Dutchgrl59

Over the last 2 weeks I've gotten to know some REALLY nice folks here on the site, and the support here is just fantastic. I would love to meet some locals to the Orange County area .... Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Costa Mesa etc. I have not received my band.... I'm still in the approval stages but I thought there must be someone out here in Southern California that has been banded and wants to share their story and their wisdom to someone closer to home. Here's hoping, :)

Hello Ladies, .....its Patty from California, and its been a lonnnngggg time. I have missed you all Sooo much and I want to come play with you all again. I celebrated my 1 year anniversary with the band in May of 2008. My weight loss has completely stopped -- and for good reason. I promise to go into greated detail but I am on my way to 24hr fitness for my training session and was just getting used to navigation this site again -- totally changed. I need to catch up with Betty, Eileen, Dianne, Darcy (and if I didn't name you it's cause I'm having a senior moment @ age 49). Gotta run, love Patty

Hey Guys.... I'm at the library, desparate to talk to you all. My computer still has its bugs -- will need lots of $$$ to fix. I just wanted to update you on my progress. I finally got my first fill 2 weeks ago. I eat way less and when I eat something wrong I get this stabbing pain in my left shoulder -- very similar to that gas feeling right after surgery. Is this weird? The fill was quite undramatic, yet strange feeling but the bruise that the dr left was horrendous - ugh! It lasted 2 whole weeks. Nobody ever mentioned that to me! Last night I took the boys our for a celebration meal at Denneys(the twins passed their Calif exit exam - I was SO proud) and when the server got my order I asked for a senior meal for the smaller portion and I didn't finish my plate. I feel good, but fell off the exercise wagon but will climb back on this week. The boys and I are doing relatively well. My ex has had several melt downs over his responsiblities and last week I retained a new attorney for my protection. I feel stronger than ever about me, the boys and where life is taking us. We have plans for one super summer vacation, our normal 4 day stay in a local hotel and sunning at the pool:thumbup: I know that I have missed alot in your lives and as soon as I get my tax return I will get my virus healed and write from home. You all are still my dearest friends and I would never want to lose you. Heart hugs,

Hello girls, its Patty.I'm so sorry for being away for so long. My computer is still messed up and typing this is excrucitatingly slow. First I want to say congrats to Pat for braving surgery. You are beautiful.A brief update: I started work at 24hr Fitness in December. On Jan 6th I started the treadmill & bike. I have lost 16lbs and now weigh less than I did when I concieved my twins! I still have not gotten a fill and when my losing streak stalls I will be ready for my fill. I work 3 days a week and have an "all gym" membership with my employment. That means I can enter any club I desire. All the trainers have become my buddies and they encourage my workouts and want to help with my strength/weight training in the next week. I knew God had a plan for me with all the stuggles with surgery, my district job and parenting. Pray I can get my computer fixed and that I can sign on more easier. Hugs and kissesPatty

Hey Girlies :notagree It's freezing cold here for me(wimpy California girl) and we got some much needed rain over the weekend. My great news is (drum roll)..... I got a JOB. Yes, in deedy..... I am now the Kids Klub attendent for 24 HOUR FITNESS :faint:the job comes complete with a free membership for me and my family! Part-time work and gym membership - pinch me quick! They will even train me to be a personal trainer in the future for a higher pay salary. So today I fill in paperwork and then I begin training. My club is brand-spanking new, being built in the shopping center where my grocery store is. Our soft opening is Dec 21st and the grand opening with the DJ and raffle prizes will be in January. My goal is to start the treadmill, drop a few pounds and finally get my band tightened. I'm on my way girls! Yeah! Thank you all for your encouraging words, it really helps. Hugs go out to all who are fighting colds and such - get well soon. Kat: You had a deer on your porch?? I can't imagine. And what the bleep is your husband doing out in the woods. Crazy. Glad you are safe. Dianne: another candle on your birthday cake. Tell me how you like the zune -- I can't figure out my mp3 player(computer nerd). Eileen: You are not a slob. Just lovable. Cindy: I thought retirement meant NO WORK. Happy for ya. Jessica:My band is wide open, and NO I can't just anything. Stuff gets stuck and then my whole chest aches, not fun. You are doing great! Mandy:How about layered cookies in a jar or baby loaf breads for gifts? I made an applesauce cake the other day and it was just too easy. Well, I'm home with Lewis today. Dan brought him home with a cough and a fever. It never fails. He makes them sick and I have to heal. I'll be leaving for a bit to do my new hire paperwork. Grrrrrr! Bye.

