Kat817

Not sure I can be of much help, but just wondered--did you go back to liquids for 24 hrs. following the throwing up episode? If not it sometimes creates an evil pattern, of irritating the stomach each time you eat. Maybe go liquids & mushies, and ease back to a normal diet, let your tummy have some down time. Hope it all works out for you!!! Kat

I too was kept in the hospital, and was given broth, apple juice, jello, and tea or coffee. I had no trouble with any of it. But they brought me a small sized bowl, and a regular juice glass, nothing like a shot glass. I also was allowed to drink as much water as I wanted. Good Luck on your upcoming surgery, while the post op diet is trying at times, the sclae dropping makes it MUCH more bearable!!! Kat

I got the hacked message last night too. I got it when I clicked to see more than the latest 5 posts. Happened twice, so I quit! I agree with chrispy...someone didn't like what happened. I will be pm-ing my email to several of you, so if something goes down again, or they shut down to "fix" the problem, I am not cut off from my friends!!! Kat

Congrats!! And welcome to bandland!!! I could not get approved by BCBS of TX either, I opted for self pay in Mexico...and don't regret a single thing about it!!! It will be the best thing you ever have done for just you!!! I hope your recovery continues to be an easy one, if you ever have questions, ask here, there are so many knowledgable people to help you, I don't know what I would have done without them!!! Continued good luck to you!! Kat

When my DD was around that age we did the same, slumber parties, make-overs, mani & pedicures for the girls. The pizza is a good plan, anything they get involved in making...ice cream sundaes to go with their cupcakes maybe. They made up a dance thing to a popular song at the time, and we video taped them, and made a copy for each of the girls. Maybe a few of those disposable cameras, they can snap away and make faces!! If you need a theme, maybe a Hawaiian luau, or a Mexican fiesta, you could have a taco bar, and virgin margarita's. Even at that age you can do a pinata, add some fun things besides candy to it. A little girl I used to babysit just turned 13, and they bought fleece, and let each of the girls make a small blanket... the ones you fringe the edges, and tie knots in. Mostly just let them giggle and screech!! But it is always a good idea to have some things planned just in case it gets off to a slow start, they don't want to all be just sitting there looking at each other!!! Good Luck, Happy birthday to your DD...and enjoy it yourself too!! Kat

Hi everyone! Well I signed up at Curves yesterday. I am getting kinda jiggly!! ok, I always was, but now it is more noticeable! I have my before picture (scary as hell let me tell ya!!) and my current picture, if anyone is willing to help me put them up. I will download them to the computer when I finish here. I have posted pics, but they come out HUGE! And I downloaded the resizing feature, mentioned in another thread, and I was supposed to be able to right click and resize...but I right click, and nothing has changed. So, I need help! I was pleased at being able to see some difference, but it also showed me how far I have to go, thus the Curves!! We did a family breakfast this morning, and spent some time with them shopping, and are waiting to see if DH is going to feel like riding (in the car) up to walk through the motorcycle rally. He is going to be so put out being around all the bikes, it might be better to just stay the heck away! Cindy--thanks for the info, and yes I read the whole thing! When my Grandma died, well before that she had told my Mom and my Aunt, that she wanted things divided equally, except she wanted me to have a separate cash settlement. I lived right down the street from her, and I cooked for her and Grandpa every day, and I took them to all their appointments, etc. I knew nothing of what she told them, I did it because I loved them! Anyway at the time of her death when my Mom mentioned it to my Aunt, she said no, either they all get it or none. There are 4 of us grandkids, but 2 of them live so far away she had not seen them in almost 15 years. Anyway, because I told her not to Mom did not fight it. When you mentioned how your Grandma would have felt, it made me wish in ways I had let Mom do what was right. But with it being about money, and I was so insecure in myself at that stage of my life, I let it go. I am proud of you for honoring her wishes! She ask for it to be a certain way, and she deserves the respect of honoring those wishes! You go girl! Patty--I was given jars of cocoa mix, and spiced tea mix last year as gifts, I loved them!!! I really used them up since my surgery. Good idea...you ought to print up a couple of recipes that your baking mix is used in and include with the jars! You are such a thoughtful person! Eileen--I too was thinking that camel looked ready to spit!!! I love Zoos, and love that my grandkids are getting to the age to take!! Anne--yard sales are sooo much work!!! I need to have one so badly, but keep putting it off. I had 2 kids move into new houses, so found homes for some of my junk!!! Enjoy your girl time during the campout! Betty--I too would like to add my thanks.. what a job moderating would be when all this nonsense keeps going! It really does make me appreciate you moderators, and Alex. But mostly it makes me glad I have this group to turn to for advice and support. I find it sad that newbies have no idea these places exist maybe, because so much is being taken up with the battling. Chris---WooHoo the countdown is on!! Congrats on the surgery date!!! Mary--glad to see you back!!! You have done so well--you are CLOSE to your goal!!! Impressive! Glad the divorce crap is almost history. Time for new beginings. My wish is that they all be happy for you! Pat--hope you haven't floated away!! Send your rain to TX!! Dianne--glad Lucy is home, poor baby, can't you just relate to her hunger!!! Maybe if we had someone just dole out what we NEEDED rather than eating what we WANTED all these years!!! Give her ears a good scratch for me! Sherry--good thoughts will be with you at work this week. You will make it!!! Well DH says he is ready to go walk the rally, wish me luck guys he may turn into a total bear once we get there! Big hugs to all Kat

