Kat817

In my opinion the whole issue of vets and newbies, is a moot point. I know some of the newer bandsters, have benefit of things their Dr.'s have learned over the last 2 years to share with us who have been banded longer. And we have experience to share with them. It is not a one way street, there is room for all. Much of the issue comes about in the way things are said---and everyone needs to seriously understand that saying something to someone face to face and trying to communicate that via typing, can sometimes come off as rude, or mean. It is hard to make a point without lots of !!!!! or capitalizing----and it is not always meant like we are yelling! Myself----when things get nasty, and names start up---I feel like support is gone---so therefore so am I! A good debate--I love, when ideas are exchanged, and when someone elses differing opinion makes me think my own stance through--I find that exhillerating! But the barrage of put downs, and defending others, rather than allowing them to do so themselves, feels like I am back in junior high and I'd rather find another thread to involove myself in at that point. I don't allow food at my computer either----only my bottle of Water (or tea today)----so it keeps me from snacking too!!! Sold my business several years ago, and now have more time than ever before free!!! I am not young....I have been banded for over a year, and here longer than that....I have lots of posts.....but I still don't think I am a vet----heck all my animals have died! Kat

My inlaws are on a farm, and the road in the front of the property is well traveled. Kids used to go by and swing a bat at all the mailboxes and destroy many at a time. My DH and my BIL replaced it several times--then got creative. They took a large steel pipe, buried it in the ground, added cement, both in and around the pipe. Then they created a mailbox from another section of the pipe. Using a torch, they cut and hinged the door....and it has been standing for almost 15 years! When the neighbors moved in, they created a similar one, after replacing theirs a few times! The newest one is my sons, and it is done to match his home---on the same road. He bought the cardboard tube used to make cement pillars, he poured the cement, and then bricked it to match, leaving a space for his mailbox. Like he staked the outside edge of all the brick, but left the center open, and that is where his box is. He put reflective numbers on the brick so emergency personel could find them easier if need be. If a vehicle hits any one of them it will not leave unscathed!!! They are however easily reached by the mail truck, and within their guidelines, for size and accessibility. I know how it is, and I sympathize with you----they do it to us, by sliding off and through our fence--right into the pasture, oftentimes will cows in the pasture and they drive off, leaving my cows to get on the road. Then it costs me to either fix it, or if we find out who did it, making them fix it by taking my time to take them to court---which I have done, and would do again----people need to be responsible when they screw up!! Rant on----it is completely understandable! Kat

Ladies and Gentlemen (yeah right!)--------Christmas has left the building!!!! It is all down, and I even cleaned up in the garage, so could not stand it, and carried it all to the shed, I just need Rick to lift the tree up on top of all the totes. Now I need to dust and vaccuum, and the house is 'normal' once again. Think I will clean the woodstove out before I do that, it makes ash go everywhere, so dusting is a waste of time otherwise....Thank you to the inventor of Swiffer thingies---with all the ash, they save me hours of work!!! Off to get finished I think----after I eat. 3rd full glass of tea sitting in front of me. I come in thirsty between loads to the shed, and just grabbed a cup out of the cupboard, and drank it full of water twice, but have no idea how much I have drank today---but it IS more than normal for me of late! TTYL Kat

Big D---I found getting in and out of bed the hardest part--and like you I felt I might be putting too much stress on my newly placed stitches. Someone here at LBT come to my rescue!!! The advice given to me was to place a dining chair next to the bed----you can use it to help leverage yourself up and down--it worked wonders! As for the not needing fiber----that is totally normal!!! It is known around here as the "Liquid in = Liquid out" phase! It will ease as you begin to add food into your diet. I found broth was making mine worse, so when I eased off of it, and replaced it, it helped some. Good Luck on all the recent surgeries---you soon will be the seasoned bandsters helping out around here!!! Welcome to LBT! Kat

