Kat817

I did suck in my belly (even though there was MUCH less of it--and threw my head back and smiled for my latest "during" photo. Not to fool myself or anyone else on here into thinking I had lost more than I have, or that I am ready for a beauty pageant. I did it out of pure enjoyment, and being proud---and no longer being one to totally hide from any camera in the vicinity! My before pics--I was grumpy as hell and did not want them taken, and DH insisted on taking them the morning we left for the airport to go get me banded---I am frowning, and slump shouldered, and embarassed---I am also eternally grateful he forced the issue with the pictures. The change in my body, the change in my posture, the change in my smile----they are all HUGE improvements---and occasionally when the plateau gets me down, or I begin backsliding, the photos kick me in the pants and get me moving again. I really don't think I am fooling myself, nor am I attempting to fool anyone else, but I feel good, I feel feminine, and flirty sometimes, and not afraid of the camera, and that is the biggest difference in why mine look as differently posed as they do. Kat

Looking good Sherry!!! So is DH!! We were saying the morning after our company party that we should have gotten a picture----day late dollar short--story of our life!!!! Martinis or not, you look happy, and that is what counts!! I love pictures of all of you! Kat

Well since we are confessing....I ate pretty good all day.... drank good...then went to the movie, and proceeded to eat enough popcorn for all of us---the entire Shrinkin' Violet Bunch! Why? Who knows? I think I eventually was eating out of confusion, and loss...??? We went to see "There Will Be Blood". I had not read the book, did not know what to expect, other than it got lots of nominations, and awards. We chose it, because my DH's family has all been in the oilfield, from the begining---and we heard bits and pieces about the movie, so we knew it dealt with a deaf child---and he had a Great Aunt and Uncle who were deaf, and would have been in the same age range, so we thought it would be a movie we could see his ancestors living through....Oh Lordy I hope not! What a strange movie! We went with our friends, and it was a long---somewhat slow moving movie IMO...and then after sitting there for dang near 3 hours, waiting for something redeeming, or the final piece of the puzzle to tie it all together---it just ends--credits roll---and we all just sat there looking at each other--like WTH???? So through it all---like I say almost 3 hours worth I chomped popcorn. I am miserable still! After the movie they ask did we want to go eat....I cannot imagine! Yet I also know before the band, I would have, and I would have managed to eat an entire meal...no damn wonder I got the size of a house! Judy, I have a question about your trampoline--how do you keep Ethan from wanting it? I know Kinsey would be driving me nuts to play on it. Just say NO??? Tracy--jeans look good! You are doing soooo well!! Laura, hope you are feeling better! No fair you get to meet Gina, when we don't.....since she can't make SA! Well I need to check my mail, and look in on some sale things. Will talk to all of you ladies tomorrow! Kat

Leatha! So glad to see you are ok! Stop in and say hi every now and then, let us know you are well!!! I do my level best to provide to others the honest, friendly advice you offered to me! You are missed!! Sallyjo---sorry to hear your DD is still failing health wise, will remember your family in my prayers---good to see you here too!!! Hugs~~ Kat

Laura---send DH back to the store for the Childrens form of Musinex. It comes in little pouches of crystals you simply pour on your tongue, and they dissolve--they come in grape or bubble gum I think--not bad tasting, do not stick in your stoma--and they helped me! Feel better soon!!! OK off to look at the trailer I think. Made Rick sausage & eggs, and stupid me tried to eat a biscuit.....I feel miserably full, and want a drink really bad and I know better, so I am off to hit the elliptical and hope it moves it on through!!! TTYL~~ Kat

We are getting bike fever, but there is a foot of snow out there!!! Not happening any time soon! Gotta go find us some Breakfast, but wanted to stop in and say HI, Happy Friday, Happy February! Thanks for starting the new thread Sherry! See y'all in awhile! Kat

Good Morning Girls~~ Happy Friday! Happy February! Getting closer to our trip---yea!!!! Not sure what today holds for us....thinking of a movie, yep Michelle, a go out movie! DD wanted chinese last night---Rick and I always order an appetizer of crab rangoon, then share the entree--last night we had a Mongolian Triple, with beef, chicken & shrimp. It was really good, but just didn't settle well on my stomach---not a stuck issue, just stomach was a bit nauseated after. Worried me, because my FIL, was down with a virus, and they sent Lindzie home from school sick at her stomach....but mine is all better now! Speaking of ill, sure hope Laura is feeling better. Your time with your Mom and "the girls" sounds fun Michelle, enjoy it! My Mom just went to the Dr. yesterday, and it seems she has a mild case of shingles on her hip. I guess if you have to have them, it is an inoncuous a spot as any to have them! She said the Dr. told her they are very mild, and that they don't itch or hurt too badly, so they gave the meds to her, hope it passes quickly. No new snow for us yet----supposed to hit today. We still have tons on the ground! Hoping to finally get to go see the motorcycle trailer today. The boy we are going to go look at it with has stayed so busy with all this snow, pulling cars back onto the roads---it is hard to connect with him. Well, I need to go get my fluids started and find something to call breakfast for us. Rick offered to cook---but the kitchen is clean---he is not a neat cook!!! Plus he wanted to make pancakes---not what I need to eat!!! Better find another plan!! Maybe (close your eyes Michelle) I could convince him to go try to break Pamela's record----good fun, good exercise, no syrup....well....ok, ok, ok, no syrup.....did I say good fun??? LOL Talk to y'all in awhile! Kat

