Kat817

I'm here!!!! Wanted to get my email alerts started!!! Kat

My DH was on Coumadin for many months this last year, following a blood clot in his ileac artery. He developed the clot, following a test they were doing prior to scheduling his open heart surgery to repair/replace his mitral valve. He took the coumadin for 8 weeks, went off for a few days, had his surgery, and resumed the coumadin for several more months. He had his PT checked every week minimally, and they adjusted his dosage to keep him at a therapuetic level. I think this may have been a blessing in disguise! At least the surgery you had when it was found to be a problem, was minor as far as surgeries go! Now you know to have yourself tested, and find out if you have issues with clotting, or if you have a c reactive issue. Then you can be properly monitored, especially if you ever have to have a BIG operation of some sort. Now, while you are dealing with all of this, your healing time with the band is slowly passing---by the time you are back to normal with the clot, you will be almost back to normal with the band, and ready to GO!!!! I know it is scary---but you know about it, and know if you begin hurting, what to do. It is much better than being in the dark over a problem! You are showing yourself and everyone around you how strong you are---good for you. Hang in there---you, and the band are going to be going strong very soon!!!! (((hugs))) Kat

He won't follow any of them, truth be known, he just turned a year old on the 3rd of this month!!! But if we get them as they come out, he will always have them I figure! My DIL, is very touchy about things, if I buy for the others, she expects similar for him....and in this case it is just easier!!! I liked Flushed Away! My DD bought it for the girls. I bought him Cars for his birthday. Thanks for the suggestions! Kat

Decision, decisions....do I post here---or start an April thread, since some of you are already in April...with the time difference....what a dilemma!!!!! Glad to see things are ok with most of us. Eileen---hope DM is ok again. Dianne---did you call the doc? Darcy---where you at girlie??? Mary--my youngest granddaughter is very thin---she was a preemie, and has stayed pretty small. She turned 2 the first of December, and is still wearing mostly 12 month size clothes---but her shorts I bought her for this summer are 6/9 months!!! But they have to be bought small, because she is potty trained, and the bigger sizes make allowances for diapers. She is getting a bit taller, but has never made it above the 3rd percentile on the charts, and only made it that far once. She is right on target for her developement, with her motor skills, her vocabulary astounds her pediatrician!!! She is just little...of course her pediatrician says nothing about it, she is 4'11" and about 90 pounds!!! When my DD ask about "plumping" her up a bit, they said not to worry about the weight, to concentrate on a healthy, varied diet, and she would be fine. Beannie---glad your info seminar was helpful. Hope it all falls neatly into place for you! I could not operate without my freezer!!! My DW parts are in, they called Friday, but by the time I made it home it was too late to call---so will call Monday to schedule them to come and fix it---yea!!!!!! Betty---I told Rick I wanted to get together with you guys when we go to TX---he said he was willing to do whatever he could to help me out! Actually he looked at me like I had lost it!!! I was not asking his permission, just more his opinion on whether I'd get my butt lost!!! Sherry---I don't get it---are you trying to tell me that things are supposed to be clean? omg.....I am in such trouble if that is the case!!!! LOL---actually we have talked about it several times, but I am in a similar situation to where Pat is. I have a "friend" who does house cleaning---and it is a strained relationship now, and I do not want her cleaning for me. So now I might actually look into it!!! We used to be close, but she is the one person I told about my plan to be banded, that was totally against it. Now she is not so mad that I am banded, but that I didn't bow down and listen to her...she is very controlling. So she refuses to acknowledge any weight loss, or even speak of it, so I have just moved away from her....and feel better for it. Now I can hire someone else, and not worry about offending her, she is already offended!!!! Gotta tell you what I got in the mail today!!! Now keep in mind I live in New Mexico. I live at (this is a for instance---I am not totally stupid!!!) 816 State Street. So today I get an envelope, and glancing through the mail at the return, it is a name I do not recognize, in Staten Island NY. This mail is made out to "New York -------------- Board, PO Box 816 State Street Station, NY NY 10009. this is a bill someone mailed off---to go just a few miles in New York. Instead we get it in New Mexico!!! I thought they routed these things by zip code????? the zip on this is 10009---mine is 874__.........a bit of difference there!!! My friend Becky says well maybe it just got stuck on a piece of yours---but the address is the same in a manner....816 State...and PO Box 816 State Street Station. So that cannot be coincidental!!! I am still floored by it. Makes me wonder where the heck the payment I sent for my lamps I bought that never made it, really went!!! And postage is going up! Cindy---that sucks about the lawsuit. Can you discuss it with your insurance rep, or is it going to be handled by them without you? Pat---what did you think of Happy Feet? I bought it the other day, but it is going in one of the girls Easter baskets---Charlottes Web in the other. Not sure what Connor is going to get movie wise, have to see what he doesn't have...my DIL is worse than the kids, when it is released, she grabs it!!! Maybe she hasn't bought Peter Pan---but not holding my breath!!! Well I am going to go check on Rick, he is coughing---see if he took his Protonix!!! See you all on the April Thread!!! No Fooling! Kat

