Kat817

Keep up the excellent work!!! Welcome to LBT, hang out, get to know everyone~~ and enjoy some band support!! Kat

Good point! I had not thought of your meds being limited due to what can and cannot be crushed. When I was banded I eliminated all my prescription meds, so I forget about that!!! At least you have an appointment to see what your options are! Good Luck! Kat

Pamela Be safe and have a blast....healing vibes being sent to Susanne!!! Kat

Oh.....ex husbands---don't even get me started!!! Terry---does the fact that he has the college fund make him the one to choose the college, or he withholds it or what? Even a community college to start, is a step in the right direction, and eases the stress. That is a horrible way to spend the remainder of his High School time -- worrying! I know it is a similar thing as 'never getting a second chance to make a first impression'....but there are successful and even famous people who have not gone to Ivy League schools! I hope he manages a better score this time around. Kids---make ya wanna go nuts! My son, dropped out of school while staying with his Mom in his senior year! Yep--she let him, and then she proceeded to take half of his paychecks! When he finally had enough and come home, he was re-enrolled, and the other school would not release his records because he still had books. His Mom refused to return the books to the school. Cost us dearly for them! He never, ever went to school regularly after that. Bottom line, he quit again...moved out, screwed his life up for several years. Got it together again, cleaned up, got a good job, a GED, has a family, and is now enrolled in college classes at 27. Then Manda, she petitioned the school to graduate as a junior, she carried enough weighted classes, and was honor roll every semester of school from Kindergarten on, she had plenty of credits...so they allowed it, she received several scholarships. But oh heck no! She got married! They were stationed in Hawaii, and of the 2 colleges available to her, only one would accept her, and it was just too difficult to schedule it with a job. Her short story? Marriage lasted 5-6 years, they had Kinsey. She finally DID go to school, got her nursing degree. And used it for a couple of years, and is now an admin assistant! And back in college to get her business degree of some sort--can't remember to be honest! And that leaves us with Abbey. She graduated right on schedule. Then decided she wanted to tour Europe! So she took off first with her Maternal grandpa--we thought that would be safe and good! Hah! Then when she got back, she worked for 6 months, and went back with a friend---which ended up the experience she wanted. She come home, went to work, she could no longer afford college, and with the choices she made, we opted not to pay for it! So she worked for a couple of years, met her now husband, who was in school, married him, put him on through school, he assured us as soon as he got his degree she could go. Well instead he is now working on his masters so she has to wait. Well we paid her tuition, and books, and she is also taking courses now. So instead of 2 out of 3 being in college in their mid to late 20's now they all are!!! He will find his way, just as we all do. And mad as hell at him or the ex or whoever, you will love him and do all you can to encourage him to make wise decisions, and want to kick his ass when he doesn't!!! Because in my experience, they all at one point or another make rotten choices!!! Be it about school, or spouses or whatever. Good thing WE never did that to our parents huh!!! LMAO---my Dad would spit if he heard me say that! Off to change laundry---bbl~~ Kat

Hiya all! Pat, I want to see--I am meeting with a PS later next month if I get my thyroid hormones leveled out, he wants that to happen first....so it is a waiting game. Since my thyroid surgery I have been consistantly low, and increasing my supplement...so who knows! Betty, we are meeting in Gruene (kinda sounds like a Texan Green!) and bouncing between there and San Antonio---in the middle of May. I originally was in a thread for April 06 bandsters, which turned into an exercise only thread, and they were all extremely energetic!!! Then when the April 07'ers started showing up, we began breaking off with some of them, in kind of a mentor effort. And I made wonderful friends there, just like here, and we decided to pick a weekend, pick a place, and as many of us as can are going. Right now it looks like 11 or 12! Eileenie--I was just thinking the same thing about Beannie the other day, hoping she had found a job that made her happy. I know she wanted a change, but she used to like being able to travel, and meet up with you----hope whatever she is doing she is happy! I too miss her. I still have your niece and the baby on our prayer list, my heart goes out to your familiy---not knowing is so hard. I hope your cold is better soon, it seems like you have had it forever! HAPPY ANIVERSARY!!!!! Don't do anything I wouldn't do! (pssst---that gives ya pretty free reign!!!) Cindy-don't be working too hard! Diane--you are doing so good! Makes this "veteran" bandster want to get my butt back in gear!!! A friend and I are actually joining a new gym----see what we think of it. Get me moving again anyway! Sherry---how's everything? DH? DS?? DD'S (Darling Dogs)? Anyone seen Patty on lately? Wonder how her life with band is going? Darcy--if you pop in to catch up--know we are thinking about you---love you and praying for good things to happen! Chell--hang out, good group of bandsters here without a doubt! Mandy---you up and running full speed yet? Well I am off to heat some chicken up, it is after noon, and I have yet to eat anything! I have got the house cleaned and laundry almost done though!!! YEA me!! TTYL~~ Kat

