Band_Groupie

I'm in a foul (fowl) mood. It's just been 'one of those days'. DH is away on business this week, so I've been juggling everything with the kids. I realized last night we’d forgotten DS2’s Allergy shot appointment last week (he’s down to once every 3 weeks and we’d lost track with the vacation week). I’ll have to take him after school (they’re only in the office here on Thursday’s which makes it harder to get this in). They’re not going to be happy with me as he’ll have to start the last dose over again…grrr…bad Mom. DS2 had his 6 mo. dental checkup recently and they found some small cavities. They filled the four of them they could get to (he had braces on), but they thought he had a few more under the braces. He just got the braces off (yay! after over 3 long years...even at age13, those final baby teeth just weren't going to fall out so they had to pull them to finish up his braces) and so this morning was his follow-up appointment with the Dentist. They took x-rays and he had 18 more (YIKES) small cavities between his teeth where the wires from the braces were (one of those was a regular larger/biting surface cavity). Holy Cow 22 cavities!!!! No, that's not his mouth...yet! I'm 50 and didn't have my first cavity until I got in college (my 4 siblings and I were 'Crest Test Kids'...in the 60's we had piles of boxes of unmarked toothpaste tubes to use growing up). We have a great Dental office with 5 Dentists and they're known as being the best in the area. We're at the dentist every 6 months for check-ups and were at the Orthodontist every 4 weeks...how the heck did it get this bad without them knowing it?!!! I guess the braces made these impossible to get to or see?!! We made sure he brushed morning and night, but apparently he's just prone to them. Two shots of Novocain and 4 more fillings this morning (and an Rx for fluoride toothpaste) and will be back in a few weeks to get some more done...poor kid! So we're walking out of the dentist and almost to the car and I remembered the note needed for the school...back in we go. Now off to the school with DS2 and luckily I remember my neighbor telling me that the bridge I usually take to the school is being replaced and so I'd have to get there another way. The school is 20 min. North on the Interstate and then about 5 min. more on back streets (by the old route) so I don't know the area well at all. DS2 told me he knew the way his bus goes so he directed me through about 12 turns to get there. Mission accomplished...I dropped him off praying and hoping I'd be able to find my way home. I made it almost through all the turns when I turned to find a slow moving train blocking my route. Others were turning around, so I figured there was another way over/under the tracks, but no way was I going to get lost…WHY didn't I bring my GPS with me? Dag, I even left my cell phone at home!! Now I’m nervous I’ll get lost. I turned the car off and waited. OK, train gone, just 2 more turns...wee! Last turn...I made it!!! Back on the Interstate ramp!!! What's this? There's a police car with lights on coming up a distance behind me on the long ramp. I figured he was on his way somewhere so I quickly merged into traffic so he could get around me...NOT HAPPENING!!! HE'S NOW RIGHT BEHIND ME WITH THE LIGHTS BLAZING!!! QUICK...PULL OVER BEFORE HE STARTS THE SIREN!!! Yep, he's pulling over too...it's ME he wants??!!! 'Can I see your license and registration ma’am?' *Me (Not even noticing the dreaded “Ma’me” that always makes me feel old) fumbling through a million packets/pieces of paper, tire gauges and napkins in the glove compartment I never use* 'Sure, here they are...can I ask what this is about?' 'You made an illegal left turn.' 'Really? Where?' 'At *street name* and there are 4 signs saying NO left turn.' 'I'm so sorry. Really?! I missed 4 signs?!' (babbling now) I didn't know how to get to the school since the bridge is out so my son told me the way and I was so focused on coming back the same way...I can't believe I missed 4 signs! I'm sorry.' Well, a wait for him to check my license and one ticket (no points) later I'm home...in a foul (fowl) mood. I'm hoping with no points the insurance company doesn't get this info. (anyone know?) as we already had a big rate hike after DS1's 2nd fender bender this year...sigh. Alright I'm searching for some good news (just my optimistic nature when I'm down)...I didn't have time to drink anything but coffee this morning and was absolutely ravenous by the time I made it home to my protein drink (I'm still on my 2 days of post-fill liquids). It was interesting and surprising to realize how long it's been since I've really been hungry like that...I'd almost forgotten what true hunger feels like...now there's some good news.

WOW awesome weight loss! I know what you mean about losing before though. I can't believe you have no restriction yet with that much fill...maybe your doc needs to do a fluoro test.

