Kat817

Very cool Mandy~~ I am taking my Dad to Albq. tomorrow for a follow up from his last carotid surgery. Tuesday I am going to get somethings and get them mailed off to Abi----I am enclosing an ad I found today, was not sure if you had seen or not....for a bracelet. Sherry, I rather liked your chatty mood!!! I miss keeping in touch with everyone! I loved the pics!!! Gina, Heidi is beautiful!!! I did ok today, not nearly as nauseated as yesterday---which is a total relief. I stuck to liquids most of the day----started eating a few goldfish crackers later, and no problem....so we grabbed dinner out, and I just went by Wendy's and had part of a small chili----with no problems, so it was a relief! They moved my PS consult to this Friday. Is going to be a busy week. Tomorrow I take Dad to Albq. then Wed. I finally get my tooth pulled on out, then Friday with the PS---wooohooo!!!! Will try to check in tomorrow evening! Hugs~~ Kat

Welcome Trinitydad! You just need to look around you for inspiration! Those kids!! And they are at a great age too! To be learning about healthy eating and exercise. You can all ride bikes together--or find a new actvity you can all do together, and keep you all active. They will see your new portions, and what types of food you eat---and learn from that. They will see that you are making steps to be healthy and part of it is for them! You will not have to change your diet to the point of being unable to go with your kids and enjoy a meal--------but they will see you begin to eat more Protein and veggies, and skipping the bag of chips--------they will see you eat a cookie and head off in another direction instead of eating the entire sleeve. By the time I had surgery, my kids were grown and presenting me with grandkids----I so wanted to be able to play with them and even just LIVE to see them! And the changes come really fast! My granddaughter was 16 months old when I had surgery. She is 3 now, and looking through her babybook, she come across a picture of my DH and I holding her---she refused to believe the lady with Papa is me. "No that's not you!" So I showed her another picture of me......nope that is NOT! I love it!!! In her memory that morbidly obese woman does not exist! I had surgery a month after my grandson was born, so he will not have any memory of that either. So sit back an imagine your 7 year old looking through pictures and saying to you "Dad I cannot believe that was you!!!" It is going to happen!!! The band is going to help it happen. Mostly you wanting it enough is going to help the band, make it happen for you!!! Good Luck!!!!!!!! How exciting for you!!! Kat

Gina I wish it was something I could "paste" back in, but it isn't. This tooth is on the bottom, the first molar. Years ago, it was broken, but they managed to save it. Through the years it has had problems due to the break---which was down deep in the root itself. I was backhanded, and it had cracked they thought. Well when it finally broke off they could tell it had been broke---but survived for lots and lots of years. So when they tried putting a temporary filling thing on--it lasted for a couple of days only, and now there is no tooth. It is almost like it has already been pulled, but in reality the root is still down there, and there is this snagging piece of my tooth left that is killing my tongue---and the rest just gets food in it, and HURTS! There is nothing to grab to use to pull it. The oral surgeon is going to remove it, they are afraid with this one being broke, the one behind it might have met with the same fate, as we have thought it only cracked too. So they don't want to put the stress of a bridge on that tooth---and my jaw is not a candidate for an implant---it has been broke....so my only option is a partial plate with that tooth, and a molar on the other side in it. Not what I particularly want, but what my former life dictates! Sorry------------long answer! I hate the final result, I am hating the waiting game to get it done! And I am furious that the scale is not responding to my forced diet! Then again what I am able to eat now is not conducive to weight loss.....oh well---at this rate I am going to be gaining!!! It is windy and blustery out----so what better place to spend the day than the mall??? We are off to buy Connor's birthday presents! I need Rick to keep me in control----the grandkids make me a little spend happy!! OK a LOT spend happy!! Then I think we are going to go see Vantage Point. No popcorn--now that is just unfriggin' fair! LOL.....poor, poor, pitiful me! Will check in laterz! Kat

