PrtyAntOvrYt

shhh, don't tell a soul, but I figured out the secret for looking 'okay' in these Red Robin pictures -- you have to stand as far away from the camera as possible.... like Kansas. BUT since Kansas isn't possible, I am satisfied with the back of the group. thanks Lovely Mal for posting the pic!!!! You're the best!

Thanks for a fun evening Peeps! You all are so cute! You made me laugh and I haven't laughed like that in a while. I loved seeing you all again, the hugs, the conversation and the stories were just what I needed. Lydia, it was so nice to meet you. Nice seeing you again John. Marilyn -- hope things go well with your new unfil. Let us know how you're doing. Mal -- thanks for bringing your pics and for the idea of the journal. I'm going to start one, I think that's a great idea! Anita -- loved sitting next to you! You're a sweety! Michelle -- things for always taking the time to plan these little events, you're the best! Next time I see you guys, I'll be banded! On my way to a new and improved version of the Ole Dee! The time we spend together is so valuable to me, I appreciate the fact that you take the time to spend your evening @ Red Robins --together, supporting each other through this journey. Hugs and Kisses! dee~:clap2:

Sunshine! I'm so sorry for your pain. I haven't been banded yet, so I can't tell you why or what, but I wanted to tell you Congrats on your surgery! I hope the pain subsides and you'll feel better soon! Do pain meds help? Hugs! Brandy! Would you be interested in doing the Susan G. Koman Walk for the Cure? And forgive me if I'm wrong, but don't you live in Brighton? If you can ever make it to Red Robins, we'd love to meet you. I know it's a long drive, I used to live up there! see ya, dee~

Anita! Congrats on those smaller clothes! I love it! I had to buy a 4xl scrub pants to replace my 5 xl's and my daughter was folding the laundry the other day and she came running in the bedroom, "Moma (that's what she calls me) you're wearing a smaller size?" She was beaming! What a great NSV -- having your child beam with pride! Damn, I love that girl!! Heather is right, Lane Bryants does run small. I think, anyway. I also have much smaller clothes calling my name. I have a smaller pair of jeans that I bought when I first planned my surgery. I have them hanging in the front of the closet where I see them everyday. Also a tinier Babydoll blouse! I can't wait to wear them! Yeah!!! Heather, I hope your doggie is there! I still feel so bad about not getting our "Barry" -- he was such a dollbaby and he would have added so much joy to our lives. I pray that he went to a good home. If your husband divorces you because of the doggie, just get in your car and drive west and then south! I'll be waiting! Just think you can get your fills from Dr. K! Mal, Great story! have you heard of suspenders? I had to buy some for my scrubs before I finally got a smaller size. I had a hard time finding a pair. I would ask the very young clerk @ Target or Wal-mart and they looked at me like I had two heads! Yes, my head is freakishly large and the size of two normally sized heads, BUT suspenders are not that odd of a clothing item! Did you know that the human head (normal size, not mine) weighs about 8 lbs? I've lost just over one human head. How many human heads have you lost? (frequently at work, I lose my own!) Can't wait to see all of your pretty pretty faces tonight!!! Hugs, dee~ Oh! I forgot, my goal Mal is to do the Susan G Koman walk this year! We should have a Lap Band group do it together. I'll be walking in honor of my Grandma Juanita. She died when she was 61 y/o of Breast CA with Met. I was a freshman in HS. She was the sweetest Grandma, the type who'd get on the floor with the kids and play games. Anita, she loved Christmas music (and Josh is always acceptable! -- I got that one for my daugther in her stocking) and listened to it year round -- she also had a Christmas tree in every room! Don't you love those kinds of Grandmas?

Lap!!! You're doing great with that band! I haven't seen the 2's on my scale for a long time! I can't wait!!! Michelle - I'll be at RR - I invited John, but he's oncall for work so he might not make it. Mal, Anita, Marilyn - Ladies, I'm going to need big time encouragement! I'm starting to get stressed AND having my fears that this thing isn't going to happen for me! I need to make some calls and see where everything stands! My schedule at work has been altered and if I need to go back on it again, they are going to kill me! :omg:Esp. this one nurse who has changed her life to pic up some of my hours! I'm afraid of her! She could easily kick my butt! If I have to change my hours again, I'm going to have to hide!:help: Aren't you all glad the holidays are over? I am! I really hate Christmas music! Nowadays it starts the day after halloween! ARGH! See you at Red Robins!:hungry: Love, dee~

Happy Happy Happy Birthday Michelle!!! If I had known, I'd a baked you a cake! (and then eaten it for you too!) :happybday2:

I just read this and thought you'd find it interesting! January 6, 2008 FRom "The AGE" - Fairfax, Australia Jason Dowling OBESE people as young as 14 would get free weight-reduction surgery under a radical Australian Medical Association proposal to tackle the obesity crisis. The Opposition and health groups have backed the scheme for publicly funded weight loss surgery, which was proposed by the association in a submission to the State Government. The most common weight-reduction operation is lap-band surgery, in which a band is placed around the stomach to constrict it and reduce hunger. Entire article: http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/free-surgery-plan-to- fight-obesity/2008/01/05/1198950131112.html?s_cid=rss_news

Michelle, You're right! We can't beat ourselves up so much but lately it's been horrible with me. Perhaps it's because I'm PMS'g (good excuse!) but it's like I could eat a horse and still be hungry! Has anyone tried horse grilled on a George Foreman grill? I always will, should always, try to always, put my bad food in the sink and pour water on it! I've never gotten food out of the trash (unlike George Constanza) but something about putting it in the sink and pouring water on it makes it so much less appetizing! Thanks Mal! I need to support Girl! Can't wait to see you at RR! Tina, I will accept your mantra! It's not IF but when! Are you enjoying those babies? They laugh at me at work because I just love babies! Sometimes I go on and on about how cute one is -- I'm sure they want to push me out the window! Mona, how are you feeling? Have things gotten better? LA, I wanted to address your question on vomiting. Vomiting is more a symptom of an illness. A person doesn't have to vomit unless it's a case of food poisoning and then I'm not sure what would happen if you couldn't. Perhaps it would go out the other direction. OR you would just vomit. Vomiting from the lower pouch would be a problem. To answer your question, using an antiemetic is the best thing to do. Mare was on the right track when she used the suppositories from the surgery. Mare, are you doing okay now? Are you going to join us at RR? I've been exercising about 30 mins a day! Stop before you think, "wow! that's great!" It is, but it is in 10 min intervals. I don't have the stamina to ride my recumbent bike for more than 10 or 12 mins at a time. Too fat! BUT I can do 3-10 min sessions. My friend's Mom who was in her late 70's when she did this, came to visit my friend and she started riding her recumbent bike every morning. She could only ride it for 3 mins the first day, but by the end of the 6 wk visit, she was up to 45 mins! She's my hero! What a gal! That's my goal to work myself up to longer and longer times. Bless her heart, she passed away at Thanksgiving this year, but what a sweet sweet woman! And I will always use her as my inspiration that anything is possible for anyone! Hugs! dee~ Damn PMS! Now I need a tissue, I'm sure a cry baby!!!

Virid, If you're having your surgery at Parker Surgicenter there are 2 hotels about 2 mins from the center. The Holiday Inn Select and The Hampton Inn. I don't DO Hampton Inn because they were total jerks after my accident on their property, BUT The Holiday Inn Select is beautiful and when it snowed so much last December here in Denver, I was stuck at the hospital for 3 nights. The night shift slept in the room during the day and the day slept during the night. The bed is ultra comfortable and the showers are amazing! There is also a Walgreens up the road on Parker and several resturants next door for hubby to eat at! Red Robin has great French Onion soup (or so I've heard!):hungry: dee~

Dynamo, I know what you mean about the Oreos. Isn't it odd how we can be so good and then something appears and we just lose control? The other day that happened to me at work. I was so good ALL day long, breakfast and lunch, healthy protein, no carbs, and steamed veggies. Then I got home, I was starving and ended up eating some Famous Amos Choc Chip Cookies with Pecans. I didn't even look at the calorie count. I hate when I do that!!! dee~

Red Robin List (copy and past) Going to be there: Dynamo (Michelle) Tied2BFit (Dee) Hey guys!!! I'm sorry I haven't been posting much lately. I've been struggling with some depression. I'm so afraid this banding is never going to happen. I'm trying hard to not think negatively about it, but it's so difficult with what happened previously. So far I haven't gained any of the last pre-op weight loss back, but I haven't lost anymore either. I start my pre-op on the 15th of January. Maybe things will feel more real then. Mona, I'm so sorry to hear about your problems. I was worried about you when we didn't hear back from you once you got home. Don't worry about the bills. Just be honest with them and do what you can. Munchkin, When are you going to get your first fill? LA, I'm so envious! I wish I lived in AZ. I am so tired of being cold. BURRRR! Congrats on your hiking! You're so cute! Marcy, You have the 'coolest' life! (pun intended!) Anita, I hope your tummy is back to normal. Nicnaknut, 60 degress sounds wonderful to me! Sorry you can't join us at Red Robin! Viridescence. Dr. K is very personable. He is very sincere with his concern for his patients. I think it makes him very sweet. Tina, I agree with you about the Slim-fast. The Low Carb has higher protein, lower carbs and I think tastes better. I heard 1-2 lbs a week is optimal. Approximately 52-104 lbs a year. Brandymom, How are you feeling? I met a lady today who is looking for a place to be banded. I hope I've talked her into calling Dr. K's office. I think she'll love his approach! Kidlings, I'll be off to bed now! Hugs and Happy Snappy New Year to you all! dee~

