Kat817

I actually have a skirt that is cut on the bias, and it does make a HUGE difference!!! Although I now realize I cannot wear it anymore, it is too big! Anyway the difference in mine is as has been mentioned the fabric is cut diagonally. In my other skirts the seams run down the sides, and due to my large belly before the TT, they always puckered. The one cut on the bias, has 3 seams I think in front and back, and the center seam comes to a V so it sat better with my belly--and actually when you would think it would accentuate it, it disguised it wonderfully! I am doing a terrible job explaining it-----but in skirts---it truly does make a difference in the fit of the skirt. Why you would "need" to know that in a book---that I cannot help with!!! I am semi girly!!! Getting more so as the weight comes off---and I feel like I have less to cover up. It feels pretty good again to be honest! Kat

I just had a TT 3 weeks ago. During the surgery, he did some mild lipo on the pubic mound, and DID lift it and tighten the skin. He said it is not always done, but it gives preferred results. Several years ago, I had a serious bout with cancer, and my chemo caused me total hair loss----including pubic hair. When my hair grew back, it did somewhat, it is much more sparse than ever before, and the hair line itself is much lower. With that being the case, he said he could lift without the hairline being an issue. Like I say it has only been 3 weeks, and I have still got some open wound due to a condition called fat necrosis, and then an ensuing infection. So sex in a position that would allow me to judge the difference has not been possible. BUT I know it will be a major change. I had some serious fat pad on the pubic mound before and it is gone. Not to mention my belly hung over it all--and it is gone. What used to take some hunting, and prodding around is all right out in the open now!!! He said to me something in the nature of---and this might not be an EXACT quote but close "I don't want this to sound un professional, or too personal, but from my patients, I have heard that this part of the surgery is vital. To remove the excess abdominal fat, and leave the mons rounded, causes clothing to fit akwardly, and just is not aesthetic looking. I am also quite frequently thanked for the rejuvination in sensation by patients and husbands alike" So.....I had no serious complaints before, other than the belly being an embarrassment, and being in the way----it had become much harder to orgasm through intercourse than it used to. Whether that is all weight or something to do with age or what I don't know.....but hope to know soon!!! Can't speak from experience yet on sensation, but lookwise, oh yeah, it was so worth the little extra during surgery! Kat

Hi my friends, sorry to go MIA. We made a sudden trip to TX, and things have been a bit crazy. To top it all off, I lost my mind I guess-----not sure what my excuse is---or that I even have one. DH made me mad, and I said horrible things, I have never been in question of my relationship, and I really am now. I know our marriage will survive, but it feels like I killed a vital part, and I cannot seem to salvage it. So emotionally I am shot. Physically I am healing. I do have some infection, he told me to expect it with the fat necrosis thing, and the size of the incision. It looks wonderful from the pubic bone on either side to the hip bones. It is the straight incision across the top of the pubic bone that is infected, and looking pretty rough. I see the Dr. tomorrow, I have finished my anitbiotics, so am anxious to hear what he thinks of it. Insurance is being a pain in the ass, some how a # got screwy and they are balking at my surgical center bill-------so, trying to deal with that too. I am still comfortably wearing my 12's over the bandages and compression.....10's go on, and zip without a problem, but they are snug on my hips and with the incision extending onto the hip, it makes them uncomfortable. I am still sitting at 177. I have to get down to 169 to be in the normal BMI range. It seems like the last is going to be the hardest.....isn't that about right? I am so sorry to hear about your accident Mandy. Snuggle with that cute pup, maybe you will feel better.....if so I may need to borrow him!! Sherry, got the boy graduated did you?? Good for him!!! I was so glad to get ours out of school, dealing with this school system was working my last nerve! Betty, so good to see you posting again each morning, I missed them so much! Jessica, have a great vacation!!! I couldn't be gone that long either, am too much of a home body. Especially with the cost of gas, I am seriously becoming a home body! Pat, I have not taken any pics, and keep saying as soon as the infection clears I will. Maybe by then someone will be speaking to me to do the pictures! Diane---thanks for the concern--I am doing my best to hang in there today. Trish best wishes on the surgery today! Well I am off to change out laundry, and keep busy----keeps my mind from overworking, or at least gives me the hope of it. Hugs~ Kat