Good morning girls! ***Daily Tip*** Your body burns more efficiently if properly oxygenated---so several times a day, just slow down and take 5-10 very deep breaths---if you are outside breathing FRESH air, it is all the better. Courtesy of Prevention magazine! I too am pounding the tea & water this morning already. It might just be residual dehydration from drinking---but I got up and drank to glasses of water before 6 this morning!!! Then began with the tea as I "de-Christmas-ed" my house! I got the tree down, and most of the decorations down and back in the boxes, and even most of my usual stuff back in place. I have a big antique trunk I need to bring backin, and then haul everything to the shed. BUT that is waiting til tomorrow when Rick is home to help...aka...do it for me!!! A little more work, and my house will be back to normal....seems a little blah and boring now! I have a pork loin I am cooking for dinner, and I was deciding what to cook with it---thinking a cooked veggie, and a salad--no carbs! It is harder to plan a meal without the staple side dishes of potatoes, or pasta. I have some left overs, but nothing I want!!! TracyK did you get all moved in? Do you like the new place? All together now, tell me how stupid I am!!! I brought all of our NYE things home, and Kinsey has mastered all the noisemakers!!! She looked at the hat they gave Rick very skeptically and she stated "My Papa not wear this, it looks silly!" She was right! Papa did not wear it! They gave the men these dunce style party hats---women got crowns, she is wearing mine!!! I tried to get him to sit it on his hat--nope! I told her nope, Papa wore his cowboy hat....she tells me she likes Papa being a cowboy---she IS her Grannies girl!!! Jenn--is your man friend going to be able to maintain a friendship with you since he "laid it on the line"? How about his gf? I saw a guy out the other night...he is the younger brother of a man I dated for quite awhile. There were 5 brothers, and every last one of them was HOT! This one, Paul, was married last I knew for many years to the same woman, she is a bank manager. Well he was with this girl---she was in her early 20's I'd guess. She was wearing a skirt, that from waist to hem was maybe a foot long, barely covered her, then she had on sandals and socks. Her shoes had platform bases about 3 inches tall, and her socks come up above her knees, and were black as was the skirt and the sock in big block letters all over them they said BITCH. Her shirt was very normal, a scoop necked black T. Before the couple took the place back over it had at one time been a strip club, I think she worked there!! She danced the part! They were with about 5 other girls all dressed similarly. At different times he danced with them all, but he was with her, they made out all over the place! He strutted around behind her, and was just as obnoxious acting as she was. He was dressed up, but he had the attitude of a pimp! He was so different! I am not simply judging her on her lack of clothing taste, but if she bumped you on the dance floor or between tables, she acted like you were an idiot, she was rude to the bartender. No class. He acted like he was God's gift to women. He had his shoulders pushed back, and hips out---I could not believe it was Paul--but it was, he recognized me, and stopped and ask how I was etc. Rick and our friends give me grief all night about sitting at thier table with all the hoochie girls! My old boyfriend who I had not seen when I was at my biggest, that told me I hadn't changed, this was his brother---he said the same thing, I had to laugh!!! I can't help but wonder what happened. Going to ask a few questions! Well the rest of this Christmas stuff is not going to take itself down---so I better get with it! Talk to y'all in awhile! Kat

Without a doubt, if you choose to go to a Dr. outside the US, make your arrangements ahead of time. Not all surgeons in Mexico are out to screw you over, same as not all in the US are upstanding! So with that in mind, plan accordingly. My Mexican surgeon insisted before he banded me that I have follow up care closer to me. He helped me arrange that with the surgeon I would have used had insurance come through---he has done my fills without issue of my being banded in Mexico. Many will simply because that is where they were proctored in the procedure. Where I live there is no close Dr. dealing with bands, so even the one I found and use is over 6 hours away one way. So my surgeon also ask me to contact my local ER and find out about emergency unfills. They would not even talk to me, they did not refuse, they just blanket stated they could handle it. Well I knew from this board that is not always true. So I contacted my former oncologist, and they are adept at accessing ports, and he agreed to both speak with my surgeon in Mexico and provide an emergency unfill should I ever need it. Taking off blindly to have surgery with no details for aftercare is not something anyone should do....but it can be dealt with responsibly. One of my surgeons things he does is the morning you leave the hospital, you have a swallow test done under fluoro, so you get to see your band in place and working---and he gives you a copy of those X rays---for you to have if you go to another Dr. Some surgeons or Dr.s will see no one other than patients they have done. That includes patients banded in the US that have moved. So you do need to do some prep work before hand. My mantra to my kids was always to be proactive rather than reactive----it fits here too! Kat

