Kat817

I would be inclined to think it was a mistake in the reminder call---if you have your emailed confirmation, I am betting there will be no question about letting you in, if in fact there is one being done in Dallas. Maybe you will get your call back before time to leave to drive down tomorrow. You might try the answering service again tomorrow. I say that because maybe the person on call to handle after hours calls will have changed, and the new person may actually call you back. Good Luck, I hope you enjoy the seminar, and find it very helpful and informative! Kat

Wheetsin, you mentioned Tea Tree Oil....I actually had a ENT tell me to get a bottle of saline nasal spray, and add 3 (NO MORE!) drops of tea tree oil to it, and use it twice a day. At the time I was getting sinus infection, and nose bleeds from the dry air---I am in desert country. I have never had another nose bleed, or sinus infection in over 4 years! I do know you have to be careful with it, it is powerful stuff!!! I used a plastic eye dropper to count my 3 drops, and it melted the plastic!!!! I got both the oil, and the saline spray at WalMart. Works wonders! Another wierd fix, for those of you with ragged cuticles is a farm remedy. It is similar in texture to Vaseline, it is called Bag Balm. It is made for use on cows udders. But it is pretty commonly used now as a diaper rash ointment as well. I know here you can buy it in Walgreens in with the baby ointments. It comes in a green square tin can. I use it and just rub a bit into my cuticles, when I know I will not be having my hands near my face. It is too oily---and breaks me out. I keep mine sitting behind my computer monitor!!! When I need it, I rub it in, and I am typing so not doing anything that will rub it off. Then when I shower before bed, it removes any that has not absorbed. My niece that does my nails, (it is her profession) has never had to snip them, and says they are amazing (wooo hooo----amazing!!!). The girl who cuts my hair knows to put me down for eyebrow waxing along with my trim when I call---they go hand in hand! I am not sure if it is age, something to do with my hysterectomy, or whether it is an after affect of the chemo I took, but I am not growing much hair any more at all! I shave once a month maybe....and that is only if I see a stray hair. Arm pits the same way. Pubic hair as well. I too have gone with some clean up and shaping through the years, well....thank goodness I left some, or I'd have none, because nothing is growing back! I worried for awhile following banding that I was going to need a wig, I lost so much hair, but that is pretty much settled down and growing back----for which I am SO happy!!! The chemo caused me to lose all my hair---everywhere, lashes, brows everything. The hair in my nose went away---I sneezed all the damn time! Everything grew back. But now, it just quit. I have no idea why! I do not however miss shaving! I can't wear gloves to bed, makes me crazy. But once a week or so, I do my feet. I get up with DH at 5 AM---he leaves, and I go back to bed for an hour or 2. Before I go back to bed, I lotion up my feet real heavy, and put on a pair of footies, I keep just for that purpose. By the time I get up, it is soaked in. No cracked heals, and no need to trim my cuticles for my pedi either---I have heard horror stories of infection! One of the best things I ever did was to figure out my best colors. It makes a huge difference!!! I like some colors, that just do nothing for me! I also pay attention to neck lines----boat necks, and round necks make me look like a linebacker. Deep V or deep scoop thin out my shape so much better! Love reading all your suggestions and tips!! Kat

One other thing I am very appreciative of having is my cell phone. I am going to be relying on it to spread news to the family of my DH's upcoming medical treatment again. I need a new phone...mine is old, and the battery is going to be more than replacing it with an updated model. Now------any suggestions for a phone? One to avoid???? Kat

Hi girlies, Patty---glad to see you up and wondering about the food, all is well and normal that tells me!!! They will do Rick's surgery the 13th of June. He is ready, concerned, but ready. He continues to detiorate fairly quickly right now it seems. Each day another issue comes up, today he is swelling. A sign of congestive heart failure. If the meds do not counteract that, we may end up bumping the surgery up. He says they have already helped though---so that is good. I would like to wait, not have it be an emergency procedure, and be sure we get the surgeon we chose. Thanks for all the concern. Cindy I had to get a kleenex when reading about your neighbor. Different job, but for all intents and purposes, I am married to that man! When he was in for surgery, the sheer number of people, coworkers, former ball team players, old classmates....was staggering. I guess until then, I knew he was important to me and the kids, never realizing how many lives he has touched! He coached baseball for over 20 years---kids love him! I know exactly the type of man you describe. I ache for his wife and family...and for the rest of you losing your friend. I did a no no today. I have had this headache that would not go away. I tried chewable Tylenol, liquid Tylenol---nothing. Finally I chewed up several (8 worked out to be = to 2 adult) baby aspirin....blessed relief! I won't make a habit out of it, but needed something! Well guess I should go figure out some dinner. Y'all take care, I'll check back. I need to update my ticker, I really am walking still. I have even been pulling a wagon with 2 kids some of the time...that wears me out! (((hugs))) Kat

