Kat817

I still have the same old apple/boob lady.........I feel like the unwanted step kid......lol!! Yeah my arms are hangy and big still too.......and I have muscles----The problem is, when I flex, up pops the muscle on top, but the hangy down fat under them is still bigger!!! Kat

Hope you get good news concerning your banding date soon!! This is a great time of year to be banded. I am approaching my 2 year bandiversary! When the urge to snack would hit, I would go take a walk---Springtime, and everything was coming back to life, I actually felt like I was too-----as sentimental and sappy as that sounds!!! LOL!! Kat

Well we all know my stance on horses!!!! I still have Apple/boob lady on my top header......hmmmmmm Look forward to hearing your chatter Haydee!! Big hugs to you for your emotional happy bandiversary moment!!! Kat

Back 15 years ago, when I had kids at home, we had a man renting the home next door, who liked to wander the back yard nude. So when nothing else seemed to work, we refenced. Something we had wanted to do anyway---just moved the construction up half a year or so. We put up a fence to match our home. We had the land surveyed, and the entire fence is on our property---unlike the poster above, this fence IS our responsiblity only. It is brick (matches part of our house) pillar, and wood slat panels. There is a 24" square brick pillar, and then 8 feet of wood fence...then another pillar. Looked great, owner of the rental house next door was contacted, and approved as were the neighbors on the other side---which was required to permit it. So eventually the nudist moved out, and the house was sold. The new neighbors were not friendly. When we would be out we would wave, they ignored us. They had a son about 10. He called me a "goofy bald bitch"!!! One day back over 4 years ago, I was home, VERY sick. I was smack dab in the middle of chemo, and I hear this noise--I look out, and he has a sledge hammer taking down one of the brick pillars!!! I went out, and he told me he did not share my taste in fencing. I informed him I had called the cops as the fence was on MY property, not the shared property line. He told me I might want to call an ambulance to go with the F'n cops! So by the time the cops come, maybe 7-8 minutes, the bricks were broke to hell, and they made him stop. I took him to small claims, they made him pay to repair the fence. That side of my house for the next several months was always speckled, as was my DH's truck, the kid popped them with paint balls we figured. So we set up a video camera in the garage window--it was not the kid--it was the Dad!!! When the cops come to see the video and to go next door, they walked up and heard them fighting, and he stormed out the door, refusing to stop for the cops, who proceeded to arrest him! He never come back to the house to my knowledge. And the wife had the nerve to ask my DH and another neighbor to help load a china hutch as she moved them out. I told her No, we would not assume any liabilities in helping her, PO'd my DH who is a nice guy--but screw that!!! Since then, I have new neighbors. It is kind of like living next door to the neighborhood watch headquarters!! She is physically handicapped, so she is home looking outside all the time. If I buy new shoes, she notices!!! BUT they are helpful, and super neat.....and nothing goes un noticed---so it works!!! I think calling the school and the cops is the way to go Wheetsin. I would walk out in the morning with my camera--let them see me. Walk behind each car and snap a pic of the license plate, and take pictures of all them on your lawn---let them know you are documenting who they are and what they are doing! Then turn on the sprinklers!!! If they gather at 7:30---set it to start at 7:36---let them all be in the way!!! I LOVE the idea!!! No serious harm done, but.....message sent none the less!!!! I feel for you.....sorry! Kat

This is hilarious Michelle, when I was looking at her FIL's pic---the same question popped in my mind!!! Do tell Laura!!! Kat

