Kat817

Awww wish I had known, my DD and I thought about going down and taking my granddaughter to the zoo...oh well, maybe another time! Kat

Hi all- Terrimck1--I have no idea about the lump in the throat, I have occasional reflux, but no lumps. I think you would get better response, or at least have more people see it, if you posted you question in the general lap band area as opposed to just the New Jersey thread. But personally I think I would ask my Dr. Better safe than sorry--good luck, and welcome to LBT!!! Mandy--beautiful cat, wonderif he has figured out yet how lucky he is? He has walked into a loving home--and will never want for another thing as long as he lives. Enjoy him! I can so relate to the day with the in-laws. Mine struck today too--kinda put a damper on my entire day....oh well, life goes on. Darcy--glad you're back!! Patty--sounds like good news on the lawyer front. Should have gone to church with you, would have enjoyed it more!!! Pat--you say the tree is an investment, so I assume it is expensive. I guess I would ask if it was affordable, even tho expensive, and would it make you happy? Happier than a less expensive one? I bought a new tree 2 years ago, and I love it. I love the simplicity in setting it up, and that it is pre lit....worth every cent!!! I went with one of the thin trees, it fits in our little alcove better, and shows my stand I made and like so well!!! I took our old sled from when I was a kid (we bought it at a yard sale so it was old then!). It is a Red Flyer sled I guess....anyway I turned it into a tree stand. I say if you want it, and it doesn't hurt you to get it...Merry Christmas to YOU!!! Betty--did you get all your weekend work done? I didn't I needed to do laundry, but decided stress relief took precedence,so I went walking instead! Laundry tomorrow I guess. Veggie--yes beautiful pic---make it your new avatar--it would be perfect!! It shows your pretty smile! Eileen--sorry about the FIL. My Grandma died with Alzheimers, and it was very sad. I hope it all works out for y'all. Dianne--I know what you mean about cats and names...Our cats name is Bailey, but as often as that we call him Kitty Gato (Kitty---and Gato is spanish for cat) So Kitty Cat!!! Of course we also had a dog named Dioge (sounded out it is Dee Oh Gee D O G). Cindy--how many more days til retirement??? Chris--you onto mushies yet?? How you feeling? Beannie--how did the razzing go at the office? Threaten to run 'em down if they give you too much grief!!! Mary--waiting to hear about your tests!! Anyone heard from Anne? I sent her my snail mail address so we could all exchange for Christmas...but was wondering if she is still doing the list.... Ok, I am off--I ought to go to bed...I just want to eat--crappy days still do that to me.....and I have absolutely zero hunger!!! Go figure!!! Y'all take care! Kat

:doh: Oh Stagger lee---good thing I have y'all to think for me....I could be dangerous!!! Makes perfect sense!!! No excuse...just a brain fart I suppose...I just went with the first thing that entered my mind when I read fluid!!! Thanks for the help...I need all I can get!!! Kat

Wow! With your health issues, the best and really only place to start is with your Dr. You need to find out what your insurance situation is, or whether you can afford to self pay. If you can afford to self pay, you may have more options, but you really need to find out whether it is safe for you or not. MS affects each person differently I understand, but you need to put your health as priority #1. Now that being said, I know the excess weight is not healthy, but it is going to have to take a back seat while you find out the particulars with your other health issues. Maybe get busy and research the lap band and see if you can find any cases of MS patients being banded, so you have some info to take back to the Dr. And see if you can work it out to see the same Dr. each visit, it will really help! Best of luck to you, and to your DH on his deployment as well. Please extend my thanks to him, for what he is doing for our country, and I hope you too will accept my thanks for being back at home supporting him. Kat

Wow--I am mostly in the green zone....I have good restriction. Lately I have had a couple of red days!! I have occasional reflux...I never have been told to decrease my fluid intake...in fact I am in a monthly challenge to get enough fluid in each day. Sometimes all this conflicting information just makes me feel like I am losing my mind!!! If I have another bout of reflux, I might have to try cutting back on my water I guess. Thanks! Kat

I see no reason not to schedule some of your pre-op testing. It will get you those few steps closer, and also give you a feeling of actually doing something and moving forward...so you may stress less at this stressful time of year. It may also keep you from going overboard on the eating, knowing the testing is taking place. As long as your tests are done within a reasonably soon time frame to scheduling surgery I don't think there would be any problem with it. Good Luck!!!! Kat

