Kat817

Hi everyone!!! Wow Terri is already out and about---just think how nervous you were last week. We knew you could get through it without a problem!!! This is where I am required to say "I told you so!" Awesome that you are already out walking---it will help so much, with dropping the weight, and your energy level too! Molly--How you feeling? AF gone? My cycle ruled my life for years---I flowed so heavy sometimes, leaving home was not an option. They did not want to "do" anything about it. I all but begged for a hysterectomy, I was so sick of it. But no way! Then I get a cancer diagnosis, and wham it is out of there!!! Would have been so much better if they had done it MY way!!! Hope you are feeling better! Betty--I am so glad Alan is doing so well. I was shocked at how quick Rick bounced back too---after such an invasion! I mean good grief, they literally down sized his heart, and he is acting like he didn't have anything major done!!! But aren't you glad we have men like that instead of the wussy ones, who lay around forever after something like a hang nail removal!!!! Real MEN!!! You muct have needed your sleep---not waking up in time for your class!! Tracy---the first thing that come to mind when you said you worked for a convent and had excellent benefits, was Of course you do---look who your BIG boss is...but then I guess he's My big boss too!!! How is the liquid diet going? You aren't alone today, my Dad, and my friend Eileen, among many others I am sure, are liquid fasting today for Good Friday. Dawn--I wish you were closer, my DD is running, in preparation for the Police Academy (she is a nurse now, and wants to be an officer, and then go into Forensic Pathology), and she is training alone. When her bf can he goes with her, but one of us has to keep the little one, she took her to the track, but she is going through some sort of separation/getting left thing, and when Manda would run, she screamed and cried like she was running away from HER!!! Sheila---way to go with the exercise, heck you might be the first to reach gold!!! I haven't got my exercise in for today, even though I feel like I have!!! I spent all morning with my 2 granddaughters dying Easter Eggs for the Sunday School egg hunt. When you have a 2 year old around eggs, and dye....you run---a LOT!!! This afternoon we are taking Festus (thier basset hound) for a walk---but that too will be a slow meandering walk, he nor the 2 year old move fast when that is the goal! This dog has been known to trip over his own ears, and just lie down--in the roadway!!! He is cute, and sooooo lazy! Julie---sounds like you are doing great, I am so glad!!! Someday I will know life with a flat (or at least flatter) belly!!! You know years ago, I was so thrilled to find out I was pregnant with my DD, I pushed with all my might, to make my belly stick out!!! As tall as I am, it took awhile for the pregnancy to show, and I was impatient!! I probably look more pregnant now than I did then---besides the age thing!!! So what's everyones plan for Easter? We are having dinner here, with all the family---will be chaos! I am going to have Rick put up the volleyball/badmitton net tomorrow, so we have something to DO after feeding ourselves, besides sit around. My inlaws always want to play dominos, or Mexican Train dominoes---I need more activity I think----then I will not worry so much about what I eat (so sorry Tracy!). Well with that in mind, the house is not going it ready itself---guess I'll have to do it. Talk to y'all soon! Kat

I personally just told everyone---but have heard that many just tell a version of the truth---that they are eating less, and moving more. The biggest part of their questions will be in the pre-op and post op liquids stages, when you just quit eating. You might talk up a liquid fast diet you are going to do or something around that time so it isn't questioned. I am such a terrible liar, I was afraid I wouldn't remember who knew and who didn't!!! I have not met with much derision with it. Possibly people I could care less about behind my back, but hell they were likely talking about how fat I was behind my bigger back---so I could care less!!! Good Luck in your surgery, and with the questions!!! Kat

Awesome job Chickie---thanks for sharing, and giving us hope!!! Kat

Ok, I'll give you honest feedback and try to be nice.....it is great!!!!! Kat

Hope you don't mind a response from the USA---just didn't want you thinking no one was out there!!! First of all welcome to LBT, we are glad you found this site, to start asking some questions! I went to Mexico from here, I am in New Mexico---and I flew into San Diego, and then the Dr.'s staff picked us up at the airport and drove us into Mexicali. As it stands now to my understanding, is that if you drive across the border, or walk across you can do so with a picture ID. If you fly into Mexico, you have to have a current passport. Most of the places I have heard of fly you into a nearby US city---not too sure about Monterrey. Have you tried posting your question in the Canada threads? They may be able to get you more pertinent info than I can. I took my husband as well. His sister and I went together, and he accompanied both of us, as her DH (Dear, Darling, Damn---whatever the mood---Husband) would not go with her. There was never a time I felt I needed him for safety concerns, but I always feel better when he is with me anyway!!! I highly recommend taking someone. It would have been hard to drag my own luggage around, while recovering from surgery for instance. It was just an emotional comfort having him. Good Luck in your search for answers, and in your surgery as well!!! Once again---welcome! Kat