What if I'm the one who needs forgiveness? It may help to spend some time thinking about the offense you've committed and trying to determine the effect it has had on others. Unless it may cause more harm or distress, consider admitting the wrong you've done to those you've harmed, speaking of your sincere sorrow or regret, and specifically asking for forgiveness — without making excuses. But if this seems unwise because it may further harm or distress, don't do it — it's not about making yourself feel better by apologizing. You don't want to add salt to a painful wound. Also, keep in mind that you can't force someone to forgive you. They will need to move to forgiveness in their own time. In any case, we have to be willing to forgive ourselves. Holding on to resentment against yourself can be just as toxic as holding on to resentment against someone else. Recognize that poor behavior or mistakes don't make you worthless or bad. Accept the fact that you — like everyone else — aren't perfect. Accept yourself despite your faults. Admit your mistakes. Commit to treating others with compassion, empathy and respect. And again, talking with a spiritual leader, mental health provider or trusted friend or relative may be helpful. Forgiveness of yourself or someone else, though not easy, can transform your life. Instead of dwelling on the injustice and revenge, instead of being angry and bitter, you can move toward a life of peace, compassion, mercy, joy and kindness. I so needed this today Terry..... Kat

I too think you have done extremely well with weight loss during the healing phase, and without restriction. You have done it without the help of the band----you ARE succeeding!!! Imagine how you can succeed when the fill level in your band actually kicks in to help you along!!! Many of us older bandsters DID lose weight during our healing phase----because we had restriction earlier---our bands are smaller. BUT---according to what I read, the larger bands are safer on you--less liklihood of erosion! Less slippage! In other words, the band is a safer, new and improved version of what we got. I am not complaining about my band, but I am ALL for the safest way of doing this as they can find!!! Keep slowly working up your fill level, take it in small steps, and when you feel some restriction, work with it. Don't push and punish your body with too tight of restriction, it has shown that backfires! You are learning! You are learning to eat a healthier diet, and to move more---that will do nothing but help you, and the more you lose, the better able to move even more you will see! You will be running with that toddler before you know it----and you both will benefit from this surgery! And you will be feeding your child a healthier diet! You do not suck at this, you have not failed in any way at all!!! You have done it without help! The help will get there......and you will have already begun to develop healthy new habits....and will be on your way to losing that 100 pounds!!! Hang in there, you are doing great! Kat

Done deal Tracy. Please keep us posted. You can punish a child, but these parents....what can you do???? Thanks so much Pamela----you hanging in there without your Honey? I chose a random weight I thought I would be happy with when I picked my goal weight. I looked at my DD who is my height, and added about 10-15 pounds to what she weighed at the time---she has gained and now weighs my goal weight. Anyway, I checked my BMI and I of course am still overweight. To get to a normal weight at my height, I am going to have to drop into the 160's. 169 will get me to normal.....so I guess I really need the CTCD. I have heard many, many times, this last is the hardest---of course when I have the least motivation! Kat

It seems perfectly feasable to me! The support and the confidence he is showing in you is great!!! As has been pointed out----if it is still a bit snug---who will care! You will both be seeing changes happening in a hurry, and celebrating each of them along the way. Him believing in your doing this is the important thing.....IMHO. Good Luck on your upcoming surgery!!! Kat