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/248/150 - 15 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/229/165 - 53 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/271/150 - 29 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/259/165 - 41 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/231/150 - 80 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/225/150 – 50 total 4-4: Angels - 264/255/235/? - 29 total 4-4: Harpseal Al - 327/295/220 - 34 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/188/130 - 20 total 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-7: Guysis - 234/194.5/134 - 39.5 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/288/150 - 70 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/184/135 - 55 total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4:11: truckinmama - 262/234/160 - 28 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/212/140 - 36 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217/201/145 - 17 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/222/140 - 20 total 4-17: MelAnne - 245/207/150 - 38 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/245/150 - 25 total 4-18: LapBandit - 392/369/347/336/324/308/298 - 94 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/188/130 - 32 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/253/156 - 35 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/226/150 - 47 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/248/150 - 62 total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/106.6/69 - 18.4 kgs/40.4 lbs total 4-24: Ceparano - 255/270.5/230/170 - 40 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/233.5/165 - 55.5 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/241/160 - 21 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/244/145 - 26 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/206/145 - 58 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/241/145 - 43 total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/267/251.5/145 - 31.5 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/271/145 - 62 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 224/214/175/135 - 49 total 4-28: MomofSixKids - 240/238/215/150 - 25 total WOW I am so impressed everyone is doing SOOO good!!! Keep up the excellent work! Kat <!-- / message --><!-- sig --> <!-- / message --><!-- sig --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Hi guys!! Hey Roberta, I signed up too!!! I didn't get to do my first session, the girls who do the machine training, had left for the long weekend, so will begin on Tuesday. I have however continued to do my walking, and even had a game of chase with the granddaughter!!! I am aiming for 30 minutes EVERY day this month of some sort of exercise. Be it Curves, or dancing with the grandbabies...something! Susan, that's the best thing I have found about this band, it is there, waiting for me...and ready to get back to work the next day! We all have days where we might not make the wisest food choices...but that does not mean it was not the wisest decision in other ways. Someday your daughter will be off to college, or married, and by then you will be long ago at goal weight, and it will not have mattered that one day you ate ice cream rather than walked...but having the special time with DH & DD...that will matter! We will be here ready to getcha when you really need it!!! Kat

Count me in!! I am meeting the woman at my local Curves tomorrow for a tour, and all that jazz!! I also plan on continuing my daily walking. My DH had heart surgery earlier this month, so we walk 3 times a day, we are up to about a mile and a half a day!! I will need the motivation when he goes back to work!!! Good Luck All!!! Kat

Tylenol actually puts out several different types of their medication in liquid form now. I found it and bought some to have on hand. I found the regular Extra Strength Tylenol, and a Tylenol PM, although I found when I used this I had my first experience with Reflux...yuck! May have been coincidental, but not going to use it just prior to bed again, will give it awhile next time. I also found a Tylenol Cold in liquid form. I bought it figuring if and when I need it, I won't feel like going out and hunting to find some to buy. I have used the regular for headaches, but not often. I used to only take Advil Cold & Sinus for headaches, so I was thinking the Tylenol Cold may be similar. It seems most of my headaches are sinus related. Good Luck finding pain relief!! Kat