Since I now eat so much less of it, I go to the deli, and buy good cheese, several different types, as well as sliced deli meat. I roll a slice of meat around a piece of cheese, and snack away---in fact this is often times my lunch. Easy to eat on the go! I too eat nuts as Snacks, espeically raw almonds---I almost think I am addicted! I try at all times to have some sort of soup, or Beans or chili, something like that cooked and in the fridge. I will admit, when I am craving the idea of snacking, or wanting something not good for me. Eating the soup or the beans I have is not appealling, but when I make myself a small bowl, they do end up tasting good, and in a matter of a few bites, the want or ability to eat is gone again for awhile.....crisis averted!!! I have come to the conclusion, that is one of the reasons I am overweight. I chose the menu. I chose to cook things that appealed to me that day---and sounded good enough to eat. So I cooked it, and ate it, and usually ate some more! Where as what sounded great to me, might have not hit the spot with DH, so he ate a plate, enough to fill the void and went on. I realized this when he was off on disability following his heart surgery, he would cook. And sometimes the things he wanted made me go eeewwwww. Now it was good food, but he may gave wanted spaghetti that night, but I didn't, so I only ate a single serving and was done. He would always ask me if it was ok!! It was, he is a good cook, but our tastes are on opposing schedules I think! I find myself needing to be in the mood for things like fish or chinese food---and often when he would choose to cook it---was not the time I was in the mood for it, so I did not overindulge....it was an AHA moment for me!!! I think I should have hired a cook, one who could have cared less if I was satisfied with them or not!!! For the most part now, I eat pretty much as I always did, I proportion not only the overall meal differently now of course, but also the components of the meal. I seldom eat much of any starch side dishes, and eat more meat and other veggies now. For instance if we have steak, baked potatoes, and green beans, I used to would have ate it all, and loaded the potato. Now I will eat mostly steak, and green beans, seldom any potato, and if I do eat it, I am not taking the time to load it up, to swallow 2 bites!!! Kat

Now, y'all know I am forced to try the damned yogurt cheerios---as if I need something else to want to snack on!!!!! Kat

Ok girls I am back again. We took Rick to the Dr, in Albuquerque. She is a cardiac electrophysiologist (what a mouthful!). He is still bouncing from atrial flutter to atrial fibrillation. He goes in on June 12th for a battery of tests, and general information gathering for the Dr.s, then has cardiac ablation on the 13th. It is a surgical procedure where they go in and cauterize inside the heart, causing scar tissue, to try to interrupt the improper electrical impulses the heart is sending. They said with the combination of problems it could be over in as short as 3-4 hours or it may be closer to 12! So....he is dreading it, but glad there is a fix for him. I have not had a chance to read up----going to go do that now, will chat with you, and play catch up in the morning. (((hugs to all)))) Kat

Going to try to post while I can, for some reason every once and awhile I can get on , otherwise LBT is unavailale to me.....who knows!!!??? Patty---yea!!!! You made it to bandland, it will be SOOOOO worth it, you will be feeling much better and see the weight dropping fast very soon now----such an exciting time!!! We took Rick to the specialist in Albuquerque yesterday, it was very informative, the visit took over 3 hours! He is still bouncing back and forth between Atrial flutter, and Atrial fibrillation. The options for his situation are few. Medications (several strong ones) along with blood thinners for life, or more surgical intervention. We went with the intervention to try to fix the problem as opposed to treating it. We go back to ABQ on June 12th for a day full of testing and info gathering. Then on the 13th they will do a surgical ablation. A form of cauterization inside the heart, in an attempt to stop the circular cylce of electrical impulses the heart is now sending. His blood instead of pumping in and back out, is flowing in a circle, unsure of where it needs to go. So they will cauterize areas, to cause scar tissue, and divert it, until it makes a proper path. They said it could take anywhere from minimally 3-4 hours, up to 12. They will be doing monitoring inside the heart the entire time. So.....we are hoping this will fix him up, and let him get on with his life. I have not had a chance to fully read up on everyone----know I am thinking of you all though!!!!! And will be back whenever the stars align just right and my computer allows me!!!!!!!! Kat

