ReneBean

Congrats & keep up the good work!

Hey All Another glorious day in Mtg Lending... with nothing to do. I forwarded my resume to my old co-worker on Friday and he is sending it to the people who hire. So, I will at least hear the spiel from them. My DH is still sick - he about scared the pants off me this morning. I was just running through the bedroom to grab my clothes so I could run out the door when he started babbling about hotels and porn pictures and being a bit outraged because "We are a family. You can't do that to a family". Understand me - it came out of the blue at me, just like this. I had NO idea what the heck he was talking about. Then he started to go on about computer hackers and how everybody was working on the problem but nobody could figure it out. OK - now I was really worried. When I got him to look at me and told him to tell me my name, he looked at ME like I was crazy and did in fact repeat my name. Apparently, my DH got up in the night and was watching the news. Is there some story about a Hotel flashing porn on the TV where kids could see it? The computer hacker thing was an episode of Invader Zim - but these key bits of information were left out when he started talking. I was reassured enough to come to work - but I am still worried. The good news is that he was able to keep a little food down last night and his fever has dropped a degree overall - he has been beloww 102 more than above for the last 24 hours. The BAD news is that at this moment, my forehead feels a bit warm. I am taking my vitamins as we speak and I will be headed for home, shortly. Cindy - you are correct. Arms first, then belly & thighs for me. I have to be careful what shirt I wear, right now, or my floppy bat wings hang out in the MOST attractive *snort* way... And I forgot about Corned Beef - heck, I even forgot St. Paddy's Day all together. I was a little busy. :] Did you post again after you said Haven & her friend were hanging out with you? Computer weirdness for sure. Eileenie - I ended up going over to my SIL's house to visit with the herd of in-laws. It was nice to see them - but I was sad that DH couldn't see his DS. Corned Beef? I love that stuff - with Cabbage & Onions. Mmmmmm. Mandy - Hope you love the new fridge. That filtered water is the BEST. :] And 159 is so below my goal! WTG!!! Hope it sticks and you can feel free to change your ticker. Have fun with the home decorating! Kat - Thanks for understanding. I really believe I should switch to teaching, though. I know it's a labor of love and that it will be hard work - but I also know that the older I get, the less tolerant I am of this mortgage crap. It seems like there is a new layer of regulation added every day... and more and more fraud to fight. I know teaching will have it's own set of layers of crap - but that will be new to me... maybe I won't burn out on that for another 15 yrs... That will get me a lot closer to retirment without melting down. Some days, I feel that if I stay in this business any longer, I will surely explode. So, I guess I will see about staying employed in this business for a while - but take the teacher training stuff on evenings and weekends. I don't think I can keep this mortgage thing up until I reach 65 or 72 or whatever the retirement age is by the time I get there. Betty - my roses are all budding, too. Spring has sprung. I have a pansy blooming in a pot on my deck. I love living in TX. Sherry - I totally understand the vegatative state, thing. Been there, done that. Besides, it sounds like your free time is filled with life-enriching activity - so don't fret about us! My DH has the same as yours had - no coughing or sinus - but everything else. I am not looking forward to it! Deb - Sugar is bad. Sugar is the root of all evil. Don't let them try to tell you that money is - it's sugar, I tell you! LOL! Sorry you feel poorly. And don't fret about the 2 lbs. Unless you have had more than one day of badness, you are probably just retaining water from eating all the junk. Get back on plan and those pounds will vanish quickly. Hugs! Chrispy - I surely hope the good outweighs the bad. Fill us in when you get a few minutes. Hugs!! Dianne - Hope you are starting to feel better! Let somebody else push the cart and be sure to take your pain meds. No need for a stiff upper lip when you are healing up from surgery. :] Well, speaking of no need for a stiff upper lip - I am heading out. I can't see any point in staying here when I am going down fast. If I don't check in for a few days, it is because I am home in bed. Keep those Monkeys aside to chase after Pat & Patty. Love & Hugs to all.