Hi everyone! Dianne--I am so sorry the pup is sick again, it just leaves you feeling so helpless. Wish I could help. At least we all have Darcy here, our own resident vet!!! And don't we love her for it!!! Too bad she had to learn all she knows the hard way as well!!! I was a bit sad that Lost Lucy didn't get to stay. But, it at least told me I am getting past the fear of having another dog. Having to have Chelsea put down was just a lot harder than I can say. On a brighter note...I am going today to look into the Curves here in town. Time to tighten up some jiggly junk!! Betty--I know about your foot, and I know it requires it to be well to support the bike...Now why I didn't put 1 and 1 together and come up with 2? Who knows!! Brain fart!! Sorry, you and my DH are partners in misery then, the cooler weather here, is tempting him so badly. We always go to a rally up in Southern Colorado over Labor Day weekend. But at the last minute things went to pieces, with the tribe wanting more money, it is held partly on the reservation. So now they just cancelled most of it. Leaving vendors, and bikers coming in from all over. We had planned on driving up and walking through. but now we kinda wonder how the "mood" of the masses will be affected. They said some vendors are setting up in town...we may drive up Sunday and check it out if Saturday goes well. Anyway--rest up, and hope you feel better! Eileen--my SIL collects giraffe stuff. It is always so easy to buy for her and please her!!! In HS I was skinny...not thin...skinny. Not a good look either I might add. But my best friend was heavy, and I would always stand in front of her...I don't remember us ever arranging it, but she thanked me for it, and we did it every day!!! On either side of the bench, my back to her, but blocking a direct view of her! Hadn't thought about that in years!! We went on to both end up very big. She diet pilled, and drank her weight down to almost normal. And is no longer my best friend, she is now my ex husbands girlfriend!! Sherry--hope works settles down. If you want the new "old" job (!) I hope you get it, and that the pay goes along with it! Patty--how did the boys first day go? Cindy--how goes things? Glad DD likes PE, that helps so much!! I am truly beginning to worry about Donna. Hoping and praying all is well. Pat --where you be at?? Allison?? You out having fun today too? We ran some cement for my Dad this morning, he and I did, poor DH hates not being able to do anything. He is healing well tho, not a time to ruin it. DD is waiting to have a test run to decide what the extra renal pelvic floor diagnosis is all about. I saw a cartoon, that I felt applied to us at times, had a guy saying he had so many problems he felt like a Problem Pez dispenser. Everytime he turned his head a new problem popped up!! Well I am off to unload the DW, while the granddaughter is sleeping. She is such help!!! Talk to y'all soon! Kat

Was not meant to be my friends, Lucy is now home with her real Mama. The local animal control, had a lookout notice for her, but it was over a month old. Apparently, someone found her, and kept her, and she got away again, and we found her. She had not been running free for a month, she was obviously well cared for. Anyway, when they found the lookout notice, they called her, and she raced from work over here, and they were ecstatic to be back together..........which is all good!!! I know it is what she wanted!!! Will be back in awhile...wanted to let you know she is not mine....kinda sad now tho! Kat

In 2001 I had arthroscopic surgery on my right knee to repair some tears in the meniscus, and to do a lateral release of the patella. My kneecap (patella) was being pulled very tight and sliding out of place to the outside of the knee, because the muscle was too tight, so they cut it--the lateral release. I also had a bone biopsy due to a tumor they found in the fibula as they were prepping me for surgery. I was very careful with it for a few weeks, then went to PT on it for several weeks. I made a FULL recovery, no pain anymore, it is so much better!!! Then I was in a car wreck a year ago, and my left knee was crammed into the dash/door...and the meniscus was damaged. I didn't even hesitate to have it repaired. I had the surgery, again it was fully succesful. Since it was just the "cleaning up" this time, I did not require any PT, I was back to my walking routine within a couple of weeks. In fact my settlement from the accident hurting my knee is how I paid for my band!!! Both surgeries were done under full anesthetic, in a day surgery setting. As soon as I was fully awake, and able to drink, and swallow pain medication with a couple of crackers, I was allowed to go home. The first, and more invasive surgery, I wore a brace for several weeks, the 2nd, a simple bandage. Both times I went to see the Dr. the following morning for a bandage change, and then 7-10 days later. I had both surgeries done when I was in my heaviest weight range, and still had no problems whatsoever. They both relieved the pain. I would enter into it again with full confidence, especially now with the weight going down, which was a recommendation by the surgeon both times...imagine!!! Best of luck to you!!! Kat

I too am thinking of joining Curves, there is one right down the street from me. Can some of you tell me what they have, and how they work their program? I also read something on another thread about a discount enrollment for WLS patients..do you know anything about that? Thanks in advance for any insight!! Kat