Tracy---freeze the leftovers, and then one night after you are able to eat again, and you have little time, because you have been off working out---you will have a ready made dinner!!! Yeah Terri, I did the Zero Carb Isopure---and they left a lot to be desired taste wise, but I will admit that I felt better when I made myself drink half in the morning, and half in the afternoon. I would fill a glass with crushed ice, and sip it (yes with a straw----I ALWAYS use a straw), when I would walk, then it would be done!!! When I boycotted them, I felt wiped out, just very tired....protein does help with that. You might try some of the unflavored powder---it was an easier do for me! Good Luck guys!!! Kat

Poor Tracy----you are being soooo good! As for the what to wear question---definitely go with the comfy pants, and skip the jeans. I wore some french terry pants and a loose jersey knit top to fly home in. Also skip the underwire bra---wear one of your old, broke in, washed til soft ones! Dig out the granny panties...loose is the key! And like has been said, slip on shoes. One you will not feel like bending to tie them, and 2, if you are flying, they have to be removed to go through the checks. It was suggested to me not to even wear a bra---what a joke!!! I would have bounced and jiggled so much rushing through the airport at San Diego, all of California would have thought the big one finally hit!!!! Kat

Welcome to LBT---we'll be glad to help in any way we can---just let us know! Kat

I have seen other posts regarding a flipped port. I understood most of them to say, the port was repositioned in the same muscle and restitched, in a day surgery, and some even in an office setting. They didn't sound like it was as big of a deal as your Dr. seems to find your situation. Him saying he might move it for easier access, might be a good thing in the long run. I know mine is hard to hit---where as my SIL who was banded by the same Dr. same day ---hers is easy to see and feel----every body is different I guess. Keep us posted on what they decide to do! Kat

I have no idea how (or who for that matter!), I would guess the best place to start might be contacting a moderator. I have never had a problem---so never thought about it. I was here when everything went crazy, and several people were banned, but no idea how it actually happen. Kat

And soon you can be ThinBeautifulTrimAndModestTracyinKS!!!! You are like me, slap my name on it, and call it my username!!!! Kat<<<<<not very inventive!!!

I know it is hard---but relax, it isn't a race, let your body get the extra couple of weeks healing. Practice your bandster eating rules, and it will pass. If you happen to gain a couple of pounds, they too will come off again. Sometimes it is hard working within others schedules---we want it done NOW!!! I know I was the same way!!! We will be here, for you to vent to, if it gets hard! We can try to offer some food ideas to hold you over. Just come hang out, and whine, and laugh, and share----many of us have been there---we will commiserate with you!!! Kat

As I was growing up, if one of us kids said something nasty like the OP's brother did---my Dad told us it was "sour grapes". Saying something nasty or mean out of jealousy. When I had a member of my family (in inlaw) say to me she thought I was losing weight too fast, I just smiled at her and said "sounds like sour grapes to me". She is younger, and didn't have a clue---and was of course to much of a know it all to ask what that meant!!! I wonder if she ever found out!!! The stories that really confuse me are the ones about the former heavy friends.....they should know what it is like!!!! Makes me thankful for the good friends thats for sure!!! With friends like some of these y'all have mentioned----who needs enemies???? Kat

I have one of each type of neighbor. The snobby ones to my south, and right next door on the north side, are the ones like you are talking about Lisa. They will help in any way---me or whoever, they are kind, decent people. We watch out for one another. The snobby neighbors ignore us all!!!! I think we ALL prefer it that way! This thread has made me more aware, and wanting not to be like the original guy who ignored her need for help---made me want to be more helpful. I guess I need a reminder now & then!! Kat