:rain:Hello from Rainy California Hi guys, finally stopped long enough to fire up the old computer. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas. Last time I was here I think My ex was trying to kidnap the kids and take them to Arizona. Whew! I did some fine tap-dancing and convinced him that that was not an option. He kept his word and the kids stayed in Perris and I was alone for 4 days. I myself was for the first time - totally alone.... weird. I really really wanted to go to Knotts berry Farm and couldn't find anyone to accompany me -- so I took myself. I parked over by the IHOP resturant to save on parking, loaded my stroller with hot coffee, jacket and umbrella and hiked over. My reservation was for 2:30 but asked to enter early, they said OK. The gal was wondering where my baby was and I made some joke. I use my stroller like a shopping cart and I hate having to hold a purse, leather coat and purchases, this way I just throw it in the buggy. I was seated for dinner and came prepared with my "gastric bypass" card. When I met my waiter I asked him real nice about letting me use the childs price because I couldn't eat very much -- I didn't know if he would buy this because the meal was a buffet. He hesitated and then said "YES". I was SO happy. I took small samples of all my favorite things and finished my plate before checking out sweets. OMG the dessert table held no less than 200 different items! I went right to the pumpkin pie and the selected 1 chocolate chip cookie(for later). I then paid my bill and went Christmas crafts shopping. I don't have any money since Dan is holding back alot of our support money but my lovely Mom sent me a check and not that I need anything it's nice to look -- then I found an adorable glass ornament in the shape of a old time milk bottle, so I bought it. They wrapped it up good and I left feeling a bit of the Christmas spirit come home with me. I enjoyed my own company, knew the kids were relatively safe and could honestly say that my gratitude this year was having my surgery after all the struggles in the past. Exactly 1 week later was Lewis' 8th birthday and his wish was to go to Knotts with Toys for Tots and spend the day with his brothers and me. A huge storm came thru the day before but on Sat Dec 1st the theme park was beautiful. A friend of ours gifted our family with "Beagle Bucks" for a chicken dinner feast and we ate until our sides ached. Lewis was the happiest child ever and we count that as a blessing. On a sad note: our beautiful friend Robbie at age 15 passed away Nov 29 from complications with his 2nd heart transplant. The boys were devastated and we all held each other and just cried. I have decided to let the boys skip the memorial service, in addition to this being a visitation weekend and Dan won't drive back for it anyway. I have peace with it. Well, thats me for now. I have missed being online, still have computer problems. Hugs,

Hey All, Me, bad.... MIA for weeks. The car repairs, custody battles, surgery and job loss have taken it's toll on me. I never have fun things to tell you guys. I even didn't know that Kat had surgery last weekend. What sent me over the edge was last week I casually asked the ex about plans for Thanksgiving(he has all the holidays for 2007- per our agreement). He explained that he wanted to drive all night Wed 11/21 so that the children could sleep when they arrived in Arizona in the morning thursday, bringing the kids back late Sunday. Wow, drive all night. I calmly explained that Thanksgiving - the holiday was ONE DAY. But, I have visitation this weekend. Yes, I agreed but per our agreement, you return the children on Thanksgiving night and take the children at the regular time 5:30pm on Friday. What I didn't say was Moving away one hour to Perris isn't helping the holiday shuffle. I had intended to let Dan keep the children from Thursday on but bit my tongue when his conversation turned to Arizona. I need to keep the kids in Ca, especially for Lewis and his heart. The car trip is 14hours and the Arizona house is high in the hills, where the air is much too thin for Lewis and breathing( I passsed out years ago). My ex isn't capable of planning for an medical emergency even in the best of circumstances, but I can't tell him that. He called last nite and it sounds like he has changed his plans and dinner is at his home. I am relieved. I haven't slept in days and I wanted to apologize for disappearing. Logging on is still difficult for me because of the spyware. Please pray that 2008 is somewhat better for me. Hugs to all Happy Thanksgiving -- my gratitude is for my friendships and my new band.

