Kat817

I was also going to tell you, if you post something and then get no responses, bump it....even if you just go in and type ??????????????...something to bring it back up. Often times, it slows down when everyone is at work---or someone will post in the same category, and yours gets buried. If I sound like I speak from experience----I am!!! Sometimes it gets hits right away, other times no one sees it, so it has to be brought to the top again. Worst case scenario and there are still no responses---PM me, there are a bunch of us regulars who I know you can send a question to and we won't mind. I KNOW I don't---anytime! SOOOOO glad to hear your DD is in remission!! I just got my second cancer diagnosis. I made it 4 years cancer free. This time it is minor in the overall scheme of things, and if you have to have cancer I got one of the good ones to get! My thyroid....it is being removed on the 16th. Nothing compared to what your DD is going through, but to hear good stories, always bolsters my spirits!!! I would be willing to bet the drainage is messing with your band---it does mine when I get a cold. Hang in there---spit when you can as opposed to swallowing, no matter how gross it is! Kat

Well...........lets see...........Kat817.........LOL August 17th! My DH is August 3rd. He is not a typical Leo, and if possible even less so than I am. I have a friend who is totally into the astrology stuff, that I know nothing about, she tells me it is because he has a rising sign of Gemini....means zilch to me!!! Kat

Hi, welcome to LBT,and welcome to bandland! I know it is hard not to worry about regaining weight, especially since we have thought that way about it for years and years!!! But in reality right now, it is time to heal, and you should eat with that in mind. Try eating the mushiest, yet healthiest items you can. The weight loss will come with restriction, when you are ready for your fills to begin. The band is likely causing a small amount of restriction simply being in place, but not so much that you will feel it ususally, and a lot of early restriction is simply being felt due to swelling. When the swelling goes down, the restriction leaves. Band placement varies within patients, and Dr.'s and it seems how it is placed makes a difference with your hunger. The nerves that signal hunger are at the top of the stomach, and my fill Dr. said occasionally the band is placed where it is in contact with them, and you simply do not feel physical hunger anymore. But most it is simply in the vicinity of the nerves, and your hunger is lessened by remaining full for long periods as well as pressure being on the nerve from the band. It is what helps you make better decisions. I know personally it is much easier to make a good food choice now that I am not starving all the time. The head hunger, the desire to simply snack, and eat for the sake of eating, is something the band does not help at all---you have to control that....wish it too could be curbed!!! I never had any nausea, so sorry I cannot help with that. You might try a GasX strip with the bloated feeling....it does ease as time goes on. Good Luck, hang out, we look forward to getting to know you---if you have any issues, ask---there are some really wise people here and they are always willing to help---this site has been a life saver to me!! Kat

Yep, it is official Wheets---I have multiple personalities!!! I never know from one day to the next which I am going to be! I enjoyed reading it though, and could put someone I know into each of the categories!! Amazing how some of the characteristics truly do fall in with one another. Kat

Yea!!! You got the needed info---and that was whether the new insurance will cover WLS at all. Some companies opt out, even if the insurance company offers it. Now that you know they do....you can get busy!!! Call them and get a list of what they require, and then begin filling it in....make sure to copy EVERYTHING. Also take detailed notes, as to who you speak with, when, what they said--everything! When you know what you need you can begin calling in records from other Dr.'s offices. Making lists of previous diet attempts. Look into having your apnea diagnosed----most insurance will require a sleep study anyway, so it would just be a step in the right direction. You can even take very candid photos to show that you do need the surgery---it can all be included in your packet sent to insurance. If you have ever taken meds for high blood pressure, or had a high cholesterol reading, any of that is good info to include. Then keep in mind that some insurance companies have an automatic denial---do not be afraid to appeal the decision, some of them, it is not even looked at until appeal! Hang in there, look around this and other sites, ask any questions you come up with. WLS is not an easy way out. It is something you are doing to improve your health. You will work with the band if that is what you choose, but it makes losing the weight a do-able thing---it is so much easier making the right choices when you are not starving all the time, and there is the little silicone fist wrapped around your belly keeping your portions small. I love my band---and I encourage you to look into it as well as into the bypass. Whatever decision you make, make sure it is a well informed one. If you have someone who will be with you following the surgery---see if they can attend the seminar with you, it makes everything easier, when there is more than one of you trying to take in all the info, and then afterwards they are informed as well! Good Luck!!! Kat

