Apples2

Wow! Wonderful.....and to think....you did this on your own. Gold Star for you!

Good Morning... Arlene...sorry for the FM problems. No way would you ever be able to live in our area with the extremes we have with our weather. Today is cold and windy and we still have huge snowbanks. I feel like a prisoner. I was going to take off for a couple of days (my own Magical Mystery Tour) but canceled because I do not want to fight the elements. I've not left the house since 2pm Saturday. Winter is really hanging on. I heard the GB WLS story on the radio this morning. But, LB surgery can also "cure" type II (not some miracle) but with lifestyle changes and food choices. I feel very fortunate that I head this off at the pass. Both my parents were diabetics at an early age. Both of DH's are/were diabetics and one of the reasons I am so careful about what I cook/bake for him. I try to never nag him on habits....just a few reminders once in awhile. He LOVES his sweets so they are not around much. Linda....thought for sure you would not be getting any more snow. Sucks, doesn't it???? I bet the girls from the southern states are pretty sick of all our whining. Oh well, pay back is a b__tch.....we'll have to put up with theirs soon. So happy you do not have to have surgery on your back...now...get busy and make an appt to see some docs about your panni....get it approved and take care of it like you have wanted to. Maybe we can get a BOGO??????? FIL's surgery went OK. He was pretty confused for awhile after surgery. Kept pulling at things and mumbling. There was more to it all once they got a good look at it. Rods and pins and the possibility of not having full use of his hand. They put rods and pins in the ankle also. I am sure he is sore this morning. BIL is pretty sensitive and it was tough for him to see his dad in the condition he was after the surgery. Now we will just wait to see what the plan is and do what we can. He's such a sweet (young for his age) 87 yr old with lots of friends. Really keeping fingers crossed that he can be back here with his friends being able to visit instead of stuck in some home near where one of the siblings live. Friends are so important to him. All that will get worked out soon. Janet...glad you got caught up on your rest. Hope your vertigo takes a hike soon. I seem to live with a mild case at all times. I guess I've tried everything and just accept it now. Not too bad but gotta watch certain things I do. Just every once in awhile I will get a case where it makes me a bit sick for a day or two. I understand (and Linda) what you are going through. Eva....leave it to you to get so excited about a new shed....cute! I do know you are looking forward to getting your tools/etc. in a group and this will be perfect for your back yard. Make sure to get a photo to share. Speaking of photos....I sure miss the simplified way we used to have to post photos. I miss sharing certain things. Now that I have canceled my plans, I'd better figure out what I am going to do today. I was just going to get in the car and drive and stop and drive and stop and see where the road took me, stay over night somewhere and do the same tomorrow.

Great...forgot to add....sorry to hear of your uncle. Would it help to go see him now and not wait till after? Maybe that would be something that would be good for both of you. Hey, Arlene, good going on two walks and getting back on the program. Those strawberries sound good. I picked some up at the local grocery store on Sat but sent them home with the kids last night. I did snatch a few first. They were so nice and sweet and red. Surprised me. Maybe they were trucked from TX? Didn't look this time to see where they were from.

Great....kitchen supply stores carry all kinds of cute recipe cards. I find them online at Amazon also. Same way with the stationary. I used to find very beautiful boxes for "Mom" Lucille. Sorry you had a sad/emotional day in your old neighborhood. Try to think of the good times and put that frown upside down. FIL is in surgery as I am posting this. He has two surgeons working on him. One for his arm/hand/wrist and another putting pins in his ankle that we did not know was broken. Poor guy will be in a wheel chair for a few months. Lots of decisions to be made on when he will be able to travel home, get his motorhome and possessions home and whether to set up the trailer he bought or wait to see how things play out. I told DH this morning that I would be more than happy to have him here in our home but we have so many steps that I don't think it will be the ideal situation for him. There are 7 kids in the family and would be nice if he could make the decision to where he wants to be instead of being told. I am going to keep my nose out of it unless I am asked to do something. We will see how it all plays out for now. To top it off, a very good friend of his passed away yesterday. I let BIL know about it and told him to use his own judgement on when to tell him. Just didn't want him getting a call from someone and shocking him. He lives with his cell in his hand.

Julie..sounds like you had a very emotionally and stressful weekend. Hugs. I know that, for me, when it came to getting the lapband, I researched WLS and felt that the procedure was fairly safe and was willing to give it a try. I knew that there was a chance that there could be complications and weighed the difference. I just knew I was headed down a very unhealthy path with my obesity and I had to make some kind of decision because yo-yo dieting was not the answer.

