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Oh and another thing. I have a niece who's 20. She hasn't seen me since I was banded. All her life she's been told she looks like me, but all her life I've been obese. Well today she freaked out when she saw me. Not just wow, you look great joy that I'm getting pretty frequently, but "Holy COW, you look like ME!" Our hair is about the same color and length too, so I pulled it down... it was a cute NSV. If I only had her body and youth! She's built, as they say. Okay, now studying for real.

Lotza ~ I am so sorry your flight home was crummy. I felt pretty bad on mine too; my DH had to stick the anti-nausea lozenge under my tongue at one point. I think part of it was that I'd gone too long with my pain meds too. GBear ~ Like I said elsewhere, please feel free to ask me anything. And of course there are far more experienced peeps here who can answer just about anything! While anesthesia and vicodin can make you constipated, I found that effect to be slightly delayed. I had loose stools at first (which makes sense if all you're taking in is water). Then in week two, I was constipated and it was not pleasant. However, some milk of magnesia soon made me better & now I take Benefiber. :eek: Amieru ~ I am sorry about the bummer bellydancing class -- I do bellydancing DVDs at home and would love to do a class sometime, so I hope that you post about your new class! Congrats on the NSVs -- doesn't it feel great to be able to fit into seats you know you wouldn't have before? I love the idea of Branson & want to go someday...if my DH can put up with it. :crying: Minidriver ~ If you get that new furry friend I sure hope that you put up a photo. Dee ~ You truly have a heart of gold, bless you for helping Bella and looking after her daughter. I can't imagine a fill of 0.05 doing a thing, but we are all different, right? Anyone heard from DynamoMini? It seems like she hasn't been around lately; must be that man in her life. I sure hope she's doing well! This morning I was down 1.5 pounds since the last time I weighed myself Thursday morning, so I'm pretty damn pleased with fill #4. I have that distinctive feeling of the liquids slowing going through when I'm drinking, and I'm eating much less. Now to sustain the momentum! I did a new video, a cardio yoga one, yesterday morning and amazed myself because I was able to keep up with the pace. DH cheered me on and I cracked him up by swearing at the instructor (which is typical for me). :frown:

Newest nsv.......Walking out of my swimming shorts! Luckily i was at home. While walking through my hallway with items in both hands, my swim shorts fell down to my ankles! I almost also walked out of my pants at work! Great NSV's if you ask me!!!

Wow, that is really impressive! Congratulations!!!! That's a very IMPORTANT NSV!!! I need to have mine checked again. It was still stuck on 5.9 last time, but I'm really hoping it has gone down.

HOLY CRAP NSV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just tried on a size 10 (stretch) but never worn jeans.. I tried them on 3 weeks ago and couldn't get them buttoned.... guess what?????????????? THEY ARE BUTTONED! (I can't really breathe, but you ALL KNOW MY THEORY ON THAT!!!!!! Shakeit shakeit shakeit! (and I've been bouncing stuck between 204 and 210 for two months now!!!!!!!! )

Leslie, Thanks so much...I knew you'd understand. I AM exercising! LOL I am seeing changes in my clothing. I suppose you could say it's a NSV, but get this! I had to buy new jeans about 3 weeks ago (when I hit the big 5-0). They were size 20. Well, Saturday, I had to buy the exact same brand in a size 18 because the 20's were too big!! YAY! It felt awesome, and I know it's something to be grateful for. Don't get me wrong, I'm totally happy about it. It's the goal thing. Like you said. I made big plans, and a promise to myself. I was on a roll a last month and was really feeling great. It was actually FUN to get on the scale everyday and watch that number go down. Amazing how quickly that feeling has passed! I too want to see 199 by Jan 1. I am serious. Like you, I don't have far to go, but still. I am starting to worry. Maybe it's premature. Do you think we're stressing unnecessarily? OMG...this post makes me sound manic! LOL Maybe I'm so emotional because I'm so tired. Maybe I can't lose because I'm so stressed. HA! That's what it is! (granted, I know I was completly unfilled for 3 weeks out of the month, so that didn't help, but I am pretty critical of myself these days!) ~C

