Kat817

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATTY!!!!:happybday: WOO-HOO EILEEN 50 POUNDS!!! AWESOME!!!!:clap2: DIANNE---4 FEET GONE!! AMAZING!!!:flame: You're gonna be one hot Mama!! Sounds like an awesome day here!!! It seems however that Sherry lost the most dead weight today!! Glad the firing is behind you and you can move on. Mandy--hoping your pup gets brave enough to come for his food, I hate the stress this is causing all of you! Cindy--Glad FIL's surgery went well, sounds like he has alot to deal with right now, it is no wonder he is feeling especially depressed over cleaning out his late wife's things. Poor man, will lift him in prayer tonight. Darcy--I have never tried Weight Watchers. It took an act of congress to get me to go to Curves, and now I like it! Go figure!!! (yep same as Eileen--pun intended!) Sherry--I had a guy on another thread help me with changing my avatar, because I am so computer illiterate!!! Good Luck--I am zero help to you!!! And even my desk here at home, has SOOO much junk it would be an embarassment to show it. Luckily it is in an amouir (sp?), so if someone is here, I just close it up...so far it will still close, but barely!!! I have mail, CD's, my water, a phone, hand sanitizer, bazillions of pens, markers, even crayons!, a bag of Skittles, camera, clock,a bag of balloons, a spirometer (DH does his breathing exercises while surfing ebay!!)....and the list goes on and on!!! Don't think you have anything to worry about! Eileen--DGD's Dr. said no to the 5th Disease, he said it causes a facial flush, and she doesn't have it. He was concerned about something called Kawasaki Disease, but the pediatrician didn't seem to think that was it. She was still feverish today, but no new symptoms. Trying to get a urine sample from her...yeah right, she is right in the middle of potty training, and with fever the potty seat is cold, and she just cries. Well we don't want to traumatize the potty training, so I don't know how my DD is going to handle it, but I am so worried about her. She is so sweet and tiny...my little darlin'. She was born early, and weighed in at just over 4 pounds, and now going on 2 she is almost 20 pounds, so she is still small. She looks especially little laying there so listless. Will keep you posted. Thanks for everyone's concern. I cannot tell you all how much you mean to me, being able to come here and know I will not be let down when I need support for anything at all. Big hugs all the way around! Anne-- hope the mammogram wasn't too bad, I have had mine this year!!! Being a cancer survivor, they harp on me to keep mine regular...and I do, I am not gonna be stupid!! Betty--where you hiding?? Beannie??? Mary??? Allison??? We miss you! Well I ate one too many bites, think I will walk around the yard, it rained, so I will go check things out, and move a little!!! See y'all later!!! Kat

Well we spent our usual hour and a half walking today (3 walks a day). I had planned to go to Curves as well, but ended up taking my granddaughter in to the Dr. Poor little thing was running a high fever, they even said it may be mild West Nile Virus! Maybe tomorrow will be more exercise friendly. Hope so, it is supposed to rain...we may have to walk the mall like the Seniors do!!! Good work everyone, and yes I think anything that you do that you are busy and moving is exercise. It is all burning calories! Same as parking at the far end of the lot, and walking further to the store, doing it once may not make a huge difference, but it IS a difference, and it ALL helps!!! Kat

Is there any way to change Dr.'s? I use a different Dr. for fills than did my surgery, so they do do it. I hate hearing that you were treated that way!! The Dr. we chose to do the fills, was very nice, I met with him prior to the surgery (done in Mexico for $$$ reasons!). He come in, talked to me about how I was doing with food, and control of how I ate, counselled me on how I should be eating (protein first....). Showed me the needle, explained how he would locate the port, and then how much saline he would be adding. He had to poke me several times to locate the low profile port I have, when he found it, he pushed the fluid in, then pulled it back out to show me he WAS in the port, not just pushing it into my abdominal cavity, then put the fill back in. The 2nd fill, when he located the port (a bit easier this time) he pulled out the fluid in there, and refilled it afterwards. He has ask me about a sample meal I can eat each time, and seems to be very cautious about how he fills, and whether you need it or not. I figured this to be "normal" band Dr. behaviour. I am so sorry your Dr. has such poor bedside manner. I have read that many need multiple fills, I have major restriction following my 2nd fill, ( I know it was just what he said it was amount wise, my DH watched it last time, he freaked on the needle!!!). I would worry too, not picking up your child is not an option!!! Is insurance covering you? Give us some more information!!! Will be hoping for good things! Kat