Welcome to LBT--we are glad you found us!!! Congrats on a great start!!! Sounds like you both are well on your way! Hang out, get to know us, ask any questions you might have, share any tips you have---this is a great site!!! Kat

My Uncle was quite concerned with me wearing the medic alert---he is a Dr. in a MUCH more populated area than we are in here---he was concerned, that they have enough info on me. I have multiple drug allergies, and a couple of tumors in my body, that are being watched, and dealt with---but could shock the hell outta an unknowing Dr.!!! Then I added the band. So he took me down, we picked it out, and he helped me set up all the info he thought might be important. Now he just renews the yearly fee of something like $17.95. I was with him, he used his card to activate it, and now he just continues it. With all of my allergies, and assorted issues, I'd have to have a winding band, like Cleopatras snake bracelet!!!! Kat

I spray tanned last year, because mine were fresh, think I will just let them be this year, and spend some time outdoors!!!! Maybe a few tanning bed sessions....just to get started---I feel like I am not so ashamed of my body this year!!! Kat

I have a medical alert ID bracelet I wear. It has an 800# and my ID number. Personel can either access my medical issues, through a phone call or online. I have several drug allergies, some on going medical issues, as well as my band. I can update my medical info as I need too. It also allows me to enter what meds I am taking and who to contact. It is a basic medical alert bracelet--not real pretty to look at--but I do wear it the most of the time. It also has the wallet card, and not long after I got it (at the drugstore), and set up the account, they sent me a kit to fill out with all my info that is in a plastic sleeve, and is magnetized, to hang on the fridge, for emergency personel if they have to come to your home. I have seen where some people are making pretty beaded bracelets, with the medic alert symbol still on them---might look into a prettier one sometime!! My Uncle is a Dr., and he said the more info that a physician can get about you, if you are unable to provide it, the better off you are. Because even if your spouse is there, they are likely to be upset, and unable to remember the dosage of your meds---and all of that is important. Check with your Walgreens, or a local pharmacy. Kat

I am so excited to change up my exercise this month!!! Weather is getting better, and there is so much more to do! I can ride - both the horse or the bike! (Ladies it is taking all my control not to make a naughty comment here about my DH!!!) We will be able to take the boat out soon, and swim at the lake, and I get time in pushing the grandbabies in the swing, jumping on the trampoline, chasing bubbles. Last year I entered a hula hoop contest with my little niece! The winter has worn me down. I am i a rut, with the eliptical trainer, or the treadmill. I want to bust down the doors and get outside!!! Use some energy mowing, and planting! My year will be up the end of the month. I will have made it to the 90 pound mark. I have been sitting on an even 200 for a couple of days now. As soon as I see 199 for a couple of days I'll change my ticker!!! I too have been eating poorly. Well maybe not exactly poorly---but a bite of this here and there, and not watching it very closely. But that is how I want to eat!!! I am hoping I can get the rest of the weight off with upping my exercise---or at least get some more of it off. I am so happy with life in general right now, I am not especially concerned with it!!! I know 200 is far from thin....but at 5'9", it is nothing like I was!! So I am just celebrating! I bought an Easter outfit the other day---and I began with a size 18 dress---because I am so top heavy---I ended up with a 14, and I have plenty of room in it! This next year for you 07 banders is going to be such a thrill! I should have worked harder to finish the challenge this month---but as I say I have been complacent!!! I will start the month out right tomorrow (no Fooling!) I am herding---so will be in the saddle for several hours. Talk about core exercise!!! Everyone take care---and lets celebrate APRIL!!!!!!!!! Kat