Wooooo Hoooooo on the great NSV's, Michelle!! :tongue: That's awesome. The Bobster and i will be going back to our second church in Lewiston, Michigan on the 30th. We haven't been back there in years. It will be interesting to see what people say when we arrive. We served there 11 years before our 19 years in Alpena. It's only about an hour away from here and that's where 3 of our 4 kids were born. Daughter Kris was 2 when we left and she's 25 now. Can't believe how quickly time files! At least when I go back, I'll be standing proud and not depressed about how I look. Time for me to shower and get dressed for my concert tonight. I'll be home late as we're going out to eat afterwards. For me, I'll be going out to PB probably.. :tt2: Sure do know I have a band!!! Everyone have a good evening!!

Hello All, I got my first fill last week and it went great. 1.8 cc and feels just right. I eat about 1 cup of food per meal. NSVs - Took three large garbage bags of "large" clothes to GoodWill. Got off of that CPAP machine and I have eliminated my blood presssure meds. Feeling great. UNTIL TODAY - I got a bill from the hospital today for $12,849.00 for the surgery. It seems that even after jumping thru hoops from Jan to July and getting a pre-approval letter from Blue Cross Blue Shield they denied my claim anyway. I MAY HAVE TO GET BACK ON MY BLOOD PRESSURE MEDS UNTIL THIS IS RESOLVED. Thanks for allowing me to vent. Kathy - Congrats on the adoption!

Morning all! No worries with the lipo here----the original PS surgeon I spoke with told me the only place he routinely finds himself doing any, in cases such as mine, is contouring where the new belly button finds itself. And in my case, if fat has formed in an area that would make reattaching the torn muscle impossible, which is very likely. Both Dr.s have told me that. And I know that side of my stomach is bigger, and still has fat/meat...something behind the skin that is not on the other side---heck it may be the retracted muscle itself I am feeling---I have no idea! I have never had a big 'love handle' issue, or no saddle bags----nothing I feel a need for lipo for. The PS surgeon told me he does not do aggressive lipo on band patients because there is tubing and a port to deal with, he said he would prefer just a modification of the existing skin. He said he can show me the difference and explain more to me in person, that he has pictures, which he only uses in a face to face appointment, they are not something he will email or anything, which is fine, I wouldn't want him sending mine out either!!!! I am going to call today and see if I can get in on the 2nd or not. I didn't base my choice on the availability of the lipo, it is just the only thing my other surgeon cannot do. The main reason I opted for him out of my top 2 was location. I would be happy with either surgeon, was just considering my own comfort in traveling. Both have told me it is a big surgery...and my muscle issue makes it challenging---fun! Just what I wanted to be a challenge! LOL Kinsey got her cast off yesterday, and was sent home last night. She is here, laying on the couch, kinda shell shocked looking. She says her foot hurts, and her pokes hurt (her IV, blood draws---everything was referred to as pokes)....she is just kinda grumpy. The ortho put her in a Bledsoe Boot, but it is removable, so she can be properly bathed, and she can swim, etc. Sure