Kat817

No no no!!!! No poster size pics of me anywhere!!!! Actually though that picture is a crop of one I actually liked, it was caught off guard----my DH took it as my grandson took his first steps from me to his Daddy. I looked up ecstatically to see if my DH got his picture, and he got mine. The smile is totally genuine-----I am not one who usually can do that---I always look fake and in more pain than anything!!! LOL I lost the biggest part of my weight in the first year. Spent the second year going much slower, and maintaining a lot of the time---but it was such an encouragement to me, to be able to eat at will---the foods I chose, and NOT regain weight!!! Then once the weight basically stabalized for several months---I scheduled my TT, which was done in May. Since then, the weight has again stalled. MY fault, I need to keep in mind, that I weigh less, if I want to lose, I need to eat less----I am currently eating at a rate that my weight is stable----but not eliminating enough calories either through diet or exercise to drop the last 10-15 pounds. I have become very complacent......but I know eventually I will find the gumption to get the last of it off!!! Kat

They also watch your lips and eyelids especially for color change during the operation, it gives early indication of oxygen issues. That is also why you have to have at least one finger nail natural and without any polish they told me! Going out without make up is not an issue. But during my last surgery---my tummy tuck---they called to do the pre registration the day before, and told me I could not have either finger nail or toe nail polish! I had just had a pedicure----not a cheap one it ended up either!!! I ask if I could just remove it from one toe!!! I thought I could redo it without messing up the pedi! In the end my surgeon said toe nails could stay, but nothing on my fingernails!!! Don't you know they think we are nuts!!! Kat

I knew about the hormone issue, just forgot to mention it----but I didn't know any of the rest--thanks for setting me straight and enlightening me as well!!! Like I say, I really like being informed about options in WLS----so many people ask me about it now! Thanks again! Kat

It's raining, It's pouring.....I really wish I was snoring...... Haydee, we used ours to pay for Rick's ex wifes kids psych visits. Then they finally agreed to the EAP for payment. I am off to convince my husband to take me to dinner. Got my folks set up in camp, and I believe they will be getting wet!!! BBL~ Kat

hunter, I do not have a sleeve, but will give you my understanding of it---if I am wrong I am sure we will hear!! LOL The sleeve is a relatively new WLS. They reduce the size of the stomach, but they keep the very center of the stomach as opposed to gastric bypass where they keep the upper section. With the sleeve they actually cut, then staple and remove all but a long tube like sleeve looking section of the stomach that previously had been the center of the stomach. The upper portion connected to the esophagus remains attached same as it is now, as does the lower section where it moves into the intestines. This allows the food you eat to process through normally and pull Vitamins and nutrients from the food you eat. The reasoning behind using the center of the stomach is that it is the strongest part of the muscle---so it is less likely to stretch. Plus nothing has to be re routed. The biggest concern is the removal of the majority of your stomach from what I understand. Like I say, this is something I have just heard about, I am not looking in to it, I just read about it out of curiosity----whatever is right for someone--------I just like knowing what options are available with WLS. Kat

Jane I am sorry the Dr. was an ass----sometimes they can be so "holier than thou". Glad you got your fill. We are all making the right steps to get back into lose mode!!! We all had our vacation---now it is time to go back to band school. Maybe we need a "band camp"!!!!! LMAO!!! Kat