Hey girls----Happy 2008 to you all! We had a blast! Saw lots of old friends, and danced the night away! Rick is sometimes a bit iffy about dancing, but he told me "I thought this is what you wanted to do" and we danced all night. Sometimes I forget how much I love snuggling close to him and looking into his eyes! I too had a bit too much to drink----enough that the bright white of the monitor kept me away from the computer all day!!! And my grandson come over today, and threw a wall eyed fit, and ended up making himself throw up----that almost had me joining him!!! Now I feel pretty good, but it is going to be an early night, we were up til early morning! All day long though, we look at each other and say what a good time we had! Sorry Denise and Laura--hate that you are sick!!! Sounds to me like a virus Denise...I have never heard of the band causing bowel issues once the liquid in - liquid out phase. Michelle you looked beautiful! Well you always do, but you glowed, as you should have with limo's and ball gowns!!! Me I wore jeans!!! Tight jeans! Jeans that felt like I looked good in them! And a silky black/white/gold print top, with a black lace border, and a deep V neck, and black boots. I have to say it was a night of NSV's. I saw people I hadn't seen in awhile, the compliments were ego boosting for sure! But the biggest thing I noticed, was dancing with Rick, he would rub his hand up my back, and I didn't flinch thinking he was feeling the fat rolls. Instead I felt sleek in the top! And he would wrap his arms around me for a kiss following the dance, and I felt like I fit in there---custom made---didn't feel like he was stretching to get his arms around me anymore. I was not worried about being the biggest woman there, I was not worried about people looking at me when we went out onto the dance floor! A few times we were even the first ones out there! My friends it was an eye opening, heart opening night. I celebrated my smaller fanny off!! 2 years ago, I could not ever conceive the thought of feeling normal, and sexy again in this manner. I love my Billy Bandass Band!!!!!!!!!! Pamela--glad your dinner ended up being worth it! I would have been shocked too! Sounds like you danced for your exercise yesterday too!!! I will be glad to do the daily tip---when it is my turn don't forget to remind me! LOL I agree, that they not only need to be about diet per se, but to be about bettering our lives,and our health. Isn't someone going to monitor our Water too??? I did lots of tea today--rehydrating!!! My first one reactivated my whiskey though!! Oh my......lol! Well I am off to a bubble bath once I check off my email. Will be back to see all of you in the morning! 2008--let's make it great!! Kat

Angleface, welcome to LBT--there is a search tab at the top of the page, it allows you to type in key words, and either search threads or posts.... TownDrunk (the name makes me LOL) Once you go advanced with the quote you can delete the unrelated parts, and leave the part you want quoted as well as the OP's name. Thats what I do, I am usually only responding to one section of a post. And finally Mollybrown....I don't know where you mean, the date is in the tan/orange section above each post. Is there another place? I love some of the new thread ideas! I can see where they would benefit several groups of people. I still miss having the new posts on the top of the main page---I met a lot of people that way, in threads I normally would not have responded to. And the calendar may have been eliminated in the last redo----after Alexandra responded. Happy New Year!!! Kat

I deleted the duplicate Cindy---at least that can be dealt with, losing them makes me wanna scream bad words!!! All my stuff is delivered to Mom, now I gotta work on me!!! If I don't make it back---I'll see y'all here next year!!! Kat

My insurance at the time had a 12 month documented, medically supervised, nutritionist supported weight loss effort clause. Among others. I fulfilled all of the others, had the sleep study, the psych evaluation, the cardiologist approval, and was 10 1/2 months into the 12 months--was seeing my Dr. twice a month---once as a nutrition consult and once as a medical consult. This alone was a battle with the insurance, but I am in a rural area, and there are no nutritionists! So 10 1/2 months into it, ironically on my way home from a Dr.s appointment, I was in a car accident. I was taken to the hospital, because where the car slammed into me, it pinned my knee between the dash and the door. I ended up having surgery on my knee. I missed (although I DID call) my nutrition appt. When I made it back for my medical appointment, his office manager, (also his wife) informed me I would have to begin over again, that insurance requires it to be consecutive, and my missing my appointment nullified it! I was furious!!! I appealled it. Was denied. Appealled it again, and about this time was figuring out the Dr.'s office is the enemy! They were the ones reporting to insurance, they just wanted to continue to get the huge payoffs for another year as well as my bi monthly co pay! I changed Dr.'s the day I realized that. Did me no good with insurance, they insistes they would pay when I had abided by the requirements. However it would be 2 years before they would pay for another sleep study, or psych eval, and 5 for another colonoscopy---without a purposeful referral (?)---so all of that would have to be redone, it has to be within 6 months of surgery---out of my pocket! Another year---I was devastated! Then come a phone call---the insurance of the woman who hit me, wanted to settle! I expected them to pay my bills, I had no idea I would get $$$----but I did! I have been told I settled to quickly, but I saw my band---I took that cash and ran to Mexico!!! Never looked back, never regretted my decision. It has been over a year and a half, I am closing in on goal---and to think I would have just been getting started! And with the year we had (DH had heart surgery etc) I may not have been able to meet the consecutive clause again! Glad it worked out for me, and hoping it does for you too!!!! Here's to a successful banding in 2008!! Kat

