Dutchgrl59

Happy Bandiversary to Cindy :clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2: What you said was so very true about just maintaining. Your weight loss is amazing -- everyone here has done a great job. Congrats lady Mandy: OK, I didn't know that you actually did the body piercing -- I learn something new everyday! If I was alot younger and had that flat belly I might consider a belly ring, but at 47 uh.... no lol. I remember the day I got my ears double pierced.... man, was my Mom mad! Hey, girlie I need you to PM me your address, I have a get well gift to deliver your way I'm getting ready to go visit my Mom in Santa Barbara and have loads of laundry to get to as well as ready the car and pack -- oy vey as Eileen would say! I am feeling just great with my 26lb weight loss and can't wait to make use of Mom's treadmill. I have just noticed today how much I am enjoying just walking -- thank you lapband. On Wednesday the kids and I will be going to the Ringlings Brothers circus and I thing they are really gonna love it. When Taylor, Channing & Garrett were babies I signed the kids up for a free ticket and I finally cashed them in. I only had to purchase seats for me and Lewis. This will be the first time any of the kids have been to a circus. Can't wait. So, tell all your friends to go to the Ringling website and sign up those babies before they are 1year old, they will send them a free ticket -- awesome deal!

Let me recommend a clear liquid protein. This will make your overall healing go faster. Isopure will give you 20grams of protein and can be purchased in a health food store. I am post-op 8 weeks and I am still drinking it for my protein needs. My dr recommends 60-80 grams of protein per day. I water down my Isopure to also get in extra water during the day. Hope that helps. :car:

Jenna, I vote..... with arms up or arms down that your surgeon did a beautiful job. Congratulations. Now you need to stop and enjoy all those pretty clothes you get to buy. If you continue to nip & tuck your scars will begin to revenge. Listen to your hubby.

Morning all Betty: Thanks for the update on what happened to your heel. You must have a heavy duty door - Wow, that must of hurt. And that was 2 weeks ago?? When you're all better get your feet pampered. Mandy: I am very relieved that Irene is OK, thanks for the email address. I know she will tell us everything that transpired and I bet it will be a doozie. You amaze me with your organization and nesting for your surgery. My continued prayers. Cindy: You were a good Mama to Annie and your story touched me. I hope your tea party was a smash.... I think I might have one this afternoon too (my boys love tea). Kat: The Purple People eater had me rolling on the floor! Here, let me tell you about my antique rocking chair that I wanted refinished in CHERRY RED..... it ended up being more of a light oak! When I looked at it I was stunned. I walked around the shop and tried to find the dark oriental wood that I desired and then they tell me that it wasn't "cherry", and that cherry wood is a light wood. I didn't want cherry wood I wanted cherry color :faint:I guess my lesson was using the words "cherry", it doesn't mean the same thing to everyone and I wasn't explicit enough. The shop then just removed the color and repainted it and it wasn't taken down to bare wood and now a tiny scratch removes color and it isn't pretty anymore. What needs to be done is a complete refinish the correct way. Sure glad that your trailer isn't purple anymore. Today is an at home day, Garrett has a slight temp and they have turned off the water in the neighborhood. The boys and I had a very busy tuesday & wednesday. Tuesday was a Disneyland day, we met my sister for D-lands 52nd birthday. And then on Wednesday we went to the county fair on canned food day. We bring 5 cans apiece and get in free! We got to see the hypnotist and laughed until it hurt. We got home at midnight - whew! Rest..... a vacation from the vacation.

