Kat817

Most PCP's don't want to get involved. I think the biggest reason mine has been so interested and followed my success so closely is that he would like his wife to have the surgery. She does not have a huge amount of weight to lose, under 100 pounds easily, but she is diabetic, and he is VERY impressed with the results on diabetes following WLS,and he likes the "fixability" of this vs. RNY. My insurance required a nutritionist, so when I was trying to get them to cover me----I had that. I really think most Dr.'s here in the US or out of the country will require a deposit or some of the money up front----to assure them they are not wasting time and money scheduling the OR, getting things in motion---- BUT I would never use one who required 100% up front, and I have heard of them! But yeah, you are right, our healthcare in the US sure does need worked over--maybe it will happen! Kat

OK.....first, Rockies are a brand of western, higher waisted often decorative jeans, sewn to highlight your butt!!! Made for VERY thin girls....I think they size them from 00 on up! Ropers are low, flat heeled- leather western boots. They have them in both pull on, and lace up styles in every color you can imagine, girls wear pink, purple, lime green....you name it! Now as to the belt buckle....yep you find those kind of "cowboys" everywhere! Most of the actual cowboys I know---ones who work with cattle---not in a rodeo sense, but as a way of living---ranchers--have long standing jokes about the monster belt buckles. Most along the idea of the bigger the buckle...the smaller the _ _ _ _!!! When I was younger and occasioned the Country Western Bars, the big buckles were referred to as Tombstones....because they were usually erected (yeah pun intended) over a dead _ _ _ _!! Green several of us are heading to San Antonio Texas for a meet----I will think of you as I have my bbq!! Someday you have to come this way. New Mexico is not as far south as Texas, but....I can introduce you to REAL cowboys, REAL horsemen, REAL bar-b-que, and REAL belly rubbin', buckle shinin', country western dancing!!! Consider it an invite! Kat

Yeah----Frank is well, Nathan was not injured! Wow! Yeah Judy the roads here are bad, and only going to get worse as the evening freeze hits hard, all the snow that managed to melt will turn to ice. My neighbor told me we are supposed to clear up now until Thursday and get hit with yet another storm. I am soooo ready for Spring! But not going to wish my life away---as my DH insists on pointing out! Stew is on the stove bubbling away. I got a lot of things done, staying home and not going to the movie! Bills paid, floors vacuumed...dinner made, wood carried in, I did good! Hope Jenn is getting some rest....this is so hard on a family. Michelle you managing to contain your excitement? I have an area on my neck that I run a razor over once a week or so. Back with my ex, when he broke my jaw, they had a drain tube in it, and they shaved where the tube went through the skin--said I had peach fuzz that had to go. Now it grows there! Since my hysterectomy I seldom shave my legs----I use an electric razor under my arms, but did it stop that one area from growing like the rest? Nope!!! TTYL~~ Kat

