3loves

How cute! Your son is also so handsome!! I have 2 boys. They have a chocolate lab, kitty, and recently added 5 fish with a lid on the tank. We had rabbits growing up. We'll need to wait till our boys are bigger though b/c they couldn't handle an adult rabbit, as far as holding it and such. We will always have animals and we do want our boys to experience the miracle of birth....some day. :guess Good luck with the little ones and enjoy!! :clap2:

O.K. I really need to get this off my chest b/c I haven't been able to sleep and I'm trying to stay positive. I finally finished the requested (by insurance per psy eval) 3 support groups and faxed them to NGS American. When I called to verify the PreD dept got it, Patty (PreD dept taking care of my file) informed me that my Psy Eval and Nutritional Eval were incomplete and I needed medical records showing compliance. Knowing my insurance had sent these, I asked her to help me understand EXACTLY what she meant so I can address this with my surgeon. Here is what I was told: ~ Both evaluations were incomplete and were not favorable b/c they did not state whether I would be a good candidate for the surgery and they did not indicate whether I could follow the lifestyle after surgery. I really don't know if this burden is on the evaluations or if this is a ploy by my insurance. ~ The medical records I submitted from my Optifast last year showed non-compliance. Yes, they did indeed state that on different occasions b/c I was always completely honest if I had something other than the shakes/bars. On these occasions, I was light-headed, shaky, and thought I may even pass out so I would have A cracker or A slice of bread with Peanut Butter. Another time, I ate a piece of cake at my birthday party. Another time I ate 6, yes I counted and put that on my sheet, 6 Frito's just b/c I wanted them. I told Patty that I do not understand how they can consider this a failure for me since I did lose weight....I lost 32 lbs over 3 mos. She then said, well this surgery is for people that can't lose weight. WHAT?? I thought I was going to blow!! I stayed calm and told her that if I could keep the weight off, why would I be asking for WLS? It seems I am in a no win situation with them. I then went on to tell her that I have specific records from my family doctor (she confirmed they had them) from 1992 showing different weight loss attempts & I always put the weight back on and more. She said the medical records had to be recent. My records run from 1992 - Nov 2004. We moved to IN in 2004 so I had a new doc. I told Patty that I am very surprised that I need to address such an issue as the non-compliance and that I would go to my grave saying that I did not fail that program. She did try to be encouraging and said that they haven't said no yet, but they would resubmit if I got the new evaluations. I feel that once I get the evaluations corrected/complete with my surgeons office, they are going to deny me based on my Optifast program and non-compliance. My husband told me I was too honest. Now I'm feeling it doesn't really pay to be honest if this is the game I have to play. I felt I was only hurting myself if I wasn't forthcoming with every little thing I put in my mouth while on the Optifast program. I mean, I told everything every time. What is wrong with me? Sorry this is so long and thanks for the shoulders to cry on. :cry Any help or advice is sooooo appreciated!! I would have been crying all weekend had I not belonged to this community. I know there is hope and that this is far from over.

Simon Says ~ good for all ages Finish the story ~ start telling a story & each child takes a turn Guess the Tune ~ Hum familiar kids songs like Old McDonald, BINGO, Head-Shoulder-Knees-Toes, If Your Happy & You Know It I'll have to check on some more for you. More to come..... Oh, be sure to check www.familyfun.com and www.thefamilycorner.com. Mandisa was on American Idol....this was posted on the wrong thread.

This is funny.....who would have thought Christmas would come so soon? I will pray for you and wish you the very best. Let us know how your doing when you return!!

Wow....what a wonderful transformation!! Like I said before, you are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing!!

You know, thinking back my first babysitting job was at age 11 or 12. I watched 3 girls ages 7, 3, & 1 yr. Now that I'm a mother, I would NEVER leave my boys with an 11 yr old. Is it just the times or am I being overprotective? Do you think some of us are too paranoid with all the bad things we hear about these days? I've started letting my 5 yr old cross our road to get the mail & paper and walk up the driveway be himself....with mommy watching, of course. He is such a big shot when I let him do this and I can see the pride on his face. Shawn, you said it perfectly....how very true this is! I think as my kids get older I will have a better understanding and sense of when I can leave them alone. Right now, I guess I'm too out to think about it in real terms.

The thought of this terrifies me. My kids are only 5 yrs and 3.5 yrs so this issue will be down the road for us. I am a border-line paranoid mother. I do allow my kids to play outside without me, but do keep a watchful eye and check on them quite often. We live in the country. Something to consider is that you can have the most responsible child in the world, but there are predators out there. The number of predators seem to be higher in this day and age. I would worry about some perve watching mommy leave the house knowing the kids were there alone. In the tiny town were my husband works, a co-worked experienced (I should say her daughter) an attempted abduction. The man tried to pull her into a white van. Here in our town a perve was passing out flyer's at the local high school for a slumber party. He was arrested. He was also a registered sex offender. Here's a good website with links to all the states so you can look up sex offenders in your area. http://www.insor.org/insasoweb/general/resources.jsp;jsessionid=aoCdnXjGIaYRadKgkO4e2Q**.prodejb06 Knowledge is power and I will do my best to stay informed of who is living close by. My claws would come out if I find someone looking at my children....what mother wouldn't? I may consider leaving them alone SOME day. BUT....that is a scary thought to me right now.