Dear Dee, I'm sorry that I didn't get back sooner..... I was at Disneyland(I have an annual pass). To make Egg drop soup: Heat up 1 can of chicken broth heated. Scramble 1 egg in a bowl, then dribble the egg into the hot broth in a swirling motion. The egg will cook immediately. Eat slowly. It will fill you up. Heart Hugs, Patty

Dear Strawberrygrl, Congrats on making it to day 3. Sleeping is what will heal. I couldn't sleep more than 3 hours at a time. I wanted to rent a recliner but that deal fell through, so if you were like me then it's the couch and bed and my incisions were sore. I took my fluffy down comforter and made a poufy pile and sat in the corner of my couch and kind of laid on my side while hugging the "pillow" I created, while sitting up -- actually laying down hurt too much. After 3 hours in the living room I would move to my bedroom and sleep sitting up on my bed cushion. Sleeping like this really did a number on my neck but by day 6 I could lay on my left side with cushioning on my port. If you can tolerate your loratab, keep taking that, it will help you sleep deeper. When I got hungry I would make egg drop soup in hot chicken broth -- really tasted good! I also highly recommend Isopure Protein from the vitamin shoppe store.... it's the protein that you need to keep from getting hungry. Don't forget that sugar-free ice pops are the best summer treat. Hey, and congrats once again.

:bandit It's Saturday and the kidlets are on visitation. I have an appointment for a foot massage and a trip to blockbuster for new videos -- just my kind of weekend. Thanks Eileen for the encouraging words, no one understands the life of someone with a lapband better than someone that has one. I knew that this was going to be a radical change and I'm so glad that everyone here understands unconditionally. I was wondering if anyone knows Beanie's home address. What Kat said has me concerned too. It's been too long that we've heard from her with her recent job change and going back to school she vanished. How can we be sure that all is well? Well, gotta eat, don't want to miss that reflexology date!

Wow, it's Thursday already and the kids and I are going to visit Irvine Regional Park today. They have a tiny zoo, railroad and hiking paths. We're gonna pack a lunch and comune with nature, maybe we'll even try the paddle boats so that I can work out my legs! I finally spoke with my Mom in Hawaii and what a tale! Mom (& my sister) are there to help my 23 year old niece who is moving back to California because her husband was called to Afghanistan and that means she has to move off the base. When they got to the house they were met with a house that was not cleaned for 2 years. My Mom said it was ghastly :eek: and that ever since Sunday when they arrived at noon they have been scrubbing and tossing out garbage while Kylene my niece complained. I told my mother to be extra careful with her heart(she had bypass 3yrs ago) and rest inbetween cleaning bouts. My sister got upset with Kylene(her daughter) for chatting on the phone and not helping enough. Family.... don't cha just love them! Chris: I'm so sorry that you lost someone that you loved. I pray that you find some peace and comfort this week. Dianne:Oh, please be careful. You reminded me that next week I will be going to my first WLS meeting -- alittle anxious. Darcy: Girlie, out celebrating or just enjoying that cabin? Happy one! Cindy:I smiled when you said that you said "no" alot. Me too, these days I can say more to "yes" and feel good about it. Have I ever told you that you are a great Mom -- there, I said it. Sherry:Are you feeling better? You scared me so when you said that you were gonna poke a needle in your port -- ugh. That tells me you were really hurting something fierce. Update please. Kat: Whew, sterilize that whole house!! :sick and really glad that everybody is home safe and sound. Do pamper yourself a bit. Eileenie: Where ya be? Mandy: You too? Well, the suns up and I need to pack that picnic lunch -- bye!