Tejas----(Tay-Hoss) is in the south!! Kat

Welcome to LBT~~ There are several Dr. threads, detailing who each used, what the cost was etc. I fully believe getting your personal physician involved, and looking into after care to be of utmost importance before moving on to a surgeon. I did use a surgeon in Mexico---I went to Mexicali MX and used Dr. Aceves. I was totally and completely happy with the experience. I have recommended him to many locally who have used him. I do know when I had my surgery done going on 2 years ago, he was very strict--concerning having a follow up plan in place. He spoke with the Dr. I intended on using closer to home for fills, and was still not satisfied!!! The closest fill Dr. I had at the time was over 6 hours away one way! So he had me speak with my physician concerning emergency treatment. In the end I spoke with my former oncologist, whose office is used to dealing with ports, and got his agreement to do a total unfill in case of emergency--and then and only then did he agree to do my surgery! He contacted me several times following surgery, and now the office touches base every 3 months. He gave me lots of information and visited with me one on one prior to the surgery. He accepted some of my medical test results, others he required his own, but it was part of the cost. I would avoid ANY Dr. who was willing to set up a surgical date without any pre op testing, or speaking to you personally! I would not go to a Dr. who insisted on pre payment before I arrived in the country for surgery. Dr. Aceves normally required a $500.00 payment to schedule the surgery and the rest upon your pre op visit. Somehow the envelope my SIL mailed with our checks was lost, and never arrived, until we had been home for 3 weeks!!! Anyway, he did not fuss about it, we paid it all when we saw him...well his office staff for that part of it. I would be sure to ask how many Lap Bands the surgeon has done. What his complication rates are. What exact type of band he uses. What size of port he uses. If you have issues with tape or metal--ask how he closes the wounds. If you are concerned with port placement, ask where he places it in most cases. Whether this is a hospital or a surgical center. Are they willing to give you info on the hosp. so you can check for issues with the hospital. How long of a stay they anticipate, what is usual for them. Whether there will be English speaking nurses available. Whether you can have a support person with you at all times barring surgery itself. Is there a place for your support person to sleep? Eat? What type of pre op testing they require. Do they have any transportation help to and from the airport/ Do they have accomodations for you while you are there, and not in the hospital? I cannot think right off the top of my head---I am sure you will receive more questions to ask-----BE INFORMED!! Have all your ducks in a row before surgery--do not get it done and then come around looking for a fill Dr. This is your health! Good Luck to you!! Any other questions, feel free to ask away, if you do not get answers---either bump the question to the top again, or ask again. Sometimes this board moves quickly and the question does not get seen. Again, welcome! Kat

Doesn't your mind just run with all the places you could use something like that for "get even" purposes!!! Mind did!!! Kat

Jane, I don't think there are any plans to hit MX. Even if we did, I believe through the end of this year, if you are going face to face with a border agent, as in walking, or driving into and out of the country, a picture ID is all that is required. When you fly in, you do have to have a passport. Since no agent actually sees you often times, until you go through a customs line. I do understand we are spending all our time in Tejas tho..... Kat

They are easy to spot at a rodeo green-------they have the skin tight either Wranglers or Rockies pants, floral western shirts, and often times their hat and their Roper boots match. Now you can likely find a legitimate horse woman or cow girl in the same outfit--the difference? A buckle bunnies boots are CLEAN!!!!! They get the name from rodeo participants winning HUGE belt buckles..... Kat Kat

The roads are trecherous. Made my way to the store, and the pharmacy, and called Beck & told her to put her jammies back on, I wasn't driving to Farmington!!! So here I am, got stuff to make some stew for supper, so need to get it going.... The roads are unreal! The temp is up a bit so there is a thin layer of water or slush, on top of ice, and cars are spinning out all over. I had to go in the back way to Safeway, they had a semi stuck in the entrance/exit, the rear tires spun the trailer off, and it has to be moved, or take down their sign!!! Best place for me is HOME!!!!! Hope this latest storm does not delay my son any longer, my DIL is going stir crazy in her little house, and she is one of those people I am scared to have on the road, especially with my grandson!! She was raised in Phoenix....not much chance to learn winter driving!! BBL~~ Kat

Awww Terry---just saw your post, sorry DH is being a butt, I love Rick, and he is an awesome man, but there are days I would not take a million bucks for him, and others I would not give you a plug nickel! Hope DH straightens up---and you hear from the Dr. soon---hang in there my friend--and if you need to vent---Call me! (((((BIG GIANT HUGS)))))~~~ Kat

I've done the bikini wax before, never the full Brazilian---nope no one needed to see ALL that!!! As for pain? The first rip hurts! Then it desenstizes! Go to someone who specializes in waxing, that has wax and strips specifically for that. They control the temp better. I had my eyebrows done once when getting my hair cut at JCPenny, and they burned me with the wax it was so hot---it was actually bubbling in the pot--idiot!!!!! Not an area you want to take chances with!!! Has been YEARS since I had a need to wax anything! Well I am going to brave the weather, and think Beck and I will go catch a movie. Either Mad Money, 27 Dresses, or Over Her Dead Body----some definite Chick Flick--just not sure which one! I am driving, she has to choose! She wants to go to Applebees for lunch first, so I will have some chicken and try not to eat an entire bag of popcorn this time! See y'all later today! Kat