Judy--I forgot to mention the toffee---I too add it--I add it to anything I can, I am a toffee freak! I buy the syrup for my tea and cocoa....they are far and away my favorite candy bars, and blizzards! And the Paula Deen Gooey Toffee Butter Cake----oh hell I gained 3 pounds just typing it! Kat

I make my queso like this....depending on how much you want you can double this...and it holds great in a crock pot on warm. Brown a pound of hot sausage....drain off the fat, turn pan to low heat throw in chopped green chile...onion if you want a can of ro tel tomatoes Then in a bowl I cut up a block of velveeta cheese--you can use the mexican style for extra flavor---and you can use store brand equivalent to Velveeta. I usually add a can of nacho cheese----it is already in a liquid form, and keeps the velveeta from solidifying again if it gets a little cool. I put the cheeses in the microwave to melt them the first time---then mix it all together in the crock pot, and let it simmer on low for 2-3 hours before we eat it. I double this ... and we take several things that can be dipped in it. I am taking tortilla chips, and rolled tacos ( I get corn tortilla/beef, and flour tortilla/chicken---let them thaw just a bit, then cut them each in 3 pieces, then cook them--keeps hungry men from double dipping!!!) And then I make another crock pot full of the little smoked sausages---we refer to them as drunk weenies---they get a sauce of bbq---and a can of beer dumped in them to cook....and then the one thing I am famous for taking to Superbowl is food porn at its finest...it is called Death by Chocolate!!! Layered in a trifle dish is fudge pudding, white fudge pudding, brownies, fudge sauce, and topped with whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. A couple of years ago, I made a huge bowl of banana pudding---they ate every bite, but still ask for the chocolate! Becky is making pulled pork sandwiches, and posole....and everyone else just brings whatever strikes them at the time. This year I think Manda may do the Death by Chocolate for me! Superbowl teams do nothing for me this year, which is kinda bad----often times if I am involved in the game, I can avoid the kitchen---since I could care less about the game, not really wanting either team to win (!!) I am going to have to conciously avoid the kitchen~ wish me luck!!! OK, we cleaned up the wood pile, split some wood, took down some things from over head----and decided to eat Chinese with Abbey---so at least some things got done today!! Kat

LOL----I know what to put in it, I did not know what was in the cupboard, and what needed to go on my shopping list!!! It isn't like rocket science to make!!! Except.....no Jimmy Dean this time. I got a huge bunch of rolls of hot Owens brand sausage, marked down the other day so it is getting used instead----plus I add green chile to pretty much everything!!! LOL Kat

Can't wait to see the final result Pat--looks like you shrunk a bunch!!!! I so wish I was that far---I am going to do it! Looking GREAT!!! Dianne---I let the day get away from me, and was planning on going, and they close in 15 minutes here, and won't reopen until 3--Lord knows what I will be involved in then! BBL~~ Kat

WOW Jen---I am sending such positive vibes your way---you may not be safe to be around!!! Rick and I went to eat---brunch---so I can get lunch, him breakfast. This little diner here in town serves breakfast all day, but I have to wait to get the salad bar up til about 11! They let me order a salad and 2 chicken strips, and seldom charge me for the chicken...today they didn't, I ended up bringing one home! Anyway, we are sitting there eating when Abbey calls, her DH is going to be gone tonight, and wanted to know if we wanted to go to dinner with her...aka take her to dinner! So looks like my entire day will be spent dining out. I did good this morning, stuck to a healthy diet, in reasonable portions. Sitting here drinking my tea....now to just get through the evening! LOL Life is Hard on me now! We are headed into Durango again to go look at a motorcycle trailer---hope it is what we are looking for. It is at my friends sons work, at a towing yard----so it would be cheap!! Woo Hoo---more for me to spend in SA!! OK, I am off to see what I need for my Queso dip for the Superbowl party....talk to y'all in awhile! Hugs~~ Kat

