on that road with you!

I asked DH after posting... a) he hadn't noticed he noted that the dog didn't get a card OR a gift c) when he caught that I was serious, that I don't know what to make of it and that it's bugging me, he answered honestly that he didn't know, but he'd think about it. I'm best just chalking it up to "one of those things" and deciding that they just behave differently than I behave. Whatelseyagonnado???

You're right that it's cool she remembers. She'll be 65 in November, so DH and DDs 1&2 should have plenty of "mom" and "grandma" time left.

Congratulations! For the 5 year anniversary AND the nice vacation AND the 50 pounds lost! Glad you had a wonderful time!

Relationship is good -- not mother/daughter but generally just fine. No conflicts, no skirmishes. Cheap? It's hard to say. Choosy on big purchases (houses, cars, furniture), but dabbles in the inexpensive stuff on a daily basis. they're financially secure and retired. I'm trying to see another point of view that makes sense. Right now, it just feels like "but not you".

DD = Dear Daughter (I have two of them for DD1 dnd DD2) DH = Dear (or sometimes another "d" word) Husband.

That's a GREAT idea! I can eat a whole Lean Cuisine still, but not a whole "lunch out" portion...and it holds longer than it used to. I'm really looking forward to restriction like you're experiencing!

PS) Giving yourself a lapband was a phenomenal present. Hope everything went perfectly today. Linda

Hope your brand new year is wonderful!

Every year my MIL remembers my birthday. She sends me a card signed, "Love MIL, FIL, [dog's name] & [2nd dog's name, if they have one]" My two DDs and DH also get cards, but their cards come with presents. I'm trying not to let it bug me...it's not the lack of a gift, it's the "but not you" feeling I get. Am I just reading this wrong? Just to make the connection, 3 of the birthdays are right there together. DD1 July 10 me July 26 DH August 7 Then DD2 isn't until December.

What a perfect way to put it! Glad you're feeling better. Linda

Thanks! *Do you ever sleep? *

That's great news! Enjoy your holiday, too!

Like Barb above, I use an online food diary. I've been using thedailyplate.com for a month, but I like fitday.com, too! Sure makes it easy!

How disappointing! Did the same person do both fills?

Congratulations on your new Granddaughter! Nice that you found a fill Dr. nearby. Hope you're doing well! Linda

Have a great trip! Best wishes to perfect banding!

I'm probably not *sorry* headed towards TJ on the 12th ... But I'm in AZ with you! You're in good hands, alone or not. My DH didn't go with me, a concerned friend kind of more than volunteered, but even if she hadn't, all would have been well. No fear, none is needed. Congratulations on your newest ad(band)ventures!

Another "no, it wasn't like that for me, either." from the peanut gallery. 10 minutes, slight pain, nothing mind bending like you went through.

Ditto that, bubbles (beer, champagne, soda) are on the no no list permenantly. Pouch expansion is a bad thing since it's the little pouch that makes the band work. Spice is nice. If your mouth and stomach are happy with them, a little silicone band will be, too.

Sorry to hear you're both sick! Kim, it sure sounds like a bug, not a band thing. Michelle, I hope you're on the mend! Get well soon!

liquid Centrum IS like the worst cough medicine EVER *gak* Agree on the Viactive chocolate calcium chews (available at Costco) I bought one from drugstore.com that isn't wonderful, but is far, far better. I'll look it up and post back later.

I can eat a LOT of raw spinach salad. It's seriously healthy, very little vinagrette, cucumbers, sliced mushrooms, some shredded cheese, a few tomatoes and 3 oz of sliced chicken breast. I could eat this kind of salad every day. Chicken first, then spinach. It's like I could finish the bag. And for 14 calories, I wouldn't sweat it if I did But should I be able to?? For those of you who are restricted, is there a point where your stomach (even if it's just spinach) says "full"? And does the lettuce/cucumber/tomato/mushroom/watery stuff HOLD or does it just go down fast? It feels like it's gone in an hour or so. Thanks! Linda

Congratulations and welcome to you both!