Wow Elaine, I am so glad you are ok after all that! I think you are 100% right! Things happen in every kind of surgery around, as has been pointed out! My DD just had her wisdom teeth removed, and one of the sockets became infected, they made her go to the hospital for IV antibiotics every day! They said the infection can move to the brain very quickly, and one of the nurses told her that was how Cleopatra died!!! Not sure of the validity to that, but she indicated it was a scary infection to have, could be deadly! Once again, glad you are ok, looks like you are kickin' butt now that you are healed!! Kat

WTH---everytime I turn around I either lose the post or it posts twice----is it me, my computer or the site??? Kat

Awww poor you Laura! Sorry you are getting sick, I wondered last night if I was, my throat hurt in a wierd area---but today it is fine....as I knock on my wooden desk!!! I built way too big of a fire I am roasting alive in here! But Kinsey is running around in a Princess dress---a ballerina dress--so I amped up the fire---whoo!!! I found DH this shirt---it is a simple thermal top, the waffle weave type---but it is done in the black and red plaid like a flannel shirt! It is made by Modern Culture, has their little loop thing on the shirt tail. It is in a henley style. I loved it---so much that I wore it today--and it is soooo big! But I had 3 people tell me today how cute it is and ask where I found it! Thinking after drying it, it might not fit him anymore---doggone it! Sitting here wasting time while making some Chex mix for my parents party tonight, I already made her some cheese balls, and loaded up all the candy I need to get out of the house!! Feed it to the people there! I made 3 huge batches of Poppycock for her this morning, so now I am relaxing! Just talked to Brittany, she is our chauffeur (sp?) tonight! Rick thought it would be nice to go buy them a gift card for dinner--they can drop us off, have dinner, and hang out then come for us when we call!!! Getting old has its perks! I know I need to get pictures done, but just before we were going to go do it, the stupid place Rick works, made him shave---and I like his little beard thingie....so I put it off, and we never ended up doing it. They make them shave twice a year for mask fitting, in case there is a leak and they have to mask up----it has been forever since he even went on a job---let alone a specialty pump job---but he follows the rules...he is not much of a rebel anymore---like I said getting old does have its perks!! Jenn--thanks for the reminder, I need to sit down and write out a couple of bills myself, and go and pick up Ricks Rx. Get myself in gear for the new year. I do not have to do the family thing for New Years dinner though! Rick's folks are both down with colds, and his sister amazingly has not called---she likely knows she ticked me off!!! I will not go if she did try to make plans---I told Rick, I am done, I have a family we have 3 kids---with kids of their own, and our parents will always be invited, but the huge gathering--is a thing of the past. New resolution---be tough!!! My day tomorrow is going to be spent with kids coming and going, going to watch the Rose parade, and then Becky & Gary are going to come over, we will probably play some dominoes or cards or something....then Rick works on Wed. I am going to bust my hiney to get Christmas down and back in the totes, so when he goes on days off on Thursday, we can put it in the shed, and be done with Christmas '07! Well time to stir again--so will check on you girlies in awhile! Kat

