Kat817

We thought the same thing Leatha---but the more grandbabies we get here---the more my butt settles in!!! Kat

Awww patty---I have no answers for you---but someone here will. Like you it is something that is just foreign to me! I hate that you are having all these issues! I know I have not helped---I just wanted you to know someone was listening---and I have said another prayer for you and will continue to do so. I too had insurance issues----bless you for the fight you have fought! I am so impressed!!! Hang in there until some of the girls get back that will have some much needed answers for you. (((BIG GIANT HUGS))) Kat

Mde it to ABQ and back just fine, some slick spots, and it snowed pretty good for about half the trip home, but we did just fine. Dads Dr. said he was doing good, there was not and significant change in his carotids, so he will see him in 6 months. I dreaded, going---but I always enjoy the time with them. My parents neither one are comfortable with the interstate exchanges and the big city driving, so that is why I take them. We left early, got home late---had no real exercise time---but I did walk up and down to the Dr.s office, which is on the 7th floor. I know it was not enough time wise, and it did not count, but I felt better doing it anyway!!! Today I have been to Curves, and we will be lifting weights tonight---with being gone, I got off schedule, but it will be ok! Roberta---hope you are feeling better. I used to use Asthmacort each day, then they changed me to Advair....I do not use anything on a daily basis now, unless I catch cold or allergy season is here. I too use Albuterol for instant help. Betty-so glad you and your friend are ok again. I lost a friend last year, and I truly miss her sometimes. She chose to end the friendship, by choices she made, and lies she told me. She was seeing my ex husband (who is BAD news), and lying about it....he had moved in with her and her children, and I found out, when I went over to loan her $20.00 and he was there!!! Needless to say, he never supported his child, and I'll be damned if I help support his many habits, so me and my $20.00 left! They have been on and off for over a year now, and everytime they are off, she emails me wanting to resurrect the friendship. We had been friends since 7th grade---but friendship requires trust...and we have none! I feel like just shaking her! Julie, Boo, Dawn, Amourette---anyone else I missed---I hope you are having a great weekend. Is snowing here---and we are off to paint a mural as soon as she gets here---will talk to you all soon!!! Kat

I did not go up to strangers and tell them...I did not send out a family news letter and tell them...but if they are people I am in touch with regularly, I told them and talked to them about each step, and it has all been very open. I had a couple of friends who had been banded before me, and they were doing well, so I had that advantage. Now I have people who see me regularly, the cashier at the grocery store, or the bank teller, people at Curves, they see me losing weight quite rapidly and want to know how! So I tell them if they ask me. I was sitting in the waiting room when I took my folks to the eye Dr. and a lap band commercial come on, and a girl a few seats down tells her Mom, that's what I need....so I told her I had it done 6 months ago. They moved down and started asking questions, she has called me twice now and has scheduled her seminar! As we were talking in the waiting room, 2 other women began talking to us! My oldest daughter is a nurse for a G.P., she has patients ask about it on occasion, and she with my permission, has given them my number. I have spoke to a couple. I feel like if they ask me, I am going to tell them. Several people are uncomfortable with that, and I can appreciate that, but it isn't for me to be that way. When they tell people they are eating less and moving more, they are telling the truth...but I know myself and when I was at my biggest, if someone had suddenly lost 80 pounds, and was telling me they were eating less and moving more, I would have just felt like an even bigger slug....thinking WHY can't I do that??? It is a hard thing being that size, and feeling hopeless, I tell people, because I know if they find a way to get banded, they could do it too---I am not special----just lucky!!! Kat

Too tired right now to do much but read a little. My Dad got a good report at the Dr. We hit some ice on the way down, and the snow started before we made it half way home---was a slow tedious trip, not helped by my Moms, quick indrawn breaths everytime a snowflake made contact with the windshield!!! Ok maybe not that often, but the woman was making me nutso!!!! Made it home, wanted to veg out, in front of the fire---but no such luck, our son was afraid his Daddy would starve if I wasn't home on time, so they made plans to go to dinner---on a Friday night, we waited to be seated, then they were slow....all I wanted was my jammies!!! Which I have now...so going to go to bed!!! I have read all the posts-- Patty, prayers for getting this surgery done for you---Dianne, for getting the parents well--Mandy for your foot surgery--heck, I don't have any memory left at all---think I will just ask for abundant blessings for all of you! Thanks for all the safe travel wishes---they worked! See ya tomorrow! Kat