Gadgetlady, Hi, I PM'd you. Your offer is so sweet. Hugs,

:hungry:Welcome to bandland, Jessica :hungry: Drink, walk and make friends with that heating pad. I had the queasy thing also -- glad that you are home. Yesterday, when I came home from doing the taxi thing I noticed the driveway all wet. Yep, the car had a leak :confused: I called the mechanic and I was green with worry and Thankfully it was minor. A broken hose and repaired in 20minutes and I didn't have to pay -- isn't God good! I missed my writing class but instead am using my time to tidy up the house and set out a few more decorations for the boys -- that will make them smile when they get home later. Hey, where is everyone?

I found it. Ever since Mandy mentioned EGG NOG I remembered that I stashed a sugar-free one somewhere on my messy desk. I haven't tried it, so here it is: Sugar-Free Holiday Nog 1package(1oz) sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix 7 cups fat-free milk, divided 2-4 packets sugar substitute 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract or rum extract 1 cup fat-free evaporated milk Combine pudding mix, 2 cups milk, sugar substitute and vanilla in bowl; mix according to pudding directions. Pour into 1/2 gal jug w/ lid. Shake. Add 3 cups milk; shake well. Add evaporated milk, shake. Add remaining milk; shake well. Chill 8 1cup servings 107 calories 15gr carbs 10gr protein

Dozy: You didn't deserve to have this happen. My heart go's out to you and your family. And for a speedy recovery. We will listen if you have more to share. Renewed hope: Congrats on the "twins". God has blessed you. PM me for tips on raising 2 babies -- hugs. Snappy: I wasn't on the computer for a few days. Glad you did so well on surgery, proud of you. Your kids & mine are very close, how cool. Sorry everyone on not logging on. I've been stuggling with single-parenthood and an exhusband who is denying support for the boys. My challenge of late has been paying bills and asking for donated food to make ends meet. Also, my youngest needed his flu shot for his heart condition and we waited all morning and my baby just melted down when the moment arrived :sick I spent the rest of the day easing his broken heart and mine as well. On Saturday my rent was raised $75. and it has taken a few days to rally this newest situation. God is in the plan.... always. Anywhoo, I wanted to tell you all my trip to meet Kaliah Ali and the Moment of Truth tour was WONDERFUL. Those attending the seminar received a free book and autograph and I got to speak just a few words to this gal who lost over 100lbs with the same surgery that I had. I think I'm gonna make it and it was the boost that I needed. I am almost finished reading Kaliah's book and I do recommend it. She honestly tells about growing up without her dad and being a single parent also. I could relate to being the fat kid in class and thanked her for sharing. So, go get the book and give it to yourself for Christmas! Hugs, gotta go pick up kids -- bye!

Jessica: We are all here for ya . Sorry about getting your monthly but rest assured that ALL the nurses have seen this before. Tell your assigned nurse and she will tell you what to do. Bring extra pads/tampons for afterward. You're gonna do great! Write when you can. Hugs. Kat: I want pecans too! I'm baking applesauce cookies tomorrow! Eileene: What new job? Have I been out of the loop that long? What happened to the *%$#@# boss from hell? Miss ya, & the chatter. And the bad stuff keeps on happening. I don't want to say just yet. But the boys and I need your prayers.