Monday, Monday. I just finished reading pages and my heart stopped when I read Kat's post. I was turning pages so fast it would make your head spin. Thank God everything is much better with that application of bacteria. What an amazing solution! It sounds like Kinsey is very much like her grandmama and tummy troubles may follow generations. Hugs to Rick for his safe recovery. Dianne: When did you say you are having that vein surgery? I've had you on my mind ever since you said "clots". Maybe when this is all over you will feel like dancing again. Hugs Mandy: So, you too are having surgery. I know I shouldn't have been shocked at your news, but I still was. I understand the desire for the pain relief, I am a bit concerned about the open surgery and the extra time for healing. I have you on my list. I guess the best incentive for recovery is a Disney trip and you already have that lined up -- smart girl! I have July 30th marked on the calendar for all day prayers, hugs! As for me, I have been having a great summer :eyebrows: On the 4th the kids and I purchased tickets for a BBQ picnic at the Aquarium that we just became members of. We had the run of the Aquarium until late that night and food and fireworks in the afternoon. I felt rested and received lots of hugs from my boys for making memories -- they loved it. The next day I went to my 2nd post op and lost 4lbs which they were not pleased with and that kinda hurt my feelings. I feel pigeonholed. The average person loses X amount of weight and I don't follow the average so they immediately want to give me a fill. But I don't want one! The longer I can go without a fill will be better for me..... and it's all about me, isn't it? I think that if I start filling my band then I will start a cycle of needing fills and since I only get 1 for free that makes my 1 fill rather valuable. For me it's all financial and I'm still hurting from getting the loan for surgery.... fills are the farthest thing from my mind. I was feeling good about my weight loss and no one knows that better than me, I was SOOOO weight resistance in the past. A couple of years ago I hired a trainer and even with diet I didn't lose anything (wasted $1,000-- and now I have just gone on vacation, eating out every meal, then the 4th of july picnic and I still manage lose weight for the first time in my life and the doctors can only critisize me. I felt totally shot down. Now, I've read Sherrys post and her being possibly too tight and I feel validated that slower on the fills the better. Sorry for the all the whining but who do I let down.... the doctors or myself? I'm a people pleaser and what I've learned these last few years is that the only person I need to please is MYSELF and it's my money, my band and my life. Ha. On Sunday, the kids and I went to a Knotts Soak City waterpark as a gift from my Mom. My Mom was here just for the day before leaving on yet another trip to Hawaii, so we met her at SoakCity. I bought a new bathing suit and went on the lazy river and floated around a few times, got a tiny bit sunburned and felt marvelous. My actual weightloss is 22lbs and I have stopped huffing on the stairs and all my clothes fit better -- me in a bathing suit is monumental. Thats why this summer is so grand. Well, the kids finally got up and I must tend to them. Mmmmm, coffee sounds good

Hey Gang, Back from vacation :faint:and whats a trip without a broken water pump? I called my mechanic and he will fix the car tomorrow. I can't stay.... gotta do chores and have lots of catch up reading to do. Bye.

Dianne: Yes, of course I will adopt you:p, but now I'm really concerned about that thing in your leg. Can the dr make it go away? With all the stress that you've been through this little event seems so unfair! Question.... when I go get my pedicures and they massage my calves, is that supposed to be good for circulation? All I know is it feels pretty good. I just got a coupon for a reflexology massage..... how about we both go? Mandy, my dear sweet clean freak -- I just love ya! Can we call you Monica like the character in "Friends" She would clean and organize absolutely everything, Or better yet, Martha Stewart. I just love to watch her cook. When the kids come back from visitation I'm making brown sugar glazed bacon -- yummm, except that I can't eat that yet. Maybe sometime next year! Darcy: Does your cell phone work in the hills? I miss you ever so much! Sherry: When is your trip to WDW? You just grab that cute hubby of yours and go out to some nice cafe. Tonite it's just me and blockbuster video. :bored Betty: Hows the weather? I sure hope the weekend is more pleasant for you. Give update. I want to ask my friends here to send up prayers for Robbie. Robbie is 14 and just received his 2nd heart transplant back in March. Rob was born the same year as my twins. Anyway, a few days ago the dr's removed a tumor from Robs neck and lab results show it's lymphoma. From what I understand we all have virus's that are dormant and due to Robbies anti-rejection medication for his heart, the tumors began to grow. In order to remove the tumors he will be getting chemo next week. I was just weeping earlier when I read this update. Rob and his family have been thru so much and they have such a strong faith, they make me stronger. Just pray for the chemo, no vomiting and no heart rejection either. Robbies B-day is June 28 and he will be 15 and still in the hospital. My kids and I will be sending him a care package. Hey, thanks for partnering with me. If anyone understands special needs, it's you guys. Hugs,

Mandy: Vaccuum guy style :phanvan Laughing SO hard I almost wet myself! When I have the kids do it, it takes 5 minutes.... when I do it I'm done 30 minutes later -- hmmmmm. Well, today is the last day of school for my elementary kids, they will be out at 11:15. I am in the process of packing for our trip.... leaving Monday for the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific. I got my email from the hotel and they are ready for our arrival --- ahhh, can't wait for Air-conditioning! I got my hair done, my toenails painted and my capri pants are TOO big! Feeling fabulous after losing 20lbs. Thinking about trying on a smaller size, feeling brave. Here is our schedule for the week Tues: Legoland Wed: Disneyland - want to view Fanstasmic! Thurs: Nature Center at El Dorado park Long Beach Fri: Home Can't believer Summer is here! Com'on everybody, where are you!