is good to look over and her be there!!! Scared this Granny something fierce! Rick is up and gone....he has meetings all morning, so I guess he is ok, I have not heard differently, and don't call him when I know he is in meetings. He was actually looking forward to his meetings this morning. He has been working on updating his crews pay scales, and they also won some Western USA award, and he gets to give his guys all good news today. Don't you just love when people really start noticing, and saying something!!! Your NSV's sound wonderful! Not that it makes a difference, I mean EVERY Dr. has different rules, and reasons for what they do....but I actually had coffee on my tray once following surgery in the hospital, until I told them I am not a coffee drinker. I drink tea EVERY day. Iced tea---year round....24/7... I do brew it at home using Decaf bags---but when I go out it is fully leaded as DH says. Have you ever ask WHY? I know the reasons behind the soda---and wonder if the coffee, etc os due to the caffeine??? Judy--if I onlyhad a small apron I would be ok with it---but it is unsightly, and begining to really show the size difference from side to side. I began this at 289 pounds, and the biggest majority of that weight was in my belly. Like I say, I have always had thin legs, and hips----I looked like humpty dumpty!!! We have no pool at home---if I want to take the grandkids swimming, we have to go to either a friends house, or a public pool. Or we can take the boat to the lake. Any which one I do, is in public---I have finally lost most of the weight, I want to be able to go without wondering if they are still staring! Without clothes it looks a bit like a deflated balloon---one that has been blown up a long time!!!! When I had to buy big bathing suits---ones with skirts, and such were all you could find. Well this year, none worked well!!! To get the rest to fit...the legs were too big, and allowed the apron to show...which was TOO gross!! And a 2 piece is not even an option yet. I do not want a bikini body---ok maybe I want it---I do not expect it!!! But I think maybe one of the tankini tops and boy shorts would work best for me----IF this apron was gone, now it looks all puffy stuffed in them....but if I get a one piece with top coverage, the leg openings are too big, and allow it all to just hang. It was gross!!!!! I don't say that in a fit of body hate!!! I actually find things about my body I like now! I like my legs---they are nicely toned....even if they are dayglo white! My back is toning up well....no more bra bulge anywhere! I can see my shoulder blades, and it curves in at my waist now! What butt I have left is a bit saggy, but ok. My forearms are toned! Upper arms have a lot of jiggle left, but it is getting better. Boobs are saggy, but in a bra, it is ok, and having cleavage that doesn't feel like just a continuation of my chins is great! I have collarbones---visible ones! But the belly----there is just no hope for. This is not something I am taking lightly---and I thank you for the advice and support concerning the lipo. I agree, I am not 20 something, I am never going to be that again! I just want to look semi normal---and that isn't happening with this belly. Will keep you all in the loop of what the Dr, has to say!!! Well I need to go get dressed. Sesame Street is over, and that means so is Granny time!!!! Talk to y'all in awhile! Kat