I was extremely thin growing up, with never having to pay one whit of attention to what or how I ate. I struggled when I married the 1st time to gain enough for my dres to fit properly!!! Then the reality of the marriage hit...and along with it come depression. I gained some, not a lot, going from 115 to say 140, lost a baby, never lost the baby weight. Had a baby, and lost a bit, but not much. Divorced, and began to seriously struggle financially, to raise my DD with no Child support, and no formal education. I think depression as well as life helped me gain weight then. Living on as little money as we were, the cheap things to eat, are not good for you!!! Ramen noodles, mac & cheese, fattest grade of hamburger....and through the years the weight just kept coming on. I eventually went back to school, and made a good life, for my daughter and myself, but habits were set. I opened a day care, and I ate and snacked with all the kids. I was fat and happy, and they loved me. They loved me just the way I was, my lap was comfy to snuggle up on!!! I had no desire to be married again, or date, my ex and his abuses had left a serious mark on me. Enter the love of my life (loooong story, but I let him get away once!!! Or he let me.....), and he accepted me as I was which was well over 250 by that time. We married, and I was happy, but by then I was just used to eating!!! I think somewhere in the back of my mind I was just waiting for him to say something about it. Years passed and he didn't, and I lost fairly well with Atkins, and he was right there with me supporting but not pushing...so when I fell off of it, and he still said nothing mean....I relaxed, and knew he was here good or bad, and began looking into WLS. My SIL is a wheel with a major insurance company, and she mentioned Lap band to me...and I began looking up things, and did that for over a year. Finally approached my insurance, began jumping through their hoops.....and over 10 months into a 12 month required supervised diet etc, I had a car accident, not my fault, and they required me to start my 12 months over. I ended up using the settlement from my accident, and self paid. Best money I ever spent. And DH is still as supportive, but he has made it known he is HAPPY about the weight loss, he says the girl he knew backin high school is coming back!! And no I never teased the overweight kids in school...I got my Mom called to school for sticking up for a boy they were saying had fleas. Even the teacher giggled....guess telling her to shut up was not the way to handle it!!! Kat

Hi Patricia---welcome to LBT. You and your friend both have begun a great journey here!!! I was like your friend, and had some issues that way. I eventually was told.....it is common, liquids in--liquids out. All you take in the first weeks is liquid...so as soon as she begins a heavier liquid and then on to mushies, it should be fine. I suffered through it for a week or so, it seems many here have. And I also found some broths made me worse, so maube if she alters the liquids she is taking in. Hope she feels better soon, and is on the road to healing, and ready to help you along as you join her!!! Once again, welcome to you both!! Kat

WOW Donna!!! How impressive----118 pounds!!! Welcome to LBT--you have found a great support site here!! I am thrilled to hear your body took control of when to stop, I had kind of worried over that! What would be your #1 bit of advice for us that are still working at it? Once again Welcome!!! Kat

Welcome Heatherblossom!! LBT is an awesome site, and you will be amazed at the amount of support and information available here. Jump in with both feet, and ask all the questions that are running through your head as you prepare to be banded!!! There are some really knowledgeable people here, and they are so willing to help out with telling you their experiences, or ideas for things. Read up all you can, and be as prepared as you can...this place will really help!!! Good Luck...and once again...WELCOME!!! Kat

I'm a self pay, and mine are $150.00, but I have only had or needed 2....so be cautious of the yearly expense tropicaljill!!! My SIL uses the same Dr. he charged her the same for an unfill, but did not charge her to add fill back the last time. Not sure what the usual is for unfills. Kat

Since I am at home most days, I tend to just reheat some sort of left-overs, and call it my lunch!!! Lately I have been having a taco for lunch. They have always been one of my favorites, but instead of eating many....now I eat one!!! I also like to have low fat tortillas on hand, and put all kinds of things in them. Thin deli meat, sliced cheeses, and if I use low fat cream cheese, I even add pine nuts, or sunflower seeds...I have put all sorts of things in a tortilla!!! Quick, easy, easy to share with my granddaughter, and can be made to go if need be! Kat

Also hard to do at work....but in the evening when I want to snack, I brush my teeth, to try to fend of the want to eat. Maybe some SF hard candy, pop in a piece when the desire to eat hits. If I can think of any helps I'll be back! Good Luck Kat

:happybday2: HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETTY!!!!:happybday2: Just had to stop in for a second and say this...will be back to post after I actually do something to post about!!! Getting my butt up and off to church, was my big doings so far today. Unless you count the pot luck dinner I ate afterwards!!! I intend to go walking here in a few minutes!!! Hope your day is a great one Betty!!! Kat

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! I too was going to say it is likely ketosis begining. It made me feel (and smell I am afraid) like something had climbed in my mouth and died!!! It will pass...just not fast enough!!! Hang in there!!! You will be a bandster soon!!!! Kat

