Kat817

I too found what I went after for black Friday...all of it for the grandkids. Ended up with a new Ipod for myself, Rick wanted my Zune....so since we didn't happen to get one of them during the sale----we improvised!! I am learning it now! I am so bored, I am not sure why. Not bored, I feel like there is something I need to do, and sitting here is not getting it done. I don't know whether it is because I need only to buy 3 more gifts and I am done--------so I feel anxious to get them done or what....but it is driving Rick nuts, he says I keep sighing---heck who knows! Sherry so scary to hear of your son-----he sounds like Manda-she was in more than her share, and is now fine, and one of the safest drivers I know---VERY particular about her passengers! It takes her 10 minutes to put Kinsey's car seat in to her satisfaction. She insists your seat belt not only be worn of course, but will actually tell me I need to settle the belt lower or something. She will not talk on her phone, eat....nothing! She pulls over before she does anything! Possibly a bit overboard, but it comforts her, and is showing the girls good habits! Well I guess my "boredom" is over. We have to go play chimney sweep. Could we have done it when it was light and warm out? Oh hell no! Could it wait til tomorrow? Oh hell no! Could my inlaws be more irritating to me today? Oh hell no! Talk to you all soon! (((Hugs)))) Kat

IT'S SNOWING!!! I really need to go to bed! But I took such a long nap today...I am still awake! We got our things done, I need to let my DH cook more often! Dinner was great, I ate a reasonable amount I think--no issues. Have not eaten since---not even something I want to think about! After dinner, while everyone was eating pie, I leaned my head over on Rick, not because I was tired, but to rest the muscles, it still is so damn sore (? not sure if that is normal?). Next thing I know I am waking up and it is 3rd quarter and I am stretched out on the couch!! SIL and MIL had cleaned up--it truly is the season of miracles! We made our way over to Manda's--had a wonderful time with the girls. Then stopped in at my parents...made me feel bad, they were so thrilled---that we don't do it more often. Eventually made it home, and scanned the black Friday ads, made a plan for morning, and were going to call it a night. Rick emptied some ash out of the stove, and took it outside---come in, told me to get my shoes on. And we went for a walk----9:30 PM....in the first snow of the year. It was dead quiet, you could smell dinners in the houses...and dryer sheets in some! Was a wonderful day. Going to Target at 6 in the morning, then to Radio Shack. Then some basic shopping, but not just due to the specials. I need to buy a new printer, I dropped ours. It no worky now! Will check in after we return from shopping tomorrow. Time to get some sleep...or see if I can find a way to make myself tired!!! WoooHooo!! Kat

Hope everyone had a great day! With Rick's help, the things I made were not a big deal, and the day was quite pleasant....We ate, and kicked back on the sofa at my inlaws to watch the game, and next thing I knew I woke up and it was the 3rd quarter!!! I had not planned on staying that long...but I felt so much better! We left hit my DD's house, was a great time, and finished up at my folks. Now settling in, and gonna just go hit Target and Radio Shack tomorrow, but not for any HUGE deals, just finishing up some of our list. Will catch up with y'all when we get in tomorrow! Kat

And how about when you are walking along in an aisle shopping, and here comes an employee with a cart full of merchandise to stock, you better just get the hell outta their way or get run over. I open my very loud mouth when it happens!!! Walmart is the worst for that!! When I was in HS working retail at KMart, we still were told the customer is always right, get a manager!!! And to expect the customer to move for us was another big NO! Times have changed! Kat

For not cooking, my list of things I needed to bring kept growing. So far today I have made dressing (in the fridge ready to cook tomorrow), peeled my 20 lbs of potatoes soaking in cold Water on the washing machine, cleaned and prepped broccoli and cauliflower to steam tomorrow, baked a (warning food porn to follow!!!) Paula Deen Gooey Butter Toffee Cake, and 2 caramel pecan pies, and readied veggies for a relish tray. Be nice Kathy--------I am sooooo mad at some of this family! Wait---I'll come back and tell you that someone opened a can of corn and that was her contribution...meanwhile my MIL is on the phone informing me of who all else she invited.....waking me up when she called....but SHE never requires any recovery time so why the heck should I??? Arrrgghh!! Tomorrow will be a fun day though, I will ignore the ones I don't care to deal with, there will be plenty of others around to visit with! I think since I managed this today I might try the Black Friday sales, will just see how it progresses...tonight I hurt like the dickens! Rick is in his recliner behind me snoring ... LOUDLY!!! Which is fine by me, I am all for an early night!! Hope all my favorite turkeys have a wonderful Turkey day! I will be thinking of all of you when I cound my blessings to be thankful for tomorrow! Thank you for being such a wonderful part of my life, I consider myself truly lucky to be blessed with you as friends. Happy Thanksgiving! Kat