Hi Judy! I'm in Allen, too (Hi Myra!) Glad to have you, here. You might try starting a post about Estrogen in the General Discussion forum - you might get more responses to that part of your post, there. I am so not looking forward to the whole Flash issue - but whatcha gonna do? I am just trying to get down a little closer to a normal weight before I have to start thinking about that.... Congrats on your loss!! I second the whole exercise thing. It seems like I don't lose weight if I don't get my butt on the elliptical machine at least a few times a week. Good Luck, and keep up the good work! Irene

I drink what I call "Water Cocktails" I have a one liter bottle that I mix them in. I use filtered tap water and I flavor with several things. Propel (too sweet on it's own); "Healthy Balance" or Lite fruit juice; any other flavored water; liquid Protein. I just add enough flavoring to make the water interesting - and I keep track of the liquid calories so it doesn't get out of control. I also drink unsweetened ice tea or coffee. My doc says caffeine in moderation is ok - so I never had to give up the blessed bean. Ahhhh.... life is good. I never miss the soda, so long as I can keep my daily coffee. But just so you know - I never heard of anybody dying from soda (or even caffeine) withdrawal. :biggrin1: Hugs and Luck!

I'm with Paul, Puddin. You look fantastic - and that scar is really nice and thin, already. I would like to see how it looks from the back. This procedure is definitely in my future - and I may even use your doc. DANG you look good!

Congrats on the Bariatric Consult, BT. What state are you driving in? Maybe I will try to avoid it... LOL! You have contributed to the County Revenue. The schools and police force thank you. :]

Hey Tracy - I still get the occassional port twinge when I do anything overly dramatic in the viscinity of my port. Not pain, precisely - but just a little shout out from my Port to remind me to take it easy. I get the numb skin thing after fills, too. There must be a nerve that runs right over my port or touches it or something. They numb me before the big needle goes in and it stays kinda bubbly numb for way longer than the meds should cause. Don't freak. It's ok. And don't fret about waiting until 4/02 for your first fill. If you need to eat, eat. Now is not the time to worry overly much about losing. Just heal, Chick. :] Wheetsin - Looking fantastic!!! I know EXACTLY what you mean about the arms. I have that lumpy, creepy, wrinkly thing going on - and I haven't even lost that much weight. *sigh* Anybody know a fantastic PS in the Dallas Metro Area?

Hi All. Not much new going on here. DH is still sick, my company is still in upheaval and life goes on. The only change is Clifford has come to visit. *yippee - flipping - skippy* Just another layer to enhance a week already colored in shades of drama.... Eileenie - Thanks for the support. I find it shocking - but not everybody has a crazy sister. I really thought that everybody did - but I am pretty sure that folks without one must think I am hideously evil and cold. *sigh* If they just had experienced the YEARS of lies...But you're right. No matter how crazy - she'll always be my baby sister. Hugs back at ya! Darcy - Hi! Hope you are having a great day! Oh - and Dang it Girl! You are fired. I forgot my lottery tickets last night and missed a drawing! LOL!! Diane - Our perky princess is back!! WaHoo!! Glad to see you are feeling well enough to stop in. I am thinking good thoughts for pain relief. 15 yr old boobs? I could go for that, maybe... But, I would rather have my 15 yr old butt. Hugs!!! Guess this will be your first year with a HAPPY bathing suit shopping experience. I am green... :] Mandy - The occassional weepiness is to be expected with such a little girl. I am so glad that Abi seems to like the school. That will be all to the good in trying to get her on an even keel. Hugs!!! *no story time, yet today. (one of my co-workers is out.) I will forward as soon as I can. Mary - I bet getting the computer fixed wasn't as expensive as the Therapy you would need if you couldn't go on-line, right? Hugs!! Betty - The joys of being a mature woman...any job is like working in a day-care center. Thank goodness it is possible to overcome the gap. Glad to hear you had a good time. Well my Dear Ones... I have to get back to it. I have more work waiting for me - so today I don't have to try to LOOK busy - I actually AM busy. It's kinda nice. Love and Hugs to All! Irene

And don't forget - a full intestinal tract - which is what you normally have when you are eating solids - weighs anywhere from 5-15 pounds depending on your size. When you go to liquids - you cut that weight out. Liquids run right through. Don't panic when you start eating solids and loss either slows or stops for a few days. Congrats on the loss! As long as you aren't dizzy or weak, you are probably just fine. If in doubt - call your doc. :]

SWM Sorry you didn't get a more immediate response to your thread. There are so many new people here all the time, it is very hard to keep up. Pre-op testing has a purpose - to find things like this! Glad it isn't more serious and very glad that it can be fixed. Nothing like the threat of having your heart just stop on you to inspire you to live life to it's fullest every day. Good luck in your treatment and in your efforts to get a band. My band is the best decision that I ever made for myself. Hugs!