Hi marlynn---sorry I missed this, I have been out of town, thrn I have been having problems accessing the site. I will be glad to PM you the instructions I have. Keep in mind they were made prior to all the revamping of the site, so there may be a few changes. If you continue to have problems, let me know!!! Kat

Hi everyone---Wow have I ever been having trouble connecting to any of you!!! Those whose home email I have, I tried to touch base. I made a post last week saying we were going out of town for a couple of days or so, and when I went to post it, it said LBT was down for 15 minutes, but I had done it on a quick post, so when it failed to go through, I lost it!!! I never found time to redo it before we left. As I told you guys, Rick has been so depressed---it has been a long year for him health wise, he has literally been dealing with it for a year tomorrow. So anyway, my friend Becky and I saw this flyer for these Red Bull Air Races. They were going to be in Monument Valley, Utah….about 150 160 miles from us, so we thought we would surprise the guys with tickets. Well they were happy, but they thought we should take the bikes (motorcycles) and camp out in the valley. I have been so overprotective of everything Rick has done, it was kind of a make or break moment….so off we rode. Thank You---whoever invented bungee cords!! We loaded the bikes with tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses, our clothes, lawn chairs (and while I am thanking unknown people----those folding chairs in a bag??? Thanks for them too!!!), everything on the bikes---and away we went! We got an awesome camp spot in Bluff, Utah. I don’t know if any of you are familiar with the Monument Valley, Utah area…but it is one of the most incredible landscapes ever to be seen!!! It is desert land, surrounded by bluff style mountains, but out in the middle of nowhere, out in the desert floor, up juts a huge rock formation---the likes of which are hard to describe. The rock is red, and it may be a globe balanced on a thin pillar, or a row of thin pillars, or perfectly square blocks of stone. The valleys are just as impressive, on the idea of the Grand Canyon, but they squiggle, and curve, with 1000+ foot drops. The stone variations visible as stripes in the stone. One of the rocks is called Mexican Hat, it looks like an upside down sombrero balanced on this thin piece of rock----how it has stayed there for years, without toppling over I have no idea!! The air race took place in the bed of the valley, right in the center of the park. (Monument Valley while on the Navajo reservation is still a National Park) They have these huge pylon things made out of thin nylon, filled with air (they use similar things here at car lots etc. to draw attention) they are called gates. They are set up in different patterns, and the planes actually fly low to the valley floor, and have to fly with level wings through some of them, and then have to slalom, at a 90 degree angle, with their wings knife edge straight on other ones. Then they had to go up into a huge loop, flip right side back up and race over the finish line. And they do it flying hundreds of mph!!! When they finish their run, they would go into an aerobatic display, doing barrel rolls, flying inverted, hovering, free falling….amazing things!! Spectators sat on the hill sides (which is why we took the above mentioned lawn chairs!!!). Keeping in mind this is desert, and rattle snakes while rare around so much activity are not unheard of. Scorpions however they were having some problems with! And huge mountain boomer, collared lizards, that run on their hind legs----totally cool, but make me jump just the same!!! So anyway, there were 13 planes racing, one at a time, then they had brackets breaking down to get to a winner. The winner this time was from Hungary---the one Becky had picked. The one Rick picked actually clipped one of the pylons, and damaged his plane, and come way close to hitting the airport tower. The had huge jumbotron screens set up, so if the pilot had an in cockpit camera you could see him. When they went into the loop they were pulling 7+ G’s---it almost made your stomach turn watching them!!! They also had several para gliders---I would like to try that!!! It was totally awe inspiring! There were pilots from around the world, 2 of them from the USA. This race is one of 2 they do in the USA, the other I think is in San Diego. It is something we will make an effort to go back to again. And Rick had a blast. We took extra care keeping him cool and hydrated, but I tried not to be obvious over it !!!! You can see more about what I am meaning by how they race at the website www.redbullairrace.com . Anyway, by the time it was over, we settled in, had some dinner, let the crown disperse a bit---we were on loaded motorcycles, and stop and go traffic where no one seems to be watching for anyone but themselves, is scary! So we got home late, and then I had the family in for Mother’s Day, we grilled ribs. When they left---I simply collapsed! Then this morning, I got this post all ready, and I got a corrupted file notice every time I tried to log in to LBT. So hopefully at some point you will get this….I will be going back to read up on what everyone has been up to and make sure you are all ok. Amazing how I missed hearing how you all were!!! (((hugs))) Kat