Good morning Violets!!! Terry---sounds like a fabulous weekend! I am so glad you enjoyed it! I had one of those moments---kicked back in my chair, reading a good book....looked up through the open front door, and the skies were blue, the grass is turning green...I could hear Rick's music in the backyard where he was working...the house around me was relatively clean----just one of those times, everything seemed "right". Glad you had that too!!! Sorry you are sick Tracy---lots of rest, fluid, and LBT......feel better! Pamela---take it easy today! That is awesome that you are getting your chest/armoire fixed! You are right, you don't come across people who take responsibility like that very often. Kinsey come in, and crashed out as soon as her tummy got full!!! She is across the room, and I can hear her breathing hard and deep---sound asleep--making me jealous!!! But if I go back to sleep, then I won't sleep well tonight, and my wake/sleep cycles will be all off!!! Better to hang tough now, and sleep at night when I am supposed to. LOL My appointment is this week! YAY!!! I just need to find out when so I know when to schedule the unfill, and what to plan for. I think I am taking my Mom to town today. She said she needs to go shopping, and that is usually my hint to offer!!! LOL. She was sick for 2 weeks with the upper respiratory junk, so we have not gone in awhile. So I am sure she does need to go. Jane---I hate when I notate only part of something. I try to write it on one of my calendars, then put it in here so I get reminded--but it doesn't always work!!! Haydee--did you make tons of money on your yard sale? Can I have a loan????? Well I better get some things done while the girlie sleeps. Will check in later...... Hugs~ Kat

My PS said it is just something to be cautious around, that he will include it in my presurgery art work---meaning he will notate it on my belly in writing. He said it is different on each patient, dependent upon where the surgeon placed the port, and how deep it is in the muscle. He does not think mine will cause issue or be extremely visible following surgery. He did say I might end up a bit thicker in the upper region than if it was not a consideration. He felt the port in a standing position, and again with me lying down, and said he could work around it, and still leave me looking good---I am hoping he is right!!! Kat

I have no idea exactly what size made the difference, but somewhere between 22/24 and 16 I passed the change!!! I avoided them the entire time between the sizes!!! Many amusement parks have websites, and some of them go into size accomodations. So much of it depends on the ride, and how you carry your weight. I know even now the over the shoulder bars seem snug (guess they are supposed to!) but look like they don't go as far down on me as on others. But I am large chested. I have lots of room side to side----but until my TT the bars, and belts, and such still seem snug and I am a comfortable size 14.....it just is how I carry the weight. But not for long!!! Kat

Congratulations!!!! What an accomplishment---to be comfortable with yourself! To me that says your banding surgery was already a success. To feel good about yourself is such a hard thing to do, and many who make it to goal are still unable to do that! I am so happy for you, and look forward to seeing your wonderful pics!!! Kat

Some Dr.'s do have cut offs above a certain weight, but it varies among surgeons. A lot will also depend on how you carry the weight. They have to use metal tools to manipulate the fat, and organs out of the way in the abdomen. I have read posts, that there was simply too much abdominal fat for the surgery to be completed. BUT I carried the bulk of my weight in my stomach and it was accomplished without issue. Have you attended the seminar with the Dr. that you plan on using? That kind of weight limit information is usually discussed during the seminars. Good Luck on your Quest for banding, I love my band and highly recommend it!!! Welcome to LBT!!! Kat

Man this list could go on forever!!!!! As you stated---more energy!! No Rx medications anymore, good numbers without them. I can shop anywhere---cheaper! My knees don't hurt. I can cross my legs. I can paint my own toenails. I can get in and out of the bathtub without even thinking about it! I can ride horseback again. I can leather up for the motorcycle without feeling like I am wearing the entire cow. I can run with my grandkids. I can hold my head up at a public swimming pool. When my DH puts his arms around me, he engulfs me---all of me. I no longer run from all cameras. I do not fear the size of airplane seats. Same with amusement park rides---I fit 'em all! I can wear sexy undies again! I blend into the crowd----I am no longer the biggest in the room. My grandkids do not remember me when I was my biggest. Improved sex life!! I can sit in any lawn chair, climb any ladder---not worry about weight limits. I know my family worries about my health less. Like I say, this list could go on, and on, and on!!!! I have not made goal yet--I am scheduling my TT later this week---scheduling it---not having it! Then I will evaluate where I want to go from there. I look forward to getting this skin gone!!!! I LOVE my band, would (and do) recommend it! It has made all the above list possible. Would do it again in a heartbeat!!! Kat