Woo Hoo!!! So when do we get the Before & After picture? Let us see the fab new you! Hugs! Keep up the good work!

Howdy Friends and Loved Ones... My company has changed the underwriting guidelines AGAIN - that would be the 3rd or 4th time in the last 2 mos. Our poor brokers don't know what to do with themselves, as loans that were approved yesterday are being denied, today. It is pretty weird around here, so I have spent the morning commiserating, and writing Abi's story - A fairy tale called Princess True. The beginning is complete and I am about ready to break into the body of the story. I hope to have it done by tomorrow. Assuming I still have a job tomorrow, that is. I will have to save the story to a disk tonight, so I won't have to start over on my laptop... :] Aside from the work drama - DH's illness has progressed to throwing up, the poor baby. Not much else is new, except that I am trying not to get sucked into my old stress-eating habits. I did pass up the box of cake donut holes last night, in favor of a single serving of Ding Dongs. I got them for my official Cheat day on Saturday and put them in a drawer so they wouldn't be looking at me for the rest of the week... Betty - my DS lives in Bend, Oregon. If she were closer to me, I would have GONE to the hospital to check up on her. I haven't seen or spoken to her since I left Oregon over 4 yrs ago. I tried contacting her, at first - but she moved and she never responded to my e-mails. I must admit that I never tried very hard. I called to say goodbye before I left the state - and she couldn't take a full five minutes to talk to me without stopping to yell at her kids or take another call. I was a bit miffed by that... and when she didn't respond, I stopped trying to e-mail her. Thanks for your prayers. Deb - Congrats on your weightloss!! I hope you break into Onederland soon. Hugs! Cindy - I am having some moments of indecision about the teaching. One part of me wants to take on something completely new and different and break away from this crazy mortgage business for good - but another part of me is lazy and greedy. I have heard that FHA is taking qualified sub-prime underwriters (like me) and certifying them to underwrite FHA loans. The pay would be closer to what I make now and I would't have to completely start over. I have processed FHA loans before - and I would not have to make much of a transition... *sigh*. So now I have to decide whether to be lazy, or whether to break out. I have a week or so to think about it. I will for sure let you know what I decide. Well, I am going to get back to the story, now. I am pulling a Scarlett O'Hara on the job thing. I will think on that, tomorrow. Hugs and Love to All.

Evening! Hey Kat - I am sorry about your baby kitty. I am sure he is glad of the release from his frail old body. Hugs & Love. Sherry - Hugs! Hope all is well with you. Mandy - Oh sure - days of nothing and today I was busy right til the end. I will try to work up a story tomorrow, if I have any free time. Remember - structure is a good thing when it comes to kids. I went from work to the grocery store - first time since returning from vacation - and then had to come home, put it all away and wait hand and foot on my poor delirious husband. Fortunately - Soup isn't terribly taxing to prepare and after I gathered a few essentials, it wasn't too bad. Of course, the whole cleaning thing did not get very far when I had to stop every ten seconds to get soup or juice or cold medicine - but I guess we can always meet the family at a restaurant! I got some weird news today. I am feeling a little guilty about it, actually. My youngest sister is a little bit crazy. She's that relative who nobody wants to talk about... always in financial distress, always in drama, always a mess. She has always been willing to go to extreme lengths to get money without working - like lying to my parents constantly. So - when she called my Mom and said she had a brain tumor and was going yo have surgery, we were ALL unwilling to believe her. She had told some real whoppers before - we just assumed this was a last desperate attempt... But - just for the sake of finding out exactly how far she was willing to go, I decided to call the hospital today. While I did not verify with a doctor - I did discover that she is a patient there - and that the nurse transfered me to my BIL when I tried to call my Sis. Either my BIL has dramatically improved acting skills, or my sis really had some kind of major surgery yesterday. I guess I am not going to beat myself up about it too badly - because she has earned her "Boy who cried wolf" tag for years, now - but I am a little freaked out because I said yesterday that she would practically have to die to make me believe it - and according to BIL, she nearly did. So, now I am going to have to feel like dirt for a bit - I guess until she tells the next whopper... I guess I am going to have to work through this weirdness. Thanks for letting me vent. You understand that if I find out she had an ingrown toenail removed, I WILL kill her... Love you guys!