It's Graduation Day! Today is Garrett's 6th Grade Graduation, and we are very excited. I have the camera, gifts and we are all dressed up for our 10:45 ceremony. If I don't cry, I'll be able to snap a few pictures. I can hardly believe that my blond tot is graduating. My, the time goes by so quickly. Well, gotta go.

Annicakes The Lapband is connected to a port which is near the surface to the skin. Mine is located on my left side, several inches above and to the left of my navel. The fill is done in a drs office where the skin is numbed and saline in inserted with a needle into the port. I'm told this is relatively painless but since I have not had one yet, I can't really say. My band is 1 month old, so I'm new to this process but can already say that having a band is wonderful. Glad to see you here on the best lapband site ever!

Good Evening. We are in a heat wave and truly happy that my surgery is over.... had I waited even a month, that would have been trouble. Thanks Eileen for the kudos. I feel very strong and am eating regular food. In my nutrician class they told us that our portion limit for food was 1/2 a cup per meal and I have been following the rules. Some of the time I don't finish my amount and once the hungies go away I don't much think about food anymore. I don't want a fill and after I get the first one I must pay for all the others (not good for me.... money I don't have). The dr understands and we will carry on as long as we can. I need breakfast ideas. And I am going on vacation in 2 weeks, so I need eating out solutions too. Thanks. Mandy:Super glad that you are on the mend. I went to D-land last night. Went on the Subs again -- totally cool. And Fantasmic is back up and running. We will see that on our vacation - front row. Kat:Answered prayers for Rick and Kinsey. I am so proud of you and look at your weight loss -- how do you manage that! Eileen: you want another fill? Be careful. I'm thinking about trying your favorite soup - butternut squash. Dianne:great to see you, wishing you the best always The heat is making the kiddies irritable. Got to hose them down. Bye.

Mandy: So glad you are on the mend. I want you well for your visit to Disneyland. When you find out about the menopause question, let us know. Hows Abi? Cindy-lou Wishing you loads of fun at DisneyWorld. My twins are out of school now and the little guys still have 5 days. Today is also my 1 month post op and I have lost an additional 2lbs. Nice and slow. I feel well and am ready to do laps around the neighborhood to burn calories. Need to tone a few places. Where are some of our girls?? Darcy? Beanie?

Prayers going out: Kat: Peace and comfort for Rick as he undergo's surgery and that his heart would be completely healed and return to normal function. And for Kat and her band that the acid disappears and that she remain in good health. Kinsey and her fracture. How do you tie down a moving object. Hugs Mandy: Rest and healing from your surgery. I want to tell you all about the new submarine voyage at Disneyland.... I went opening day! As for me.... I just typed up an appeal letter for insurance. They denied my $400 EKG for my surgery. They say I wasn't covered! I really need this to fly thru -- it's causing stress. And then there is work. I spoke with a union rep for my school district and I will be meeting with him thursday to discuss disipline and my unsatisfactory work conditions. They say I did something -- but I didn't. It's all rather ugly. Me and my band seem to be getting along... tomorrow is 1 month! Yeah!

Dianne: I know you are on your way to your families house, and yes I will pray for all your needs during this time. I am truly sorry this had to happen, so totally confusing. Hugs,

Morning, I don't want to burden everyone, but life here is not good. I have trouble at work, my insurance won't pay for my pre-op stuff and those bills are here, the ex owes me lots of back cash and did I mention the wage garnishments(they just took the 2nd one) the fun never quits. I am just exhausted from having to fight for everything. I will be post-op one month June 14, so all this and I am not 100% yet. Sorry to be such a drag. I'm getting dressed, heading for the thriftstore in search of a paperback. Then home for a blockbuster movie. Still on mushies but won't get on the scale until next week. My undies don't fit. My summer plans include a 4 night stay at the Raddison hotel, a repeat of last years vacation, but I added a night. The kids are very excited. Also received our membership to the Long Beach Aquarium, so when our house gets too hot, we can go hang out there! OK, I feel better. Bye.