Shannon, These kittens fell out from under someone's car or truck as they passed by the house. The one that adopted us looked like she got thrown from the window. Her little face was all messed up and had a broken leg, but you can't tell it now. First we called her Smooshie, cause her face was all smooshed up. Now, Tanner is calling her Camo-Kat. You can't see her when she is in the grass. (gray calico) I would have to decline from accepting Helen, but she might just be the next snack for the dogs. But you know, I'm kinda jealous, never had a lawn mower protector. I hate my lawn mower and I wish sometimes someone would terrorize it with a mower bomb. lol So, you better keep Helen, you need her more than I do. Congratulations on the compliments. There's another NSV! I haven't had one of those yet Oh well, I know I have lost. How is everyone else this morning??? I know Sharon is not at home, Susan is just being grumpy, Lynn is at school and Betty is here. Where are all the lurkers and how are they doing? Are yall staying in the box? Are you losing? Are you there?????? Gotta git, got lots to do today. Everyone have a good day! lisa

Good Morning Vi's~ I too slept hard last night. I didn't think I was going to, I still flet nauseated when I went to bed, and I kind of remember sometime in the night getting really hot, but nothing til the alarm went off at 5! Then Manda tucking Kinsey in bed with me at 6....then the alarm again a few minutes ago. Not sure when the builders are due here, but sometime today, and didn't want to have them ring the bell and find me still in jammies and asleep. I have to go out in the yard and show them the final resting place for the shop.....so got up. Now, I am up, have on a bra, brushed my teeth and hair, and pulled on some clothes---that is as good as it is getting for awhile!!! Have not eaten anything, but so far my stomach feels better, I do not want to eat.....so am going to have to think on what I might have in a little bit. For a long time I missed the back to school goings ons-----but have settled into not doing it pretty well. I did run into a totally bizarre kind of NSV thing I never dealt with before this year due to back to school. I got some $$$$ for my birthday so went to buy some new jeans, and there was squat to pick from, so when I mentioned it to the salesgirl in Maurices, she told me, they just had a hard time keeping stock during the back to school times. I have not work a "back to school" size clothes in a hunert years, so I never had the problem. So.....I held onto my $$$ and am waiting. I found nothing in the mall stores, or Target, I was getting so disgusted, til she said that, and I felt pretty doggone good about it then!! Terry, how are things with your Mom? And your Son? Want an extra son? Mine is on my list!! I wish they would get here and get started! I have to go to Farmington and go to the credit union and withdraw money to pay them! I went over last night, and I had put it off til the last minute because I felt crummy. But I sat in line behind another car in the drivethru when they left I pulled up, and the little metal door was closed over the canister. I looked at my clock and it said 5:43--so I hit the call button and nothing. I looked up at the window, and that witch in there was shaking her head no, and flipped a sign around that said closed. I was furious!!! I went around to the front to the walk in, and the sign says they are open from 9 AM to 5:45 PM. WTH???? 5:45??? I look then at their temp/clock sign out front and right then on their own clock it said it was 5:44. I was feeling so bad and was SSSOOOOOOO mad, I told Rick I am going in today and closing every account I have with them. I was sitting in their line---and they closed according to their own clocks early, I will just move my money elsewhere. So today, I am closing the savings account, and as our CD's mature, I am moving them as well. Never have I ever been treated friendly in there, so to heck with them! We originally years ago opened the account at the credit union because they were the cheapest place to finance a used car. We have kept the extra account, so we could use their financing if we wanted, and we liked having things a bit diversified, and it is locally run.....but they can do without my not so big bucks!!! LOL So will I do without them if the builders ever show up! Well my sleeping beauty is up, so I am going to go fix her some breakfast---she wants toast and jelly--might try a piece and see how it goes! BBL Kat

l2 i know what you mean about normal size aint it great i thought i would never get to shop at any store but the fat lady store and now i can get clothes anywhere the most exciting was buying jeans at the GAP unbelievable!!!. never give up and get those fills is my advice, i am almost 3 years out and only 4-5 lbs more and my BMI will be in the normal range NOT overweight or obese, i started out morid obese!!! YAY my total loss is 90lbs the last 10 or so i can see a difference, it is hard for me to see what i look like, the other day i saw my body's reflection in a window and i really saw the difference in me for the first time!! this has been a hard journey but it is worth it all, my son got married in march and i am not the biggest person in the pictures that is such a good feeling!!! one more nsv my husband and i weight the same i just wish my 180 looked as good as his 180!!! i am in no way bragging about this just wanted to share with you all that it is possible. i am never hungry, have finally learned that you don't have to eat a but load of stuff to survive, i am very tight but havent had to have a fill in over a year. so if this slow turtle can do it you all can too.