Hey Kidlings!!! Greetings! Here I am about to start another year wondering if this new year will bring me good things. I hope! Less than a month and I'll be banded, I hope! I saw Dr. K at Cost Co the other day and he was very sweet. He encouraged me that things were on track for the 29th of January. I hope! I'm trying to not get too excited yet... it's hard tho... because it's something I want so badly. Well, I wanted to welcome everyone -- you'll grow to love everyone here as much as I do. It's a great group of people and if you live in the Denver area or even Brighton (hint hint!) come and join us as Red Robins. Hugs and Smooches! dee~

Bookholder, What I want most for the New Year, I can't talk about here! Oops! see ya Dear! dee~

I just wanted to stop in to say!!! Happy Happy Holidays Everyone!!! The New Year is just around the corner -- a time for new resolutions, new starts and reaching new goals. You have all been my friends and my support. I love you Guys! Hugs to you this holiday season! So go -- take those tiny bites, chew well and enjoy yourselves!!! dee~:clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:

Trina, It worked for me!!! Just copy the top stuff (I don't know what you call it) entirely. And paste it into the signature portion. Try it! Good Luck! dee~

Trina, I may be the worst person to help you with your ticker, because I've been trying to get mine working, BUT you have to do it from your edit signature place. And you have to copy and paste the same thing you did here to the signature place. Try that... I'll be back, I'm going to try it for me now too. BRB, dee~

Munchkin, I totally see what you're saying! My friend, whom you met, hasn't told anyone except her husband and children and me and you!! I think it sucks now that I've told so many people. I don't mind that I told my Mom, but others are really starting to bug me! What I should have remembered was -- you can always tell people, BUT you can't ever take it back once it's told. The bad thing about telling people is that the Band is not well-known and people assume you're going to lose like RNY. I had a friend who had RNY in Sept and she's lost over 100 lbs already. Some told me, 'wow by the time March is here, you'll be down 100lbs" I thought, "oh boy!!" It sucks! L.A. - Yup, we are being banded very close together! That was nice of them to change your date! I live in Littleton Colorado. Are you being banded in Parker or Aurora? I work at the hospital in Parker and I'm working on the 17th. I'll try to remember to pop down to see you! What time is your surgery? Believe me, I'd rather be in a good marriage, poor and having to borrow to be banded than divorced with a stash of cash on the side. My stash is getting smaller. I am or was in the process of purchasing a brand new home. It's being built as we speak. I just did the sheetrock walk through. I told them about my surgery, which wasn't planned when I signed the purchase agreement and they said to wait and see what my financial status looked like at closing! See ya Buddies! dee~

Hey Everyone!!! I have been busy working so I haven't had much time to pop on and read all the posts! Welcome everyone!!! This is great!!! I know that this Thread might be much bigger and a little intimidating because it's hard to read all of the last 185 pgs, BUT if you just post, we'll welcome you and you can catch up on who we are at anytime! I haven't been banded yet. My date is 1/29/08. I was supposed to be banded in November but things were cancelled. Long story!! Anyway, I didn't start posting here til October and I have been welcomed and made to feel as part of the family. It's a wonderful feeling to know that everyone here understands what we are going through. We are at the same place that everyone else was at before they were banded -- feeling anxious, thrilled, a little or a lot nervous!!! I love everyone here! L.A. you asked about Dr. K's practice of not requiring a pre-op liquid diet! He said that he doesn't feel that is necessary. He used to require it, but now asks his patients (Thank Goodness!) to stick to a NO Carb, High Protein and Veggie diet. I found it to be pretty easy to stick to and I lost weight pretty quickly. Once I got past the first 6 days, I felt energetic and well. Even tho my surgery isn't for 6 wks, I've started it again so that I don't gain any more weight! I've done the "Last Supper" thing already! I am so ready to be banded!!! I was self pay too, but it was paid for with the money I got from my divorce!! YEAH BABY!!! Marcy, I saw the map too and thought of you!!! I look right away for your pin in Alaska! I think it's great!!! AND it says so much about Dr. K!!! Virid, I know what you mean about not being sure about telling your family. For me, my friends have always been more supportive and less judgemental than my family. I have not told anyone in my family but my Mom and she won't tell anyone if I ask her not to... she's pretty good about that!!! When I filled out my FMLA papers Marilyn in Dr. K's office asked me who knew at my work and how I wanted things written. She had a way of writing it so that they didn't know it was WLS. BUT I told her it was okay to put Adjustable Gastric Banding because I already told the people in HR Mal, how's your son and his friends doing? You'll get back on track with your eating and exercise. You just went through a very difficult time with your family... it was an emotionally draining time for you. Take care of you -- too! Livingthedream, let us know how the surgery went!! Hope things went well and you're home and painfree! Mona, I'm glad you're home and safe! AND I'm glad the pain is less! Don't overdo it at work!! Well, I gotta run! Hugs! dee~