My best friend just had the first cortisone shot. She is like a new person. She has a herniation of L-4, L-5 at an S-1 station. She had surgery on the L-4 about 2 years ago, now it is the next one needing it--but the shot did wonders! She was afraid she was headed to another surgery....but the shot was great for her! Worked wonders on my FIL's knees too. If it helps it beats being fuzzy headed when you don't wanna be!! Hope your back reprieve is permanent!! Kat

I too used to love it---now I am afraid I'd black my own eyes!!! I don't think they make a strong enough sports bra!!! I actually have a tumor in my leg preventing the pounding type of jump, but have been considering the skip type as a change up....something my granddaughters and I could do together. I bet 10 will wind me as well! Kat

These things do happen.....but when you think about the sheer number of bandsters having problem free days it is less scary. We just don't all of us start threads "Another problem free day", etc. the stats really are quite low. There are things you can do to lessen the risks of slippage and erosion. Making sure your fill is not too tight, you do not allow recurrant PB's or vomitting without consulting the Dr. Dealing with issues as they arise, IF they arise, as opposed to just hoping they go away. Tubing leaks can be lessened with fluoro fills---but they can also be fixed! Having a solid support group, and numerous people to discuss things with that have done this before us, is one of the best ways I have found to deal with any of this!!! I love having LBT!!! For now, the best thread to save your sanity is the before and after pics. We all know there are possible complications, and I do not by any means intend to belittle the issues some have had or are having. But as has been pointed out, not doing something to get the weight under control has very serious issues too. When I looked at the overall health aspects, my choice was easy! Hang in there nerves are very, VERY normal!!! Welcome to LBT!! Kat

We have a treadmill (aka dreadmill) an elliptical (the elliptic-hell), a bench and 150 lbs worth of free weights, with full bar and dumbells, an exercise ball, and lots of videos. I use it all except the videos....but to be honest...the only thing I use the exercise ball for is to entertain my 2 yr old granddaughter while I exercise!!! Kat

Make sure you are getting plenty of fluids----dehydration can cause the issues mentioned. Also consider some liquid protein for the fatigue. It made all the difference in the world for me. I used Zero Carb Isopure from GNC. Taste was not something I would likely have chosen among other drinks---but---it helped SOOOOO much, I just took it like medicine, and did it! Good Luck, hope you feel better soon! Kat

Hey TracyK----OINK!!! Will be joining you in the eat fest!! I forgot all about Daughtry---as he plays in the background here. Yep when we shipwreck on that deserted island we need more than 5 CD's apiece!!! But hey I will enjoy listening to all of yours!!! Thanks Suzanne---that is so sweet, makes me feel bad that we did not think to invite you to join us sooner----you have been a great addition to our family, we are so glad to have you! HAPPY TURKEY DAY TO ALL MY FAVORITE TURKEYS!!! LOVE YOU ALL!!! Kat

ooops wrong key-------------now I'll finish!!! It made me slow down in my eating, and remember my bandster rules. But my amounts were still too big to my way of thinking, so 4 weeks later I had a second fill. With it, restriction came a calling! It has been well over a year, and I have yet to need another. We have all survived the fills---and you will too....wish there was better support to offer!!! Kat

The Dr. that does my fills explained it this way at the seminar. The nerves that signal fullness are called (don't trust my spelling--he was talking so this is how it sounded!!) Vega nerves. They sit at the upper portion of the stomach. Which is why we only felt full after big meals. And the old diet plan of drinking a large glass of water to feel full faster worked for 5 minutes or so. He said rarely but occasionally, when they place the band, it makes enough contact with those nerves to eliminate hunger. So if someone was of a type that managed to only eat when hunger called---they could do it without a fill. But most of us, even if the band were pressing tight on the nerves need the restriction due to mindless eating, and what we call head hunger. I was banded a year and a half ago, and went for my first fill at 7 weeks, with it I had minimal restriction. It

