Kat817

Peach Cobbler now, do you want it with or without ice cream on it?

started out at 289 in April and have looked at 217 on the scale for several days now....ready for some movement on that scale besides me jumping around trying to get it to change!!! Kat

Hey Angela, glad all went well with you and Dr. Aceves!! Take care--and hope you have a quick recovery!!! Kat

I am sure you will get all sorts of comments as well as flack from people, but ultimately you have to live with you. If there is a spark left there, and you are not concerned for your safety, then what will it hurt. If it does not go well, then you as well as your children will know that you DID give it your best shot, you went back and tried again. I would hold him to the counselling, and I would not only go as a couple, but insist on one on one time for yourself. You deserve it, you need it. I have seldom seen any couple split, and never at least try a reconcilliation, so don't feel alone!!! We will be here, many of us have been where you are at now, and we will be here for support, cheering you on, and along with you, hoping for the very best. Maybe you did scare some sense into him. I for one will hope for that!!! Calm down, take one minute at a time. Deal with each thing as it comes at you. Let him know there are all kinds of things going on in your life with work, and you need help dealing with them. Heck if nothing else he should be on good behaviour now, take advantage of that, and deal with some of the other things with his help. He was someone you loved for many, many years. No one is going to fault you for trying to save that. Big hugs to you, as you change course here. This could be as hard as the divorce ever thought about being....but if it works, you could recapture the love you had all those years ago. It's a shame it took something this drastic for it to re-appear, but maybe this is one of the "better late than never" things. Keep us posted, breath deep, and take care of you!!! Kat

As far as having your big Mexican Feast with DH, I seriously doubt it would prevent your surgery, or cause you problems, but that is something only you can decide if you want to do. As for feeling hungry... Yes just after surgery you will likely still feel hunger, because you will only be drinking, and the liquid just goes through the pouch, it does not hold weight in the pouch while the stitches holding the lower stomach up and over the band heal. After you heal and begin foods, you will still likely feel some hunger until you get filled. Once you are filled and reach some restriction, then hunger will abate. The nerves that signal fullness are at the top of the stomach, so until you are able to eat and hold food at that level, they explained to me, you will possibly feel hunger. You have no nerves signaling either fullness or emptiness in the lower portion of your stomach. You just always had to eat, fill it fully up to the top to feel full before. Once you are banded, that level to reach the nerves is next to nothing! There are cases where just the placement of the band will hit the nerves, and you won't have hunger issues. Just the placement of my band, helped, and I had some restriction from just the band itself. So while you won't have an immediate cessation of hunger, it will improve until, you suddenly realize that you are having to remember to eat each day... Now this is as close as I can remember my Dr. explaining this to me...I may not have it exactly right. The best person to ask is your Dr. He can also show you exactly what they will do with the lower portion of the stomach, how it is stitched up and over the band,and why you must obey the post op diet so closely!!! You have to give it time to heal. So in my opinion if you plan on having the meal...better before than after!! Good Luck in your surgery. Make an effort to discuss how they do this with your Dr. it will make so much more sense, and you will know more about what is happening with your body. It is an awesome thing this band!!! You'll love it! Kat

I have good restriction, and can eat pizza, in limited amounts. If I do a regular or pan crust, I can only eat about 1/2 a slice, and I have to eat it with plenty of toppings. If I do thin crust I can eat a whole slice...but nothing more!! I like everyone else could put it away prior to banding!!! It is something we eat on occasion, but not something I crave anymore. I find myself craving the things I can actually eat, that are good for me!!! I think someone banded my brain too sometimes. Then I remember there is leftover Halloween candy, and I know I am still the old me!!! Kat

Welcome to LBT--you have found a great site for support and information! Great job on weight loss!! There are lots of Texans around here...and we welcome more!! Kat