Depending on where abouts you live, referring to a female as a heifer is pretty common! May seem condescending....but I bet there are many a buckle bunny (girls who hang out at rodeos wanting to hook a cowboy) who's knees have went weak from being told they are the prettiest little heifer around!!!! Kat

Good morning girls~ Well much of my corner of New Mexico is shut down for all intents and purposes---we have probably 18"of snow inour yard, but drifts in areas, 4 feet high--and it is still snowing! It has not stopped all night. There would be more than that, but it warmed up for awhile about midnight, and thundered and rained!!! But there is nowhere for all this water to go--it is a mess. They have shut down schools, court buildings, colleges, all oilfield roads belonging to BLM, or the reservation are closed--they are literally bottomless--trucks regularly drop in to the axle when they get bad, but this is so wet, they just keep sinking! They have a water truck on the news this morning----which is a 10 wheel truck---not as long as a semi, but the same height---just all on one unit, not a truck and trailer---and it is sinking....you can no longer open the doors, it is past the bottom of the door, no way to hook a cat to it, and now the cats are not even going out! Unreal!!! Rick was so glad they shut the roads down, everything gets broke when it is muddy and cold, and he then has crews going 24/7 trying to keep things up and running. So...now they will simply clean up the messes already made, and do some preventative things until the weather clears. The shed surely cannot make it through this, but of course his Mom wants us to call and ask, she will not volunteer the info--so I will let Rick ask! Becky and I were going to go to a movie today since they cancelled them at work too---in fact the highway into CO is closed. But....not sure if the weather doesn't clear up some if I want to be driving either! I am pretty comfortable with the snow driving, living in Denver, you have to learn....but not everyone lived there--and there are some real idiots on the road when it snows! Jenn--take care of yourself as you help Mom and Grandma through this. Thinking of you often. We went through pretty much the same thing with my Grandma. She was at home, Hospice had been coming in for several months--and everytime she got really bad, and we called my Aunt in from CO (just her and my Mom as kids) then Grandma would rally, and my Aunt would be irritated, because she left work, and drove all this way....then when she did finally hit the bad spot, and passed, we waited for her to rally, and when she didn't called my Aunt who was mad we didn't call sooner! But she hung on, still for several days. There was my Mom, my Aunt, my Dad, and Becky and I. We had 2 of us with her at ALL times. 24 hours a day, we talked to her, played music for her, told stories about the grandkids, and 2 great grandkids. Mom, Dad and my Aunt told Becky and I stories from their childhood....and still she hung on. She had been semi comatose, with the cancer, and with the pain meds we were administering, but she opened her eyes and said plain as day "I said I was coming!" Her last words!! Well the first day my Mom was so upset with my Aunt jumping her about every little thing, they kind of avoided one another, so eventually the stories they were telling etc, reminded them that this was sooooo stressful, and they truly did love one another, so they ended up in the room with Grandma alone together about midnight on January 6th, they talked, they cried,and they hugged, and made peace with one another, and within an hour my Grandma died. She waited til they were ok together, and the only 2 people in the room with her. We always would 2 of us go down the hall, and walk in to relieve the other 2....so when Mom and Aunt Carol, come out of the room crying---I knew. I went in, and closed her eyes, and told her I loved her. Becky stood at the door and cried and kept asking me "how do we know?" meaning, what if she really hasn't died....I told her look at her, the creases on her face are gone, it is relaxed again. Mom said as soon as she and her sister made up they relaxed. At first they felt guilty that she fought to stay for so long, but we all told them, we needed the time for the stories, and the memories to be good ones----so it happens in their time when it is like this Jen.... My folks have had 3 of their 4 parents with them in their home, when they passed away, and would have my other Grandpa, but he went suddenly in the hospital...he was admitted with pneumonia, and had a massive stroke in the night. Faith that they are moving on to heaven makes this time so much easier. Tracy---how is your Frank this morning? Drinking and behaving I hope. I used to have to tie Rick down when he was sick, he would think he had to work anyway. The heart issue, cured him, he takes better care of himself now! Terry---how about your Mom, have they figured out why she is bleeding, and where? I might have missed an update, but I have been praying for her. I had Mom and Dad put her on the prayer chain for their Thursday night bible class, and Mom called her the only thing I knew to tell her-----Terry's Mom. There are 7 of them in the class, and each of them thought she was talking about someone they knew! Pamela---did Susanne make it home in the nasty weather ok? I was shocked at how well everyone drove when we were coming home last night. I drove, Rick had drank a few beers at the party---the only one to speed past me like a moron was a cop! Speaking of which----I am gossiping now! My OCD son in law---his Dad is a deputy, sister, and brother both cops as well, they all look down their nose at him, because he had no desire to be. Well a few months ago, his sister was put on a 3 day leave because she was caught going 80 in a 25 zone with no emergency. And last weekend his brother got caught reporting his car as stolen, when actually he got drunk, and wrapped it around a utility pole! He lost his job over it. When Manda was in the police acadamy (yes she too was going to be a cop!), she said they were both very snotty to her, and the brother even apologized that she was related to his brother. So they are not perfect either!!! Abbey called to tell us....she said his family wanted to sue the TV station, but the lawyer said they could show his picture all day every day if they wanted! OK enough gossip, and rattling on--I am off to get dressed, and take the latest couple of inches of snow off of the driveway and sidewalks. If I do it frequently it is much less work, than letting it get deep and heavy. I need Jenn's snow blower!!!!!!! HUGS~~ Kat