Kristi...congrats on your continued weight loss. You will notice that you will have some weeks where the scale does not move a lot but you can tell a difference in your clothing. Normal. You are going great guns. Just keep your patience and follow what has been working for you. Meredith...such a busy little girl. YOU HAVE A YARD???? We have not seen any of our lawn since last Oct. DH and I were sitting out in our 3 season (1season in MN) today and I am not sure if we have ever not seen the horizon at the end of March due to 5 foot snow banks. We will have a late planting season and that is always such a huge pain in the ass. I guess when a person (s) are in a business that relies on the weather, it does not good to complain. Just gotta go with the flow. The flow sucks. I am a planner and relying on the weather does not quite fit my plan. Good thing DH is so mellow. To answer your question. FIL was to have surgery today on his dislocated wrist. Surgery was put off till tomorrow morning. I feel so bad for BIL. They landed in CA yesterday (they are from Seattle) to no luggage. He and his partner spent a better part of the day trying to track down all the luggage. No where to be found. They have little ones (adopted 2 boys ages 3 and 6 from Guatemala )..so went shopping. He gets the call about dad and flies out leaving his partner and kids in Palm Dessert. He is spending his entire vacation with FIL. Tried to convince DH to just fly to AZ tonight and let bro go back to his family and planned vacation. Will wait till tomorrow to see if he is needed. Once FIL gets back here (maybe Sat.) I will be able to see to it that he has everything he needs. As I stated b/4...just tough when he is so far away. And, EVA, thanks for the offer. As I have told you..DH is his clone so I know you would just love him. Dinner with DH, GF and 5 yr old and 8 yr old was great. Sent them home with a box of food and the uneaten Easter candy. DH gained a little more than 15lbs while in Tucson and did not want that for a temptation. He has always been such a little guy and has never had to worry about more than a 5lb weight gain. Must be age. He will be 57 on 4/12 (Eva and DH share a bday and Arlene and my oldest share a bday). Cool. Anyway, DH has taken off all but about 8lbs and eating pretty good meals. He certainly is not sedentary....just loves to eat while on vaca. Not too much going on this next week. Shop work for the guys getting machinery ready. I'm getting into spring (what spring?) cleaning...gotta get it done b/4 I bolt for the lake. On a daily basis...housework sucks...but, when I am under stress, I find it theraputic. Soooooooooooooo..............that said, lots of house work will get done tomorrow. Linda...OMG...the peeling carrots photo on FB was way cute. I could have posted so many stories from little guy (GF's son) just from today alone. What a little character. And, 8 yr old daughter is sooooooooooo mature for her age. Brag. I didn't raise them. Mom and their dad are the best at working together even though they are divorces. I breath a sigh of relief every time she explains going to church together just for the kids. Wonderful parents. Night all.

FIL winters in AZ. He went down in Nov. and planned on coming home mid-May. Unsure right now if we will try to get him home sooner. So hard when he so far away. He's pretty independent for 87 and afraid this accident will take some of that away from him. Found out a bit ago that he had to be airlifted from Casa Grande last night. He has surgery at 5pm today. Just happy BIL is with him. That was one huge turkey you cooked yesterday. Your DH will be eating it for awhile. Sorry to hear of your arthritis. You should really check it out with a specialist if it is flaring. I consider myself lucky to not have aches and pains. I lived for years with what I was told was FM. It's been almost three years now and not a symptom. I feel very fortunate. Cannot tell you how miserable I was for years. Cheri...also sorry to hear of your recent flare-ups. Maybe once spring comes you will be able to be more active and find a way to get in some exercise without affecting your joints. I started a few projects today and now I wondering why. Better get back at them so I am done b/4 the kids get here.

Morning All.....Must have the same weather as Linda. Sunny but cold (with wind thrown in there). Linda...sounds like yesterday was a cooking marathon. Good to have meals in freezer. Mine is pretty well stocked right now so when it's time for me to head to the lake, my guys are fed. My guilt-free meals. Jessica...What????? Only 4 pairs of shoes????? Have a great time on your cruise. Congrats on your new bike and be very careful while riding. You always gotta watch the other guy cuz bikes are not as visible.. Take care. Got up this morning to an email sent by DH's sister. FIL had an accident yesterday. He was on his way back from "Senior Fair" and could not say if he fell asleep or blacked out. His truck went off the road and hit a cement culvert. He said he came to when the truck hit. Does not remember anything else. He was taken up to Phoenix hospital and DH's bro was flying in this morning to be with him. He was very lucky not to be injured worse than he was and that he did not injure others. The seatbelt left a nasty injury on his neck, pretty sore chest were the airbag hit him and a hand that needs to be "fixed". Not sure what that involves. Anyway, just happy it was not worse. I imagine this will be the end of his driving and hope it is not the end of him spending future years in AZ. He enjoys it so much. Anxious to hear what the doc has to say this morning. Had a nice get-away with DH. We were home by 2pm yesterday. DS, GF and her two little ones are coming out for supper tonight. Made a lasagna his morning and have a berry pie ready to go into the oven. I am not a lasagna fan and GF is on some kind of diet so I took some salmon out of the freezer for us. Looking forward to their visit. Hope you all have a great day. I'd better do some spiffing up around here.