Carbonation is one of those things that each Dr. seems to have their own guidelines on. My Dr. and I had a talk about it during my 2nd fill, and he told me it was strictly up to the patient at that point, whether they felt they could keep it in moderation. Soda is one of those things that people seem to do all or nothing with. He said if I could not limit myself to the occasion treat of a Coke, then to avoid them completely. He of course went on to tell me that there is zero nutritional content in them, and that even diet sodas have high sodium!!! Do I ever drink carbonated drinks----yes but very rarely. For the most part, I drink Water or iced tea. Some slushy crystal light as well. There are times I WANT the carbonation, and I will pour myself a diet Dr. Pepper--but usually a few sips and I am over it! My first encounter with carbonation was accidental. I had decided I would just totally avoid it. I had taken my granddaughter and a friend to a fast food place to have lunch and play indoors on the play area. She had a Dr. Pepper on the table, and I had water. I happened to grab the wrong cup and take a drink. I kept waiting for pain....and nothing!! Anyway.....ask your Dr. what his/her stance is on it, and go from there. I have never let it go completely flat----I do however make sure it is over ice, and never straight from the bottle or can---it is waaaaaay too fizzy then! I have been totally unfilled for over 2 months now. I had the unfill done on my surgeons requirements before my Tummy Tuck. I have not reverted to old habits, I am proud of what I have learned with my band. That is not to say I always eat right---but I am now thinking about food, as much for fuel for my body as for taste. Used to be I would be planning dinner as I ate Breakfast, I thought about food non stop! And my portion size was huge!!! Now I do my best to eat just enough. Enough to keep my nutrition up. I try to make it yummy food--but not useless calories, and carbs. If I eat too many carbs I am hit with cravings for more about 2 hours later! So while I do still eat them, when the cravings hit, I know what is happening so I try to go walk or clean the kitchen, anything to avoid an unnecessary meal. I have never been so in tune with my body, while not focussing 100% on it. I have learned a lot with my band. It has allowed me to succeed even without a fill in. If I ever feel myself backsliding I will re fill in a second!!!! Congrats on your upcoming surgery!!!! Kat

Hi, welcome to LBT! First of all, I must warn you----if you get 10 responses, they are likely to all be different as to what each person can tolerate, or what they choose to eat! This is very individual in how it affects you. Along with that, some of the things you hear you will not be able to eat--will sound very drastic---but in the end your tastes end up changing and it is not any longer something you crave. That is a hard thing to describe, and I remember it was even harder to believe when I was pre op!! Can you eat anything after? Any trouble with lettuce, popcorn, or meat? As you know I am sure, you will be on a fairly strict post op diet for probably at least a couple of weeks. This is to give your stomach a chance to heal, and the band a chance to set into place properly. So I will answer this question, assuming that you meant after you heal and get moved on to a regular diet. Personally I can eat anything. Some I can eat much easier than others! I eat a lot of salad, without issue----I have to be more careful with spinach leaves, they are harder for me to chew well, and chewing is key with any of it. Especially meat---you MUST have small bites chewed well, so it will fit through the small opening after you acheive restriction through fills. I eat popcorn--I do best with it when it is very fresh, and crisp----if it is at all stale, it tends to mash as opposed to chew up. Pasta and bread are the hardest for me, I have to eat them slowly, and with other items, and I can only fit a small amount in, they seem to swell after you eat them. But as I said above---over time my desire for either of these things has seriously dwindled. They are no longer my favorites. Do you have a lot of excess skin after? I had excess skin. Not everywhere so badly. My butt and legs did ok. But even when I had lost most of my weight, I still had excess fat and skin in my belly, that just would not budge! I had a Tummy Tuck 2 months ago. I do have upper arms that I am not in love with--but I can deal with them!! I began the process in a size 22/24, and am now in an 8/10. Even excess skin, to me was better than having the skin full of fat underneath it!! Insurance covered my TT so I went for it! Would you do it all over again? In a heartbeat!!! My biggest wish is that it had been available to me years ago! I would not hesitate to take my own daughter or mother if they were to need WLS. It gave me my life back, and control back in that life. Do you regret it? I regret that I let myself get to the point I was of needing WLS. But I regret nothing about the surgery. Any additional info is greatly appreciated. Thank you The band will not lose the weight for you, but it will make it possible for you to lose it. It is something you will have to make a decision to work with it, and work with your Dr. to find a good level of restriction. But it allows you to live a totally normal life, and with the help of the band, you can learn to eat healthy, and discover normal portion size. There are times it is seriously hard work---but it is well worth it!!! Kat