Let us know when you get back Jen! Thoughts are with you as you WOW them!!! Think today we might take in a movie---not sure, I know any minute he will be asking what the plan for the day is!!! Too much snow on the ground to do some of the things we NEED to do! In some places around here, the horses are knee deep in snow this morning! I will be in an out as the days allows--thinking of you all! Kat

Had a fun day swimming with Rick & Kinsey, come home in a snow storm, due to hit again tonight! Ugh--enough already! I will check in tomorrow, off to find me a new phone! Kat

Green--in ALL debates and discussions--I have never seen you be anything but fair, and treat people with respect. Often you simply sit back, put things into perspective, and never really take a side on an issue...keeping an open mind. Many times, you have made me rethink things, sometimes even making me change my own views! But always giving me another viewpoint to consider, if we are not already in agreement. In this case, we are in agreement that the child SHOULD come first with both parents---but obviously does not. While we are all lambasting this man, for his want to abandon--no one else but you mentioned the mother negatively. I ask ---- if she is truly the loving mother??? Why did she reveal this? She obviously still wants the money.....Why tell? Did she not think this would hurt her child? Shouldn't her first thought be, not to hurt the husband purposely, but to not hurt her DD? I think your terminology is fitting! Keep the thought provoking posts coming....this poster at least sometimes needs her blinders removed!!! Kat

Kat is here---just slow! Had a busy evening, and now Rick is off until Monday, so who knows what we will be doing. We were going to take the granddaughter swimming today in Durango---but they have got 29 inches of snow in the last 24-36 hours! Doubt we will do that! So likely some shopping, and then Rick's brother is stopping through on his way back home from a business trip. My next door neighbor I was telling you was in isolation with the MRSA infection---insurance said enough was enough, and sent her home yesterday! She has a shunt in her arm, a port type thing, where they hook her up to IV antibiotics twice a day. Over $500.00 a week for the drugs and medicare nor their supplement will cover them, because they are experimental! These people cannot afford that! He told me he figured they could buy them for 2 weeks, and hope she is better. But then the drugs had to be drove up from Abq. so they were an extra hundred bucks. I mentioned it to a mutual friend, he goes to VFW with, and he is going to bring it up, and try to get them to help. We can help some, but it is so ridiculous! They worked for years, and have medicare, as well as a supplement, and have no help. Home health is coming in once a day to check on her for 2 weeks---which will be good. Scares me! TracyK you are doing sooooo well, you will be at goal, and a skinny mini when we all meet! I am beginning to wonder if I am ever going to move from here!!! I have not begun drinking yet, have no desire to eat yet! I slept in bursts last night, a few minutes here and there, but awake everytime I rolled over....has me wanting to be really grouchy---making an effort not to be! Rick and Kinsey are happy and playing---and I wanna grump!! LOL Hope all of you begin to feel better soon! Pamela---loved the Dr. story! Especially that you needed a shower but were gonna smile through it!! LOL I got hit on at the restaurant the other night, but I think the guy had had too much to drink!!! Wouldn't ya know!!?? Ok, well, I need to get some things done....bbl~~ Kat

Pat we were all boycotting UNTIL you post the pics!!! Was one of those days yesterday--and now DH is off until Monday---heaven knows what is gonna go on. Supposed to dump more damn snow on us today---yuck! I am glad the Dr. thinks you are healing well--it always feel better to me when the strips come off, they itch something fierce! Sherry --- hope your men feel better! Glad the pups are ok!!! Well off to do what I sat down to do---------pay the car insurance!!The fun never ends around here!!! Kat

I quit smoking years and years ago, but still drink on occasion. I usually opt for something without carbonation, but if I get something carbonated, I sip slowly, and it loses the fizz quickly with the alcohol anyway. I was also warned off due to the empty calories. I accept that they are just that, and make a concious decision when I choose to have a drink. This is not a diet for me, I want to live today the same way I want to live the rest of my life, with my diet issues in moderation. That includes the occasional drink. I have a friend who is single and banded, and she drinks some most weekends. Never to a point of no return! But she has several drinks per week, and it has not affected her over the last 2.5 years that I am aware of, her weight has dropped, and stayed off. Never heard of the possible link to erosion..... Kat

Nice to see everyone posting! Cindy--weren't you supposed to see the Dr. this last week? How did it go??? Waiting to hear! Kat

I eat bread, I always have. Immediately following my 2nd fill, it was really hard, and had to be toasted. But as soon as the super tight restriction eased I have been fine ever since. I can take any bread at all, and toast it and eat it alone without issue. But to take a piece of soft white sandwich bread by itself and eat it, it almost always causes me to hurt some as it passes. If I take the same bread, toss a piece of lunchmeat, or a chicken strip in it, or even peanut butter---then I can eat it without issue. But I can only eat 1 slice---a foldover is my max. I think if I have the other type of food for my stomach to digest the bread with and help it pass without making a big ball of dough, I do fine. I find the same issue with Pasta. To eat just a bowl of noodles with sauce, I might get 1/4 cup, and am miserably full. If I however eat some chicken with it--I do much better, without the miserable feeling! Somethng about the harder food helps me process it. Kat