There is a reason your Dr. will not give you a fill yet, you need time to heal! As has been pointed out, this is VERY common, and is referred to around here as Bandster Hell. I compare it like this... Having a new band in place, with no fill is like having a new car, with no gas....You have the thing you wanted, but without the "gas" it is not getting you very far! Give yourself time, many people gain weight prior to finding a bit of restriction. My sister in law and I were banded the same day....had basically the same amount of weight to lose. I started steady, lost at a steady pace, found restriction quickly. She lost about 15 pounds and stuck, then gained, and bounced around, had several fills, got too tight, had an unfill....and then it kicked in-----and her weight began dropping quickly then! She dropped past me so quick it made my head spin! She has been at goal for 3-4 months now, and I am still working slowly towards goal. It works differently for each of us---but give yours a chance!!! All of us had those feelings that this would not work for us--nothing else in our pasts had, why should this? That is very normal I think! Kat

We are home too--amazing---roads all around us are closed, a foot of new snow. Still snowing. They already called Manda and Becky, they closed the plant to all but emergency crews. So no Kinsey tomorrow! She played in the hot tub, while it snowed, she thought she was such a big shot. She has a little bit of a cold, so I was not sure about the decision to let her go, but the other kids went and her Mama said she could, so I stayed out of it! I didn't care who won the game, I cheered for the Giants, but not for any special reason! Was one of those years, it was a ho-hum game for us! Well, I am going to go watch House with Rick, will check in later! Kat

Pat this suit I bought, has a full bra--on the idea of a shelf bra built into it, which is snug---so it eliminates a good part of the weight off of the neck. BUT they do have the separates with the wide shoulder straps--they were just made shorter, and with my height, they showed my belly flab! The shorts I bought to wear with them, are boy cut. Right now my belly hangs as we discussed, and high cut legs, just let it sag in the opening---how gross is that!! Gross but true. The boy shorts, corral all my excess skin! I have fairly thin thighs, so the boy shorts are even loose on the leg---but more coverage in the area I needed it. I'll tell ya though, those mirrors, and facing the huge amounts of skin....has thrown me into a massive depression regarding it. I hated being fat----but nothing like I hate seeing this belly on me now....hoping to work past it quickly, I usually choose to be happy, I am just having trouble doing so here lately. Kat

