ReneBean

Cindy - this is my first foray into travelling with the lap top - but of course, this is why I bought it. I am sure that each hotel is different - but at the Hilton, they have their own network. You just View Available Wireless Networks - and (this is key) log on to the right one... I wasn't able to get in touch with you guys last night because I picked the wrong one... Anyway, once I got connected to the correct network, it just zipped me to a netscape page and off I went. I am gambling - because the front desk told me several wrong things - so I don't know if this is costing me money or not... But, I am hoping that the front desk was right about the fee, if they were right about anything. He said $5/day. It might even be free - since I never passed through a gateway, or told them my room number or anything. I'll let you know when I get my bill on Saturday! Anyway.... As for a meet - I would love to have coffee or lunch or shopping or whatever with any and all of you that can make it out this way. My only restrictions on Saturday are that I will have no vehicle - and I have to be on a plane at 3:55 pm - so I need to be at the newark airport NO LATER than 3pm - and that would be rushing. Where can we go between Pearl River and Newark Airport?? Chime in folks, I know nothing... Patty, I am sorry about the blood pressure. Lay off the salt, and be sure you get where you need to be in plenty of time to relax for 5-10 minutes before they test you again. Hopefully it will be down low enough to suit them. Oh - and I think keeping your head from popping off can be considered a job requirement... :] Ira - I would Love to have coffee with you. Friday night, or Saturday morning/mid-day. You pick the time and the place. Pat, we're just having some fun with you on that outfit... It was all that talk about Sturgis and the girls who don't know how to dress. I'm not exactly sure how we got to designing an "outfit" for you - but it's all in fun. Keri - how are you doing? I love those relaxing days too - but it sounds like I get to indulge in them just a little more often. I have been eating everything since I got here... Last time I traveled alone - so I had a WHOLE lot more control over my life after the workday was done. This time, I am travelling with my boss and two co-workers. The Boss Man is wining and dining us every day for lunch and again for Dinner... Last night we had heavenly Italian food at Il Fresco. Tonight it was Japanese grill at the Mt Fuji. Very nice... Tomorrow night we are going into Manhattan - we haven't decided where - but it should be fun - if fattening. Then, on Friday, the boys all fly home - and I will be FREE to visit with my NJ friends. (but without a vehicle). I may just rent a car and have them bring it to me at work on Friday. That way, I won't be so lame on Saturday. I could even pick up Zan at a train station... Yeah, that is sounding better every minute. So, New York & New Jersey - Anywhere between Pearl River and Newark... Friday night or Saturday. What's cool? Talk to you later! ***Oh - I almost forgot - on Monday - DH and I went to the gym - I did a record 21 minutes against the Evil Eliptical! WOO HOO!!!

Yee Haw!! Can you say "LapTop in my Hotel Room?" Sure you can! I have to run to dinner - but I am up and connected - so I will check back with you after I get back. *sigh* happiness is a wireless internet connection... :]

Hey Youse Guys, I am up here in Orangeburg, working like a slave. Zan - big hugs. If nothing else, we can meet AT the newark airport... I know there has to be some sort of transit there. :] Saturday - Doc - CONGRATS!!! So happy for you. Rest up and drink your liquids. Don't forget to get some protein in. Betty - you'll have to keep me posted on the Mavs. I can speak Basketball at slightly above a remedial level - several steps over my football speak. Pat - hook me up! You better be careful who you invite... you never know who might show up!! Crabbing and Fishing sound like great fun to me - although I have no experience with the Jet Ski... I am always up for a minor adventure. Eileenie - you spacie chick, you - I am at the Pearl River Hilton. Oops - sorry kids, the Boss says we go now... I will try to log on and finish up later. Love you guys.