Hey you Guys! I was just catching up on posts and I'm here crying for Cindy and how Kat and Mandy rallyed around her when she needed someone. The women here are just fantastic and I feel blessed to be among such strong and wonderful friends. Cindy: I have no special words for what you are going through. I will pray that it's resolution is quick and your heart be protected. I want to hug you SO bad, I am hurt and upset that this had to happen to you, my dear. Do you have something more fun planned this summer? Tell me! Kat:Your story was the most incredible event I have ever laid eyes on! I swear you were making it up..... but I know you didn't. Your telling off your relatives and holding back the pictures was brilliant. You were right, and they were wrong and secrets and lies will be revealed and the good guys don't finish last. You amaze me! OK I finally went to work -- ugh. I don't want to fill the page with drama but I had some.... My manager thought I should have started work on Tuesday and called my home. Uhhhh, I had a post-op appt and didn't know when I was going to return. I could tell she was upset. She then said that I was supposed to tell the district office when my leave began and when I was to return, except I never gave them a return date. I called personnel and cleared it up by producing a docter note and a return date -- Friday! When I got to work, a cool reception. I had scads of paperwork to clean up and just a handful of ordinary cuts and scrapes to care for. After lunch a teacher came up to me and in the middle of the office announces that she had the same surgery too! I quickly pull her into my office and ask "who told you I had that surgery"! She says, My daughter robin. I must have looked puzzled? Robin?? I don't know a robin. OH, she says, you must have told someone? OK, I have not told anyone in my school district about my WLS and this teacher is assuming I had bypass. After I put 2 and 2 together here is what transpired. 1. My best friend Lynne told the health aid Maggie at her school about me. 2. Maggie then told her best friend Robin the health aid at Clegg school. 3. Robin then told her Mom Joan who is a teacher at my school Hayden 4. Who shouted it out in my office! AND I DON'T WANT ANYONE TO KNOW :( The rumor mill is alive and well here in Southern California. Now, what do I do??? I hate being watched by people and defending my choices. I hate, hate, hate, hate whats happened. I want to die.

Morning All, I have all the kids back -- yeah! I got them up and fed and off to school! Now my Mom and I are off to the dr's so that I can go to the nutrician class. Mushies has been wonderful, I ate mashed potatoes last night and they were delicious! I need more ideas for lunch since I start back to work tomorrow. Lets talk later...... bye!

Kat: Loved your stories..... you made me laugh and that makes my port hurt -- luv ya! Thanks for the birthday wishes WE had a great time at Disneyland, but unfortunately the twins friend Andy didn't get to go with us. During the high school evcauation when they were getting kids out of the rooms, many of the kids were told to just head for the field -- they were to take nothing. Dear sweet Andy following orders left his backpack in his room..... well his Mom was REALLY REALLY ANGRY and his punishment was that we couldn't take him to Disneyland . After we got the sad news we still headed to the park and did whatever the boys wanted. We have a new ride opening in 2 weeks and hoped that they were letting guests test the attraction before the official opening -- no such luck! But I got out my camera and took some really nice photos of our re-surfaced Submarine ride, it's truely magnificent! As we walked around I started to get a bit dizzy, it's the longest that I have tried to walk and I forgot my protein powder at home but I took frequent breaks and drank alot. We then took a raft over to Tom Sawyers island that has been changed into Pirates Lair where we ran into Captain Jack Sparrow..... OK, not the real one but a really cute actor who does a fabulous acting job! The island has all kinds of hands on pirate stuff and a dark scary cave with skeletons and other special effects -- very fun! By the days end, the boys Dad met us and I hugged and kissed them bye.... I went home happy and tired and went to bed. TODAY was my Post-op appointment. A bit curious about what the scale says, but more interested in starting mushies. OK, I lost 13lbs in 15days! Pretty cool! Then I came home and ate cottage cheese with puree of peaches -- didn't finish my half cup . I'll be on mushies for 2+ weeks and then on to regular diet. Sherry: I am now dreaming of those chicken enchiladas -- yummmy! Things are finally moving in the right direction and I am cleared for work for this Friday. Oh, and my Mom is visiting with me this week and that makes me extremely happy. She will help me as I try to juggle getting kids to school and me to work the first day -- I just love her! Gotta sleep now -- bye!