I keep thinking I will catch up reading, but then something is going on, and I cannot get the next page to load up---must be working on the site still. What a process!!! Judy---yea!!!! DH got approved, I am so glad, it will make such a difference in his life, and that of y'all together. I am so happy for you!!! Lunasa---hang in there. Marriage is not always easy. We are continually changing, and we have to work the changes out. With your surgery, the changes may come fast and furious for awhile. Find some common ground and at least talk about that. It sometimes makes getting around to talking about the hard stuff a little easier. We have some good friends, who are having serious problems...and there is nothing anyone can do to help at this point. He was tragically paralyzed from the neck down in an accident 2 years ago. She has been right there, but he is becoming so despondant he is verbally abusive to her and their teenage daughter. They also have a 22 year old son, who is away at college, and furious with his Mom for contemplating her options at this point.....All we can do is support her as well as him in any way possible, it is a difficult situation. As I am sure yours is....I will be thinking good thoughts for you and your DH and that you can find a common ground to reconnect on. Jennifur----hoping you find the rigth job for you very soon. I will PM you my home #....if you ever just need to talk. Actually any of you can have it....I would enjoy talking with any of you!!! And btw---thanks for worrying about me while I was out of touch---that was sweet!!! Pamela---I am SO SORRY about your Dad. I cannot imagine getting that news. I am sending you a giant cyber hug.....know you will always have us your LBT family as well as your partners family. I do know it isn't the same. But you can never have too much love....so know we are here to help you through these hard times. Big giant hugs to you. When I can get back to read some more, I will---but right now I am being recruited to push the granddaughters swing. She has been such a sweetie today I simply cannot say no!!!! BBL Kat