Sorry----maybe it will cancel at the last minute, I know my last run at jury duty I had to call the recording the night before, and it would tell me if it was still on the docket. Maybe you could forewarn the fill Dr., and hopefully it will all work out. I was originally scheduled to appear 9 times in the month.........they ended up adding one, but cancelled all but 3 times. Good Luck! Kat

I do not believe all the mumbo jumbo about not enough protein---I lost hair like this while on Atkins, and all I ate was protein!!! I have kept my protein intake up this time around as well, so it helped me heal, and control my hunger---din't make a difference, it is falling out like crazy! It has a name, I just can't remember it---it is the bodies reaction to the stress of surgery, anesthetic, sudden weight loss, and diet change. Most have said theirs finally stopped, and grew back just fine, once the body decides it is surviving just fine as is! Of course mine will be stubborn, and take forever to realize that!!!! Kat

Getting the unbiased opinion of others who had gone before me, as opposed to the seminar info, or Dr.'s websites--was invaluable!!! I was lucky enough to actually be pointed in the direction of LBT by my surgeons office, and was immediately hooked. I found a special group of friends, who were with me through the last few weeks, as my nerves got so bad!!! They were there waiting for a report when the surgery was done---I still have the group of friends, and more! And I also like that I can provide the support for new members that was provided for me! Kat

aww thanks Boo, I really don't have a lot of pain, it is intermittent, and so far something that Tylenol eases to where it is something that I can handle. I too wish we lived where a pool was possible. This year I will be doing quite a bit of swimming---I won't feel like the beached whale!!! Plan on that being a regular outing with the grandbabies. In fact the other day when discussing the upcoming birthday, my youngest DD said she never knew what to get for anyone. I told her, "well let me tell you Honey, for Mother's Day--you kids can get me a swim pass this year!!!" She tells me "but we always buy flowers and plant your flower beds". I told her that was ok, I'd buy the flowers and just guilt them into helping me plant them!!!! Only part of me was teasing with her---I fully intend on getting a season pass, and going as often as possible. On the positive side, I used to have problems being so blonde my hair would take on a greenish tint---well now my hair is darker---and there is a lot less of it to turn colors! Looks like the weather is going to hold long enough for me to get my Dad to the Dr. Now just hope it holds to get us home!!! I am not afraid to drive in it, as much as I am afraid of others driving in it!!! And there is not any road maintenance through the reservation, so if it gets slick, it stays that way! Could be an interesting day!!! I AM anxious to see my Dads cardiologist, he has always been just as nice as nice could be, he never said a word to me about my weight, but he always comments on what an excellent patient my Dad is, if he tells him to walk 4 miles a day, he walks 4 miles a day, if he tells him to lose 20 pounds he loses 20 pouns. He will be shocked at my lost weight---and pleased, he is a nice guy....cute too....for a boy!!! So young!!! Will be in touch when I get back home---have a good one y'all! Kat

I am a very happy bandster that was banded in Mexico. Definitely do your research, there are good and bad, same as everywhere. Just be sure to make follow up care arrangements if you do go out of the states. Also, if you are considering leaving the country to get it done---if you do not already have a passport, it would be a good thing to get going on! Feel free to ask any and all questions you have...this is an awesome site---full of helpful, knowledgeable people! Welcome! Kat

I had qualified for my insurance to cover my surgery in all but the 12 months of medically supervised weight loss program, with a bi monthly meeting with a nutritionist. I fought the nutritionist part, because I live in a rural area, where one was not available---I won that, they let my Dr. counsel me! Then 10 1/2 months into the 12--I was in a car accident-not my fault- and required surgery to repair my knee that was crunched. Once I was up and around I went back to the Dr. to get going again, only to be told I had to start over, it had to be 12 consecutive months!!! I appealed and lost---and rather than appeal again, I used my settlement from the accident, and paid for it myself---well worth every cent!!! Absolutely the only regret is that the insurance company should have had to pay it---it still irritates me!!! But it is almost 9 months out, and I am down 80 pounds, and not still waiting to get started!!! So llewis---why not license yourself---and expand---it sounds like you have the talent, and the clientelle already in place!! Kat