This struck me as really wierd, so I had to share it with you guys! This morning as DH and I began our walk, we were several blocks from home, and a beautiful little reddish/blonde dog come running up to us, like she had missed us for a long time. well she was well behaved, and friendly, but not street smart, several cars had to come to screaching halts to avoid her. Finally we got her over to us again, and we found she did have a collar, so DH took off his belt, and we made a temp leash, finished our walk, come home to call the # on the rabies tag. The tag was from 2005, and from across the state. When I told her where I was calling from, she said I was the 3rd call, and the owners # they had was disconnected, and none here matching the name. So we called animal control, and let them know we have her if someone calls to inquire or claim, otherwise looks like we have a dog. Now for the wierd part....I ask the vet fromthe rabies tag what her name was....her name is Lucy!!! I am not sure I am emotionally ready for another dog, I am hoping her real Mama calls!!! Glad to hear the vet is not thinking something terrible with your Lucy. Talk to y'all later! Kat

Prayers are on their way and will continue to be sent. Wish I was there to go with you for moral support. big hugs for you and Lucy too...my nieces call me Aunt Lucy! (My DH is legally named Ricky...even tho I call him Rick!). Let us know how she is. Kat

I know many will not agree with me, but I don't think the protein is the issue with the hair. I was on Atkins, and eating massive amounts of protein, and my hair fell out as I suddenly began losing weight. Now, I am beginning to see it falling out again. I do know it will come back, it did before. Now when it happen before, I attributed it coming back to the fact I went off of Atkins, and was eating a balanced meal. Now I am reading from people it will begin growing back around 8 months out, as suddenly as it began falling out. The timing is about the same as I experienced before. I am concentrating on eating a healthy balance of foods. I have reached serious restriction with my last fill, so I am eating much less. Let's see today I had... Breakfast--about 1/3 of a cup of a skillet breakfast I made for my DH, with potatoes, sausage, and green chile with eggs on top. I just slid a few bites into a bowl. I would say I ate about 1/3 of a cup of the mix. Snack--handful of popcorn lunch--piece of ham rolled up and snacked on, I was not hungry dinner--1/4 of a salsbury steak, 1/4 c. mashed potatoes & about 1 Tbsp. gravy, 2 bites of fried zuchini. Could not eat any more. I even made a cheescake for desert, and am still full so cannot eat any! I drank several cups of water, and lots of ice tea, not sure of exact amounts. I added some protein powder to my gravy I put on my potatoes, but not enough!!! I did not eat well today!! I can eat so little now, I concentrate on eating mostly protein, I eat a lot of fish. Then I try to add some veggies. If I have any room, I will eat some of the starchy sides if we have them, which we don't usually!!! I put roast in the crock pot, or do things like the salsbury steak, and as I say a lot of fish. I try to make some sort of protein I can eat. I also keep a pot of beans cooked, so I can eat them when I need something quick for lunch and do not want to cook. They are high in protein. Theonly other thing I can think to ask, is if you are getting enough exercise? You may need to bump it up to boost the metabolism. My DH just had heart surgery, so along with my own workout I do, we walk 3 times a day now--it has really helped A LOT!!! Good Luck to you! Kat

I agree with jacqui completely, if I eat anything that is high in salt, or if I add extra, I retain fluid, and up it goes a pound or so. But it goes away just as quickly. When the scale jumps up more than a pound, I know it is simple fluctuation of fluid levels etc. I worry about the half pounds, they can be real, if I am not watching!!! Sounds so silly voicing that!!! Kat

Hmmm what's in your kit? I have no idea, I never had one!!! I had a complete physical by my primary care Dr. prior to my referral to the Dr. I used in Mexico. My surgeon, then contacted my PCP, a local surgeon, and the Dr. I am using here in the states for fills. Once I got to MX they did blood work, X rays,& EKG. Part of my record with my PCP was my past diet attemtps etc. As for worrying about not losing weight - yep, I worried I would be the one it did not work for......but it has worked!!! I have a long way to go, but, it is working, everyday. It is the most amazing thing!!! I kept thinking about how much money I had spent, and what if......But luckily for most of us the what ifs never happen. For some it is easier than others, but it works! I have control, something I never had without the band! The long termers I have spoke to seem to be doing well at maintaining their weight loss, it seems once you reach a sweet spot with the band, you can maintain fairly easily. Not being hungry 24/7, and not being able to eat enough for 4 normal people in a sitting, has to help!! It has for me!! And I am sure it will for you too!!! Let me know what was in your kit---I wanna know what I missed!!! Where are you being banded? Good Luck! Kat

