Dutchgrl59

I have been a long time fan of Gatorade and keep it in the house for the kids. It's especially helpful when they are sick. I have always wanted them to make a low-cal version and they FINALLY DID! Its called Powerade Option by the coca cola company. An 8oz serving has 10 calories and 2 carbs. For a sports drink thats a major difference. I tried the lemon flavor and it tastes pretty good.

Morning all, I'm making a list and checking it twice..... My miracle yesterday is I shipped a box of stuff to my Moms house and that means vacation is just around the corner! The box weighted 28lbs and they only charged me $13. to ship! I was thrilled. I wrapped everything that wasn't for the kids, since they were watching and made a considerable dent on the list. Bummer, didn't get to D-land and I wanna goooooo sooooo bad. Yeah, I know I have this sickness that most of ya will never understand..... well maybe Cindy-loo. OK, I'm making jars with Funnel cake mix for school teachers, and baking banana bread for the male teacher who doesn't bake. Then laundry & clothes sorting for my Moms house ie; 5 undies, 5 socks, shirts & jeans X 5 people.... I'll have it done in 90 minutes. If it didn't look like rain I'd have the twins wash the van -- they lucked out this time! Cindy: now that you're wireless, I suspect that you will be messaging us from class? Ha! Eileen: Tummy trouble for you, I'm so sorry. Glad you got through it without a PB. Just go's to prove that our brains and our bodies just aren't in sync. Love, ya. Sherry: welcome to this zany bunch. The packets that I think you speak of is Isopure and I have found them on the internet. I've never tried it and am not 100% sure this is what you are looking for, just a thought. Well, 2 of the 4 are up and I really want to get my chores done so that I can sneak off the Disneyland -- wish me luck! :) :D

Oh, Happy DAY. With trepidation I strolled into the mall and asked the deskclerk for a mastercutter. She then gave me a 12:00pm appt and I walked around for an hour. When I met Melanie I had to tell her what I wanted.... which was hard, since no two people cut the same. In the last month I lost my hairstylist, eyebrow girl and nail person! I just got back my Gyno but that was because I switched insurance plans, and that was a lucky break because thats also how I found out about WLS. Anyway, Melanie is a dream and I have my head back!!! I feel cute and sexy and raring to go. I have the kids this weekend and we have a list of things to do before vacation. Do ya think maybe I could squeeze in a few hours at D-land? I haven't been in about 2 weeks -- gasp! And I'm having withdrawals. Eileen: go to the cupboard and use those toothpicks for your eyelids -- they work, really. Rene: This side of the US is so much more balanced when you are here, welcome home girlie. Lisa: your puppy's name is? Cindy: Our winter break is from Dec 21- Jan9th! I'll be parked in front of my mothers TV watching the foodnetwork on cable. I don't have cable and I love food! Ohhh, I now have 3 up and they've gotten cozy in front of the TV... gotta get them moving. I'll check back later,

Dear Cindy, My thoughts on that Presidential thread..... how sad. How can any human being, especially a countrie's leader make everybody happy? I think it's best to vent someplace else. I think grown-ups have just plain forgotten how to be respectful. I've been divorced for 1 year 7 months and the man that ruined what should have been my happiest years is STILL the father of my children. Respect. I don't respect him.... but my children are REQUIRED to respect their father. No, if, ands or buts. They need to respect him. Thats how I feel about our President.... whether or not I voted for him. If the President creates a law, I'm still required to abide by it.... it doesn't matter what party I'm from. Isn't this what we should illustrate for our children? OK; soapbox put away. No work today, giftwrapping to complete and oh yeah.... my beloved hairdresser has quit her job and I am super picky about who cuts my hair. I have to try somebody new and WILL cry if they ruin my precious raven locks. Please pray for me!

;-) Hey, Bonnie.... come here, I'll hold your hand if you need to. We're all friends here and everyone here understands. So, don't be a stranger and ask questions as you go along. Congratulations, you've made a wise choice. See ya in bandland.

Hey Gang, This last month with you people has been the most joyful and blessed place to be..... Rene, my darling Rene. My ex told me (in one of our last heated discussions before divorce)"Patty, you want TOOOO much!" Well lets explore that, I wanted a husband to LOVE, HONOR and CHERISH me. ie; that means please don't LIE, CHEAT AND STEAL from me. LBT is a photo album with real people who choose to share their lives.... and yes you still make my day, I wouldn't start it any other way. And now, why am I laughing SO hard. It's that Leenie! Yes, I am one of those rare gems -- a diamond in the rough who does not have a love-affair with the Chocolate Monster. That doesn't mean that I don't eat it -- just that it's not the first thing that I reach for. I have my favorites: a few M & Ms with popcorn, Reese's cups, and molasses chips from See's candies. It was the find of the century when Reese's came out with sugar-free peanut butter cups -- I hide those from the kids! Yummmm! Pat, I have a date for your grandson! My very very very naughty Niece, my sisters (boo-boo) baby. Maleah is 2 almost 3 and a Hawaiian Tropic pageant winner. In Sept 2004 she was crowned Grand Baby Supreme, but her reign is now over, so nows shes just a regular kid.... until my sis signs her up again. :cry Blahhhhh, beauty pageants are fine, except my sis is waaayyy overboard on the stuff. Which is why we have nothing to ever talk about. Sooo, tell us what other devious things the little Harley dude does? I just organized my rubbermaid tote with gifts. I'll wrap a couple everyday and by next week it will all be done. One more thing off the list.... and the list is VERY long -- oh well, it keeps me outta trouble. Going to work now,

Eileen & Rene You two are adorable. Was it fun.... it looks like it was fun to meet a LBT buddy. I'm SO impressed that you guys actually took the time to arrange a meeting. Thanks for sharing photos. It just makes my day!