Starryeyed---it is my understanding, that if your depression is triggered by stress, then Wellbutrin is not the proper drug for you, as it is a stimulant itself. There are others that they use for anti depression that are less stimulating. Less likely to increase the irritation....maybe a talk with your Dr. and a simple change in meds is in order. You are NOT the first person to have mentioned this issue with the Welbutrin---and there are lots of options in medication! Hang in there! Kat

Beeeeee-uuuuu-ttttteeeeeeee-ful Laura!!! You look amazing! Kat

Totally true in Colorado--we opted to have my DH's child support taken directly from the check--at the same time they were supposed to put the remainder into the bank account, and they inverted the boxes. Had all of his check except the CS amount sent to her, and his CS put in our account. Went on for 6 weeks--3 payments. We were NEVER credited or allowed to withhold the equal amount. His ex just got a bonus! We DID finally get the bank to settle with us, concerning some checks they bounced before we figured out the goof-but nothing in court come of it...nothing! The boy who grew up right next door to me, same age as my oldest DD, come home while in his last year of high school, and informed his folks that his GF was pregnant. He quit high school, went to work waiting tables at Red Lobster, paid all of the girls bills, was with her the entire time. Was present at the birth. Went to the hospital the next day with the car seat, and ran into her leaving with her Mom, and she told him then the baby was not his. He mourned this child. Then within a month she sued for child support. They demanded a paternity test, and no the baby is not his. But the judge believed he set precedence in assuming the child to be his, he supported the mother, and now is required to pay over $580.00 a month, and he is not granted any visitation at all! He has taken it back to court, and is currently waiting to get a court date on the appeal. His attorney told him he really shot himself in the foot by getting his GED, and being promoted within the company---it would have been better if he too were still struggling. When we went through it all our attorney told us not to look for justice, it is an unjust world we live in. Great huh? Kat

I need to get the last 25 or so pounds off, and I want to, I just at this time I guess I don't want to bad enough!! I have maintained my loss for several months now, without issue. I do not diet, I do not do excessive exercise. It has actually reassured me more than I can say to realize that the maintenance of the weight loss with the band is so easy! I could always lose weight, but when I attempted to go back to some semblance of normal for me diet wise, it all come rushing back with some extra as well. So to be able to eat----my portions to be controlled----and not stress over every bite, and my weight be so stable as to cause me to step on every one I knows scales to see if it is really right, or if mine is broken and stuck-- is totally amazing, and thrilling to me! At some point, I will kick it in gear and get the last little bit off--for now I am just lovin' life! Kat

My Dr. told me if I am feeling hunger, to have something---whether I was on liquids or full diet, but to make a concious choice what I ate. I believe there is a reason for this. Many years ago, my brother was critically injured in a car accident, he had been through surgery, and they had to stop due to the amount of swelling in his brain. During the time they waited to do more surgery, he had IV's--but nothing of course by mouth. First of all he was in a coma...so eating would have been pretty amazing! But the point being, he was young, and VERY thin. I would sit by his bed in the ICU, and I could hear his stomach growl, and then I could actually SEE his stomach clench, and tighten then loosen---as it growled, you could see the stomach itself looking for food! He eventually recovered for the most part, and beast that he is---is still that thin! So when my Dr. said do not allow the hunger, I saw that in my memory! If they do not want us to eat too soon because the stitches are trying to heal the band in place and allow scar tissue to begin forming, then it writhing from hunger would be damaging as well! I ask and he said "exactly". That is one of the reasons they tell you this time is for healing, not weight loss, they want that band set in the spot they put it, and want your stomach to be still as possible for awhile, while that is accomplished. So if you are having hunger pains----drink something, eat something you are allowed---whatever! When you begin your fills, it will ease it, and not risk your band moving. This is what I did, and what I would do again, but as with everything, each Dr. has their own way of doing things, and I would ask! It is not easy to continue dieting when you got this band to avoid that! Good for you! Restriction WILL come, and make your life easier!!! Kat