Tracy----it may make him cough, but when you make him drink--also make sure he takes a few deep breaths--several in a row. It will wierdly help keep his temp down---but also help to avoid the possibility of pneumonia following the flu---which is not uncommon! And when he gets up--yes very slowly--but make sure he DOES get up! He needs to keep moving, even though he may not have to get up to go potty as he is not taking in much, and burning most of it off with fever. Just don't forget the things he wants to avoid with this....preventative measures. Poor guy! Someday I will know about being afraid to be at goal--I hope I am young enough to remember what being afraid feels like, I am afraid at the rate I am going I will be 100+ when I hit goal!!! LOL! Kat

OMG Tracy----how scary for you--where was Macy, did she witness all of it? Your entire family is in my prayers, that you will ALL be healthy soon! Great job on the weight---Pamela is right, we are SO proud of you! We spent the morning at the farm, fighting the newest disaster to hit out there. The lean-to, attatched to the garage (which my FIL has filled wall to wall, and floor to rafter with junk-----collapsed from the weight of the snow and ice, right on top of our truck! It is built out of wood, and the wood splintered and broke, and dropped it on top of our truck (F250). We were under it, holding our breath and praying! Jacked it up, braced it---managed to get the truck backed out---raked a couple of top lights off, and dented the roof....but managed to get it out, then braced some more, and left it. Looks like when it clears up (it is snowing yet again!) we will either rebuild it, or demolish it and go up with a metal carport. We have our welder, and the 4 wheelers under there, as well as our truck. His Dad also keeps his riding lawn mower, and yet more of his junk under it as well. Scary, I was afraid it was collapsing on us! At one point Rick was jacking the center the worst of it up, with a 2X4, with a 2X8 crossed over the top to support it, and the jack began sliding on the ice, so we knew it was going to drop sudden and hard, he screamed at me to run----and he damn near ran me over with us getting out, it creaked and broke a few more boards, but remained hanging. The added weight of the current snow might just do 'er in. I am beyond caring. We pour money into that place----and yes we may well end up living out there, and our son does now, but a little help since we are not the only ones involved would be nice. Where the new carport we will have to buy will be, is not land we will inherit, his sister will get it-------but since she does not use it now, is not interested in helping....big suprise! Oh well! We will be heading out to our Super Bowl party soon. I have pulled pork bq ready for sandwiches, and a crock pot full of queso, with all the dippers. We spent the evening last night at Manda and Ryans with them, Becky & Gary, and Ryans Mom, played some Texas Hold 'em, and various other poker games, and laughed until I cried over silly things----Ryan and his Mom had me rolling in the floor! Kinsey tells us "I wish Nana and Papa would come over. And Uncle Wobert--then everybody would be here and I would be so happy". We told her they were home in front of the fire, they didn't want to be out in the snow....and she thinks about it and tells us "OK I think I will be happy anyway"......crazy kid! She got my tea----and helped me drink it, I took the next drink and she had backwashed broccoli in my tea----little beast! Everyone decided that was love, not gagging and carrying on! Man it is snowing hard! Kinda scares me, there will be lots of drunks on the road in bad weather tonight. Good thing we don't have far to go. Son is stuck in ND----flights all over the place cancelled and delayed, they tell him it will likley be Tuesday. Well I am going to go get me something else to drink----will at least get that in, even if my eating does leave something to be desired today. Hugs to you today Jen, as you face your loss. Tracy hope DH improves, Judy thanks for the support of understanding with Rick's folks! Pamela, don't work too hard grading papers. Haydee, Jane, Laura---all of you--I cannot scroll any further to keep up-and I am brain deprived!!! Have a safe and SUPER day!! Kat