LOL Lauren, at least YOU were in the right age group---I have children your age, and so I too can sing along with many boy bands---and others that are MUCH younger than what is considered my age of music!!! Oh well--I also know every song Alice Cooper sings---thanks to my brother. Good thing Other people introduced me to different music I might still just have nothing but the Bee Gees playing!!! LMAO Kat

Now Nina if we could figure out a way to lose the desire along with the ability to eat some of those things we would have it made!!! Kat

I am not ashamed to admit to what music I listen to, but before we began using the Ipod in the car, I always used the CD player---it is a 6 disc changer. I picked 6 I like, and NEVER changed them!!! The only time they got changed was if DH and I went on a trip or something, he listens once and changes it---what a concept!!! Kat

Can't wait to trade my 2 month old horse for a new born giraffe----sounds like a carnival game!!! Fun comparisons! I always freak out when I go with my DD and she buys the 50 pound bag of dog food, to think I used to walk around with 2 of those strapped to my body! WOW! Kat

Judy he is too cute!!! One time many (almost 23) years ago, my DD had just turned 3 and she was so proud of that. One days she had done something and I told her "You are just too cute" She stopped, put her hands on her hips and told me "I am not, I is 3 cute!" I will download my Halloween pics and show y'all my Queen sometime today if I get myself together!! Kat

I too sent the left over candy to work with DH this morning. Out of sight---maybe not out of mind, but at least out of reach!!! Kat

Hey LaWanda-- First of all let me say I hope your DD is doing well, and if you ever need to vent, or feel the need to ask for extra prayers---do so! I will say one for her...and for you for added strength as YOU deal with your childs illness. There are 2 things that might have made the meat an issue. #1. Stress from the obvious, DD+chemo. Would stress ANY Mom. ((hugs)) And #2. Could be the cold. When you have lots of mucus, it is similar to us sliming, it fills the belly, and there is just not a lot of room. Plus fever can cause you to swell---so anytime you feel sick, it makes eating a whole new adventure!!! When I am sick is about the only time meat bothers me....of course as you say chew it really well! Take care---please keep us posted on your DD's condition. Kat

Oh yeah---and if she keeps trying to say YOU told her this or that--reverse it on her. Tell her you are sorry if she misunderstood, but that is not a service your company offers, and it never has, so that is not something you would have said. That you will try to remember in the future to be sure to state that to clients very clearly, to avoid any future misunderstandings........ Minor points--but she will say YOU told her this or that---they always do. It is amazing through the years the number of parents I told I would keep their child at no charge for any number of reasons....people can be so ridiculous!! Kat

Laura, whatever you do in your meeting with the difficult client, do not let her drag you into an arguement....I have found through the years---and many small claims cases (collecting unpaid child care bills mostly). Go in with a sparkle in your eye, being cheerful and friendly to everyone including her. State your case very efficiently, in detail, without accusation, just facts....for instance... I spoke with Ms. Butthead on Oct. 16th, and let her know her graphics were not going to work and she was to get back to me, but we never heard from her, and then she somehow got the impression WE were going to fix her problem. I repeatedly told her that was not an option, but she insisted, and has called repeatedly, sometimes as often as every 15 minutes to try to settle this, while that hardly gives me time to meet with the department actually working on her order. As of this time I have been unable to satisfy her concerning her order. It brings you across as capable, and yet human. At no time do you ever say she is a stupid, ignorant cow! But the sparkle in your eye when you look at her lets you both know you think it just the same!!!! Now keep in mind she will likely interupt you a dozen times as you try to get your little detailed speech said. When she opens her mouth---shut yours---completely, do not let her get you into an overtalking situation, and do not interupt her. If you disagree with something she says, write it down, take a notebook with you, and address it when she finishes speaking. It makes you come across as efficient, and not arguementive. And I have found when you stick to your original statement, and just don't say much--it turns into a case of "give them enough rope and they will hang themselves". Hang on to your temper and your integrity, no matter how hard it is. THEN if your bosses do not stand up for YOU----there are some serious issues with your job!!! No one should have to deal with a liar, who is trying to manipulate things to her way or no way. Your job should not suffer because your employer does not offer the type of service she needs. Although some of what she needs sounds mental---want to get her a bed next to my DH's ex wife???!!!! Ok now go get her!!!! Off to read the rest of the posts now, wanted to add this before you left. I have actually had 2 different judges thank me for my respectful actions in their court. Confrontation is never fun for me, so I have to have my little statement prepared in my mind, and remember to shut up when the other person is speaking. Let them screw themselves up---I bet she does! Let us know how it goes!! Haydee---how was the concert??? Kat