Hi everyone---Wow have I ever been having trouble connecting to any of you!!! Those whose home email I have, I tried to touch base. I made a post last week saying we were going out of town for a couple of days or so, and when I went to post it, it said LBT was down for 15 minutes, but I had done it on a quick post, so when it failed to go through, I lost it!!! I never found time to redo it before we left. As I told you guys, Rick has been so depressed---it has been a long year for him health wise, he has literally been dealing with it for a year tomorrow. So anyway, my friend Becky and I saw this flyer for these Red Bull Air Races. They were going to be in Monument Valley, Utah….about 150 160 miles from us, so we thought we would surprise the guys with tickets. Well they were happy, but they thought we should take the bikes (motorcycles) and camp out in the valley. I have been so overprotective of everything Rick has done, it was kind of a make or break moment….so off we rode. Thank You---whoever invented bungee cords!! We loaded the bikes with tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses, our clothes, lawn chairs (and while I am thanking unknown people----those folding chairs in a bag??? Thanks for them too!!!), everything on the bikes---and away we went! We got an awesome camp spot in Bluff, Utah. I don’t know if any of you are familiar with the Monument Valley, Utah area…but it is one of the most incredible landscapes ever to be seen!!! It is desert land, surrounded by bluff style mountains, but out in the middle of nowhere, out in the desert floor, up juts a huge rock formation---the likes of which are hard to describe. The rock is red, and it may be a globe balanced on a thin pillar, or a row of thin pillars, or perfectly square blocks of stone. The valleys are just as impressive, on the idea of the Grand Canyon, but they squiggle, and curve, with 1000+ foot drops. The stone variations visible as stripes in the stone. One of the rocks is called Mexican Hat, it looks like an upside down sombrero balanced on this thin piece of rock----how it has stayed there for years, without toppling over I have no idea!! The air race took place in the bed of the valley, right in the center of the park. (Monument Valley while on the Navajo reservation is still a National Park) They have these huge pylon things made out of thin nylon, filled with air (they use similar things here at car lots etc. to draw attention) they are called gates. They are set up in different patterns, and the planes actually fly low to the valley floor, and have to fly with level wings through some of them, and then have to slalom, at a 90 degree angle, with their wings knife edge straight on other ones. Then they had to go up into a huge loop, flip right side back up and race over the finish line. And they do it flying hundreds of mph!!! When they finish their run, they would go into an aerobatic display, doing barrel rolls, flying inverted, hovering, free falling….amazing things!! Spectators sat on the hill sides (which is why we took the above mentioned lawn chairs!!!). Keeping in mind this is desert, and rattle snakes while rare around so much activity are not unheard of. Scorpions however they were having some problems with! And huge mountain boomer, collared lizards, that run on their hind legs----totally cool, but make me jump just the same!!! So anyway, there were 13 planes racing, one at a time, then they had brackets breaking down to get to a winner. The winner this time was from Hungary---the one Becky had picked. The one Rick picked actually clipped one of the pylons, and damaged his plane, and come way close to hitting the airport tower. The had huge jumbotron screens set up, so if the pilot had an in cockpit camera you could see him. When they went into the loop they were pulling 7+ G’s---it almost made your stomach turn watching them!!! They also had several para gliders---I would like to try that!!! It was totally awe inspiring! There were pilots from around the world, 2 of them from the USA. This race is one of 2 they do in the USA, the other I think is in San Diego. It is something we will make an effort to go back to again. And Rick had a blast. We took extra care keeping him cool and hydrated, but I tried not to be obvious over it !!!! You can see more about what I am meaning by how they race at the website www.redbullairrace.com . Anyway, by the time it was over, we settled in, had some dinner, let the crown disperse a bit---we were on loaded motorcycles, and stop and go traffic where no one seems to be watching for anyone but themselves, is scary! So we got home late, and then I had the family in for Mother’s Day, we grilled ribs. When they left---I simply collapsed! Then this morning, I got this post all ready, and I got a corrupted file notice every time I tried to log in to LBT. So hopefully at some point you will get this….I will be going back to read up on what everyone has been up to and make sure you are all ok. Amazing how I missed hearing how you all were!!! (((hugs))) Kat

Hi everyone---Wow have I ever been having trouble connecting to any of you!!! Those whose home email I have, I tried to touch base. I made a post last week saying we were going out of town for a couple of days or so, and when I went to post it, it said LBT was down for 15 minutes, but I had done it on a quick post, so when it failed to go through, I lost it!!! I never found time to redo it before we left. As I told you guys, Rick has been so depressed---it has been a long year for him health wise, he has literally been dealing with it for a year tomorrow. So anyway, my friend Becky and I saw this flyer for these Red Bull Air Races. They were going to be in Monument Valley, Utah….about 150 160 miles from us, so we thought we would surprise the guys with tickets. Well they were happy, but they thought we should take the bikes (motorcycles) and camp out in the valley. I have been so overprotective of everything Rick has done, it was kind of a make or break moment….so off we rode. Thank You---whoever invented bungee cords!! We loaded the bikes with tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses, our clothes, lawn chairs (and while I am thanking unknown people----those folding chairs in a bag??? Thanks for them too!!!), everything on the bikes---and away we went! We got an awesome camp spot in Bluff, Utah. I don’t know if any of you are familiar with the Monument Valley, Utah area…but it is one of the most incredible landscapes ever to be seen!!! It is desert land, surrounded by bluff style mountains, but out in the middle of nowhere, out in the desert floor, up juts a huge rock formation---the likes of which are hard to describe. The rock is red, and it may be a globe balanced on a thin pillar, or a row of thin pillars, or perfectly square blocks of stone. The valleys are just as impressive, on the idea of the Grand Canyon, but they squiggle, and curve, with 1000+ foot drops. The stone variations visible as stripes in the stone. One of the rocks is called Mexican Hat, it looks like an upside down sombrero balanced on this thin piece of rock----how it has stayed there for years, without toppling over I have no idea!! The air race took place in the bed of the valley, right in the center of the park. (Monument Valley while on the Navajo reservation is still a National Park) They have these huge pylon things made out of thin nylon, filled with air (they use similar things here at car lots etc. to draw attention) they are called gates. They are set up in different patterns, and the planes actually fly low to the valley floor, and have to fly with level wings through some of them, and then have to slalom, at a 90 degree angle, with their wings knife edge straight on other ones. Then they had to go up into a huge loop, flip right side back up and race over the finish line. And they do it flying hundreds of mph!!! When they finish their run, they would go into an aerobatic display, doing barrel rolls, flying inverted, hovering, free falling….amazing things!! Spectators sat on the hill sides (which is why we took the above mentioned lawn chairs!!!). Keeping in mind this is desert, and rattle snakes while rare around so much activity are not unheard of. Scorpions however they were having some problems with! And huge mountain boomer, collared lizards, that run on their hind legs----totally cool, but make me jump just the same!!! So anyway, there were 13 planes racing, one at a time, then they had brackets breaking down to get to a winner. The winner this time was from Hungary---the one Becky had picked. The one Rick picked actually clipped one of the pylons, and damaged his plane, and come way close to hitting the airport tower. The had huge jumbotron screens set up, so if the pilot had an in cockpit camera you could see him. When they went into the loop they were pulling 7+ G’s---it almost made your stomach turn watching them!!! They also had several para gliders---I would like to try that!!! It was totally awe inspiring! There were pilots from around the world, 2 of them from the USA. This race is one of 2 they do in the USA, the other I think is in San Diego. It is something we will make an effort to go back to again. And Rick had a blast. We took extra care keeping him cool and hydrated, but I tried not to be obvious over it !!!! You can see more about what I am meaning by how they race at the website www.redbullairrace.com . Anyway, by the time it was over, we settled in, had some dinner, let the crown disperse a bit---we were on loaded motorcycles, and stop and go traffic where no one seems to be watching for anyone but themselves, is scary! So we got home late, and then I had the family in for Mother’s Day, we grilled ribs. When they left---I simply collapsed! Then this morning, I got this post all ready, and I got a corrupted file notice every time I tried to log in to LBT. So hopefully at some point you will get this….I will be going back to read up on what everyone has been up to and make sure you are all ok. Amazing how I missed hearing how you all were!!! (((hugs))) Kat