My pain meds were in pill form, but my band Dr. had no issue with that. I had 2 forms of basically the same medication. I was given Demerol for pain, due to many drug allergies. The demerol itself is a small quickly dissolving tablet. For the first 3 days though he gave me a capsule of Mepergan Fortes. It too is Demerol, but has some Phenergen in with it to ward off nausea. I took it the first day, then went to the tablets---it made me incredibly sleepy!! Other than that, I just had my pain ball pump, that worked for 48 hours. My surgeon also suggested the stool softner. He said to begin with a small dose on a regular basis, and it should keep constipation from being a problem, and it worked---that was not an issue. I did not take as much as was printed on the bottle, I did one in the morning and one at night while I was on the pain meds. Kept things workin' just fine!!! Excellent point though as straining, is not an option----you want those muscles to remain relaxed, and heal in the taut way the Dr. stitches them. Have a safe trip---and check in!! We will have you in our thoughts!! Kat

I need a cut the crap out of my day, day.......I screwed up, got mad, or hurt...mostly selfish (!) said things I seriously should not have said, and hurt my DH and pissed him off, like I don't think he has ever been at me. Has been a long sleepless night---and things are still not right. Please send me Purple Power-----and forgive my lack of chattyness. Kat

Becky and I took her son to Cooperstown to a little league baseball thing. We met up with a friend who was living in NYC at the time, and we did the whole tour thing, and stayed an extra 3 days with her, and had a blast. The friend hd/has never married, so had no clues who to contact for a babysitter....so we thought we had no chance of doing much that you cannot do with a young boy!!! Then one of the other families was also staying over, and called and ask if Cory could maybe come with them for an evening so their son would have some company his own age!! We met up with them, and agreed to an exchange----it is really easier with 2 ten year olds than one!!! We had a blast!! I have tried to convince Rick to go back, but he says that NYC is waaaay down on his list of want to go to places!!! Sorry your trip fizzled Laura. We were driving home during the race, but thanks to Sirius Radio we could listen....to the disaster!!! We had a bet going--I thought he would do it, Rick said no way--------hate when he wins----not really it was a win/win bet!!!! LOL Tracy, if I was close enough I would come and get Macy to play with Kinsey.....wait, nope, I would take them both to my Mom and go with you, Haydee and Terry!!! LOL!! Well I have to get some things watered.....Kinsey wants to help----so I "let" her drag the hose around-------such a nice Granny I am! Talk to y'all later! Kat