Hi Notorious Novembers! I'm doing well - just over a month out from surgery, and healing very well. I did have one incision that seemed slow to heal, but has finally healed up after I wore a band-aid on it for several days in a row. It must be in a spot that is irritated by my bra band or my waistband, I'm not sure which. Weight loss is stuck - down a pound last week to 239, no loss this week. I'm trying not to be too hard on myself, since I haven't had a fill yet and I'm not sure if there is any fluid in my band already. I do feel some restriction when I try to eat too fast or too much. Bread still gives me a little trouble, so I minimize it or chew it to liquid before trying to swallow. :huh2: No trouble with vitamins or medication now - I split my pills for a couple of weeks and did chewable vitamins, but now I'm back to the 'normal' ones. :thumbup: My clothes are getting looser :tt2: - I'm down to a size 18 (comfortably) from my previous high of a 22/24. I'm thinking I'll be in a size 16 before New Year's if this keeps up. :smile::w00t::thumbup: The inches are going, but not the pounds yet. My first fill is scheduled for January 6th. I've got a plan for the holidays that includes a little grazing, but none of the 'eat yourself into a food coma' that I used to do. My employer gives us a recess from Christmas Eve until the Monday after New Year's so I'll be in the gym every day except for Sunday.:eek: I want to start the New Year in better shape and I figure 10 days of gym work is just the thing I need. :cool2: It's good to see all the other Notorious Novembers checking in - everyone is doing well and handling their struggles well. You all give me hope and inspire me. The newbies are so full of enthusiasm that it reminds me of why I did this.:wink2: The veterans are full of wisdom and good advice and help me to make it through when I'm struggling. :wink2: I almost didn't post today because I haven't lost anything, but figured someone might need to see that there are NSV's to be had (non-scale victories) and that even small progress forward is still progress forward! :w00t: Happy holidays to all!

I always has the problem with seat belt on the plain. so this is GREAT NSV!!!!!

Great Job EbonyRose~ I love the NSV. Haven't been wanting to spend alot on new clothes just yet. My girls and I have been going to Walmart and finding really cute tops between $9-$12.00. Their clothes always seemed to run small for me. At one time I was buying the 4x-5x just in case it shrank. Last night I was buying 2x-18/20. And I think I still had a little extra room. I too want to look good in a swim suit this summer. I need to order one now but I'm not sure what size. Part of me wants to play it safe and get an 18. The other part of me says 20 more pounds and I will be in a 16. Maybe the 16 will make me work harder for it.

My weight has been super weird. I will lose for like a month then stop for 2 or 3 weeks then lose for a month. It's frustrating at times. But then those NSV's make you think... Ok so it's not all about the numbers. Because while my scale wasn't moving I went down to a size 14 so I was super happy. I cleaned out the whole closet of anything size 16 and up and now only own a few pairs of pants lol. I don't care cause they are all 14's and I wont EVER own 16 again. Makes me feel good.

Going to Disney in July!!! So excited to be walking around and not feel worn out after a couple hours. I was so nervous about the Harry potter ride cause I have heard its a squeeze but yesterday I fit into a 14 in the dressing room. I was like what?!?!?! Watch out Harry potter I am probably going to ride u 100 times and scream hell yes every time the harness clicks! Some of my nsv have been furniture shopping at ikea and not being worried I was going to break the chairs, not feeling out of place when I go shopping with my skinny friends, and purchasing a pair of shorts for the first time in forever. I can't wait to run into an x or two in my small town!

OK... biggest loser is getting ready to come on but real quick.. WONDERFUL NSV(s) Terry and Judy!!!!!!!!!!! Jennifur: spill it did you try on anything yet??? Laura: DAMN WOMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOu are looking so hot! Look at that belly shrinking.. and no stretchmarks or nothing!!! I can tell a HUGE difference! and your face is always beautiful.. you are going to be drop dead gorgeous at 199.. and you are going to be so hot you won't be able to stand yourself! Everyone........... I had more to say but gotta go.. I have my annual Pap tomorrow........ YIPPPPPPEEEEEE

Checking in... Love all the wonderful stories! NSV's and SV's abound, and it's so good to see all the happy events. Y'all are about to make me tear up for ya! The scale is moving slowly - but since like y'all, the NSV's are coming steadily, it's not a big deal for me like it used to be. I'm amazed at how little food satisfies my body hunger right now - what I used to eat just is way too much, even after cutting the portion size down. I'm trying to make sure I don't drop below 1000 calories, because I don't want to get into starvation mode, and the "sliders" keep calling my name, but I'm doing pretty well overall. I have a new goal - don't know if I posted it here yet or not - we have a family reunion coming up in July, and it will be in Florida. I play to wear a new, hot swimsuit for that reunion, and my goal is to be down 50 pounds by then. I'm close to 30 now, so I think it's doable to lose 20 more in April and May...I'm also going to add the weight work back into my routine at home so I can start building muscle to help tighten up my physique. I know I'm going to have a soft tummy when this is over - there is definately plastic surgery in my future - so my new swimsuit will have a little bit of a skirt in front, but the rest of the suit is gonna leave room for the pow-bang-boom of my new body! Wish me luck!

