Kat817

Haydee did he give you anything else for your tongue or tell you that you could use anything for it----(yeah, I really am gonna hook up the new keyboard!!!) I ask because I use a little packet of stuff from the pharmacy it is over the counter it is called Amacin---you mix it in a couple of ounces of warm/hot water, swish and spit---it has a numbing agent in it, also a peroxide base I am guessing, it is antisceptic as well. It helped more than anything with all the stitches I had in my mouth at the time---and we have used it since for many mouth issues. As I say we buy it at Walgreens, like 7 bucks for a package of 20 or more packets. Hope you aren't hurting too bad. Mothers Day-----doggone it! I will work around whenever! Most of you have work schedules etc. I do not. If this place has booking issues at the time we decide, we can find another---the only thing that really matters to me is that we can all get together. And like I said earlier, with us going later, maybe Denise will be available!! Kat

Woooo hoooo Jessica you got your date!!! And the teeth getting pulled will cut down on your last meal syndrome!!! Thanks so much for the well wishes, you are a great addition to our group, I am glad you are with us! Kat

Michelle if my friggin computer would cooperate, or if I had a clue what was wrong I would send you the list right now, but it is not letting me copy and paste it, I have suddenly lost tool bars for going back and forth---it will not ctrl c or ctrl v---nothing. And I have to go for dinner, this is making me mad as all get out! I will work on it when I get back this evening, if I have to type it out all over I will get it to you. Kat

Oh yeah, sleeping arrangements don't matter much to me. My Mom uses a C-PAP, and Rick did prior to his heart surgery---so they don't phase me, look wise, or noise wise....when I was in ALbq. with my folks the night they drove me nutso, my Mom had a dream and tried to chew the hose to hers in 2! I laughed my butt off! Rick says since losing the weight I don't snore anymore, BUT---he snores so loud I have no idea how he would know, and I don't sleep with anyone else, so have no real idea!!! I have to sleep on an incline, but have an inflatable wedge I take traveling.....or I can find me a recliner, and sleep there! I just thought of another possiblity---with the date change, it may change things with the due date of Denise's DD-----if the baby is already here, she may be able to join us for a weekend! I understand not chancing missing it(birth of her grandchild), but we could always fit her in...if her grandchild has already been born by then....and that would make it even better!!! OK, just posting rambling thoughts now. DH and I are going to dinner, celebrating in our own way---the lack of chemo! Got horrible news today though, a child I provided daycare for for 10 years, consider him one of mine, his family is wonderful. He was killed in a stock car racing accident in Abilene this weekend. I cannot believe Ryan is gone, he was 25. Breaks my heart. His Dad beat all the emergency crews to his car, and kept trying to pull him out, now Dad is burned too. SO incredibly sad. Prayers for the Bard family please.... Kat

I just ask you in the regular thread if those days worked for you, I was going to suggest working around your spring break!!! I am extremely flexible----even with my time (wink-wink) Seriously, as I said over there, whenever, just let me know. I am hoping to get this thyroid thing over with, and maybe even get my TT done this winter as planned, and will be there regardless!!! Rick already told me to GO!!! Kat

Hi my friends---well it was a joke come to life, I went in to the old saying of having good news and bad news. In the end, my thyroid does have cancer cells. BUT the lymph glands checked (4) do not. They do plan to do further lymph testing to be 100% sure, but feel confident they are ok. The plan is to meet with an endocrinologist about a radioactive iodine treatment, and whether that would work, or whether my only option is removal. Removal is preferred, but carries risk with my keloid scarring. Not only does the scar tissue form on the outside, but also in the inside, which could compromise my vocal cords, or my parathyroids----they would prefer not to introduce all the adhesions if we can find an alternate plan. The MOST WONDERFUL, BEST, GREATEST news of all, is that thyroid cancer seldom follows with chemo. I have had an emotional roller coaster kind of day. My results could have been sooooo much worse. I could have had better news, but I can cope with this. I love you all, and thank you so much for being there with me in spirit, and allowing me to be honest with my fear---I do not know what I did before you guys---the weight loss with my band has been wonderful, but the friendships outweigh even that. (((((hugs)))))) to all of you and thank you more than I know how to say!!! Kat