Good Morning Violets! I see Tracy is out to give Juan something to really think about!!! That cracked me up!! Believe it or not my big job of the day for the rodeo is already done, and I am home again. Today is red ribbon day, they are all wearing red ribbons, and an over all red, white and blue theme, with lots of stars and stripes present----in honor of our troops. So about 20 of us showed up out there at 4 this morning! We draped a lot of bunting, and put up hundreds of flags, and things of that sort. We have boxes and boxes of red ribbons for the contestants, and also for all attendees today, when you pay at the gate, you get a red ribbon. We wanted to transform it before the kids showed up this morning, and we did!! We set up donation bins, and they will box the donated items up and send them to the troops. Local radio stations are promoting it. Tonights rodeo will be kicked off by the local Blue Star Mothers. Most of the extra curricular activities are winding down. They will have awards ceremonies for some of them throughout the day. The rodeo going on right now, and the one tonight are it--the last chance to make it into the finals. Finals tomorrow. We hope to get to tonights performance. Today I am driving the trailer into the La Plata mountains for my parents and setting up camp for them. Their church is having a weekend retreat, and outdoor services. They pretty much gave up camping years ago. And our camp trailer is in use at the rodeo.....so they are going to be in a tent! But, Rick and I have our camping things all together and in the pull trailer---and I can set it up in the dark! So I am driving them up, setting up their camp, unhooking the trailer and coming home....then we will go back up after them on Sunday. One of our friends going said if it rains hard or something he can hook onto the trailer and bring them down if it comes to it. The rains from the hurricane are due to hit us this weekend! Of course!! So that will eat up the majority of my afternoon anyway. It is a 2 hour drive each way----another hour to set up camp.....another hour to get away from everyone trying to convince me to stay!!! LOL Terry, did you ever get any results from your Moms tests? Sorry you had a rough day Pamela--I think we have all had our share lately! TracyK--I like that you are walking with Macy each day, it is so good for both of you! Kinsey and I will get back to our walks someday!!! Actually we have a week off next week before chaos ensues again! Suzanne, we missed you....I was afraid you were locked inside Curves!! Laura---not that it is any of my business, but how much did your Dad end up winning in his tournament??? Be sure to let us know if you see it being televised! Well I am going to go find some breakfast......although food does not even sound appealling..... BBL~~ Kat

Just beautiful Haydee!!!! Wonderful color for you!!! Kat

Yes the band is a foreign device....an adjustable, and removable foreign device. What happens if my band fails me? First off you must determine whether the BAND failed or whether the BANDSTER failed. If it is a band malfunction, they are most often repairable. If the problem is the bandster not being willing to work with the band, then they have to make the decision on whether a healthy weight loss is worth the effort. I would like to reverse the question to you---what happens if the Gastric Sleeve fails you? Your remaining stomach stretches sooner than expected, or stitch/staple lines fail, or your remaining stomach ulcerates? What are YOUR options? What is the surgeons stance on pregnancy following the Gastric Sleeve? If one cannot take in more than 2-3 ounces of food, and metabolism is slowed....is that healthy for pregnancy? What is the stance on vomiting with the sleeve? Everyone eventually ends up with gastroenteritis at some point. These are both serious questions---not combative ones, just simple questions. I do not want to debate the types of weight loss surgery, but I fully believe the entire thread to be started and continuing in a fashion to highlight the "problems" with the band in an effort to promote the sleeve. Many Dr.'s---my own band surgeon in fact does offer a "finders fee" so to speak for patient referral.....one I have never, EVER used, although I have sent many patients locally his way! I have to wonder if the 'PM me for details' could be something along that line. If not, then I apologize in advance for stating how this thread makes me feel. There ARE problems associated with the band---BUT they can and are addressable. Nothing is removed from my body! I can increase nutritional intake if needed! And perhaps most important of them all---because I DO have to participate to attain weight loss, I have learned! I have learned healthy eating habits! I do not eat 2-3 ounces of whatever junk is in front of me and lose weight. I make smart choices, and have learned healthy eating habits. Ones that have allowed me to be unfilled for the last 2 months (for my Tummy Tuck) and not regain any weight at all. Learning healthy eating habits has been some of the hardest, but I think the most essential of lessons! Learning portion control, and hunger recognition--they do take time--but the lesson is learned, I am in control of it now. Even without restriction, I know how my body reacts to different foods! I know that being able to eat and enjoy my favorite foods in a positive manner is conducive to the healthy lifestyle I strive to have. The band IS worth the work. Having my body in tact to me IS worth the work. This is without question a free country and on the internet anyone can pretty much say what they please. And for the most part we DO welcome the information. What we can do without, is the comparisons that cast peoples decisions in a negative light. You made your choice, and that is fine, please do not minimalize my choice in order to bolster your own. Kat

My Dad once had the problem at work of people eating things out of the fridge that wasn't theirs. Being a hunter, the next time he was out scouting elk, he picked up a bag full of deer droppings, and he and a friend melted chocolate chips, and mixed them, made them look like peanut clusters. Put them in a baggie in the fridge marked " DO NOT EAT!!!!!"----VERY quickly they found out who was snitching food from the fridge!!! He said he had heard of someone else doing it is what give him the idea.....guess the vice presidents secretary had not read about it.....it was her that was into everything. He might have protected her Dad said if he had not been a victim himself! Kat