The last time I flew home from my DD's in Hawaii, there was a family, all sitting in different areas of the plane. I ended up with the small boy about 7 or 8 I'd guess sitting next to me---in the middle seat. Now I love kids, I ran a day care for lots of years, and thought I was a patient person. I talked to this little boy for a few minutes, and then his Mom come by, give me a dirty look for chatting with him, and she handed him a hand held game. One he was not very good at. For hours on end, I listened to the tinkly music of that game as he started over, and started over, and started over. The only break---when he would use my shins to leverage himself out of the seat, and climb over the man in the aisle seat, and go ask Mom how much longer!!! After the first 3 hours of the music (?) coming from the game, I thought of somewhere I could put that damn game.....but he would have just wiggled and squiggled under the arm rest and taken up space I needed!!!! I ALWAYS have earplugs in my purse if I fly now......... It is kind of interesting that the arm rest must stay down even if you pay for the 2 seats.....I had never thought of that!!! Kat

Over 25 years ago, finding myself a newly divorced, single Mom, with no child support, and my degree yet unfinished---I struggled! I struggled financially for sure---but my real struggle was leaving my DD! I was in school to become a teacher, but trying to do that, AND hold down a job so I could feed us, left me zero time with my year old child. Not to mention, day care ate up almost my entire paycheck! So.....I quit school for awhile---and began taking in other children, allowing me to be with my own. I eventually got my degree----a class here and a class there. And I took the small day care in my home to an independent, licensed, multi-aged, day care center. I provided day care for others for over 20 years. There are still days I miss it! As for the original issue at hand----the carriers are life savers! I agree there are some who I think over use them, but I really have no way of knowing, what the reasons behind them using it so much are----many reasons have been pointed out for us. My DD used a sling, as well as the car seat/carrier. Her child is 3 now, and well adjusted. My grandson would have been a situation the OP would have approved of. Seldom was he ever anywhere but in Moms arms. He did not play on the floor, in a playpen---nowhere, she held him. He is now 32 pounds, 2 years old, and refuses to walk, he wants carried EVERYWHERE!!!! He just goes limp if you try to put him down. He is no dummy---he knows how to get exactly what he wants----and grins ear to ear to show you he knows!!!! Little imp! Kat

I was a scrawny child. A thin, willowy teen, and at 5'9" returned from giving birth at 123 pounds. I maintained being thin, until an abusive marriage took control of my mind. I purposely packed on over 75 pounds, then could not stop--I found comfort---something I had not felt since back in the day when I was thin. Then I married my current DH and quit gaining, and was actually able to lose---but never to maintain. Finally found out about the band, and feel like my life is truly mine again-----thank goodness!!! Having been on both sides, and indeed both extremes, skinny to morbidly obese---neither one was the answer! I know simply being thin again will not make me happy. But by the same token, even being happy in my life, was not enough when I was so unhappy with my weight. I look forward to the new experience of both at one time!!! Kat

TracyK---my oldest DD is alergic to metal, and had to have braces---so sores in her mouth were very common. They had her swish her mouth with a mixture of 1/2 liquid benadryl (which shrinks the sore and helps heal it) and half Kaopectate or similar medication(the chalky texture allows it to stick to the sore)...you can swish and spit or swish and swallow, either one will work. She spit during the day, swallowed at night, the benadryl knocked her out so she quit worrying the sore with her tongue. I have some numbing medication----wish you were next door!!! Pamela--I am so glad you are feeling better......such a relief to have it behind you, and Susanne there to take good care of you! OK--gotta go! Kat

We just got home from a great ride. We rode up to the dam, the Water level is coming up quickly!!! Then stopped at a little place, had some tea, and the 4 of us shared an order of nachos. Took a few side roads, and slowly meandered on home. Was nice. Rick finished this trailer, he is just adding his lights etc, and I guess the guy he sold the last one to, already said he wants this one too....I didn't know that. He told me when he comes to pay for it, to sit the money aside so I can take it to TX--yay!!!!! I am off to chop some veggies and make a salad to go with some steak we are grilling. Summer is so easy---if Rick can have steak and salad, he is a happy guy! Tonight he is getting surf & turf with salad. I have some shrimp ready to skewer and grill too...I used to would have eated the steak---all of it! A skewer of shrimp....would have baked potatoes, and loaded them......and I would have been miserable for hours. Now I will eat a shrimp, maybe 2......some steak and a small salad. I cannot tell you the last time I actually baked a potato was!!! LOL It is too much work, to bake them, get the butter/sour cream/cheese/bacon bits/chives ratio juuuuuuuust right, to take 2 bites and be done!! Not worth the effort! I will try to get back here and check in before bed----but we were up in the night, the phone rang, and it was a wierd call----not upsetting, but irritating---so we didn't get a lot of sleep. It is also the night I watch all my shows!!! So if I don't get back, I will check with you loverlies tomorrow!! Hugs~~~ Kat