This whole thread reminds me of another common discussion always turns arguement that is quite common--Stay at Home Moms vs. Working Moms. Both sides have strong feelings, and reasons behind their choices...as well as some saying they have no choice in the matter. Neither side of the arguement seems to be able to understand the others position, and soon it becomes VERY personal. It is hard in any situation to have your personal decisions looked at closely and questioned. Our goal weights, and our choices in how to best achieve that are the same. We each operate under the feelings that of course our way is best. In reality in both issues I feel both sides of the arguement benefit from the other. In the weight loss/goal setting I feel like both sides, or both the Type A and Type B personalities compliment one another and help us all be successful. The serious minded goal setting Type A's provide the inspiration, and the push for all of us to keep going and striving for our goals---whatever they may be. The more laid back, Type B's remind the A's that we need to remember to enjoy the journey, and not miss it in our drive to get to our destination. One without the other does not work so well, it is like a teeter totter----all one way is not fun, neither is a perfectly still, level balance. The fun comes from the high and low...the give and take. I for one feel like surely we can accomplish this without judging and anger. I mean we all ARE human, and we all form opinions of others, and of how they do things, but we are all adult enough that if it doesn't affect us we learn to blow it off. Blowing it off is harder when the words said hurt. Some people are offended seriously when referred to as Fat. Others refer to themselves as that everyday, it means nothing negative. Some here like Chickie, are terribly offended with the word Skinny--others wait for the day anxiously. How we react to words differs widely. Some of it goes back to the same old Type A and Type B---whether you fight back or laugh it off. Neither way is right, and neither is likely to convince the other, of their side of things. I think as adults if someone says that a certain word offends them, then we avoid using it with them...that is nothing but common courtesy. Whether this is in Rants and Raves or anywhere else on the board, being respectful never hurts anyone. After being reminded of the Type A and Type B--I tried to pigeon hole myself and now have to wonder....is there a Type C???? LOL I am not terribly goal oriented. I am a slow methodical person, whether it is cooking dinner, one step at a time, not finishing until it is all done, or whether it is losing weight. I am semi neat at home---my house is lived in, but clean. My yard quite neat. BUT I do not like to be the center of attention. I do not like to make public speeches--I prefer to remain in the back of the room! I do not consider myself in any way a slacker---I am constantly busy with something! From baling hay and branding cows---to heading off for a pedicure! I am without a doubt a true failure as a Leo though---I am not one to be standing in a crowd telling jokes...or have no desire to be on the stage---I would be behind the scenes doing wardrobe or lights!!! Like I say---I must be a type C!!!! C for Can't decide!!! Kat

