Kat817

Sitting here listening to it rain.....loving it!!! I don't have to Water tomorrow now!!! Usually DH's job, maintaining the lawn.....now my job. Not gonna miss watering either. I am voting for a new in ground irrigation system!! We have water rights,and free water, which is a huge savings, but it is ditch water, and has so much junk in the water, it is hard to find a system that will handle it without plugging up the sprayers, or having to clean a screen every few minutes....so we have just continued dragging the hoses around. But we have a big yard...bigger when I have to care for it!!! Does anyone have a good suggestion for removing stains from carpet? I knocked over a vase of flowers that were sent to DH, and the water in the vase had been dyed a royal blue. All over my very light taupe carpet. Most of it come up, but it looks dingy there now, just the remains of the damn blue....grrrrr I need to have it cleaned, but prefer to wait just a few weeks. I am in the process of helping my DD potty train the granddaughter. She goes running that direction, saying "potty-potty-potty" as she runs---so does it!!! So...would prefer to finish this before paying a fortune to have it cleaned!!! You probably have to be the Mama or the Gramma to find it cute as rather than just cringing!!! DH is doing great, today is one week from the day of surgery, he is walking about 4 blocks 3 times a day. We don't race, it is nice & slow, but he sets the pace, and he says it helps when he walks, he feels like he breaths easier. But his Mom and sister both have told him not to let me push him too fast. Irritated the hell outta me!! I walk on a daily basis, but I walk 2-3 miles on average, but I would NEVER expect that of him. Here I am waiting on him hand and foot, and loving the fact he is here for me to do so with, and they don't come around to DO anything, but then say that! His Mom actually said it to my face, I caught what his sister said by his defending me on the phone....had to bite my tongue not to snap at either of them. He defended me, so I will have to be satisfied with that! Don't want to add stress to his recovery. I am really trying to avoid the chocolate still--but found myself picking the cookie dough away from the chocolate chips today when I was baking Cookies for my granddaughter!!! how pathetic am I???? Not sure what I want my personal challenge to be...it needs to be challenging, but not too much so!!! Thinking about something to do with the free weights we bought. Something maybe to help with the wings!!! Well I am gonna head off to bed, morning comes way to early. DH is still not sleeping real well, he wakes up stiff and hurting from being in the same position for too long. So it is not restful sleep. Hope everyone has a great day tomorrow....will check in with ya then!!! :notagree G'night! Kat

Hey Trish, I am in NM. In the Farmington area. My DH just had heart surgery at Heart Hospital last week....so we will be going back & forth with that. Other than that tho, we end up in ABQ quite often. We spoke once before, before you had your problems...about ride sharing to Pueblo. But now we just go to Canon City, not Pueblo. Where are you doing your re-banding at? Good Luck with it!!! Kat

They told my daughter to rent a storage shed, and remove as much as possible from the home. No family pictures on the walls, only nice bare basics! They had done a faux finish on the LR walls, and the realtor wanted them painted white again. And she had little bags of spices she wanted my DD to simmer in a crock pot when the house was being shown!!! Closets should be organized, and not packed full. Linen closets or cupboards the same way. No frilly shower curtains or window treatments. They had a list a mile long of do's and dont's. In the end....it sold as is the day after they listed it, for full asking price, cash money!!! So, I think it mainly depends on where you live, neighborhood wise. If houses sell there, yours should be no problem. And the more the houses around you sell for, the more yours will be worth! Go looking at houses now, and pay attention to what details you notice, and you can use that info to help you prepare yours maybe.....Good Luck!!! Kat

I agree that you want your surgeon to be 100%. Have you thought about stashing the check (someplace VERY safe) until after the Vegas trip, and rescheduling for your off time then? In the grand scheme of things, the extra month won't be a big deal. You could have your "last supper" in Vegas at some big ol' buffet!!! You need to go intothe surgery, ready to let your body heal, not rushing it to make your trip more fun. You have the money, you found the best site around for banders....and we will all be here in September too! Relax, and for now practice eating like a bandster, and enjoy your trip, this will give you time to make new arrangements at work, so you won't be full of stress for it. I am so sorry it happened like this for you. But I am glad you are not going to be sick in the hospital, from something you could have caught from your surgeon! Good Luck to you!!! Kat