Awesome job!!! WTG!!! Keep taking your pictures, they are inspiring both to you and others!! I have 3 pounds to go til my next set of pics, that will be at 75 pounds down. It is still hard to believe!! You have done really well...keep in touch so we can know how you are doing!!! Kat

OOOpps me too, my post went missing, and when I redid it I screwed up the names...sorry guys!!! Kat

Carlene, something Green just said, struck a chord in me. She said to talk to him directly. That combined with his remark of death not being so bad, made me wonder something. Is it possible he has hooked himself up with this woman, the caretaker, simply because she will talk to him about what is happening, and he confuses those feelings as saying she too cares. Which may make her seem like a loving person, comparable to what he has essentially lost in his wife. We lost my Grandma to Alzheimers Disease, many years ago, and my Grandpa took care of her faithfully. But it always freaked my Mom out that he wanted to talk about it so much. She would try to make conversation about anything but that, thinking it would give him a break. Maybe if you and your DH did have a talk with him, all alone, leave her out of it, and I wouldn't say anything negative about her yet...but just talk, let him vent if he needs to. He may open up to you in a way he wouldn't to your DH. If he never seemed the type of person to do this before, I would worry that his mind is not in a proper place to be rational about what is or isn't happening with the other woman. Maybe she (the caretaker) would not fall under such a "special" light, if others were as willing to be open and honest with what he has already lost even though she is still physically alive. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you. My Mom is dealing with my Uncle bringing around his new woman....but his late wife was my Mom's little sister. She is having a very hard time. I wish you peace in making a decision with this, and will remember your friend in my prayers. Kat

Welcome Kelly--LBT is an awesome site, and you will find some of the best advice and support around right here. Take time to read through the threads, and see if you have anyone local to your area. We are glad you are here, and soon you will be so glad you made this decision!!! My band is a blessing!!! Only wish I had done it sooner!!! Good Luck, and again, Welcome! Kat

I don't know if it is something you want to "fix" or not! My Dr. advised me to take 2 Tums at night to help with acid and to help with calcium. Lo and behold it was the Tums making everything tast wierd to me!! I changed to Viactiv, and no more metallic taste, and I like my food again!!! Now if I would have eaten healthy when it all tasted bad, I may not have been eager to fix it!! Kat

I no longer require prescription medication...that was the biggest thing banding did for me! But when I needed antibiotics, they gave me capsules. I would take them put them in a small dish of water,and whenthe outside became a bit soft, I swallowed it, no problem. I usually tried to drink some warm tea or something after to make sure it dissolved fully before trying to pass. I had no problems. You may have to work with your Dr. and pharmacist until you get each medication worked out, but most issues can be resolved with medications! Good Luck-- Kat

I agree that right now, as your stomach heals from the surgery you must adhere to your liquids and move up slowly. However, I personally do not fight my cravings. The band assists me in how much I indulge in those cravings. When I want something, I have a rule I personally try to adhere to. When I want something, whether it be chocolate or in your case a chile relleno, I first make myself think when it was that I last drank anything. Many times, I find I am thirsty, and just drinking some water, makes it go away. I think even pre band I often confused thirst for hunger. If I still want it, I eat it!!! I may not eat much of it...but I eat it! I think that is why the band is the answer for me, I do not have to eliminate anything from my diet. HOW I eat it, and in what quantity have both changed dramatically, but there is nothing but my own bodies reaction telling me I can't have it. I have and do eat rice on occasion, especially with Chinese food. I always mix a bit on my fork with other things, for instance if I am eating Sesame chicken, I cut a little bitty bite of chicken, and dip it in the rice, and I eat it. Lots of chewing, and no problems. Mexican food the same way, I don't have any problems with corn tortillas, in enchiladas, or tacos, they go right down. Flour tortillas, uncooked, or cooked soft, they seem to swell up and don't work! I can eat them if they are fried crispy! I know that is not healthy---but 2 bites satisfies me. Now if I could figure out how to cut down in size the recipes I always made!!! We have leftovers for days!!! My eating is not something to follow I am sure, but it fits my lifestyle. Which is what I wanted. I want to share the birthday cake with my grandbabies. I no longer want to eat half the cake, but a bite or 2 won't kill me. Don't stress so much about what you can or cannot have following your healing period. Everyone is different, heck each day can be different!!! I am confident you will find a way that supports your weight loss, and health, and also fits into your life. Good Luck, I hope you have a quick recovery, and that the liquid phase passes quickly for you. Until then, enjoy the rapid weightloss! It kept me afloat during that time! Kat