I know people who have been 10+ years out with bypass. One died several years ago from complications, but I honestly don't think she had the best Dr. nor did she handle things properly---of the other 3, one is extremely thin, and says she still only eats a small amount of a few specific foods, she is very strict on herself---and can name all the supplements and amounts she does daily--this is her life and she works hard at doing these things--she is in her late 50's now, and had surgery minimally 15 years ago. She said yes she would do it again! Another friend was bypassed on August 23 1995---I ask her how long it had been before I did this post!!! She originally lost 165 pounds, and has regained about 40--looks great in my opinion, but she worries as the weight is creeping back on.....she says no matter what she does, it seems to slowly be working back on---she is in her early 40's. She said she wished she could go back and have the success she had early on, but yes she would do it again. The last one was done right at 10 years ago. She cannot eat anything with sweetners in it, be it sugar or natural--which she says is a blessing, because they own an ice cream shop!!! She lost about 100 pounds, she has regained about 20, but looks better, than she has in a long time, her hair is getting healthy again, she said this weight is easy to maintain---it seems to be her natural spot she said, she eats real food, in small amounts---and reads labels closely to avoid any type of sugars which cause her serious dumping issues. She said they did not start until about 8 months out, and come on severely and suddenly. But her health is much better now than before. She was diabetic, and is no longer considered to be. She said even with the side effects she would do it again. As for banding, I know 2 people out 5 years, a couple. They were banded together, and live together, and have totally different results. He lost 130 pounds, and has kept it off, with never having a fill--he still has some restriction simply from band placement he says----he eats everything but white bread or white rice. And would do it again in a second he said. His wife, has had 3 fills----never really worked the band, as she thought she should be able to do things like he has done, without a fill. She has another friend who has recently been banded who is working to find a sweet spot and is taking her along for fills, and finally the band is begining to work for her! She has only lost maybe 30 pounds over the 5 years. BUT even with 30 pounds, she said she would do it again, as she had not gained any. She can still eat anything. Personally I have been banded for over 2 years, with 2 fills, and now a complete unfill for a TT. If I get to 5 years and something goes wrong, and I lose my band--I still consider mine a success, and would do it again. For 2 years now I have not stressed my body with high blood pressure. I have learned much better eating habits from food choices, to portion sizes. I have learned what kind of exercise works for me, what I enjoy and what gets me the best results. For 2+ years, my blood sugar has been normal.....my kidneys, and eyes, all my organs have gained 2 good years without that! I have lost enough weight that my knees no longer scream in pain to walk. So while it may not be the ideal, perfect weight loss solution---it has helped my health. It has taught me lessons. I do not cope well with deprivation either! But the band has made ME change. Things I used to eat lots of, like chips-------no longer appeal. The change come about when I had to learn to thoroughly chew my food. What tasted yummy to me when I chewed twice and swallowed----tastes like a mouthfull of lard when chewed to oblivion! I have learned to appreciate fresh foods that taste the same way the 20th chew as they do the first. I have learned to hydrate my body---if I don't--I don't lose an ounce....why? who knows, but if I keep drinking, I lose---so I do it! The band might have nothing to do with some of these things I learned, but I learned some of them through the wonderful people here! I learned about support! I do not have a band support group available---so this is my support. I have had friends succeed wildly! I have had other friends lose their bands and not have other surgeries available to them.....from both I have learned. The biggest thing that has to be engaged in weight loss is your brain, if you are not in a mind set to DO IT--no matter what it takes, it is likely not going to happen or maintain regardless what surgery you choose. I have no doubt there are those the band is not for, same as any other surgery--the difference is, if you decide the band is not for you....it CAN come out, and life goes on. If you decide after the fact that RnY is not for you, they cannot sew your stomach back in place and re attach your intestine. One is not the cure all, different surgeries for different people. Different things work for different people. There are people out there that Weight Watchers works for.....just not everybody. The newbies who come here trying to share their enthusiasm, cannot be faulted for their positiveness. Those of you who tried, gave it an honest shot, without success, cannot be faulted either...I do not see you here out of negativity----more out of frustration. We will all have a different experience as we travel through life, including the experiences we have with the band. The posts I do not care for---and yes this is an individual personal thing---are the ones that carry the "Just you wait and see...." threat sounding message. Makes me just all that more determined to be honest though!!! Kat

BBK--just stopping in to check up on you following my trip. My belly button steri strips fell off while I was in TX (I think all the heat from sweating!!!--reverse that!) Anyway it looks ok, kinda different than I expected, but maybe better. The lowest part of my incision right above the pubic mound is where I am infected--but the drainage has drastically reduced over the last 18 hours.....so wierd, just a sudden change. I see the Dr, on Wed. Hope your PS issues level out......it is stressful looking at your body wondering.....what is still to change. I had more muscle repair due to a torn muscle on my left side, so the swelling is hugely different--my right side is reducing great, I actually have a curve in for my waist----not the left, the left still has a spare tire look to it! BUT-----all of it is better than how it started!!!! Let us know what the PS says....... Kat

I was so happy to get home and find things moving along well for the 2 of you!!!! My trip to Texas was uneventful, I feel good. Did end up with some infection following the necrosis, which he said was extremely common, so did a round of antibiotics. Now I see him on Wed. I am looking forward to it, I want to be sure all is well!!! I took a motorcycle ride last night, it was great!!! The pain is a mere memory now, I might get a muscle twitch, or scratch my scar without thinking and get an OUCH! But that is it. Weight is hanging about the same, now that I am through with the meds, I can be more watchful of what I am eating!!! That and being home should help! Bought a couple of size 10's while in Texas----not wearing them yet, they fit a little snug across the ends of my incision, but they do come all the way up, and buttong and zip without issue!!! YAY!!!! You two will be so thrilled with these surgeries----I just know it! Glad to be home and following along with you guys! Our farm is out of town and since we are not there but maybe a month out of the year, we have no phone service, therefore no computer connection---it about killed me!!! So happy to be home!!! Kat