Somebody kick me, then someone throw something at me, and after that just beat me some more.... My DGD woke up as I closed my last post, as I predicted, a little grouch! She fell asleep on my lap not too much later, and as I was rubbing her little tummy it felt really grainy, not satiny smooth as usual, thought that was a little wierd. She was so sweaty on me, and she just kept heating up. Woke up with a raging fever! I took her to see her Mama...she is a nurse for our PCP. He did a strep test, and checked her ears, and throat, and all come back clear. He found her gums red, and the rash, and with her irritability, and other symptoms he was unsure of he sent us to her pediatrician. They are treating her (by NOT treating her...tylenol for fever is all) for a viral infection, saying it is possibly a mild case of West Nile! And here I was complaining of her being whiny....some Gramma I am! Poor thing. I'll tell ya tho, she does have a temper!!! I was trying to force some fluids on her, and she didn't appreciate it!!! I took her over some new jammies, a blanket, some juice drinks, and snacks, and a new movie. Then she cried because I wouldn't take her with me when I left. So DD packed her up and they come home to their old room for the night!! That way too if she is sleeping in the morning and my DD decides to go to work, she will already be here. Man even before they learn "how" they can make you feel so guilty!!! Talk to y'all later! Kat

Morning girls! Thought I would take a chance and try to get some LBT time in while DGD naps. She is so whiny lately one of is always grouchy! Terrible 2's here we come!!! Darcy--My FIL is the same way with his duct tape, and baling wire (he IS a farmer afterall!!). We found him a wallet made entirely out of duct tape! And we always include some in his birthday gift!! It started years ago, he was working on something and tore his coveralls, and they kept catching on thigs, so he grabbed the tape and taped them as opposed to going back to the house and changing. So for his birthday we bought him new coveralls, and a new patch kit, aka duct tape!! We look for cards regarding duct tape, everything!!! Sherry--me too I want the recipe, we are having an abundance of zuchini, and I love anything with bacon!!! Pat--I am just too chicken to have a reduction, I scar so badly. When I signed up for Curves the other day they measured me, and to get to a goal of a size 13/14 I only have 2 inches to lose from my hips... BUT I have 11 1/2 to lose from my bust!!! I told her the only way that would happen is with surgery! At 123 pounds I was a DD. I must stood in the boobs line several times!!! But with this keloid scarring, I am too chicken, I would end up with Frankenstein boobs!!! I want to buy a new trampoline, it is such good cardio exercise, but I have to jump with my arms crossed!!! Oh and I have NO idea what happen to Donna, I am hoping her computer is on the fritz....it has worried me to no end. Dianne--how's Lucy this morning? In my opinion, from reading what I have on here, about numerous subjects, you, Cindy, Patty, and now Mandy, actually everyone has impressed me!!! You sound like some of the best Moms I have ever come across. I think all of your children have been blessed! Speaking of children---nap time is over...oh for the days of hour long naps, and smiles when she woke up!!! For the last week it has been 1/2 hour cat naps and whining and screeching over EVERYTHING!!!! Give me patience!!! Talk to y'all later!!! Kat

I too was allowed to shower the following day, I was told to just let the water run over the incisions, not to soap them or scrub them in any way. I was given a 6 weeks ban on tub baths,hot tubs, or swimming pools. I agree--ask your Dr. you will be amazed how much better you feel once you get in that shower!!! Good Luck, and may you have a speedy uneventful recovery! Kat

I started having reflux, and narrowed it down to exactly what Molly said..the tannic acid in my iced tea. Once I laid off the iced tea, all the gurgling quit, as well as the reflux at night. Now in my opinion that was adding insult to injury, I had replaced my Dr. Pepper with tea....now I drink water!!! Luckily it was a much easier change that giving up my soda!!!! Good Luck in finding a quiet answer!!! Kat

I would definitely get the Rx filled, but you may not need it. I had pain meds the day of surgery, but by that evening, I didn't need anything. They gave me a sleeping pill that night. I flew home the next day 5 hours in the air, followed by a 5 hour drive, and I only needed a shot of liquid Tylenol. I was very lucky, and did not experience much pain at all. I hope you are as lucky. But by all means have it on hand!! Like has been pointed out, it never hurts to have something like that on hand anyway since we have issues with pills now!!! Best of Luck to you!!! I hope your surgery and your recovery are smooth, and easy!!! Kat