Hi all- Mary--I am so sorry to hear of the problems you are having, I will for sure add you to my prayer list, and have already sent a special prayer up JUST for YOU!!! Big hugs! Eileen--I just have to say it....I YAM shocked by yer tater joke!!! How's the hip holding up? I never realized how busty we all are!!! We may have to make our own calendar...you know where they strategically place your "stuff" behind things.....we could all use semi's!!! Damn boob fairy!!! Beannie--no elevator is just gonna keep the scale moving!! Have a good trip. You and Eileen say nice things about all of us!!! And flirt with the waiter for me too. Dianne--good luck on your advertising appointment!! And congrats on the food issues! I am stalled for a few day, but it happens...not gonna get down about it. I was told that plateaus happen, it isn't If it is When. My Dr. loves giving me witticisms like that....funny man...NOT! Chris--glad you and Sherry had fun dancing. I would like that, but DH's schedule is so erratic, taking a class like that together is not possible. I did start a beginners Tai Chi class...Oh the muscles I never knew I had!! I thought I found them all in Curves, but apparently not!!! Sherry--now ya just gotta teach DH the moves, and you 2 can go have fun! Cindy--glad you enjoyed your presidential visit. What kind of class you subbing for? Betty--hope the fog wasn't too bad and you made it safely. It is supposed to set records here today, and be in the mid 70's. Which is nice for the day, but does squat for our water supplies!!! And it is a huge change, it freezes at night then soars to 70+. So an hour ago I needed the fire going, now I am roasting!! Darcy--Come! Sit!! Visit!!!! Cassandra--WELCOME!!! You have stumbled onto the best thread around!!! Great people, great advice, and some really funny fart stories!!! Nerves are normal, and so are nervous loved ones. Have him look at the numbers...it is a safe surgery, and it will be such a good thing for you. Soon he will be celebrating with you as the pounds go away! Mandy--how's things? I haven't seen you here, but have seen you on another thread...are you abandoning us to go get another tattoo??? j/k!!! Patty--how did the meeting go at school for your son? Pat--so what's keeping you so busy??? LMAO...I made a typo here that said "so what's keeping you so busty?" Which goes right along with earlier issues we are all having with bras...maybe I should have just left the typo!!! Well today I have yet more leaves to mulch. DH is off for the next 4 days. If I don't do them today he will try to tomorrow...After leaves I think I will hit Curves. Maybe walk to the store if DD isn't off early enough for Curves. Our anniversary is Friday, not sure what we will do besides celebrate him still being here to have an anniversary!!! Maybe he should treat me to a hair appointment to cover all the gray he caused!!! When my hair comes back (please let that be soon) it will likely be very gray...thanks hon!!! Y'all have a good one!!! Kat

Stitching the port into muscle is standard operating procedure, from everything I was told. I saw where mine was at, but it has yet to cause pain. Then again I still have pretty good fat reserves around it...dangit!! Kat

What I wonder about is the emotional health of the girl. If they had her knowingly diet from the age of 3, has she ever felt accepted? And now that she has had the lipo, suddenly she CAN diet, and has lost an additional 20 pounds? So is there an eating disorder developing? I hope the parents keep a close eye on her. Weight affects everything you do, and she is such a vulnerable age. Without question this will affect way more in her life than simply her size. I don't mean to sound unsympathetic, she has obviously had a lot going on in her young life, with her Dad's accident, and then his health being so precarious, but I don't believe this was the right choice. I do hope it works for her tho. Kat

