Kat817

OH HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!! I keep forgetting to enlarge my font!!! SORRY!! Kat

Haydee no problem at all. Will book in the morning, and make it for the early flight. I promised Rick I would wait and talk to him about the flight part. We are having a disagreement about me driving to ABQ. The direct flight from ABQ to Houston is over $300.00 cheaper! So I drive! I can spend that 300 bones there!! At any rate, it will not change anything, if it comes down to it, I will fly from Farmington to ABQ and hop that flight. Nothing to stress over for anyone but him! Laura might remember the issues of night time driving on the reservations. They are not allowed to sell alcohol on the reservation, so they come into the towns and cities, and buy it and then proceed to drink it on the way home. How the different law entities handle the problem is vastly different as well---depending whether it is reservation police or not! Makes driving on Friday- Tuesday pretty dangerous out there some times----BUT this is an off weekend. Not a government check weekend, and it is late Monday night, most of them will be home and passed out! I will be careful, I will have a phone, and likely have my gun, and be good to go! Yep girls-----------a Violet packing heat!! Not in TX though---although I am licensed and could! But shhhhh it is a secret! None of the family knows I went through the classes! Snow has melted like crazy today once it quit snowing! It is slushy & nasty out there right now, but better than snow packed! Road opened up and my DD made it back to get Kinsey. Laura, so glad you decided to go with us--it will be so much fun! Wish some of our others were able....Denise (I understand), Suzanne---didn't you have previous plans??, Gina---now what was your reason Gina??? Ms. Jen???? Cindy???? Y'all are going to miss a good time!!! And yes the itenerary sounds awesome!! I am game for it! And I know it will be sad to say good-bye when the time comes, but it will be so nice to come back here, and be able to put faces to each of you----I have a family reunion this summer, and I am no where near as psyched for it!!! LOL TTYL~~ Kat

OK Terry---I will check with Haydee--I was just remembering you saying that traffic begins building by noon--which would put us right in it. I can hang out and wait for Michelle or she can hang out and wait for me! LOL I will be booking tomorrow----so will have a chance to check in with her. If it comes down to it, I can actually stay in Abq. the night before.....I have a free room coming. I had planned to use it if I got back too late, but when I looked at it, I found out I leave again the very next day! But since it is a bike trip, I just sit there!!! Kat

Terry with the drive from Houston tI can up my flight to arrive in Houston at 9:29---which would allow for us to leave earlier...I just hated making you get out of bed any earlier--let me know which would be best. Same airline, same cost--just an earlier option. Kat Sorry about the font Pamela----I forget and Quick Reply!

For the very first early stage---you will want Protein, yes, but likely clear protein. You can find options at GNC. They have bullets they are called, they are test tubes with high protein shots in them. They also have what I used, which is Zero Carb Isopure. It comes in glass bottles similar to the Sobe drinks on the market--size and shape I mean. It comes in several flavors. To be 100% honest, if I had my choice of anything to drink, they would not have been my choice! BUT when I got to feeling fatigued, and weary, they perked me right up! Then the next stage you can usually go on to the full Protein shake, as well as the Carnation. You can buy whey protein in GNC, even in Walmart. You can buy it online like from unjury. If you use unflavored, you can use the sugar free DaVinci (or similar other brands like Torani) Syrups in tons of flavors to make you all kinds of shakes! You can also use a couple spoons full of Sugar Free pudding mix to add flavor---just don't use too much or you end up with pudding not a shake!!! As you progress, you can blend in a spoon or 2 of Peanut Butter for the added protein, and flavor. Keep your blender handy. It is not of much use the first clear liquid stage--but after that, you can blend lots of things---just be sure to keep it thin for awhile, allow your band to set and heal in a correct position. Crystal Light freezes into a nice slushie drink that is a bit different from more liquid, and yet when it hits your pouch it is thawed into total liquid. If there is anything else, feel free to ask. The liquid stages are not easy, there is not a lot of variety. Often times you go from feeling like you don't want anything, and it is a chore to get in the Water, to the next day starving to death! It is not always easy, but it was always worth it!! Keeping busy, being prepared to walk a LOT!! Keeps you going! Hope you have an easy uneventful surgery and recovery!!! Welcome! Kat