Welcome to LBT Brad! It is a great tool to use in your research deciding if the band is for you! I used it all the time, I lurked for a few weeks, then began asking questions! You get all the literature from the Dr.'s but this is first hand knowledge, and cannot be beat in my opinion. I have a very good friend, she and her husband who is about your size were banded last October in Monterrey Mexico. I talked to her the other day and she said he had lost 110 pounds! When I last saw him he was looking so much younger, I can't wait to see him again! The band has been an amazing help to me! I have had 2 fills, and have very good restriction. I now eat about 8-12 bites of food, and am full. I can go back in an hour and eat more, but I am usually not hungry. since achieving restriction, I have seldom been hungry at all. Eating is something I either have to remind myself to do, or find myself doing out of habit, not hunger. Eating around the band is possible I am sure, I hear of people doing it, but I have ot found it to be a problem. It would have to be liquid or very mushy food for me to eat unlimited amounts, and eventhen,I don't think it would be possible, I can drink too much water now and make myself uncomfortable, I need to go slowly. But I have found a new willpower in the the band, for lack of a better word (it is getting late for me!!). If I want a piece of pie or some chips, I can have them, and know I now have the control (thanks to the band) to stop after a few bites, I don't have to eat the entire bag of chips, in fact it is impossible. So I do not feel deprived. Now to be very honest, there are times I am eating something, and it is so good, I want to eat more, I don't want to be full after my dozen bites...but I am, I cannot eat more without causing myself to be in pain, or making myself sick (as in a PB, which is not very aptly named IMHO). But eating until you are no longer hungry as opposed to eating until you are full, is a learning process, one I am still learning, but the benefits of eating this way vastly outnumber the negative aspects. And the scale dropping so well, is a major incentive!! I feel like I am in control of my eating for the first time in my adult overweight life! I would have the surgery again in a heartbeat, my only regret is not having it sooner. I would suggest and support the decision to have lap band surgery for my own Mom or my own daughter. You will find an area on LBT to ask any questions that you, your wife or even your boys may have. Just look around, and attend a seminar or 2, ask your Dr. as many questions as you need to feel fully informed, don't be rushed. You deserve answers, to make you comfortable. Good Luck in your quest. You have found a wonderful site, here! Kat

Hi everyone- Hope all of you are good today! Dianne--sorry to hear Lucy had another rough night. I know like someone said, my old dog Chelsea loved rawhide, but they did not love her. Hope all goes well with her. Cindy--how's school? It sounds like you and your DD are on the go all the time!!! Pat--Hope your DM had a wonderful birthday!!! Betty--Have you ever tried Birkenstocks? They were recommended to me when I was told I needed orthotics made for my shoes. Still to this day if my knees or back or feet hurt, I can put them on, and they help!!! Go ahead, be a hippie girl with me!! Darcy--I am hoping for a little sporty t-shirt, but this belly has got to go!!! Tell DH --HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I don't blame him, a big party is not my style either. My DH and I are 2 weeks apart in age, he is older!!! The year we turned 40, I woke up to all this noise outside, cars honking and all. My DS (he was not so dear that day) had TP'd the entire yard and house, had signs from our house to the highway about Look Who's 40, and Over the Hill. Big banners on the porch and the garage door, black balloons all over, blacked out all of our vehicle windows, tombstones in the yard...it was unreal. We had all gone out the night before, he had come in and done it and not woke us up, but OMG it was unbelievable! People stopped to take pictures! So I say be nice, he WOULD get even!! Mandy--how is it going with your DD in her new classroom? Hope her meds get straightened out, kids have enough to worry about! Beannie--I told you in the picture thread...my ankles have ALWAYS been the thinnest part of me...sometimes I wonder how they support my round body!!! Glad vacation was fun, welcome back!! Allison--We had a neighbor in a similar situation, and yes the Gma. had told us they stole her money...probably all the same type of things. We (all of us in the general neighborhood) got a little note from the daughter who she was living with, explaining that "Mom is slowly losing her mind due to....and she tends to make up stories, and also tries to wander off, so if you should see her out and about alone, or if something seems strange, or out of the ordinary at our house, please let us know at the following numbers, or if she seems in danger please call the police ASAP. You could send something similar, and even let them know she tends to pick things up and move them so if they have been at your house and ended up missing something to let you know. It would let the people know there are problems, and you may find support in ways you don't expect. I know we as neighbors sure did more knowing the situation across the street. I hope you find a solution, it is a hard place to be, you love her, and are so frustrated by her all in the same breath. You will all be in my prayers. Patty--you and your boys will be right there in those prayers too. I think a call to his prescribing Dr. may be in order. Good Luck Hon, don't forget we are ALWAYS here!! Eileen--mmmm I love toast, haven't tried any lately, I ate an English muffin for breakfast, so I might be able to....hmmmmmm probably better that I think I can't!! Sherry--Chris--Anne--Mary--where ya at??? Well time to get supper going...sorry if I missed ya, will catch up with you soon! Kat