Make sure you're getting enough calories (since you said you're eating small amounts). Yes, too few calories (around 800 or less) will stall your weight loss and your metabolism. Best wishes! -BG

Just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS! It WILL get better soon. -BG

It's possible that you'll have some restriction, especially if you got a 'primer' fill with surgery (2cc's or so to fill just the port & tubing), but don't be disappointed if the first fill doesn't change much...you'll get there! Keep doing what you're supposed to and keep getting those fills! Good luck! -BG

CONGRATULATIONS on your approval Sarah! I've lost big weight many times (I was a toothpick at your age, but gained with each of three pregnancies). I wish I had done this 20 years ago and saved myself those years of yo-yoing up and down the scale, getting bigger each time. I'd say I was more excited than scared, but anyone who says they weren't at least a little scared is crazy. "I wish I'd know"...how 'real' not feeling hungry anymore is...I had some doubts that it wouldn't work for me. Best decision I've ever made. Good luck! -BG

Welcome to the April Group Jadoresumer! Hey BUNNIES! We finished our Labor Day Challenge and now we're joining the LBT WL Turkey Day Challenge. Here's the instructions I posted (below) on how to join in (and I contacted RobinAnn and she added lots more slots for all of us). Remember statistics show that those who set mini-goals along the way do better than those that don't...Join us! ----- OK, since our numbers are dwindling and others informed me there were other Labor Day Challenges...I went looking. I found us a 'LBT Turkey Day Challenge' Click HERE and then go down to post #12 on the first page...Click there or here to get to the Turkey Day Challenge Google Spreadsheet and add yourself and your goal. I'll let RobinAnn know we're joining so she can add a few more lines for us. If this fills up just send RobinAnn a message and she'll add more lines so you can join in. If you don't have a Google Account (I didn't) it will ask you to set one up (It's just your email, password, and accepting the terms then it will send you an instant email with a link and you're set). Let's show all of LBT what we're made of Bunnies!!! I'll be watching you!!!

Thanks gals! Sweet restriction to us all!!! -BG

OK, since our numbers are dwindling and others informed me there were other Labor Day Challenges...I went looking. I found us a 'LBT Turkey Day Challenge' Click HERE and then go down to post #12 on the first page...Click there or here to get to the Turkey Day Challenge Google Spreadsheet and add yourself and your goal. I'll let RobinAnn know we're joining so she can add a few more lines for us. If this fills up just send RobinAnn a message and she'll add more lines so you can join in. If you don't have a Google Account (I didn't) it will ask you to set one up (It's just your email, password, and accepting the terms then it will send you an instant email with a link and you're set). Let's show all of LBT what we're made of Bunnies!!! I'll be watching you!!!

*Post Deleted for Lap Band Book

Sorry I'm late (just came home yesterday to find our phone and internet not working and had to get them out to fix it). Good job all!!! No matter if you met your WL goal or not, feel good about every pound lost toward that goal...those are pounds we'll NEVER see again!!! Remember those that set mini-goals do better then those that don't, so keep it up! Anyone want to start a new WL challenge? I'm in!

Angie- Above the first post on this page you'll see 'thread tools' and after clicking there you'll see 'subscribe to this thread' and you can click that. You're actually automatically subscribed since you posted here. I always start with my log in at the 'User CP' page (upper left of the page just under 'home'). You can see any new posts to this thread there (under 'New subscribed threads' in the middle blocks) and even if there aren't new ones- at the bottom of that block you can click 'view all subscribed threads' and it will list every thread you've ever posted or subscribed to. You can also subscribe to a whole forum with all the threads there...like I've subscribed to the 'April '09 Bandsters' and it also shows up on my 'user cp' page in the next block down in the center called 'subscribed forums'. I can just click that to see if there are any new threads from the bunnies from time to time. Hope that makes sense, let me know if you get stuck (I'm all about shortcuts . -BG

AngieB- You're doing great! Congrats! Riley- Glad you called the doc...10 lbs. is too much too fast (3 days) to be normal unless you were really dehydrated before or were really trying to bulk up (LOL). Hormones can do a few pounds, but 10 sounds extreme. I've only gained that much/more only right after being in the hospital for surgeries (IV fluids and swelling). Check your shins/ankles for any swelling- see if you can press your fingers into the flesh for a few seconds and see any indent when you take your hand away. Hope everything is OK! Keep us posted! Best wishes- BG

Maybe if your stomach was empty the water got the acid moving around? Great job and keep it up! -BG

Please call your docs office and tell them what you're eating and what the pain is like. This is the most important time to really be careful as your body will take at least 6 weeks to heal. I wasn't allowed mushies until after the 3rd week...maybe you need to continue liquids a little while longer, or maybe you're eating too much or even too fast. Your doc should be able to tell you as long as you can provide all the information on your diet including how long it takes you to eat. Good luck! -BG

Congrats! What a great feeling!

