Kat817

I seriously doubt that you need to find a new Dr. I would be willing to bet that the receptionist, was mistaken in her numbers. As Laura stated above, many Dr.'s will not consider WLS on a patient with a BMI below 35-40, and many require co morbidities with a lower BMI. I would go to the seminar, it is after all your first chance to show this Dr., that you are interested, and willing to do what it takes to be banded. Then if need be schedule an appointment with him to discuss it one on one. It is a less risky surgery, and the results are initially slower as a general rule, but in the end, the loss is about equal. I began this with a BMI of over 42, with several co morbidities. I had no problem finding a Dr. willing to do my surgery, as I fell in the middle range of what most of them willingly operate on. I have heard that Dr.'s refuse some patients with BMI's over 50, without proven weight loss prior to surgery...but the BMI cut off of 35 is ridiculously low, I would be willing to bet money she is confused, or got her tongue twisted, or something and he does not do them on patients under 35 BMI without other issues involved. Give the Dr. a chance, go to the seminar, and I bet you come back releived!! Welcome to LBT---we look forward to hearing what you find out!!! Kat

Welcome All---Will be thinking of you as you go for surgery Monday---and hope that you have smooth, uneventful surgeries and recoveries. Be sure to check in and let us all know how it went, and to get answers to any questions you may come up with!!! Welcome! Kat

I eat them on occasion, I usually do one of the uncrustables with my granddaughter!!! I also do Peanut Butter on toast or a waffle occasionally for Breakfast. Everyone's band reacts differently! I hope since you like them so well, yours will tolerate it!!! Welcome to LBT!!! Kat

My guess would be that it is a classic case of CYA---Cover Your Ass. If he ignores someone who is losing due to malnutrition etc, and does nothing, then they may very well turn around and file suit on him. If he checks you out head to toe, and convinces himself and covers it all---then he can defend himself if ever necessary. It is a shame we have become such a litigious society....but at the same time, when they DO do something wrong, we deserve the right to make them admit it, and so forth..... Just get an "I'll show him" attitude, and go with it. You also have people like my SIL who is not truthful with our fill Dr. or the surgeon. She lies about not throwing up, she lies about what she can and cannot eat. Has gone so far now, as to have a family member unfill her at home!!! It is annoying as hell when Dr.'s do not take us at our word, and are not seeming to understand that we are just working our program, and doing our best...but some patients ruin it, or make it hard for the rest of us. I am afraid anytime you find a Dr. concerned both for his patients, and himself---you might get these actions occasionally. It is easier on him to document your progress, run some tests, etc. than to later defend himself in court. Sucks, but it is a fact of life these days. You have done an awesome job---go show him how a real bandster does it!!!! Kat

Angelica, please do not worry at all about interupting, you are welcome anytime!!! However, you might have to be a bit patient at getting one of the actual Jersey girls to answer!!! There are many more of us who chat on this thread, from other areas!!! Your post cracked me up...you are in TX with NJ form of BCBS, and I am in New Mexico with BCBS of TX!!! And yes, we ARE in the New Jersey thread!!! Can't help you with the NJ side of things, with mine 2 years ago it was a 12 month medically supervised program to get coverage with BCBS of TX. I understand our policy has since changed to the average 6 months. They all vary as well as having different coverages per employer. Many times an insurance will cover WLS, but the employer has exclusions.....such a mess!!! Good luck to you as you navigate through the insurance! And welcome to LBT!!! Feel free to pop in with us here anytime! Betty, I am SOOOOOO glad you finally got to go riding!!! I cannot ever see myself spending $175.00 on a shirt! I am such a tightwad!!! My Dad once told me I pinch a penny til Lincoln screams for mercy!!! I hope you have a wonderful birthday---how fun, wish we could all stop by to celebrate with you!!! ENJOY!!!! Pat, I know, my parents, and especially my inlaws (both in their 80's) are always freezing!!! I have been myself lately. They think it is something to do with my enlarged thyroid. I am due to have an ultrasound, they are thinking it may have a tumor...fun, fun, fun! I cannot imagine being in the room with them before my surgery, holy smoke I burned up all the time!!! Since I lost the outer layer of insulation, I have done better---but still roasted in that room!!!! Sherry I see you here, you must be posting at the same time I am, I am so glad you are back safely---hope you had a good time, Chrispy said y'all had a blast with Mandy!!! Color me jealous!!! Well I too have a birthday party here tomorrow, so better get some cleaning done. My sons, MIL, SIL, and niece all have birthdays this month, so we are doing one big party. Going to light the fire pit, roast hot dogs, and have an ice cream sundae bar....should do wonders for my weight!!!! Talk to you all soon!!! Kat

