Kat817

Wow---I truly believe this is a classic case of "the grass is always greener..."!!! But yes, we could easily figure a meet up! I would guess the Albq/Santa Fe area would have the most bang for the buck. But mostly depends on what you want to see. Indian Ruins are more in the 4 corners.....but there is a definitive lack of shopping, often times even for the native american arts----as they do travel a circuit usually of flea markets and craft fairs. I am pretty sure the NM State Fair is the 2nd & 3rd weekends in September....there are lots of different arts brought in for that, and many for sale, as well as Old Town in Albq. going strong, with Native American Arts & Crafts. Then the balloon fiesta is the first 2 weekends in October---and things are pretty widely open then, most of the Pueblos have a showing etc. You are unfortunately not talking to most organized person in the world....or even in the state of NM....definitely not even in my small town....ok, ok, ok, not even the most organized in my household of 2 people!!! BUT I am willing to look into whatever, whenever! There is a big Tram up the Sandia's you can ride up, I am working on being brave enough to go---I am doing it before I hit 50---I have promised myself--I think this is the year! The Ruins near me are---right here in town is the Aztec Ruins, nearby are the Salmon Ruins, and in SW Colorado is the Mesa Verde Ruins which are amazing!! It takes a day or 2 to fully see all the offerings they have. Y'all discuss it, and let me know what you want more info on. Most of the ruins, and the special attractions such as the fair and the balloons should be available to look at online. Albuquerque - Official City Website then look in the visiting for that info. I have to get some things put away--------go to run errands and check my computer before finishing my job----there is no hope for me!! And yes Wheetsin, Laurend---all are welcome! I will say NM may never be the same again!! Kat

Just a quick pop in on my way to see the tax man! Won't be as good as usualy, we cashed out some things with seeing the way the economy was going, but we always over pay, so it shouldn't hurt too bad. Pamela--I have had multiple knee surgeries, and in my case the arthroscopic surgeries, have been an improvement over the pain I was in going in. I would have it done again before I would do the PT, and the shots.....just my own experience. Jenn--hang tough, get through the funeral, and you can all start healing. TracyK---way to go girl, I am soooo proud of you!!! Will catch the rest of you when I get back, if I don't go I am going to be late. HUGS~~ Kat

It is my understanding, now keep in mind I am not medically informed(!) that it is the removal of the hanging skin, but not a muscle repair of the stomach. In a TT they actually snug up the muscles, and in the pannectomy (apron removal) they just remove the excess skin. I also understand it is not uncommon to have both done, an apron removal during the weight loss, to improve movement etc. and then a TT when goal weight is acheived. I may however be ALL wrong!!! Maybe some of the medically trained ones on here will give us both an answer!!! Kat

NO snow for us today---yeeehaw!! We too went and voted, and come home, had dinner, and now just vegging in front of the TV. I should go hit the elliptical, but I am coming down with a cold, and simply don't feel like it, so am not doing it! Laura, hope you are having a nice dinner for your birthday! Everyone take care see ya in the morning. Kat

I am actually west...We are about 30 minutes out of Durango CO. I have family all over Colorado---so believe it or not I do know where you are talking about!! Property values have soared in the area, it is getting to be quite the hot spot for celebrities to call home!! My DD went to school functions and met up with Kate Hudson, her Mom, and Kurt Russell have a place in southern Colorado, that they raised the kids at. Oprah has a monsterous place near the slopes in Aspen. I have a friend who has 14 acres unimproved....no utilities other than a Water well drilled, in Telluride, and she rents it for pasture land, to some big computer guru, for over $5K a month!!! He has 6 horses on it...that he never does a thing with. Not too shabby for land that you have to do nothing with!!! I am not a huge snow fan myself, I am ready for summer!! We ride motorcycles, and I like the warmth!!! I used to handle the winter better---but then I lost my outer layer of insulating fat, and I get cold now!! I seldom wore a jacket before, now I hibernate in front of the fire! Hoping that eases some with the thyroid issue taken care of. LOL, I have a feeling my Mom is not going to be thrilled with divulging her weight either---but she has always wanted to go up, and has never been. I went years ago when I was married the first time, my ex husband and I were part of a chase crew for a smaller balloon fiesta they hold locally each year over Memorial Day Weekend. I loved it! Dad's dream was a glider ride, and we have managed that both locally, and then they both went when we were in Hawaii. So now we have to get Mom in a balloon!!! Kat