Down 50...and still working on it!!! I was not happy about having my pic taken for the before...but I was sober, I just don't look it!!! Kat

I wholeheartedly, 100% without a doubt, KNOW I would not be anywhere near where I am today without the band. Not only with my weightloss, but with my comfort in the knowledge that it will continue, and that if I mess up today, I will be fine,and able to start all over tomorrow, without question. When I say mess up...it is nothing like it used to be! I simply cannot eat as much as I did pre-band. Some have said the bad things they can still eat, not me...even ice cream, that goes straight through, I cannot eat like I used to do. I have control...something I never felt I had before. It is an awesome feeling! I am not hungry 24/7. I do not have the cravings to snack all day. When I went to have my surgery done, I was taking 2 medications for high blood pressure, and one for a pre-diabetic situation. since the day of surgery, I have not taken any prescription drugs. I have lost enough weight that my HBP came down to a normal range, it is averaging 117/72 now, and my blood sugar, and my cholesterol levels have all levelled out, everyone from my PCP, to my surgeon is thrilled with the results. I FEEL better. I still have close to 70 pounds to make it to the goal weight the charts have for me, but I already consider this a success...like I say I FEEL good. I have energy to spare, I can roll over in bed without having to heft myself around to get there, and I can sleep on my stomach again! This was not a surgery I took lightly, I researched it, I attended the seminar, I lurked on this site, as well as others. I talked to anyone who had had it that would talk to me! My DH stayed in my corner, but at one point he did say he was unsure of how to act...that he felt like if he supported me in having the surgery done, and I changed my mind, or proved not to be a candidate, it would be interpreted that he wanted me to lose weight, and that he didn't love me as is. And he was worried about my safety as well as our lives remaining normal. Well, we are over 4 months out now, and our lives have indeed remained normal! I see his eyes light up when he notices me doing more, or being more outgoing. I was surprised by how reclusive I had allowed my weight to make me! We go out to eat, we have family gatherings, and I eat for all of them. I just eat way less than before. It takes me as long to eat my small portion, as for them to eat their dinner, so it is not uncomfortable in any way. I have experienced a PB, and I have over eated, or ate too fast, or not chewed well, and caused myself discomfort, even as far as saying it was painful a few times...but each time it teaches me!!! I have now gone from a size 22/24 to buying size 16 jeans. It has been an amazing journey thus far, and I am anxious to continue it! I would support anyone in banding, whether it be my Mom or my own daughter should they ever need it. My suggestion is to get your husband to attend a seminar with you, then cruise this site together, going through the before and after pics was such an inspiration!!! In may be insecurity over change that brought about the attitude swap. I wish you luck in making your decision, remember that while they love you, this has to be your decision, you will be doing it for YOU. You are worth taking the time to make the right decision! Kat

My SIL and I were banded on the same day, and she too had some facial tenderness. The surgeon told her they tip your head back some and insert the breathing tube. That sometimes the blood pools and you end up looking like you have black eyes, or feel bruised. He told us most people have no problems, but occasionally it happens, and not to be alarmed. I would check with your own Dr. but if he tells you something similar, then I figured you wouldn't feel all alone!!! Good Luck on your recovery, may it be swift, and leave you feeling better and better each day! Kat

We continue with our 3 X a day walking, I would say we are between 1 1/2 to 2 miles a day now, we go pretty well morning and night, but midday it is hot, so often we go to the mall, or somewhere indoors and walk some, it varies our day as well. My DH is used to working long days,and this confinement is wearing thin quickly!! He just isn't up to doing a whole lot yet...maybe soon! I did my first Curves workout yesterday, it went well, I think I am going to like it. I feel muscles in my back between my shoulder blades I had forgot I had!!! I think my most exercise lately is chasing my granddaughter. She is 21 months old, and I babysit for her everyday while my DD works. She is into EVERYTHING!!! Even tho I am in NM, I ended up chatting in a New Jersey room!! I got brave and posted my pictures in their picture thread, I was shocked by how big I had let myself become!!! I got a lot of good comments, but sadly when I look at the pics side by side, I see how far I have yet to go! But I will get there!!! I never thought that before the band!! Looks like everyone is doing good on the challenge!!! Keep up the good work!! Kat

Thanks so much for all the encouragement!!! Beannie--my ankles are the one area, and the ONLY area, that has remained thin!!! I would see pics sometimes, and wonder how in the heck they supported my round body!!! All of the nice things everyone said, made me feel wonderful!!! THANKS!!! Kat

