Dutchgrl59

Hey Mandy, I am in Santa Barbara right now and am using my Sisters computer.... came here for updates and am very happy that surgery is behind you and recovery is at warp speed(they boys and I prayed really hard). Glad to hear that gift pack arrived, I want pictures of all three of you guys in your new "Golden Mickey" hats! Here in Santa Barbara we are celebrating FIESTA, an annual event that lasts 5 days. On Saturday we will be going to the childrens parade and then smashing confetti eggs on each others heads -- after that we will gorge on Churros and other mexican delights. We've already been to the beach and I got a tinsy bit sunburned but today I am brown. Today we hiked up a shallow canyon in search of a creek -- but I forgot that we've had the worst drought and there wasn't any water. I have this overinflated fantasy that boys, streams and rocks go together and this was my effort to bring that to reality. We had fun anyway and the brisk walk felt altogether wonderful. And that leads to why we are at my sisters house. After the hike everybody got sweaty and my sister Sandy has a pool, so thats where all the kids ended up. Darcy: really really glad to see you. Will living in your special cabin allow you to talk to us still? My heart sings at the thought of owning a cabin -- I am very happy for you. OK gang, I gotta get the kids back to my Moms house. I'll check back in a few days. Hugs

Hey, Update on the homefront. All the boys except Lewis are on visitation. Lew's temperature is one of those "growth" fevers and he asked to stay with me the weekend because "Dad doesn't take good care of me". Out of the mouths of babes. Garrett had the same fever last week and finally kicked his. I have been bathing him, medicating him and distracting him. The most difficult part of gaging his temp is that since we are having a heat-wave I sometimes can't tell how hot he is because I too am warm just like the house is. Another wish that I had air-conditioning.... any way when we get to my Moms tomorrow we will be on the coast and there everything seems more tropical -- ahhhhh. Today, Lewis and I will be finishing up my suitcase and tiding up the house. My vacation habit is to have the house in order so that when we come home we don't have to clean house - just veg. Hope everyone is having a pleasant summer. Mandy: I sent you a surprise yesterday, I hope you like it. Wishing you the best with surgery. Hugs.

Congratulations :clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2: Kat, Woo Hoo! So, with those sexy boots you need to go get that new outfit too. You are a true inspiration. Way to go!

Happy Thursday, Well we went to the Ringlings Circus last night, and it was AMAZING :confused: I would say they had lions, tigers and bears but that wouldn't be true, and the kids were just awestruck.... 4 boys and no fighting all night! As we were leaving I bought a DVD and after chores today we will watch it. In 4 days we will be at my Moms in Santa Barbara and there's lots still to be done, I kinda feel like Mandy with all the preparations we need to tend to. Ohh, guess what, Lewis just woke up with a raging temperature and I gotta run..... Love ya!

Hi Friends, I found this recipe from another lapbander, her name is Photonut. It has 75grms of protein and if you are counting calories about 500. Here's the recipe: 2 cups skim milk 2 scoops protein powder-any flavor 1/2 banana 1 teasp. Splenda 1 can slimfast- any flavor Blend Drink all day long. You can put it in small bottles chilled or in a giant sipper cup. You can halve the recipe if calories are a problem then you will get 38gr protein and 250 cals. For me I really really need the protein because I get dizzy alot and even without the fill I am super restricted. Hope this helps.

Penni, Thank you for the update. You have been an inspiration to so many people on this thread -- a very cool lady. We spoke briefly just days after your band was removed and I will always remember that. The decision to have surgery is such a personal one and I can hear your voice.... another hospital visit would be too soon. Hug that grandbaby for me, life is still beautiful. Heart Hugs,

LOL, Legster, I feel exactly as you do. I had pizza today and ate less than my 15 year old twin boys did. I don't feel deprived and very satisfied. Hey, I can do this!