It WILL get better. Things will turn around after you're allowed soft foods and you can get your energy back. Call your doc about taking a laxative...I was allowed and took one a few days post-op and felt like a new person (I don't know why the docs don't tell you to do this routinely as many here are giving 'birth' weeks later...more pain you don't need). Best Wishes! -BG

Good luck today (nervousness is natural). It's the start of a whole new life! Go where it's most 'peaceful and comfortable' (and where someone will wait on your every whim without making you feel guilty). You'll do great! -BG

Whooo Hooo! I'm so glad to hear the good news!!! I've been on pins and needles waiting for an update! You know DH will do great and make the most of this opportunity!!! YAY!!! I'm so happy for you all!! Sweet relief. -BG

Yes folks, it’s that time of year again! School started today and finally…I’m home alone! DS2 went off to 8th grade, DS1 is safely tucked in at college and is having a blast, DD and DH went off to work. I don’t know what to do with myself! Sure, there’s the pile of supplies and stuff we brought back from DS1’s college move and the pile of stuff from our week at the beach that all needs to be put away. My white tiled kitchen floor (I must have been in a coma the day we picked white tile for a kitchen floor…one suggestion…DON'T) looks more like my lawn right now. The laundry is done only because DS2 made me do all his clothes yesterday because he needed everything to select from for his first day of school (I’m guessing all those girls who were texting him day and night last year are going to be a big distraction this year LOL). I have a pile of mail to catch up on and the bathrooms all need cleaning…but what to do?! I’m making it a fun first day alone. I think I’ll start with painting the lights I want to make for my god-daughter (I’ll post my catch-up blog from two weeks ago on DS1’s and her move to college tomorrow, which will explain the lights). Then I’m going to bake some cookies to include with small gifts we bought DS1 on vacation. I’ll mail both their college care packages off tomorrow. But right now…excuse me while I run naked through the house…weee....