I began as a child flying alone at the age of 6 back and forth to my Grandparents every summer for 2 week visits. Did that for 10 years minimally once a year. Then when I married and moved away, I flew around to see my parents from wherever we were at the time. Then when my DD married and was stationed in Hawaii----I had no options. There is not a road to drive on. It did not matter what it cost----flying was my only option so I am beyond thankful it has never bothered me! When I start comparing how fast I can get someplace, I like flying even more!!! So what can we do to help "make it happen" Laura!? Kat

The woman at my local Curves lets us go around as many times as we want to---even though the work out is suggested at 2 laps, and stretching. I do 3 laps there, have a treadmill, and an elliptical at home, and usually ride the elliptical in addition to Curves, then my DH and I do some light upper body free weights, for toning. He had open heart surgery so he is working to get those muscles back, and I am just a weakling I guess!!! But I found varying it a bit, has helped me enjoy it more. I like my Curves time. I go with a friend, and I enjoy the upbeat music, and getting out of the house, and doing something makes me feel better. But the convenience of the elliptical on days like today with lots of snow....is great too. I listen to books on DVD while I walk. Keeps me with incentive to go walk some more!! I actually find myself pushing and going further so I can hear more, if it is a good place! The free weights, are just a dumbell set we bought at Big 5. But I feel it when we up weight or add reps---my muscles react!!! You could also always walk for the extra time. My Dr, said that was the best thing anyone could do for themselves! Kat

Terry---to come back the SA way is going to give me a 3 hour layover in Denver. I think I willjust book the straight shot flights we talked about. Yep you heard me!! TALKED!! I called to discuss times!! This flight will have me landing in Houston Friday @10:51 AM and then leaving out of Houston on Monday the 19th @ 5:40 PM. Is that acceptable??? It would be an easy flight, Albuquerque airport is not too bad, and it would be a non stop flight, less than 3 hours in the air. Well, I am off to the elliptic"hell".....time for me to move some....maybe I can wake myself up!!! Kat

Terry put Jane and I in the Judges Chambers, and that adds a shower to the mix--more showers= less lines!! The more I look out my window at the snow, the more ready I am to go NOW!!!! Ya know---I just need something to distract me. Tracy has a wedding---can't do that, already have a husband....Michelle is going to WDW---now there is an idea!!! But with our retirement in a nose dive if I went to WDW I could not afford to go to SA/Gruene. Dangit, guess I'll have to do without a distraction!!! OK---off to compare some flight info. Be back when I see what is out there for me! Kat

Hi girls~ Remember I spent 2 hours breaking ice yesterday? Woke up this morning to another 3 inches of snow, and it is still coming down...I am with Hayde--------I WANT SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!! I am out of clothes to pick from in my own closet as far as smaller sizes go. Of course right now it does not matter I am seriously stuck sitting here, I have not lost good in months. My Dr. told me I wouldn't when he found the problem, he explained all the mysterious ways a thyroid works, and metabolism is the biggest of them. I have no natural hormone to trigger my metabolism. My blood work supported that---so I am now back on low dose hormone replacement for it. He said we will take 3-6 months to work back to a therapuetic level of hormone. I don't know if I can do another surgery until it is level or not without totally disrupting my system. I really would like to see about having my TT or at the very least a pannectomy or whatever where they just remove the skin--I seriously look deformed. I tried on swimming suits---mistake, big huge mistake! To get a standard leg---I have no butt left, and my thighs are not pretty, but also not huge, so instead, my belly skin holds the leg opening----open!!! The skin tries to go down through it. Totally gross I know---sorry, just emphasizing, this is not a look in the mirror and feeling bummed day--it is seriously deforming! I have to wear the boy cut to keep it closed...and then I have this huge bubble of skin and residual fat---that the Dr, said is unlikely to diet off, since it is not muscle supported, and the muscle is what burns that off. So fine already--CUT IT OFF! Oh well----one of these days it will be gone, and I will be thrilled! My DD just called, her BF took her and my friend Becky to work, in his big truck, 4WD, dually- and big enough to handle anyone who got stupid and ended up hitting them. They got there, and now the road between us has been closed..... Terry, the judges chambers are fine by me---if you think it is a better choice, then secure it! I will be ready when you need it to send off the $$$. I will put this in the right thread too---just doubling the odds of you catching it quickly! Rick told me the other night of a big NSV I have---that I had not taken the time or realized til then. He said he thought I had quit moving at night! But realized I was rolling over without him even knowing it. Rolling over used to take lifting and shifting, and then moving back to where I wanted to be--it was not something I noticed, but it apparently jiggled the bed pretty good!!! When he said that, I noticed he is right, now I just flip and it is done!!! I want new clothes NSV's tho------and all the clothes they are putting out I want are summer clothes and it is up to about 6 inches out there now!!!! Well....time to go get something else to drink--and find something to eat----my stomach feels really acidy. Tracy Monday sounds like the best plan to me for you and Macy both--feel better soon! BBL~~ Kat