I agree completely with Alicia above, I too wanted to take an active roll in my own weight loss, I was not interested in any way going the malabsorptive route. It simply was not an option for me, I am a cancer survivor, and want to be able to increase nutrition should the need ever arise again----not malnourish myself on a daily basis. I am over 2 years out, and I cannot remember the last time I PB'd to the point of "vomiting"--------there have been 2 episodes though since being banded!! Once I ate a couple bites of a glazed donut, when I had tighter restriction....omg, it felt like it grew to the size of a dozen donuts!!!! Then another time, I was eating on the run, tossed a popcorn chicken bite in my mouth, chomped roughly a couple times and swallowed. As it dragged down my throat, I realized what I had done, and sure enough, it was not chewed well enough at all, and it too come back up. But that is it! I have had things I should have chewed better, and reminders that there is a band in there, but to vomit it up all the time, no way! I eat red meat without issue! Always have since being allowed onto regular foods post op. I have rib eyes waiting to hit the grill as I type! I eat totally different now than before, but that was a concious decision. I did not want to have the issue of weight regain. I have a friend who has had bypass, and is now once again, about 15 pounds away from her all time high, the weight is back. But when she lost it all so quickly, she did nothing-------she looked peaked all the time, her skin and her hair were dull---she did not exercise....I think she avoided doing some of the hardest, most essential work in losing weight. Learning to eat properly, learning portion control, and learning to recognize when you are really physically hungry as opposed to head hunger....takes time! Losing the weight a bit slower, and having to learn these things eating with the band leads you to an understanding of what is really going on when you feel totally out of control around certain foods, and why your body reacts to some foods---like carbs triggering hunger a few hours later. These lessons are not easy. But learning them with the band, is MUCH easier than trying to learn them without it! I had a total unfill a couple of months ago preparing for my Tummy Tuck. I have not regained a pound. I learned with my band! I could probably eat much more now----but I know what portion size I need now, and I have proven my body does not need nor want more! I also knew myself, and I like sweets on occasion. I like taking my grandkids for a small ice cream cone--and I wanted to eat a piece of cake with them on their birthday....and I do. I believe being able to enjoy your favorite foods on occasion in a positive, peaceful (no worries of dumping) way to be part of a happy lifestyle I fully see myself living for the remainder of my life. Now will my band last the remainder of my life? I have no idea! I hope so......but if not.....I am down over 100 pounds, I am in control again, and I LEARNED from it. We did this work together, I was not just a passenger on the WL train. I was the conductor! And it has been well worth the work. If I were to find myself bandless, I would not be obese and bandless---I am prepared now-even without a band (or an unfilled on in my current case) to eat as a bandster and remain in control.....it is worth it....I am worth it! Kat

I figured it had to be sized or that there was some sort of common sense reason------but nosy me wanted to know!!!! It truly is a beautiful ring, wear it with all the love it was given! Kat

Congratulations!! The ring is beautiful----is there a reason it is not on your hand though??? The wedding location sounds beautiful. We once renewed our vows on a boat trip in Kauai....in the fern grotto. That has been many years ago though!!! Kat

For those of you with natural curl that use a straightening Iron on it--a flat iron....I have a question. What about humidity? How well does it stay straight in the humidity? My hair if short is VERY curly! To a point of frizzing. Now the length pulls most of it out, and the underneath layers of hair, are always kinky. With my layers now, it is long, shaggy, and either lays in waves, or I pull it up. When I had it shorter it was non stop constant work! I said when it grew back after chemo I would never bitch about it again......so while this is not a complaint (!) I would love to find way to "style" it without it being a full time job! Where I live we use swamp coolers--------moist air is everywhere when you are inside, and yet it is super hot---100+ and usually less than 15% humidity outside! So......while y'all are tossing ideas--I could use some too! Kat

As has been said, right now what he is doing is fine. He will get to a point in his healing, where he can have other things and will want other things. Right now, he is doing great keeping it clear liquids, and allowing that band to seat itself without interuption!! I understand your concern, but as long as he remains hydrated, and he is getting some Protein and nutrition from the isopure, he will be fine. If in 2 weeks he still will not take in anything, then I would intervene! Although that might be easier said than done if your 19 year old son is anything like mine was at that age!!! Good Luck to your son----and to you as you manuever your way through this with him!!! Kat

