Kat817

Steph, my heart is pounding in anticipation for you!!! I can imagine how excited you are!!!!! I'll be thinking of you! Kat

Laura, my surgery is the day after we get home from the trip---I have to be at the hospital less than 12 hours after I land in Albq.!!! You girls have me imagined much smaller than I am!!! I have always had broad shoulders, still do. And DD's to set them off! Not much in the way of XL works for me now---due to length---but hopefully after! Terry, it isn't just you girls----it is the world in general I want to hide my belly from! My MIL has totally given me a complex over it, I will admit. I feel ok, if my shirt is long enough and full enough to cover it----but only then! I know I was standing in front of the mirror, holding the flabby mess out of the way, going OMG I cannot imagine! I am going to have to show the girls this. Then I thought---Good Grief they are NOT going to want to LOOK at this!!! I refer to it as an alien, and in ways it feels that way, like it isn't really a part of ME. Weird, but I sure am anxious to get it off! If they get it off, and the swelling in the upper abdomen eases as he says it will---it will make a HUGE difference! My upper abs are full of fluid---which is a recent developement---one I read up on today---my lymphatic system is reacting to the amass of Fluid in the belly. It is NOT my imagination that it is growing, even as I am losing weight---it is pretty common. Which is what he was telling me, and why he wants me on steroids for a week before surgery---but I had a reaction las time to the steroids! So...he said I may end up with more extensive drains.....which won't be pleasant---but if it can be handled it will be worth it. He did say I would notice a huge change with a properly working lymphatic system----I began reading about it, then got sidetracked---tends to happen with a 3 year old around! Well I am off....will think about consignment shops---but will likely bring things I already have---y'all have never seen them!!! Kat

Manda is home, says she is seeing her Dr. (PCP) tomorrow to get the next move started---finding someone to do an echocardiogram on her to confirm the enlargement of the ascending aorta. She is supposedly going to discuss it all with her gyno as well, who she really likes---I hope she does. I tried to put it in perspective for her tonight---asking her if she would be taking this crap if it were Kinsey---would she let them put her off, and ignore symptoms? Of course she said NO----I told her then she knew how I felt, so quit letting herself be treated like less, that Kinsey needs her to grow up. She got kinda weepy, and promised she is not going to let it go. I want to call and scream, and go berserk on people, but when they find out she is not a minor, I cannot do a thing, HIPPA....I am so sick of hearing about HIPPA!! Anyway, I put it to her like that, and said that, and she wanted to take Kinsey with her, the thought upset her---I told her "yeah I know, I want to put you to bed and keep you there til you are all better----but I can't....and not only are the Dr.'s impeding that so are you!" She hugged me and promised she is on it. I just can't stop the damn tears. With Rick, being a man and in his 40's---he was taken a lot more seriously than a robust young woman in her 20's is. And the scary thing is, with Rick's valve, he could have made it to surgery even with a total valve failure----but if the aorta dissects---she has not got a chance in hell of getting to Albq. to surgery. It's over... They did do a couple of echocardiograms for Rick here, so if she can get in and get that done, to confirm (or please, please, please---find it to be normal, and the MRI being read wrong) the sizing, then she can make a move to a Dr, specializing in that. They looked over the info that was faxed to them, saw her resting heart rate in the 120's---and set her up with an electrophysiologist---someone who deals with the beat pattern of the heart. The same one who did Ricks cardiac ablation. But she was not willing to offer advice on the aorta, she wanted test results before making a move on the heart rate. So my question is.....you are a HEART HOSPITAL---make her an appointment with the right person, get her an echo----for heavens sake DO something. But no, they sent her off to let her handle it. She should have ask for help, but no she is 26, and procrastinates EVERYTHING---and is immortal in her own mind! Just makes my stomach turn.....knowing these people could care less. If you don't PUSH---you are wprthless to them. We see these Dr.'s again, and I have full intentions of having my say. This hospital is owned by the Dr.'s that practice in it----they deal with nothing but the heart.....but it seems they have none to me. I KNOW Manda is the one who should have pursued it---and I told her so! But...to ignore the info they had just astounds me. Oh well, I guess there is nothing I can do....I hate feeling helpless. Thanks for the love girls.... Kat