First I want to thank everyone for their kind words and encouragement over my pics. Sherry sized them and combined them for me, then told me how to post them...thanks so much!!! We had a nice weekend, we drove up and walked through the motorcycle rally. It really gave Rick a time tho, seeing all the bikes, and he is no where near ready to ride. I keep telling him this one year down will give him lots more inthe future, but he is a normal man and impatient as hell!!! We bought t-shirts for the kids and grandkids, and DH. I refused to buy one, I don't know what size to buy, and felt I'd rather wait. I am going to have a drawer full of rally shirts that will be too big, why add to it? And I am naturally very large on top, so I have no idea, if I will ever get much smaller there or not, so I just kept the $$$ in my pocket...yep pocket...no stretch jeans this year!!! woohoo!! Then last night I had the family in for dinner. We grilled some ribeye, and had a bunch of fresh veggies from the garden. My inlaws have a huge garden, and guess who ends up canning most of the stuff because my MIL is just no longer able to lift the jars due to arthritis, as well as turning 78 in a few days! We spend huge amounts of time working in their garden, but this year my DIL is doing the bulk of it, bless her!!! DH always tills it up, and gets the irrigation set up, so it can be turned on and will flow down the rows. They have river frontage so, they always have plenty of water that way. I ended up making myself miserable on grilled squash of all things!!! Just that one bite too much...someday I WILL learn to eat until I am no longer hungry, and quit pushing for full. Yeah right! I am trying to supervise my granddaughter as she "colors", she is 21 months, and colors on everything near her book!!! But she loves it...so I allow her to do it, it is a Gramma thing!! She just wants to do it with me, so she wants her book on my keyboard! So I guess that means she wants my attention on her, not on my computer, so will have to come back later...thinking nap time!!! Have a great day everyone! Kat

My Dr. is also somewhat strict on his fill schedule. At my first fill, which he wouldn't do as long as I continued to lose without it (which I didn't mind) he put in 1.25 cc. He said after a month if I was still able to eat more than a cup of food at a sitting, we would adjust it again. Well I could, so off I went for my 2nd fill. He located my port, removed the previous fill, showed my DH, that he had removed almost all of what had been put in originally. My DH said it was so close to the line, he would have never realized there was a difference! Anyway, he then added 1.75 cc. Which was only a change of .50 cc. But man what a difference!! Hello restriction!!! It has been 6 weeks now, and I still have good restriction, so I cancelled my next appointment. He would not have filled me again anyway, because I am still losing weight well. I am hoping to have been lucky enough to have found my sweet spot with 2 fills!!! Kat

Well they didn't show up in the text, but the links did so that will work! Thanks so much!! Kat

Big hug and big thanks Sherry for your help!! Kat

I got the same hacked thing everyone is talking about today, with some toothless guy's face. Zero something. Part of me wants to shut it down and leave it, the other part is like BS,they are NOT running me off!!! Thanks for sharing emails so we won't lose touch if something happens tho, I feel so much better!!! I sent my pics to Sherry, and she resized them and sent them back to me, as soon as she tells me how to put them on, I will. Looking at my before, just turns my stomach...how did I not know I looked like that? Ai-yi-yi! Kat

Sherry-I emailed you my pics, thanks so much for your help. Maybe we can figure out how to update my avatar as well.....woohoo!!! Thanks! Kat

Isn't it great to be able to get advice from those with experience. While I am not having your problem today, I have had in the past...thinking 3 days ago, and I am sworn off hotdogs!!! I know this info will come in handy!!! THIS is the LBT I love!!! Kat

My best buy was a golf bag, for my DD to use on her HS golf team. I was single, money was super tight, so I thought I was lucky when I found a very cool golf bag, it had a built in stand and all, it was almost new! It was in one of the ritzy neighborhoods. She had it marked $10.00, I ask if she would take $7.00, she said sure it wasn't hers, it was her sister's ex husbands. When we got it home, and were going to clean it up, and put things in the pockets, we found 4- $100.00 bills folded very neatly in a pocket!! I ask everyone around if they thought I should take it back, they all said no---I still wonder if I should have. But boy did that money come in handy!!! Now if I could just find moe sales like that! Kat

Welcome Mandy--you have been directed by Cindy to the best thread on the site. Safe, supportive, wise, amazing women..you will like it here!!! and we are glad to have you! Kat

I don't know if I can say this and have it make any sense....but I found during my divorce years ago, that it is much lonlier being in a room with someone you are supposed to be in love with, and not connecting, than it is to be in that room by yourself. Take everything a day at a time, and as mad as you may end up, always keep the kids in mind, and urge him to do the same. I hope everything works out for you work wise as well! Kat