Good Morning Violets~ It is November!!! Wow---I remember when I was younger and someone would say time was flying by it seemed wierd to me---now I understand exactly what they were saying. I think the Black Friday ads are available on line today will have to look! We ended up with about 150 trick or treaters, and a house full of people. It was a stressful night. My DS got called to go with his boss to pick up the truck of another worker who got popped for a DWI. So my DIL was here with my grandson, my oldest DD and her family, youngest DD and her DH stopped in---our friends Becky & Gary and their kids (and their kid!) Several of my day care kids came in and hung out for awhile. Then I looked around and there is a strange couple of people and a different kid!! I ask Rick--he had no idea. Ends up they are friends of my DIL---which I really have no issue with, but they are kinda pushy, made themselves right at home. I had to get on to the little girl for walking in and getting in the fridge. She screamed at me---she wanted milk! No one spoke to her about her actions. My DIL kept going out on the back porch with them so they could smoke. Which was another sore point with me---one tried to light up in the house, Rick told her "Smoke Outside!" and she rolled her eyes at him. Well you can see out the big window into the back yard, and the stupid witch stubbed one out on our patio, and flipped the other into the yard. We have a coffee can full of sand out there, and I even saw my DIL point it out to her. I was getting ready to cause a scene, but could not concentrate, everytime they went out they left the kids in---and my grandson SCREAMED! And the little girl drug toys out. Finally I told my DIL when you go out next time take the kids---my babysitting time was over a loooong time ago. I think it pissed her off and they left. Heck if I'd known that I would have said it an hour earlier! My nieces are the same way, always bringing people to places, they never introduce them---wierd! I have no issue of inviting people in who have nowhere else to go, but this friend of DIL's Mom kept calling on the cell phone, waiting to meet with her, wanting to see her granddaughter----so I knew she DID have other plans, but instead was here destroying my house!! I am always unsure how to handle those situations. I closed the door to the playroom finally, and when she opened it, I went back and told her No this room is staying closed, go back to your Mommy,and she screamed at me she wanted toys...I told her too bad!! When they left, the night relaxed considerably! I think we will leave for TX this weekend. Which will put me back just before my surgery. Less time to stress over it! I'll take my laptop, not sure if or when I can get signal--we have no phone or cable at the farm. No sense in paying for it all year when we are there for 3-4 weeks a year.....but if I take it to town with me, I might find a WiFi connection somewhere---or I will check with his Aunt--use hers. Tracy, I am so glad you and Macy had fun!!! Kinsey and Lindzie went to the local nursing home before they went trick or treating. My DD's bf---his Mom is the director---took them all around showing them off, and they had such fun Manda said! I used to take the kids. Pamela I hope the kids are not too bad today. OOoohhh Kinsey wants to go lay back down--and she is not getting an arguement out of me. BBL!!! Kat

Derbygirl---did you have a spy camera on me today??? I too indulged in Halloween candy and cheesecake today!!! I can also eat anything, in a new way, and in lesser amounts. I no longer toss something in my mouth mindlessly chew a couple of times and swallow. I now chew well, and eat a lot less. But I don't miss any foods, because I can eat any foods. Well--I did totally quit eating glazed donuts, they grow sooooo bad after I ate a couple of bites, I PB'd what felt like 2 dozen donuts---the mere thought gags me now!!! It is an adjustment, but my quality of life is soooo much better, I still have food, including sweets when I choose to have them....I still can't eat a lot of them either. But the weigth being gone makes life so much easier. I cannot reccomend it highly enough. Kat

OMG way tooooooo funny Pamela!!! What a night! Just closed down the trick or treat shop. Will check in tomorrow, hoping for a nice calm day-----yeah right, who am I kidding??!! Hugs~ Kat