The scheduler put Manda in with the wrong Dr. the one she saw could deal with her racing pulse---but not until the dilation of the ascending aorta is dealt with. She is on her way home.....she was not given another appointment, not given any news, not any direction to go next....nothing. Just another Dr. willing to let my child die---I am so upset at the Dr.'s and at Manda herself, I cannot see straight. This is a matter of life and death, and we have yet to find anyone who is even willing to look at the diagnostic MRI. I know why people go postal.... Kat

Pins and needles....Pins and needles.....no word from Manda yet. Kinsey is sleeping, bless her! She would be increasing tension....with 3 year old jabberitis that she has....little darlin' jabbers non stop about anything and everything!!!! Wonder where she got that???!!! LOL Kat

I have almost reached goal, and while my band size has dropped from a 46/48 to a 38----cup size has barely went from a DDD to a DD----and I could use the DDD if I could find it in the 38 band size. Like has been said, until I am finished with the weight loss, I hesitate to spend a hundred bucks a piece on bras, that only fit a short time. As my band size dropped, my cup size has seemed to get fuller....making me realize, I was probably compensating for the needed extra cup size by going up in band size---but that is not an option anymore. If I go over 38 they ride up to my shoulder blades in back! Going to go look at some online things and check into the DDD--thanks for the suggestions! Kat

I hear really good things about Spanx----------personally trying to keep it snug all the time, just led to heat rash...it truly is a no win situation with a pannus. Hope you are ready for your TT soon!!! Kat

All these final details make it suddenly so real-------for so long it just seemed like one of those "one of these days" kind of dreams!!! I am hum-hawing my clothes. I put on a shirt this morning and thought---cool this doesn't look too bad, I'll take it with me to TX. Then I thought about it----it is the slinky polyester stuff---and has a black background----hot and hot! LOL....I have no clue what I will take! It is killing me to not go shopping to take something nice and new and kinda cute.....but it seems so senseless. I do have the new shirt Mom bought, so I am going to be satisfied with that! LOL I am back from town----Manda should be in with the Dr. now, so my nerves are a humming........and I am sitting by the phone! Will check in... Kat

Kinsey has arrived, will be with me through the day and night tonight---Manda will call as soon as she leaves the Dr.'s We are off to stay busy today. Taking the girl and my parents to lunch. Then going to do some shopping, not sure for what!! LOL--------Kinsey loves the mall, so we will meander through for awhile...see what catches our attention besides the toy stores! Then need to go by the store and plan something for supper. Something Kinsey friendly----and unlike Judy, tonight will likely be our ice cream splurge---take her to see our friends at their ice cream parlour. I am milking the spend the night at Granny's thing!!! Plus it keeps my mind busy. Hugs to all, will check in later----wonderful thing being able to take the laptop to the yard while she plays!! Kat

Most US Dr.'s and now some out of country as well, require a psych evaluation for all their patients. It assures the Dr. that you are doing this for yourself, you are not being pressured by a spouse, as well as being mentally prepared for the time period of food deprivation, and are ready to change your habits. However, with my psyche evaluation, they ask and discussed very little, had me fill out a 4 page questionairre, that was full of questions I found in no way related to WLS. I did it, according to the surgeon at the time, passed it fine, never heard another word about it--and the men with the little white jacket never showed up for me.......... Kat

Compression garments is one of the big reasons I wanted my surgery before I am having it. But I figure, I have dealt with heat rash under the apron for lotsa years, one with this is gonna be ok!!!! Tryin' to find a bright side here to the squeeze!!! Kat

LOL--I feel like my old pants are so huge I would need a separate bag for them!! I think I might be able to get into one of the legs now!!! Of course, they were my my biggest size ever----and I seldom wore them, because I preferred the comfort of the elastic waisted stretchy ones, that look much smaller when off the body!! Will look for them. So If I am reading Haydees question right to Terry--Continental all comes in to one terminal....right? That is where Michelle and I will be coming in. Just a few minutes apart-------so if that is the case, Michelle, I am supposed to be just a few minutes behind you, hang out, wait for me, then we will hunt down our luggage and our Laura!!!! Then call Haydee. YEEEE HAAAAAWWWW!! Thinking of taking Kinsey to the movie today---but I was down a pound this morning, and popcorn would add it back on!! LOL.... Kat