Hey All Must be a slow news day... lots of folks must be very busy, indeed. Not much going on in beautiful Dallas, today. It's gray - as spring often is - and a little cooler than I would like. We survived the storms and got some much-needed rain. I have been helping some co-workers today - since I have nothing much to do on my own pipeline. At least I feel like I am contributing something besides my charm and beauty in the office!! Mary - Hugs and Love, Honey. I am thinking good thoughts for you & the boys. Maybe a new computer will fall from the sky. Deb - Don't worry about the cake. So long as you don't make a habit of it - you will be Superfine. And don't worry about our names, either. Lots of us have been chatting here for well over a year - so we have had PLENTY of time to get everything straight in our minds. You'll pick up our real names as you go along. Since I hardly ever post mine - I will tell you my name is Irene. I use ReneBean cause that's a childhood nickname. Hope your baby feels better, soon! Betty - Glad you survived the storms. I love a good Thunder & Lightning. I guess I get a little thrill out of hearing the windows rattle or something... :biggrin1: The scale is being kinder today. I guess 2 days of practically fasting are enough to knock my weight back down to pre-trip levels. Yee Haw! Mandy - I am going to work on a story for the Divine Miss Abi if I get time today. Hugs & Love. Eileenie - Glad to see your smiling face! Don't be a stranger... Well - I have managed to use up my whole lunch... EATING, of all things! Sheesh! I have to get back and see if my co-workers need any more assistance... I, of course, still have nothing to do, here. Home is another story: My BIL & SIL are coming for a visit and DH has some kind of flu... he is feverish and weak. Of course - he has that now that he needs to clean up the house so his relatives don't have to see the pigsty we live in. *sigh* I guess I am going to have to **shudder** CLEAN when I get home tonight. EEEEEEWWWWWE! ICK!! LOL! Love & Hugs!! See y'all tomorrow!

Yes - the only real advantage is that By-pass is faster and the surgery FORCES you to avoid sugar & I think fatty foods, also. I didn't care about speed - and I wanted to be ABLE to eat chocolate or fatty foods in moderation - so I went with the band. I like the band because not only can I eat anything that I want to (in small amts) but I get all the nutrients from the food I do eat and I have no side effects, at all. Definitely check out other sites if you want to get the pro-By-pass point of view. Most of us here are 100% BAND people - and we all chose this because we were willing to go slower in order to preserve the digestive tract and have the less invasive surgery. Good Luck!

I made myself a "Travel Wallet" which I strap on to my wrist. It holds cash, credit cards and a slim lip gloss - all that a girl on the go really needs. Since it straps to my wrist - I never walk away without it... A concern when one is drinking in Vegas. A small black zip-up with a couple of wide elastic strips sewn on... I started carrying it at home, too. It's so nice not to have that ten pounds of garbage on my shoulder... and amazingly enough, I don't really need it on a daily basis.... :]

Your period makes all the tissue in your body swell... your stomache tissue has a band wrapped around it. If the tissue get's bigger inside the band - it feels tighter. The more you swell, the tighter you get. The joys of being a girl. Anything that makes you puff up will affect your band.

Hi Marlene! Welcome and feel better! Hugs!

Listen to Dr. C. I was going to say the same thing.... if you can't eat solid Protein, you are probably too tight. Better to be able to eat more of the right foods than to be able to only the wrong stuff. Yes - go to your doc - have him check the band and take a smidge of saline out... and don't forget to CHEW. Hugs!