I have dealt with thyroid issues for years, the band surgery caused some fluctuation with my levels, but weight loss, combined with increased activity----we adjusted. Then about 4-5 months ago, I got sick with a cold, sore throat etc. When I was feeling my glands, my thyroid was huge! When the cold went away and the thyroid was still huge, I went to the Dr. Sure enough it had a massive tumor growing on it. While they did the routine tests to monitor it -- it kept growing. It got to the point that laying on my back, it weighed so heavily it blocked off my air! I was having issues swallowing. The needle biopsy showed cancerous cells forming. So off to surgery we went. There was a pathologist in the OR. There was one massive tumor orange to grapefruit size---growing from the isthmus (the center---your thyroid looks kind of like a bow tie---so the knot is the isthmus) and the entire right lobe were attached to the tumor, so they come out. Pathology in the OR found it to not be cancerous yet---it eventually might have developed into cancer, but the rate it was growing would have choked me to death first!!! Great thought huh??? They left the left lobe, so my body would produce some natural hormones, and it was not affected by the tumor. Of course it will be closely watched. I have had 2 sets of blood work since, and am still working to adjust the meds---but I feel sooooo much better! It is a pain to level out---and your number will vary from day to day. Just keep a watch on it, if it gets too low, it does affect your metabolism, and your ability to lose weight. Welcome to bandland and to LBT!!! Kat

My surgeon used a low profile port---and it is still well into the muscle, I can feel it by pushing lightly, but no one else would notice. Kat

Morning girls~ Cool on the car Mandy---post a pic! Yep Betty still coming to TX. Going with the Shrinking Violets Bandsters in May the 16th -19th to Gruene, and San Antonio. Then we will be taking my inlaws down to our place in June. Normally we would go in April, and prep the house, and sell some stock etc. but they have a school reunion in June, so rather than spend all our vacation time off there---we will skip April and do June. Will contact you with exact dates! We went to Arenacross last night. Indoor motocross--motorcycle and ATV races...and they had a big freestyle competition, where they jump and do flips with their bikes, and let go----just hanging on to the seat with their hands...amazing!!! They had races for 4-7 year olds of 50cc. bikes---omg how cute were they? I was amazed some of them could walk around holding up all the chest plates, and guards, and helmet, let alone balance and ride the tracks, with jumps and berms and all!!! One little girl had this beautiful long hair blowing behind her bike!! Kinsey went in her full western get up...which is not unusual, she likes her boots and hat---but she cowboyed up for last night, then decided SHE wants a motorcycle!!! She is so much like her Mom!! She morphs into any situation! Hope your box turns up soon Betty---sounds like a fun one to dig into!!! Well I think I might have a stomach bug---I was band worried for a bit, nothing was settling, but now even with nothing in my stomach, it feels super queasy. And I feel kind of yucky in general. Of course my first thought was band slipped! Will that panic ever go away??? Sticking to liquids, and not much of them---nothing in this world sounds good to me---how wierd is that??? Will check in with you girlies later! Kat