Betty if I was close, I'd come pick you up and we would shop til we dropped!! Think DH was protecting his pocket book, and sabotaged the van???!!! J/K! We are actually going out tonight, the first NYE in well over a decade!! Many, many years ago, we frequented this country bar called the Country Palace. The couple who owned it, were Nashville transplants, and they ran a nice place to go dance and drink, but not to excess. They brought in name acts, and had friendships that made in not very uncommon to be sitting listening to the house band, and hear a commotion, and it be some big name (of that time period!) come in, they would sing a set and leave! We saw Charlie Daniels, Cher, Moe Bandy, Tanya Tucker, and Merle Haggard all that way, and we didn't go all that often!! Well the wife, got some sort of lung disease, so they sold out the business, and it went to hell after that! She used to do a Cher imitation that was on the money!!! Cher actually come to several of her shows when she did them! Anyway... the bar was everything from a strip club to a furniture store! New Mexico passed a law making it illegal to smoke in any establishment, so that combined with a double lung transplant----they are having a reunion celebration tonight! All the old house band, and special singers they used to bring in...will all be there. It was reservations only, and sold out within the first day! So Becky, Gary, Rick and I are going tonight! My Dad began years ago (close to 30) having a yearly NYE party for his employees--he has tons of food, but the special being posole--which is a Mexican type of stew made with pork and hominy. There is no alcohol anymore---since my brother began having alcohol issues, the stopped serving it. So we will all go out there, help them until about 8 and then we will go on to our party! I am actually looking forward to it! Betty-I am healing well--my throat is hypersensitive, so I am unable to wear any of my tshirts! It must be scooped or V necked, so as not to rub on it....but that is minor! We have one more round with my Dad on the 11th. He has the other carotid artery operated on---praying that he does as well with this one as he did the last. Then....I know of no other surgeries awaiting--YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had horrible roads to take him down on the other day to set this up, hoping the roads are improved for the actual surgery itself. We will go down on the 10th, and hopefully home on the 13th. Jessica have fun!! Everyone else---be careful if you go anywhere tonight...I am not thrilled with being on the road tonight. Although we were sitting in Chilis last night minding our own business--we had sat in the bar area to see the football games---and then all of a sudden these 3 big Navajos behind us jumped up from the booth and were screaming at this young man out in the restaurant part, flipping him off, and calling him a P*%$y--telling him lets go outside! This guy was with his wife, and child, a brother and his parents! He looked confused but mad as hell, doing this in the restaurant! He got up and come over to them, they were about 4 feet away-------and they were yelling that he pointed at them and made faces. He tried to tell them that no he did not, they were pointing around at the recent remodel of the restaurant, and they were cussing at him, and all the waitresses just stood by big eyed--finally some manager told them all they needed to leave! Just about the time Rick went to say something another man did--said the young guy was enjoying his family time when the drunks took over....he eventually went back to his table, and they escorted the other 3 out. I told Rick I would then be afraid to walk to my car! So----I guess we can find ourselves in bad situations anywhere anytime! Oh yeah! My oldest DD got word today she was approved for a return to education scholarship, she tested for it through her company, and they are picking up the tab, not only for tuition, but covering her books, she gets a fuel allocation, and day care compensation as well!!! Her bosses boss brought her the news today! She was actually able to pick up 3 of the classes she wanted in the upcoming Spring semester! OK, gotta get busy!! Thank you all for making it another wonderful year of friendship----great big giant (((((hugs)))) See y'all next year! Kat