In the top center of the home page is a SEARCH button, click it and type in April, it will give you a list of all threads involving the word April---you will find the Head start on Spring thread, and can just click on it. I am going to have some excess skin issues, not a lot, mostly through the belly. My belly was always my problem, my hips and legs remained pretty normal sized, so they will be fine. I might look into a mini TT after the next 35 pounds. Not the big surgery, just the skin removal---I know my clothes would fit better, and I would like it better. I do understand her concerns over the sagging skin---but I figure I am going to sag anyway---I will just do it much thinner than I was!!! I had a lot of weight to lose. Now less than 40 pounds to go!!!! YEA! I had more to lose than you do----in fact I have lost more than the 80 you need to lose in this last year. Imagine, by next year this time you could be at your goal weight, and have all those health issues behind you!!! I too had high blood pressure---took 2 different meds for it, and high blood sugar, took 1 med for it---and have taken NONE now for over 9 months! My BP runs about 118/72 now!!! My Dr. is so thrilled! My DH (Dear, Darling, Damned---depending on the mood----Husband), and I are now weighing the same! Soon I will be smaller than him for the first time in many years. He has lost weight, simply because I do cook differently and he is ok with that. We walk together, and have begun a light free weight lifting program we do every other night together. It has been good for both of us. I hope you 2 can find ways for it to work as well for you! Banding has been a blessing to me. I have hit a plateau the last couple of months, the weight is sloooooow coming off. But I do not diet---I eat everything in moderation, so in a way this plateau has been comforting to me, I realize I can live and eat normally and maintain without issue! So it relaxed than concern I had. Now I need to get active and get the last of this weight off! Good luck to you!!! Kat

Hi Phil! Welcome to LBT!!! There is a strong, active April bandsters thread---look them up, and get aquainted. You will be glad to have the support of others facing the same things around the same times. It is called April Bandsters Head Start on Spring---I think---I never can keep all the exact titles of the threads straight!!! Pull up your keyboard and tell us about you! I am an April 06 bandster, had mine almost a year, and by far one of the best decisions I ever made for myself! I would do it again in a heartbeat! I just know you will be happy! Well, look up your fellow April 07 bandsters, and hang out & visit with us! Kat

Yes I would ask for your Rx prior to going, that way you can have it with you and ready. This surgery hits everyone differently. I was actually in the hospital for 2 days, which was fine, but I was not in pain, and walked non stop! On the 3rd day I flew home, a 5 hour flight. I also had another 5 hours in the car. I kept busy moving ---worried about possible clots---but I only needed a dose of Tylenol for a headache. I didn't have much pain with the banding surgery at all. Compared to other surgeries I have had, and other procedures---this was cake. I guess that means I was lucky! Hope you all feel well soon, and hope all of you waiting have as good of an experience with it as I did! Kat

Same here, chewable childrens vitamins---chewable vitamin C, Viactive (or store brand equivalent) chewable calcium, and sublingual vitamin B complex. Like Teachlady said, I tend to take my vitamins, when the snack urge hits, they give me a shot of flavor, and the chewing my body is wanting. And it lets the urge to snack pass! I keep them in a small plastic basket on a shelf in the kitchen, as I take them, I move them in or out of the basket, so I don't forget what I have already done for the day---my memory is going fast!!! They say it is the second thing to go......I already forgot what the first was.... Kat

Leatha, I live next door to some of the snobbiest people in town---they actually looked over the fence once, and ask me if my lawn mower was down---I told her no I was! They hire theirs done---I was single, and doing a lawn 4 times the size! She even ask me one day not to hang any laundry out on the line, that they were having a get together in the back yard, and it was embarassing! I was much easier to walk all over back in those days---she doesn't do that now!! As for your experience Devana---that is horrible! Most churches have a pastor/parishoners committee or something similar. A quick call to the church secretary would be the way to find out. I would not do it in anger, but I would sit down, type out a detailed letter about what happen. How the man did not even call the police to help you! Explain to them, how that made you feel in regards to their christian attitude as a whole church---by the one persons actions. Then send it, not just to the church, but to the committee. Then they can sort it out, discuss how to handle things in the future. My Dad is part of a similar group, and they have talked about some of these issues. A local AA group meets at our church, and they occasionally have had a problem. As people have pointed out, it could have been any one coming in with a key, but they need to have the problem pointed out to them. As it is now, the only one in the church that knows about it, is the man who was such a jerk---I would make sure it was something they at least knew about as a church! Glad you made it safely home!!! Kat