Happy Bandiversary to Cindy :clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2: What you said was so very true about just maintaining. Your weight loss is amazing -- everyone here has done a great job. Congrats lady Mandy: OK, I didn't know that you actually did the body piercing -- I learn something new everyday! If I was alot younger and had that flat belly I might consider a belly ring, but at 47 uh.... no lol. I remember the day I got my ears double pierced.... man, was my Mom mad! Hey, girlie I need you to PM me your address, I have a get well gift to deliver your way I'm getting ready to go visit my Mom in Santa Barbara and have loads of laundry to get to as well as ready the car and pack -- oy vey as Eileen would say! I am feeling just great with my 26lb weight loss and can't wait to make use of Mom's treadmill. I have just noticed today how much I am enjoying just walking -- thank you lapband. On Wednesday the kids and I will be going to the Ringlings Brothers circus and I thing they are really gonna love it. When Taylor, Channing & Garrett were babies I signed the kids up for a free ticket and I finally cashed them in. I only had to purchase seats for me and Lewis. This will be the first time any of the kids have been to a circus. Can't wait. So, tell all your friends to go to the Ringling website and sign up those babies before they are 1year old, they will send them a free ticket -- awesome deal!

Let me recommend a clear liquid protein. This will make your overall healing go faster. Isopure will give you 20grams of protein and can be purchased in a health food store. I am post-op 8 weeks and I am still drinking it for my protein needs. My dr recommends 60-80 grams of protein per day. I water down my Isopure to also get in extra water during the day. Hope that helps. :car:

Jenna, I vote..... with arms up or arms down that your surgeon did a beautiful job. Congratulations. Now you need to stop and enjoy all those pretty clothes you get to buy. If you continue to nip & tuck your scars will begin to revenge. Listen to your hubby.

Marjorie, When you are at a resturant, just draw imaginary lines on the plate in a big cross. Just eat what fits in one quarter of the plate.... everything else goes in a doggie bag or let someone else eat it. No need for a scale.

Morning all Betty: Thanks for the update on what happened to your heel. You must have a heavy duty door - Wow, that must of hurt. And that was 2 weeks ago?? When you're all better get your feet pampered. Mandy: I am very relieved that Irene is OK, thanks for the email address. I know she will tell us everything that transpired and I bet it will be a doozie. You amaze me with your organization and nesting for your surgery. My continued prayers. Cindy: You were a good Mama to Annie and your story touched me. I hope your tea party was a smash.... I think I might have one this afternoon too (my boys love tea). Kat: The Purple People eater had me rolling on the floor! Here, let me tell you about my antique rocking chair that I wanted refinished in CHERRY RED..... it ended up being more of a light oak! When I looked at it I was stunned. I walked around the shop and tried to find the dark oriental wood that I desired and then they tell me that it wasn't "cherry", and that cherry wood is a light wood. I didn't want cherry wood I wanted cherry color :faint:I guess my lesson was using the words "cherry", it doesn't mean the same thing to everyone and I wasn't explicit enough. The shop then just removed the color and repainted it and it wasn't taken down to bare wood and now a tiny scratch removes color and it isn't pretty anymore. What needs to be done is a complete refinish the correct way. Sure glad that your trailer isn't purple anymore. Today is an at home day, Garrett has a slight temp and they have turned off the water in the neighborhood. The boys and I had a very busy tuesday & wednesday. Tuesday was a Disneyland day, we met my sister for D-lands 52nd birthday. And then on Wednesday we went to the county fair on canned food day. We bring 5 cans apiece and get in free! We got to see the hypnotist and laughed until it hurt. We got home at midnight - whew! Rest..... a vacation from the vacation.