Melissa...I am a believer in taking care of my mental health. Today DH had dental and I had mental. I have always just checked in once in awhile....especially when there is added stress in our lives. (Which happens a few months during the year due to the load we put upon ourselves with the type of work we are in). I believe in talking to someone outside my little family. So nice to unload to someone that has not emotional involvement. I am wide open and honest and I get some good constructive advice. Good for you for taking that step and realizing and accepting the help. No shame in getting someone else's perspective. Our loved ones cannot always take the brunt of everything. I always come out of my sessions with a new outlook. Sometimes I have to say "Ooops...think I am being too tough on myself...or...ooooooooooooops....I think I am being too tough on DH"....just a good thing to be able to unload. OK....since coming home from Tucson, we have not done too much socially. (Trying to catch up with work...each of us individually trying to catch up with our friends, etc.). DH and I were sitting here talking and trying to decide what to do for the weekend. We know that once the weather tames down and the snow melts, we will not have much time to do "date night". I got on the phone and planned "The Magical Mystery Tour". Not sure if it's to DH's liking but he can plan the next one and surprise me. (Oh damn....we are going to a farm show with machinery and all that stuff). Sooooo, will let you all know how it turned out. Going to take Tanker to the kennel (unless DS wants him for the weekend), going to dress up and hope DH enjoys what is planned. Going to blindfold DH part way into the trip and surprise him. Biggest mistake he made this evening was to tell me "I'm just not good at planning things and surprising you". One last hurrah b/4 the farming season hits. Fun

Good Morning...quick post. Both DH and I have make-up appointments that we missed yesterday due to crap weather. We have clear roads and sunshine today. Cold but the sun is shining and that makes such a difference. Arlene...the above should have answered your question on the weather. Would love to be working in the flower beds but know that is a couple of months off. Jodi...have been thinking of you and your dilema. Sucks Great...good morning. Good advice you gave Tonya. Spent the morning setting up the schedule/plan for farm and tiling business. Now just need it approved and signed by DH and DS. Having this structured plan wards off miscommunication down the road between DH and DS. A bit annul, but really does work for this operation. Two extreme ADD ppl add up to a non-extreme ADD person (me) enforcing structure and a signed plan. Just wanted to pop on and say good morning. Gotta run. Think DH and I will do some shopping for farm items and then go out for dinner later today. You all have a good one. Later.

Tonya...not Janet but going to jump in here since Janet might not be available today to answer your questions. I am sure she will have some good advice for you when she has the time. For me, planning was the key. Also, weighing, measuring and journaling ALL my food during the weight loss stage was key. You need to have control over what is being put in your mouth. As far as breakfast goes, you really do need to eat as early in the day as you can in order to kick that metabolism into gear. There are many ways to get your protein in. Kashi has some high protein cereals.....add a little skim to make it go for you. There are so low carb/high Protein Bars available (20gr) that go down pretty good in the morning. Make oatmeal ahead of time and freeze. Make mini-quiche in cupcake pans and freeze. Get organized and have things on hand that are easy for you to grab. When it comes to cooking for the family. Why not just cook a meal for all of you...eat the same things. Don't bring things into the house that are trigger foods for you and your DH. Kids can learn to eat healthy foods (fruits and raw veggies instead of crackers and chips). Start now and both you and DH set good example by what you cook, eat and bring into the house. Have a healthy snack in the evening with your kids if your daily caloric intake allows. There's so many ways to eat healthy but it takes planning and commitment. Let us know what your usual foods are that you are consuming and maybe we can all give you some tips on what worked for each of us. This might help in getting you started. Jump back on the thread with any questions you might have. As far as how your DH is eating with the band....show him by example. Maybe when he sees you have positive results, he will catch on to your way of eating. Good luck

Janet....Ugh...I know how you feel. I have vertigo frequently and it just has to run it's course. I hate the meds also...I think they would put a horse down. Take care. There are exercises you can do to relieve some of the symptoms. Take care. Sending the love