Back in the day---when I was in junior high, we took a round steak, and cut it in 3 pieces, and put it in glass pie plates, and covered it in water, milk, and Coca Cola. It was kept in the fridge, and while it was not "gone" in 2 days---it did resemble the cancer pics you see of organs! It ate away at it! Now the steak did not have it's own acids to counter act the corrosive aspects, as we do in our stomachs. And it passes through the stomach, not just sit there for 2 days. We also usually eat other food with the Coke, so it is not as strong. But it was an eye opener!!! We were at a very vulnerable age, and many of us would not drink soda!!! Well eventually we figured out that nobody was walking around with holes in their stomachs---and we went back to drinking it. But it still makes me think. I would not let my children drink soda for years, and will not give it to my grandbabies. I think of their tiny delicate organs, and figure, they don't need it!!! But I have heard (no idea how true it is) that apple juice is even more corrosive! Breathing is killing us, guess I'll just drink the water anyway!!!! Kat

My Dr. I use for fills/adjustments, has had a devil of a time finding my port himself. Someone who does this many times a day!! I have a deeply placed, low profile port. The port itself is not very big, and the exact area to hit, is even smaller. He has had problems doing it without fluoro---so there is no way I could do it! Besides the fact that my port is up pretty high, and even with the weight I have lost, I don't bend that way yet!!! Prior to surgery I went and chatted with my old oncologist, concerning a situation like you describe. I had my surgery in MX, and my fill Dr. is 5-6 hours away. I live in a rural area, and that is my closest option. So with that in mind, I set up the appointment to talk to my oncologist. I met with him, and talked to 3 of his nurses---they agreed to step in if I should have to have an emergency unfill. They got me through chemo with no infections, I would have to trust them to do it again! So----I voted no! Kat

Evening everyone! I have a working dishwasher again!!!! Beanie---hope you get a fridge soon! Rick ask me how it works---like I would already know??? I had to wash dishes by hand and clean the kitchen before the repair guy come---so I have no dirty dishes. Make that HAD no dirty dishes. I had a party this afternoon, now I have plenty of dishes!!! My DD, and 2 granddaughters, my DIL and grandson, niece and great niece, and a friend and her daughter were all over for a play time, and lunch. My DD also brought "Marvin". Marvin is 39, she is mentally retarded, and has the mentality of about a 10 year old. Well she is convinced boys have a better life so she doesn't like being Marilyn, she prefers being Marvin. It is not a sexual preference, it is a 10 year old preference!!! She is very involved in the Special Olympics, and she hangs out with my DD at work a lot, she even has her own desk in her office! She colors pictures, draws, writes, and visits! Her Mom abandoned her with her Grandma who is over 80, and just too old to keep up with an active "10 year old". To look at Marvin you would guess her to be in her early 20's---she looks incredibly young. She is about 4'9" or so, petite, dresses in baggy boys shorts and t shirts---and is as loving as they come, she adores the little kids, she plays with them non stop. She spends a lot of time with my DD, and also with my niece. They truly are her salvation. I am going to take her riding (horse) next week for the first time. She calls me Granny Grandma, or Grandma Granny. She is such fun. So anyway, we had kids everywhere!!! We grilled burgers & hot dogs, and ate out back. No worry over spilled drinks!!! Poor you Mandy!!!! It was 77 out last I looked today---a little breezy at times, not bad tho. Tonight, we went for a ride (motorcycle) with some friends, who just bought their bike. Made a loop on some local back roads, stopped for dinner, and come on home. Mandy---tell me about this special Disney package you got....we have been thinking about a trip with the granddaughters. Dianne---glad the MIL thing got settled without you being the bad guy---and that the girlies will eventually be like sized!!! Beannie--math would be my downfall in a MAJOR way!!! Eileen---screw the boss----eeeeewwwww not really---just figuratively!!! You are not a loser in any way shape nor fashion. That pisses me off, that he would say that, or even infer that!!! Patty--hope the allergies ease up, mine are getting ready to kick in, it is that time of year! Glad you have your Mom for help...we all need help sometimes, in different ways---but we all need it! Pat---I lost a post last week...I said bad words. By the way---my fonts have not changed either.... And I would still like to see they boys pic!! Deb---poor you, you have had a sick kiddo pretty steady here lately--it seems like it does that, one thing after another! Hope you are all on the mend! Darcy---you ok? We miss you! Sherry, sounds like you are running around like crazy---careful you may meet yourself coming in as you go out!! Hope you and Chrispy had a nice dinner!!!! Maybe I will send you a list of all the bad things I want you to burn for me....hmmmm long distance cleansing...I like it! Cindy--believe me I understand your thoughts of how fast they grow up. My grandkids remind me so much of my kids, it is amazing! It is like going back in time, and at the same time, it feels like time is flying so fast!!! Enjoy every bit of it. I do not regret a single minute I did spend, only wish there had been more of them! Betty--hopefully there will still be lots of flowers when we head down. Looks like it will be about a month...first of May. I guess it rained pretty good at our place last week or so. We were told the fields are nice and lush green, and our tanks are almost full. Last fall, the tanks were really low, and the creek was dry. Only good thing about that, was we could walk the creek to check fences, and we could make some repairs. Well I am going to surf a bit, and call it a night. (((hugs))) Kat