Dear Dee, I'm sorry that I didn't get back sooner..... I was at Disneyland(I have an annual pass). To make Egg drop soup: Heat up 1 can of chicken broth heated. Scramble 1 egg in a bowl, then dribble the egg into the hot broth in a swirling motion. The egg will cook immediately. Eat slowly. It will fill you up. Heart Hugs, Patty

Dear Strawberrygrl, Congrats on making it to day 3. Sleeping is what will heal. I couldn't sleep more than 3 hours at a time. I wanted to rent a recliner but that deal fell through, so if you were like me then it's the couch and bed and my incisions were sore. I took my fluffy down comforter and made a poufy pile and sat in the corner of my couch and kind of laid on my side while hugging the "pillow" I created, while sitting up -- actually laying down hurt too much. After 3 hours in the living room I would move to my bedroom and sleep sitting up on my bed cushion. Sleeping like this really did a number on my neck but by day 6 I could lay on my left side with cushioning on my port. If you can tolerate your loratab, keep taking that, it will help you sleep deeper. When I got hungry I would make egg drop soup in hot chicken broth -- really tasted good! I also highly recommend Isopure Protein from the vitamin shoppe store.... it's the protein that you need to keep from getting hungry. Don't forget that sugar-free ice pops are the best summer treat. Hey, and congrats once again.

Hey all, been lurking since school let out so I thought I'd give a brief update. My weight loss has been slow but steady. At my appt last week they were ready to give me a fill and I said "no". Yes, I'm a bit afraid of the fill but mostly this is a financial decision and with the loan for surgery and working for a school district.... I don't get paid until next October. I HAVE to lose without the fill and watch portions. Right now my 1/2 cup fills me up and sometimes I don't finish everything. I went on vaction the last week of June and even lost lbs which I have never been able to do. Here are some of the things I'm doing that seem to help: I carry a childs set of cutlery in my bag and I almost eat everything with a knife and fork which really slows down the eating process. I drink watered down Isopure Protein(20grms) everyday and always carry a plastic bottle everywhere. After I eat I pop a sugar-free mint to remind myself not to drink. And when I want that chip I reach for my stand-by fried pork rinds which have 0 carbs -- I know the word fried must be scary but after 3 my cravings quit and I'm back on the program. Guarenteed to solve that desire for salt. I also tried matzo crackers the other day when I wanted a cracker -- not bad. My closet got cleaned out the other day and I can button up shirts that I couldn't before and treated myself to a smaller thumb ring for 4th of July -- I'm feeling pretty happy

:bandit It's Saturday and the kidlets are on visitation. I have an appointment for a foot massage and a trip to blockbuster for new videos -- just my kind of weekend. Thanks Eileen for the encouraging words, no one understands the life of someone with a lapband better than someone that has one. I knew that this was going to be a radical change and I'm so glad that everyone here understands unconditionally. I was wondering if anyone knows Beanie's home address. What Kat said has me concerned too. It's been too long that we've heard from her with her recent job change and going back to school she vanished. How can we be sure that all is well? Well, gotta eat, don't want to miss that reflexology date!

Wow, it's Thursday already and the kids and I are going to visit Irvine Regional Park today. They have a tiny zoo, railroad and hiking paths. We're gonna pack a lunch and comune with nature, maybe we'll even try the paddle boats so that I can work out my legs! I finally spoke with my Mom in Hawaii and what a tale! Mom (& my sister) are there to help my 23 year old niece who is moving back to California because her husband was called to Afghanistan and that means she has to move off the base. When they got to the house they were met with a house that was not cleaned for 2 years. My Mom said it was ghastly :eek: and that ever since Sunday when they arrived at noon they have been scrubbing and tossing out garbage while Kylene my niece complained. I told my mother to be extra careful with her heart(she had bypass 3yrs ago) and rest inbetween cleaning bouts. My sister got upset with Kylene(her daughter) for chatting on the phone and not helping enough. Family.... don't cha just love them! Chris: I'm so sorry that you lost someone that you loved. I pray that you find some peace and comfort this week. Dianne:Oh, please be careful. You reminded me that next week I will be going to my first WLS meeting -- alittle anxious. Darcy: Girlie, out celebrating or just enjoying that cabin? Happy one! Cindy:I smiled when you said that you said "no" alot. Me too, these days I can say more to "yes" and feel good about it. Have I ever told you that you are a great Mom -- there, I said it. Sherry:Are you feeling better? You scared me so when you said that you were gonna poke a needle in your port -- ugh. That tells me you were really hurting something fierce. Update please. Kat: Whew, sterilize that whole house!! :sick and really glad that everybody is home safe and sound. Do pamper yourself a bit. Eileenie: Where ya be? Mandy: You too? Well, the suns up and I need to pack that picnic lunch -- bye!