Good morning my Purple Pals! I too would LOVE getting together!!! I really see that as a goal---not just to lose this weight, but to meet the friends I have made along the way! That is one of the reasons I wanted to make the address exchange list to share amongst ourselves...I do not want one of you disappearing and not knowing how to find out if you are ok or not! Back when I was first banded there was a woman in a thread we all chatted daily, just like we do here, and one day Donna just quit posting....we give her a few days, then began PM'ing her, nothing, no response EVER! She had a son going to Iraq, and she was beside herself...and every single day I wonder about Donna, and hope and pray she is ok. Most of the rest of us in that thread, touch base every few days still....we have weathered births, and deaths, and highs and lows. But for someone to disappear from here, and have no way to check on you scares me!!! I will send the list out to you guys as soon as I copy them all on to one sheet to send!!! So...if you have not PM'd me your home address and contact info (for Christmas card exchange and emergency contact only---I will not sned you any chain letters!!!) get it to me and I will include it! Terry---I don't have DH's kids to compare to....they are mine too...but our issue is nieces and nephews, his brothers kids, and his sisters kids, always doing so much better than ours.....BS!!!! It is terrible! Brother is here, will have to finish posting later!!! Kat

Oh Denise, I agree totally, the only reason I said we were counting the days til he turned 18 was with his attitude, and his disregard for things---we wanted HIM to be responsible for his actions, not us, legally anyway!!! My kids are now 27, 25 (will be 26 in November), and 24 (she turns 25 next month!) And I still worry about them all the time! Heck, my folks all but smothered me trying to take care of me this week in Albq. I don't think we ever quit worrying, or taking care of them, or at least trying!!! And now my friend, the intensity increases!!! Grandbabies---omg, nothing seems quite so precious!! You greet them in a whole new way, with a maturity, and a knowledge of how fast time goes by with children---and you cherish every minute. And your heart once again leaves your body to live with them!!!! My heart goes out to all of you still raising kids, it is hard....but through the troubles outlined above....these kids are now such amazing people, adults. They are responsible, caring, giving, wonderful individuals---ones I am immensley proud of. As I said year 17 was our killer time, I think they just smelled freedom from parents right around the corner---plus as I have said in many instances, it is so much easier for kids (and men) to resort to anger when they are faced with other emotions! And the later teens they are filled with emotional highs and lows, and the one person who will love them unconditionally, and love them even if they act horrid, is Mom.....as the saying goes, when they are little they step on your toes, when they grow up they step on your heart. But it should go on to say when they REALLY grow up---they pick up your heart, and gently give it back..... Kat Laura---sorry you hurt sweetie!!! Feel better soon---glad it is over, and you are ok though!

Sounds to me as though you are likely dealing with ketosis. Go to the search bar at the top of the page, and search ketosis. It will bring up several threads in which it is mentioned, and there are so many who can explain it better than I could! It is a reaction to the body burning stored fat, as opposed to the usually abundant carbs. It causes a nasty coating in some peoples mouths, and gives you dragon breath. It will go away....I cannot remember how long. I think the search will give you much better info than I can, but I'd bet that is what you are dealing with. Welcome to LBT!!! Kat

Welcome Ganuple---you have found a great place to start some research!!! My suggestion to you is to simply read through a variety of the threads, ask any specific questions you or your DH may have. You might consider reading some of the threads together. Now, keep in mind, on this as well as most forums of this sort, there will seem to be a high percentage of complications. That is because when people have a problem, or just a question, or a fear, they post. There are not hundreds of posts each day stating "Another wonderful day" Another Trouble free day!"....when we have no problems we tend to just chat, and do our best to support those who are not having an easy day. Find out from your Dr. what he has as the newest stats on complications. Then come back here and read some more, and you will see that some of that VERY small number of complications---are not BAND problems, they are BANDSTER problems. Not a day goes by that someone does not post that they are eating when they shouldn't, or eating or drinking things they shouldn't, or are over filled, and they choose to stay that way....the band does not do this alone, and in order for it to be successful, it is something you must work to do. The statistics of complications are very low---but the vast majority of those are caused by the person, not the band! I began this journey 17 months ago, at about your size. I am 5'9" and was 289 pounds. I have lost over 100 pounds, and I have my life back!!! I am in control again!!! I cannot tell you how the band has helped me change my life---I hope to keep my band forever, and love what is has given me the power to accomplish. Maybe your DH will go to a seminar with you---they give all the info there. Good Luck to you----hang out, you will learn so much about the lap band!!!! Kat