Morning all! Where is everybody??? Now that the shock & awe of the high school evacuation is behind us we have a BIRTHDAY to celebrate. My twins turn 15 on Saturday!!! And guess what..... they don't really want anything! Well, I won't let the day go by without something so I think I will taking all the kids to a matinee to go see Pirates 3 and maybe lunch out. The children aren't home with me yet but this gives Dan a chance to breath for a few hours. He's been watching the kids for 2 weeks now. The other thing the boys and I have been discussing was to invite the boys friend Andy with us on a day trip to Disneyland. I am only concerned that Andy's strict vietnamese family won't allow him the time to go out. Poor Andy spends most of his time on the weekends studying. Lets pray that Andy gets to go and all the kids have the time of their lives! OK, I have got to get dressed, and go gift shopping. Everyday I seem stronger and get more done. Com'on everybody.... where ya hiding??

Mandy: I am so worried about your surgery. I hope your doctor has some positive info for you tomorrow. And I think about Abi all the time. Good thinking about taking your own car to the field trip. Lewis has his trip the following day to a nature center. His cardiology appointment that I made 1year ago was on the date of this field trip and since this is ALL that he talks about I broke down rescheduled his dr visit so that he could go with his classmates -- whats a Mom to do? OH, and just a word about having the twins home to help me..... not always the best thing. Both boys have Aspergers and just simple commands take extra, extra explaining and that just exhausts me further (thats without my new incisions). Tasking for the boys is a huge problem, which is why my Channing never turns in his homework. He will finish all but 1 problem but since it isn't done he won't turn it in. Flunking 2 classes. But since I am on medical leave that will just have to wait. I am truely the center of their world but I am FINALLY taking some time for myself. I will not rush my recovery. OHHHH, I forget to tell you all yesterdays fiasco...... The High school here got EVACUTATED FROM A BOMB THREAT. I was So totally emotional, I felt like I was in a movie. My Ex called me to tell me that the twins had called and asked to be picked up from this evacuation. At that point no one had any information. I then turned on the TV and there was a breaking story about a 14year old with a backpack and hostages. Hours later, they arrested the kid and there were NO explosives. The school did the right thing by clearing the school and we all were nervous wrecks for the rest of the afternoon. When Dan drove up with the boys, they ran from the car into my arms. What relief. I recorded the news report and they wanted to see it. I gave everyone lunch and we just relaxed. A happy ending on post-op day 9.

Good Morning! Chris:Who is that beautiful lady? You took my breath away! Thank you gals for supporting me, this first week had it's moments. The children came to visit me yesterday and my big 14 year old actually cuddled with me, something he hasn't done in ages. They are desparately in need of a soft place. But I can't take them home just yet. Last night I went from my first grocery shopping trip and by the time I got to check-out my incisions felt "hot". When I got to the car I called my girlfriend and asked if she would meet me back home and unload -- it was one task I knew would send me over. I promised myself I would not push and taking on the kids at this time would be recipe for disaster. My Mom called last night and she arrived home from Hawaii. She sounded real tired but glad to be home. I worry for her every since her heart bypass and sometimes I think she does too much. I feel better knowing she's here in california. Mom wants to come see me next week and I think she will be arriving on the day of my post-op. It's also the day that Garrett go's off to science camp so I will be plenty emotional and will want to tell her all about waving bye to the yellow bus. Well, my big plans today is to get a pedicure and take a nap. Com'on girls..... check in! :guess