Thanks Judy for the explanation. Rick struggles with it. He is not so concerned about what the church as a whole believes, he does not like knowingly disappointing his parents. But out of 4 kids, only one of them attends the church with the parents, and she is as judgemental as they are in regards to it. She has been married to the same man, although admittedly by her unhappily for close to 40 years. She continues to refer to me as a heathen.....it is not an easy relationship with her! Rick enjoys going to the Methodist Church with me, but his Mom will say things to him, about it being a disappointment to them, and how his Dad is inelligible to be an elder or whatever in their church due to the divorces of he and his sister, and the fact that they are not active within the "right" church! Best we can do is pray for patience and love em anyway! Thanks Pamela, I am definitely having a hard time where I am right now. I find myself suddenly avoiding places and situations again due to how I look. I am thinking it was the big mirrors and the swimming suits that brought it all to a head. Thankfully my tickets are bought, I even questioned that! And how silly, if anyone will love me regardless of my mishapen body, it is the girls that helped me get here!! LOL! Jenn--there is a time for your Mom to concern herself with food, now is not it, I am glad you know that! Love her lots, I cannot imagine the pain she is going through. I used your experience to remember to call my Mom and tell her I love her a little bit ago. Tracy---Kinsey sucked in her bubbles the other day & gagged for an hour!!! Well we are headed to Manda's for some cards.....check in later! Hugs~~ Kat

Pat, I only wish mine was no worse than that--hell I would be happy with that as an after!! Mine hangs----I can pick it up and manipulate it--roll it up, squish it----it is truly indescribably FUGLY! You did get beautiful results though---I am so happy for you! Kat

My DH is actually pretty considerate about it----thankfully. If he walks around lighting all of my candles, I know!! Otherwise the only time they get lit is by me! Or we can be driving down the road, all is well, and suddenly at 65mph or so, he rolls the window down---when I freak out, he simply tells me "You'll prefer this!" He is usually right!!!! Unfortunately I think it has to do with several issues, the biggest of which is simple aging! Our systems change--my gosh to be around my inlaws----sounds like a symphony some times!!! I have also went to cooking with more fresh vegetables, and more legumes for the health aspect, and it has results!!! All I can say.....crazycat, is at least he is home farting in front of your TV, rather than out at a bar, or at least he is simply assaulting your sense of smell, as opposed to assaulting you. Not much comfort to your gagging self----but worth a thought!!! When it gets REALLY bad--grab a small bit of mentholatum, or Vicks, and rub a teeny tiny bit under your nose, not a big smear--it will mask any odor! I learned this from a SIL who used to work in a nursing home, and have to clean up after residents who failed to make it to the bathroom. If it can mask the real deal, it should work for the gas by products!!! Kat

I just bought mine at Target. Granted I ended up there, because here where the snow is still flying, it is the only store with them out yet, and I needed it immediately! Granddaughter had a swimming party! I got a halter style top---with a FULL bra in it, that is not totally connected to the top. Meaning if the top floated up--which it didn't, or if my granddaughter were to pull wrong--I would not be exposed! It was part of a separates group. I am also totally different sized on top & bottom, but since it required black bottoms, I was able to go over to the misses and juniors and actually found junior boy cut short bottoms I liked a lot that worked with it. The top is longer, which works with my height, and is in a flattering aline type of cut--they also had some with embellishments---wooden center rings etc. they were just too short for me. I have swam in it twice now, and it washed well, it did not sag or droop with Water weight. It stayed in place through the water slides, and the lazy river things----all in all, it worked out well, and each piece was like $16.99. I plan to look into other top options as the other stores come out with swimwear, so I have some changes. I already bought a second pair of the shorts---in the next size down!!!! Good Luck---there is nothing to prepare you for the 360 degree mirror and swimsuits---know we are with you in thought and support! LOL!!! Kat