Oh Terry I have no issue with the talking and driving, I just had a brain fart and could not remember what you said as far as distance! No biggie! Kat

I think by replying you automatically are subscribed.....where you get email alert from the first new post after visiting. Jane, Terry has a question about which room we want. The original or the newest one she found out about, which is not by the tavern. Go have a look at the Judges Chambers (a totally cool old building~) and see which we want. It has 2 bedrooms separated, both with beds, and has both a tub and a shower. Not sure what the bathroom has in the original room, the other only had a tub---no shower. I am fine with the one with the sofa bed if you prefer it. Like I told her I am going to meet all of you, not sleep!! Just got the house cleared of people, had a good time, now I am ready for bed, I did not sleep well last night. Will talk to all of you girlies tomorrow!!! Hugs~~ Kat

Family due any time....I went over to check my mail, it says my hotmail account is unavailable at this time.....but I am already logged on here, so plan on leaving this window open just in case!!! Will check in before bed. Everyone behave--or be ready to tell about it! Kat

Remind me again---how long is the drive between the 2? I slept since you told us on the other thread!!! Kat

At the lap band seminar I attended prior to surgery he mentioned this. Stated that the nerve (s) ending sat at the top of the stomach, which is why we only ever felt full after totally gorging ourselves, and why the old diet guideline of drinking a large glass of Water before we eat, did help to a certain extent, it allowed our food to get to the top of our stomach without eating so much. He did say that occasionally the mere placement of the band caused enough pressure on the nerve to eliminate the hunger signal. These are the patients we all hear about that have never required a fill. Even then one must be able to tell the difference and deal with the difference between actual hunger and head hunger....as this nerve does nothing for the head hunger. However, for almost all patients, will require fills, which will hold food in our pouch and reach those nerves quickly. And the more efficient our band is working, allowing the food to process very slowly, it will keep us with that sated feeling for longer periods of time than pre band. I found that amazing information back then, and have seen articles supporting it, I never ever thought though to link them! He also told us interesting facts concerning the Gruehlin production, being eliminated, or reduced, and how it affects diabetes, that there were studies being conducted world wide, in conjunction with WLS---and those studies just come out in the last few days!! One of the biggest pushes to banding vs. bypass is all this study---and we are free to pursue any future methods of weight control they discover!! Kat

Sounds to me as though you have some serious issues with first bite syndrome. I would try this....and if it doesn't help it sounds like it is time to sit down with the Dr. to develop a plan before you have problems. I would do the hot drink. Have a couple of drinks of HOT tea, coffee, water, whatever. Then a very eensy weensy small bite of food--a hard protein of some sort. Then give it a few minutes. Not 30 seconds---2 or 3 minutes. That is a lot longer than it sounds like when you are waiting to eat! Then try another bite. Keeping those bites really small! After getting 8-10 bites in. Quit for awhile. See how long those bited hold you over. If it is less than an hour or 2, then the next time, keep eating another half dozen bites or so. Remember to keep them very small, well chewed, and spaced apart so that you do not ever bombard your stomach (pouch) with a large amount of food. Sometimes when you do, it tends to cramp up the esophagus, and causes a spasm, which leads to the wonderful PB because it perceives you as too full. Because when it spasms it pushes the food right into your gag reflex. Keep in mind if you are hungry again in 2 hours, we all have cupboards, and fridges full of food----this is not an all or nothing game! I understand that once you train your stomach to accepting food sitting on top of the band, this issue usually resolves itself. It is not uncommon! Hot drink, tiny bites, well chewed, and spaced minutes apart. Quitting before any sign of fullness. That was the suggestions given by the surgeon to my SIL. Hope you get relief soon! Kat