Good morning girls! What a lazy bum I am !!! Slept in, read the paper....so decided to get me a glass of tea and see what my girls are up to! We did the arenacross last night. It was lots of fun! I know motorcycles are not everyones thing---but we enjoyed it!! They had an entire motorcycle motocross track set up indoors! Thye even had a segment of strictly young racers on little 50 & 85cc. bikes---these kids (boys and girls) ranged in age from 4 to 7. Little bitty kids on motorcycles. Of course they are in full protective gear, chest plates, helmets...gueards---you name it...how some of the little bitty guys even carried around the gear, let alone balanced and rode like they did is amazing!! Then they had the jump ramp for the freestyle, where they flip the bikes, and let go pretty amazing! A few crashes, no serious injuries so it was fun! Only downfall, was metal bleachers....Rick is not as healed as he hoped. I let him have my jacket to sit on!!! Which was mighty nice of me---it may have been indoors, but they had to have lots of ventilation with the exhaust---so it was not what I called warm in there, and he wore a thermal shirt under his shirt so he didn't have to keep up with a coat---kind of hinting that I would not want to deal with my coat when we got there-----but I was nice!!! LOL Pamela--I will try to get a picture of Kinsey in her cow boots...you have to be very careful of her wearing them if you pick her up, they slide right off--------but she is too big, and active for the infant style boots they have, and this is the smallest the western stores carry----well almost. These are 5.5 and a 5 is the smallest, but they did not have the requisite pink~~naturally. So if you pick her up--they sometimes do not come along! I can guarantee she did not get her small feet from me!!! Her Mom is about a half size smaller than me and that is it, but her Dad had small feet, and his mom is little bitty---thinking she may follow that side in size---dammit! Anyway she wore her boots, her black wranglers, black & pink plaid western shirt, pink belt, and pink cow hat last night----she was stylin'!!! And all night long she wanted to ride the sheep. Last time we had her at the fairgrounds where the arenacross was --- they were "Mutton Busting" kids 4-5 & 6-7 were riding sheep in a rodeo type event. She wanted to ride sooooo bad!!! She still does! Meanwhile, I have to figure a way to keep her boots on her when we do go ride, she is so happy! Gramma wears boots to ride so she wants to to. All along she has called me Granny---and suddenly she refuses, I am now Gramma. I liked being Granny! Well my band is having problems. Thinking (hoping) it is swelling. But nothing wants to stay down well. I got sick the other day---lunch made me sick--as in nauseated, and sick----and since then if I eat more than a couple of bites....ooooh sick again! So I am going liquids for awhile and see if it helps. Some stomach virus is going around hot &heavy---I may have that I don't know, even with nothing on my stomach it feels super queasy. Can we EVER stop worrying that every little thing is our band???? Keep your fingers crossed for me! Terry how is Mom? Tracy---wedding ready??? BBL~~ brother is here! Kat

Tapshoes----welcome to Band Land!!! Hope you are feeling pretty good following the surgery. I cannot say as I have ever heard of anything called Endura..... I can say---that you will not risk failure by waiting until Monday and checking with the office!!! If you are to have it now, I personally rather doubt it is Ensure---as Ensure is not a clear liquid....it is like a shake. Usually you are not allowed that for a week. I was only allowed clear liquid immediately following the surgery. I drank juice, Water, tea, broths, and also used lots of Zero Carb Isopure for protien (and this may be a similar thing -clear protein) I would call someplace like GNC and see if they had heard of it. Never worry about asking questions, or offering answers if you see a question from someone else. Sometimes just knowing someone is out there that has lived through what you are doing helps!!! I would avoid the ensure until you have been moved to heavier liquids---depending on what your surgeons schedule is for diet. Lots of sipping liquids, and lots of short walks will have you up and around soon!!!! Good Luck to you! Welcome to LBT as well as band land!!! Kat

Do you have any co morbidities? High blood pressure, diabetes---anything? That makes approval easier. As for the surgery, it is surgery, you often feel crummy from the anesthesia, as well as the fact that you will be cut, your abdomin filled with air, and the operation done---but over all it was a very easy surgery to me! I have had several and this was easier than anything else--I have dental surgery coming up, and I would much rather be banded again!!!! I provide daycare for my granddaughter--she was 16 months old when I had it done, and I was back to having her full time in 5 days. I held her hand and let her climg up on things I would usually have lifted her for. Any surgery is scary. But so is morbid obesity. Just think if you have surgery now, and lose the weight, when your son goes to school, you will not have the thoughts of being the fat Mom when you walk into his class. You will have a few days when he is a baby that you cannot play with him as rough as usual maybe---but in exchange, before long you can chase him accross the park! You can go down the slide with him--take him to a public pool, and concentrate on fun, not on how you look or if people are watching you! I support you young girls doing this early!!! Take control now, and let the band help you to learn HEALTHY eating habits and good portion control! Help it give you a good life. Swallow the natural fears, and do what you need to to give you and your son a healthy future! Welcome to LBT!! Kat