Count me in Jane----I'll share any ideas I come across!! Thanks for the recipe Pamela. DH does not care for olives. He used to, then he and a friend both got sick at work on a sausage and olive pizza, and the olives were what they both burped and tasted before they got sick, so they think they were bad and that was the culprit, so he refuses to eat them anymore---so I eat both our shares!!! Well I bought new tenny shoes, we both did. For years we have both worn Avia tenny shoes. I could go in and buy them without him even there or buy mine without trying them on--we were set. For some reason we changed this time (have a feeling we will regret it, but we'll see!!!) He bought New Balance, I bought Saucony. Then I tried on no less than a dozen pairs of pants. The big patch pockets with the buttons do not work, I don't have enough butt to make them look right, looks like the pockets are half way down my legs! Ended up at JCPenney, and bought more of the Saint Johns Bay. Now I bought 2 pairs of jeans, and 2 pair of cords.....and none of them fit alike, and they are in 2 sizes!!! The cords are stretch so they are 12's and the jeans are non stretch and I bought one that fits comfortably now in a 14, then bought another in a 12, to work towards!! But they all fit different, it was very strange! Think I am pretty well set now----going out tomorrow night in black! Then wearing Camel and black for the company party. Decided the low cut top might not be appropriate for DH's work thing! I tried the outfit on tonight, and Rick told me it really looks good, shows how thin I am now-----so I kissed him! (Hard job---but had to do it!!!) I am getting a sore throat....but it is way down by my vocal chords not up by where my tonsils are....er were....mmmm both! Had them out when I was 5....right side grew back!!! Rick took me through the Fantasy of Lights one last time tonight. Took the carriage ride. Was cold, but they have big blankets---it is so much fun...I love going! We went to Chilis----sat and watched some football, and just talked, and ate chips and salsa....I need 2008 to get here so I can get on the ball!! Well I am off to bed. Kinsey is here part of the day tomorrow, Manda has to go in and close her year end books, which has to be turned in at 3 then she will be leaving to come home. I am having issues with the clementine I just ate, it is bouncing, it is not going to be easy....dammit! Laura you crack me up hon!!! You claim to be so picky---then you eat the very things most people won't go near!!! Kraut, and pickled eggs----off the wall things, you just don't do normal is the thing!!! Laughing with you---not at you!! Pics look great--you are a shrinkin'---and doing it so proportionately!! Lucky you! Talk to y'all in the mornin' Kat

Well sitting here waiting for DH--he wants to go shopping with me. Not that I don't like him going, but I feel rushed! And he only wants to go because he wants to go buy me a watch I looked at yesterday. Becky's son and his family come down from Colorado today, so she was not able to go, so I am doing as Rick ask and waiting for him. He needs tenny shoes too----that is not a problem, me trying on pants, is!!! He always says everything looks good----he is----a MAN he does not GET it!!! oh well, if it comes to it, I have things I can wear, I just wanted a new pair of black jeans....that flatter as opposed to just covering me up!!! TracyKS----looking hot in the suit girl---My top half looks ok in a suit and the back view is fine, even the legs are ok----but the belly is ungodly ugly!!! Keeps me out of the pool ugly! Is seriously messing with my own self image ugly!! Time to get it dealt with! OK, I am out of here, time to go find shoes at least!!! TTYL Kat

I like some of Kathy VanZeeland's bags....ok I like several of them!!! I have bought several through QVC, also found a couple in TJMaxx. Have enough bling to be fun, and last well.....affordable enough to change them out often. I once bought 14 bags at one time....in a leather shop in Cancun!!! I had everyone in our group stuffing purses in their luggage!! I still carry lots of them though! I keep a brown and a black wallet and checkbook setup. Identical wallets and checkbooks....then that part is a quick swap over....and then I keep a couple of small make up style bags, one for make up, the other bag holds nail clippers & file, chapstick, cologne, all the junk I carry everywhere. My only requirement is that a bag have a way for me to easy access my phone. I hate digging to the bottom of a hobo style bag to find it. Which sucks because I love the free relaxed style of a hobo..... Kat

Hi Eileen 2! Well in days of yore here on LBT there was a place on the main page, at the top, where the latest half dozen or so posts were shown. I responded to one of them and it brought me here, and everyone was soooo nice! Then I lost them! A week or so later I went into the area you access by state, and there is very, very seldom anything in New Mexico, so imagine my surprise when there were all the people I spoke with before!! Ooops clicked one too soon and was in New Jersey, not New Mexico! Beannie, one of our now too few, too far between posters, thought it was funny...and she invited me to join the group----which was fitting she was not in Jersey either!! Been with these great girls ever since, through highs and lows in both weight and life. Could not ask for better people, no matter where we all reside in real life! Glad to have you with us! Kat