OK - I have dragged myself out of the vegetative state that I enjoy on weekends long enough to stop by and say howdy!!!!! I must crow a little bit - because we did go out to the gym yesterday, and we are going again as soon as I am done here. I am doing laundry and packing for my fab trip to NY. It would be ALL good except that my flight leaves at 6:30am!! ICK. I have to leave the house at 4-4:30 to make my flight. (Did I say ICK?!?) I am also somewhat excited because I am almost back to the same stamina level I had before I took a month & a half off exercising... I am back up to 16 minutes on the Evil Eliptical - and remember, I stop when my heart rate reaches 10 beats over the recommended cardio rate - So that extra minute really means it takes that much longer for my heart-rate to go too high. YAY!! Breathing is good. I think I am also going to start tracking my crunches... We have these evil crunch machines at the gym. You sit on the seat, wrap your feet behind these little bar-thingies, grab the handles over your head, and then LIFT YOUR OWN BODY WEIGHT using your abdominal muscles. I can do about 10 - with space in between. (The first time I tried, I could only do 2) I tell you - THAT feels like accomplishment. And it really helps my back. I get practically crippled if I don't do some sort of crunches. I am so excited about the whole pre-op consult that I can hardly wait for the next week to pass. Only a week from tomorrow!! Woo Hoo!!! I have no scale, so I have no idea how much I weigh - but it surely would be cool if I had lost another pound or two since my last visit!! I have been working at it a little bit, after all... Cindy - you hip hop queen! Congrats on the 1x size! Now get off your butt and exercise some more... Keep on Dancing! Get back on the band-wagon chickie!! I have a big ol' size 9 that is waiting to connect to soft posterior tissue... Don't make me come up there!! Sherry - I like the brownie idea - but I am not sure if protein powder can be cooked - and still do what protein is supposed to do. I saw on some website that you should never get your protein powder more than "coffee pot hot". And, if you can find one of those Oster blender cups - go for it. I love mine. Although, the "travel" lid is NOT water-tight. If I have to go anywhere, I just leave the blade thingie on until I get where I am going to drink it. I don't ever try to drink & drive - unless it has a straw. Paula - Great to see you here!! Stop by any time to chat... Patty - you get your own bathroom AND a parking space? How cool is that?!? I am totally jealous! And yes, I have done all that pre-op stuff a long time ago. I think that they MEDICALLY cleared me for the surgery in September. It's just all the insurance garbage that has kept me from having it... So now, all I need is update bloodwork and a surgery date! Betty - we missed you! Hope you aren't working too hard. I am still keeping fingers crossed for job opportunities. Pat - what a beautiful home! Perhaps you should call it an estate? Does it have a name? Around these parts, people tend to name their spreads... especially big pretty ones, like yours. How about Thinwood? Keri - SIX miles?? And here I thought I was doing well with three on the stationary bike... DANG! Personally, I think you should get points for chasing after the kids... Well, so the cat nanny job is out... Hmmm. I will have to think and think. I have always planned on minimal staff after I win the big lottery - but one can never have too many cool friends around. I will have to think of something good. Eileen - you are such a flirt!! Inviting folks to line your drawers!! But I am glad you are feeling a little better. Dang that stinky supervisor!! He needs a good swift kick right to (well - choose your target!!) And DH bought some of that squash soup for us to try. I will let you know how we like it. Dianne - how did the game go for your? Congrats on the Cheese thing. I have a hard time with Cheese - I love that stuff more than chocolate. If I had to choose between never eating chocolate again, or never eating cheese, the chocolate would be so outta here... Anne - Are you thinking of moving? Or is the property for something else? Just curious... Glad to hear DD is better. And THANKS - somehow I had managed to miss the fact that there are now Kisses with caramel... I can avoid the chocolate on it's own - but chocolate and caramel together?!? I had better go have a piece of cheese... I hope the plateau breaks, soon. I hope all our friends that haven't check in for a bit are doing well. I know Ira is still alive... he sent me a PM. Hi Ira!! Big Hugs for Everybody!!! Gotta go to the gym~ Irene

Hey guys - If we do something in McKinney - I will be there!! I think having an LBT meeting would be cool! Evening (late-ish) or weekends work. :]

Congrats! And Welcome!! You couldn't be hanging out at a cooler place... :]

Start the diet - But appeal. You might be able to fight them based on the fact that your medical records (should) indicate your discussions with the doc and your weight changes over time - and that should really be enough. ESPECIALLY if you have co-morbidities that are physically damaging over time or potentially life threatening like diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. While they are making you dick around with yet another diet - you could be causing damage to your body or risking death! Fight them. The more of us that fight and win, the easier it will be for the next gal or guy that comes along. Good Luck!!