How about Glory Blaze..........just heard The Boss.....!!! Kat

Who do you think running for election has the power to say "no more"? Kat

Hi Kathy~ When our plans fell through, we moved on to make new plans---and at this point all of our reservations have been made. There is a big Lap Band Splash going on sometime soon in Oregon I think it is----I had made plans to attend this one with the Shrinking Violets group---a group of us all banded at the same time, that have been together since the beginning---and could not do both, so I don't know much about the Splash. I also read recently about a group planning a meet in Vegas. We will be in Texas--San Antonio area the middle of May. If you will be in the area let us know!! As I say our reservations have been made and paid for...so our trip is closed I guess you would say at this point. Hang out-----look around, there are usually several meet ups being planned, maybe you can get in on the next one coming up!!! Hope so! Kat

When do you go back to the Dr.? Let us know what HE himself has to say about all this, I would be interested to know... Hope it turns out well for you!!! Kat

You came to the right place, you will find "rooms" aka threads full of buddies!!! This is an awesome site, for information, and support both. Anytime you want someone to chat with one on one, you just let me know!!! In the meantime, look around, respond to other people's posts that interest you--learn how the site works--and you will be surprised at the sudden influx of band buddies you have!!!! I agree with Susan, the way you are reacting with your band is perfectly normal, sounds like it is just time for your next fill/adjustment. Welcome to LBT---I look forward to following your progress and getting to know you! Kat

Some people have extreme hair loss (me) and others none. I can honestly say, I kept my Protein at recommended levels. I tried Biotin, nioxin....and numerous special Shampoos---Folicure, Progain.....I increased the fats in my diet...I worked hard at keeping a well balanced diet. I had my blood drawn, and had no deficiencies. I lost well over half of my hair. Mine began at about 4 months, and continued until probably 11 months out. I had to clean the shower drains and the vaccuum at least twice a week! Not to mention my brushes! I had actually begun looking into wigs---I was afraid it was all going to fall out---my part had become very wide, and you could see my scalp..... I have lost all my hair before due to chemo---so I may be predestined to lose it easier, I have no idea. Once it stopped, it stopped! It has been growing in pretty steady since. I have noticed in the last couple of weeks more falling out. I had to have surgery again in November---so am afraid it is starting over. I will not try anything this time, just do my best to wait it out, and see how it goes. Wish I had more encouraging news for you---the best part it--it does stop, and it does grow back. And the pounds stay off. So.....relax as much as you can, and think positive thoughts-----out with the old, in with the new!!! Sorry~ Kat

Oh Judy, that is just horrible! I know there are so many out there who never will have the chance at having the surgery. So many insurance companies balk, and self pay is not cheap. And the kicker to that is the foods that lower income people can afford to eat, is where the problems start....it is so much cheaper to buy a box of mac & cheese than to buy the things to make a salad! It is incredibly sad, that the man had finally gotten approved. And never got to see it work. Enjoy your cruise!!! Stroll the deck for me!! Kat

Hi Angie, at this point my advice would be to read as much as possible, be extremely well prepared! Do TONS of research, know what you are looking at, and what questions to ask! Check out your Dr. and the hospital----just BE PREPARED! I don't mean that, like it is a hard thing---but it does take work, and commitment to getting healthy! This is a great site to get some wonderful information!!! Welcome! Kat

Another thing--and it will sound minor, but will make a big difference---get outside---and breath!!! If you are already feeling fatigued, don't go out trying to "work out" but go out, and take a walk, breath in some fresh air, get your blood moving a bit!!! It helps you feel more alert----wakes up your brain!!! Kat

I have no experience with that type of thing, but sometimes you can get Cobra coverage to etend following the end of an insurance---I know one bandster who was banded on Cobra. Hang in there......those in the know might know how to get around this!!! Kat