I was like Molly in some ways. To begin with my surgeon had me scared to death to eat too early!!! He explained it great detail how this was going to be done, andWHY I could not cheat. So I didn't!!! Then when the food was allowed again, the weight had really begun to drop off, so I had motivation! When that began to wain, it was time to get a fill---and the first fill helped a little, I couldn't eat so fast, I actually felt like "wooohoooo I have a working band!!!". Then with the second fill I achieved a good level of restriction that I have been riding for the last 8 months or so. So in answer to your question, yes post op was easier for me to follow than anything pre op ever was. The results are there every single day---if it isn't weight it is inches, I have lost over 50 inches off of my body. Unreal! It is the feeling of success, of having made the right decision, of having found the tool that worked for me, that made it so much easier!!! Besides the stress eating alone lessens, when it is a done deal!!! We have no problem with you being "needy"....we like feeling needed! Y'all crack me up---I feel like I should be sitting here with a chew in or something!!! The only wrangling I did today was kids!!! I had a houseful!!! My DD and her 2 (2 of my granddaughters --ages 6 and 2), my DIL and my grandson (1), a niece and her DD (5), a friend and her DD (1). and my DD's tag along Marvin. Marvin is mentally retarded, she is 39, and has the mentality of about a 10 year old, and she wants to be a boy, so she prefers to be called Marvin as opposed to her given name of Marilyn. She is very involved in Special Olympics. Her mother is not in her life, her Grandmother is raising her, and she is just to busy for the grandmother, who is over 80. My DD and my niece both take her around, home to spend time, holidays---you name it! She is about 4'8"....and looks to be in her early 20's maybe. No worries, no wrinkles....But she is a sports nut, she loves children, she loves to come to "Granny Grandma's" house and play. She was in her true hey day today, with all the kids!!! Kinsey and I made cupcakes this morning, and today we grilled hot dogs, and had lunch. We ate outside, so all the spilled drinks were not a big deal!!! Marvin and my DD, and DIL and I (the niece and friend who were here are both pregnant, and were not playing!) had a good volleyball game going--until DIL fell over the kids picnic table!!! I did a good 15 minutes of hula hooping!!! (For you newbies, my niece and I participated in a hula hoop contest last summer!). I will have my time in by the time we lift weights tonight. For now I better go change out some laundry. Everyone take care! Kat

When you're right, you're right!!! Makes good sense to me!!! Kat

Not all Dr.s require a bowel cleanse. Mine didn't, and it wasn't an issue. You will begin hearing about the "liquid in = liquid out". With your pre op diet, or with the post op, when you begin taking in nothing but clear liquids...it usually leads to diarrhea. fun fun fun!!! I might suggest that you buy some TUCKS---or the walmart Equate equivalent. They sure help with the soreness related to non stop diarrhea. Some Dr.'s feel that if there is a problem in surgery, or to prevent some problems, they want your intestinal tract as clean as possible. There is nothing concrete as to whether it helps in this case or not. You should not have constipation problems---due to the liquid diet post surgery. The jewelry---they made me take even my wedding band off. They told me if in the event they would have to shock me, it would burn where the metal was. Or something to that effect, I was already "drinking my first margarita"...when I thought to ask, and forming words was already something I really had to think about!!! Seriously, they had given me something in my IV to prepare me to go to the ER, when they ask me again about jewelry so I ask---and that is what I remember them saying! Well I have a house full of grandbabies---be back later, if I survive!!! Kat