Hi my friends--- Terry thanks so much for the kind words, and spreading my news. I wanted you to hear something before now. I know the morning Tracy went to court, and waiting to hear about Janes results, I was on pins and needles. So I don't know a whole lot more than what I told Terry. I am having a consult over the phone (he will have access to all of my records by computer, including scans and results), and from there we will decide if I need to go down and be seen by him. My appointment is tentatively set for review next Wed. and surgery on Friday the 2nd. The issue at hand they are mulling over is my keloid scarring. While it is not going to be pretty looking like a railroad track across my throat---but the issue is the adhesions also grow on the inside---which will be too close to my vocal cords, and para thyroids for their comfort . So they are discussing several options. Seems very strange to be happy even though there was a cancer diagnosis, but if there had to be one, this was by far my best situation to be in. The knowledge that they seldom follow up with chemo is such a massive relief to me! The only bad news he gave me besides that was that with my history, he wants to me have my colonoscopy done for the first time this year rather than waiting til 50----yuck!!! So thank you so much for all your prayers and good wishes, I knew I was in such good company---I cannot wait to hug each of you personally and say thank you!!! Speaking of doing the in person thing----I know April is the bandiversary for you all, but is it the best time for everyone otherwise When do you have Spring Break Pamela--- Ok needed that question mark---and I HAVE an adapter!!! I just have not taken time to put it on--I began this post, and ended up with the neighbor coming over, then my brother showed up even before she left---and Manda come---has been busy and chaotic---and very emotional day! Going to post this so everyone is not wondering why I am here and not saying anything!!! Love to you all---and thank you more than I know how to say--- Kat

OMG This is it, I was sitting down to post, and the Dr. called, he wants to see me at 10:30, just over an hour away---and I have a 30 minute drive, and Kinsey nor I are dressed---I need to take her to my Mom. I think they usually give good news on the phone...crap, Maybe he just wants to schedule the surgery regardless, I am praying hard for that to be it, but put very plainly I am scared shitless........I keep thinking breath,,,,,Rick is picking me up any minute I have to get ready, but think good thoughts---I need em bad......I am so fricken scared I am shaking....please let it be ok. Will let you know the second I get back. If I have time I will program someones # in my phone so they can spread the word before I get home. Kat

Awwww Darcy don't let our issues frmo years past scare ya---you have an advantage in so many ways---you have a well adjusted happy daughter living with you who will say you do not keep her from her Dad, what more could they ask for---- Not much time here, the Dr.'s office called, and they want to see me at 10:30. Scares the crap out of me, I think they usually give good news over the phone.....but hoping for the best....will let you know. Wish me luck...I'm scared. Kat

Terry do the Tuscon show, and I'll try to get there! At least it is in the realm! I am afraid to begin beading or scrapbooking that I will get addicted and go overboard!!! I'm with Judy & Terry---no periods, and I do not miss them, not one little bit, not even a single second of it...period! I would have given it away years before, but no one wanted to do the surgery, then a few cancer cells and Voila` out it all come in a hurry! Well I spent all day carrying the phone with me from room to room, doing everything I could to keep my mind occupied, and no call. Finally about 5 I called the office, and he called me back about 6 and said nothing had been uploaded onto the computer system yet, he would check in the morning, and let me know as soon as he gets anything. So another night of waking up at 3 and it filling my mind...ggrrrrrr. I have a feeling it is all ok....but the fear is there. I mean I never ever would have thought I would have had it the first time around. And regardless I am looking at some sort of surgery, breathing and swallowing are a big part of my day! You CA girls, be careful and be prepared, get some things ready in case you have to go quickly. Those fires are starting up all over. We have a separate hard drive, that I have all of my pictures on. We scanned all kinds of documents into it, I keep it in the safety box. With our birth certificates, and copies of everything, probably even copies of credit cards we no longer have!!! When I escaped my situation in TX I left everything behind. But I never expected to live through it, so I had packed 2 boxes here, for my Mom to give to Manda....and that is all my past I have. So I am always prepared!! Well, I better get to bed, see if I can sleep!!! See you goils in the mornin' Kat

I agree---give me my friends---I can yak for hours!!! I also like the nature walks, not sure it will be the best time of year for scenic attraction---although spring might be trying to pop through----I won't hold my breath!!! The horseback riding is not a biggie to me, it is available to me all the time!!! Wonder if they rent scooters anywhere or even bikes....could be fun. With the temps Tracy found, count me out for any rafting!!! If it is only 35 at night, that Water is going to be icy! Don't think we will have trouble filling our time. The main issue with spouses is the sleeping space, the way I see it. I realize they could find things to do...but it would change the dynamics of the sleeping arrangements. But I don't have issue with it---if someones spouse wants to come--let them, mine will demure I am sure----unless I let him ride---and I am NOT riding the bike that far! LOL Kat