Justin, I think at this point, you know the decision is ultimately yours. The question I have is concerning your health. Do you have a family history of weight related health issues? If so, the earlier you deal with it, the better off you will be. It is good that you are mentally ok with yourself at the weight you are---I was the same weight basically (289) and an inch shorter---I was not ok with it, either physically nor emotionally. But the point is, whether you accept yourself or not at this weight, the additional weight is not good for your health. It leads to many things----high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea-------many many health issues. I know you enjoy the foods you listed, most of us did, many of us still do, in moderation. If given a choice of changing things up concerning my diet, or shooting myself full of insulin every day, I would prefer the dietary changes! And if that is something in your family, the time to deal with it is now, whether that be through banding or through a serious diet attempt. Gwen (gkeyt) mentioned that to be banded and eat only the foods you listed would result in malnourishment--which is true, but it will now as well. When you are banded it is more important to eat a healthy balance, simply because you eat so much less. I did not change my diet, I eat what I did before. I have changed small things, in an effort to be more healthy, not simply for the weight loss. Are your Aunt & Uncle sugar coating it? Who knows, every single persons experience is different! My sister in law and I were banded the same day by the same Dr. For the first 9 months, I lost steadily, on 2 fills, she had numerous fills and unfills, and lost only about 25 pounds. Then about the time I slowed down to a steady, slow loss, hers kicked in, and she dropped 60 pounds in a hurry, but she also began having complications----she is now at goal, and I am slowly trudging along behind her making it to mine as well. At any point through my journey with the band, if someone were to have ask me, I would have been a band cheerleader, I love it!! It has given me a new lease on life! But there were days, weeks, my SIL said she was having hers removed, she was miserable--but now she too has hit a happy point.....it all depends on the person, and sometimes even the time of day you ask that person! The band is something that often times will work, even if you don't, especially if your weight problem centers around portion sizes. If your problem is sweets, and eating inappropriate foods--then it is going to take you working with it usually for it to maximize the possibilities. Did your pre op require a psych evaluation? Not saying you are mental--I swear!!! Just wondering if any of these feelings of not especially wanting to change at all come out in it, and what the Dr, thought. Good Luck in making the right decision for you! Just don't forget to take the overall health aspect into thought. It is not all about how we look, and even how we feel right now today---but the weight is horrible on our health, and you have a long life ahead of you--------one I personally would bet you could enjoy much more with 80 pounds gone. Just my opinion!!! I know I do... Kat

Terry--I saw the second post offering the necklace in email form--I did not see the picture. OMG it is soooo pretty! Now I know who I have to be jealous of--Pamela! I would have jumped up and arm wrestled her for it, if I could wear necklaces right now!!! It is a great piece you should be proud of it---lucky Pamela. First she gets to go to Lowes and actually have a good time, and now she gets to wear the neckace....not fair, nope not fair at all! Kat

I bet you really see an increase in weight loss!!! Good For You!! Keep up the good work! Kat

Glad to hear that about the TOM TOM--- we received it as a gift for Christmas, we are going to use in on our motorcycle, as we do a lot of touring with it...and since it is a bike, the gas tank is smaller, so we have to watch our routes, make sure we can do it! We pull a trailer sometimes and camp, so that aspect, of finding a spot, that is tent accesible is great too. I know our Garmin has been great. This one seemed to be very very similar, glad to hear good things about it too. Look out summer here we come!! Time to hit the road!! Kat

The only suggestion I have would be to be prepared. Have the Gas X on hand in case you are one to experience the residual gas. Have a good supply of liquid (clear to start) Protein...readily available at GNC or similar places. They sell test tube shots of protein that are ok on clear liquid post op diets, and they sell the Zero Carb Isopure which is high protein. Walk as much as you can, as soon as you can. Sip constantly---stay hydrated! If you use the pain meds they can cause constipation, so keeping plenty of fluids in will help counteract that. That won't be an issue for long-----it usually ends up going the other way....liquid in=liquid out. Be prepared for that too!! Doesn't last long, as your diet increases it goes away, and things go back to normal! I used a dining room chair set next to my bed, for leverage in and out, as the muscle where they stitched the port remained sore for awhile, and not stressing it helped!!! I could use the chair to help pull up and to lower myself to my bed. Many sleep in a recliner at first, but I wanted to lay down!!! Start talking now about the liquid diet you are going to try---that way no one will be surprised when your diet changes. And have a plan in place for just in case your secret gets out. If you do not want it out, do not tell anyone!! I think you will do fine, you have been through the anesthetic before, and more invasive surgeries, so this should be ok! Good Luck! Kat

That might be a good point---go and apply for federal aid-----let THEM find him and take his money!!! My DD had no medicaid, so I had not considered that angle but I know from a friend who used to receive food stamps or a card thing, and medicaid for her kids, they DID help her get things straightened out with her ex. Good point! Kat

SWEAR Shall We Exercise And Resolve....to meet goal this year??? SHOUT