Home from the rodeo---my little girl in her pink boots and cowboy hat LOVED it. She loved the Queen contenders the most---everytime she would see one of them with their local crowns-tiaras on their cowboy hats, she would get all twitterpated! She was bouncing when she found out she did not have to see them being mean to the baby cows as she refers to the calf roping!!! She got in trouble as we were leaving, so her tears made her fall asleep that much faster---and she has been conked out ever since. I called her Daddy and had a talk with him, I wanted him to hear her crying! He is teaching her to be a smart aleck and I do not like it at all! We were walking to the truck, and we were talking about the bronc riding, and I ask her "How 'bout we put YOU on one of those wild bronco horses?" And she matter of factly replied "How about you bite me?!" It infuriated me, I ask her who lets you talk like that? My Daddy says it she tells me....lip quivering. I told her she would never say that to Granny again, or she would get a spanking----and further more, I meant it! He laughed when I told him. So I told him I didn't think it was funny, he was turning her into a snot like my niece that he nor anyone could stand for years due to her mouthiness!!! I told him when she is 6 no one will want to be around her just like they couldn't stand to be around Kelcie and her smart mouth. He finally apologized and said he would stop and he would talk to her about being mouthy. We'll see.......so anyway she is still sleeping. I should be cleaning, my house has taken not only a backseat this week, I don't think it made it onto the list at all!! I was burning alive outside while we did some things out there, so I succumbed to the ice! BUT.....I just got the shaved ice plain, and had the bright idea to pour a diet Dr. Pepper over it. It was not a good plan!!! The shaved ice is too delicate for the carbonation, so it watered it down to yuckiness!!! But it also took care of the craving!! LOL I am beginning to wonder to Suzanne knew how to swim.......she disappeared when the pool went in!! I really wonder if the other worker ended up not working after all and she is locked in the Curves unable to escape!! Has anyone thought of a good place for us to meet next?? Haydee I knew your wedding would go wonderfully!!! You are so beautiful anyway, I can only imagine you in the light of the sunset, and the twinkling candles--I seriously doubt the bride held up in comparison! Congrats on the plane NSV!! Well, I have finished snacking at my chicken salad....so guess I will go do something with my house while the kiddo is sleeping. We will have making up to do after she wakes up, and some talking to do as well!! It is hard----I am trying my best to use different rewards, and different methods with her. Not to use food----as a celebration or consolation thing. I also do not want to totally spoil her by buying things for those times. So I am trying to make doing something the reward---like going to the park---but it is so fricken hot! I think today if she wakes up in time, and we talk we might do a run through the sprinkler---Granny too!!! Kat

Good morning girlies! Kinsey and I just finished Breakfast, 3 pieces of bacon and an egg. I lost teh damned 1/2 pound that I complained would not budge, so I am going to continue to try this, I will take 1/2 pound at a time if that is how it is going to be now!!! Lets see NSV's have been plentiful this week! I volunteered for this rodeo when it was here last which was 4 years ago, and 6 years ago. Many of the vendors, and several families are the same (younger siblings), they have been jaw drop shocked a few times. It always makes me have a high/low emotional response. I am happy they think I look better now, but their shock makes me realize what a horror I must have been then! Anyway---- I am back on a horse for this rodeo, I have even run the barrels just for old times sake--- I played volleyball, and did not feel the least bit self concious --like Tracy's bathing suit! I have willingly posed for pics with some of the kids. I tried on and bought clothes at the trade shows. I wore a vest! I would never before, because the belly hanging under it was disgusting! I can see my own belt buckle! It has been an exhausting week, but I am able to keep up! I can load my own horse, do my own "work" Rick is not prepping everything for me this time around. I actually caught a couple of young (17) guys checking out my cleavage! Oh yeah they check out ANY cleavage!!! But 4 years ago, they would not have looked past the extra weight to even realize I had boobs! I danced with the program director, and was not overly stressed by it----although like the boys above 4 years ago, I totally believe he would never have ask! I mean there are 800 volunteers---so it would not have been any big deal to skipped over me! Like I say this has been an eye opening week, at how much more I can and DO do. (yep I said doo doo!!) I feel humbled at the enormity of change in my life. I include the discovery of such good friends in those changes. You have made a huge difference in this happening! Laura, I am sorry you are going through this with your sister---I know back when my brother was drinking, it was really hard. Not just to watch what he was doing to himself, but what his problems did to our parents, they just wilted with stress and worry, and fear for his life and hoping he did not kill someone else in the spiral down. Nothing seemed to help. Finally he sobered up, and has been sober now for almost 10 years. Hope your sister can do as well. Rick's field crew had problems last night and called him no less than 8 times, led to a rough nights sleep---for both of us! Well I am going to go to the store and restock Abbey's bedside basket, and then head to the fairgrounds. The morning show begins at 9---but some of the rodeo events Kinsey HATES! Goat tying, calf roping, she actually cried over them! So I plan to hit it for the barrel racing, pole bending, and bronc riding----so I better get my butt in gear!! Talk to y'all this afternoon. More basketball, so I am free!!! Also a family small bore rifle competition--------not involved there either!!! Kat