I see you lurking often Bubbles, chime in!!! You are always welcome!!!! I know I read of people recommending the Airborne when they fly...so I know people use it. Try sipping it very slowly, see if it causes any discomfort. With everything going around here, it makes me want to replace my tea with it!!!!! Fend off all the flu and colds---the best answer to all of this illness is usually a good hard freeze, but man I am not ready for winter yet!!!! Kat

When my friend here who is banded tore the ligaments in her ankle they gave her anti-inflamatories, and told her to take it with Maalox. You might check with your Dr. about that option. I had no issue with teenagers, until the age of 17....and then I would not have given you a plug nickel for either one of the oldest 2!!! Don't get me wrong, we did not live in paradise all the time prior to that, but holy smoke, when the son turned 17 he copped an attitude of being able to do any damned thing he wanted...including some drug experimentation, skipping school...got a couple of speeding tickets, wrecked his car....we were literally counting the days til he turned 18!!! But hold on a minute, less than 3 months after he turned 18 Manda turned 17 and it all started over!!!! Not so much the drugs, but pushing her limits I have never seen such!!! If I told her to be home by 11......she would stand on the porch, until 2 minutes after just to show me! For years we had an alarm clock on the back of the sofa in the living room (wierd I know) we set it to go off at curfew. If whoever was out come in on time, they could turn it off, but if it went off, we were up. I swear it went off every time she went out the door!!! And she took the punishment!!! The rule always was an hours work for every minute they were late...she put in her time, bitching and moaning, but she did it....only to go over the next time she was allowed out! She had a steady boyfriend, and he had no rules, and she hated that she did. She ended up getting married right out of high school, in fact, she married 2 months after her 18th birthday. She graduated with honors as a Junior---she had scholarship money she just blew off...to follow the love of her life to Hawaii (Army). They made it 5-6 years, and are now divorced. The youngest DD was not any trouble whatsoever. To say she marched to the beat of a different drummer, would be putting it VERY mildly!!!! Abbey, come to us in junior high, with a pair of her Grandma's old plastic framed cat eyed glasses begging to have them fitted with her prescription. Now it is in style, then she looked like a clown!!! She found some old tennis shoes of her Uncles, original Converse basketball shoes, well over 12 years ago, and went on a thrift shop hunt to find some like them. Now if you look around, she would have fit in perfectly today, with all the retro things, not so then, and she loved being different. She has sold several of her art pieces, she is very into the abstract art, which I do not get on any level!!! She currently has shorter hair than our son...and it is died copper penny colored. Next week your guess is as good as mine!!! She has 2 fair sized tattoos---a starfish and an octopus...which is a little odd for a child raised in the desert!!!! I love my little rebel. She is the quietest of the bunch, and then will let out with a warhoop or something, she loves being with the family---or loved---her DH is not comfortable with our family. He is germaphobic, and I am not clean enough for him. Neither is Abbey, but he deals with it. If he treats her well I will cope. She used to go to her room and listen to music, and create, whether she painted, sculpted, drew, or made what I referred to as her kindergarten art...with yarn, and shells, and lint from the dryer, she was always making something!!! But she never rebelled, never smoked...seldom argued. What she did do, was wreck cars....her attention is not geared long term for driving!!!! Teenage years come fast and furious here. With the 3 kids, they are each a year apart...so, when it began it was full speed ahead!!! I don't want 17 back, but the younger teens were fun!!! Now the older 2, have kids of their own....they have no idea!!! Kat

Good for you Jeannie---what a wonderful way to guage your own progress!!!! You have done a great job, I wish you continued success!!! Kat