HI my Violet buddies!! Well I have surgery on the 16th---which does not surprise me a lot....waiting now to see if he will require me to be unfilled....hoping not. I will be on liquids only for about a week---so it would be beneficial to have my band! I am not a candidate for the radioactive iodine, because while it will kill the thyroid, there is no guarantee the tumors are thyroid type of tissue, and it might not kill them....sadly that made sense, so we set a date. I am going to TX for a week to 10 days so I guess we will leave in the next couple days! We have to get pecans dealt with. And the fields need shredded....lots of work waiting for us. With that, then a week of liquids---and then hopefully some thyroid meds------maybe just maybe I can get on the losing side of things again. I have had 7 trick or treaters so far and it is just 5 here. The later time change is wonderful! It is still over 65 degrees out right now, kids are in shirt sleeves, it is light, they are having so much fun. Kinsey is feeling better, ate like a little glutton all day! So they are off on Main street at the safe treats. I have not had a chance to read through the posts yet--wanted to check in with my Dr. report. My largest tumor is 3X4 cm, and on the isthmus---your thyroid is shaped like a bowtie, and the isthmus is the connecting area in the middle. It is my largest, causing the most problem, then I have 11 on the right lobe, and only 2 on the left lobe. He said he will biopsy slices while I am in cthe OR, and if the left checks clear he may leave it so I can have natural hormone! He brought a partner in to examine me, introduced us, and left the room, letting the other Dr. come to his own conclusions. The only variance in the diagnosis or treatment suggestions, was the 2nd Dr. was against waiting so long. But----I am ok with the 16th. Told me the biggest risk in the surgery barring the anesthesia issue is a possibility of paralizing the nerve leading to my vocal cords.....which has a fairly high risk---but at the rate the tumor is growing it is guaranteed to do it if I don't have it removed---so guess I will take my chances and trust. Spent the day on and off the phone with DS. Yesterday his new step Dad (remember they just went to Vegas for his real mom to get married) called him and was freaking out, saying his Mom was losing it. cShe has had several psychotic episodes before, but this time she was going to take down the Episcopal Church, and was starting with her parents, and was headed to their house with a gun. cHe picked up my DD (technically my step kids) and they hauled butt---without our knowledge out there, and confronted her-calling the cops on the way. When her parents tried to flee she let off a couple of shots, and my DD slashed her tires to keep her from leaving and following, and about that time the cops showed up. She is now on a 7 day hold in the psyche ward---again. When I refer to the woman as nutso, I am not just using the word lightly. I was furious with the kids, my gosh she was not in her right mind she could have killed them! The cop threatened to arrest my DD for the tire---saying crazy or not she had rights, and if she decides to press charges against Abbey, the officer said he will support her---jerk!! Could have been him she saved..... Anyway son is stressing about having those genes and the possibility of passing them to his kids. Was a sad day. She cursed and cussed him. She didn't want him to raise, and she continues to treat them both badly. I know it is selfish, but I am glad I had them! OK gotta go, hear kids outside!!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO MY FAVORITE TREATS!!!1 Kat

Hi all Judy we will be up and at it with those grandbabies about the same time. Manda drops Kinsey at 6 --she has a 36 mile drive to work. About half the time Kinsey comes in and wants to get in Papa's bed (on his empty side---he leaves for work at 5:30),and will go back to sleep. The other half she walks in saying I'm hungry! Manda provides a variety of things for her---waffles being her favorite! Yes, Terry, she was a preemie. She was delivered at 36 weeks, but she was delivered because Manda was pre eclamptic, and Kinsey was suffering from interuterine growth restriction. She had not grown in 2 weeks. She was induced and had her naturally, she was 4 pounds. Never required any oxygen, maintained her body heat from delivery on. Come home the next afternoon. She had some feeding problems. She was so tiny, and Manda is built like her Mom and large breasted to begin with, let alone with milk coming in, and Kinsey could not latch on. So for 7 months, Manda pumped and bottle fed her! She grew, but by then, she was used to the bottle and refused the breast. The first month they fed her with a syringe! Trying to avoid the bottle and still get her the breast milk. Finally broke down and gave her a bottle---which she just refused at about 7 months. Began drinking out of a sippy cup. She took breast milk from it for another month or so, and it was a battle to get her to take it. She is growing---she is gaining in height. She is going on 3, and is wearing a 12-18 month size clothes, but is like you say smart as a whip. She is on a good growth curve, just doesn't make the percentile charts---only in head size!! She is my DD's DD!! Manda got that from her Dad---all of them have big heads---literally! Well Pamela hope the party went well! I am ready for our group tomorrow. Well, I think I will finishe loading the DW and go to bed. I see my ENT/surgeon in the morning---have never heard anything from the endocrinologist. I have called my PCP and ask for a return call---and nothing. I am so frustrated. I feel like I got this diagnosis, and am suddenly on my own. I guess it is time to find a Dr. willing to deal with me. Oh well, will let you know what this guy has to say--I hated him before, so I am going into this biased. Wish me luck! Kat