Happy Thanksgiving.... well, not yet! Cool and overcast here in Calif. How was everybody's Halloween. WE got 2 tubs of candy last night and it only took an hour! This morning woke up with leg cramps - gosh am I old or what? :heh: Anyhoo, I'm gearing up to deck out the house with Christmas (already have the stockings up just for fun) Mandy: your Oogie Boogie pumpkin was very cute! And congrats on the district job. My two little ones don't know that I'm not working. Maybe I'll hear about my application soon. Hugs. Eileen: So glad to see ya. I wanted to tell you guys what happened at the "Moment of Truth" seminar on Saturday. Vikki & I walked in and immediately noticed that the room felt like a selling conference -- geared to introducing new people to the lapband. I wondered if this was gonna be worth it, cause I already have the band(vikki was thinking the same thing). We were introduced to Dr. Billy from ventura(penni60's dr.) and the pros & cons of bypass vs lapband. Then there was testimony from successfull patients and then Kaliah Ali spoke. She was elegant, beautiful and encouraging. Her starting weight was 325 and standing in front of me was a 160lbs 5ft 9inch beauty. She was very pretty. We all had surveys on our seats and at first I wasn't going to fill it out.... having had surgery already then they said if we filled it out, we would get Kaliah's book! Whoo hoo! At one point in the presentation they asked those of us in the audience who had a lapband to stand up. Vikki & I hesitated and then stood -- we were amongst 6 others that stood. Later after it ended, people came up to us asking about the scars, and what it was like.... etc. I felt very honored to share and to let them know that I hadn't had a fill and was doing well. After we got our books we were told that Kaliah was signing and I spoke with her for just a moment. Just looking into her eyes I have renewed hope that I will make my band work. Vikki and I became better aquainted on our drive and we shared something very special that day. So, if any of you get the chance to see Kaliah Ali on her tour, I recommend it! Oooooh, gotta scoot! Hugs. PS: Jessica, I know that the shakes are really gross but what helped me was to add a bit of non-dairy creamer to thin it out(sometimes it was half & half). After surgery it's about healing and I was desparate for the protein and didn't mind a couple extra calories. I still mix it this way.

Just stopped by to see about Mandy's job. I'm sitting on pins & needles...... Today is running errands, baking cookies for deserving RSP teacher and getting ready for tomorrows seminar. Be back later!

Thanks everyone for Praying. Smoke & wind have calmed and clean up begins. I just got done sweeping, raking and watering down the car port -- whew! Man, I couldn't have done that 30lbs ago. I'll leave the back of my mobile home for the kids to rake this afternoon. My beautiful Christmas tree in it's pot fell over, but we saved it. I use a live tree every year and was amazed at the winds strength. How could anyone deny the existance of our Lord when he commands the wind and the sea? While driving down a neighboring street, there were trees left and right just uprooted like some GIANT hand came along and plucked them right up -- amazing! Weazer and Cindylu: I do know you from the May thread. I stopped going there for various reasons. Renewedhope & Godzgurl: Congrats on surgery. I did not bounce back so quickly. Welcome to the family. This Saturday I am going to a seminar in Los Angeles called "Moment of Truth" and the guest speaker is Khalia Ali who has had a lapband for 3 years and lost 100lbs. Khalia is the daughter of boxer Muhammed Ali and she wrote a book about her lapband journey. My boys are going on visitation and I thought this would be a great time to carpool with 2 gals that I met on LBT and get better aquainted on our car drive. I picked out my outfit, charged my camera batteries and I'm set to go. Can't wait to tell you all what I learned.

Morning all, Just got my breath back from all the raking, sweeping and hosing down the car port. Man, couldn't have done that 30lbs ago -- yeah! I'm having the twins clean up the back of our mobile home after school and check on our Christmas tree. In the middle of the storm it fell over and we had to rescue it. I've had the same tree for 4 years and it's truly a member of the family. Jessica: To heal quicker from you wisdom teeth surgery drink pineapple juice a few days before and a few days afterward. The enzymes in the juice speed healing. Really. Mandy: Working for a school district is just marvelous. I really miss my job, but it was not meant to be. I can't wait to hear your good news. Kat: I am SO proud of you for just counting your blessings. Your attitude will send those cancer cells running and you will be whole and healthy in no time. Take some time to adjust to all this new information, take a breath and KNOW that you are cared for by those on this thread. How about some retail therapy? Buy something fun this weekend. Electronic Hugs Well, gotta start a batch of spaghetti sauce -- yummm.