Travelling down was not great, my compression band was really irritating! It is heavy, and it creases, and put pressure right on the ends of my incision! While I was in Texas, I went shopping, and found a firmest control type of high waisted compression he told me I could move to after 2 weeks, and let me tell you it made a HUGE difference!!! It is made of soft sleek material, as opposed to the other that was stiff. I bought 1, to see how it did, and have already been back to buy another! I am allowed to move to less firm control after 4 weeks.....so will see what I do then. Other than that the trip was uneventful. I was concerned about weight gain! I am on antibiotics---so have to eat 3 meals a day with the pills to avoid making myself sick at my stomach. Since we were there such a short time, we didn't really open up the house much, so did not turn on appliances---so ate out the entire time, or with relatives. But I only come home 2 pounds up, and when the swelling from the heat went away so did the 2 pounds. But that means I am still sitting at 177----time to get busy I guess!!! I did end up with some infection, which he said was highly common when the fat necrosis begins, due to the moist areas. It was grown and only shows a strept type infection, no staph type grew. It is still oozing, and has some open areas. My incision is not curved, it is more angled, following the angles of my body. It begins on one hip, and goes down on an angle to the "corner" of the pubic bone, then straight across, way low, right at the pubic hairline, then when it gets to the other side it angles back up to the other hip bone. From the edge of the pubic bone on both sides up to the hip bone it looks awesome! Healed almost invisibly!!! BUT the straight across part looks horrible, oozy, and has a couple of holes in it. He says it is ok, but I am concerned, and looking forward to my appointment Wed. to see if it should still be this way. I want it better!!! It does not hurt. There is no real pain left. Occasionally I stretch further than before and a muscle twinges, but nothing bad. I went for a motorcycle ride last night!!! It felt wonderful! Didn't go far, just a maiden voyage since surgery!!! DH said he sure could feel the difference in room on the bike! My size 12's are still what I am wearing, they are loose enough to be comfy and yet look like they fit. One of the biggest differences in the compression garments is how my clothes work with them. The old one was made with this ace bandage kind of like texture, so it helped hold up clothes that were too big. The new one being slick----does not!!! Almost lost a pair of pull on capris! I was walking in a store in Brownwood Texas, and felt like the crotch was twisting----nope, they were almost falling off!!! I would have been so mortally embarassed!! LOL!!! Anyway, gonna go check on the girls coming up!!! Just wanted to let you know, the travelling was fine----I did get my Dr.'s ok first though!!! Kat