One of the wonderful things about the band is the help it provides! When you are not hungry, or are only able to eat 1/4 of what you do now if that much, it makes life much simpler. I did not have a strict pre-op diet, and I managed to only fall off a couple of times, but post op is so much easier!!! Now don't get me wrong, the early stages of all liquid is difficult, and much more important that you follow it, so you can heal. But I found myself filled with new motivation and hope at that point, and survived it!!! Now I am seldom truly hungry, and when I eat it is in small amounts. I still "cheat" but I only need a couple of bites and am happy!! I am much more active with the weight I have lost, so it helps as well. Doing it on your own without the help of the band is damn hard, it was for all of us, or none of us would be here. You are not alone in your worries, just remember after the surgery you will have help with you all the time. And as for emotional help, we are all here, this is a wonderful site!!! Good Luck on your surgery, I wish for you a smooth and uneventful surgery and recovery!!! Kat

Absolutely the only thing I would change about doing it again, is that I would have done it years ago! It has been life saving, I have no doubt. Kat

I flew home from my surgery on the 3rd day, not a single problem. We were in the air for 5 hours, I had no reaction whatsoever. I buried my embarassment as I boarded the plane, and passed the flight attendant, I ask for a seatbelt extension, because I still had stitches. No one was paying any attention, they were either behind me and not seeing, or stowing their carry-ons, and settling in. She reached right behind her in the cabinet and handed it to me all rolled up, no one likely even knew what it was!!! It was THE way to get it!!! As it was I could have done without it, but it made it much more comfy, and no embarassment! But as far as flying, it was easy as could be. I would be sure to take a big dose of dramamine if you tend to get air sick, since throwing up is not good for the band. Good Luck on your banding, and have a great trip!!! 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 - 311/289/239/150 - 72 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 - 234/205/134 - 29 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/298/150 - 60 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 - 16 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 - 84 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/202/130 - 18 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/253/156 - 35 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/234/150 - 39 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/259/150 - 51 total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117 op.day/106.6/69 - 18.4 kgs/40.4 lbs total 4-24: Ceparano - 255/270.5/235/170 - 35 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/246/165 - 43 lbs total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/241/160 - 21 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/244/145 - 26 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/208/145 - 56 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 - 283/267/260.2/145 - 22.8 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/278/145 - 55 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 224/214/182/135 - 42 total<!-- / message --><!-- sig --> <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Hi everyone---We are home! Surgery went well, the recovery is going okay. He had a rough night, we got home late last night, and he ended up throwing up from his meds, and just couldn't get comfy. Today he has eaten some, walked a bit, and is now sleeping. They ended up doing a more extensive surgery than originally planned...but it all went well. They repaired his valve with a plastic ring, rather than having to replace it, which was awesome news!!! They also ended up actually cutting away part of his heart that had enlarged, the left atrium...and removing the inlet that is usually responsible for causeing Atrial fibrillations, and blood clots. Then they did what they call a Maze procedure, where they use elctro-cautery type of thing, and create new impulses, or direct the blood in a better way to reduce the irregular beat. I have it all down on paper, but that is a quick off the top of my head of what I remember, considering I have not really slept in days....it may be a bit off!!! He come through the surgery fine,and is really doing well....THANK-YOU everyone for the prayers that I know were with us, and that continue to be raised. May God Bless each of you in special ways, he has indeed blessed me with an awesome bunch of new friends just when he knew I would need them. Thank you again. My DD is showing some signs of improvement, we will do the match testing to be on the safe side, and hope for the best. My Mom is recovering well. Now.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY EILEEN!!!! :happybday2: I remember 42!!! I hit 46 in a few days. DH turned 46 the day after surgery, he considered the successful surgery a pretty good gift! He is 2 weeks to the day older than I am, and I rub it in each and every day!! I am going to read through and try to catch up with all of you. But for now, figure I better get the house picked up, I know my inlaws are headed this way, and who knows how many of his work buddies will show up...and my house looks like a pharmacy!!! DH is home on Oxygen,so we have tubing everywhere, as well as suitcases, and hospital basins, you name it!!! Will be back later!!! Once again big hugs and HUGE thanks to everyone!!! Kat