See----my post would not go through--finally just saw it! I was re doing it---it must have had like a 40 minute lag------ wierd! Anyway our movie is over, we are really off to bed now!! See ya tomorrow! Kat

Nothing ringing a bell for me with the book Jane!!! Sorry. Some books, I could recite, but that is not clicking! We had a nice ride, but it was cold, we were fully leathered up, but it was still chilly. Took me the rest of the day to warm up. I sat in the yard in a black jacket in the sun, and watched Rick paint the newest trailer.....absorbed some heat!!! Then we went and had some Mexican food for dinner----sooooo good! Now we are just vegging, been holding down the sofa. We actually had to laugh we have wallered (is that a real word??) and wiggled, and taken turns laying down, and done everything imaginable to avoid getting up!!! Finally I had to hit the shower, so my hair could dry before going to bed. So now I guess we will go to bed. Hoping to get another ride in tomorrow. We had a new little bull born today, he is solid red--no white showing anywhere, that is odd! I keep getting a flicker on my screen--I am going to post before I lose this! Hugs~ Kat

Julie, even if DH is unsure of himself with networking, he may be able to do it, without even realizing he is doing it!!! Hope that makes sense. Back a few posts (another page, can't scroll that far!!) someone ask if he was a master mechanic. Even if he is union, if he needs a recertification on something like an ASE---he needs to go do it--it will put him in contact with other mechanics taking the same tests. My DH runs a shop for a large (as in worldwide) oil/gas company. It is deisel mechanics---but overall, similar field. He no longer wrenches himself personally, but he got his master mechanic and Electronic Technicians ASE certifications many, many years ago. He continues to keep them current for a couple of reasons, it keeps the moral in his shop up for the guys to see him working it along with them, but mainly, he scouts future employees during the testing!!! Sorry you are trying to deal with this---I can imagine it is hard. My best friends DH was injured on the job---and had surgery, was in a battle for a settlement for over 2 years, finally got a settlement out of them. When divided down he made squat for that amount of time. Well another almost 2 years have passed, and he is still not working. To hear him talk about work, he is unable due to neck pain etc. But about 3 months ago, my friend joined a slim down program at work, and joined the gym---and it kicked his competition gene into gear! He spends hours everyday now working out---but cannot hold down a job. Like you, my friend makes good money, and has been able to keep the afloat through it all. But the free ride for him is coming to an end! He is going to find himself on a fast road to divorce--after 28 years, if he does not get with the program! I listen to her, and watch her feel very unappreciated---and that is the kicker with their situation. He complains about cooking etc----I guess she is supposed to do it all. Today, she is cleaning house, he is out turkey hunting....... I do hope your situation is better. But----you are NOT alone. It does sound like time for some counceling sessions, or something of the sort--hlep him over the hump. Good Luck Julie!! Kat

Morning Violets-well almost afternoon. We had to go see a friend who had a booth set up at the flea market----Rick wanted to buy a knife he had (he collects old USA made knives---as well as a few German made ones). Did that, ate the crispy center out of Ricks fry bread......yummmmmmm Now we have the bike warming for a ride!!! BBL~~~ Kat

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERRY!!!!! I sure do hope you had a great day---if anyone deserves some special time, girl it is YOU!! I cannot believe a year has passed!!! The friendship we have formed here is very valued, and I hope you had a wonderful day---Love you girl!!! Kat