Wheet---you saying popping knuckles etc.---I could not agree more! One evening years ago, as we cooked dinner, my DD kept saying her neck hurt...all of a sudden she grabbed her chin, twisted her neck and the most HORRIBLE popping sound, I about peed my pants! Scared me to death! She cracked up! She had taken a raw egg noodle I was preparing to cook put it in her mouth and bit it, as she fake popped her neck. She damn near needed a chiropracter for real---I was ready to break it for her!!! She warns her BF---he is a knuckle popper----eeewwwww!!!! Glad she finally learned! Had to laugh now at the memory! Kat

Oh Michelle---yea, yea, YEA!!!!! I will keep praying and hoping it continues to be good news for you! I would imagine since you are doing it as an outpatient, the concentration of the Lovenox will be less, so it will go for longer. If you do a search, you will find others who did have it this way, I remember reading it. I had one shot before and one after---both in the belly. I gave them to DH for 3 weeks 2X a day, we found if you will wipe it with alcohol, allow it to dry just a second, and ease the needle in, don't pinch up the skin, it won't bruise nearly so badly, nor will it burn so much. Poking before the alcohol is dry will cause it to burn. Bruising is very common---you are afterall putting blood thinner in there!!! Tracy I know you are gone----you shoulda waited for me, that sounds like fun!!! Enjoy! Anxious to hear from Laura---- But friends, now I have to go work! We brought in a large (3 cords) load of cedar last night, and my DIL and I are going to go unload it, so my DH does not get any idea that he is going to get involved!!! Guess that will take care of my exercise nicely for the day!!! Talk to y'all tonight! Kat

Here where I live, when the Governor recently signed into effect a smoking ban in all public buildings and business, it was said his office was inundated with letters and petitions supporting it. Far more support FOR the ban, than against it. It wasn't a few people deciding, it was the majority deciding. Kat