Good morning girls-----let me say one thing........I LOVE my bed!!!!!! The bed in our room in Texas is an antique....and a double! We are used to a cushy pillow top King size!!! We seldom use an entire section of the bed----but it is there!!! LOL I am hovering at the same 177---I come home at 179, and it dropped with the swelling going down, but looks like I am sitting tight where I am. I know I have been eating more than usual, and while gone, had very little options, since we didn't really "open" the house since we were there for such a short time. We did not turn appliances on, we just ate out. Since I was doing the antibiotic thing, that meant 3 full meals a day, out. So now I am home, and off the meds for a few days anyway (have a feeling I will be put back on them)---I can be a bit pickier and do my best to eat better. My hunger has not returned with my fill being gone, but I can definitely eat more if I allow myself. I just need to keep a tight control, and remember what I need to do. I have my Kinsey back, and we are both happy!!! Boy how I missed that girl~and she says she missed being with Granny too! We too have shopping to do today! My Moms birthday is th 12th, Father's Day is next Sunday, and Becky's birthday is the 19th. Plus the new baby across the street needs a Welcome to the World present. So......Kinsey and I have some serious shopping ahead of us today! The wind is supposed to kick in tomorrow--it seems like we have had way more wind than usual, and I am sick to death of it! Suzanne you are much more patient than I would be!!! I would be going nuts wanting my pool done!!!! Good for you that you can look at it as rationally as you are, my way would get you nothing but ulcers!!! Terry---so glad you enjoyed your trip with your friends!! I am ready to get our summer started and take some fun trips. But yesterday showed me, I am not ready for a long bike ride yet-------but give me a couple of weeks and I bet I am ready!! If the drainage would stop I would be good to go! You said you were going to be gone the weekend again---going away for your birthday? What kind of exciting things do you have planned???? TracyKS---since they didn't put a cast on Robby---what did they say? One of the guys Rick works with, we had gone to dinner with just before we went to Texas, he is leaving today with his family, heading to San Antonio for vacation. They were all talking about how fun the river sounded, and the River Walk etc. Then when they heard there was Fiesta Texas, and a Sea World---they decided that sounded like a good family vacation! They have 3 boys, 12, 14 & 15. I don't think they understood the biggest draw was not the places, but the people I was with!!! Pamela, I was talking to my friends DD last night, and she is babysitting this summer for twin 4 year old girls, and they are extremely spoiled. The girls are named Missy and Maddy. Their parents refer to them as the M & M's. So my friends DD says she get great pleasure now out of brutally CRUNCHING M&M's. Made me think of your Manuel & Montezuma or whoever the other M kid was!!!! Have a mini bag sometime and crunch the heck out of them!!! My niece in Texas has 3 week old twin girls--so tiny and cute---of course at this point all they do is sleep pretty much. Glad she gets to deal with them!!! Wondering if Abbey is gonna get a single----she too is in line for twins, in her Mom's side, they have had twins every other generation for as far back as they have researched, into the 1700's!!! Her Mom is a twin, and she had the one DD and her twin sister has 2 DD's----so I imagine one of them at some point will. The twins in that family are so frequent, she actually has 2 cousins on her Moms side, that each have 2 sets of twins!!! My MIL was so hateful about the babies names it embarassed the heck out of me! I know you can be 80, and not be like that! She uses the excuse of being old to say whatever she wants! The babies have rather long different names....but they are her kids and it isn't like they are horrid! They are D'Layni Rae, and L'Daysa Jae---they call them Layni and Daysa, and she made horrid comments about it! Aaargghh!!! Well I need to get some things answered, transfer some money and get ready to go shopping!!!! Will be back later girlies, I am so glad to be home! Kat

Hey my friends----Texas was not the same without you!!! It was hot and windy, and the fire ants were working overtime! We had them in the house! Spent a full day spraying for ants--just way the hell too much fun!! I did nothing, shopped some, read a book, visited with family. For the first time ever, I did no work! Felt wierd, I really did not like watching Rick sweat and wear himself out, while I did nothing.....but I just sat and healed. I am still draining the bottom part of my incision, I see the Dr, on Wed. I have finished my antibiotics, hoping it is ok! It feels sooooo tight! I am still in a size 12 with ease, and over my compression. Everyone was shocked, but complimentary---I felt awesome, I cannot remember the last time I walked into stores or restaurants, and among people without making sure my stomach was covered.....it was incredible!!! I feel great. I actually took a motorcycle ride tonight! I am not open on Labor Day....dangit! We have a local rally, so we actually have people coming here and staying with us for it. I will work with it though and see what I can do.... TracyK--------where you find yourself now is exactly how I ended up in a daycare situation!!! I was wanting to go back to school, but had no education myself yet, and every dime I made was spent on my getting to work, and day care for Manda. I agreed to keep the neighbors kids over spring break while I was on vacation (I had to take it then, I could not afford full time day care!). The kids kept telling their Mom they wanted to come to my house all the time, not their old babysitters, and come the end of the week, she paid me, and I went whoa!!! That night I sat down with pen and paper.....and within a week, I placed an ad, had a full house, and the rest is history!!! I supported us, paid for my education (along with gov't grants), bought us a house, and actually had a savings account. And I was the one to pull my childs first tooth, and was there when she come home! It actually worked out well, I wanted to become a teacher, so this was a natural lead in.....I know it is not for everyone, but I so understand not making anything----except yourself miserable! Congrats and I hope you love your summer together!! Well I promise to catch up with all of you, but Rick wants to walk across and meet our new neighbor.....our neighbors baby was born while we were gone!!! The new Daddy hollered for us to come meet her....little girl 7 lbs, born on the night of the 3rd I think. So will check with you all later!!! Hugs----so good to get back to you! Kat