Are you going to be covered by insurance? If you are, you need to find out from the insurance company who they will approve, and speak directly to that Dr. Chances are with you being close to the age of consent, they would at the very least be willing to consult with you over it, and possibly begin your tests---so that when they are done, you might actually be 18! If you are not using insurance, your options are much more open. Have you thought of going out of the country? Many foreign surgeons are more lenient. I understand your Mom probably called your primary care Dr.,and while they are the best place to start, it is not his call whether a surgeon will or will not operate on you. Being 17----is different than a 14 or 15 year old minor. I suggest calling insurance first if you are planning to use it. If not, then explore options concerning other Dr.s I know they do it. Oprah just had kids on yesterday who had went through WLS. Good Luck~ And welcome to LBT! Kat

I have slimed on occasion, and PB'd 2-3 times in my 22 months of being banded. I have screwed up---not the band! But on a daily basis? No way! I would be camped out on my Dr.'s doorstep until I got the help I needed! Furthermore I have faith in both my surgeon and the Dr. I use for fills, that they would neither one allow that to be the case either. I had to kind of laugh, I was eating an orange as I read through the posts---to see how they could not eat fruits or veggies!!! For lunch I had a salad!!! To have had a band for 10 years, they were a guinea pig so to speak. Like I say I am only 22 months out, and they have even made strides in that length of time in improving the way they do the band, and even in the band itself. One of the major advantages of banding, is the fact that I can have one of the newer bands if I opt to at any time, this is not permanent if I choose it not to be. They did not remove anything! They did not cut my stomach! Imagine how YouTube could be flooded with the boring stories of all of us who have the band now and are thrilled with it!!! Would get kind of monotonous watching all the videos showing thinnner, healthier people saying how now they do not take all the prescription meds they used to, and they can exercise without joint pain, and cross their legs, and buy clothes anywhere....because there are LOTS of us with those experiences!!! Keep the complications in perspective. If you are worried speak with your Dr. Kat

Not sure you would love it this year Bjean! I am in the 4 corners area...NW of Albq. & Santa Fe. Right now I have about a foot and a half of snow in my yard! And the mountains in and around Santa Fe have more than that! In the mountains around Chama they got an additional 2 feet of snow yesterday! We are having a very wet winter! We usually get quite a bit of snow, I am just a few miles south of the Colorado border---so, close to the mountains, but this year, we have had a lot of snow! Should make for a beautiful Spring! The balloon fiesta in Albq. is the first weekend in October. The state fair there is the 2nd & 3rd weekends in September. When was the last time you were there for the balloon fiesta? Had they built the new balloon park yet? Sounds kind of odd to say they built it---when in actuality they levelled everything in order to have space! But they did build the museum for it, and vendor stalls, as well as restrooms and parking areas. This last year they broke all kinds of records for the most shaped balloons. We took my granddaughter, she loved it! A balloon ride is going to be my Moms birthday gift this year from my brother and I. If EVER you go again, let me know, I will meet you there! Kat

Haydee--you are beautiful!!! You look a lot like a younger version of your Aunt in the center---and no offense to her, but you have such a beautiful smile, it lights you up!! Kat

Ay-yi-yi!! The world would never be the same----but we'd have a helluva good time!!! And yep you can join us at the rodeo or the shopping anytime! Yes, I live near the largest Native American reservation---the Navajo Reservation, but there is also the Ute, and the Jicarilla (sounds like hick-uh-ree-uh)/Apache reservations nearby as well. The Native American arts are abundant in the area! Lots of turqoise and sterling silver jewelry, and sand paintings, as well as sculpture, and hand woven rugs, or handmade baskets and pottery, the list goes on and on! Each tribe has jewelry specialties, some use chunk turquoise for instance, and others specialize in inlaid jewlery with the turquoise, and coral, and mother of pearl. They have several pow-wows --- and Indian Fairs, where they dance. If you have never seen that, it is worth seeing! During our state fair, they have a Native American Culture Center, where they invite different tribes, to come dance, and all through the day they will have different groups dancing, in full costume...some as simple as loin cloths---others with huge elaborate feather head dresses. Most with the skin head drums being used to keep time. My DH and I sit and watch for hours! Of course it is really nice to watch while you sit and snack on their fry bread!!! Shopping abounds during fair time too....which happens mid September.....keep it in mind! It is in Albuquerque---which has an int'l. airport!!! Kat

I don't think anyone would recommend a steady breakfast diet of pancakes--or any other meal for that matter! But in the case of something like this pancake dinner she wants to attend with her family--------I personally would make the exception to my usual diet. In my own case, I chose not to diet. To try to live as normally, and eat as normally as possible. If I do anything, I will up my exercise, and keep my food intake normal. I want to live today the same way I want to live the remainder of my life, and for me that includes the occasional pancakes, dessert, ice cream, whatever. I am not a super fast loser, but it is coming off just the same, and I have never yet felt deprived. For me, the second I think about not being able to have something---I crave it until that is all I can think about!!! Possibly the cause of my obesity!!! Luckily the band has made it possible for me to allow all foods in moderation, and not feel deprived. Isn't it interesting how we all ended up overweight due to different reasons, and we all have to find our own way out of the obesity even with the band? We all talk about Dr.'s instructions being different, and we are ALL different anyway!!! If you can continue avoiding the carbs Debbie, that is awesome! I commend you for it! I wish I had that drive or ability! Kat