Wow----keep us posted as to what happens---that is so ridiculous!!! Kat

Back in the 70's my former husband and I ended up in SLC for his job. I should qualify this by saying he was a baptised member of the Mormon church. He attended as a youth, with a friend, was scared so bad during the baptism or some part of it, he never returned. His being Mormon was enough for the new boss, he promised us housing, etc. We arrive, he finds out I am a Methodist, not a Mormon, and flat out refused to speak to me! He recinded the offer of the housing, we were left in a car and a U Haul truck for the night, in a very unfriendly city! We rented an apartment the next day....I was turned away from 17 listed apartments, because I was not Mormon!! His boss called him into the office the first day, and said he had discussed our situation, and they felt the right thing to do was to have our marriage annulled. He could work towards his mission (?) while I joined the church, and then we could be properly joined in the Temple. When we refused that---he was given every crap job in the place! I was not allowed to come to his job even! Groups of women would come to the door, to pray, and I had one spit on my doormat when told I was not a Mormon! His boss set me up....told my ex he needed to get his uniform shirts at a store downtown called ZCMI----a store I as a non mormon was not allowed to shop in! I have met many nice people of the Mormon faith here in New Mexico where I now live. I would not however for any reason ever return to SLC. I have lived in many, many places-----8 states, and 3 countries with DH's job---and never been treated as poorly as I was in SLC. And we even lived in an area deemed so unsafe in Nigeria, we were not allowed off of compound without guards---and I was treated with more respect! The experience I personally had with Mormonism in SLC, was not christian in any way, shape or form. I found it very sad. Kat

Any time you call your insurance for any reason---take detailed notes. Note the time, how long you wait on hold, who you talk to---both by name and employee number if applicable, and what they said in regards to what you ask. If EVER one is rude to you as in goldthimble's case---demand to speak to a supervisor and keep demanding it until you get treated properly. Take detailed notes---do not exagerate the situation when you speak to the supervisor---most calls are recorded, and can be pulled up. I have complained, and also commended different people who have assisted me in the last year with multiple insurance issues. I am always pleasant, until given reason not to be!!! But yes, you can call them anytime, you pay for your insurance....so in essence they work for you! Good Luck in your insurance quest! Kat

OhioChick---hit the ignore button, and post away---both sides have valid points, and your opinions on such are just as welcome as any one elses. Letting someone run you off, lets them win....and plainly speaking...to hell with that!!! The places I go in that no longer allow smoking have not seemed to be drastically affected, or have compensated for it. I don't compare it to drinking or obesity, because as has been pointed out, unless you drink and drive, those other things do not directly affect my ability to be next to you in a building. You do not ooze obesity on me, nor does the alcohol in your drink seep into my pores. Your smoke does end up in my lungs....without question. As I have stated, I have no issue with a smoking lounge---or similar set up---but smoking "sections" were a joke! They did not keep it out of the air. I am not intending to be self righteous, nor spoil your fun----simply taking the control of my health one step further. I personally quit something I enjoyed---smoking---for my health and that of my family around me. And in following suit, I do not want you or another smoker to undo what I am trying to do health wise. Kat

Awwww Michelle I am so sorry things are being difficult! I do have high hopes that the 2 months on the meds will make a difference in your endoscopy. That sounds like the kind of medical care we have been getting lately, sloppy, and lazy. What if you were not looking into it further for the band---you would have had Barrets without knowing? That is not acceptaable. I do realize there is precious little you can do with it right now. Now, some of the other WLS, do not have as much of an effect on the esophagus I am told. So if the band falls through, do not give up hope. We will help you research other options. Is there a time line? What about Nexium, they say it heals as well as prevents the current reflux? If you heal it up, and stay healed, are you still a no go? If so, I think it is time to look into another Dr. who is willing to work with you to get you healthy, and then go from there. Don't get so depressed-----the stress only increases acid---relax, munch some TUMS----anything to help keep your stomach calm. No spicy foods til the test-----keep it as quiet in there as possible, so no new relux issues show up. Know we ARE there with you---and will be praying and pulling for you. You know you and I may not officially (April 07 bandsters) belong here---but they got us anyway---and aren't we glad!!!??? Hang in there----((((((big giant hugs)))))) Kat

Welcome to LBT Mary!!!! Our goals are very similar! I had more to lose, and more health issues---but this year I WILL be riding the roller coasters and anything else I want to---I will likely be in tears! And now I have grandbabies that I wanted to play with, and I do---we run and chase, and "roughhouse" on the floor. I could not even think about it before my band. I just celebrated my bandiversary, and have lost over 90 pounds-----I am in a size 14 pants now. I can sit in button/zip fly jeans, without feeling like my insides are being cut in two! I look forward to watching your progress!!! Kat