Well no call today---the office said the results have not been uploaded to the computer system they all use, to check tomorrow. I guess they have never waited for this kind of news....has left me an emotional wreck! I truly don't think it is bad news---I am holding that hopeful feeling---but regardless I am headed for some sort of surgery, gotta be able to breath and eat! Dianne, my surgeon and his office worked with me extensively prior to scheduling my surgery to find aftercare. I am in a rural area of New Mexico, and in fact there are no band surgeons in the state at all. The closest to me works out of both Pueblo and Canon City Colorado. It was his seminar I attended. We worked together for close to a year, getting all our ducks in a row for him to do my surgery. I met the required weight, I had the co morbidities, I was in a 12 month medically supervised weight loss plan. I had to fight with the insurance to allow my MD to do the nutrition appointments, there is not a nutritionist locally. So, finally we were getting things finished up. I was seeing my PCP at the time every 2 weeks---once a month as a nutrition discussion, and once a month for a weigh in etc, as my MD. I had my 10th month appointments done, was a few days away from the first one for my 11th month, and I was in a car accident. I was hit from the rear, and it spun my car into a light pole, pinning me in the car, and crunching my left knee between the dash and the door where we hit the pole. I was taken by ambulance to the hospital, spent the night, and had surgery scheduled within the week. I called and cancelled the appointment for my nutrition consult---I was totally dependent, I could not drive. I rescheduled it within the month---had my surgery, my Dr come to the hospital and saw me. I went to my scheduled appointment. A few days later the surgeons office called me saying insurance was closing my file. My missing the appointment, had violated the requirements for the surgery to be covered. My PCP did not want to get involved, but the surgeons office helped me to appeal, they once again said when I completed 12 consecutive months without missing an appointment, they would cover, but not until. By that time I was furious with my PCP, he was the one who ruined it in my opinion, he saw me in the hospital---I was just a steady co-pay and insurance payment he was not willing to lose in my opinion!! But changing PCP's and trying to find another who would support the surgery etc....I stuck it out there. I began looking into other options then. I have a friend here who used the Dr. I did, so I called her, and began researching....while once again begining the appointments. Then my surgeons office called and said the other things I had done...the cardiology work up, the sleep study etc, would not be submisible they needed to be done within 6 months of the surgery, and insurance would only pay for them without referral once every 2 years. So I stopped the whole thing. And began looking into Mexico again. This was before Kirshenbaum or anyone in the US was doing them as reasonable. I had decided on my surgeon, was just trying to figure the finances, without disturbing our savings, that is our retirement....all the while being seriously depressed. Then one day---a really depressed day---Rick and I were going into town and my cell phone rang, and it was the insurance company for the driver at fault. My ortho had just released me and they wanted to settle the case. They were telling me what all bills they had already paid, and throwing numbers out....I was trying to get my phone onto speaker, but was holding it so Rick could hear---and she says something to the effect that they would like to settle with me personally besides paying my medical, for pain and suffering, and loss of mobility, and on and on. When she told me the amount, the door opened. I had my way of doing it. My SIL was interested as well, so she pulled money from her 401, and we went to Mexico. Before we went though, as I began---my MX surgeon , spoke with the CO surgeon who worked so hard with me. He agreed to do my follow up care. But he is still 6 hours away one way. So the surgeon also had me contact my oncologist who treated me when I had my bout with cancer, to find out if he would in an emergency access my port for a total unfill only. I went and met with him, he agreed they could do that, called my surgeon with the ok, and we set a date! It was an amazing experience, the hospital was immaculate, the people all but fell all over themselves keeping us comfortable. They required us to stay longer since we had to travel so far home. It is not a clinic, but a hospital and we were in the hospital for 3 days. Longer if you could not drink comfortably and use the bathroom. All was well, so the afternoon of day 3 they took us back to the airport. I have been back to see my surgeon once, when I went with another friend to be banded. I would do it again in a heartbeat! My surgery, and flight for Rick and I both at the time (April 06), everything involved, travel to and from the airport, the motel, everything but 1 nights meal was included. It come to a total of $7,740.00 The surgeon did accept all my tests---he does require similar tests, but accepted mine, my SIL had to have a cardiology appointment, and a psych evaluation before the surgery---but he did not require the sleep study. I like the Dr. who does my fills ok, his office staff really worked to get me approved, it was insurance that failed me not them. But in the end, I liked my MX surgeon much better, he was much more informative, and relaxed, seemed more personable. My fill Dr. is very smug! I have some family members that went and were banded, they did not set up local care, and at this time one of them is doing the fills and unfills for them---yep---crazy idiots! I understand there is now a place in Albuquerque to get fills---I don't know anything about it though. I have not had a fill since a year ago July. Thinking about one to get the last of the weight off, then schedule a TT. WOoo HOoooo---a flat belly what a dream come true that will be!!!! Ok enough of a book! Kat