Thanks Diane... I saw the title and grabbed for my Water bottle. I have finished the whole 1 litre bottle while reading this article! Woo Hoo!

Aw, you aren't late at all... It's never too late to get started around here... Good luck with all the tests and stuff. :]

I go to the local gym and do as much as I can on the Eliptical (until my heart rate gets over the limit) usually about 15 minutes. Then I go to the bike. I can only sit on that horrid little seat for so long - so it's usually another 15 on the bike. Then I move to the treadmill for another 10-15 - with the last 5 minutes being cool down to be sure my heart won't explode when I stop. I try to throw in some crunches on an ab machine every so often to keep my back happy. All of the machinery is adjustable to my very low exertion level - and the price is very reasonable in comparison with spending $2000 on a treadmill that will take the abuse of TWO people in the house over 300 lbs... *The very cheapest I have seen - at the lowest recommended horsepower for someone over 350 is $1600. I think I saw that one on e-bay. Express Fitness is charging DH & me $288 per year for BOTH of us - so since we could use all the equipment for over 5 yrs and not have to worry about maintenance/repair it made more sense for us to just join the gym. (we got a "new location special" but it is still pretty reasonable to join)

Teresa - Darlin' do you KNOW how many members and lurkers we have?? You had better charge at least a NOMINAL fee if you are going to provide a physical book - or you will be bankrupt! Have you considered a WebSite? Most e-mail accounts come with web space (msn and the like). You may already have access. The idea is great - and I know there is a need - but I think producing physical books would be extremely time consuming an expensive. If only 25% of the people registered were to request a book, it would costs plenty... and that doesn't include lurkers... What's your Web-Savvy? Or do you just want to get "Approval" from LBT to charge money for the book? Great Idea!

Woo Hoo!!! Congrats on getting your date! We'll all be thinking good thoughts for an easy surgery and a quick recovery! :]

Oooooo - the BIG bead show... I wish I could be there! Besides, I would love to meet you, Penni!! All I can say about the craziness is hold on, Hon. The year is just getting warmed up!! Good luck with all that! hugs!

Congrats on your weight loss!! Welcome to LBT! :]

Congrats, Kim. Big Hugs!!

STBT chips are on the honor system. Once you have completed your 30 days, you can paste a chip into your signature. Good Luck! *Do you live in Plano? I am in Allen - I consider Plano part of my Hood. Maybe we'll have to get together some time! Congrats on getting back on the Weight Loss Wagon! :]

:flypig: :flypig: :flypig: Hello Friends and Loved Ones... As many of you know, I have been trying to get pre-approval from my beloved insurance company for an Adjustable Gastric Band procedure... :confused: From September thru December, I was denied, appealed and was denied again. Blue Cross determined that I was too fat for Lap Band surgery for weight loss... (!) :mad: I researched, wrote fabulous arguements and sent it all to the State of California for an Independent Medical Review. I waited, and waited and waited some more. :rolleyes I got a letter in the mail the night before last - addressed to me, from the Center for Health Dispute Resolution in Rancho Cordova, CA. :nervous You can imagine my excitement - I was finally going to get The Answer. I ripped open the envelope to find a letter addressed to some guy named Bruce!!! ARRRRGH!!! :faint: So, I scurried in to work yesterday, and called. I thought that if I had Bruce's letter, maybe he had mine. Logical, right? WRONG. :tired The gal who called me back told me that they were waiting for the last document from someone, somewhere, and it was due in that very day. She told me she would call. I waited for the rest of the day... no call. I called again and left a message. :help: By last night, I was about ready to explode into thousands of tiny fat particles... But, I managed to survive the night and this morning, I got a call from the CHDR. AT LAST, I am rewarded for my good karma, patience and ability to craft an arguement. The State of CA has determined that the Adjustable Gastric Band procedure is Medically Necessary - and I will be receiving a letter from them, and from my insurance company, to acknowledge this, soon. :Banane10: :eyebrows: :confused: :Banane41: :Banane52: :not_ripe: :Banane09: :Banane17: :Banane06: :Banane48: :Banane04: :Banane47: :) :Banane44: :Banane10: :Banane21: :Banane10: :Banane42: :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl: Now, I may have to have some of the medical test re-done, since a great deal of time has passed since the first one - but now I know that the Delightful Folks at Blue Cross will be forced to pay - whether they want to or not. Life is Good. Thanks to ALL who wished well, crossed fingers, said prayers, stuck pins in dolls and thought good thoughts. I am Stupid Dog Happy right now. If I had a tail, it'd be wagging. :]