Like Jess, I try to eat my protein as the biggest part of my meal, and include veggies and fruit as a general rule. After I have eaten mostly that, then if I have them I may add some carbs. But this is not always the case. They had a pot luck for Thanksgiving after church today, and I ate turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy, with a bit of green beans, and some veggies from a relish tray. I know I should have avoided the potatoes, but I didn't. I only ate about 1/8th of what I did last year, if that much!! Then I ate a bite of DH's pecan pie...ok 3 bites!!! But I was very full, but not overly so to a point of discomfort. I did not feel deprived. I wanted the band because I wanted to live as normally as possible. There are some really good ideas in the Food Thread...have you looked at it? There are several threads where they do food diaries, so you may enjoy looking through those for ideas. Good Luck, and welcome to LBT....it is a great site!!! Kat

The band has definitely changed my life. It also likely lengthened it! I no longer take any prescription drugs, for highblood pressure or diabetes issues. My knees and back don't ache. I play with my grandkids, I take them outside to DO things, rather than hang out on the sofa, and watch TV. I have started going to Curves, and actually working out some, to better myself. I began a Tai Chi class, something I never would have done 70 pounds ago. Not simply from embarassment over my size, but also the energy it takes to physically DO the class, is something I just didn't have. My marriage was very happy before, but this has enhanced it in many ways. I feel like doing things, that before I would have preferred not to do. I am less self conscious about my weight, so our sex life has improved!! I have energy!!! I don't find simple cleaning and cooking to be as draining as I did before. Now whether all of that is strictly due to the band, and the weightloss, or whether some of it is emotional, just feeling better about me, I don't know...or care...it works!!! I am more outgoing, I don't feel ashamed to be introduced to my DH's co-workers (my issues, not his). I don't feel like everyone is watching every bite I take wondering why I am eating that. I can shop in Misses clothing stores...not only Plus sized ones. I can sit in chairs,and climb on ladders, both of which I used to exceed the weight limit on. It has improved my life in multitudes of ways. The not being hungry has been such a wonderful benefit. Not wondering what my next meal will be before I even finish the one I am eating. Not worrying if I will be hungry...there is always something I can take a bite or 2 of, and satisfy myself. I see the pride mixed with relief in my parents, and my childrens faces. I know they worried about me--now they don't so much...so it has helped their lives too!! I would do this again in a heartbeat!!! The other thing it has done...addicted me to these support people!!! Good Luck in your surgery, I hope it and your recovery go smoothly! Kat

One way to know.... You're banded is when you have to write expiration dates on all the "to - go" boxes in your fridge!!! My refrigerator is full of them!!! Kat

This time of year, socks or slippers. crossword puzzles.... pencil or pen?

Julie---can you give me more of an idea where to find the couch potato to runner thread? Would like to at least read it...exercise my mind a bit!!! Thanks-Kat

I think if y'all could see me now, you would get your 35 minutes of activity in, simply laughing at me!!! I feel like a cartoon character....my legs are like spaghetti noodles!!! We just took a bike ride, and I have no idea how far we went....miles and miles and miles. We were gone for an hour and a half.....and it was so totally fun!!! Some places we went the leaves were falling on us like it was snowing! We rode out a local farm road, past the big Indian Ruins here in our town, and past the farms, rode along side the river for a ways. The temperature dropped big time by the water! We stopped in at a produce farm, and decided we would have to return with a vehicle!! OK---now get this....DH was ahead of me, and I know it could have just been their way of giving me a hard time, but I got whistled at...and told "nice a$$"!!!! LOL I told Rick, I should have been offended, I just smiled!! Anyway my time is in for today, and as soon as I think my legs will support me to do anything, I will go and grab another bottle of water!!! Way to go Boo!!!! 5K----woohoo!!! I know what you mean, I looked at the clock and was shocked we were gone for that long, I was checking to see if I was out long enough to count it!!! I impressed myself lasting so long!!! But running---man, I think I wanna, but wonder if my poor knees would survive. Julie--thanks for the encouragement. I love the pants I bought for DD, but the knowledge that I may actually fit in her clothes....amazing!!! Now, she no longer fits them, she has shrunk out of them!!! Which I am glad for her, she got control of it, before it was too bad. She put on 30 pounds during her divorce, and had not lost her weight from the baby, so she was heavier than she ever had been. When she got her new job, (she is a nurse for our PCP), she was buying XL scrubs. She is 5'8", and was over 200 lbs by quite a bit then. She worked out, and was very careful with her food, ate Lean Quisine for dinner, and packed healthy lunches each day!!! She worked at it, and is now about 150 pounds, and buys small scrubs. She is playful with the baby, and now has a new bf, and is always on the go with him, he is not one to sit in front of a TV!!! I didn't want to hurt her feelings, but I didn't want her to let it get out of hand and turn into her Mom!!! I don't mean to devalue (is that even a word?) myself, but it is so much easier when you are in your 20's, than waiting to my age. Plus the life you let pass you by rather than being right in the big middle of everything. So anyway, I am proud of her for getting with it!! It took her about 8 months, and she watches it now, and if she puts more than 5 pounds or so on, she starts taking her lunch to work again!!! Now I just wish she had kept more of her clothes, so I could use them as I go down!!! To be honest, I can dream of it, but still have trouble imagining that under 200 is only 18 pounds away. Heck I can do 18 pounds!!! I've done it several times already!!! And yes, Julie you will be right on my heels, ready to run over me I bet!!! Ok, off to test out my legs!!! Time to begin drinking!!!LOL Susan, Heather....HI!!! Kat