Monday, Monday. I just finished reading pages and my heart stopped when I read Kat's post. I was turning pages so fast it would make your head spin. Thank God everything is much better with that application of bacteria. What an amazing solution! It sounds like Kinsey is very much like her grandmama and tummy troubles may follow generations. Hugs to Rick for his safe recovery. Dianne: When did you say you are having that vein surgery? I've had you on my mind ever since you said "clots". Maybe when this is all over you will feel like dancing again. Hugs Mandy: So, you too are having surgery. I know I shouldn't have been shocked at your news, but I still was. I understand the desire for the pain relief, I am a bit concerned about the open surgery and the extra time for healing. I have you on my list. I guess the best incentive for recovery is a Disney trip and you already have that lined up -- smart girl! I have July 30th marked on the calendar for all day prayers, hugs! As for me, I have been having a great summer :eyebrows: On the 4th the kids and I purchased tickets for a BBQ picnic at the Aquarium that we just became members of. We had the run of the Aquarium until late that night and food and fireworks in the afternoon. I felt rested and received lots of hugs from my boys for making memories -- they loved it. The next day I went to my 2nd post op and lost 4lbs which they were not pleased with and that kinda hurt my feelings. I feel pigeonholed. The average person loses X amount of weight and I don't follow the average so they immediately want to give me a fill. But I don't want one! The longer I can go without a fill will be better for me..... and it's all about me, isn't it? I think that if I start filling my band then I will start a cycle of needing fills and since I only get 1 for free that makes my 1 fill rather valuable. For me it's all financial and I'm still hurting from getting the loan for surgery.... fills are the farthest thing from my mind. I was feeling good about my weight loss and no one knows that better than me, I was SOOOO weight resistance in the past. A couple of years ago I hired a trainer and even with diet I didn't lose anything (wasted $1,000-- and now I have just gone on vacation, eating out every meal, then the 4th of july picnic and I still manage lose weight for the first time in my life and the doctors can only critisize me. I felt totally shot down. Now, I've read Sherrys post and her being possibly too tight and I feel validated that slower on the fills the better. Sorry for the all the whining but who do I let down.... the doctors or myself? I'm a people pleaser and what I've learned these last few years is that the only person I need to please is MYSELF and it's my money, my band and my life. Ha. On Sunday, the kids and I went to a Knotts Soak City waterpark as a gift from my Mom. My Mom was here just for the day before leaving on yet another trip to Hawaii, so we met her at SoakCity. I bought a new bathing suit and went on the lazy river and floated around a few times, got a tiny bit sunburned and felt marvelous. My actual weightloss is 22lbs and I have stopped huffing on the stairs and all my clothes fit better -- me in a bathing suit is monumental. Thats why this summer is so grand. Well, the kids finally got up and I must tend to them. Mmmmm, coffee sounds good

Hey Gang, Back from vacation :faint:and whats a trip without a broken water pump? I called my mechanic and he will fix the car tomorrow. I can't stay.... gotta do chores and have lots of catch up reading to do. Bye.