Suzanne---we are drugging Jen, and Laura to get them to fly----c'mon!!! Believe me, I am going to have so many people laughing at me in a swimming suit, you have no chance of scaring any of them!!!! Would LOVE for you to join us in the fun!!! While I would love to do as you ask and think of you while floating---I think I will be concentrating on staying right side up!!! Keep thinking about it..... Kat

Suzanne do NOT feel like the Lone Ranger, my weight is stalled too!!! I am going to be taking more thyroid hormone, hoping that jogs something. I am SOOOOO glad to see you back! Hang in there, talk about having a full plate, for someone who can't eat much!!!! Your sisters are lucky to have you!! Take care of you, I have to run now to get things done, will check up on you later!! Hugs~~ Kat

On her Dads side, my DD was one of 4 kids born within a few months of one another---------3 of his sisters and I all had kids within a few months. One of his sisters did that for Christmas for all of them. Laminated posterboard books with pics of them and them with us, and grandparents, and animals and toys, and in the bath. It had a little story....Manda still has hers! She made a similar one for Kinsey last year---her first year she was only days old! But doing that is what made her think of "her" book. So she ask me about it, and being a Mom, I of course saved it, so I produced it, and she and her then DH took it, and finessed it, and Kinsey also has it in it's state as done by her Mom and Dad. When Abbey was in grade school during one of the sales they had, they sold these fill in books for the grandparents to tell kids about their lives. We bought them and give them to all the grandparents---which was not a cheap endeavor, with the blended family, and great grandma's. The ONLY one to fill it out was my Maternal Grandma---and she did it in detail told stories, added sheets of paper---I have the book stored away in my hope chest, will pass it on eventually----they just are not ready to properly care for it yet!!! And Abbey's gma. on her Moms side, actually filled it out, and give it to her Mom....we paid for it, and was our idea, yet Mom got it! Go figure! Off to finish up for the party....that is not really a party!! Hugs~~ Kat

Laura-----if you can get there girl, I could help get ya home!!! Yep this is gonna be fun!!! Kat

Someone refresh my memory----where are Cindy and Suzanne? Well I got 2 gates broke free, and developed a blister from the bar I was using to pound it, so I quit. The mud was so bad, I actually made the choice not to go ride. I find that so hard to believe!!! But I have Kinsey, and cleaning hooves and all after was just more than I cared to undertake today! Especially since I do need to get things chopped and made for dinner tonight. I have his gift still needing to be wrapped----all kinds of things, so what do I do? I come in here and sat down at the computer!!! Luckily it is right in the big fat middle of everything so I can pop in an out, as I do other things! Judy that is hilarious!!! I know I heard secrets from families who would die if they knew what I know about them!!! OMG! Change in subject----I just saw something move outside the front door. We have this post across the 2 porch posts with an old wagon wheel (actually off of Ricks great uncles wagon) on it. I looked up, and there was a red tailed hawk on the post! I walked over towards the window, to look closer, and he had a mouse! Had it in one of his talons, tearing it to bits! I actually have mouse bits on my porch----omg! Oh yuck! He flew off without cleaning up his mess! GROSS! This post is 3 feet from my open front door--well the wood door is open, the storm door is closed. Wow! Sorry for the change of thought, I was freaking out! Anyway----kids! I love it, she is getting a pony....so is Mom!!! I had one little boy tell me his Dad took his hair off at night. So of course I looked closer, and I'll be danged he did wear a rug----still does, and a high dollar one I would bet, I would never have known!! Lots of fun stories about kids!!! Speaking of stories and kids. Manda won a contest when she was in like 5th grade, she wrote a kids book. Through the years she has messed with the book....and she finished tweaking it last summer, and submitted it, and they are sending her a contract to look over! She may get it published! It has changed minorly, and the illustrations are much better now....that has been the biggest deal recently. Her Ex husband at one time had helped her illustrate it, so she had opted to start over, and had my other DD help her with the illustrations. She did say the woman told her they wanted to increase the visuals in the book. I will tell you about the book when I see you or in email, as opposed to putting it out there before it gets published----ya know?? But I thought it was pretty cool! Long time coming since 5th grade~! Ok, off to chop onions, and junk!!! TTYL~~ Kat