Love the pics girls--all you needed was a poster of "The Screamer" behind you when the series began Pam!! Went to town, met up with Rick for lunch. I was going to stick to liquids today, because my stomach hurt bad last night. Wierd, it was like every time I breathed in, I could feel the band or something pulling tight. I was up til after 1 hurting....then back up at 5:30 to start the day. I drank cool tea all morning, and it felt much better, so when I met him for lunch, I agreed to Taco Bell, and ate some refried beans. We are having soup for supper...mine will be with no bread and only a little cheese, Rick loves me to make French Onion Soup, and it is easy, so I figure I can ease that in, and just plan to take it very light and easy on my belly. Don't have any idea what happened---I just do not want to hurt again tonight! I get to sleep in tomorrow tho----yeeeehaw! Anyway, I am taking dinner across the street to my neighbors, she is pregnant, due the end of May, and has been put onto bed rest due to some contractions. When we were talking and I mentioned making the soup she said it was her favorite, so I figured what the heck, her husband is working and won't be home til late to try to figure dinner. Sure do hope everything goes ok for them. This will be their first, they got married last summer, after living together for 7 years---because they decided to start a family. She teaches 4th grade. Well I better go make sure my soup is not thickened up too much....will talk to y'all later! Hugs~~ Kat

My Southern Grandpa called people Sugah a lot---but me? From day one til the day he died I was "Honeychild". Laura, ABQ has one of the highest crime rate per capita nation wide! But let's lay low on that or Rick will get his panties in a ruffle again!!! I experienced ghostly activity at my Aunts house---but never anywhere else... Kat

That's what I was afraid of....ok will book the other flight, the one you mentioned going into IAH, landing there at 9:29 AM. Thanks Haydee! Kat

Mine is not a Texan accent---at least when I am there, I do not sound like them, but they all tell me I have a totally different one! Where I am y'all is considered a normal word. But when I go to our place inTX, I do not talk like them. They say "What haypen to your orm?" I would ask "What happened to your ARM!!" That is the one I tease my Aunt about the most...her orms (arms) and ole for the car (oil)---although my oil is not as pronounced as many...it does have a hint of the *i * in there! I guess the biggest difference I see, is we do stretch our vowels some...not nearly as much as the deep south, but we don't tend to add syllables. And I can count on one hand the number of people I really know who go by 2 names!!! I have been introduced to Willie Freds, and 4 different Mary Jo's all around our place in TX!! And our former preacher was Texan through and through---and his name was Billy Bob---swear to you! His brother was Jimmy Joe. We will all have to do an Oprah, and channel our inner Texan and develop our own drawl!!! LOL Kat

The other thing about Curves is that the way the equipment is designed, using the "shocks" for resistance, the faster you do the moves, the stiffer the shock reacts, causing the workout to be harder. That is why it can be adapted to anyones abilities. Pretty much takes it down to being that with Curves you get out of it what you put into it. My Mom goes, and she slowly and methodically lifts or pushes or pulls, she does not try for any speed, her main goal is just keeping movement---as she heals from a shoulder surgery. She begins on the same machine, follows the arrows, does exactly 2 rounds, regardless!!! Mostly she tries to increase her movement in her shoulder on the recovery pads, but I doubt she ever much raises her heart rate. And she is not willing to do it any differently!! When I go, I pump the machines as fast as I can to get my heart rate up quickly, then do whatever my mood hits me on the recovery pads---jogging in place, jumping jacks, usually things with my arms over my head--to keep it pumping harder---anything to keep my heart rate up, and attempt to do that for a full 30 minutes. I look at the clock when I sign in, and try to make my work out hard for the 30 to sometimes 45 minutes. When I hit whatever time target I set for myself I quit, stretch, and go home! If you will work at it, it will work for you! Sounds like it is to me! Kat

Good Morning! Any one of these flights can be worked out for me---figure out which works for you picking us up easiest, and I will deal with my drive home. These are my options: Flying Continental/Frontier I can fly into IAH (I think is what it said) I can arrive at either 9:29 AM or 10:51 AM This would round trip with a flight leaving the same airport at 5:40 PM. on the 19th. OR I can fly Southwest into the Hobby Airport and be there at 9:40 AM. This roundtrip flight is the one I would need to be back to Houston by 2 PM for. I can fly on in to SA -- but it is still the same flight, with my layover being in Houston! Rick and I "discussed" the reservation and night time, and he said he would support me going no matter what, he will not complain anymore, so I am holding him to that!!! Let me know which works out best with the schedule, and I will book it today. Kat

There was this woman next to us at dinner and she ordered fried ice cream for dessert.......they brought this platter (like a full meal comes on!) In the center was the huge ball of fried ice cream, and it was surrounded with whipped cream, and chocolate sauce and caramel sauce drizzled around on it.....I resisted!!! I had a fudgesicle when I come home!!! Felt better for it, but boy did it look good!!! Well I have to go to bed. Rick built a fire that is roasting me alive---I feel like the wicked witch......I'm Melting...... Kat