Didn't the one nurse on ER have bypass or something? She dropped a HUGE amount really fast between seasons, then began gaining some back---I don't even know if she is on the show anymore. Kat

Well I did mine the other way around---had the hysterectomy then the band. Have you discussed the band with your gyno? That seems like the first step. Where abouts is your port? My port is fairly high, and my hysterectomy scar is low, across at the base of my belly, just above my pubic bone----nowhere near where the port/tubing/band would be affected. As for the tummy tuck during the hysterectomy, if he would do it, I would jump on it!!! If he doesn't do it, you will end up having it later. Which would be 2 surgeries, if it is still tight when you get to goal, then this way you saved yourself the 2nd surgery, if not, you can have it revised then, and you have lost nothing! I was still at my heaviest when I had my hysterectomy---I only wish I had done it to where I could have some of this belly removed!!! Sounds like it is time to talk to the Doc!!! I can o nly imagine how much easier it would be to heal without the weight of that on the incision....good luck to you. I love my band---and I love the hysterectomy just as much I think!!!! Kat

We eat Mexican all the time, it is by far the easiest of foods for me to eat! I too slowly snack on a couple of chips and salsa---but have found I can eat pretty much anything. I avoid the burritos, sometimes the uncooked flour tortillas get a little dough-y for me. I go for the chimichanga if I want a burrito type of thing---it is flour tortilla, but deep fried! yeah I know fried!! But I eat maybe 1/4 -1/3 of my food, take the rest home, and I enjoy the heck out of it. It is a favorite unwind type of evening for DH and I, I refuse to spend every second worrying about each bite I take!! I want to enjoy the trip, not just the destination! Happy Birthday---enjoy!!! And welcome to bandland!! Kat

Hi everyone---we are supposed to have another snow storm hit today--and I am supposed to take my Dad to Albuquerque to the cardiologist tomorrow---fun! I am going to take advantage of the DGD's nap, and get dry wood brought in, and things covered back up so we can be ready for the snow. Will try to check in later. Kat

Wheetsin---I love the problem solving with Ami----simple, to the point---fun for all---perfect!!! You can take Ami home for the night, I'll grab Nunez!!! Kat

You guys need to all chorus together with a great big "DUH"!!! Why in my mind I had not really thought of simply changing the workout as opposed to increasing it----who knows!!! I am still doing ok, with what I am doing, but will likely do as all of you have pointed out, and end up changing to a more all around gym eventually. There is just not one in my little town....so will wait until I feel the need! My knees are not my problem---I have a developing tumor in my fibula--the smaller of the bones in your lower leg. I have 2, they have been there for over 5 years. The one in my leg is the one I have to be most careful of, as it is beginning to encompass most of the bone, it has eliminated the marrow flow---so weakened the bone considerably, it will likely break at some point, and have to be removed---the bone, not just the tumor. I can maintain mobility without the bone, or it can be replaced with a rod. They will decide more at the time. It was originally thought to be a secondary cancer--but at the time of the last biopsy it is not showing active cancer cells, however it is something that can change. The 2nd tumor is in my mastoid---unaffected by most things. I have bone scans every 6 months, and have a biopsy yearly. They seem to have been affected by the form of infusion therapy chemo I took, the growth slowed considerably! Which was a really great benefit! They originally gave me 6 months before the mastoid tumor would have to be removed, and it has grown slowest of the 2! Having these definitely spurred me to get rid of this weight, I know if I lose the bone, it will be a much easier recovery being lighter weight! So that began the string of diets, which in the end only resulted in an extra 50 pounds or so to lose!!! Thank heavens for my band!!! Anyway----long story later---I do have limitations of stress I can put on the leg. I agree that the 45 minutes a day, or something in the neighborhood, is a good amount of time. I find it gives me time to be inside my head---if you know what I mean. I used to get that by riding---but I quit when I felt like my size was resulting in cruelty to animals---and now I am riding again, but have company usually! And kids around animals that size take constant attention, not much time for personal reflection anymore! Wood chopping is work, that is a fact, but I take too many breaks, to keep the rate up steady. I mean, you have to haul logs in and then move the chopped pieces out of the work area, so your heart slows back down...it is not a steady thing. Not to mention the amount of time we spend laughing at my fine form!!! And the number of times I slam the ax into the ground and miss the stupid log altogether!!! I know there was a reason we bought the log splitter!!! Same with riding, getting ready is a workout, saddling up, etc., but once you mount up, it really isn't much of a workout, if you are just walking! Altogether tho, I guess it is still working! Amourette---I had a wonderful Christmas, thanks for asking---glad to hear you had a good time as well. Any big plans for this week off, before getting back to work? You and Julie are going to have to keep us posted of all your dating fun!!! Not Dawn tho---her DH may really get jealous then!!! Men already hitting on her---then hearing your stories may just spur her on!!! j/k Roberta--hope your asthma is better---that is no fun whatsoever! What type of inhaler, or meds do they have you using? Boo-- I so know what you mean about the cold, we have another snow storm supposed to hit tonight. And I am due to take my Dad to Albuquerque tomorrow to see his cardiologist. And to get there, I have to go through some of the worst weather area in the state. Will be driving the 4 WD without a doubt. Actually if it gets really bad, we will cancel, and reschedule. His carotid arteries are occluded, but not to a point they are ready to operate...and they do a dopler on them every few months, and that is what this is for. Ok, well I better get something else done while little one is asleep! Oh yeah-- She finally made the charts!! She was a preemie, (4 pounds) and has always been underweight, and shorter than the charts show. She is now in the 3rd percentile--she is 20 1/2 pounds now, and 30 1/2" tall! And her pediatrician was thrilled with her motor skills, and shocked by her verbal skills (she never shuts up!!!--a true chatterbox), and the fact that she is potty trained. On the other hand my grandson who was just over 5 pounds at birth, is 10 months old now, and weighs the same (exactly!) as the 2 yr old, and is 26 1/2 inches tall, and took his first steps day before yesterday---life will never be the same for my son and his wife!! That boy is into everything---twice! I am so glad to have them---and to send them home!!! Kat