Haydee had it exactly right Jenn---you did nothing to offend me--I did not want to offend you by suggesting maybe something was going on with Mom, that needed some looking in to. I said there was a line friends don't cross----meaning I can be mad at Rick and call him a dumb ass, but I would also be offended if one of you called him that! I married him it is MY right!!! LOL I hope your new job eliminates a lot of the stress from your life. Sorry you got stuck with all the crap jobs......kinda like being a Mom at home and at work huh?! Haydee----thanks for helping me explain, I was not mad!! I would love to be able to wear those shoes....of course I would look 7 feet tall in them, but still---the things those heels do you emphasize your legs...mmmm----but the falling on my face would probably leave more of an impact than the nice looking calves!!! Congrats on winning $$$$ Laura! I am the opposite, I win, and I am outta there!!! I will once again allow myself my original amount, but the winnings, remain mine! I am not a gambler! But in comparison, I look reckless to my DH!!! He wins a quarter it goes in his pocket! LOL Pamela----after running my day care center for so many years, I do know exactly what you are talking about. I loved it! I loved the kids---most of the time! And in the end I loved the management side of things---but there were days, I was ready to walk away......especially as regulations increased, and snotty inspectors, and even though it was a day care, they wanted to begin regulating curriculum. That was when I sold out, went back to my few kids in my home, that I could pull on my lap and read a story they chose, not the state. I totally understand where you are coming from......And Manuel.....I still believe he must in some way be related to Alyssa!!! LOL Hang in there, we need a Pamela countdown, like out Gruene countdown....for how many days left!! TracyKS---I remember the field trips well!!! Once when my DD was in 2nd grade, they decided parents could no longer go on field trips. This was one they were going to the college and see a film on how the big telescope worked, and get invited back for a stargazing, then they went to the Smiths Grocery Store to tour the meat cutting department, then to the post office to see how mail was sorted etc, then to the local pizza place for lunch. This was all set up by several parents in another class---all the Dads worked in these places. I refused to let Manda go----I ask them, if there are 20 kids per class, who is going to be helping watch those 200 fingers in the meat cutting area? If my child has to go to the bathroom, who is taking her? If the teacher takes her who watches the other kids? In the end, they left 2 girls behind at the college, and as they were running figuring out they were being left, one fell down the stairs and broke her ankle. So they all come straight back, foregoing the remainder of the field trip. And by the next week, parents were again allowed to go, we just had to follow in our own vehicles. It seems too many parents were taking multiple younger children along. I went on EVERY one! I went to parties in the class.....baked countless cupcakes and cookies. Never missed a conference. And HATED every second, because I felt so conspicuously fat the last few years---K-3rd or 4th grade, I was not terribly big, but from then out I was. I hope it was not as embarassing for her as I am afraid it was. Wierd to look back on now. Well today Manda hopefully gets some news on the heart situation. Then she sees her Gyno on the 1st. The rheumatologist has her on stand by ---as soon as they have a cancellation they will call her. Otherwise it is late June! If nothing gets decided they will go to AZ. Suns out, so I guess I will go start some irrigation water....I am going to go buy some plants this weekend---YAY!!!!! TTYL~~ Kat

To me, the partying smileys look like blind M&M's running into one another!!! I thought that after sending them on a Happy Birthday message and now that is always what I think of when I see them!!!! Might be kind of like Laura, Michelle and I in the airport----blind leading the blind!!!! I had to laugh, can you imagine someones shock if we do as you say Haydee, and walk up and get in someone elses car thinking it is you!!! Poor other person!!! LOL I am off to bed, see you party animals tomorrow. Judy, I am gonna lay there and see if I can come up with something else real purdy smart to say.....GMBO!!!! That is a cleaned up LMAO----I changed it to Giggling my butt off!!! LOL Yeah I am sleepy to the point of being stupid!!! Kat

I'd kill myself if I tried walking in those Haydee---but they would be gorgeous with the dress!! You will be such a beauty!!! Juan will not know how to act!!! Jenn---I know there is a line, that friends cannot cross----YOU are allowed to say what you want about your DH, or Mom, or kids, but not anyone else!!! But.... I feel a need to ask you if your Mom has ever been tested or looked at by a Dr., she seems to bounce from one extreme, buying things for you and being happy go lucky--to being angry with you over nothing! Maybe she needs the medication.....not you! I would never under any circumstances say that to my DD---if I was in a normal state of mind. Maybe these outbursts are a sign of some mental illness, something along the lines of depression or bi polar disorder. Maybe she is already taking some sort of medication that is altering her----a Water pill that is dehydrating her, interupting her electrolyte balance....something! I hope things mellow out for you at home. Try to think seriously that it might be something medical with your Mom. I hate to even mention it, but possibly early onset Alzheimers.... something that alters her personality from time to time. Hang in there girl----YOU know deep down your own worth, keep it in mind, and do not let anyone convince you otherwise. I am exhausted tonight. My DD goes to Albq. to the cardiologist tomorrow. I am staying home and keeping Kinsey, Jason will take her. We discussed different options, this seemed to make the most sense. I am sure hoping to hear good news. Her boss, looked into things, and told her she has coverage if she wants to go to Scottsdale, and check herself in, if she does not find anything out. That is at the Mayo Clinic, and her PCP could refer her. So that is hopeful. Knowing something, anything for sure, gives us an ability to create a plan of action, the not knowing is so hard. Well I am off to bed---I have killer heartburn---I ate chile for dinner....dummy me!!! Will chat with you all tomorrow! Night! Kat