I am so glad you are back safely Chris, you and Sherry, and that you had such a good time, I could have guaranteed you a wonderful friend in Mandy!!! Someday I hope too to be able to confirm it from experience!!! Patty, good for you---my SIL leads a grief support group now, for many years she did divorce support. Then she remarried, was delirously happy, and he died of a glioblastoma brain tumor, so 4 years later, she is now leading a group of her own. I am glad you have plans! I am home from taking my Dad to Albq. for his carotid artery surgery. It went well, they postponed him for a day, so we were there longer than planned, but he did wonderfully, he is home, and up and around! We go back in 2 weeks for a check up and then in 4-6 for the other side to get done. There is a VERY high risk of stroke during the surgery, so we are half way there, one side is done and he is well. Rick and our friend Gary, rode down on the day of the original surgery, and planned to be there, but then they cancelled Dad, the guy before him DID have a stroke during the procedure....so they had to get back home for work. I stressed girls I cannot tell you....I was worried to death over Dad, but the little things about made me nutso!!! When I was making motel reservations I was getting 2 rooms...my Mom who has suddenly become quite insecure, was upset, she did not want to stay alone in the motel while Dad was in the hospital. So we compromised, and got a suite, so I could be with her. When we got there, there was not a suite available...nor an extra room (HUGE state fair going on...with name draw concerts each night.) So we ended up in a standard double room, my parents and I. My Dad wants to go to bed with the sun going down, and get up long before it comes back up---and he makes coffee (not a coffee drinker, and just the strong smell in the confined space was pissin' me off!!!!), showers, turns the TV on....while I am trying to sleep, because I laid in bet melting for hours through the night. But their bed was closest to the A/C so they got cold....but it was also closest to the TV, and he is a bit hard of hearing. And OMG do not get me started on the crossword puzzles!!! They both got a book of puzzles, and are non stop interupting my reading asking me for answers, clue is blah blah blah, and it is 6 no 7 letters, it is blank blank and then I think it is an r, if that answer is right then blank then another r ....over and over and over!!! I love my parents, I truly do....I did not love living with them again!!! Then they cancelled the surgery, so we had most of the afternoon free, but did they want to go to the fair, no--too much walking. The botanical gardens? No---too much walking. My Dad walks 5 miles a day, I don't think unless pushed my Mom walks 5 feet!!! When we were having to walk around the hospital which is huge, she was huffing and puffing...it scared me!!! She will be in next! I told her and Dad she needs to start walking, and I will go out and Kinsey and I will get her and she WILL start walking every day!!! I sound so tough!!!! Hope everyone is ok---miss hearing from everyone!!! Kat

Jenn---when you look into your throat, do you see white patches...kind of foamy looking? That is my signal that my sore throat has morphed into strep. The Dr. said they are literally pus pockets, and as you swallow it, the stomach acids will destroy the infection, but it in turn messes with digestion, and your bowels at times too. It is not something to ignore, persistant strep infections left untreated can and do attack other parts of the body---my oldest DD lost a kidney to a strep infection! And if you have any issues with reflux, be extra cautious, you do not want to take a chance and aspirate any of the infected tissues into your lungs. I am not trying to scare you, just impress upon you that it is not a simple cold, if it is strep---take the antibiotics!! Feel Better Soon!!! Ms. Jen---I am so sorry you are going through all of this. I have had the indifference in marriage you refer to, and it is a lonely feeling. I wish there was something we could do to help. Sounds like it is time to buy yourself something extravagant, and luxurious, and inform him it was your anniversary present to yourself!!! Unexplained illness is difficult to deal with, for both parties...and I can understand it might be causing him to be depressed...but that doesn't help explain the last few years I know. PLEASE know you can come here and vent, and I know I am, as I would bet the other violets would agree they are as well, open to PM's or phone calls, anytime....we do care. It seems so strange to care this way about women we have never met we come from so many different places, are different in so many ways!!! But I also know when I was at a scary place in my life, I held onto the fact that you were all out there, pulling for me, and I felt connected to you all. We will do anything we can to help---don't forget that!!!! Your story made me laugh---I had a seagull!!! Back in Jr. High, one of our friends Moms worked at a 7/11 type of store, and she brought junk ALL the time!!! Gum, candy, snacks, chips...you name it! She always told us her Mom gave it to her, now looking back I wonder about that...but at the time we would just swarm her and see what she had for the day!!!! LOL---just imagine, this store owner could have spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars, and never got this good of advertising for his business!!! A seagull for a thief, and he is making headlines!!! Ok, I am off to clean, we have a birthday party here Sunday, and everything is in an uproar in my house. Be back later! Kat