Yes! Where is Mona? Has anyone heard from her? Tarheel, you're 1/3 of your way to goal! That's great! I'm hoping to get a jump start too... I returned to the pre-op diet even tho my surgery isn't going to happen for 6 wks. I am afraid of gaining more weight before my surgery! How are you feeling at 5 days post op? Brandy! how are you doing? I hope you're feeling well! Munchkin, how was work on Friday night? I really hope you didn't have to work three shifts in a row!!! Threedogpeople! Welcome! Wow your hubby has done great on the pre-op diet! He's lucky to have such a supportive wife! Kirsten, I'm glad to hear you're home safe and sound! Well, I gotta go now, I'm working in the morning! Hugs Peeps! dee~

Michelle, I was thinking about your son and I think it's important that you report the treatment he rec'd. It's totally unfair that he had to wait so long for his pain meds. The "ask-a-nurse" should be calling to get his opinion of his care there -- that would be a good idea to mention it. I have to say it's something we discuss constantly when it comes to patient satisfaction surveys. Thanks for welcoming John. I think he enjoyed himself. He thanked me for inviting him. He's a nice guy and I think he'll be a nice addition to our group and like Marilyn said, we need a man around. Heck, I need a man around -- please!! I'm looking forward to January, the New Year, a New Me! I got accepted to grad school yesterday in Lincoln Nebraska for the fall of 2008. I'm not sure what I'll do. I'm going to give it some thought! I applied such a long time ago! I'm glad your son felt well enough to go to his own place. I know how you feel about not wanting him to leave home. Our babies will always be our babies! No matter how old they are, how big they grow or where they live. We will always hold them in our hearts -- as the biggest and most important part of who we are. Our children, sigh. BTW, I hated my picture of myself too! It looks like I'm working with half a brain cell and that night it was out of service! Can everyone say YIKES!? Love, dee~

Mal, I'm so sorry! I totally understand your time with your son was more important. He must be so confused and heartsick. Just keep telling him that is not the answer. There is a better way to deal with these problems in our lives. Last year a friend of mine's son killed himself. The preacher at the funeral said, "Sometimes the world gives us more than we think we can handle and we forget God will help us and we take matters in our own hands." It's very sad. I hope your son and his family will be okay and able to get through this time. Love, dee~

Thanks Marilyn! I am going to go there and get a bracelet! Mona! How are you this morning? When do you drive back home? Are you feeling better? From what others have said, you will feel much better by the 4th or 5th day. Don't get discouraged -- let your sweet hubby take care of you and just believe that you'll feel better soon! Mal! I missed you, My Dear Mal! I hope you and your family are well. Kirsten! It was so nice to meet you and your sister last night! Everyone is so sweet! Diana, I'll be seeing you when I reach my first goal -- a nice massage. Everyone, thanks so much for being so sweet and welcoming my friend, John. He enjoyed himself. Anita when you disappeared on our way out, I thought you had stopped to play in the Arcade. I asked John about it and he told me the true story! I had the image of you trying to win one of those toys for your sons! If I had known, I would have waited for you. I hate leaving women walking alone in a dark parking lot. Okay Ladies! My new surgery date is January 29th! Please help me stay motivated and on target! I feel there are days that I'm not doing so well. This last week, I have been on the verge of tears almost constantly. Hormones, the holidays and the cancelled surgery has me just down. Love you all! stephie~

Want2b! It was my pleasure and honor to be able to take Munchkin back to her hotel! The nurse kept us informed of her napping and we insisted we were okay waiting til she woke up! She is as adorable in person as she is here! You guys are going to love her when you meet her in person! She's huggable! dee~

Hey Brandy! Are you banded? How are you feeling? Hope everything went very well! dee~

That is a great story!!! I love it! I can only imagine what they were thinking at the elevator! Yikes! I was also afraid I wouldn't be able to put mine in so I brought some gloves home for my daughter to do it. She was horrified! She kept saying, "Please don't make me do that!" Luckily for me and for her especially, I am tall and have very long arms, so I was able to do it myself! I told my friend who was banded just recently that my daughter was begging not to do it and she said she'd be happy to come and do it for me! I told her husband, now that is what you call a true friend! I told her, if you do that for me, I'll buy you a Starbucks Coffee! (honestly, she'd deserve an entire Starbucks franchise!) Thanks for sharing that great story!!! Just think next year at this time, you'll be able to put anything you need to in that area!!! Hopefully, you won't need to put anything! Give your husband a big kiss and ask him, "Honey, was it good for you too?" dee~