Whoa, whoa, whoa!!! A rental??? Not me! I have no clue whatsover where we are going!!!!!!!!! I thought the lovely Haydee was going to be our chauffeur (sp?)....oh please let this be so. Not that I would not enjoy a weekend with Laura and Michelle, but all that way to never get hooked up with everyone? I see us lost for days!!!! Welcome home Laura...... Yes Jane-----was a surprise anniversary gift to DH once when I dropped a bunch of weight on Atkins.....feeling quite proud of myself. Now it is more of an inside joke!!!! I will not be bringing it----some of our feisty Violets, might try to sneak off with it!!! Kat

Judy, that hurts my feelings.....I have to my knowledge never been more insulted.......please excuse me now while I go cry for awhile.... And I thought we were friends....... Kat

Haydee---much easier to take in a bit and breath, and be comfy, than to stress over a popped zipper---or feel the stress of HAVING to fit. Taking it in a bit should not be a problem..... You will be beautiful! Where is Laura? She musta won big and be off celebrating....or maybe in jail???? J/K--------------when was she due back?? Kat

Big freakin' deal Terry---so does Janes!! LMAO Kat

Haydee-------------Michelle may know--but I don't----so do tell!!!! Kat

I think I would personally find out if there was a chance of increasing the hours at either of the retail jobs, and just trying to double my hours with one company as opposed to splitting time between the 2....that way you still get the hours, and are not trying to coordinate between the 2. Which is going to get tricky since they are both retail, and will have the same busy times to fill. Just my .02!!!! Good Luck, I would be afraid of running into myself coming and going!!! Kat

Wow.....a Lesbian is going? I wonder if we will be able to understand her with her accent? I have never met anyone from Lesbanese before......have you????? But if it is a secret I will keep it quiet..... Kat

You may have to notarize a pic of me in the river!!!! This conversation and a former one, just made me choke on the reheated stuffed jalapeno I was eating..... Our renter, Celeste is a hairdresser (as is my roomie, Jane---thus the one I am "sleeping" with). Celeste has a tshirt that says something to the effect of Hairdressers make better lovers, we do more than just TEASE!!!! Ay yi yi.......... Kat

Sounds like some sort of service gift card might be fitting! Maybe someone who could come in and get his A/C running, or in the fall, service his heater, change the filter etc. Although if he is like my FIL, he would not want strangers in his home or working on it! Maybe an inexpensive little tabletop CD player, and a couple of books on disc. He could listen, if his eyesight is not great anymore, he could enjoy the story anyway, and you could occasionally send a new book. He is lucky to have someone putting so much thought into something for him, and I understand you just want him to know someone does care for him that much--------I am sure on some level he knows it. My MIL went years not speaking to her 2 sisters because of some silly comment one of them made---you would think as they age they would let things go, and enjoy the time they have, but they seem to digress, and act like kids again!!! But sometimes it is easier to deal with anger than sadness.... Kat

I too was thinking how pretty the bronze would look---but are you going to be wearing any jewelry? If so, bronze is much harder to find, so I would match my shoes to the jewelry. The dress in the picture is similarly colored to your picture in the SV logo----and looks soooo good on you!! And Haydee, we already know you---and we already know we like you.....that's a no brainer!! I have been through those emotional times Pamela---unfortunately for my family, lately I am on an anger streak, the least little thing ticks me off!!!! Of course----I am under some stress, and some things they are doing or not doing are not helping!!! I'd like to knock some heads together!!!! Is Manuel still in ISS???? Judy--I looked at a picture the other day where Rick almost had his shoulder dislocated trying to get it around me--------scary!!! You have made amazing progress----both of you should be proud!!! Kat