How wonderful for you!!! And just imagine....it is going to continue, and you will not be gaining it back---I love my band----looks like you will love yours too! Congratulations!!! Kat

OhioChick---no worries, your post does not offend me in the least. But as Lauren pointed out, there is a difference, in the fact that the case you bring up, those individuals are already fighting their own demons of illness, in the anorexia or bulemia. In some cases, possibly seeing the obese in dining, has kept others from overeating to avoid that....I am sure it works both ways. It is not the person with these existing illnesses I find myself concerned with over this issue. It is my small grandchildren---why should they have to breath anyones exhaled smoke, or even worse the smoke off of a smoldering cigarette? Which is non filtered smoke---full of the worst of the chemicals. I do have very mixed feelings regarding yet another law, and the fact that the government is digging themselves even deeper into our personal lives. BUT---in this case, where they are not telling you that you are no longer allowed to smoke, only that you cannot do it where it may affect others---I agree with it. Should they "allow" a Smoking Lounge---similar to a bar----I would be fine with it. Anyone entering would know it was just that, you would be carded at the door, same as a bar, so no children being drug in with Mommy so she can smoke---having to inhale all the dangers. The employees would know and expect the cloud of smoke. I could choose not to go there, same as I can choose not to go into a bar. My inlaws will not go to a restaurant where alcohol is served, they are so strict in their beliefs. But in my case, the guy at the next table can be drinking a whiskey sour, and unless he has a few too many of them, or I look at his table, I have no idea what he is drinking. The smoke on the other hand wafts over to my table, and I have no choice but to "smoke" with him---as I breath. That is my problem with public smoking. They have done other things to clean the quality of the air we must breath. Factories must adhere to strict clean air guidelines, many states have emissions regulations.....lots of things have helped us to breath easier. This is just another step to help those of us who choose not to do something (smoke), from being forced to do so by those who choose to smoke. We aren't asking for EXTRA rights.....we feel you too are free to breath the cleaner air. We just don't want you taking that right away from us by your choice....make your choice for you, not for me too. Kat

Yeah Terry, a lot of banders take up to a week to feel the full effect of a fill. There has been theories of it working through the tubing before hitting the band....but I am not sure that is the cause. It is not uncommon, that is the only thing I am sure of! I felt more restriction myself on like day 3 than when I actually got the fill. But I was doing liquids for 2 days----so it seemed like it made sense not to feel it on the liquid so much. For a couple of days like the 3rd & 4th or maybe 4th & 5th, I was only eating 4-6 bites, and was full. It was serious restriction. It has relaxed in the 10 months since then of course!!! Actually that serious level of restriction was not long term. I am able to eat more now than I likely should. When we get Rick's health taken care of, I might think about a teeny tiny fill, to get these last 35 pounds or so off. But I am pretty comfy where I am---I may just work harder!! If the solids cause any pain, or if you get overfull, and have pain, or sliming....be sure to go back to liquids for a bit to allow your stomach to react to the swelling. When you don't you can begin an evil cycle of eat, PB, swell.....eat, PB, swell......break the cycle before it starts. For now, slow and easy. As for the sore throat.....are you taking any type of antacid? If not try some Prilosec OTC-----it sounds like you might be dealing with some reflux, which is VERY common. And if you are like DH you will not know it! It is not something to ignore---but the antacid will not hurt you----and is worth a try. If it helps---then you can begin tweaking your diet, cutting out food in the evening, or making sure to flush the pouch sometimes helps. Eliminating acidic foods sometimes helps----but first you have to decide if it is acid or not. If it is----it too will affect your restriction. If your stomach is producing excess acids due to diet, stress, whatever...the stomachs reaction so as to protect itself is to retain extra fluid in the stomach lining, to repel the acids. When you have small pouches such as we do, the extra fluid in the stomach lining, makes the stoma even smaller---so added restriction. Hormones also affect the production of acids---so that helps explain the added restriction during both PMS and your actual period. So many things affect it, just don't take it for granted, and you'll be fine. Both PB's I have had, were caused by me not paying attention, and falling into old habits! Good Luck---keep us posted on how the restriction goes. Kat