I do believe if we don't do our best to eat a healthy diet---that this could without a doubt do damage to our bodies in the usual ways---clogged arteries for instance. I have done my best to live by the motto "all things in moderation". I try to eat a balanced diet, including, meats, veggies, fruit, fats, grains---all of it. I do take a multi vitamin, since I eat much less than I used to. In my case, I do not want to diet, I want to find a way to eat, be healthy, and lose, then maintain a weight loss for the remainder of my life. I am looking for a lifestyle change. In an effort to accomplish that, I have taken a good look at my food choices, and adjusted them accordingly, but not eliminated anything. If I feel deprived---I know myself well enough to know it won't work for me. I am not willing to starve and be miserable today in order to be thin tomorrow. I am not sacrificing my todays for tomorrows. This morning, I had a sausage patty with a scrambled egg on top with a slice of cheese melted on it. DH had the same idea, in a sandwich form. I ate about 1/2 to 2/3 of the sausage/egg/cheese---and I was no longer feeling any hunger, or wanting anymore so I quit. Last night for dinner I had beef stroganoff, about 2/3 of a cup, I ate all of it, and a piece of garlic bread. For lunch I had a chicken salad sandwich in pocket bread---and ate about half of it. I snacked on mixed nuts, a piece of cheddar cheese, and drank 3 bottles of water, several glasses of iced tea (decaf), and shared a chocolate milk with my grandson! I ate the same things my family did. I ate less. I manipulated it to be better for me. I could have had my breakfast this morning in sandwich form like DH---but I would have been able to eat the same amount, and I would have filled that small space with bread, that I don't need. So instead the protein will keep me full for hours, and my blood sugar will remain steadier....I won't want to snack in a couple of hours. We can eat healthy---it as well as anything else---is a choice. If you cannot eat healthy, then it is time to see your Dr. and adjust your fill accordingly. Your Dr. has no idea how the fill will affect you---it is a joint effort to get it right. We have to do our part as well. He won't be the one with ulcers, or malnourishment if it is not handled well---we will!!! We have to be proactive with our health and diet, not just reactive when there is a problem. Kat

Only YOU can answer that question. You have to be comfortable with him, with his requirements, and with his program. Everyone has their reasons for choosing who they did---it is a personal choice, and unfortunately one only you can make!!! Learning to eat in a healthy manner is not something I see as bad. I could take that, I would have a bigger issue with being told I HAVE to do this or that....just a stubborn streak in me!!! If you feel calm and relaxed when thinking of him as your Dr.---then it is a right decision. If not---then I would keep looking at my options. Good Luck in making your decisions! Kat

They sell a product called Tucks---they are small pre-moistened wipes---that save your a$$ literally when the diarhea is bad. Walmart sells an Equate equivalent. Look around the metamucil and Immodium area. Well worth having on hand!!! Kat

As soon as you feel like it I was told. Positioning is the big thing, don't put stress on your incisions....your port incision will be especially sore. I would say not more than a week or so without anyway. Wasn't a long time, not a biggie!! Kat

Close but no cigar----I use Dr. Timothy Brown in Pueblo/Canon City for my adjustments and aftercare. Keep us posted, it is always good to hear about other Dr.s in the general vicinity. Good Luck with your surgery!!! Kat

I am so glad your little girl is ok. My DD went all through school with a boy who had some serious mental issues, due to a similar accident, only he ran over his brother, killing him. His family never got him the help he needed to handle this through the years, the guilt ate away at him. I am so VERY glad your little girl was not more seriously injured, and also VERY glad for your son---his accident does not need to haunt him the rest of his life. Big hugs go out to your family---- I would look into whether someone had messed with the transmission on your van---it seems like it has been years since they were able to do that. I have a tradition of buying little wooden rocking chairs for each of my grandchildren for their 1st birthdays. My now 2 yr old granddaughter was no exception---she was in it at my house, her Mom (My DD) and I were sitting 3-4 feet away chatting, she turned just a bit, and stuck her leg under the arm of the chair. Then when she leaned forward she fell out---and whacked her little leg on the arm of the chair....and broke her leg! The reason I tell you this, is that within 2 weeks you could not see the break anymore---children heal so fast, because they are constantly growing. She will heal quickly---probably long before your emotions. I know you are the last person on your "take care of" list----but please don't let your own health fall apart---they all need you!! Kat

I ran a day care for over 20 years. It was easy to see which homes were run by the parent, and which homes were run by the children. I popped by own on the bottom a handful of times, enough to get her attention, and then tell her what was going to happen next...and she realized I was serious! If used in a proper manner, I don't disagree with it. The problem arises in the fact that not everyone uses common sense in dealing with kids. Spanking with a belt---repeatedly swatting a child---not mindful of where those swats land---is when the problems begin. It is impossible to regulate how hard you can spank, and in what 10 inch by 6 inch area......so the way to control it, and control parents, who have no control of their own, is to do as they propose and outlaw it in general. In every way it was easier to control an entire room full of kids, than it was to control one at home! In both settings the only thing I ever found to work was consistency. If you threaten a time out if they don't listen---give it to them....if they do it again on Tuesday, you need to follow suit as well. IF you threaten a spanking for back talk---then swat them on the hiney! You do not have to knock them off their feet, you need to show them you meant what you said! If you tell them you are going to take away the toys they refuse to pick up---then be prepared to get your butt busy picking up toys to take away---I don't care if you just paid $30 bucks for it! They will learn how to get by with it all---if you let them! In the work setting, I could not touch a child in a punishment fashion, nor could I talk to them like I might my own. You are left with little alternative to a Time Out---or a Cool Off period. We never left a child in there for long. One minute per year....a 3 year old saying bad words sat in Time Out for 3 minutes, then had a talk with the "teacher" before rejoining the class. Sitting with their back to the class is humiliating---it was not used lightly---but effectively. I'm not sure there is a good answer. I am all for protecting children in all ways. I also hate seeing yet one more thing being regulated by the government. Kat