When . . . every time the waiter comes to the table you rave about the food so that they won't ask (again. .) if anything is wrong with your meal! . . . you can't find anything to wear because all of your clothes are too big! . . . you have to go shopping to figure out what size you are! . . . you update your signature on LBT every time you drop 1/10th of a pound! (But don't update it if it goes up a wee bit before you lose again. . . Or is that just me?) :wink2: . . . you are no longer terrified that you'll get stuck sitting in the middle seat on a flight (and all the seats are much more comfortable). . . . you get hungry, you are REALLY REALLY hungry, but get satisfied with just a few bites. (I've learned to stop myself from telling people who don't know about the band that "I am so hungry!" when we sit at the table because then they think it's really weird that I hardly touch my meal.) . . . abbreviations like PB, WLS and NSV need no explanation! (Productive burp, weight loss surgery and non-scale victory for any newbies!) . . . you lose weight over Christmas and Easter . . whereas you always used to gain! . . . you read all 24 pages of this thread because it's just so true and feels so good to see that other people are going through the same things you are! Things I've learned reading this post: I'm not the only person who occasionally slimes directly into the trash! (Sorry . . gross!) And, I'm not the only person who wants to tell other people I see who are very overweight about the band b/c it's totally changed my life. This was the best thread ever! Catherine

What a great NSV! I have a walk in closet that used to be filled with clothes all hanging and then 2 shelves that line the whole length of the closet... It's almost bare now. I go in every once in a while and come out with stacks and stacks. I can't wait to hit goal then totally refill it. Congrats again!! You're doing awesome :wink: :smile:

Heck Pamela---you crack me up too!!! Love the nanners!!! Melanie---congratulations on keeping your little boy, I can only imagine how happy you are. We went through a court case, with DH's ex, that she kept appealling...eventually took it all the way to the Colorado Supreme Court. With each win we got the attorney told us our odds just kept increasing, he said only on TV do appeals work as a general rule. Not only do facts not change, most judges, do not make a habit of over throwing another judges rulings he said. So....keep the faith, and enjoy YOUR son!!! Jane---I am sorry to hear you are PB'ing!!! Misery! My suggestion would be to just drink nothing at all for a couple of hours, let your system totally calm down, then begin with the smallest of sips, of something like Gatorade---it will help rebalance your electrolytes. Then stay on liquids for a day, and ease back into food, if it still hurts after a day on liquids, when you try to eat, give it another day, but if it continues any longer---call the doc! Good Luck!!! I have been a good bandster!!! OK, a pretty good bandster, considering! We met up with friends, and kids, and friends kids all at Fuddruckers today, I ate a burger with veggies, ditched the fresh homemade bread bun ..... and give my cookie to Lindzie ( which she rubbed in to every kid there...I give up!) I haven't felt much like eating today, my mouth is less sore, but I am just blah. Getting very nervous about Dads surgery. Rick is staying home tomorrow, and driving down the day of sugery, and then back home that night...I keep telling him he does not have to...but he just tells me they were there for him through all the years, and especially this last one, and he is coming down! So there! LOL! I love hearing all y'alls NSV's. My best new one is also clothes related! I had this huge brain fart, and had not connected that I was leaving with Dad tomorrow, and was thinking that I was going to this funeral with Rick tomorrow. So was wondering what I would wear. Back just before New Years, my DD gave me this beautiful pair of pants, they are a Jr.s 15, they are black, and have a small pintstripe of a shinier black through them, they just look VERY classy. I worked so hard to be able to wear them to the company party---didn't make it!!!! Breathing may be overrated, but the fear of popping the zipper or the butt out overpowered it, and I wore something else. I thought maybe they might be a little looser now, and figured I could wear them. I then realized, I was going to be gone....and did not need funeral attire, but this morning decided to see if it would have fit. They are loose, I can breath, bend over, squat.....and pull them up!!!! They could be worn, but loosely!!!! JUNIOR sized no less!!!! Not a little size, but who the heck cares!!!!????? I am taking my lap top, and have supposedly got free connection at the motel.....but last I tried at the hospital I had none, so will just check in in the evening. TracyK---you don't get your hopes up---I'll do it for you!!! That place sounds perfect for you! Good Luck! Jennifer---I do drink hot tea, but I am very wierd about it!!! I do not think it tastes the same if it is brewed by the cup with the little tea bag!!! I still drink iced tea year round, so I just brew my iced tea, then pour a cup and microwave it. Then I put a bit of honey in it to help with my throat, and I like it just fine!!! Hope you feel better. Judy---Good Luck on your party---enjoy yourself!!! Maybe you and Ethan can play outside a good part of the day!!! Michelle---50 pounds!!! Congrats my friend, job well done!!!! Denise--the baby chart is cool... They know so much more to share than they did when I had a baby!!!! They told us Kinsey was going to be small, they said between 4 1/2 and 5 pounds. She weighed 4 lbs, 14 oz. Then they said Connor was going to be right around 5 pounds, and he was 5 lbs 3 oz.!!! Back in the day, they told me my oldest was between 6 and 6 1/2 pounds.......she was 8 lbs. 11 oz.!!! Half grown it felt like!!!! They have so much better care available now, and it allows you to be so informed of the developement...I love it!! Manda would call me, and tell me things like....this week the baby is growing fingernails, or this week the spine seals off.......it was VERY cool!!! Not to mention the changes in ultrasound pictures!!! I loved the girls pregnancies, I hope you can enjoy and be a part of this one!!! Manda took me to her ultrasound on my birthday, it was the day they told us it was a girl! Happy Birthday to Me!!! Well I am off to bed, I was waiting to get this last load out of the dryer....and it just buzzed!!!! Will check in soon!!!! Kat

I laughed out loud at the pic! THANK YOU!!!!!!! I'm still giggling as I type this btw your face looks a lot thinner in this pic than in your avatar! NSV... I just printed out your post/pic and I'm putting it on my fridge! Made my day... :biggrin1:

Thanks girls, it is so good to be back! I missed you all so much---things would come up and I wanted to tell you, to laugh with you, vent to you!!! But I survived it, we ended up with hundreds of pounds of pecans, that I will ultimately end up with very little of (little being in the hundred pound range!) Rick and I do all the work and MIL wants to share them with all the kids, and grandkids and church family----and in the end, that is fine. I would like to have had some say and fun in sharing them, but it is ok. No snakes this year, but a couple of spiders the size of saucers!!! Barn spiders---ugly! Debbie is doing so well following her transplants. She lives a hundred miles away from the hospital, so she would have had to travel to and from 3 X a week---in addition to the time and expense, the bounce from that much travel was discouraged, so she is staying in a hosp. sponsored apartment for about a month. Plus being a house parent as she is, and you know kids and illness! This week is the first time since she was a child she has not been on insulin! Her kidney function was so bad that in the week prior to the transplant, she was only allowed a small amount of fluid, because she was only passing about a cup of urine a day. The first day following surgery, she had over 3 liters!!!! Amanda---so glad all went well for you! At least you don't have to worry about a record or anything!!! Judy, you poor thing---falling down the stairs sounds much funnier than it really is. Last winter I had a fall you would have had to see to believe, unfortunately Rick DID see it!!! I had my exercise ball in the LR (teach me to put things back up!), and when I walked by it my robe grabbed it, they are so rubbery so you don't slip on them you know, well it caused it to trip me, I fell ON the ball, and bounced myself half way across the LR!!!! I was so shocked all I could do was laugh, Rick jumped up---saw me laughing and busted out laughing!!! Manda said she would have paid good money to have seen it! Still makes me laugh to think of how fast it happen!! Jane, sorry about your experience with the ALS patient--poor thing. I know a woman, she is actually a good friend of a good friend....she is suffering with it, and her husband was killed in a motorcycle wreck a week and a half ago. She is totally unable to move, and is slowly losing her ability to swallow, our friend said---I cannot imagine. Such a horrible disease. Hugs to you for making time for her, and giving her the dignity we all deserve! Denise--it may be an old wives tale---but it has proved out with our kids, and grandkids, but we were told that anything over 140 BPM in a fetal heartbeat, usually indicates a girl! How exciting! Our son is actually talking about another baby---scary thought!! Jenn---so sorry about your Aunt. It is never easy---and when it is a favorite, it really hurts, I am so sad for you. Terry---so tell us, when you go to these bead shows are the beads like floating from all you bead addicts drooling over them??!! It sounds like fun, sensory overload! I like the textures I have seen in beads lately. I am sure they have always been that way, but until you, I never paid any attention to beads!!! Laura, I think I just assumed (yeah I know) that when I sent you the list, that you would have my name & info since I said I wanted to do it---but yes I do! Haydee---glad you are home! TracyK--You better start bellowing from the rooftops and keeping us apprised of your dropping weight, I for one need the motivation!!! I am praying the surgery gets me back on track! Man you should see how this thing has grown---OMG I am starting to look deformed! Tracy--step parenting is never easy, but when you succeed it is better than I know how to tell you! My kids, are just that, my kids. I would throw myself in front of a train for the ones that grew in my heart as well as the one who grew in my womb. You are starting full time with him at a difficult age, but it sounds as though even though he would never admit it, he is starving for affection, and attention. I believe you have received excellent advice, all I can add, is a little hint, I received once from an old neighbor. She suggested when my kids were acting up, to mention to her on the phone something they had done (good), when they could hear, but to act like I didn't know they could. So one day when Lenny was acting like a typical teen and sulking, I was on the phone with her, and told her how shocked and happy I was that he had taken the trash out without me nagging. He was moping in front of the TV, but well within earshot. I went on to say I wish he was happier, he was such a good kid, then went on to talk about other things, never mentioning the conversation to him. To this day I have never had to ask him to take out trash again. I used it with all my kids, when I felt they needed a little pat on the back, and were not going to just accept it----I bragged about them to friends, mentioned great things about them--and they take notice! He is going to need a firm hand and loving arms, and lots of prayers---you will have mine! You could not pay me to be that age again!! Michelle---I have not gone to look at the houses, I was afraid I was too late to vote, and will be happy with whatever---I just wanna go! Congrats on the NSV!! Pamela--hope your meds are kicking in and you feel better! I missed talking to you guys so much---I probably would have called everyone, but we are so rural, even phone service was a no go! And with 80 acres needing tended, cows to sell, and pecans to deal with---time was not in excess to go to where we could call! We did take off for our anniversary. We shopped! We bought an awesome hide/leather rug! Will try to get a picture of it. I know it will not be to the taste of everyone, but we like it!!! Gina---what's new girl? Kelly---will get an email off to you soon! Or call! Panda--hope you get your computer problems fixed soon! Ms. Jenn--where you hiding? Suziecat (think that is right, I can't scroll back any further!) welcome, I am so glad you finally joined us! I am having some issues with someone following me around and just making life fun---so I didn't ever speak before, and I feel bad! You are so welcome here, everyone here is supportive, we have diversity in many ways, and yet we all just love what we have together! OK---well my back home book is as done as my brain dead, self can think right now!!! If I missed you please forgive me! It is not an intentional slight!! Hugs to all of you! Kat

Not yet, but that's a pretty good NSV.... New haters!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App