Dianne: Yes, of course I will adopt you:p, but now I'm really concerned about that thing in your leg. Can the dr make it go away? With all the stress that you've been through this little event seems so unfair! Question.... when I go get my pedicures and they massage my calves, is that supposed to be good for circulation? All I know is it feels pretty good. I just got a coupon for a reflexology massage..... how about we both go? Mandy, my dear sweet clean freak -- I just love ya! Can we call you Monica like the character in "Friends" She would clean and organize absolutely everything, Or better yet, Martha Stewart. I just love to watch her cook. When the kids come back from visitation I'm making brown sugar glazed bacon -- yummm, except that I can't eat that yet. Maybe sometime next year! Darcy: Does your cell phone work in the hills? I miss you ever so much! Sherry: When is your trip to WDW? You just grab that cute hubby of yours and go out to some nice cafe. Tonite it's just me and blockbuster video. :bored Betty: Hows the weather? I sure hope the weekend is more pleasant for you. Give update. I want to ask my friends here to send up prayers for Robbie. Robbie is 14 and just received his 2nd heart transplant back in March. Rob was born the same year as my twins. Anyway, a few days ago the dr's removed a tumor from Robs neck and lab results show it's lymphoma. From what I understand we all have virus's that are dormant and due to Robbies anti-rejection medication for his heart, the tumors began to grow. In order to remove the tumors he will be getting chemo next week. I was just weeping earlier when I read this update. Rob and his family have been thru so much and they have such a strong faith, they make me stronger. Just pray for the chemo, no vomiting and no heart rejection either. Robbies B-day is June 28 and he will be 15 and still in the hospital. My kids and I will be sending him a care package. Hey, thanks for partnering with me. If anyone understands special needs, it's you guys. Hugs,

Mandy: Vaccuum guy style :phanvan Laughing SO hard I almost wet myself! When I have the kids do it, it takes 5 minutes.... when I do it I'm done 30 minutes later -- hmmmmm. Well, today is the last day of school for my elementary kids, they will be out at 11:15. I am in the process of packing for our trip.... leaving Monday for the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific. I got my email from the hotel and they are ready for our arrival --- ahhh, can't wait for Air-conditioning! I got my hair done, my toenails painted and my capri pants are TOO big! Feeling fabulous after losing 20lbs. Thinking about trying on a smaller size, feeling brave. Here is our schedule for the week Tues: Legoland Wed: Disneyland - want to view Fanstasmic! Thurs: Nature Center at El Dorado park Long Beach Fri: Home Can't believer Summer is here! Com'on everybody, where are you!

It's Graduation Day! Today is Garrett's 6th Grade Graduation, and we are very excited. I have the camera, gifts and we are all dressed up for our 10:45 ceremony. If I don't cry, I'll be able to snap a few pictures. I can hardly believe that my blond tot is graduating. My, the time goes by so quickly. Well, gotta go.

Annicakes The Lapband is connected to a port which is near the surface to the skin. Mine is located on my left side, several inches above and to the left of my navel. The fill is done in a drs office where the skin is numbed and saline in inserted with a needle into the port. I'm told this is relatively painless but since I have not had one yet, I can't really say. My band is 1 month old, so I'm new to this process but can already say that having a band is wonderful. Glad to see you here on the best lapband site ever!

Good Evening. We are in a heat wave and truly happy that my surgery is over.... had I waited even a month, that would have been trouble. Thanks Eileen for the kudos. I feel very strong and am eating regular food. In my nutrician class they told us that our portion limit for food was 1/2 a cup per meal and I have been following the rules. Some of the time I don't finish my amount and once the hungies go away I don't much think about food anymore. I don't want a fill and after I get the first one I must pay for all the others (not good for me.... money I don't have). The dr understands and we will carry on as long as we can. I need breakfast ideas. And I am going on vacation in 2 weeks, so I need eating out solutions too. Thanks. Mandy:Super glad that you are on the mend. I went to D-land last night. Went on the Subs again -- totally cool. And Fantasmic is back up and running. We will see that on our vacation - front row. Kat:Answered prayers for Rick and Kinsey. I am so proud of you and look at your weight loss -- how do you manage that! Eileen: you want another fill? Be careful. I'm thinking about trying your favorite soup - butternut squash. Dianne:great to see you, wishing you the best always The heat is making the kiddies irritable. Got to hose them down. Bye.

Mandy: So glad you are on the mend. I want you well for your visit to Disneyland. When you find out about the menopause question, let us know. Hows Abi? Cindy-lou Wishing you loads of fun at DisneyWorld. My twins are out of school now and the little guys still have 5 days. Today is also my 1 month post op and I have lost an additional 2lbs. Nice and slow. I feel well and am ready to do laps around the neighborhood to burn calories. Need to tone a few places. Where are some of our girls?? Darcy? Beanie?