What happened to Tony at qualifying? :cry It worries me a bit that he's starting in 40th on a track like Texas. Let's hope a big wreck doesn't happen b4 he gets to the front....that is if you a fan of Smoke. :biggrin1: How about that IROC race? GO SMOKE!! Something in his car blew up during the burnout and the crowd chanted for him to climb the fence, which he did....YEAH!! I love it!! :clap2: Has anyone seen Karen on TV? I wonder if she went to Trackside. We've been there in Daytona and it's a blast. Doty ~ I'll send you an e-mail.

I really do feel bad for you and feel your frustration. :cry I am still trying to work with insurance, but after today, I'm thinking I may be facing a battle. I really don't know how to guide you since our insurance covers the band if they decide to give approval. :phanvan I'm sure there are others on here that can offer advice after being down similar roads. I just wanted you to know I feel your pain. Hang in there and keep your chin up b/c your worth it!! :clap2:

Got it....you may want to start pulling in e-mail so we don't bog it down. Your going to enjoy this. :biggrin1: Yes, the awards were on this year. Can't remember the exact date. Nothing has ever been funnier though than when Tony took off his jacket and was wearing his HANS strap (is that what's it's called?). Did you see that one a few yrs ago? Lingerie drawer....now there's an idea.

Hey Karen ~ We'll all be looking for that LBT sign!! I hope your getting along OK with your fill. Enjoy and have a super duper time!! On my gosh Kim....you are too funny!! :heh: I'm almost afraid to ask her. She might come through the phone. I'll wait until I know she's in a good mood which is usually b4 race day if you know what I mean. Yup, I'm sure there would be a line of chubby girls waiting on Tony if he would say the word. A few years ago, he did have a girlfriend at the banquet. It may have been when he took his first championship. She was very thin. He was a bit thinner then too. Hi DELRUD75 ~ Glad you stopped by. Be sure to come back after the race and let us know what you thought. Doty ~ I have tons of pics that I've gotten from here and there. Tony has his own special folder on my hard drive. :rolleyes I just used one of the pics as my avatar. I didn't have to resize or anything. I can send you a PM with attachments....can you do that on a PM or does it have to be an e-mail? I'll check into that. If I had a life size Tony, my king size bed would get smaller....oh yeah!! Poor Gordon in the sock drawer, huh? :heh:

I was so excited to get my package today from my secret bunny....MyChevyGirl!! Thank you so much!! Not only was the gift awesome, but it came from a member of our NASCAR family.... us fans stick together. :biggrin1: Here's is what was in my basket: ~Garden Gloves ~Seeds...sunflowers, forget-me-nots, & violas. I love to work in my flower gardens so these are perfect! ~The cutest little box that contained my Bunny Angel. This angel is holding an Easter basket with a chocolate bunny. Inside it says....I will be there when nobody else is, to care, kiss away tears and bring smiles on rainy days. And always - to be a very best friend. Because everybody needs somebody...That's Me! ~Tony Stewart Easter Egg....GO SMOKE # 20 ~Several chocolate mint truffles. I ate one and thought I just had sex. My husband asked why I was moaning....I told him to try one. Love them. ~A lovely basket with a liner featuring embroidered butterflies. ~Last, but not least, a sweet beautiful card Thank you again MyChevyGirl!! You are too sweet!!!

You are so inspiring!! Even though you said in the beginning your post was long, I was longing for more. Thank you so much for sharing all of this. I have no idea if I'll need PS, but you make it sound enticing....not easy....but enticing. I bet Jaz was glad to have you home and I'm sure Bailey had some wet kisses waiting for you!! So glad to hear of your success!! Take care and get some rest. :scared:

I don't know if my surgeon (see signature) does fills for patients other than his own, but I would contact the bariatric center below for info. They should be able to help you. Good luck!! Bariatric Weight Loss Center of Excellence St.Vincent Carmel Hospital 13430 North Meridian, Suite 168 Carmel, IN 46032 Phone numbers: (317) 582-7088 Toll-free 1-877-831-1582

Yup....that's exactly what I was thinking. I'll have to double check my list from the dietician, but I'm pretty sure they said no cereal with milk. Surgeons can vary as we know. I could very well do on 1/2 c of milk with a fiber cereal. The Fiber One on yogurt does sound very good. :hungry: I just told my husband when we were banded, we weren't allowed to eat cereal. He didn't like that too well since we are both fans of the stuff. :scared: Thanks for the info. :biggrin1:

Kellie ~ There are many things my husband does that irritates me. Some of them I found out later in our marriage, but they are not things that are deal breakers. I admire you for asking this question b/c it sounds like you may have some concerns. These may be insignificant in the big picture, but it is great that you are willing to face them now before you make such a commitment. Vines gave some good advice IMO of getting premarital counseling. It can't hurt. I've never been, but I would go in a heartbeat if our relationship was in trouble. At the very least....please take some time and do some research on www.drphil.com. He does give some solid advice on relationships and there are even some quizzes you can take online. You don't have to agree with everything, but he makes some good points. One thing I heard him say yesterday, was that you should never have to change your "authentic self" for a relationship. Think about that. So very true.