WHAT EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE one old love she can imagine going back to.. and one who reminds her how far she has come... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own even if she never wants to or needs to... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a youth she's content to leave behind... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a set of screwdrivers, cordless drill, and a black lace bra... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family.. A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored.. A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a feeling of control over her destiny... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW. how to fall in love without losing herself... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship... and how to change a tire... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... when to try harder... and when to walk away... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... that her childhood may not have been perfect...but its over... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... what she would and wouldn't do for love or more... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table. or a charming inn in the woods... when her soul needs soothing... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... what she can and can't accomplish in a day.. a month...and a year... (And all of "my" women on here, should know....I am a simple phone call away to help with any of the above I can. I value each of you, and hope you can look at this list, and feel you are well on your way to fulfilling it...hugs~~ Kat)

(((((JENN))))) So sorry Sweetie! I know it hurts, while in the very next breath it is a relief knowing she no longer hurts. Hang in there, support your Mom--like I know you will, and watch your kids, this may affect them more than you realize or in ways you don't expect! I had a 7 year old who went for almost 3 days without eating when Grandpa died, and things were so crazy, no one noticed until the 3rd day! Needless to say the Mom of the year award went elsewhere that year! Hope your family pulls together and finds comfort in one another. (((((more hugs))))) Kat

Pat, it very well may be that the dilution is just needed for it to be near the mucus membranes, but it did melt the plastic dropper! I would ask a pharmacist, or someone who might know, and even then if it were me, I would dab some on someplace pretty tender, and yet reachable, like under the upper arm or somewhere, and see how you react before putting it on fresh scars. I used the mederma and the Walmart equivalent on my thyroid scar I had done in November, and if I use a quick dust of mineral make up over it, it is hardly visible at all! It healed nicely, I was sooooo glad! I did not want a huge scar across my throat! Let me know what you find out, it is something we keep on hand to make his nasal spray----he uses it twice a day and has not had a single sinus issue since the day he started it! 3 drops of tea tree oil to a bottle of saline nasal spray twice a day 2 squirts each nostril. The ENT said it would keep it moisturized, yet cleaned and lessen infections that he was having one right after the other. It has been over 2 years with no infection now!!! Knocking on my desk (wood)!! Kat

Laura---enjoy your diamonds---Rick keeps getting email concerning Valentines Day....they all read something like this: This Valentines Day Buy her roses and the Jack Rabbit Vibrator! I swear! I give him major grief over it!!! LOL! Kat

What is this? We are all going to Palm Springs, and Pamela is going to be gone??? Hmmmm....I bet we could enjoy her newly remodeled house---I get the closet!!! LOL We cannot get in to vote until noon today.....noon to 7. Usually is 7-7, but since this is a caucus (sp?) and not a primary----it is different I suppose. I usually work elections, but not so much anymore with Miss Kinsey. Tracy, so glad Frank is feeling better, your family is going to whip this flu yet!!! Jenn--how you doing? Terry--your Mom calm down any? Hugs to both of you!!! I have to go post a tip of the day----suppose something about not accepting wooden nickels is not appropriate!!! Kat

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURA!!!! Hope it is wonderful!!! Pamela--have a fun and safe trip---check in when you can, and know your Violets will be thinking of you and missing you!!! And yes, I wanna come to Palm Springs, I am so sick of winter!!! More snow predicted this week. At this rate, it will be mid summer before it all melts!!! No actually it is supposed to get to the mid 40's later in the week, so we will be flooding everything, as the deep ground is still froze so the water cannot soak in....will make a loverly mess!!! Don't let yourself worry about me back here slaving away trying to clean up messes while you are off having fun....I will be ok, I am used to working, I have worked hard my whole life, don't you worry about me. See.... I HAVE been listening when my MIL talks! And I am learning how to do it!!! LMAO!! Suzanne--how scary for your brother!!! Did the bullet just pass through? Those things are so scary! I have not been back to Dinseyland in 10 years either...we keep talking about it, but chose to wait til the grandkids are old enough to take, and now my grandson is so wild---looks like we will be waiting awhile! Today when it warms up a bit---oh and gets to be light out(!!!) I am going to pull Kinsey up and down our alley on her little saucer sled! She loved the snow yesterday Manda said, and figured she will like that, and it will be fun exercise for me! Also plan to hit Curves. I have not started my water yet, I am slowly working on my chocolate milk!!! Will check on y'all later, play doh is calling!!! Kat