Hey Guys - I feel like a rock star... You are all so sweet. Just an update: My surgeon's office called me yesterday because they already had a letter from Blue Cross stating I was approved... I have my pre-op consultation scheduled for the 24th. (I would have gone sooner - but I am going to be in my New York office next week.) It is looking good for surgery in February!! I am so excited!! Thanks, again. Irene

Lisa-Love I looked pretty hot the last time I hit 200 - and I am only 5'5" with a small or medium bone structure. At 5'10" - I am thinking 190 would make you look like a supermodel. I am with Vines - think clothing size - not weight. Size 12 would be nice... :]

Hey Y'All... Another day in the salt mines... Friday before the three day weekend!! Yee Haw!! I am so ready for three days off. Sherry - do you have a date scheduled, yet? I can't say for certain what my date will be - I guess I should go to my pre-op consult, first, before I get too excited... Good job in stopping after 1 Kiss! I have little or no resistance against the evil chocolate. Hey Pat!! How are you? So, if this is REALLY my year, maybe I will win the lottery, too... If everybody here thinks good thoughts about THAT, it might work as well as the insurance thing did... :] Patty! So when will you know for sure about when your date will be? Congrats on the loan. How was your first day? Have you got it all figured out, yet? Eileenie - the problem is that you have to BRAGG whenever you do ANYTHING - so they know you are there. It totally goes against the grain for me - and probably for you too... but you have to learn to Toot your own horn... just a little. It's a Squeeky Wheel thing. Only it's more positive because you are saying good things. But the best revenge would be to get a transfer and then let somebody else try to "do your job" as well as you have been!! New bosses suck!! Maybe it's just time for you to try another position. Sometimes, change is good. Keri - how do you feel about cats? I have two that will need a nanny... another exciting job opportunity if Irene win's the "big one". Job requirements: 1) functioning finger to open canned food. 2) willingness to be walked on, rubbed against and stared at. Cindy - "objective" Yeah. Right. Sadly, it seems the whole world has lost it's mind, corporate, educational and everything else. But, I am having a hard time buying "Ruthless" as a description of you. Dianne - sorry you keep having computer issues... I copy frequently - just in case. And scales are evil. I know if I had one in my house, I would obsess over it - so I keep avoiding the whole issue by not buying one! Of course, it's excruciating to have to wait to visit my PCP or my surgeon to find out what I weigh - but I swear that has to be better than freaking out every time I am retaining Water (and I so would). Buck up Lil' Buckaroo... I hope you don't have a leak. Alas, I only travel for work to our NY office - because that is where they have our Due Diligence file review. In real life, I don't travel much. I've never been to Charlotte. Tina!! Howdy! Welcome. Feel free to stop by any time. We'll be cheering you on in the Challenge! And don't forget to invite US to your ByeByeBadBoss party! :] Well, this evening, I will continue the battle with the Evil Eliptical and begin preparations for my trip to NY. I have to do a little laundry - and tomorrow, a little shopping. Hugs for Everybody!!

Hi Shelly! Welcome. I hope we can be of assistance! :]

Hi Jobelle! Welcome to LBT. You can use the search feature to find all sorts of information and read posts both old and new from people who have been there and done that. Even folks who have used your doctor! Pretty cool stuff. Glad you are here. Hope we can be of help. :]

Welcome!! I hope we can be of help! :]

I got my denial by Blue Cross overturned. Power to the People!!

Oh! 4 yrs and 110 lbs lost!! Please post pictures on the before and after thread!! I want to see!! Welcome to LBT!