Once when I had my Grandma in the hospital, she was prepped for surgery with all the clean you out stuff--admitted, then the surgery cancelled, while they ran a few more tests the next day. They kept her NPO because they were afraid that her intestines would totally block up and it would have to be done, so her only intake was through her IV. Well the next day they decided yep it needed to be done, so Standard Procedure for them was the clean em out stuff--so they made her drink it again--even though she kept telling them she had not eaten in 3 days. Well drinking all that again, totally screwed up her electrolytes, and she was like a crazy woman, talking to people who were not there, complaining about the curtains being crooked, and the things she said or complained about were repetitive. There was always a man with no legs, and a little boy and girl....ALWAYS! Then I walked in,and she out of bed-----VERY weak------stomping on the ground, she thought the phone cords and the IV tube everything was snakes, she was so scared her heart rate was over 180---and no one around! I tried to calm her down, she did not recognize me! Finally I grabbed her water pitcher and threw it out the door into the hall~ then went the box of kleenex, and then the little spit tray--everything on her bedside table. Sure enough within just a few seconds this bitchy nurse come in "Dammit Mrs. Little" until she saw me throwing things and Grandma stomping the floor--I told her 'Help my Grandma!" She tried manhandling her, Grandma's IV is bleeding....finally a male nurse come in, and for some reason his presence calmed her a bit, and the old biddy nurse tells me these dementia patients sure make life hard. I was livid! I told her that she does not have dementia---until yesterday she was a mild mannered pleasant woman, who could have outsmarted her any day of the week, something was wrong! Lucky for us the surgeon happened around, and refused the surgery until her mental state was evaluated. Ended up all because of the imbalance of electrolytes!!! She was crazy acting! When they got her balanced back out she was Grandma again----until after the surgery when she was given morphine despite a hospital bracelet, and a chart that showed her as being allergic!!! I went out an apologized to the maintenance lady and offered to help clean up the mess I made in the hall, and she said it was not the first time!!! By and large we had spectacular nursing care. But when it was bad----it was really horrid! My Grandma was so sweet to them, she usually won over the staff, and they took great care, but there were some who were so mean acting, it infuriated me, I would always ask for her to have a different nurse. Take care of her Terry-----spend some good time with her--while she feels better. The new temporary filling fell out again. Of course--it is the weekend again! So I am back to iquids and soft non chewing foods again. So ready to be done with this!!! If I could find something I wanted that was weight friendly maybe I could use this time to drop a pound or 2! But not me, I gravitate to the milk shakes! I guess I need to go shopping and stock up on some early band days pureed and mushie food.....and this is not even band related!!! My DD is so excited. We looked through the book on line, and I was flashing back to when she was coming in from her room, reading me a bit at a time. Actually a Chapter at a time. She would come up with a new happening----and read it to me, and look at me with such excitement, and question in her eyes, wondering what I thought, and when we would page forward---she'd glance at me with the same look. Brought tears to my eyes!!! The whole thing is kind of amazing. I have watched her tweak this book, as well as write others....for years----but this one was what started it, and she knew it!!! We have remained friends with her teacher from 5th grade, who had the kids do this project. So when it gets into print and we can actually hold it, she is going to take one to her. For winning the 1st place back in 5th grade she got to pick out a new book and have a dedication thing put in it for the school library----I think we need to have one for the school library, but not sure how they pick books. And it may be a bit juvenile for them....dunno! I'll let you know when it hits the store! They have another of her stories now----but no word. Gotta go find something to take for my mouth throbbing---together Susanne and I have hoof & mouth disease!!!! Kat

I bought Kinsey the cutest little pair of pink size 5 "cow boots" today!!! Not cowboy boots she is not a boy----I suggested cowgirl---but they are simply Cowboots....toooo cute!!! To be honest, I walked in the western store to pick up our tickets to the arenacross thing, and walked out $93.00 poorer...but OMG she looked adorable!!! And lots of it was clearanced! I have boots----gee I'll have to find something else to buy!!! Darn! Kat