Well I had a nice long post-----and lost it to cyberspace!! So just a quick note to let you all know....I am well, but going to be MIA for a few days. We are making a quick run to our place in TX. We will be back late Saturday night or Sunday. Hoping I travel ok!! Kat

I see strugglers and haters as two totally different things. Very recently there was a poster who come on to WARN anyone considering the band--it was a time bomb inside us, and he was going to go on talk shows and the truth was coming out. He went on to describe how within a week he figured out how much he could still stuff in, in spite of being banded. But he was not the problem, the band was, and someday he would tell us the rest of the story. Meanwhile NO ONE should consider being banded!!! That is a hater. He failed, so he tried scare tactics to try to avert others from the band. If he could not meet with success, no one else should be able to either. I for one have no issue with someone coming here and saying they need help figuring out what is or is not going on with their band. Heck we are all relatively new at this, and it is different with every one of us. Sometimes different every day! I went for 2 years without issue, and out of the blue one weekend (Spring break weekend of course!) I got sick and closed off my band, and could not get in touch with my surgeon, who was out of town! I would have been scared to death without being able to come here and yell for HELP!!! I did not consider myself a "hater" for simply hating how badly I felt. To my way of seeing things the 2 are far different. Discussing why you might hate your band today and what you could or should do differently, or what might be interfering....is far different from coming here and predicting doom and gloom for anyone stupid enough to have a plastic device wrapped around their stomach! Which has been done.....repeatedly. Over the years, there have been those that come around and ask for answers because the band killed their Mom, or wife, or daughter. And those are hard, if the stories they tell are true, then I am sure they DO hate the band---even though it was likely the surgeon not the band itself at fault, or even the persons health upon being banded. But you cannot be rude, this is someones loved one! But to those of us still hoping and trying with our bands these stories are really scary! I think to compare the 2....strugglers and haters is like comparing Apples and Limes..........nothing alike at all. Kat

Jane, the holter monitor should give you a pretty good idea of how your heart reacts over a period of time, you usually have to wear them for 24-48 hours. You can use baby oil to get the tape residue off of your skin where all the leads attach. Rick like to have scrubbed himself raw, before I knew what he was doing!!! He and my DD have both worn them more than once! And the last monitor Rick wore, he actually had to wear it for a full month! That was to check AFTER his valve surgery to get proper rhythm restored. I am glad they are taking it seriously---we worry about you! TracyKS---sounds like your TMobile plan might still be the way to go----and if you have to take it away....then he could physically still see it, and know behaviour is the only way to get it back! Well Terry let me know I had been made a moderator, I knew nothing about it, have still heard nothing about it, and I do nothing, because I do not know how to do anything! I talk with newbies, because I always have....and try to respond to unanswered posts, because it sucks to have no one respond when you ask something. BUT I did that before, so have done nothing as far as moderating. A thread I responded to early on, is getting really argumentive, between 2 people, but I have just avoided going back, because I have no idea what I am expected to do!!! I am sure I too will eventually be fired! Well I developed some of my pics today----and had my water camera developed, but have no idea how to get them here. I did get some extra's of some things.....I loved looking at them, I loved our weekend! I need to go get packed.....I will miss you girls----and will chat with you on Sunday, if I cannot access at my Aunts! HUGS to all!! Kat