Well in my opinion you did one of the best things you could do-----you acknowldeged that there are problems, and you told someone about it, and ask for guidance. By coming here, or talking with a friend, anything--it helps you to let go of it a bit. We may not have all the answers a counselor might, but we are a LOT cheaper!! I have no idea if any of this will be anything that is pertinant to your situation---but will hope maybe! First of all---do you work during the day? You say you are an actress at night. Many employers have an EAP--Employee Assitance Program----which allows you to see a counselor at no co pay or a much lower co pay than the standard mental health deductions. You might check to see if that is available to you or not. $2000.00 seems outreageous! Especially with insurance. Now, as for the acting, and continuing to get the lesser roles, as opposed to the leads you desire. Is this a usual troupe you are acting with an auditioning with? If so, they may just continue to see you in a supporting role, simply because that is where you have been in the past. Maybe try moving around a bit, broadening your horizons. Weight can assist you in some roles----albeit not a lot of them, but look at the hairspray girl! You do not say anywhere how much more weight you need to lose. 85 pounds is an awesome acheivement! The first part definitely comes off easier than the last part!!! Your body requires less, so you have to do more to move it off----I am learning that more and more each day!! As for the guy----If I could explain why he acted the way he did--which was not awful, just confusing, or if I could tell you what he was thinking. Girl I would be one rich woman, making my talk show rounds!!! No one can explain men!!! Any better than one of them can explain all of us! Hell half the time I don't know why I act the way I do, let alone someone else!!! To say nothing has changed is so so wrong!! Things have changed!! Your health has to have drastically improved with the loss of 85 pounds. Do you remember 85 pounds ago---pre band, did you ever hold any hope at losing that much weight and keeping it off??? It is a huge accomplishment! One that many people out there who want the band sooooo badly still only hope for. The biggie with me was maintenance---and like you I have not lost much in awhile, but I have maintained my loss--------and feel so proud of that! I know now when I get it in me to lose the last of this, I can maintain that loss too! Learning how to cope without having food to fall back on is a major issue most of us have. Some have turned to shopping, gambling....etc. Trading one addiction for another! Some trade it for a healthy addiction such as exercise. Whatever you have turned to----your acting perhaps has worked for you! You are not regaining all your lost weight. Blaming all of lifes shortcomings simply on your weight was easier than thinking something else may be standing in your way. I have no idea why things seem to be more difficult at this point in your life other than we all go through highs and lows, and maybe this is your low. But possibly you need to sit back, and take a revised inventory of yourself, and see if there is something that is holding you back. Are you prompt----showing up on time every time, so they view you as able for the leads for instance? Are you allowing the uncertaintly and insecurities to show through perhaps, and they see you as sad---and do not want to add more pressure to you at this time? And finally, maybe it is not YOU. Are they all married sorts with kids, and you a single? Are they all in school while you work or visa versa? Just look around, the issue might be the other person---not always you! Unloading these thoughts and discussing them can do wonders! If it helps you---log in and tell us----we can try to help! We all go through difficult times, and sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel seems especially dim, if not extinguished, but luckily right around the corner it can be right there again! Are you doing any exercise? The exercise is great for helping with weight loss, but it is also a wonderful way to release the feel good endorphins. Might try that as a begining step----add an exercise class of some sorts to your evening acting time--it will put you in touch with a whole new group of people, and be good for you and your health as well. Take care and hang in there, many of us can relate to what you bring up! Kat