I used Dr. Aceves, in Mexicali--his staff all spoke perfectly fine English--much better than my Spanish, and I was afterall in their country! They went out of their way to make sure they all spoke English, the only ones who did not do so, were some of the janitorial staff. That janitorial staff that kept the place spotless!!! I kid you not, using stiff brooms, to SCRUB the baseboards....I had pastel yellow footies with gripper bottoms I used as slippers ( I was saving suitcase space!) they stayed clean and I walked non stop! I can't do that in my own kitchen!!! In the OR everything seemed as up to date as I see here in our own hospital. The Xray room, was a little baren, no sitting areas, etc. It was for Xrays only! The EKG set up used was the exact same thing my husband just had used on him at a major heart hospital, for valve repair....it all seemed very modern. When I was scheduling my appointments, they ask permission for another Dr. to observe the surgery, that he was proctoring a Dr. from Cincinnati! I ended up having to schedule a different week---but I had agreed. My patient coordinators, Rueben and Yolanda, spoke English to a point that other than their accent being a little different than my own southern accent, you would never have known that English was not their first language. The cafeteria staff had their menu done in pictures as well, so my DH just pointed, and they got him his food!! I too was given an exact amount to bring, I took it in a guaranteed bank draft, and they never ask for another dime, for anything at all. Our driver even refused our tip--it was all inclusive. I was very satisfied with my experience, as was/is the friend who went before me, my SIL who was banded at the same time I was, and another friend should be flying home today---she was banded last Monday! I'd do it again! I'd take my own Mother, or daughter if they needed it---and I am much more discerning with them, than with myself!! Good Luck in your research---I fully agree, that choosing any Dr. for any purpose, this or another, that deciding based soley on cost is a HUGE mistake! This is your health---nothing to fool around with. You need to make an educated decision, first on whether the band and it's necessary adjustments, and dietary changes, and restrictions are something you can do--and then follow that decision with finding a Dr. or Dr's who can walk the journey with you---it is not one you can make alone. Choosing a Dr. in Mexico, requires you to either plan frequent trips back across the border, or to find a Dr. more local to you to do your adjustments and follow up care. Sometimes that is easier said than done. Personally, before I ever made final arrangements to go, I had found a Dr. to do my fills/adjustments. I live in a rural area, without anyone nearby who does that sort of thing, the Dr. who does my adjustments is a 10 hour round trip! So I also spoke with and met with a couple of local Dr.'s prior to making the surgical decision--one is a local oncologist, whose office is used to accessing ports--he agreed to acti in an emergency, if I could get a surgeon to do the same---so I also met with a local gastro Dr. and he too agreed to take on an emergency, AFTER speaking with both the surgeon and the adjustment Dr. Actually getting my Dr.'s all together took more time than anything! But I also went into the surgery feeling confident that I made the best decisions I could. Do your homework! That is the best advice I can offer, you can and do get good and safe medical treatment in some places in Mexico, same as you do in some places in the USA, and some places in all the other countries doing the lap band. You can also find QUACKS in all places---as well as Dr.'s and hospitals out only for the almightly $$$$. In the end it is YOU they are operating on and up to YOU to make sure it was a wise decision! Good Luck! Kat