Welcome to LBT, soon you will be banded--how exciting!! Are any of these places in Texas anywhere near Comanche? A small place not far from Brownwood, or Temple. We are there several times a year. Good Luck with your surgery, and your recovery! Kat

The initials PB stand for Productive Burp. It is a type of throwing up, although, all that is in the pouch to be thrown up is a small amount of chewed food, and lot's of saliva. No stomach acids etc. It is worse than a burp in my opinion, but nothing like heaving and throwing up either. It is usually following food not being chewed enough, or eating too much. It is painful, in the way that you are too full. The feeling prior to the PB is referred to as a "golfball" because it feels too full, like you have a golfball lodged behind your breastbone. Thankfully, with proper chewing, and not drinking with meals, I have avoided the PB of late!!! It is not a daily happening, don't worry!!! Good Luck to you! Kat

I was told by the nurse practitioner that craving/crunching ice was a sign of iron deficiency. I was anemic! I eventually had a hysterectomy, and no more craving ice. Otherwise, no cravings, although there are times, I get so thirsty, so suddenly, I feel like I will literally die without a drink of cold water right then. I think I just dehydrate myself, because not drinking before and after eating, is making it hard for me to fit in time to have enough fluids. Kat

I think even without it being food, you have a lot on your plate right now! I understand somewhat the constant food obssession. I do believe tho, that as you get into your new life, and school starts filling your mind with other things, and you become adjusted to your new eating habits, it will ease up. However giving up food and alcohol, at the same time, while it is an awesome accomplishment, must be a struggle!! Sounds like some depression may have kicked in. Maybe seeing a Dr. would help. If you don't have anyone near you for support, it is going to be much easier to drink again, or simply eat the worng things for successful weight loss...ice cream, pudding, etc. As for eating out with friends, afte the first couple of times in a place, you will find some things you can fall back on to order. And as far as talking about it, just try to do it with humor. I eat hotdogs...but there was a time I couldn't. Just go slow, and try things, you will find your life settling down. I hope it hurries for you!!! I do want to say again how great it is that you gave up both food and alcohol all at one time, in new surroundings, you are a strong gal!!! Good Luck, keep coming back here, there are so many people with such good advice!! You can get support any time!!! Kat

I just had my second fill, and I have restriction!!! Anyone who knew me at all, would know something had changed, simply by the way I now eat. As I am sure you have read and been told a million times, the band is just a tool, and you have to work with it for it to work. Many people who choose not to tell about it, simply say they are losing weight because they are eating less and exercising more. If you want the band to be successful, you will be doing both! So simply telling your daughters, that you had, or are having the surgery, is just the begining, they will also be living the lessons of the band with you. They will see you eating smaller, healthier meals. Walking from day one, and increasing the exercise in your life. You will be shopping different, because your body will accept food differently. You will likely cook differently, eating less, you have to be more careful of what you eat, so it is the healthiest choice. And if you cook differently for you, you will be cooking differently for them, more healthy. You will be a much better role model. I agree, I would still allow them their usual snacks, but would work on gradually changing the things they snack on. Make the change over to more fruit, less processed goodies! Being honest with them, and telling them, that you wish you had not let your weight get so out of hand, but it did, and now you want to do something about it, so you can be around to watch them grow up and have their own children. And ask for their help during the recovery, and by not tempting you when you go through "head hunger". I fear hiding it would backfire, and have many more repercussions,than telling them. I would bet they will be your biggest supporters. In all this world there are nothing like Daughters!!! Good Luck on your upcoming banding!! Kat

I have used both the Body Fortress powder, and the unjury unflavored, as well as the vanilla. What I have found is that if I use the DaVinci or the Torani Sugar Free flavored syrups, I can have all different flavors! I love anything Caramel or Toffee flavored, so I use a lot of those. I bought a pretty wine rack, and have all my syrups in it! I can also use the syrups, and the unflavored protein powder, mixed with juice or any powdered drink mix and make popsicles, that have protein. While trying different protein drinks, some were pretty yucky when drank alone, these syrups, and they have tons of flavors available, made it to where I could drink the stuff, rather than waste it. Also, 3loves mentioned the Zero carb Isopure...it is really good for the first week or so while you are on clear liquids. I bought mine at GNC, it is in bottles, kind of like Sobe, and has 40 g. of protein per bottle, and comes in several flavors. Was the best way I found to get my energy back the week after surgery, protein is important to your healing. Good Luck, you have made a great decision!!! Kat