:scared: I'm curious.....how do you get shredded wheat and Fiber One down without using milk or water? I love both of them even preband, but can't imagine eating them without some form of liquid.

Carlene ~ What a Prima Dona!! She is just too cute!! Is Lucy a Shih Tzu or a Lhasa?

I am so sorry about your terrible loss. I will lift your entire family up in prayer. We buried my MIL 3 yrs ago from ovarian cancer and one thing we were thankful for was that she was no longer in pain. Cancer is such an evil thing. I'm sure your aunt is smiling down on all of you....God bless her soul!!

I agree....there was something about Brooke. I think she made Gordon put up the front he did for so many years. Dr. Phil always says, "No matter how flat you make a pancake, it always has 2 sides." I can't stand a cheater either. I just let that go b/c who knows what really happened. I don't think Gordon and Jimmie are bullies, but I do think they get more press time than anyone else. Then again, Jimmie does appear out of no where at the end of a race....what the heck? I do wonder now what was being done on pit road. Chad will always have a dark cloud over his head from now on. I am all for Martin to win the championship!! That man deserves it and he's a racing icon if you ask me. Maybe he's too nice. I love him anyway. I wonder if he still takes Viagra? :heh: Sorry....couldn't resist that one. :biggrin1:

:pound: I LOVE IT!! Fight the good fight!!

Welcome and congratulations on your decision to begin a new journey!! This is a great community of wonderful people. :welcome:

Let me clarify....I don't actually finish my DH's sentences, but I can tell you exactly what he is going to say. For us, that is part of true love b/c we know each other that well. Sometimes I surprised and that's a good thing. It's not just one thing that creates true love or holds a couple together. It takes more things than can be listed on this board. If your in love, you know that. This is only partially correct IMO. It is also how the other person makes you feel. You do have to give of yourself and I would venture to say that anyone that has experienced true love has a made a decision to make themselves vulnerable to another person. We all have a certain amount of personal protection....some more than others. Before you do that, you experience some sense of love and acceptance. Some people do stay with an abusive partner, but who could honestly say they married someone b/c they belittled them, made them feel worthless, and so on and so forth? You had to feel special and loved in your own sort of way. We are all different, so it's different for everyone. Do I sound like I'm rambling....sorry if I do!! :cry I am so much in love it's not funny and I love giving my ALL to my husband and don't feel worthy of his love sometimes. He is a great man and I am so blessed!!! On a personal note, I know I can love b/c God first loved me enough to give His Son on Calvary. That is TRUE LOVE. This is not intended to create controversy, but this is my personal experience. I don't ask you to agree....I am who I am.

Last night I attended my final group session required for insurance. This group was the smallest with 15 people. It was the best yet b/c more Q & A was possible. Once again, I was welcomed with open arms and never judged for my decision to get the band. I even thanked everyone for being so supportive & told them of some horror stories of bandsters being treated poorly. I can't say enough about the willingness of people to listen and help with the few questions I had. Now that I've fulfilled insurance requirements, I know this will be my real home for support. Elisabethsew ~ Hi there and welcome! Congratulations on your band. :clap2: I am preband and waiting on insurance. It will be nice to have your experience and insight. You made a good in point in saying it's not the road, but the destination. GeezerSue ~ I agree...very well said!! I wished they did offer mixed meetings here, but so far after attending 3 support groups at various locations through St Vincent's, I have been the only person choosing the band. I wonder if there are not many out there or if they just don't attend meetings. O.K., this will probably sound stupid, but do they really have carbon filters? You made it sound so true. Interesting. :guess

Kathy ~ We like our sleep too and Danny wears his pull-ups at night. One night I found him sleeping naked from the waist down. Found the pull-up and pants on the floor in the bathroom. I was so happy got up on his own. :clap2: FunnyDuddies ~ All I can say is OH MY GOODNESS!! You poor mommy!! I would just die facing what you do. I would also KILL my husband. :tired It sounds like he knows what to do, but maybe it is a bit soon for him. Danny will turn 4 in July and the last couple of weeks are the only ones we really worked on potty training b/c he put up such a fight. Also, my kids love to be naked and I get scolded by my mother for letting them do so. They do it more after a bath than any time else. It is helpful when potty training though. dylansmom ~ Maybe he needs to talk to daddy on the phone during the day. I know after my husband went back to work after surgery last year, our oldest started peeing on the floor in his bedroom. We made phone calls every day to daddy and it stopped. Kids are funny creatures. Good luck!! Paula ~ So funny your guy wants to poop outside!! Danny wanted to pee outside while we were at Burger King today. I got some strange looks. We used the bathroom, of course.