It seems to me that many of y'all are running now. So my question is---I walk, and I walk pretty fast, and I work out---but am I going to hit a point, that it will not be enough? Am I going to have to continue to add distance, since I cannot add speed? If I leave my diet about the same, and my exercise about the same, isn't it soon not going to be enough? Any suggestions? I enjoy my time working out---but also do not care to be working out for hours each day, and feel if I cut my food intake, then I risk malnourishment. Kat

I had read of it prior to the banding, and was not surprised by it. It happened to me back when I lost 70 pounds on Atkins. It just didn't last so long---then again neither did the diet!!! By the time the hair loss started, I was hitting the wall with the diet thing---which is what happened with every diet I ever did. I would excell for several months, and drop weight...only to go nuts, dump the diet, gain it all back plus and extra 5-10 pounds. So about the time it began falling out heavily, I quit Atkins, so whether it was quitting the diet, or whether it had finally reached the point of regrowth, I have no idea. I just keep hoping it will stop falling out soon---it is getting kinda scary here! I can see my scalp on top of my head. It is a good thing I am tall---few people see the top of my head! Can you tell I am really reaching for the silver lining here????? Kat

WOW!!!! congratulations!!! You sound like you are doing awesome--take it easy tho, and don't over do. I was one of the lucky ones with very little gas pain. It sounds like you are already doing all the things I have seen recommended, Gas X and walk, walk, walk. Lie back, rest a bit, and keep in touch! WELCOME to bandland!!! Kat

Ahhh Blue---I just love how you take my words, and make them sound so much better!!! Envy is definitely a better word than jealousy. I harbor no resentment that Julie is gonna have to reach down and grab me by the scruff of the neck, as she runs by, or leave me in her dust!!! Seriously tho, I am glad that you understand what I mean to say, even when I have no idea how to go about saying it! Betty's weekend in Palm Springs does sound fun, but they wouldn't want me to play Mah Jongg with them, when I play on my computer, and I get it down to 2 tiles, and they are stacked, making it impossible---I say bad words! Made arrangements for Niki to paint a castle on Lindzie's wall! And my Mom bought her a pink Princess comforter set, that she is going to use to pattern it with. Should be cute. She will be going to spend the weekend with her Mom, so we can get it done and surprise her! Her birthday is actually the 13th, but we are celebrating when she gets home Sunday. I will try to get a picture, and post it! Time to go finish dinner---will the fun never end??? Kat