You might want to try something warm, sometimes that seems more filling to me. I drank warm broth, and warm decaf, flavored teas. The first weeks following banding are difficult for most of us it seems. It is hard not having food. But it is VERY important to follow your Dr.'s orders, and allow yourself to heal. Get some different flavored broths, some ice pops (SF), juices (watch the sugar content), several different flavors, and just cautiously drink them, and hang in there. It will pass...while it seems it is lasting forever, soon it will all be behind you, and you will be thrilled, as you will likely lose weight quite well during this stage...although not all do. When you feel like you can't do it any longer pop in here, and get some support!!! We are all here, either in the same boat, headed that way, or remember being there!!! I too tried the frappucino recipe...mmm, I love anything toffee or caramel! I began freezing DH's left over coffee. And rather than brew a special pot of strong coffee, and then adding plain ice cubes, I just added more of the regular strength ones. He likes them too!!! No more pouring out the left over coffee he doesn't drink in the morning!!! Kat

Hi everyone, I need to update my signature, but today is the first day I did not workout this month. I gave blood this morning, and did a double, so they recommended no exertion, and I took them seriously!!! I did get my water in though. Been having a great few days off with DH, and intending to have a good weekend with him as well! Betty- I am so glad your son is improving, and healing well. what a relief!! Please watch the overfill, it can lead to bad things....just keep an eye on it. Like with this band you could ever ignore it!!! Hope you feel better anyway!!! Boo- you will make those goals, I have no doubt. Sounds like you have found that ellusive endorphin kick!!! You and Julie, will be running circles around me...literally!!! I would like to make it to Onederland by New Years. I know I can do it, if I just kick it up a notch. Susan and I may have to see if we can get a bulk rate on the duct tape, and join y'all!! I have 18 pounds to go....to make the 100's by New Years. And I have a pair of pants a size 14. Very nice, very expensive black slacks I bought for my oldest DD before she lost her weight, that I would like to wear for DH's company party. They call it a holiday party, and hold it in mid January. I tried them on and have about 2 inches before they button easily. I managed to button and zip them, but it would not have been a comfortable night!!! So, those are my goals. I am going to have to do better than I did today! Sure am glad y'all are there to keep me motivated and honest with myself!!! Back to work tomorrow!!! Kat

No pain here since the afternoon of surgery. Minor soreness for a week or so, but nothing I would call pain. No pain, other than the needle stick during fills. Kat

I would be inclined to think maybe since he has only done 150, that no one else had mentioned it to him. Hair loss following any big weight loss is very common. If you will go to the Search tab in the menu and search hair loss, you can find tons of people with the problem. I am 6 months out, mine just started within the last 4-6 weeks, and is getting pretty bad now. I had this happen when I lost 60+ pounds with Atkins too....so when they tell me "more protein!" I have to laugh, I lived on Protein with Atkins, and still lost it!! In that instance it shed for about 3 months, slowly tapering off in severity, and then began regrowing. It grew in fairly quickly, and was healthy as ever, now here we go again. The exciting thing is, when it grows back in this time, it will stay!!! I feel like I have been on a roller coaster with my hair. I used to have long straight blonde hair. Then cancer struck, lost it to the chemo, and it grew in curly and darker. Then lost a ton of hair with Atkins, grew it back, at least it didn't change color and texture that time. And here we go one more time!!! It WILL be worth it!!! Try the Search---you get lots of opinions....but nothing concrete. My Dr.'s both surgeon and fill Dr. say it is common with weight loss, one told me to take Biotin supplements, the other, just eat a healthy diet, it will grow back. Good Luck!!! Kat