Well then going along with that thought process.....then my question would be...where do you draw the line? It took me 3 tries to figure out just how to find the right man! So...I had my DD with husband #1, who remained in her life by my choice, and my assistance, without paying CS. Then I married the biggest mistake of my life---and yes for awhile he did help support myself and my DD. So when I divorced him (with good cause), should he have been able to claim that he married me with a child, and now he wants a continued relationship with that child, whether she be his biologically or not? There have to be some sort of guidelines! And paternity is one of those guidelines in my opinion. I am not trying to say to hell with the kids----I am saying---if the state or government in general is going to make a man pay for a child proven not to be biologically his, they should make it a legal adoption, so the man has equal rights to that child for visitation, and custody if he chooses. He should be allowed to be more than an open wallet! Kat

I was banded, with hiatal hernia repair, the end of April and was back riding within 2 weeks. BUT.... I rode as a passenger until I was probably a month out---because lifting was still touchy. Every Dr. has his own way of attaching your port, and the muscle mine is stitched in, while it is not affected by any articles of clothing, is definitely a muscle I used in lifting---so I waited. We have had one snow storm after another, and even when the weather is half way decent, there is so much debris on the roadways from the sanding of the ice, and the resulting mud on vehicles, it is unsafe to ride. Looks like we too have another month or so in front of the fire. Now that does not in any way mean my DH does not spend money on his bikes--that is a year round thing. Through the winter, he shops--and then come season, we make as many local rallies as possible, and long weekend trips. But what a way to spend money!!! Ride Safe! Kat

My funniest PB happen just a month or 2 after being banded, before y'all come on the scene. I was at the GYN for my follow up---I used to go every 6 months, and am now back to yearly--yea!!! Anyway, like Pamela said, I was worried about laying there, and my stomach roaring---so I stopped and bought a croissanwich (sp?) at Burger King. I ditched half the bread, and snacked on it as I drove across town to the Dr. Just before going in, I took a drink to make sure I had it rinsed out of my teeth and all.....there in was my mistake as well. I made it it, signed in, and knew, it was either pace the room, or lose it. I do not PB easily, it is a difficult thing for me to "throw up" in any way! So I am in the bathroom gagging! This girl in another stall tells me "I'm sorry you are sick, but it helps knowing I am not the only one with all day sickness, my sister is pregnant too and she never even had morning sickness, and I am sick all day!" I replied some people are that way, hope she feels better soon....unsure how else to say anything!!! I let her leave the bathroom, and eventually managed to rid myself of some air, and my food settled.....but I was mistaken for a sick pregnant woman!! Oh, ended up going to lunch with DD---her treat mind you! I ate a taco, and a few bites of refried beans. Avoided the chips and salsa! Shared a taco plate with Kinsey. She ate one of the tacos, and ate the center out of the other one covered in enough sour cream for all of them! The girl is growing, she eats non stop! I have drank 2 glasses of tea, and a bottle of Fuze. Will be headed out to exercise here in a couple of hours, and will get in a bottle or 2 of water then. Kat

Haydee---I grab my little orange, and a paper towel...to hold the peel, then as I eat it, if I come across some that just refuses to chew down into mush...it joins the peel in the paper towel!!! I usually eat them only at home, so I am not spitting out food everywhere!! Judy your weather sounds like it is a day behind ours----we had total white out conditions last night, and it was thundering and lightening while it snowed sideways!! Wierdest weather I remember ever seeing!! We are supposed to get hit this weekend again too. I am sooooo ready for spring! Suzanne---glad your scale is moving in the right direction now!!! WTG! Maybe what you lost is your fear of flying---then you can go to SA!!! Hey can't blame me for trying....you need to go! Ok off to find food for the bottomless 3 year old!!! Kat

Hate to spoil a roll here....but mine is not correct!!! LOL I thought you wanted me to book the earlier flight, so I did! Depart: 6:20 a.m. Fri., May. 16, 2008 Albuquerque, NM (ABQ) Arrive: 9:29 a.m. Fri., May. 16, 2008 Houston, TX (IAH - Intercontinental) Travel Time: 2 hr 9 mn Depart: 5:40 p.m. Mon., May. 19, 2008 Houston, TX (IAH - Intercontinental) Arrive: 6:59 p.m. Mon., May. 19, 2008 Albuquerque, NM (ABQ) Travel Time: 2 hr 19 mn These are booked and paid for....hope it is still ok, puts me right in the middle of Laura and Michelle and allows us to leave earlier---was the thought behind it! Kat