Yep Judy, same here, I just read mine to sleep!!! She has to get up so early to get here, as her Mom works early, that she is ready for a nap about the time everyone else is getting up! She gets so excited about Dora coming on TV, and never makes it past the first segment, or past the first book...tired little gal! Glad to see you, we were wondering about you! Denise, it sounds as though your DD knows you meant business, but is not taking it in an angry way. I see it as progress. It makes sense that part of her anger was knowing you were seeing her doing wrong in your eyes, and it is so much easier for them to be angry than to accept that they disappointed us. We went through some of the issues with my son, it was a rocky time, and poor Rick was just beside himself. On the bright side, DS is not messing with any of that anymore, he is clean and has an occasional beer with the guys---his Dad and BIL, but that is not even real common. He has a great job, and a beautiful little wild child son. Don't give up, which I know you will never!!! Tracy---sounds like a lot of work to move a filing cabinet in---but it also sounds like unique exercise for the day!!!! TracyK---I did the same, could not get rid of the headache, finally managed some Advil Cold & Sinus, and it eased it. BUT I do not have tight restriction, so could manage the pill. Not suggesting you push it! You might also try some strong coffee or tea, sometimes a jolt of caffeine can help with a headache. SO sorry, I hate headaches!!! I imagine this is when your little one demands ALL the attention, and loves her noisy toys as well. Kids have that sixth sense!!!! Jenn, I would gargle frequently with salt water, or some water with a bit of peroxide....something to keep your throat clean. Don't take any leftover antibiotics in the meantime, they will turn your strep culture negative, even if you DO have it! Get well. Just worry about healing, and being healthy, the weight will work itself out later hon, you have to be well! Sure hope you are ok Laura, been thinking about you lots!!! ((((hugs)))) Terry---We are contemplating a Vegas trip later this month. I have us booked down in Glitter Gultch, since that is where the bike fest activities are...maybe we will consider Treasure Island next time, I love trying new Vegas hotels!!! Just like I told Jenn, don't fret so over the weight right now. You just got home, and it will come off, but think of the good time you had! Yes getting the rest off is important, but so was having a good time! It is my philosophy I keep putting off onto others---don't give up today waiting to be thin tomorrow. Enjoy today too!!!! These habits are slowly being ingrained into us! Look how well Laura did, she knew she could eat lots, and she might have even tried, but she didn't regain all her weight overnight!!! She kept her WWJD rules in mind. We can and we ARE doing this!!! Pamela---it is FRIDAY!!!!! You have almost made it through another week!!! I talked to my cousin on the phone last night when she called to check on my Dad, she teaches middle school algebra, and coaches the volleyball team. She said she is just finding this year hard, her classes she said are not well mixed, it seems all the ones who want to do well are together, and the slackers all together, so things are either difficult or too easy...and the overall attitude, is indifference, she said they have no personality yet!!! Hope you are off to a better start!!! She seemed so sad with it... Well, I am going to take advantage of Kinsey being asleep, and hit the shower.....bbl Kat

LOL---well Rick and I were apart for daaaaays.........so I was getting lucky, and making up for lost time, and we got interupted/busted, by the guy giving us an estimate for our concrete for the shop. Not sure which of us was more embarassed about it!!! Now I think it is funny, I was too busy then, discreetly feeling around to see if my clothes were all right side out to see the humor!!! 47 freaking years old----and busted! Note to self..........close front door even if we don't lock it we can pretend not to be home!!!! LOL Guess we will have to go back to the goo-goo eyes!!! Cheer up Michelle-----I hate knowing you are down! Ok, off to the shower, and then to bed, with not a parent in sight.....love them so much, but man am I glad to have separate houses!!!! Kat

Hiya Ladies---I'm home!!! More importantly so is my Dad and he is doing well. Already his color has improved. Sitting here anxiously waiting for Rick to get home! I hate having to go without him! We did the long distance thing for almost 2 years way back when....have no idea how we managed it. Soon you will feel the same way Pamela, wondering how you and Susanne managed apart!!! Haydee---yeah!!!! NOW you have a new house!!! I am betting you still have rooms christen....better get started! Jenn---sorry you are still sick! TracyK---Do we need a new thread....Coochie Watch??!! Tracy---ideally that is the goal, for marriage to be as good as before...so it sounds like it is good!!! I am so glad I am not alone in enjoying the difference in dressing, and all, for awhile I wondered if I was getting too vain. Turning into one of "those" women, who do nothing but concern themselves with how they look! But I think caring about how we look and obssessing over it are 2 different things! I bought 2 tops and a pair of jeans at Old Navy this weekend. I bought these 2 tops, 3/4 length sleeves, kind of the new fuller style at the bottom, tight at the top (babydoll is what JCPenney called them in their ad), and for the first time, I can wear it and not look pregnant! I still ended up buying size 14 jeans. Til I can get rid of some more belly, I am going to be stuck there. But I tried on like 6 pairs of jeans, and all 6 fit, I just chose the ones I liked best. Instead of the only pair I could find that fit! My Dad's nurse did not believe I had lost 100 pounds! She ask me if I minded her telling a friend, who was considering the band. I said not at all, but no one ever come to talk to me about it. Was nice feeling, and yet, it also kind of made me feel like she was shocked that anyone was ever that fat, to lose 100 pounds...she was as you can imagine tall and super thin! When asking Dad some questions for a new nasal swab/staph infection study they are doing, one of the questions was whether he had lost or gained a significant amount of weight in the last 12 months. He said he hadn't but I had....and the conversation went from there.... Terry---I am so glad you enjoyed your trip, but girl we missed you!!! Glad you are back! Sara---we miss you too, don't go away like that!!! Judy----where are you? Now did she go away....AGAIN???? Denise---I know we have been concentrating on the younger daughter, but how are things going with the oldest DD?? Ms. Jen----you sounded bored, what's new??? Michele---I almost bought a gold vest this weekend at the Himalyan store I love so much. I found myself buying nothing, and usually buy tons there!!! It is all gauzy, and loose flowing.....go figure! I wanted a vest---but there were some colors in the one I looked at I was not thrilled with...so I am still looking! Pamela---sorry about the nightmare, as you all know I recently had a horrible one, they are hard to leave behind when you wake up! Sorry about yours---I'll help kick the subs ass!!! Gina---what's new chickie?? Sorry if I missed you---my DH is home, and I missed him lots!!!! See ya laterz!!! Kat