There may be another reason your Dr. wants you to wait til you hit your goal weight. I had a low profile port from the beginning, and have been using a different Dr. for fills than did my surgery. He said it is a lot harder to hit the smaller port withut fluoroscopy. That the front of it is much smaller in dimensions. He compared size with a nickel and a pencil eraser...not the whole port, just the front area, where the needle enters for adjustments. Good Luck with the change! Kat

Naso-gastric tube...not sure of the spelling, but the tube they put down your throat, into the stomach. Mine has no information on it, only a #. Emergency personel can get the info by phone or online, it has a detailed personal history. My lap band info, I have multiple medication allergies, surgical history, blood type, and several contact numbers. It can be updated as well. It is the ugly red cross....but necessary. My Uncle is a MD in Mississippi, and he gave them to all of his nieces and nephews several years ago!!! Kat

A Leo here, that would prefer NOT to be the center of attention!!! I don't like the limelight, I am very down the earth, not extravigant in any way.....about the only way I relate, is I can be very protective, and roar when needed!!! Kat....hmmm maybe in the name as well!!!

Hi everyone--decided if I was going to get in here, and say my temporary goodbyes, it was now or never. Everytime I look around there is something else needing done! Chaos ensues! Nerves are at a high point, we are leaving for Albuquerque tomorrow I guess, although we don't have to be there until Tuesday morning....get a motel with a pool, and relax a bit maybe....maybe!! Cindy I can totally relate, not sure about the level of restriction I have either, 4-6 bites, and I am done.....figure stress is playing a part. My DD is not doing well. We have an appointment a week from Monday, they are going to type my blood, and prepare for the worst, all the while, hoping for the best. Sherry--I'll trade ya my grape popsicles for your orange!!! Glad you are not on quite such a wave anymore!!! Eileen--I too slime rather than bring anything up, my SIL throws up daily she says...but she isn't open to much advice, so I butt out! So far I have managed to stay within the challenge limits. I had a glass of chocolate milk all stirred up this morning, when I realize what the heck I was doing!!! I was concentrating on trying to up some calories for the day, and almost blew it!!! I told my DH I was gonna dump it if he didn’t want it, he just looked at me like I had lost it, I told him it is either going to waste or to waist. ( I pointed) ..I choose waste. He again just looked at me like I needed help!!! Darcy--that blizzard was gone quicker than you can blink an eye--my DH is an ice cream fiend!!! Betty--hope the van is up & running soon, and tell DH congrats on the quick find of a new job...he will be ablt to find another if this is not something he enjoys---diesel mechanics are in high demand!! Diane--enjoy your company!! I need to get out house cleaned, I know when we get back from the hospital all kinds of people will be stopping by, I should be prepared....instead, here I sit!! We went for a motorcycle ride this morning, rode up into Colorado--we like the mountain riding! We had some brunch, browsed through a flea market, and wound our way back home. Tonight my MIL had an early birthday party for DH. It was nice, cooked out some hamburgers & hotdogs. We plan on going to dinner with the rest of his siblings, in Albuquerque, before he checks in to the hospital. His birthday is the day after his surgery! Poor guy! Our neighbor told him when he wakes up on the 3rd, he will have a much better idea of how his Mom felt 46 years ago!! OH!!! Guess what I did! When we were in Denver, I went to Dress Barn, and bought new jeans. We don't have much choice around here where I live. So anyway, I started with the 22 I used to wear, and it was too big, so down to a 20...too big, an 18...comfy, so I pushed it and had DH bring the 16....snug, but I can squat, bend over, sit down....and I bought them!!! I cannot tell you when the last time I bought anything with a 1 as the first number (besides panties!!!)!!! I was so psyched!!! Today I bought size 18 capris to take to the hospital, they are fairly loose, but since I will be sitting all the time, it is a good thing I think. Feels good. DH said he could feel a big difference on the bike today. I haven't changed my ticker yet, but I have gone below 250 now...whew!! Now if some of these boobs and belly would go away!!! So anyhow we are off tomorrow, will check in and update all of you ASAP. I know your prayers will be right there with us! Can't tell you how much that means..... Be back in a few days. Kat