I've lost 2.5 pounds of the 4 lb. I gained in the two weeks gone. My stomach is pretty much back to normal (had a few burning issues yesterday, but I'm staying on the Nexium until I see the doc next week). We're off to Columbus again for a nephew's college graduation party (from OSU). Yay, college football starts again! Mom's cooking all weekend...help me! Have a great loooong weekend all! OK, here's my journal from the week before last when I was swamped with getting ready for the college move and then vacation the next day. 8/18 I just got a call from my sister-in law. My niece/goddaughter is off to PSU tomorrow for her senior year and they're packing the car. She's so excited our DS1 is starting at PSU this year and she's meeting us Friday to help with his move in. I'm 'nesting'. I've been spending days buying and returning items (when I find something better) to stores, checking things off lists and organizing it all. He'll be almost 4 hours from home and it helps me to know he'll have everything he needs. I'm a self-admittedly almost OCD organizer. I've got plastic bins all organized and labeled…I've written our last name in sharpie on most of his more expensive things…tiny, where no one will notice, but this totally irks DS1…it's not like I'm labeling his underwear or anything (although that isn't a bad idea LOL). I bought some more bins yesterday and I'm disappointed he doesn't seem to have anything to put in them…boys just need less than girls. We took the car and the van to move DD in her freshman year. I'm thinking we're going to get everything in the van…and probably without the roof-rack and car-top carrier. I spent half a day trying to find pics of his dorm room setup online (finally found a few on Flicker). PSU missed the boat on this one…no pics, just a drawing of the layout with mislabeled room sizes (one dimension says 12'15"…took me finding other sites to realize it's 12'5" and it was a typo, like I suspected). The furniture isn't even to scale on their drawings (yeah, I plugged the room info. into my architect computer program to see how his things would fit). These freshman dorm rooms are TINY and the furniture is all bolted down, so correct dimensions are important when you're trying to figure out if the rug you bought will fit in the room (I think I have an inch leeway on one side as long as the radiator isn't deeper than 12"…no dimensions given). Luckily, I also got a 'heads-up' on a few things from my niece…like you can request a Twin XL bed instead of the Twin given (big deal if you're over 6' like DS1 is) and that the beds have 6 legs and not 4 (important if you're buying bed riser feet in packs of 4 so you can put big bins of things under the bed). We've got 'extras' of several items…no way will we be standing in the 2 hour lines at Wal-Mart for more extension cords. I'm such a visual organizer that it helps me to feel that he's settled before we get there. I know where most things go and then when we're done placing it all I feel like the Momma bird who has feathered the nest and made it all cozy for her baby. Leaving your child at school for the first time is hard enough without feeling like you've left them without something they'll need. Do I get that he's a big-boy now and can certainly get to the store and buy things if he needs them…yep, of course I do, but it makes me feel better…and so I'm nesting… ---- 8/19 Side note; we finished the art projects for his room (I may have told you about these already, so sorry if I'm repeating?). DH and DS1 made a batik for the big wall over his bed. DD and I did a decoupage tissue paper triptych for her first dorm room with all her room colors, so I was trying to find something that DH could do with DS1…DH can't draw a straight line to save his life, but I remembered seeing some batiks that he had made in HS. I helped DS1 draw out the Nittany Lion paw print logo on the white fabric we bought and then they painted the wax and dyed it the PSU blue. I ironed it out and hemmed the edges (It was my sneaky way of getting a little color in the room with all the black, black, gray, and black…and now blue! hee-hee). I also surprised DS1 with taking some indoor/outdoor lights (just round white bulbs) and painting some little paw prints on those too with some glass paint…yes, you can bake light-bulbs in the oven. ---- 8/21 The move into college went well. We got permission to move in with the locals on Friday since we leave for vacation on Saturday morning. It was a super Looooong day....up and out by 5am, 4 hours there, unpack and lunch, 4 hours home, then repack the whole car for vacation. Everything for his move went really smoothly though. We arrived there 15 min. before the start of check-in time and thankfully they were already ready and unloading cars. PSU was very organized…we were sent right onto the grass parking for his dorm and students were there with dollies to take loads up to his room (we'd borrowed one from a neighbor also). Lucky for us I'm a little OCD about things as I'd looked and knew there was a good chance of rain in the morning and insisted we put everything not in plastic bins into plastic bags. It was drizzling when we arrived and then we had a hard shower while DH and DS1 were taking loads up as I unpacked the van. When they came back, they were happy that his giant pile of stuff on the sidewalk was protected from the rain as everyone around us was trying to hold umbrellas over their stuff. My niece/god-daughter (also at PSU) came to the room to help and she was great. After struggling to get the rug down and under both beds, the rest of the move went smoothly. We got his batik up on the wall and my niece put up the lights I made him up on the ceiling. The two body pillows fit well along the wall and made the bed into a nice 'couch' of sorts. My son had insisted that he didn't want a bed-skirt as anything with the word 'skirt' in it had to be bad and he feared getting made fun of…I tried 'dust-ruffle', but that was even worse LOL. I whispered for my niece to come over while he was busy and we took the 2 curtain panels I'd bought (for the 'bed-skirt'), folded them and hung them from the bed frame/springs to the floor and overlapped them in the middle. Looks much nicer than seeing the bed risers and the big bins of food and stuff that are under the bed. He was really pleased with how everything turned out…and I don't think he even noticed the bedSKIRT! *Pic 1 Attached: DS1 in the bed portion; note you can see part of the paw-print batik on the wall and the string of lights hanging (and see how you don't notice the bedskirt with all the other black?). *Pic 2 Attached: DS1 and I in the desk/closet portion; note I also got some more color (blue) in with some wrapping paper on the bulletin board. *Pic 3 Attached: Here's the lights up close with the little logos I painted, it's a 24 set (I made another set to send to my god-daughter as a surprise since she liked his so much).

Sorry I don't have time today to read all the posts here. I wanted to let you know that I have BCBS PPO, they're different from state to state and even city to city. Here, you need to meet whatever criteria they have at the time of approval submission. I could not go below the 35BMI at any time during the 6 months. Luckily I knew from reading here that this was important and I confirmed it with my surgeon's ins. expert (or I would have gone below the 35 BMI easily- I'm a professional dieter too). So even if you lost a lot of weight and you're still above your minimum BMI (35 with comorbidities or 40) then you should be fine. I was approved within 48 hrs. and my surgeon's office saif BCBS PPO is the easiest to gain approval from here. Good luck to you!

I agree- call. The first six weeks are the time you really don't want to cheat at all. That said, I started on my 2nd phase two days early...but my 2nd phase is what you're able to have now. I had 3 weeks of Clear Liquids only and skim milk. You can do this!!! Good luck. -BG

What a perfect day and everyone looks so happy. It's such a milestone- we had my Dad's 80th surprise party this summer too. Your family is beautiful, and yes, you have several beautiful 'mini-me's' there!

Congratulations!!! Welcome to Onederland!!!