Good Morning Dudes & Dudettes! I survived..... ya know the miracle of toothpicks is that they can hold your eyes open. Marvelous! So, Betty.... what was your address? I can ship my boys right to your front door. Ahhhh, peace and quiet. And why do you torture me so with all those goodies. Lets not forget that I'm a pre-bandster and want to inhale all those luscious treats. Not a big fan of chocolate but the rest of it.... no problemo! Cindy & Eileen, coping is different for everyone thats why its fun to share. Whats necessary for one might be a great tip for another. I have learned that my messy house will only be for a season. The boys won't remember the clutter but they WILL remember mama in the front row wildly waving encouragement. I telephoned the ex and he said that he had to take care of ill wife and ill baby, so he could not make it to Lewis' program. Kind of sounds like that song: "Cats in the Cradle".... life imitating art. Oh, Cindy.... where do I pick up my "lose 10lbs free" card? Your old cast-offs will fit me just fine, now that you're so thin -- hrumpf a size 20.... my wish to God's ears! Love ya! I'm starving for breakfast and off to work! Maybe in my spare time this afternoon I could clean the fish tank -- in my dreams. :rolleyes:

Morning! As I was putting the kids to bed Lewis told me that he has a "performance". What?! Sure enough I dig through his back pack and there's a note: CHRISTMAS RECITAL FOR 1ST GRADERS AT SEQUOIA MULTIPURPOSE RM DECEMBER 13, 2005 7:15pm Can we just stop the world and let me off? Last night was the first night that we all slept thru and whatever I didn't do yesterday was planned for today. Whoever invented the word "Catch-up" was stupid. At the rate that I'm going that will never happen. It's only 8:22 and I'm already tired. I love ya all.... my next post will be what happens next. Enter Smiling

Good Morning young people! I'm not leaving for vacation just yet. Let me explain.... Because I have Sooo many children and I tend to have those Senior Moments I do everything way ahead of schedule. I learned a long time ago that United Parcel Service is my friend. When I go on vacation to my Moms in Santa Barbara I ship my luggage ie; a couple of boxes of clothes and necessaries for the weeks stay. The strange thing about mini vans... they carry people but hardly any luggage, especially for 5 people. Now with Christmas we have additional items called gifts. Whats a girl to do. I bring everything to UPS with the boxes open, they throw in the peanuts, tape it up, slap a label on it and away it gos. The service is free you pay only shipping fees. When we went to Walt Disney World in 1997 I shipped 3 boxes to the resort and when we checked in they were waiting for us. The cool thing was landing at the airport, grabbing a cab and heading straight to the hotel. We elimanated the baggage claim altogether. At the time the twins were 5yrs and Garrett was 2, that alone was worth the $50. to send the boxes. Call me crazy! So, Betty I will packing you between the undies and my velour Santa Pants! I forgot to mention the stomach flu has made an appearance here! Taylor started at 1am and Garrett stayed at his Dads, he was sick all day Sunday and I didn't want him coming here, unfortuately Taylor brought it here. Only time will tell if Channing and Lewis bring up the rear. I had a flu shot, but thats no garantee. So, today I get to play nurse. Enter smiling,

Hello Dave, We are anxiously awaiting an update on how surgery went. Sending good thoughts your way.

Thank you that was very pretty.... can I create a date like that too!

Dear Desiree, Here's what I've noticed in the month that I have been reading these threads.... that just about everybody, no matter what their start weight is loses 40lbs in the first 4 months. That averages to 10lbs a month. I've noticed that with the women on the boards.... men, thats always another story. Your ticker seems to be reflecting the exact same thing. Sooo, if you got banded on Aug 18th then Dec 18 makes 4 months and 40 lbs. Hows that make you feel? I have other neat ways of looking at weight loss and it will get you off the scale and to stop frustrating yourself. I desparately want to be in your shoes.... waiting for approval, maybe by end of the year. Hugs,

Dear Jamm & Lildarlin I just came from my seminar yesterday and they quoted the cash price for Lapband as:$18,256.00 and Gastric Bypass at $30,000.00+ Those are some heady numbers.

Mandy, Where did you find these new items? They sound fabulous!

Jacqui, How about hardboiling 6 eggs every sunday to eat throughout the week. And keep canned fruit in light syrup in the refridgerator. They are quick. I like to keep luncheon meat on hand for quick protein. A couple of slices and I feel better instantly. Do a recipe search on breakfast foods they might inspire you to invent something. Good Luck!