Well girls, my DH is gonna love you!!! I have 3/4 of a Blizzard leftover in the freezer...now HE is gonna get it!!! Actually the ice cream will be easier on me than the chocolate. I only get ice cream because he is. Now the bag of mini York mints...they are mine, and going to be given to the kids...or I'll be way too tempted!! So count me in....no chocolate or ice cream, or any combination of the 2....(meaning my leftovers!!!) for minimally 1 week, possibly longer. We can do this. Next I need to conquer Cheetos!!! But since I had my adjustment, I can only eat 3 Cheetos...kind of took the fun away, maybe I'll break the addiction!!! Good Luck All!!! Great idea Sherry for Patty to find an A/C!!! Maybe she needs to get the word out locally that she needs one. I looked at the website once, but was distracted by something, and have yet to get back. Taking the laptop to the hospital I think...maybe I will find time then. Well off to help my Dad run some cement....fun...no, but I keep thinking, it will be good exercise!! It is too hot to do it in my opinion, but, he thinks it is now or never!!! Water, taking, lots and lots of water!!! See y'all later!! Kat

Just updating my numbers 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 - 311/289/239/150 - 72 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 - 234/205/134 - 29 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/298/150 - 60 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 - 16 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 - 84 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/202/130 - 18 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/253/156 - 35 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/234/150 - 39 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/259/150 - 51 total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/108.7/69 - 13.3 kgs/36 lbs total 4-24: Ceparano - 255/270.5/235/170 - 35 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/250.5/165 - 38.5 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/241/160 - 21 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/244/145 - 26 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/208/145 - 56 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 - 283/267/260.2/145 - 22.8 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/285/145 - 48 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 224/214/182/135 - 42 total <!-- / message --><!-- sig --> <!-- / message --><!-- sig --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Hi Everyone! Thanks so much for the wonderful words and prayers of support. I am feeling a little more composed. Not much has changed, but as the days go by, I have seen that even with it all, we have survived and will continue to do so! Let's see....DH is coping, he is keeping very busy. The dye they used on his test in Denver has him broke out in a rash, they say it is quite common. Surgery is one week from today...and then it will be behind us. My DD is on a series of injections, one to try to boost her immune system, and also an antibiotic, trying to clear the infection so we can go from there. Her soon to be ex, is bouncing from being very nice, to being an a$$. First he says not to worry, she is still on his insurance, then yesterday he told her he was going to have his lawyer file for custody, that their daughter deserved a healthy parent not one who is going to be having years of problems as she tries to grow up. Of course in her already warped emotional state, she let him get to her. Made me wanna go smack him!! And Mom, is hurting, but sees her ortho today to discuss what her options are, I imagine she will have surgery within the next day or so, she has abone chip lodged in the actual joint itself, even though the break is just about an inch below the joint. My Dad has really taken care of her. Now that we are back from Denver, I can help him some. I want her to see another Dr. I am quite sure hers has her overmedicated, and on things she has no need for. I had never had reason to look over her meds before, she and Dad are not dependent, but when she fell again I insisted. 6 months ago, she fell going out of our place, and broke her wrist, and gave herself a concussion. So when I looked the other day, he has her on all kinds of drugs! She has fibromyalgia. He has her taking an antidepressant for that, an allergy medicine, and a sleeping pill...all which have her in a drugged state lately. She also takes meds for cholesterol, she takes Premarin, and she takes HCTZ for mild hypertension, her thyroid meds, and I don't remember what else. So, I am making a list, to take to the ortho, and going to insist we go over it with someone else. I may make her mad, but better healthy and alive and mad! Darcy--You called me "little" I love it!!! Ok, I know it wasn' meant that way, but I liked it anyway! And girl, you are so right. I read your post, and called a friend, and ask for help, she was happy to do it. Said she would do anything...what a relief, I know my grandaughter will be well cared for and have a good day, and I can help where needed. You are right, it is a helpless feeling, and I would prefer to know what they need...a wise woman you are! And I am relying on friends...here I am whining again!! As for your band issues...I am sorry. Mine is relatively new, and has been wonderful so far, I know that can change in a moments time! My Grt. Grandma used to tell me to Change anything, Change something. Mine was in relation to chewing my nails...I was 6!!! She said if I would just change one thing, then slowly things would all change. So after dinner, I did dishes (not like she had an ulterior motive there!!!), with my hands in water, I couldn't chew. Then we began with her reading me a book, and me turning pages, if I chewed we quit reading. One small thing at a time, a simple change...and eventually they add up. I now have nails! So maybe for today...no chocolate...tomorrow, an extra walk...you will find ways to get in control again, we have faith in you, and soon you will too!! Betty--sorry to hear about DH's job situation, my husband too is a diesel mechanic. Around here jobs seem fairly easy to find in general. He may need to take one as a get by until the right one comes along, but you will survive it! Will be praying for a good one!! DH is thinking of a change following his surgery. He has a new boss, that is not who he wants to work for, and he uses DH's credentials to push things through for the shop, and my DH hates it, feels exploited. He works for a world wide company, that is not looking real great right now anyway!!! Glad to hear the foot is improving some. Hope you can be well quickly!!! I may need that foot to kick me! Dianne--AWESOME~~wonderland....someday I'll be there!! Quicker after the fill tweak I had done on my way to Denver! I have restriction now! WOW! 6 bites, my meal is done! Figure this too will change, but that's my life right now!!! My prayers for you and your dear grandma, and for your hubbies interview as well. Sometimes it does take peeking over the fence in your job, to realize what you have isn't so bad....my DH may find the same thing, when he looks around!!! Eileen--I have been praying for your niece...I haven't been around to offer my support, but know she has been in my heart, as have you and the family. I too would have loved Polly Pocket, my DD had some. But I loved Barbie as well! I played with them, even played with them with the girls as they grew up, and will play with the grandaughter, as soon as she is ready!!! Back to your niece, when she is able take her for a girls day! go shopping, and get prettified...have your nails done or something. This is what I do for my nieces on their birthdays. We go to my salon, and they get shampooed, and styled (no cutting, that's for Mom & Dad!), and nails painted. Then we buy an outfit, and have a family dinner. Fun Fun fun. Patty--Enjoy, and travel safe! While you are at Moms, relax a little, she will be there, to help love & care for the boys, so for just a little while, totally relax...you have someone depending on you ALL the time. Take a little break. You deserve it! Anne--way to go, poker money!!! We stopped at a casino a few weeks ago on a motorcycle ride, I won $60.00 on a slot machine, off of less than $5.00 I had put in, so we took our money and left!!! We are so cheap!! Cindy--Happy Bandiversary!! You have done wonderfully!!! The pics show the story, and daughter tells it!! I too feel lucky beyond description at having found this NJ thread! And you are part of the reason why! BTW We will be in TX after DH recovers some, will ya cool it down before I get there please???!!! Sherry--Glad you made it home and had fun!!! Sounds to me like DH and DS are making a good relationship. They may always vie for what they see as your #1 slot!!But I beleive they are developing their own, building memories, and a life together. My DD and DH are very tight. He adopted her as an adult. She will go back to his name following her divorce being final. Was an expensive thing to do, considering she was married at the time, but was something they decided! I love em! 2 pounds....pshaw, be gone in no time! Bettina--I think my dishes and laundry are calling YOUR name too...They already know I am ignoring them calling me!!! Welcome to the best thread on the site! Donna--Great montage of your son! How special that will be in years to come!! He looks so proud! And is that the GF? She is gorgeous! Ahh to be young again...no wait .... don't wanna! Can't make me!! Ok time to take the grandaughter to see my friend and her grandson, hope she has fun!! Y'all have a good day, and thanks for all the prayers. You are sooooooooo good to me! Kat