Home again, home again, not dancin' no jig----I'm too tired!!! LOL! Had a nice time with Sofi, she is going through some tough times, her brother was just diagnosed with cancer, he is at MD Anderson now, they have removed all his lymph nodes, and his liver is invaded, but they do not know the origin of it yet. He is only 23! She was really upset. And while we were visiting she got a call that a friend of a friend was killed last night. She is having issues with her band tightening up during the stress. Was an easy night at the fairgrounds. Made our rounds checked hay---all was well! Tomorrow might be a busy one. And I want to watch a friends DD compete in the pole bending---she is in 3rd place overall right now! That is in the scholarship big money!!! All of them will get some school money. I did ok I guess eating wise, I am not eating nearly as much as I had allowed myself to do, and I sure feel better for it! Terry you might have a point----I mean Laura just said all of a sudden people were saying things again, and she got her incentive back and is working on it again. So here is to a positive attitude! We can do it---we WILL do it!! How is your Mom? I made chicken salad for Rick's lunch, so I made extra so it is ready and waiting for me, no excuses tomorrow to take with me, to avoid the vendors!!! I did not have any shaved ice today. But I swear every person I stopped to talk to had funnel cake and offered me some. I did not have a single bite!!! Of course I didn't really want it either. Now the chocolate dipped cheesecake, it was callin' my name, so I told it to shut the hell up! Becky & Gary leave in the morning for Vegas. Part of me is really jealous, the other part is in homebody mode, because I have been gone so much!!! And the rodeo ends on Sunday, and then I have a few days free then Connie Mack World Series Baseball begins, and I have 3 shifts for that. 2 in the concession stand and one taking tickets. We have a boy staying with us for the Series, his brother stayed with us 3 years ago, but the team did not make the world series playoffs the last 2 years, so it will be good to see him. Then just a few days following that the San Juan County Fair begins. I have agreed to help build a float for the parade. And I am helping check in the goats!! My friends raise goats, and she always recruits me for the check in and doing the paperwork on the kids showing the goats. I have done it for years. BUT it is a busy, busy time!!! Then the weekend following the fair is my birthday and I want to go to Denver and hit the amusement park!!! Sound like a 10 year old, not an old lady!!! LOL So with all that, I am ok staying home while they hit Vegas! I think I will head to bed, I am tired. I come in, took a shower, and was sitting here letting my hair dry some.....I am really sore today, my abs. I think tomorrow I am gonna suck it up and wear some compression, at least for part of the day. I know enough people out there with trailers, I can slip in and remove it if it is too much. Will check on my Violets in the morning!!! Hugs!! Kat

I agree, I would go, and enjoy the family you do enjoy. Put on the biggest smile you have, do not let them think their attitude affects you at all! And if one of them especially the one cousin tried to bring it back up--I'd give her own words right back to her...."it is what it is-----and this marriage is damn good, I am happy I did it, and it is in the past, get over it!" Like you think SHE is psycho for still harping on the past! Then go have a piece of cake and give Granny a kiss on the cheek. I could handle the family dissension concerning the wedding. What I would not, not for a fraction of a second put up with or stick around for is them belittling my DH. If and when someone said something negative about him. I would walk away that instant, and leave. Period. When Mom and Dad ask, I would tell them why, and that you will continue to do it, until your decisions as an adult are accepted. And if they cannot----then make a life with your DH, and make sure YOUR children are not subjected to the same life. You can make a family of your choosing. Not all "family" is blood related! Good Luck! Kat