Well I should have logged on sooner----now I have already blown the CTC!! I fought a headache all night, and woke to it pounding, sinus pressure, so bad, it made my stomach upset. So I come in, took a chance, and took an Advil Cold & Sinus---the only thing that ALWAYS helps. Then I went and took a hot steamy shower....which sometimes helps. And put on some loungie type clothes, and slipped on my crocs to walk out and get the paper------and it freakin' snowed again! I am SO sick of snow! I ended up eating a handful of bagel chips (thus screwing up the no junk day!) so I would have something on my stomach with the Advil. Which has btw worked---my head is not throbbing anymore. I have to go to Walmart-----waaaaahhh!!! Rick told Manda we would be over tonight to play poker. Her BF, and I have a grudge match to settle!! He freaks out that I can kick his butt playing poker---it is because he is gullible, and afraid of me! LOL Then tomorrow, we have the superbowl party----so I have to get supplies, and we put it off last night, so I get to do it today. Think I will wait and let Rick go and help me! He is off helping a friend this morning--they had a tree blow over on their shed, so Rick is helping cut it up and get it moved. Jenn-Hon I am so sorry about your Grandma. I know how hard it is to sincerely pray that God's will be done. It is a giving up, and that is hard to do. I will pray for peace and comfort for your family. Terry---sorry to hear Mom is in the hospital again. You are right we do all want a Denise when we need a nurse!! Maybe they can find why she is suddenly so severely anemic. Your poor Mom has had a tough go of it the last several months, so in turn have you. Big hugs to all of you! As for the stuck weight---girl I feel the pain! I am a year further into this than you are, and stuck just the same! I have had some serious depression when I look in the mirror. I know you will all find this hard to believe, but there are times, I wish I was still as fat as I was! When I was, my belly fit the rest of the picture--now I simply and truly look deformed. I have so much skin and loose flab in front, it hangs---and when I try to stuff it in to spanx, or anything, it just folds it over---looks like I have a pillow stuffed in my clothes. If I wear a pair of snug jeans, the seam, makes me look like I have an ass in the front too....how is THAT for a visual. It turns my stomach! I am embarassed by it, I hate it more than I can say. The harder I dieted, the more weight I lost---------I have no butt left! But the belly remains! The Dr. does not want to refer me until we balance my thyroid--but that could take months. I am so tall, that to find shirts long enough to cover it up--is a major challenge. Anyway--Terry I feel the pain of being stuck--seemingly no matter what. But I saw your picture---and Terry you look wonderful! Hang in there--I need your positive!!! Have not thought about what I want to do about Lent this year.... Judy, I have a couple of questions for you! My inlaws are lifelong members of the Church of Christ. They do not believe in any accompaniment (word?) with their singing in the church they go to! No flutes, no organ, no piano------everything is accapella (sp?). She actually told me that our having it all ---organ , piano, (worship band in the early service has everything from bass guitars, to drums to keyboards!) is against the bible--but would not explain how. I ask her about "making a joyful noise unto the Lord"....and she ignored me! The last preacher at her church, who is now in like Sidney, TX---told Rick and I we were condemned to hell because we have been divorced, and that we visited sin upon his Dad. The last time we went to the church with them, they refused me communion because I am a baptised Methodist, not baptised in their church....and we have never been back, choosing to go elsewhere. My question to you is-------------is any of this actual Church of Christ doctrine? Or is a crazy old lady, and a psycho preacher??? I value your friendship, and honesty, and these things have truly weighed on my mind. I would love your take. Off to find something I can eat that does not qualify as junk----could be difficult! Kat

OMG Pat---you brought tears to my eyes!! You look amazing! The thought that I might actually look "normal" again, has always just been a dream. As was the weight loss to be honest. Now the majority of the weight is gone, but I am left with this skin, and yes some fat under the skin, and it just hangs, and leaves this huge bubble bulge under all my clothes. I am tall, so finding shirts long enough to cover it is a challenge----I just feel deformed. In a way it was less deformed feeling when I was fat, it blended in. Now I have no hips left, my legs are pretty thin---I would be ok with me, if I did not have this belly issue---and it is NOT a minor issue. It is deflated enough that if I try wearing snug jeans, it bulges around the seams, and makes me look like I have an ass on my front! Now how is that for a visual??? Yep your pics solidify it---I am seeing a Dr. THIS week! TY for sharing with us.... HUGS~~ Kat

Forgot another thought I had!!! And some pictures--like my avatar pic---are not posed pictures---they just happen! I was bent over---so it might look posed---but I was trying to get my grandson to walk to me---he had just taken his first steps, I looked up at my DH to see if he got pics of Connor, and he snapped it. The joy on my face is genuine---and I didn't feel like I was posing---which is why I chose it..... Kat