Dear Betty, Sometimes those wacky days seem to turn out... I'm crossing my fingers for you. I was a Mcdonalds on Friday and I too saw a Mom walk into the Mens room when her daughter yelped "Mom thats the Mens"! We all giggled. Keep us posted now that you need to replace the old one. I have tons of house cleaning to do and wrapping & packing for vacation. There aren't enough hours in the day. Happy Sunday.

Lisa, you're in the home stretch -- yeah! Go find all your old shot glasses... that way you won't drink too fast at the beginning. I saw the new Willie Wonka, yes, it's different but thats my Johnny Depp -- I like him fine any time! Update on seminar. The Dr is young and cute, but he's done 500 RNY procedures and 120 lapbands. He does less lapbands because insurance companies are just not willing to pay for them since they are STILL considered experimental. No surprize there. I took notes, and turned in a required questionaire but I was the only one with PCP approval papers in hand. The administrative gal was a patient and with her GB surgery she has lost 240lbs. She looked beautiful. When she spoke with me she said "Hi, you're my email buddy" I had written her on a yahoo groups site a few weeks ago. I was amazed that she would remember. She promised to call me this coming week and fill me in on where I am in the process. According to their checklist they send a letter to insurance for the green light and then they begin labs. What if I go before my "make believe" February date! I'm good, it's in Gods hands and I will trust my surgery will go either in January or February, I guess it really doesn't matter. Guys, thanks for listening. Talk later!

Well, todays the day.... my seminar. I get to meet all the people from the medical center and I'm guessing they will have WLS graduates and of course the surgeon. Yesterday I telephoned the other clinic that I was considering and finally they answered my most important question: do you take my insurance -- NO! It took them 3 weeks to tell me that, then she asked me if I wanted financing options? What part of No don't they understand? Anyway, I have my list of questions and my approval letters in hand.... this may be the only place for me to go, well.... there's Penni's dr and he is out in Ventura which is a good 3hr drive from me. OK, this is supposed to be a positive step, but it still doesn't feel real. I'll update later. Gotta curl my hair. Thanks for holding my hand

Good that you called the Dr and that you have meds to get you through the weekend. Have DH rent some chick-flicks for you and rest until your post-op visit. I'll send up a quick prayer with your name on it. Sending you sunshine :lick :lick (Hey these two :lick :lick look like you!) Sleep tight

Hey girl, I'm so glad that that this is over and behind you. All those things you talked about on the table - I've done that, only it was during the times I was going through all my fertility junk. Those feelings are so raw - not a good place to be. I'm so very happy that you have such a gentle and caring doctor, not to mention you DH. They shall be your "rocks" for a spell. My prayer is for your continued healing of your mind as well as body. Maybe when you feel well enough you can come wander my direction and I could show you Downtown Disney, I think it might be fun. Keep smiling my dearest, you are much loved here. HUGS:cheeky PS; I think you should pick the diamond necklace & earrings to match from the magic treasure box! LOL

I will be attending my seminar tomorrow 12/10. One more step complete. Getting ready for the bandwagon;-)

Snow in Jersey and Rain in California.... it's wintertime everywhere. Morning all, The kids are all up early for a Friday and I just ran out of bread, what else is new. Is Zan coming my direction? Did I miss a thread? Ohhhh a work crisis -- tell where? Eileen, you be careful driving today and give bessie a hug for me. Rene: are you packed and ready for your weekend adventure? You gals have a blast and return with details. I don't work on Friday's so I have a million errands to complete before 2pm kid pick-up. Lets have fun and be safe out there!

Oh Beanie... I Love you! My Momma lives is Santa Barbara County a 4 hr drive from Sunny Orange County! I'm all alone here in Westminster. My Daddy passed on in 1987 and my younger sis lives up where Mom is. I have great hope for my future. I'm not really "looking for work". As a sub I take jobs here and there which leaves me time for those hundreds of Dr appt's that I have to go to with the boys. A full time job would be unrealistic for me. Right now I work tues-thurs 10-12:30. I make more than a boxboy but less than a computer programer. More hours would be great but then less housework gets done (ya know what I mean jellybean). In our district you have to test into positions, so in Oct I tested for health aid and clerk typist and I passed both tests. I didn't get either job but they will let me sub. Officially I can now sub for: special Ed, library, clerk typist & health aid/nurse. It's job security any way you slice it! Disneyland isn't going anywhere and when I'm cute and skinny it will be more fun to work there! Imagine the celebrities I could meet.... are you imagining! Did I ever tell you guys about Johnny Depp? I have pictures -- one day I'll post them for you all to drool over! So, lets discuss your review. It's on the top of my prayer list and I do believe miracles happen and isn't that what Christmas is all about. I too will "cross" everything if it meant that you got the "green" light and surgery. Hey, it's you & me and a February date!

Have you ever seen any one "dumping"? Dumping is a process that GB patients endure when they eat too much or of the wrong type of foods. I saw a girl once lying on the floor waiting for her bite of hamburger to go down. She was red and sweaty and you could tell totally uncomfortable. Lapbanders don't dump and thats something I would not want to experience. We might have what's called a PB or productive burp. Something too large just comes up. But once thats done it's over. It's a trade off and I think a personal choice.