Wooo Hooo Mandy---yay for you....Booo for us, we will miss you around here while you are off working! But what an opportunity to work the same schedule as Abi, I don't blame you I would have jumped for that job too! Chrissie, have fun on your date---we always have a houseful of people for halloween, 20-30 all the time. I ran a daycare for so many years, everyone knows mine is a safe house. They all come here and use this as their potty stop, and drink stop!!! They also know I have special candy for them. Now my day care kids are bringing thier own kids around!!! I am getting sooooo old! We too need candy and cookies out of the house! I am not as tempted as my DH and it is killing him! He is working so hard to get back into shape! Well I smell my stuffed jalapenos, I better go check them and get the rest of dinner done. Talk to y'all later, or tomorrow if there is time. Hugs!! Kat

There's your answer Chelle, send 'em to green!! Just kidding!!! I couldn't resist! We have issues with a friend of DH's always running himself short from payday to payday. Now the difference is, he does pay it back---faithfully on each payday---only to turn around a week later and borrow it back. He drinks a lot of his paycheck...so I figure someday he will lose this paycheck, but til then, DH keeps him going from one check to the next. It is never enough to make nor break us, I just get irritated by it. So I tend to stay out of it. He did ask once to borrow money for a car,and DH laughed at him---and he has never wanted more than the couple hundred he borrows and pays back every other week!!! A niece ask once, and we knew we would never see it again, both of my DH's sisters kids, could not survive if his sisters did not supplement them regularly---so we knew we would never see it again. We told her we had everything tied up with a financial advisor, we could talk to him, but if we withdrew anything it would have to have a contract, and interest to satisfy him. She said no thanks and has never ask again. My best friend had her SIL come to her to ask for money a few days ago, and ask her not to tell her brother---she is in deep with several of the payday loan people. My friend said she would help, but she would tell....just to let her know. They received a huge settlement from a work injury not long ago, and have all kinds of people asking for money----people expect it to be easy--and someone else can work for it. Good Luck--I've enjoyed reading the responses! Kat

Judy mentioned what I was wondering---if you might have a leak. You can ask that your next fill be done with Omnipaque. When your Dr. does your fills, does he remove the fill that is in there, and check to see if it is mostly accounted for? Might be a place to start....good luck! Kat

Walk in to the financial offices with your signed contract in hand. Offer them a copy of it, along with your first monthly payment. If that fails, speak to an attorney, and let them pay for it all themselves, for breaking the contract. Their inexperience in the situation will work in your favor I would think. I would not step down, if they signed a contract with me, I would do everything in my power, and beyond to make them honor it. There are often trouble shooters at local TV stations, who make noise making things right for people. Your contract is your golden ticket to making them re think things. In my albeit inexperienced, opinion. I agree most surgeons do require it to be paid up front, but if they made other arrangements with you, and went so far as to sign a contract, then it seems with you they will have to make an exception to their new rules. I will be interested to see how you get this done---I believe you will!! Good Luck! Kat

Thanks my friends for worrying about Kinsey with me---it's a shame that at 2 she does not know about all the cyber Aunties she has!!! The good (while not being exactly good) news is, my great nephew, Aiden, who was here for the party, was sick the last couple of days with a belly ache. My niece said he did not complain of anything else, just his tummy hurting--just like Kinsey. And while they were here, and we were riding the quads, Kinsey and Aiden were together a lot of that time. So maybe just a bug and it will pass. She is eating a little, she had some mac & cheese and went back to the couch and is back asleep. If she is running fever it is mild....so guess we will just watch and see how she does. The stupid pediatricians office NEVER calls back. cBut there is not a ped. in our area taking new patients....our area sucks so bad for medical care. Anyway, I was going to take her out and rake leaves into the pumpkin bags....but, she is asleep, and I cannot find my bags---guess it is back to looking in case she feels better when she gets up next. TTYL~~ Kat