I don't drink that much, that fast...but if I keep water with me, which I am learning to do, I just don't get that thirsty. I can drink several big swallows, if I am working out hard, without issue, but 1/2 gallon...nope. You will learn to drink more often, not allowing yourself to get that thirsty! It isn't a hard thing. I thought not drinking with meals would be horrible, it is not such a big deal though!!! No intention of hi-jacking the thread, but as a side....WTG Jackal--awesome results!!! I am impressed and awed!!! Ok back to topic--the band will teach you what it likes and does not like from minute to minute...but as in all things, we heed them when lessons are learned the hard way!!! Even being banded I probably stay better hydrated now than I did before, because I pay attention to it! The more I drink, the better I lose! Good Luck in your decision---I love my band!! Kat

Several medical finance options are available, but like Melissa said Capital One is likely the most viable option for you. Keep this in mind, if you do have to finance with a high interest rate. If you make your payments, make them on time, and add any extra you can afford for a steady period of 6 months, you can then approach them with lowering your interest rate. If they refuse, chances are you can then transfer your balance to a credit card that IS willing to work with you. BUT on the other hand if you don't make the additional payment on time, etc. it can affect everything from your auto insurance to obtaining new jobs, getting a new place to live, etc. Which can all be stressful, and that isn't any more beneficial than the extra weight. Some places have in house financing, you might check with the surgeon you chose. Good Luck, with us self payers, it is alway a difficult decision...but in my opinion, we are worth it!!! Kat

Boo--at the risk of making this sound like a mutual admiration society....A 5K RUN???? I have no words to tell you how impressed I am!!! I went to a new class...a Tai Chi class....I am finding even more muscles that have spent years in hiding!!! Thinking I am going to like it tho...I am finishing up a bottle of water, so I have made close to 70 oz. Yeehaw--I get to count today all the way around!!! Kat

Do you think this is band related? You didn't say even if you were banded...it makes it kinda hard to know where to start. Especially since I know I am not smarter than all the Dr.'s you have already seen! You might consider a teaching hospital, I understand they are a good option if a diagnosis is hard to come by. They give you maximum exposure to multiple physicians in multiple fields all in one place. I hope you find the cause for your problems soon. Good Luck. If you are banded, by all means keep that surgeon in on the loop!!! Kat

Bless you Boo!!! There really is only one other option for where to have Thanksgiving, and that would be my SIL's house. She is the one who has refused. We were actually banded together, and she has had difficulties, and is not doing real well,(another story all together!). She has trouble eating much of anything she says. So she refuses to do all the work, when she cannot enjoy it at all. The Mom's just get too flustered with all the chaos, and they just tire out too easy. I like being able to let them enjoy it, and the kids, but when it gets overwhelming they can go home and nap!!! My plan is to assign dishes to everyone, Moms, SIL, daughters, DIL's, nieces.....and jobs to the ones who don't wanna cook!!! I am going to use disposable plates etc. Buy soda-pop & juice and put it in a cooler. I have baked a couple of pies already and froze them. I intend on doing as much of that as I can. Now with that said...I do have somewhat of an evil plan in mind!!! I am not thrilled that this is being forced upon me, but...if I do Thanksgiving I can flat out refuse at Christmas!!! It is harder for me to do Christmas, I have less space (too many decorations!!) and we do gifts Christmas morning. The rest of DH's family does them Christmas Eve. So when I have to do Christmas, I feel very rushed all morning. I have 2 little grandbabies who will be having fun this year, I refuse to be rushed!! So I am not saying a word, I will host Thanksgiving, but not Christmas!!! As for DH, he is doing really well, I will just sit on him (oooh kinky!!!) and not let him do much to prep for the dinner...I'll shampoo after...not before!!! While it is irritating, I would rather do it, than any of the alternatives I can come up with. If I refuse, it will be each on their own, and that is upsetting to my MIL, and if one of the nieces does it, they don't include some of the extended families. My oldest DD does not have space, but both girls have said they will do the work for me....so it is best to suck it up and do it, and save my NO for Christmas!!! I am off this morning to buy a new coffee pot, ours has been dying!!! It brews a cup or 2 and quits til it cools down, then starts again. Time to buy a new one! Think I will take the stroller, and maybe do some of my Christmas shopping at the mall today, shouldn't be too crowded, as long as I stay away from the polls---I already voted in early voting! Then I can drop the baby off with my Mom and go to Curves. Gotta remember to take my water bottle shopping--if I have it I will drink it, if I don't I don't remember to drink anything! Thanks so much for your concern! It is so nice to have y'all here to vent to!!! Kat