Hi everyone, stopping in to update you on what has turned into one of the crappiest days ever. I tell ya, I must have done something to irritate someone upstairs, everything is falling apart. My DD that just moved out, is having health problems. They think she is dealing with kidney failure. Years ago when she was 3, she had a strep infection settle in her kidneys. She had several days of dialysis while they gave her IV antibiotics. Eventually she had function return in one kidney. Her pregnancy was hard on her, she had several kidney infections during that time. Now her kidney function is way below normal, and she has infection again. The renal Dr. thinks her kidney basically stopped growing at the time of the infection and is no longer able to support her adult body. She is on some massive antibiotics, and we are hoping for the best. I think I will be her best shot at a donor kidney if it comes to it. The whole time I am talking to her this morning, the damn call waiting keeps beeping, well I was in the laundry room, and it has no ID on it, so I ignored it, it was an important conversation I was having with my daughter. Then my cell started ringing, so I went to look, it was my parents #. My Mom had gone walking in the neighborhood, for exercise, and fell, and broke her shoulder. So...I spent the day running back and forth from the hospital with my Mom, to my MIL who was keeping my granddaughter, so my DD could keep her appointment with the renal Dr. DH is off, and was originally helping our son install appliances, but he too ran around crazy today. Looks like my Mom will need surgery on her shoulder, but until she sees the ortho tomorrow we won't know what all it will entail. We are supposed to have DH in Denver Monday for a special echocardiogram that they now do at Swedish hospital. Girls---I am losing it. Everyone of these people would walk over hot coals for me, and I feel like I am letting each and every one of them down. And they all feel guilty for taking me away from the other. I only have one brother. He was injured severely in a car accident 20 years ago, and has brain damage to a level that he is independent, but it takes all he's got to take care of himself, so he is not a lot of back up help when it comes to the folks. As most of you know, my DD just divorced, and is a single Mom to a 19 month old daughter, that I usually babysit for, using my own Mom as a back up to help out while I was taking care of DH. Now both the daughter and Mom need help! I truly do not know what to do, or how to plan to do it. I am going to do one thing at a time, and hope to do right by each of them. I likely won't be around for several days. Please pray. Kat