I agree wholeheartedly---I do not know how I would have handled this last year, without LBT!!! When I have a question or an issue I wonder about---someone is always willing to at least discuss it, even if no one has a concrete answer. The people are friendly, and supportive, and I will say, I love my band, but the friends I have made here at this site, are without a doubt one of the best things about my band!!! Glad to see you up and abpout and posting so soon after surgery!!! Hope your recovery and post op diet go well---we will be here pulling for you!!! Kat

Welcome to LBT!!!! Congrats on your surgery---glad t hear it all went well. this is an awesome site. Everytime I have had a question or a concern, there has been someone to help me along the way. Stick around tell us all about yourself. You are the same age as my Oldest daughter!!! So forgive me if I ever lapse in to Mom mode!!! Were you glad to begin eating again? My first meal, I felt human again!!! Once again welcome!!! Kat

I was just noticing that she never come back and said anything else---and then got to Terri's post. Yep, we may need to come up with bail money...... Kat

Oh you poor thing! I can imagine how scared you were. My DD was with me at my parents one day, and she found my Dads Mace (this was years and years ago---when carrying it was legal), he used when out walking. She thought it was like the breath spray her Dad used and sprayed herself in the face from like 2 inches! She blistered her mouth, her eyes---it was awful, and I remember feeling just like you do now....WHY wasn't I watching her closer? It happens! You handled it when you figured it out. I am so glad everything is ok now. Lesson learned the hard way for ALL of you. Thank you for sharing the story, and reminding us. I watch my granddaughter (DD to the one with the mace!), and I need to be more vigilant I am sure. Thanks for the timely reminder! (((hugs))) to all of you---I am so glad he is ok! Kat

I don't think Julie ever mentioned having anyone check in for her. I wish we had a way to know she was ok too. I feel very confident in her well being---but I'd just like to have the "word". It is cold here today---which just bums me out! I was loving the 70+ degree weather---so dropping back in the low 40's is an insult! I even have a fire going---I got chilled when I went walking and cannot warm up! I don't know if I will make the challenge or not. I wasn't out walking for 45 minutes I know---I only did 2 miles. I may try to get on the eliptical and make up the time difference. Will have to see. I am taking my parents to get their pictures made this afternoon. Mom is going to have her hair done, then we will go over to my friends, and get the pictures done. I cut Dads hair last week so he shouldn't be too shaggy yet. My best friend's husband, is working towards being a professional photographer. He already does a much better job than many around here---and he is affordable (read free if you let him include you in his portfolio---and take a few shots he wants). Wow---that sounds iffy----he doesn't take THOSE kind of pics!!! But like with Rick's & mine, he did some soft focus, and some of us like forehead to forehead---not pics WE particularly wanted, but some he wanted for his portfolio, of options for others. So today we do that. I want them early because I want to use their original wedding photo, and one of these as a faded background on the paper the anniversary invitations will be printed on. Betty---how is Alan today? Itching going away without the meds? Rick has ask me about him several times---I think he feels a kinship! Rick sees the Dr. about the esophagus problem on Monday---but with his new meds (Protonix as opposed to Nexium) he has had no reflux, and has slept better, and not choked----so that is ALL good! Boo- know you want to be better instantly---but take it slow and easy. Better to miss a challenge, even a race, and keep your band healthy! There will be many more! Dawn--you did great!!!! way to go!!!! I am SO impressed! Not to mention a tad jealous!!! Molly---you too---I cannot imagine running long enough to figure that out!!! Maybe when I was younger. Now it is no longer an option---but when I see people running and they look like it is so effortless---I am envious! Tracy---we are ALWAYS glad to have you here! ALWAYS! Eficka---isn't it wierd how we see ourselves. I looked at your before and afters when you posted them, and thought---"wow she never got as fat as I did---I wish I had stopped it there" I thought you looked good even then. Of course you are gorgeous now---but I never saw you as that bad!!! We are always our own worst critic I suppose! I am officially worried about Bluehill. I hope her infection has not worsened. I keep thinking maybe they just cut her phone line when they did her woodwork....hope it is nothing serious. COME BACK BLUE!!!! Well I am off to find something to call dinner. Want to get it cooked and toss it in the crockpot so it will be done when I get back from doing the folks pics. If I eat early I do much better. Y'all take care, and if anyone hears anything from Julie---keep us in the loop!!! ((((hugs))))) Kat