My PS and I discussed it, and because my fill Dr. is actually 6 hours away, we decided an unfill would be a wise move. Better that than to find myself swollen and too tight following the TT and having to try to get 6 hours one way to my band Dr. then be poked on freshly lipo'd stomach skin....then get home another 6 hours. Much safer and saner we decided to do an unfill prior to surgery. Good Luck with yours!!! My appt. to schedule surgery is this coming Friday, unless they have an earlier cancellation!!! Soooooo excited!! Kat

Jane---I will take responisbility for calling the desk and asking for someone to come and dispose of any creepy crawlies, spiders included. I cannot guarantee I can do it personally--but can deal with it one way or another!!! When we were in TX last time a monster ass spider come trotting across the floor towards me, I hollered--Rick picked up a clipboard that one of us had been using to do a word puzzle, and dropped it on the spider, and I swear to you, the entire clipboard moved a bit! It was HUGE! He was so proud of me for not totally freaking out!!! He just has no idea, I almost pounced across the room!! Pamela I am so glad you are ok. My throat always hurts badly following surgery--they say the more you fight the tube in your unconcious state the worse it hurts--we must really despise it!!! TracyK glad your unfill helped you!!! Hope your antibiotics help. Probably a good thing to have the unfill if you are going to be taking the meds. Laura, be super careful---my small .50 cc fill that I thought was nothing, it made me super tight too! I think another day of liquids might be a good plan! You might try a variety of temperatures and see how each reacts. The Dr. I spoke with when I was sick, said some people and conditions respond better to cold, and others to hot. For tonight, try to keep your stomach empty at bedtime....sleep on an incline, several pillows, into a wedge, raising your head and shoulders. And sleep on your side. Hope it is all ok. Another day of no news. I did talk to my Dr, and he said I am not on a contact list with my test, so he thinks I am in the clear, and the computer system was shut down as they are in process of enlarging the hospital, and all the electronics are being interupted off and on. My PS said we will proceed-----so it is ok!!! I begged off of going anywhere tonight. I made a big salad, Rick grilled some ribeye steak, and we ate, and watched TV!!!! I should have went on Price is Right tonight, I was getting them all right!!! LOL Well, I am going to go get ready for bed. Y'all take care--I'll see ya tomorrow!! Kat