OK---NOT all.....Judy arrived too late for cocktail hour!!! BUT we did make sure she had Crystal Light in the freezer!! Cuz we loves her!!! Kat

I think the only night we had totally free, we were all too drunk!!! LMAO!!! Kat

I am just not as well behaved in my diet as Gwen---I should be, but I'm not!! I love the movies, and I love the popcorn! I do KNOW without a doubt I don't eat anywhere near the quantity I used to.....but still love the popcorn/movie combo, and we use it as a treat to ourselves! With the "fake" butter I get the taste I think I need without the added calories, and while I am sure it is not the greatest thing for me....it keeps me happy. Through the years, I have learned a few things about myself, and one of them being, I do not respond well to deprivation, it is one of the things that always led me to binge. Making small changes, such as the spray on zero calorie butter spray as opposed to a cube of butter ran up and down the corn on the cob, keep me satisfied.....and I do not feel deprived. Same as the popcorn, a small will fill me up before I reach the bottom, but I HAD it, I feel like I splurged. And technically I did, but it was a splurge--done on occasion ---rather than a binge done with regularity!! I still wish I had that personality though!!!! Kat

Oh yea!!! A grandbaby due in January, and a Grand Violet in the makin'!! LOL How about you Tracy----ever think of a sibling for Macy---a full time one I mean???? Next will be Haydee..... Violets are a gonna be a growin'!! I know the aches and pains of baby fever.....and it sounds like you caught it alright!! LOL Kat

Well looks like I am going to TX! Dr. said frequent walks, no lifting over 5 pounds, and stay hydrated. Damn man, why couldn't he have just said "Beach vacations only, lots of fake pina coladas and a steady dose of Violets" I'll tell ya why--he's a man!!!!! So....that means a really sucky few days for me! Under normal circumstances, I would follow Rick to the field, and we work hard, but it is fun just the same. Now he goes out to work, and I stay home, listening to his Mom tell me the same thing 10,000 times! But they are thrilled they will be attending their 60+ class reunion the day we leave, they keep wanting us to stay and meet people....but we are leaving there early Sat. will stop somewhere along the way home and come on in Sunday so Rick can go back to work on Monday. Then Monday his sister and her DD will go down and spend a few days with family there, then bring the parents back home... I will say though, the family we have there, I love, and I will enjoy being with them, and it is only 3 days cooped up in a house with no TV or computer, or ANYTHING!!!!!! I have an Aunt Carolyn there, that is TracyK all growed up!!! She is in her 60's but acts like a goofy teenager half the time. She talks EXACTLY like TracyK, and she has the same sense of humor, and loving demeanor about her. I cannot wait to spend time with her! And we have an Uncle there, that is just kindness personified, and I look forward to seeing him. The cousin who had the pancreas/kidney transplant is doing well, and we can DO something this time, last time she was in the hospital recouping!! So it will be a FAST trip, but hopefully a fun one. Well my Mom and Kinsey showed up as I was preparing to post this, and I lost all trains of thought in the meantime!!! I will try to get back in this evening. If not, I'll see you when I get back, I sure do wish this was another fun Violet Weekend in TX! Hugs and love to all! Kat

I just got approval from my Dr. to travel to TX, by car tomorrow. One thing we discussed I thought I might share with you------since I am having such an issue with drainage---I would say to have plenty of gauze pads on hand, in case that is an issue with you as well. He told me today since I am oozing in about a 5 inch area, that I can use sanitary napkins on it in place of the guaze. He said once we open the gauze in the bulk package like I have it, it is no longer sterile--and that I truly don't need anything sterile--so the pads are thinner and more absorbant than gauze!! I thought I was done buying those when I had my hysterectomy--and not having young girls at home, I was astounded at the selection in the store------but ultimately decided, my belly did not need wings!! LOL Kat