WoooHooo congratulations!!! You will be so glad you mde this decision! Any advice? Just to get all your shopping done now, so if you don't feel like going when you get home, you won't have to. Buy up some liquid protein, I used Zero Carb Isopure, it has 40 grams per bottle. The taste is a little iffy...but you adapt, and it really does make you feel better, and less hungry to get in your protein. But up some broth, and jello, some juices...get all your liquids. Have laundry done, so you will have plenty of comfy lay around the house clothes for a few days. Have food for other members of the family, handy that THEY can prepare, so you don't have to. Mainly just follow the Dr.'s orders, the rough part of post op dieting etc. will be over before you know it!!! And life will begin changing soooo soon!! Skip the big huge meal the night before that some people do, some are saying it is part of what causes excess gas pain! Good Luck, hope all goes well, and you have an easy surgery and a quick recovery!!! Kat

I don't know if you watched the Oprah show on GB and addiction a couple of weeks ago, it may have explained some of your sisters issues. I feel the lap band reduces the odds, but does not eliminate them. The problem as I understood it is that one of the reasons we are as overweight as we are is a food addiction. Now if you have an addictive personality, then when you canno longer use food to soothe the demons that led to the addiction, then many turn to alcohol, or whatever and simply change the addiction. I have no idea concerning the divorce, except losing weight finally after many tries, as most of us have gone through, is very free-ing. It empowers you to make changes you had only thought about before. Not knowing why she is doing these things, I would hate to judge any of it. Lap band is less drastic, and not such a sudden loss. It does require more work. But in my opinion it works for me because there is not anything I cannot have at least a little bit of. I was told with bypass sweets were not something I could eat, and I don't do well being told I can't have something, it just makes me want it more!!! Now I can eat some without going overboard. Are you close enough to your sister to discuss these things with her? Go to the seminar, and research all you can!!! This has been a blessing to me, I hope you find the answers you are looking for!!! Kat

I don't have any good fart stories either, but like Cindy I have a booger story!! Several years ago when my oldest granddaughter was about a year an a half old or so, she was sitting on her Daddy's lap. She kept sticking her hands in his face, she was terrible about that!!! He tells her "Ally stop it, get your fingers out of my face" she kept doing it, eventually sticking her finger up his nose! He told her "I said NO!" and went to move her off his lap, she starts screeching "MINE", when I looked at him, he has a booger on the side of his nose! I am laughing my butt off... she is trying to get it back, apparently she got it out of her nose and was making a deposit in his!!! She is 5 now and refuses to believe this!!! Hope everyone had a good weekend, ours was uneventful, just like I ordered!! Supposed to be a really nice day out, so thinking granddaughter and I will walk to the park for awhile, then to the library. The library is an iffy thing with her, she loves books, but she wants to take them home, and I want them left here!!! And every now and then she will revert back to chewing on things, so I have to watch her like a hawk...but I figure she won't learn any younger! Haven't heard anything on the puppy. DH is not thrilled with the idea. He wants another retriever, but I would like one I could let in the house. We will see, maybe an aquarium!!! Take care, and have a great day all!!! Kat