I agree, their customer service sucks!!! Have you gone online to see if they have corporate offices? If they do it might be wisest to wait until after you get them finally and file a complaint. Did you get everyone you spoke to's name? I would also send a copy of the complaint to the host for the company. If you saw an ad for them in a magazine, inform the magazine, or newspaper, or website owner.....Make some noise! My Pet Peeve this year, is not being waited on! I get in my car and drive to the store, and am standing asking a salesperson a question about an adapter at BEST BUY and they turn in the middle of answering my question and answer a phone. Spend a good 5 minutes answering someone elses questions---who had not bothered to get in their car and drive to the store---leaving me standing there. I was so pissed I told 3 different store managers, and come home and went on line and did the same!!! Good Luck to you----hope they arrive in time. Had you thought about contacting them and changing the delivery address to where you will be? Just a thought. Hope it works out! Kat

Doing any better this evening Mike? My DH had a somewhat similar sounding reaction following a GI bleed, and it was spasms of the esophagus---which could be what they mentioned with the intubation. Sorry your banding is off to such a rocky start---one thing about it, it should get better from here! Feel free to send me a PM anytime you see me online, and no one seems to be responding. Sometimes if the thread gets covered quickly by another, we all miss it. I know I spend a lot of time on here in the morning, reading up on threads I subscribe to, but would (and did!) have missed your plea for help. Anything we can do to help ease the road into bandland! Welcome to LBT! Kat

Great attitude Twiggy!! Great choice in the banding as well! Welcome to LBT--you are right it will be so worth it, and remember Thanksgiving will be here next year!! Thanks Kristen--your message made me feel great! Kat

We go every year! It is without a doubt a frame of mind! We make a party of it. Make our list--go separate ways get the biggies, then shop the other more abundant specials. I have gotten amazing buys---Last year we hit Best Buy as our main store, and we will never go to them again, it was total chaos, they attempted to organize things, which is funny in its own way! Yeah, organize bargain shoppers!! But they had aisles blocked off, and lines to get into line to get into yet another line....BUT!!! I did buy stacks of 100 DVD-R recordable discs....for $5.00 a stack of 100. I bought 5!! I still have plenty. Also got Flash drives for $5.00--great stocking stuffers. But they are going to have to settle for something less scary-we got trapped in a closed aisle---if there had been a fire, it would have been horrible! We had planned on hitting Walmart for a chance at getting the Nintendo DS Lite, for our nephews in Denver, but DH just called, and he won one at work, so no need to fight for that one....although he said he thinks it looks pink! We get our items we went after, then we hit the angel tree, each pick an angel and do the shopping for them---drop those off at the fire dept. do Breakfast....then shop some more. By afternoon, we are 98% done. Of course I am about 75% that way already! I had surgery Friday, so not sure I am up to Black Friday--makes me very sad! IF you decide to go---make the choice to have fun---if you get a good buy great, if not what have you lost, but a couple of hours of shut eye! Go with someone you love---and have fun! Kat

I put the quote up to remind me I was planning to respond to the OP!! My brain is so fuzzy--I needed it in front of me! My suggestion is this (I am doing this with my granddaughters). Buy ONE game system for all 3 kids as a group gift, make individual gifts of the games. While you are looking at age appropriate games for it for the kids, find one or two that you and DH can play along with them. Then add assorted other things that you know they want, individually, but the big $$$ item is a shared game system. I have 3 grown kids, and am proud to say (Knocking on wood like a mad woman!) they do not come to me with money woes. They own their own homes, and are financially responsible. I did not teach them $$$ lessons suddenly one Christmas---although believe me the greed monster was alive and well back in the 80's & 90's too!!! We did do our best, as I did as a single Mom for many years, to do as much as we could without putting ourselves in financial jeopardy, or going to what we considered overboard. We worked bedroom makeovers into gifts, clothes, but the best gifts we EVER gave them, we tickets, and trips, and places to go. A concert, or a magicians show, one year a hypnotist show for my son--he was 8 he still roars laughing when he tells about the woman acting like a cow. He does not remember the countless race tracks we bought nearly as fondly---I do, I remember his Dad on the floor with him. Money is fine, but as green has pointed out, it just sits there on Christmas morning, there is no interaction---no laughter. This is not Christmas oriented, but in regards to the $$$$ one of the best ways I taught my kids how far money goes was to let them be responsible for some of it. When they hit middle school/junior high. They got their own lunch money on Monday morning for the week. If they went wild on Mon. & Tue. or they lent it to a forgetful friend, come Friday, they come home hungry! It was not so long they were physically hurt---but they had to acknowledge they did it to themselves! When they began cooking they had to help purchase the ingredients---they soon saw why we had hamburger vs. shrimp 4 times a week!! Let life help you with them, don't hide how finances work. But for Christmas, I vote presents---and lots of hugs! Kat

