Expanders, snacking and the elusive onederland

So, on my way to a new me, I decided I was going to get braces. Today I got these expander things put on my mouth, that will make room for my teeth, before I get the braces put on. I have to wear them for 9 months, then braces for 9 months. Anyway, I get these things put on and now "I thound like thith when I talk and I can't even thay my own name, whits izh thana" Yesterday, I would have pronounced is shah-nah (shawna), but today, I'm suddenly thah-na. Well, isn't this fun? I just wanted to share the upsides to this ridiculous thing I'm doing to myself - one, I will have straight teeth in a short 18 months (my attempt at optimism), and two, I have to take them out to eat, which isn't fun or easy, so I have another tool to keep me to 3 meals a day, no snacking! yahoooozy. I was getting back into the snacking, especially since it's halloween time, and even though it hasn't been candy, I've been snacking to keep myself from the candy. Still not good. So, if anyone needs help in this area - I suggest expanders! Peace to all my A-team peeps. shana btw - Hopefully, I will be ONEderwoman in ONEderful ONEderland by Sunday! Wish me luck.

That made me smile this morning. I had to have those too when I had braces...but you know what I had a beautiful smile when I was done. So hang in there. Yes I think it would help with the snacking. But I have one thing to say.....dang girl I love your new pic and stop giving yourself heck....man surgery and now braces....do you like torture.....nawwwww....As my mom always tells me sometimes it hurts to be beautiful...You are a strong person...I am proud of you...

Crystal, Thanks for the encouragement. Your mother is right - it does hurt to be beautiful, as you should well know!

I love the post and the new picture you look amazing!!!

Oh Shana that made me laugh!!! You already look so darn beautiful.... now with a perfect smile you're gonna be even more stunning! And thanks for the reminder on how much "snacking" we do. I've noticed myself popping in a few "Fun size" candy bars in my mouth every now & then. Bad, bad, bad!!!! Thanks for keeping me in check with your light-hearted post! Hugs, Lisa

Lisa, I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one doesn't have the dumping from candy. It's been so hard, as that was always my biggest downfall. I've had a few tootsie rolls, but not since the wednesday, when i got the expanders. Thanks for the compliment too. I love the support of the A-team!

Thufferin' Thuccotasth! Hey, it'll be worth it, and take whatever workth. You're cute now; I can't wait to thee you with really thtraight teeth. You'll get to Onederland, then you can postth another metthage on thith forum and let uth know that you've gotten there!!! Have fun. Marcia

I'm here and ready to dance with ya to the onderland boogie. Go! Go! Go! I think that getting your teeth straightened shows how each of us now thinks we are "worth it". We all have been doing different things to improve ourselves. A year from now I expect many to start having plastics to brighten and tighten. Based on your picture-you always have the most beautiful smile. Hard to think it can be improved. Good Luck....

ohmygosh....i needed this today, thank you! Im at work and thought..."hmm...wonder what my ATeam buddies are up to" and i find this! JUST WHAT I NEEDED! Hope you all have a fantastic day! Shana, you're beautiful girl! Just sit there and look purty, you dont have to talk if you dont want to! lol

Shana, you look SO beautiful in your new picture! Good for you for getting braces-it'll be sooo worth it in the end. I can totally relate to the snacking issue-it's scary how it sneaks up on you. I finally gave in and went back to tracking every bite I eat, and I find that it helps keep me in check. Unfortunately I can tolerate sugar quite nicely, but now when I have some I make sure to be honest and include it in my daily calculation to make sure I don't go over the calories I want to have. I feel like I've made peace with it now-writing it down forces me to be accountable and make adjustments to my calorie intake. As long as it doesn't become a frequent habit, I think it's OK to have a treat every once in a while.