Hi!!! Well we got Dad's surgery done today, and it went great. He is in ICU tonight, so they can watch him closely, and keep an eye on his blood pressure which is a bit high. He is alert, talking, eating...and his color looks better already! Thanks for all the prayers, and for listening to me whine!!! I feel like such an ungrateful brat (yes even at my age) when I complain over things like that, so thank you for understanding where I was coming from and not telling me how horrible I am!!! If he does well, we may be able to actually take him home tomorrow afternoon, but it is all depending on how he does tonight, and when they begin removing his different support meds, etc. I will try to get back and read up----I have to go send some update emails for my Dad....will talk to you all later!!! ((hugs)) Kat

Hi girls, sorry I did not make it in to post last night. When we made the room reservations, my Mom freaked out over being alone in the motel room after Dad was admitted to the hospital, so to appease her we went with one room, was supposed to be a suite. Got here, no suites available. State Fair going on, there are no motel rooms to be had. So we get this little room with 2 Queen beds, damn near side by side....and I am rooming with my parents again. I love them more than I can tell you, but omg....I DO NOT want to live with them again!!!! Anyway, one thing or another, and I did not make it in....Dad wanted to go to bed about the time the sun set....!!! Which put him waking up before the sun come up, and making coffee, in this tiny ass room, and I am not a coffee drinker, so the smell was annoying, then he showered, with the wall of the bathroom, right beside my bed....then on come the TV...I was not a happy girl upon waking!!! Sowe have to have him at the hospital by 7:30....we finally get there, get him registered, and we wait....Rick and Gary made it down....they rode in this morning to be here for the surgery. We wait some more. Finally about noon, they call him back to pre-op, and we settle in to wait it out, when out pops my Dad. Seems the person having surgery ahead of him, had some complications, and he was being bumped....so now he has surgery tomorrow, and once again, I amrooming with the folks.....heaven help me PLEASE!!! I am doing my best to appreciate this time with them, but it is trying my pateince....what little I had!!!! With the change in Dads schedule, I am going to miss my appointment for the ultrasound on my thyroid, now it is in October....I really hate them doing this, we are all stressing about it enough! Anyway, Rick had to work again tomorrow, so he and Gary rode back this afternoon. As I have said the fair is going on, there are some great botanical gardens, all kinds of things, so what do they want to do??? Watch some TV, nap....do nothing!!!! NO!!!!! So I left, went down to a local mall, did some shopping, answered my phone from them 3 times....finally give it up, and come back. deep deep sigh...... Tracy, well you did it girl, and you looked beautiful doing it as well!!! Congratulations!!!! Welcome to you newbies....this is a wonderful group, supportive, and loving, you would be hard pressed to find a better bunch ANYWHERE!!! Oh yeah, and another thing, despite the fact I am eating out of a hospital again, I should lose some weight. My Dad insists on sleeping in the spot he can see the TV from the best....actually the issue is HEARING it....but it is also closest to the AC unit, and so it freezes him....and I across the room, should be melting!!!! I mean fat liquifies under heat right???? I should be dripping pounds off the side of the bed....!!! Pamela---I too love the naughty nanners!!! They just make me laugh!!! I am not one to allow anyone to walk over me either, in fact if I have an issue in a store, my family walks away, pretending they do not know me....it becomes a matter of principle then!!! Laura---I would shop with you!!! Retail therapy!!! I find it humerous, that you can stand up to those men in a game of poker....and not blink an eye, and yet Wallyworld can reduce you to tears....I would be more likeley to shop Walmart nekkid, than to play poker with the big guys!!!! Go figure!! Well --- I would do my best to catch up, and discuss my experience with green toilets...but it is time for lights out....I have truly pushed it, and he rolled over yet again!!! I know he is stressing massively over the surgery, I do not want to make it worse. I will be back tomorrow night to check in. Thanks for being there girlies!! Kat