You know Cloe, I had thought a lot of the same things, when I read this thread earlier this summer. However a couple of weeks ago DH and I were detoured through a neighborhood in a town we were traveling through. There were 2 boys sitting on the curb, a single boy down further shooting hoops. Thats it! But as we looked around these homes, that according to the sign, started in the mid $200,000.00's, we noticed, the entire housing subdivision was xeriscaped......being new there were no mature trees, no grass. Lots of rock, cactus, and cement. HOT! No trees to swing from, or grass to lay in as you talk, no ditches to wade in. My DH says to me, "no wonder all they do is play video games!" There was a park, but no kids. How old do they need to be for a parent to feel safe sending them to a park down the road to play? I grew up in the country like you are saying, and there were endless possibilities! But if anyone come down our lane we all knew it! We were safe from most everything but ourselves! Our kids were raised in a very small town, with lots of neighbor kids and we have a big place, they ran and built forts, and played all day everyday, complaining when made to come in at night! But the difference in what they had to "work with" was glaring as we drove through this HUGE developement in one of the fastest growing cities in America....it seemed so sad, to think of the hundreds of kids inside those houses, because outside was so barren!!! No wonder so many kids are obese, there has to be thousands of cities across the country like this. Makes me glad we stayed in small town America for our kids! I know now it was the right decision for me. Kat

What a day to see this thread, I just took my wedding band off last night, and put it in the jewelry box, to wait to be sized until I am much smaller. I have my original wedding set, and then DH bought me a beautiful black hills gold & diamond wedding band. My original wedding rings, the engagement ring has a marquise cut center stone, it is beautiful, but dangerous around the little ones. I gouged my oldest granddaughters cheek with it, I was horrified! So not long after for our anniversary, he took me to buy the band when we were in SD. But now, they are all too big. It rained last night, I ran from the car to the house, and was wiping off the water on the porch and my band flew off! DH and i were on our knees looking for it, finally found it under the bench....it went straight to the jewelry box, before what happened to Funnyduddies happened to me. I have older rings, ones I have outgrown through the years....I will just wear one of them and have mine sized down when I lose most of the weight. I hate that I spent so much having my originals enlarged back a few years ago!! Kat

Sounds to me like you need some serious protein. It will help with the hunger and also the lethargy, feeling crummy kind of thing. Since you are still on clear liquid, I will just recommend to you, what I used myself. I bought it at GNC..I imagine most stores of that type have it. It is Zero Carb Isopure, it has 40g. of protein in one bottle. It is in a bottle like the Sobe drinks, and sells for around $3.00 a bottle. Don't buy tons, soon you will be able to drink shakes etc. I also ordered unflavored unjury powder, I get it at www.unjury.com . It comes very quickly once ordered. It has 20g. of protein per scoop, and can be added to brothes, jello, anything! The more protein you get at this point the better you will feel. Try this and see if it doesn't get better! As for the gas, walking helps more than anything I hear. I sure do hope it gets better for you very quickly, I am sorry you feel so rough at this point, it WILL get better!! Hang in there!!! Kat