WTH??? Typing away and it posted??? I give up! I was just going to say, Kinsey had arrived, so I better go get our chocolate milk....she is a girl who likes her routine!!! TTYL~~ Glad you are safe Betty! Kat

Oh Betty---how scary!!!!!! Glad your things appear to be with you still----stay aware though!!! Pat-----DO NOT use tea tree oil full strength! I have no idea what it would do---BUT...we add it to an entire bottle of nasal saline, but only 3 drops! And the first time we did it, we used a plastic dropper to measure--and it melted the plastic! I can only imagine what it might do to sensitive skin! Now in the saline, it works wonders on DH's sinuses--but it is such a small amount in there! It was recommended by my ENT for him. Be Careful with it though! Kinsey h

I have no trouble with pancakes, I do try to use SF syrup, but, that is strictly a personal choice. I agree, that a trial run sounds like a great idea!!! Small bites, and go VERY slowly, one pancake is usually plenty! They hit me sudden, when I am full it is quick, and I am very full, so I always go slowly! Enjoy! Kat

Laura, glad the card was something you enjoyed, and hope you have a wonderful birthday---the bracelet is gorgeous!! My hands and wrists were the first area I lost---I was so irritated---I wanted to lose weight on my body, and instead my fingers got skinny!!! LOL Hope your DH recovers quickly. They were saying on the news that there is a strain of flu going around that was not covered in the flu shot this year, and it is everywhere! So you might get it, even if you get the shot---wonderful I thought! If I go back to the place I bought your card, I will buy you another, so you have an unaltered one for your collection. GINA!!! Girl--you are doing SOOOO great!!! You look wonderful! I am so very proud of you! And with all they yummy things you mentioned, and you still lose all that weight---you are my hero!!! Travel safe! Well....I need to clean the kitchen up~~stew was good, and it is an easy clean up too!!! TTYL~~ Kat

Most PCP's don't want to get involved. I think the biggest reason mine has been so interested and followed my success so closely is that he would like his wife to have the surgery. She does not have a huge amount of weight to lose, under 100 pounds easily, but she is diabetic, and he is VERY impressed with the results on diabetes following WLS,and he likes the "fixability" of this vs. RNY. My insurance required a nutritionist, so when I was trying to get them to cover me----I had that. I really think most Dr.'s here in the US or out of the country will require a deposit or some of the money up front----to assure them they are not wasting time and money scheduling the OR, getting things in motion---- BUT I would never use one who required 100% up front, and I have heard of them! But yeah, you are right, our healthcare in the US sure does need worked over--maybe it will happen! Kat

OK.....first, Rockies are a brand of western, higher waisted often decorative jeans, sewn to highlight your butt!!! Made for VERY thin girls....I think they size them from 00 on up! Ropers are low, flat heeled- leather western boots. They have them in both pull on, and lace up styles in every color you can imagine, girls wear pink, purple, lime green....you name it! Now as to the belt buckle....yep you find those kind of "cowboys" everywhere! Most of the actual cowboys I know---ones who work with cattle---not in a rodeo sense, but as a way of living---ranchers--have long standing jokes about the monster belt buckles. Most along the idea of the bigger the buckle...the smaller the _ _ _ _!!! When I was younger and occasioned the Country Western Bars, the big buckles were referred to as Tombstones....because they were usually erected (yeah pun intended) over a dead _ _ _ _!! Green several of us are heading to San Antonio Texas for a meet----I will think of you as I have my bbq!! Someday you have to come this way. New Mexico is not as far south as Texas, but....I can introduce you to REAL cowboys, REAL horsemen, REAL bar-b-que, and REAL belly rubbin', buckle shinin', country western dancing!!! Consider it an invite! Kat

Yeah----Frank is well, Nathan was not injured! Wow! Yeah Judy the roads here are bad, and only going to get worse as the evening freeze hits hard, all the snow that managed to melt will turn to ice. My neighbor told me we are supposed to clear up now until Thursday and get hit with yet another storm. I am soooo ready for Spring! But not going to wish my life away---as my DH insists on pointing out! Stew is on the stove bubbling away. I got a lot of things done, staying home and not going to the movie! Bills paid, floors vacuumed...dinner made, wood carried in, I did good! Hope Jenn is getting some rest....this is so hard on a family. Michelle you managing to contain your excitement? I have an area on my neck that I run a razor over once a week or so. Back with my ex, when he broke my jaw, they had a drain tube in it, and they shaved where the tube went through the skin--said I had peach fuzz that had to go. Now it grows there! Since my hysterectomy I seldom shave my legs----I use an electric razor under my arms, but did it stop that one area from growing like the rest? Nope!!! TTYL~~ Kat

Tejas----(Tay-Hoss) is in the south!! Kat