I am no longer in mushies either...and the timing of my banding was not to where the holidays were an issue. But my SIL and I were banded together, and last year she had a fill right before Thanksgiving. This was NOT calorie concious, but it fit the mushie requirements of easy digestion following the fill. She ate a small helping of mashed potatoes, and blended some turkey, gravy and stuffing in the blender, and thinned it with broth and used it as gravy. It upped the Protein using the meat in it, and she said it tasted great. She ate part and shared part with my infant grandson at the time--they both liked it! I did the same thing with roast beef when I was on mushies. She also ate the bitsy bites of pumpkin pie with FF/SF coolwhip. Be cautious not only with the texture for mushies, but also the richness compared to what you have been eating---you don't want to upset your stomach. The best suggestion I have, is to take it V e r y slowly. A small bite here and visit, and a small bite there and visit---make sure it is settling as you go, as opposed to suddenly realizing it is not going to work. Just imagine where you will be next Thanksgiving!!! I personally would not have believed it if you had told me I'd be here!! You may not eat like you used to, but your health thanks you---and it IS worth it! Happy Thanksgiving! Kat

Good Morning girls--a late start for me, but it was a late night. I was awake until 3 this morning, so just climbed out of bed an hour ago! Terry, your necklace is gorgeous!!! I may be calling you about a custom made something, once I see how I need to measure to hide my scar. You cracked me up, yep, I had a list a mile long of things to accomplish today. I also had the same admonishons from my DH. He knows me so well, he knew I would do some of it anyway. I got up this morning, and my kitchen is spotless, the DW emptied, and stacked at hand (from deep in the depths of the pantry) were all the bowls and roasters I use! He even thought to layout 2 packages of butter to soften! He moved a barstool to the counter for me!! I have the hardest time sitting to do things like chopping though! Then he calls and asks me please to wait on some of it and let him help he likes being in the kitchen together....makes me feel like hell for planning to rush through it just to get it behind me! So going to do some things slowly today, he is supposed to get off early, and together we will finish things up. My DD is having problems still with Lindzie. She is rebelling against being kept in the house unless an adult is outside (Due to the neighbor). She does kid things, but when dozens and dozens of kid things add together, it has my DD on the edge of crazy she said. The latest was taking Kinseys new baby doll and when Manda walked in the room, unknown to Lindzie, she had the doll by the feet teasing the dogs nose with the dolls hair, until the dog latched on and shook. Totally destroyed the dolls head---she had been at it for some time. They let Kinsey "go shopping" through her dolls for a replacement, but that just made her even madder. To be quite honest with you guys here, I am tired of it, I cannot imagine how she is coping, I would have hit the road. I do know the thought is simmering, she mentioned things to our son, she is concerned he says because the guys work together. Oh well I cannot solve it worrying about it now. Denise, the heartbeat is precious! You have something special to be thankful for this year don't you!? Jenn---enjoy your dinner with your friends. So much can be done with chocolate. Of course not much that fits in with CTCD---but.....still!!! TracyK---loved the little old man story. Think how many people must be thinking that for one little stranger to actually SAY it! Congrats girlie! Pamela---I am the same way with music--I have no idea how I would choose only 5 or even 10. Think I could take my Ipod? It would take up less space and I could have thousands and thousands of songs for us on our island!!?? I know I would have to have some John (Cougar) Mellancamp....And some Dixie Chicks....and Foreigner, maybe some Fleetwood Mac, I still like the first Maroon 5, possibly some Sheryl Crow, Oh some Skynrd. Too many to think about. But yeah, I'd have some Nora Jones in there too. Back not long after her first album come out, I stumbled across her singing on some show---to be honest it seems like it was a kids show, maybe Sesame Street? I called for Rick to come see her, he really likes her music too. He said he didn't want to see her! I laughed at him, and thought WTH? He tells me that girls voice is sexy personified, I want her to look like I want her to look in my head!! I have teased him ever since, making her out to be some beast!! He has of course seen her since, but it is still fun! Last count our external hard drive where he stores the music had over 16,000 songs on it! So it is pretty easy to change up music often! But I like some songs on an album and not so much others. So I do a lot of mix & match music! Rick infuriates me with his "who is this?" game he plays when we have a shuffle going on on the bike, where I can't see. I am NOOOOOOO good at that unless it is one of MY favorites. He can do a name that tune thing with anyone---not me! Well I am off to chop some veggies. Maybe mix the dressing/stuffing so the flavors can mix for awhile. Nothing too strenuous I promise!! Oh Jane I am jealous--I need a road trip!!! BBL~~~~ Kat