Hi everyone! Just got back from Curves, the granddaughter is sleeping, and I should be cleaning house, but am choosing not to! Betty--so sorry you are sick--hope you continue to improve quickly. I have a neighbor who would have noticed, but she is just a busy body, who notices EVERYTHING!!! Gotta love 'er anyway! Mandy--OMG girl you look amazing! I bet your healing on your foot will be so much easier, now that you have so much less weight on it--hope it all goes well. Maybe Barley pee'd on everything to tell you to call him by the right name dammit!!! Poor Harley!! Now you and Betty both own Harleys! Abi is so cute, I bet you are right about the patch, and the readjustment time. Hope it all goes well for both your sakes. Give her a squeeze for me! Patty--your good news will be coming soon---then you will be the newbie like Cassie with the weight dropping so fast!!! Will say a prayer for your sons problems... (((hugs))) Eileen--sounds like you are surrounded by bossy people today! One of those cases of "too many chiefs...."? Sherry--tell me more about what this Reiki is---I am in the dark! Interested, but dense! Hope Boston is a good trip for you! Darcy--I got sick eating plain old crunchy tacos---I think my stomach could have handled the 2 tacos to be honest, I think I likely ate them too fast, and in too big of bites. Tacos are hard to take small bites of---especially crunchy ones they break!!! Hope they get your meds fixed up for you! I know exactly what you mean with the exercise! Mary--good for you--losing that weight!!! I don't do any shakes anymore, only when I had my fills---maybe I should! Cindy--glad you found a slower pace, I was thinking---she retired to get BUSY!!!! Jules---aka Miss Bike Butt--I intend on riding more when Spring comes, maybe if I can do it without killing myself! Maybe I ought to ride the stationary one to condition my butt--I have zero padding there either. Now if they made one you lay down on---I have plenty of belly padding! Beannie--exercise is one of those things I have found I really, truly enjoy doing---but yet when I don't, it is harder than hell making myself go again. Go figure! I have always been told to eat breakfast like a King, lunch like a Prince, and dinner like a Pauper. Keep us posted on how you do! Cassie--glad the fill went well. I didn't get a lot of restriction from my first, but it did make me slow down---I need to relearn that! I had my wisdom teeth surgically removed when I was 16--and it was a week before I could close my mouth! Hmmmm---nope only one set of those per person! Anne--what are you and those kiddos up to? She feeling any better? I bet you are exhausted if she is still sick--let us know! Sorry if I missed anyone, wasn't intentional---I have an old brain! Ok, I need to get something done while she sleeps! She is off to the Dr. today for immunizations--poor baby. Her Mama will be here to get her before too long--almost forgot! We have made 4 days now with no potty training accidents, through naps and all---hope this doesn't set her back---been too long for me to remember! TTYL Kat

Good question Julie! I am not 20 pounds from goal--I still have closer to 50-but it still seems wierd, in my mind I still have the 100+ mind set of "it will likely never happen". Then when I realize it is only 50---I feel so psyched!!! Been to Curves this morning. Was a good group of women there, I enjoyed it. Lifted weights with DH last night, all was fine until I lifted the dumbell over my head, and was to slowly lower it towards my shoulder blade....which I sailed through before. I hadn't felt like that muscle was sore, until I attempted it again! Holy smoke, I almost dropped it on my head!!! I worked something in there!!! DH gave me a smaller weight for the first set, and once the muscle limbered up, I was able to do it the second set---shocked me tho, and it is nice to know it is really working something! I know what you mean, about wanting to be the one losing the fastest, and doing the most---it is hard not to want that! Just like listening to you all talk about running--sometimes it really makes me want to run, but since I cannot, I won't! I feel lucky I have done as well as I have, and hate to seem unhappy with it, by being jealous, but sometimes ya just can't help it! Off to do some birthday shopping for my oldest granddaughter today---they are re-doing her room, so guess I'll find something along that line. I am thinking of paying my friend Niki, to paint something in her room. She is an awesome artist, she did a mural for another friend, who owns an ice cream shop (yes I have a friend who owns an ice cream shop!!!!heaven help me!). Her shop is called "The Vanilla Moose" and Niki painted a big old moose on the wall looking through trees, and flowers, it has a vine hanging from his horns...turned out awesome. Will talk to Mom and Dad and see how they like the idea---if not, will find something. I think the wall she painted for my DD is one of the things that made leaving her house when she left her ex so hard, she did not want to leave the babies nursery! Better go get ready---y'all have a good one! Kat

I too have finally begun riding again...it was the only thing that saved my sanity when I was divorcing, I would go riding all alone, down by the river, for only about 45 minutes to an hour each day---but it was time very precious to my soul. I survived the divorce, then got too big to ride. Now I am happy and riding for the sheer joy of doing so!!! We also ride "iron" horses---motorcycles, and it has been wonderful as well, there is actually room between DH and I on the bike!! I know it made his job of riding with me behind him much easier! I am going to attempt another goal this summer---we will be in Denver, we have family there, so we go to the Six Flags, Elitches Gardens amusement park every summer. I used to LOVE the rides---but have not been on one in years, for fear of not fitting, and facing the ensuing embarassment. This year I am going to try some roller coasters. We will likely go in July (a usual reunion time for us)---so I have several months to lose some more---and bring on the fun!!!! Kat