That "no restriction" thing could just be due to not enough fill... if you haven't ever had it - it may just be cause you have a big band. It took 6 fills (or 7? so many I can't recall...) to get to anything resembling restriction. I have the VG "big" band - so it takes a lot of fills to get there. Good luck! Hope the "Mystery of the Missing Saline" is solved soon! :]

Alcohol is ok in moderation after you are fully healed - you just can't do any carbonated drinks. Cheers!

Hey All... Went to get my fill yesterday. For those that are keeping track, I have 9.2 cc's in my 11 cc band. (with tubing it holds like 14-15 cc's, or so I have been told) I have officially gained only .5 pounds - I got 294 vs the 293.5 I had at the beginning of the month. Of course, I had lost another 3-4 pounds since then... *sigh* I am not going to adjust my signature line, though - since I am already back down to 293 this morning. Nothing like liquids... So, it's back on plan for me. It looks very much like last month was the last trip to NY for me.... no mention of anybody going up north around here this month. Bummer. But - on the bright side - I will have more active dieting days and less excuses not to exercise and to eat like an idiot. Now, if I can just keep from going STARK RAVING MAD from boredom, it will be fine.... I guess I will just have to bring my school work in with me - since it's looking a little sketchy for work right now. They have ratcheted down on our guidelines so much that we just don't have many loans to work.... Deb - sorry to hear you have that nasty creepy crud. Rest and recover. Hugs!! Mandy - HUGE hugs! I only have the slightest inkling of what you are going thru. My Sis has untreated bi-polar disorder. It is a very mild case - but it affects her more as she gets older. I am sorry that you are going to have to fight both the insurance company AND the school system. It seems like the whole world only cares about money...about keeping it and getting more. Stay strong. I am thinking good thoughts. Vent away any time you need to. PM Abi's e-mail address. Maybe I will write her a story. Kelly - Thanks so much for updating us on Dianne. We will be expecting a personal report from the Perky Princess when the pain factor drops below 4... :] Kat - One of these days you are going to wake up and have dropped down to 197. I swear it. Hugs! A hot pool boy, huh? Hmmm. Let me ponder that.... I suppose if one is going to have a big vat of water in a sunny back yard, a nice bronzed bod might be decorative... Betty - I guess I am lucky it was only five pounds... I REALLY love Mexican food... and it is SO good in Tucson! Darcy - I guess that dream of becoming my PA is going to have to wait until I win the lottery... Cause I can't imagine our current budget extending to any assistants - for anybody! Hey - put it on my calendar for me to buy lottery tickets again on Thursday, ok? Seriously, Good luck with the job search. Well - back to looking busy.... Hugs and Love to All.

Hi BigSexy! I have no problems with pizza or steak - but the carbonation is definitly a problem... that darned pesky gas just does godawful things to you when you get that little hourglass installed... If you can do like wine-tasters do - and spit the beer out - then it shouldn't affect you too much. Except for the beer thing - you will be fine. Good Luck!

You might try reading some journal entries... I think that while folks post more when they have complications - you might be able to get a more rounded perspective from reading the journals. I had NO problems post op. I have had ONE PB which was entirely because I wasn't eating the right thing and I wasn't paying attention when I did. Otherwise, zero complications. I know that some folks DO have problems - and I don't mean to minimize their pain - but most of us don't post every day about how great our lives are now that we have some measure of control over hunger and some actual HOPE for a thinner, healthier future. Hope is a powerful force. I had lost all hope of ever living a healthy life until I got my band. Now, I know that I CAN lose the weight and that I can keep it off for good. Read everything. Look at the stats for complications. Think hard about what will happen to you if you don't get the surgery, vs the possiblity of complications. The pro's so outweighed the risk for me, that I jumped at the chance. Good Luck in your deliberations. Keep on researching until you are sure. You want to be able to go forward with as little fear as possible - and end up with no regrets. Hugs!

Yep - beware of eating while in flight - and be careful for the first 24 hours after. Altitude changes can mess with the restriction of your band. I, too, always eat before I leave and take care for a while after I arrive. If flying makes you puff up - your band WILL be tighter. Have fun!!