Hi everyone!! Well I see some have made it home safe & sound(I am soooo glad), and others have left for their vactions...hope they are having fun!!! Here, we have been busy. BUT...we now live alone again!!! Son and his family have moved out of our house and into theirs. I love them with all my heart but it is nice to be free to do as I please in my house again!!! For instance, sitting here typing in my gown...love it! We spent all day cutting and hauling wood. DH is worried it will get cold enough to need the wood before he is physically able to do it again. So we have almost hauled enough for the winter. One more day and we will be stocked. I'll tell ya that wood warms you up more than once!!! When you cut it, when you load it, when you unload and stack it, when you carry it in to the house to build the fire, and finally when you actually burn it!!! All day as I sweated, and worked, I kept thinking..BE GONE CALORIES!!!! I really could tell the difference in my own endurance, and ability to do things out there today. Feels so good! Eileen--I would play your "let's be good" but my DS brought me a Blizzard tonight!! I did only eat about 6 bites, and put it in the freezer...however it was with the intention of eventually eating more of it!!! Someone throw it away for me!!! Donna- I am so glad your heart was lightened seeing your DS that way. I know you have been worried! It makes me happy to know it is working out for him! Betty--what happen at the docs?? We are all wondering!! I will be adding your nephew to the ribbon tree this Sunday. In fact I will keep his ribbon after making it, and pray for him myself! Darcy--I am so glad DD was as happy to see you as you were to see her! Isn't it wonderful to feel needed like that! Anne-have fun with your sis, and feel better soon! Bettina--you have come across the best thread on the site!!! Welcome! Dianne, Patty...where y'all at? Gonna go watch the lightning!!! I love to sit on my patio and watch it storm. Now if it would only rain some!!! Talk to y'all tomorrow! Kat

I totally agree Wheetsin. Nunez is sexxy as hell!!! MmmmHmmm!! Does look like you had a good time Kathy!!! What pretty girls you have! Kat

I was wondering the same thing nursekathy mentioned...Are you accepting of men and their weight issues,the big ol' belly, hair--or lack there of--issues, height...the list could go on and on and on. Through marriage, and divorce...twice, I finally figured out, that while I thought men were being picky, and excluding me on the basis of my weight, which was almost 100 pounds less than right now...I was being equally judgemental. Not every man in TX is tall, dark and handsome wearing a Stetson, as he saunters in from his successful ranch!!! My Texan is of medium height, in fact the exact same height as me, weighs a good 50 pounds less than I do, and was a mechanic back in those days...with grease under his fingernails!!! Something that totally grossed out my friend, she would not have given him the time of day. Her mistake...a big, huge mistake!!! He on the other hand would have helped her with anything she needed, he is a basic everyday nice guy. In my eyes he is sexy as hell! He doesn't care what others think...he has taught me so much!!! All I am trying to say is to make sure you are being as accepting, as you hope men are of you. I think acceptance must be similar to pheromones, something your body just emits, people just sense when they are or are not accepted. Back in the days I was in the bars....they were wearing a t-shirt that said "Life is too short to dance with ugly men"...But who's to say what's ugly? I believe if you are friendly and smile at ALL men, whether they are your "type" or not, you may be surprised...I was!!! I really am not trying to be "flip", I do understand what you are saying, but you have to be honest with yourself, and care enough about yourself to decide whether someone who can't deal with it is really who you want to be with. And honest enough with yourself to know if you are concerning yourself over possible one night stand play nights...neither of you are likely to care!!! I also agree a simple, "oh those, the scars are from some laproscopic surgery I had". While I think that whenever I would choose to get that close, I would hope to be comfortable enough to be honest...but if you are unsure of sharing the whole story, at least laproscopic surgery is the truth! Good Luck to you as you approach these scary firsts. Kat

I always follow some simple advice my Grandma used to tell me, which was "You can't change ANYthing without changing SOMEthing". So bit by bit I have begun to make changes, small changes, to better myself, and my life. Kat

I first heard about it from my SIL who works for a major insurance company, saying she was considering it. They wouldn't cover it even for her back then, which was probably 2003. Then last year a friend here had it done in Mexico, which perked my interest again, and I began researching in serious then, knowing if my insurance denied me, there were other options.. I was afraid to get my hopes up. In the end they did deny me twice, and I elected to go self pay in MX as opposed to a year or longer battle, which is what I was afraid of. Best thing I ever did just for me:) . Kat