Pamela---when my Dad had his toenails removed from his big toe due to repeated ingrown issues---they throbbed and he was miserable. Laying on the couch with his feet up on the arm helped, got them up higher than his heart...and the throbbing stopped, so the pain meds could kick in----seriously no pun intended---too painful to laugh about. Then when he come off the pain meds, someone in the podiatrist office told him instead of Tylenon or Ibuprofin to take Midol---that it helps with the rythmic type of pain---like earaches, or toothaches, or something like this that throbs best. He said it worked----and he also said he did not have any cramps at all. Hope Susanne improves quickly---think that will be one of those surgeries once she recovers she will be forever glad she had it done! The pineapple juice was recommended by my fill Dr. as one of the first steps when you believe something is stuck. VERY small sips of room temperature unsweetened pineapple juice. It has an acidic base that helps to break food down. Especially foods like bread. He also said to get Papaya Enzyme tablets and if you can to chew one up---but sometimes that makes you too full, and hello PB! And the last suggestion was for meat that is stuck or something the pineapple juice does not help---and is a last resort before an unfill---and that is to drink a Tablespoon of meat tenderizer. To break the food down and allow everything to pass. I use the pineapple juice without issue, and it has helped a lot of times. But sometimes if I drink something carbonated, and can burp---it is actually like my band is vaporlocked or something, once I get the air moved---then I am fine. Not tonight....Diet DP did not help, so sipping some pineapple juice. I have not eaten in hours-----so.....hoping I can drink some of this and let everything work then it will get better. I tend to do the opposite with Ricks plate and over fill it! He is always telling me to fix his plate like mine and if he wants more he can get it. So I did, I put my amounts on his plate---he laughed and ask me what the hell? I always use small salad plates---he uses dinner plates, so here is this spoon of this and spoon of that on his plate----he figured it out, he makes his own now and I don't worry about it!!! If I fix it and give him too much, he just doesn't eat it all! Wow! News just come on and a restaurant we go to in Durango (just across the Colorado border) caught fire---right on historic main street---and took out the stores on either side of it, and during the battling the blaze--something exploded and took down 7 firefighters, but just injured them---none were killed. WOW! Well---I gave myself hiccups with the juice!!! Think I will walk around a bit, maybe hit the elliptical a minute see if it jars anything!!! Oh yeah---Manda got her contract looked over and approved by her attorney---she got a check, and got to see the book mocked up on the computer!!! My DD is going to be a published author----of a book she originally wrote in 5th grade!!! Night girlies! Kat

Right back atcha Mandy---I honestly cannot tell you how much I relied on you girls here to allow me to let out all my feelings when Rick was so bad....and not long ago when I thought I was possibly looking at more chemo----you have all become more than an anonymous person typing somewhere.....so strange, but so true!!!!!! So glad I have all of you! When you get past all of this, I am going to have my DD talk to you one day---they are planning a Disney Do! Hugs~~ Kat

Awww Mandy--I was hoping both you and Abi were doing better. I think in the long run, you are making the right choice---it obviously is not healing without the intervention. I will get a card in the mail to Abi tomorrow----well, actually give me a day or 2, and it might be a large envelope!! And you my dear will be in my prayers----big old giant hugs to you! Know that my love is with you and your DH as you go through this hard time. I know you would trade places with her in a heartbeat....I've been there---sending my child off to surgery. There is a young man of about 12 who writes an article for our little local freebie newspaper----he calls the article The Big C....he is in remission for the 2nd or 3rd time right now---and he is detailing his experiences in the hospital as he has dealt with his cancer. Some times it is heart wrenching---his biggest concern is always how upset his Mom is. I know it is scary letting this go on with Abi---but Mandy it could be so many worse things. Let the Dr. fix this, then Abi can go on, without fear everytime the poor little Darlin' needs to sniff! My cell phone is ALWAYS on----you can call me day or night. If you wake up at 3 AM in a panic---you can call! I am sorry you have to face this....for what it is worth I think you made a wise choice. You are a smart woman, a wonderful Mom, and everything is going to be ok......Hugs!!!! Kat

I like this idea--the old pin up stars did not have particularly off the wall cutesy names.........sticking with that----and the name you chose yourself here I vote for Kitty Butler-----oh I really liked it til I said it, now it sounds like a fancy cat box!!! LMAO Ok how about Kitty Dalton........ My stripper name btw is Raquel Glitter Kiss......hmmmmmmm This is fun! Hope doing the pics is as much fun as naming you!!! Kat