The nerves that send the signal of fullness to the brain, are located at the top of the stomach. Which is why pre band, we had to eat a HUGE amount of food to feel totally FULL! Remember the diet advice to drink a large glass of Water just before eating---it was so your food come up high enough to trigger that nerve! According to the surgeon, there are times, that just the simple placement of the band comes into enough contact with those nerves, applying pressure in the way the band is wrapped around the stomach, that it signals the brain it is full at all times, therefore you feel no hunger. Mine personally is not in that much contact, but I fully believe it has put distinct pressure on it, as I have not felt actual hunger since my second fill which was 18 months ago! If you reach a proper fill level---not too tight, and yet restricted, you can eat good Protein, hard protein, that will stay with you, slowly working through your pouch without being stuck for hours---thereby keeping in contact with those nerves. The best way my surgeon feels to acheive that perfect spot is with slow small fills, and faithfully following the bandster rules. Being too tight, or failing to eat properly causing multiple PB's causes swelling, which leads to unfills-----and makes it very difficult to get to the sweet spot. It is a team effort with your Dr. I do not starve. I do not vomit. I have had 3 true PB's ---I have made many mistakes eating, but have avoided the actual losing of it all but those 3 times. I am not dieting. I eat the same things my family eats. In a smaller portion. I do eat more than 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food. I don't measure, but know it is more than that! I make most of my meal from the protein source, then vegetables, and finally a few bites of a starchy side if we have it. Where as before, I would for instance eat the entire baked potato---loaded....now I can only fit a bite or 2 of it in, so I seldom bother. If we are celebrating a birthday, I eat a small piece of cake, but no longer even want to eat half of it. In my own case it was SO worth it! I have my life back, I am in control of my own hunger again! I would do it again in a heartbeat! Anytime you go through these forums, you have to keep in mind that while there are what seems to be a huge amount of people with issues, there is a reason! The ones without issues are not begining new threads everyday stating that they are having another problem free day! Those of us not starving are not opening our posts with the statement....Not hungry again today.... When you do have a problem you come to find help. One of the biggest advantages to the band is if you do have problems, there are ways to fix it, or work with it. Nothing has been re rerouted, and everything is in there! But the over all complication rates are very low. Most who have the surgery and go on, simply never are here. Of the 5 people I know personally in my area who are banded, none of them have problems....and none of them are here posting everyday either! It is something very worth it, if you are willing to do what it takes to work with the band and your Dr, to make it worthwhile. I would do it again in a heartbeat! Kat

Oh some of the people I would love to send a Valentines Day card to with some of these sentiments inside makes me giggle!!! Thanks Pamela! Kat

Take very precise pre op measurements and pictures. Take your pictures in front of a blank wall or door, from all angles. There will be time in your band journey you will feel like you are stalled and making no progress. Being able to physically measure and see a difference, and looking at pictures will make a huge impact! And allow you to see what you have accomplished. Have some liquid Tylenol or such on hand, as well as Gas X strips. Some liquid (clear as well as shakes) Protein on hand. When I found myself getting fatigued easily it made a huge difference! Have some comfy clothes, including a comfortable non wired bra on hand....elastic waisted pants, slip on shoes, but shoes with some tread, that you will not slip in, because you will want to walk as much as you can. Maybe some movies or books---or the computer to keep you occupied while you recover. In regards to mindyemt's post above, the post op diet is not fun---and often times leads to some pretty serious diarrhea, the old liquid in = liquid out thing. So you might want to get a tub of Tucks, or the store equivalent (I know Walmart has the Equate ones) to have on hand, for that wonderful stage!!! Other than that, just have a stock of broth, and Jello, things so you do not have to go out to the store unless you just want to. I did, I go stir crazy quite quickly, and felt able to shop within a few days---but it was nice knowing I did not have to leave if I opted not to! Take care, work your pre op---and we will see you in band land in a couple of weeks!!! Kat