Pamela I too have wondered about Tracy and whether she had done it on the sly. Bit my tongue(...er fingers????) to keep from asking, thinking she would tell us if she wanted us to know!!! Tracy!!!!!!! Awww Sweetie, we all do it, when you have been burned you do those things, I did it with my DH...and even found myself testing him!!!! He passed!!! I feel priveledged that you shared that with us. I will be thinking of you today---I needed good news, I am quite worried about my Dad, and my DD, and, and, and....the list could go on!!!! This will make today easier! Today is my sons birthday, so I will be able to remember this!!! He turns a grand ol' 27 today! Enjoy your private special day....and even though it is hard not to be a little afraid....open your heart up, and let the love in and out...you both deserve it. Congratulations my friend!!! Ok, I am off to finish last minute stuff, we leave in about 20 minutes, after I go to the damned bank----I cannot get my online banking to cooperate. So of course in the dark of night, I had all the horrid thoughts of identity theft, and my accounts being cleaned out!!! DH did some serious shopping on Ebay, and I want to transfer $$$ out of savings to checking, and it keeps saying it was not successful....but it shows my balances correctly. Makes me nervous anyway! Will check in with all of you tonight....after Tracy becomes an old married woman!!!! (((hugs)))) Kat

It won't matter my friends....simply breathing, whether it be smog filled city air, or clean fresh smelling mountain air....each breath is killing us!!!!! Exposing our cells to air...while it IS vital, is still killing us!!! Wonder if reading the book, would change that??? hmmmmmm I also have no doubt that some of the things the OP says are true---so is what I stated above. The big question is...... If you give up all the good things in life....do you really want to live that much longer????? I know with all the brains this bunch has---we can find a happy medium between Quality and Quantity---let me know when y'all figure it out!!!! Kat

Don't look at it as 10 days....break it down into days or hours, whatever works for you, and soon as others have said, it will become easier, the body eases up on the cravings etc. Get a good stock up of liquids, and popsicles (sugar free as said) and munch and sip all you have to to keep yourself sane!!!! Your body and mind will get in sync in a few days, and while it will likely never be easy...soon you will almost feel challenged by it, and determined to win, especially when you suddenly see the scale going the right direction for a change. When you just cannot stand it, fill a bottle with Water, and go for a walk, get away from where food is!!!! And then come here, and we will commiserate with you!!! Good Luck!!! Kat

Hi Girls-Sorry I have been so sporadic in my posts, I am not ignoring y'all!!! My mouth---omg, it was soooo horrible!!! I got some sort of viral infection. The inside of my mouth turned blood red, and swelled all up!!!! My tongue was not really affected, nor my gums, but the roof, of my mouth down into my throat, the insides of my cheeks, and my lips---hurt so bad, and were HUGE!!!!! I looked like I said---Botox gone bad!!! I went to my Dr. who looked at it, and was feeling my glands, which were somewhat swollen. And then he found my thyroid massively enlarged, and kinda blew off my mouth. He got me a little spooked over my thyroid as well, so I let him brush me off with a prescription. It ended up being a tube of ointment to put on a sore in your mouth---I had no sores, just the whole thing was red and swollen! So next I went to my dentist, because I could not get back in to the Dr. My dentist, fit me in, but looked at it, and said he really had no idea, he thought I needed a Dr. to culture it. So since my Dr. was closed I went to an Urgent Care Center. I needed something, I had to go to Albq. the next day to take Rick for his check up. So the moron PA's at the urgent care were convinced it was a herpes type of break out in my mouth and prescribed according to that. I did not fill it. The next morning, before we left, I just showed up at my Dr.'s he freaked out at how much worse it was!!! He said it was not herpes related, there were no sores. He give me some steroids, and a Rx for antibiotics if it gets worse....and something is working, it is better. Not 100% yet, but it is improving. Thankfully!!!! Appreciate everyones concern!!!! Becky did not have a heart attack, they still think it is esophageal spasms. She has a scope next week. Rick has to go the boy who worked for hims funeral tomorrow. I would be going with him, but am headed out in the morning to take my Dad to Albq. to have his surgery on his carotid artery. There is a high risk of stroke during and following the surgery, so all prayers will be greatly appreciated. I ask that you also include my oldest DD. She has some testing of her own going on, and this Mom is in full blown panic. She has several swollen lypmh glands. We are not talking a bit swollen, but huge!!! Her neck looks on one side, like she has the mumps. She goes to the Dr. tomorrow. She too tried to get help at our local worthless Urgent Care Center! Patty---hang in there, take it a day at a time!!! I am taking my laptop, and have connection at the motel. Last we were at this hospital, there was none, so will likely just check in in the evening. Hugs to all---safe travels Sherry & Chris! ENJOY! Will check in soon, I am up waiting for a load of laundry and the dryer just buzzed!!!! Kat