Can I join too? I had my surgery in May and have yet to get a fill. I'm not currently losing right now but I'm not gaining either. I spent the last 18 months trying to have my surgery approved and a series of events lead to my cobra ending and my attorney wasn't able to appeal-- ultimately I was denied. When my blood pressure skyrocketed to 176/78 I decided that I needed a lapband immediately. I took out a loan and within days I had my date. I'm not a drama queen but this year has had more than it's share of drama. I live in Westminster Ca and am in the midst of these horrible fire storms. My Mom lives in Santa Barbara and they have 5 fires in her area too. Could I be the first to ask for prayer? The winds have finally quieted and the air doesn't taste smokey today. 2 days ago, it was really bad. Thank you for starting this thread. I kinda needed to talk to some brothers & sisters. God Bless

Well it's about 10:30 now and sending prayers out to Kat. Hang in there girl. The winds have calmed down here and I actually have the front door open but the sky has this eerie yellow haze and the sun is hot pink in color. I'm hoping the worst of the fire storm is over, thanks for the prayers. Mandy: whats this I hear about a job interview? What kind of job? I just applied for a job.... it's a secret. When I get closer to an interview I'll dish for you guys. Hey, gotta run. Loads of raking from all the wind and dust. Hugs to all my girlfriends. Bye.

Thanks Jessica. I'm keeping windows and doors closed today.... unfortunately the temp is getting close to 100 degrees and I have no air conditioning which really sucks. Mandy: I would LOVE to freeze my butt off, but until my butt is smaller than yours it won't be anytime soon. :kiss2::kiss2: Why are you giving jack to Dianne?? If you guys are talking about Jack Sparrow....he belongs to Me!

:faint:Oops, that seminar that I'm going to is from Khaliah Ali, gosh I feel studpid. Apparently Muhammad Ali has a number of daughters(I was told 7) but I don't actually know how many. Anyhoo.....

Hey everyone, We are having these aweful wild fires here in So California -- pray for us. I just got off the phone with the elementary school and asked that they keep Lewis off the playground and I got attitude! It just makes me really really mad, I noticed that the teacher at our drop-off is wearing a mask and they let all the kids on the playground, whats up with that? My throat is raw and my eyes are watering, thinking about brining the kids home early. We've never had fires this bad.

Hi all, It's been days since I checked in. I just signed up for a seminar in Los Angeles called "Moment of Truth" with Laila Ali. From what I've heard she wrote a book about her lapband journey and is touring the country with speaking engagements. I've planned to go with another lapband person and this will give me chance to get to know her better too. Still eating like a wild woman... but when I get that tightness I quit. My saving grace, in the old days I would keep eating. The seminar is this Saturday, I'll update you all on what I learn. Hugs,

Can someone help?? I wanted to change my ticker and can't. Mandy, you always seem to understand this computer stuff.

:ranger: Hey Guys, Sorry for being MIA, but because of the spyware and my computer virus it takes 20min to log on. I just want to tell you that I'm hanging in. Since my meltdown with my ex I started eating and discovered that I can eat lots. I get uncomfortable quickly and then I quit. I was baking cookies, key lime bars, apple crisps, tamale pies -- MAJOR FOOD PORN. Depression makes me cook -- weird. I put the brakes on and started on the shakes again. I returned to my 1st passion -- Disneyland and have been there twice..... walked miles...... won a dream pass for all the rides and I have lost 2 pounds. Yesterday I was denied unemployment and I'm OK with that. Money is tight, but with creative cooking and uncomplaining kids I can work miracles. Thank the Lord, I have already most of my Christmas gifts hidden. Over-planning has it's benefits. Miss you guys and I'm trying to figure out how to clean my hard drive so that my computer is back to normal. Tonight I go to my divorce class and I admit, I should have gone back sooner. I also have met with my counselor/life coach and she gives homework! I'm feeling better everyday. Tomorrow I get to volunteer in Lewis' class.... and he's thrilled. This will keep me from eating and focus on something positive. Just glad I can stop by and update you all on my progress. Hugs,

Darcy, What a relief that you won.....'cept they did all that mud slinging. How uncool. Divorce just sucks. Sending electronic hugs. Kat: You just gave me 1,000 more grey hairs. Praise God you haven't lost your sight or worse! I demand that you stay put for awhile. I hope your car can be repaired before the weather turns cold and rainy. Love ya. Donna: Where on planet earth have you been?? Did they make you sign on with a new name?? Well, none of that matters -- you are back home. Welcome Back! Mandy: Glad you had a great trip. I keep thinking about Abi and Capt. Jack.... it warms my heart. PS, we have a cute one too! Nothing special going on here except cooking and cleaning and groceries -- hey, it keeps me out of trouble. Hugs,