Tracy--sorry DH is taking his insecurities out on you. I have no wise words of wisdom----just to try to keep tempers calmed and talk it through rationally. You pointed out that you had it together before, him, so plan around him if that is the way he wants it! Make Robby's arrangement with a sitter, or a family member, and go with it. But DO NOT give up yourself. I understand there is a give and a take in marriage, and any woman or man who refuses to accept that and deal with it, is in for a shock!!! But, you should not be expected to change who you are, and give up oppportunities for yourself. Point out that you would not be acting that way if he was offered the opportunity. I am somewhat old fashioned in my overall marriage and outlook of it. I have no issue with him being the man of the house, the King of his Castle. It is a very fine line---one we got into serious discussion of when our oldest DD got married. One of the girls in the wedding told her to be sure they did not make her say obey in her vows. So she gets all womens Lib on us, and says she will not say "love, honor and obey". Which is her right not to say----but as I pointed out to her, I honestly feel like if it is not something she could say with comfort, maybe he wasn't the right guy. Because I could say it without questioning that Rick would ever order me to do something against my will. That is the dividing point----a trust in the partner. Believe me, I have had the other--and know the difference!!!! She did not say it, battled with the equality thing every step of the marriage, and it mostly boiled down to immaturity on their behalf. But they really thought if one of them cooked on Monday the other should do it on Tuesday, everything should be 50/50. Marriage is not 50/50!!!! Some days it is 90/10---but next week you might be on the take end-------it has to bend---or it breaks. I think all of them are slowly coming to understand that now!!!! Take a few deep breaths so you can bend.....not to HIS way always, but bend to a point you can work things together. I am sure he is kinda blindsided and wowed with your success, and secretly wondering where he fits in all of it. You are self sufficient, and you manage a job and a home, and are stepping in helping raise his kids too....and now you are looking hot, and getting national attention! Not sure how exactly to say this....but imagine it in your mind. You married him, and he was a certain way---well now he has slowly transformed, and he has his shit together in an all new way, he trades his Dyna Glide, for a Custom built and painted bike, with room for only one.....he gets invited to Vegas to show off the new bike, and off he goes gets his hair styled, and a new tattoo, and dons his biker gear and roars off----leaving you home with the kids, wearing your same old house clothes, and feeling unchanged despite all of his changes. Inside he is the same Charles, but---he is instilled with new confidence, which leaves yours feeling a bit shaken..... I know the 2 are different---but it was merely an effort to put you in his shoes. Now how you would handle it is likely very different from how he is------but much of that is the male vs. female. He doesn't like it so he is going to "fix" it by demanding and laying down the law!!! Robby might feel a bit scared when you go off without him, and so is the little boy in Charles!!! Tough love is going to be hard, but I would just let it be known I am going, this is an amazing opportunity for you, for all of us bandsters. Just try to keep communication open, it is important, but so is the integrity of your marriage....and not let him or anyone think that anything is more important to you than that. Off my soap box!!! Laura, yes I have reflux, and acid if I eat before bed. I had a hiatal hernia repaired during surgery, but it has herniated again! My Mom has had surgery for them 2 times, big surgeries!! Both times they re herniated, and my Dad has the same issue.....so I do as Haydee mentioned, flush my pouch, avoid food after dinner, and sleep on a wedge pillow----and never on my back!!! I worried I was too tight, but the swallow test showed that was not an issue, but as soon as I lie on my back vs. my side, it tries washing back up. Sucks---and it is dangerous as well, aspirating that back into your lungs can cause pneumonia!!! If it keeps happening see your Dr. It might be from your new fill, you are probably a lot tighter than you realized--food must not pass through so fast! Judy--I cannot blame Kiney---for my zipper issue---I zipped my own belly skin not long ago. I admit to saying bad words!!! Michelle---so what Claire caught your allergies???? Sounds to me like a cold or virus regardless what your Dr. said!!! LOL Hope your DH comes home for some parenting relief soon!!! Well guess who called and needs Rick....his parents! I am refusing to go! LOL Better go transfer the message!!! Talk to ya later, hang in there Tracy. Kat

I am 47 years old and only had a few pets in my life. I had Festus as kid----he was an old hound dog cross my Dad found out on the reservation---we had him the entire time I was growing up. From when I was 6ish til I was a Junior in high school. He was we figured about 13 years old. Then my Mom got herself 2 little toy poodles, but I was moving out of home by that time. I rescued a little dachsund--Bandit--just before I moved out--had him for the next 16 years. Finally had to have him put down when he had a stroke, and could not move his left side. Then I got Chelsea a few years later, she was a spaniel/dalmation cross. She was a rescue as well, one of the tons of dalmations that hit the ground when the movie was released the first time all those years ago. I had Chelsea for 17 years!!!! From a tee-tiny pup, til the very end and she was my dog! She was with me through several terrible times, she would put herself between me and my abusive EX. She took many a kick for me, and absorbed, and loved away many a tear. When she was young we were adopted by a cat. A mean tempered cantankerous kitten who only got worse with age!!! We named him Bailey and we loved him regardless! I had to have both of them put down within a short time of one another. Chelsea lost all kidney control, and eventually even control of walking on her hind legs. She hated her kennel, it meant time for the vet! She was not kennel trained!! It was not a good thing to her---but I knew the end was near so I brought it in, to have cleaned up, and she walked over and crawled in---she told me she was tired. I cried for days! I have not got another yet.....we have been discussing it---which is a step that direction. But thinking I might wait til I am 80---then it can outlive me......losing them hurts sooo bad. I get my fix through my kids!!! They have 7 among the 3 kids!!!! DS has a English Bulldog, oldest DD has a pug, and a chihuahua. She had a lab, but her ex took it. Youngest DD has 3 chihuahuas, and a boxer. Youngest DD is part of a chihuahua rescue group, which is where all of them come from!!! I jhust go pet one of theirs when the urge to be covered in hair hits!!!! Pet all your pooches for me!!! Kat