I get my favorite music these days from my kids!! Rick just downloaded DD's copy of Finger Eleven on to my Ipod last night! Made me laugh when I saw it, because last week--well week before, when I was adding new music for our trip I added the new Kid Rock-and within a day or 2 Pamela mentioned it too!!! My Megan---the little (?) girl I babysit for, for so long, that thinks she lives here part time, was totally impressed back a couple of years ago, when I could sing word for word with her to Maroon 5!!! She is so easily impressed!!! We went out to dinner tonight with Becky & Gary. They come and got me, and we met Rick in town when he got off. I enjoyed it, but man was I ever glad to get home. Plus I felt conspicuous as could be, I look like someone tried to decapitate me! I tried several shirts on, but man anything at all touching it hurts, so I had to leave it open. But I found myself hunching, and hanging my head to make it less noticable. Very self concious of it. Hope that lessens as I become used to it, and the bruising eases. Jane---1/2 pound, a mere 8 ounces, and you will be half way to your goal!! Girl, go blow your nose, and remove all your jewelry, and pee, and all those other things then weigh!! Judy--the ring is very pretty! I put mine back on when I got home from the hospital, they had me so full of fluid they were tight again---I remember when lotion was a necessity to remove my rings!! It drove me crazy, now they are comfortably loose again! Suziecat---did you get your list? I PM'd it to you before getting your email. Jenn--glad your difficult funeral and all is behind you---now your family can begin to heal. Terry---for a girl on vacation you sure have not been here!!! LOL Pamela---when does MIL arrive? Did you go celebrate with your fellow teachers?? Well my time limit for sitting in this desk chair is up--lack of support for me to lean my lazy head on!! Oh yeah- I forgot to tell you guys. Manda come over the other day freaking out over her new neighbor---not sure if I told you or not--they moved in right next door to the kids about 3 months ago. He is on the Sex Offenders Registration List. He finally spoke with the neighbor on the other side, he offered to have his PO call and explain that it was a vengeful former step daughter, and he had grabbed her by the belt stopping her as she was leaving, and she claimed it caused a bruise to her private areas....yadda, yadda, yadda. My DD is beside herself. His SO offender list--lists his crime as Lewd Sexual Behavior with a minor. I thought it sounded like he may be a flasher. He claims not. The guy said the offenders new wife was in the background sobbing. Anyway---they are now thinking of putting their house on the market. Ok off to make sure all is well with LBT & then off to bed with me..... See y'all tomorrow! (((hugs))) Kat

Well Welcome to Bandland!!!! I hope we can continue to provide support and encouragement as you need it! You are off to a wonderful start---Congrats!!! Kat

LOL Suzanne! It DID feel wonderful, something I took for granted!! I had not been showerless for days since my own hysterectomy! Michelle---travel safe---awesome accomplishment it sounds like for your son!!! Kat

Awwww man Tracy that is horrible! Poor Cody---he may not be old enough (or female enough) to appreciate it, but his cyber Aunties are all right there with you guys---big hugs as you work your way through yet another tangle in life. Love to you all! Kat

I feel human!!! Washed several days dirt down the drain, and it improved my outlook immensely!!! They told me to wait til today to shower, and chance getting my neck wet--I tried to wait til Rick got home, but when my friend Becky showed up to borrow the electric roaster, I caved, made her stand by!! NO dizziness, nothing, just a wonderful refreshing shower!! Aaaahhhhhh......... Doncha just wish everyone shared their shower stories!! Kat