Cheri...I believe in miracles... and think that Rachel has just happened upon one. I think the ovarian tumor would have freaked me out more than the breast tumor. So, so, so happy with your news. I know that as a mom you must just have been beside yourself with worry. I hope you are now able to breathe a bit of a sigh of relief. Hugs. I had Toradol while hospitalized for torn ligament and tendon in my ankle and after a four hour surgery on it. It eased some pain for a bit but did not take it home. I had a bit of a problem with queasiness with it. Better than projectile puking with other drugs but I would rather put up with pain than put up with nausea. Thanks for the suggestion though. I guess I can say that I am really not too worried. I just like to be prepared just in case it might kick my butt and I need something on hand. I have a feeling that I will post a couple days after surgery and state that I was up cleaning the bath tub and all is well. As far as the font...tried your suggestion many times. I have been in contact with a few others on LBT that have the exact same problem (same as I had right after conversion) and they are in the same boat. It's almost like it has to run it's course. I have a bit of patience so will ride it out. As you notice, I can post in my green ONLY if I start with a bold black letter first. Freaking weird.

Sorry Great...don't think I have it in me to do a drive through Utah to pick up up to go to SE Iowa. LOL. How bout you fly into Des Moines and I pick you up? Always wanted to have substantial calves. I have chicken legs. But, you know what? I have what I have and you have what you have. Legs are something that we cannot change much. I would also love to have an elongated waistline but long ago decided that I will make the most of the legs and the short waist and dress to camoflage the best I can. I have skinny legs up to my A$$ and only an inch between my A$$ and my boobs. Freaky, huh? Not really...just the way I am built.

Wow, Jodi...so much to digest...I just cannot imagine having to deal with all of this on your own. Please do all you can to have your attorney go to bat for you. So many things involved with this and the sad part about all of it is...it involves such a sensitive subject... Dassi losing her daddy. The more she is left out of emotional part of this, the better. If your ex could look back today and know that he could have not had her educational future at risk, I am sure he would have dotted all the "i" and crossed all the "t's" for his daughter's sake. Hugs....fight for what is right. That's the only advice I have right now. Hugs again.

You know I'm still around, Great. So happy to see you rejuvenated this thread today. It was just a couple of hours ago I was thinking about our June group. I was snooping around the PS threads and came across Allie's name and photos and it prompted me to wonder how everyone is doing. I am doing wonderfully. No band related problems...EVER....and I hope....NEVER. I am at the weight I was the day I got married. Not sure why, but for some reason, my metabolism switched back to the way it was prior to menopause (when I gained all my weight). I'll take it. I am healthy and active and have submitted photos, etc. to my ins company just lately and hoping to be able to take care of the panni I have. Weird...a year ago I could hardly tell I had one and without any weight change my panni started growing. Cannot tell I even have one when it's tucked into jeans but it needs to be off...interfers with certain things. Iteach...so nice to see you pop on and to know you are doing well.

Linda...will wait a bit to make plans till we both know what the near future holds for both of us with surgeries. Just wanted you to know that I have talked about this so often and making the trek is on my to-do list. Fun.

Sandy...I think your dog sitter idea for a few days is a good one. I know Tanker will not jump up on me if I am in a recliner. He does not jump up unless invited. The only time he would freak and jump on the bed would be in a thunderstorm. Solution is to medicate and shut bedroom door. I have read that the 4-6 weeks is dependent on your what activity level your job requires. From what I have read, with a TT the average time off of work is about 2 weeks. Smart to not have both procedures at the same time. A couple of years back, I read a thread of someone that did boobs, TT and thigh lift. Not good.

Sandy...I am thinking if there is not muscle repair the panni surgery will be easier than most of the hernia surgeries I have had. As far as the pain meds go, I would rather be able to take it than suffer but it's just not worth it, if it is by mouth. My body reacts by throwing up for days on end...not good for healing or the band. I had a couple of extensive hernia repairs and if I can do those surgeries without, I'm pretty sure I can do this one. Might be a patch or something doc will give me. He is aware of my adverse reactions. Not sure about recovery time. I am home full time so will just get everything I need done ahead of time and try to not let it get to me. I usually plan at least 2 days after a surgery for feeling funky. I bounce back easily (usually)...we'll see. You gotta know my surgeon...he is a man of few words when it comes to most things. I have an easy time visiting with him and he seems to feel the same with me. He's just pretty closed-mouthed when it comes to aftercare. I am sure he will give instructions when the time comes. Have you been in the Reconstruction forums at all? I think I have read every thread and have gotten a few good tips. Got a good recliner you can sleep in?

Sandy...5lbs sounds like the typical vacation gain. Sounds like you are ready to jump back on track. Are you having any muscle repair with TT? Welcome back...missed you around here.