Heck Pamela---you crack me up too!!! Love the nanners!!! Melanie---congratulations on keeping your little boy, I can only imagine how happy you are. We went through a court case, with DH's ex, that she kept appealling...eventually took it all the way to the Colorado Supreme Court. With each win we got the attorney told us our odds just kept increasing, he said only on TV do appeals work as a general rule. Not only do facts not change, most judges, do not make a habit of over throwing another judges rulings he said. So....keep the faith, and enjoy YOUR son!!! Jane---I am sorry to hear you are PB'ing!!! Misery! My suggestion would be to just drink nothing at all for a couple of hours, let your system totally calm down, then begin with the smallest of sips, of something like Gatorade---it will help rebalance your electrolytes. Then stay on liquids for a day, and ease back into food, if it still hurts after a day on liquids, when you try to eat, give it another day, but if it continues any longer---call the doc! Good Luck!!! I have been a good bandster!!! OK, a pretty good bandster, considering! We met up with friends, and kids, and friends kids all at Fuddruckers today, I ate a burger with veggies, ditched the fresh homemade bread bun ..... and give my cookie to Lindzie ( which she rubbed in to every kid there...I give up!) I haven't felt much like eating today, my mouth is less sore, but I am just blah. Getting very nervous about Dads surgery. Rick is staying home tomorrow, and driving down the day of sugery, and then back home that night...I keep telling him he does not have to...but he just tells me they were there for him through all the years, and especially this last one, and he is coming down! So there! LOL! I love hearing all y'alls NSV's. My best new one is also clothes related! I had this huge brain fart, and had not connected that I was leaving with Dad tomorrow, and was thinking that I was going to this funeral with Rick tomorrow. So was wondering what I would wear. Back just before New Years, my DD gave me this beautiful pair of pants, they are a Jr.s 15, they are black, and have a small pintstripe of a shinier black through them, they just look VERY classy. I worked so hard to be able to wear them to the company party---didn't make it!!!! Breathing may be overrated, but the fear of popping the zipper or the butt out overpowered it, and I wore something else. I thought maybe they might be a little looser now, and figured I could wear them. I then realized, I was going to be gone....and did not need funeral attire, but this morning decided to see if it would have fit. They are loose, I can breath, bend over, squat.....and pull them up!!!! They could be worn, but loosely!!!! JUNIOR sized no less!!!! Not a little size, but who the heck cares!!!!????? I am taking my lap top, and have supposedly got free connection at the motel.....but last I tried at the hospital I had none, so will just check in in the evening. TracyK---you don't get your hopes up---I'll do it for you!!! That place sounds perfect for you! Good Luck! Jennifer---I do drink hot tea, but I am very wierd about it!!! I do not think it tastes the same if it is brewed by the cup with the little tea bag!!! I still drink iced tea year round, so I just brew my iced tea, then pour a cup and microwave it. Then I put a bit of honey in it to help with my throat, and I like it just fine!!! Hope you feel better. Judy---Good Luck on your party---enjoy yourself!!! Maybe you and Ethan can play outside a good part of the day!!! Michelle---50 pounds!!! Congrats my friend, job well done!!!! Denise--the baby chart is cool... They know so much more to share than they did when I had a baby!!!! They told us Kinsey was going to be small, they said between 4 1/2 and 5 pounds. She weighed 4 lbs, 14 oz. Then they said Connor was going to be right around 5 pounds, and he was 5 lbs 3 oz.!!! Back in the day, they told me my oldest was between 6 and 6 1/2 pounds.......she was 8 lbs. 11 oz.!!! Half grown it felt like!!!! They have so much better care available now, and it allows you to be so informed of the developement...I love it!! Manda would call me, and tell me things like....this week the baby is growing fingernails, or this week the spine seals off.......it was VERY cool!!! Not to mention the changes in ultrasound pictures!!! I loved the girls pregnancies, I hope you can enjoy and be a part of this one!!! Manda took me to her ultrasound on my birthday, it was the day they told us it was a girl! Happy Birthday to Me!!! Well I am off to bed, I was waiting to get this last load out of the dryer....and it just buzzed!!!! Will check in soon!!!! Kat

docsdeb, let me be the first to tell you.....calm down!!! Relax!!!! Being "stuck" is nothing like choking. There is not a problem with breathing, it simply feels like the bite you just took is not wanting to go all the way to the stomach. A feeling hard to describe, but not an in your throat, not getting air, panic filled moment! I am 6 hours one way away from my follow up care Dr. I have never needed him in any emergency type of way. I believe the band has saved my life, I have NEVER felt like it put my life in jeapardy, as in choking or needing someone to be with me to help me through a PB or anything of that manner at all!!! Worst case scenario, a bad PB---will be similar to vomiting, not something you want someone holding your hand for in the first place!!! Relax a bit, and I'll let the others help now....I know I will not be the only one telling you the 2 issues are nothing alike!! It will be ok!!! Kat