Well if I can be back in Houston in time to make a 2 PM flight out on Monday, I can fly in to the Hobby one and ride with Tracy. It would work out really well for me....just unsure of our time line on Monday....that would be a Southwest flight, the money is a whopping difference of .03 cents!!! It would get me home and across the rez before midnight! Jenn--we will get you there, one way or another---and we will have a blast while we are there!! Yes Jane---I have a WWJD bracelet!! We can do a picture---it would be fun! Rick told me I needed to pick up another memory card for the camera, so I can take plenty of pics!! I think I have 3----but might consider another battery!!! I was thinking today as I put a picture of Connor kissing Kinsey into a frame I have that says Grandchildren....that I need a copy of it to take with me, and I need to remember to set aside pics I want to share with y'all! Well----ate like crap....big surprise! I think I am going to bump up my workouts, maybe that is the wisest move for me! I need control back. I still don't eat tons---just small amounts of bad foods!!! And I am enjoying it no less!!! Going to check the other thread, and my email, and go to bed! See ya tomorrow~ Kat

Tracy--If you're picking up all the cowboys then I am definitely with YOU! LOL! Figure out the return time on Monday--this would be perfect for me otherwise! Thanks for all your working for this girls!!! Kat

Fairy Tale........... One day, long, long ago, there was this woman who did not whine, nag, and bitch........ <B> But this was a long time ago..... and it was just ONE day. TheEnd I loved this!!!~~~Kat </B>

I am jealous of Pat & Diane's lunch!!! Although I am meeting up in San Antonio with a bunch of bnadsters from another thread in May--totally psyched! I have never heard of anyone dislodging a port, or hurting their band. If you balance on your belly, or catch medicine balls repeatedly---it might not be a good thing---but everyday exercise, I would think would be fine. Mandy--you feeling better yet?? I loved the cartoon----waaay too true!! Chell--welcome!! Hate to break it to you, but very few of us in here are actually from New Jersey--I have been here since before my banding, and I am from New Mexico. We all migrated here through different means. One of the old forum designs had new posts on the top of the page, so most of us replied to a post, and found a welcoming, supportive group of women--so we stuck around. We have girls from Texas, & Illinois too!!! There really are some from Jersey though, so you might find someone close to you!!! Good Luck on your research, and feel free to ask this group any questions you have, they are a successful bunch---and knowledgable as well, I value them highly! Welcome! Kat

Tracy--- I looked into the SW flight through to the Hobby Airport--but the only return trip I can get has me needing to fly out of Houston at 2:00 PM. So I would have to be there before that to check in, plus the drive in from SA---I was afraid that was too early. What do you think? The only other option they had, had me changing planes in DFW---in less than 30 minutes! Yeah right! The time for getting home to ABQ would be great for me....keep my hubby happy!!! Let me know on the time line----this is doable for me! Kat

Judy---if Crystal Light makes a flavor called "Crystal Light---False Sense of Security" Or "Liquid Bravery" it might just fit the bill!!! Kat

Terry--Rick already ask me about that!! They all know that the only way to get me in the lake, is to put a 6 pack in me and keep it coming!!! Not sure what we will do! hmmmmmmmmm....... Kat

Gina---I just ask on the other thread why it was you weren't going...now I know. Wish you were though!!! Your post hit home with me too. I am always putting things off for when the time is right! My Grandpa (Dad's Dad) always told me that all you had to do to be happy was just do it! It was a choice. He was such an amazing man! My Grandma had Alzheimers, when she was originally sent to California to be diagnosed, they had less than 20 confirmed cases nationwide----23 years later when she died, there were support groups of millions! My Grandpa took such good care of her! He would kiss her on the forehead, and she would look at him like she had never seen him before, I can only imagine how his heart hurt. For years they thought she had a mental block. And treated her for mental illness, he fought it, he kept at those Dr.'s until it was figured out. My Dad was 7, his little brother 3, and Grandma was pregnant again. She walked out on the porch as she told a friend goodbye and nodded at something the friend said, and my Dads little brother thought she nodded for him they figure, because he was watching her, then he darted out from behind the car of the visiting woman, in front of another car, who hit and killed him. She of course was totally grief stricken, and ended up losing the baby she was carrying as well. So for years, the Dr.'s all tried to relate it to that. Because she could remember names of kids in her school classes but could not remember how to drive....wierd things. He loved her the way we all deserve to be loved, and he chose to be happy having her in any way. Well enough rambling--I am off to be bad too--we are meeting Beck & Gary for mexican food--ay yi yi!!! Thanks for the good post Gina! Hugs~~ Kat