I haven't had any problems with Chinese food, but know a friend on here who has been banded longer, is almost to goal, and cannot eat it at all! She tried some last time this discussion come up---and it was a no go. So each of us reacts differently with these fickle bands. I'd try a little bite or 2, and wait awhile, do a very slow test run. Good Luck! Kat

Yep, the more you walk the better you will feel all the way around. If you begin developing the walking habit now, you will NEVER regret it!! You start getting muscles in your legs, you learn to enjoy the fresh air---it is all good! I would have never believed it, but I miss my walks now when I don't get to go---and now that Spring is on its way---I am really looking forward to them again---winter was difficult, I tried to work out inside. When your swelling goes down it is a wonderful sudden surprise! Hang in there---your body will soon reflect what the scale says!! Kat

yep the old liquid in=liquid out. It will get better when your diet does. Just one more yucky thing to get through---it DOES get better!!!! Kat

Morning everyone---even though noon is fast approaching. I was so lazy today!!! Kids are on vacation, so no granddaughter to babysit. I was yawning after Rick left for work, so I thought to heck with this and went back to bed! I slep sooooo good!!! I got back up a few minutes after 8 and felt wonderful!!! So I went for a walk, and the weather got cold...looks like our cold front has arrived. Rick is off the next 4 days, we had lots we wanted to get done, so of course we get cold weather for some of it!!! Deb---hope your little one feels better soon, does he have a history of asthma or something withhis breathing? I hate that---it is so scary! Darcy---your picture is adorable. I look back at mine, and it is shocking how much my daughter, and her daughter all look like me---poor things! Beannie--sounds like you just needed some reminders of your Spanish, I took it in school (HS), my teacher is now my insurance agent!!! He still insists on trying to have a conversation with me in Spanish. Good thing we pretty much only exchange pleasantries now!!! I understand much better than I speak, so when he asks how I am I can always give him the "asi-asi" (spelling doesn't count) with the little hand wave for "SO-SO"....he just must think I am never either very good or very bad!! Eileen---how'd the dress shopping go? I bought 2 dresses yesterday. One was a size 6!!!! The other a size 18 months---they were for the granddaughters!!! One of these days I will look for myself---maybe tomorrow, I am taking my Mom dress hunting tomorrow. She is looking for one to wear for the 50th anniversary celebration we are having. She and Dad will be renewing their vows---so she needs a new dress. With Easter around the corner, dresses are easy to find, so thought we would look now. Hope you were successful in your hunt. Betty---I do the same thing, get up and wham before I know it 2 hours is gone....few things are done...several are started....and it is getting worse!! I have a beautiful rose garden on the south side of my house. It isn't huge, I'd say 30foot by 25 foot. I have about a dozen different rose bushes, a wide range of colors, and hybrids. Where it enters the back yard it has an arch, with red climbing roses. Next to it, is a HUGE pink honeysuckle. On the front fence, it has forsythia on one corner, a snowball bush in the middle and a trumpet vine (a wannabe compared to yours---esecially thanks to the son!!!)on the other corner. So between the fences, and other planting, my roses are fairly well protected from real harsh weather. They are so pretty...my favorite is a huge peace rose...the faint yellow to pink, is just beautiful. Of course when the long stemmed coral roses are in bloom, it becomes my favorite!!! I'm fickle! Chris---I think when everyone deserves a little extra understanding, when they lose a loved one. Dealing with the emotions those things bring up is something even we cannot often control. I am sure he is not knowlingly pushing you away---and even if it is knowingly, it may just be a sign he suddenly realized he cares about you too, and what if he lost you. Last year when Rick was sooo sick, I talked more to the girls here, than my family or friends I see daily---it was so much easier to let my fingers fly, than to VOICE my fears. I hope it is all ok, and I am so sorry he is hurting--thus you too. (hugs) Mandy---let us know how Abi's return to the school goes. We will be thinking of all of you. Well I hear a salad calling my name. I am working hard to up my veggie intake---I think I need them! If I didn't get to you on personals today---will try to catch you this evening!!! Kat