Thread hijack-------- Just wanted to say first of all Ellen, you are so well spoken and articulate, as well as level headed for a 21 year old, I know you will do wonderfully! And also I am sooooo thrilled to see young people like you and Jodi taking charge at your age. To be able to go through my younger years, and the younger years of my kids at a normal weight would have been so much easier. It was stressful being obese as we all know, and with kids in school, the stress increases. Of course I combatted the stress with chips and dip----but that is beside the point! I love seeing young people deciding to live their lives---and doing what it takes to do that NOW! Your health will be so much better! Congrats to you both! Back to topic! Kat

food addiction and abuse are very similar to the more commonly heard of addictions of smoking, or drinking------but the difference is, you can live a perfectly normal life, and live for decades, without ever smoking or taking a drink of alcohol again. Abstinence is key. Avoid them completely to kick the addiction. With food that is not an option! We must eat. Making the right choices, or stopping with a reasonable portion is where our problems lie. And it is an addiction. We can start with all the right intentions.....but the road to hell is paved with good intentions. It would be like the smoker who quits by smoking 3 cigarettes a day---some might be able to do it, but very, very few. The band, gives you the help to make eating right, and in proper portions possible. Then once you begin losing weight, you find yourself wanting to be more physically active. It is definitely a scary prospect to lose an addiction to food. It is one that is widely accepted, as far as addictions go! Every holiday, every celebration, every milestone in life and death is accompanied by food. It was there to comfort you, and give you something to do anytime day or night. To think that all your habits must change is an overwhelming thought! What you are going through is VERY common! Many of us visited the thought of WLS at least once before we become serious enough to research it and decide it was for us! The good news is.....the band makes all the changes you worried about soooooo much easier than anticipated! The help in portion control, and the lessening of the actual hunger itself has made doing this possible!!! I could not have lost over a hundred pounds without my band. By the same token, just having the band and not working with it, I would not have lost the 100 pounds either. Some people can and do lose this much without WLS, I just know myself, and know I tried through the years, and it would not have happened. I did good for a couple of months, and could drop 40-50 pounds, and then I would begin backsliding.......and within a couple more months the weight was back plus some more! I am over 2 years out with my band, I am in a size 10---even a couple of 8's! I do not "diet" per se. I use my head when eating, and try to eat in a healthy manner. I have learned portion control, and taught myself what triggers me to eat more (carbs in my case!!) I had a total unfill of my band a couple of months ago for my Tummy Tuck, and I have yet to have it refilled. So far my habits have carried me along, and the hunger has not returned as it used to be. Before banding I would walk in the house ravenous, and just begin eating, chips, Cookies, whatever was quick and handy! Now that the hunger is not like that, I make better choices. That has been a huge difference, I have control again! Flaking out is not uncommon, and is perfectly normal. It is to be expected when you make a lifestyle change---but this one is so worth it! Kat

Tracy!!! Bacon dipped in mayo??? Gag me!! Now Laura and I wanted to try the chicken fried bacon dipped in gravy--but mayo----no thanks!!! You could have my share, but.....since you shouldn't even have your share you can't!!!! Seriously I see your arteries clogging from here my friend!! LOL They had scalloped potatoes with their dinner last night, and fresh homemade rolls----took great....GREAT willpower to avoid them! Then they had hot peach cobler with ice cream on top---I just left the building!!! I ate steak, and salad! Today I will not have sugary shaved ice.....no matter how hot it gets! There are troughs everywhere filled with ice cold bottled water---so there is no excuse! One step at a time, this is today's----no empty calories in my shaved ice. There I said it, and that will keep me from doing it I hope!! Sofi and I are going to do Mexican food for lunch I think---wish there was a good place here in Aztec to get a nice salad. I keep thinking I will take Kinsey to the movie, but the popcorn kills me! It is raining---do you know how bad a rodeo is in the rain? Mud everywhere, wet animals, wet hay, wet manure----it ALL stinks! Could be fun!!! Dr. Jazzy Bradford----I love it!!!!! Kat

Don't forget that alcohol can be really irritating to the lining of the stomach, and it might have sat in your stomach longer that it could handle. I would stick to liquids for a couple of days and if it does not ease, see your Dr. Kat