Eva....I'm impressed...you even remember the names of the plants/trees you put in the ground. I do such a mixture each year that I have a heck of a time. I have to stick the little name/care tab into the pot or bed in order to remember. Yep, DH has an appt for his cleaning tomorrow and going to get an estimate. His teeth and gums and good and healthy but they are terribly tight and some he wishes were straight. This rural water has done a number on the color of our teeth over the years. It's nice to not have to be so self-conscience about it anymore and wish the same for him. Dentist will be able to pay off his new house by the time we are done. Nothing to brag about but I have accomplished not a darned thing today except watch old movies on AMC. Just had lunch with DH and now going to curl under a blanket and sleep if I happen to drift off while watching. I have plenty to get done but not today. I ordered some protein chips on Amazon. Got them yesterday. Regular chips sit so heavy in my chest all day and I then it prevents me from getting my food in. The chips are made by Kays Naturals and I got the chili flavor. They are nice and light, yet filling. The entire bag is 1.5 servings (why not just eat the whole bag). 165 cals, 15 gr protein, 5gr fiber, 18gr carbs. These are actually enough for a meal. Probably not a good product to have around if someone is carb sensitive or if chips are a trigger. Just thought I would share.

No worries about getting to our appts today. The receptionist from my office called and said she had a very tough time driving just a couple miles to work and when she got there, could not get into the building so had to run get de-icer to get office door open. She sounded exhausted...said it took her 45 minutes to break in. She knows we have 70 miles to travel and roads are closing so told me to stay home. I would have used my head anyway...not putting my life at risk. Linda...hope Katie's meds do the trick. So young to be having neuropathy problems. I was mentioning at breakfast this morning that I have a cyber friend with a birthday coming up and I would love to make the trip to have a nice bday lunch with her (you). DH said..."Find out what would work for her and drive down some day". I think I will. I think it is about a 6-7 hour drive. I'll just leave super early. You pick a day and a place for lunch and I will drive down and drive back the same day. I've been talking about doing this for a couple of years and want to do it if you will have me. Fun and I love my road trips that I can just get in the vehicle and drive all by myself. Sound good to you? Arlene....sorry again about losing your tooth doc. Find a young one that won't die on you. Hugs Better figure out which project to start around here. Maybe I will just be "snow princess" and read. Hmmmm...hope snow princess' know how to read.

Strange...got a notification (via email) that Kiskis had responded to the thread. Was just going to pop on here and say congrats on another lb lost, Kristi. You are doing great and good luck with your first fill. Anyway....Kristi's post is nowhere to be found. Also, since coming home from vacation, I can no longer change my font/color. I have tried everything and then tried it again. Anyone have any ideas? Well, I slept....up and out of bed very early but at least I can say I got some sleep. The snow hit last evening. Just heard on the radio that we supposedly will get 6-10 inches with higher winds than yesterday and they were really strong. Not going to whine (might be a first)...I will wear my sandals by the 4th of July..... No word from surgeon's office. I imagine it could take up to a fews weeks. If I do get approved, I will need to do some planning so I have DH around for a day....maybe 2. Also, think I might start a thread to get some questions answered and hopefully get some responses from ppl that have gone through a similar surgery. I usually do not fill a pain script when I come home after surgery. They literally make me sick and I hurl for days on end so I just get through it without. I will be cut from hip bone to hip bone and am hoping he does not have to do muscle repair. I am sure my doc will have his ideas on what to give me but will refuse anything by mouth. Anyone here ever have a patch? Maybe I can just get by without anything also. And, here I go worrying when I don't need to be. OK...now they are announcing that most schools are closed. Bet DH and I will not make it to our appointments. DH is thinking of doing a major dental job like I did and is going for his first appt. today. Jodi....can't remember if I told you thanks for sharing your photos for Dassi's celebration. She is absolutely beautiful. Your dress was very nice and, NO, you do not look fat in it. It's about time for your brain to catch up with your weight loss! LOL OK.....time to make one more pass through the house on a search for my stash of vitamins/calcium/etc. I ordered some on Amazon prior to going south and "put" them somewhere. I have been looking for 2 hours already. I am organized and KNOW where things are. I swear I am losing it. If I don't find them now, they will show up just after I order another batch. You all have a great day.

Janet...one thing you need to learn about us Minnesotans and Canadians....it's not half as bad as we make it out to be. Yes, for you and the rest of the Southern world...it would be. We are seasoned and just love the fact we have something to bi_ch about. I have spent a lot of years trying to figure it out. Is it the Norwegian, Irish, German, Polish or Bohemian in us? You ponder on that for awhile and give me the answer. I've had that question in my head for 55 yrs and, I ain't stupid, but have never figured it out. Thank you...give me your answer later.