It may seem like a long ways, but you will get there!!! Look how far you came and what you overcome to get here! You made the drop from morbidly obese to obese in 6 months----with the majority of that time you did not have a working band---your repair was what 6 weeks ago---you WILL get there my friend, and we will be "overweight losers" together!!! Kat

Hi girls---and any guys we might have pop in.... Sitting on pins and needles awaiting a call from the Dr. but have heard nothing, begining to think it will be tomorrow----dammit! Patty been thinking about you and your boys with this fire. Once all the chaos is settled, I would have a serious talk with the school, ANY child with asthma, or any health issues should have been kept in, with no phone calls necessary, that is scary business! Will for sure have you in my prayers. Dianne---sooooooo good to see you! I can go to your site, just tell me what you want me to do---talk pro lap band---I do that well!!! What if they ask about where I was banded....isn't your site Dr. related....because I am a Mexico bandster.....let me know! I miss seeing you around, how's the legs----(I have no question mark still---cannot find an adapter, so now I have to either add USB ports through an expansion or buy a different key board.....grrrrr) Mandy, we have had cold weather too, but today has begun warming up some---and so far the prediction looks as though the kids might have decent trick or treat weather. What is Miss Abi going to be for Halloween---- You never know how much you miss that one little key, the lone question mark, until you don't have it! Betty---you on the mend now---- Eileenie----hugs---miss you! Well everyone, I only seem to have questions in mind today....and the lack of the key only irritates me! I had 3 computer shops that were to call me back today---nothing, between them and the Dr. everytime the phone rings I hope, and it is always someone wanting to know if I have heard anything! Will check in on you girlies in awhile---- Kat

Not long ago there was a thread about this, and the OP found someplace selling what appeared to be nice handbags, the one she linked was a black purse looking bag. They open wide, and have disposable black plastic bag liners. They sell them for air travel, car sickness, chemotherapy etc. I cannot for the life of me remember where I might find the post though. Maybe do a search on airsick bags, or car sick bags---- Kat

when going to nursing school a few years back my DD worked for Red Lobster. She was written up by her manager for selling a childs plate to an adult. She accepted the write up, because as she said she was told it was not accepted when she went through her training---and she knowingly broke the rule by allowing the woman to do so. She quit shortly thereafter and it is not someplace we go anymore due in large part to many of the rulings they force upon their waitstaff. Now whether this is corporate as he claims I have no idea---but it IS how he ran his local franchise. I agree---if they tell me no, figuring their tip will suffer, I can guarantee it will! Work with me and I will make it worth it! BUT that being said, the area in which we live, there is a HUGE issue with big parties and no tips---it is pathetic. My DH says when they go out to lunch from work, he has to overtip to compensate several of his employees who will not leave a cent. These are men making well in excess of 20-30 bucks an hour compared to the waitstaff making less than 3 per hour! We too go back where we feel taken care of, and do not go back to other places for the same reasons. I always tell management that I am unhappy with that this is a small town and I have a big mouth and I intend on spreading the word! Kat

Hi Panda--yep we have lists everywhere!!!! This one is a contact list. We are exchanging contact information outside of LBT. That way if one of us goes missing---we have a way to check and make sure they are ok. For instance now with these fires, we have some in our Violets in California---we would have contact if suddenly we quit hearing from them. We also wanted to exchange Christmas cards, which led to the Secret Santa!!! Only those sharing the information will be given the information, it will go out privately, that way it is not open to the public on the forum. We are including: Name SO's name, children's names if you want address phone # email birthday If you want to be added just PM me your information. You will need to send it to Laura separately for the Secret Santa---that way when I forward my list to all of you, someone not wanting to do the gift exchange is not inadvertently added to the SS list. Please feel free and welcome to join in! Kat

FOUGHT---not fount!!!! I really do know how to spell it! This is easier than editing these days!!! Kat

My battle in High School was the opposite, I was skinny---and hated that as badly as the obesity! I married right out of high school, and at 5'9" I fount to gain up to 116 pounds so my wedding dress would look decent. I want to lose more, but never want to go there again either!!! Kat

Ok---getting everyone's info together here---I missed one---don't tell anyone I messed up!!! Gina---is there a DH's name you want included---also waiting on some info from Jane (where you at girl---worry about you when you go AWOL), and anyone else wanting included. Terry, I have no idea what is inside the bear, he is white, and soft, he got smelly---like a freezer---but he cannot be washed---so I closed him in a zip lock with a bunch of baking soda, and he is a sweet bear again!!! I have done NOTHING today---unless playing Barbies counts! We filled Papa's lunch cooler with water, and let the barbies go swimming in the kitchen! Kat

some places allow me to order the childrens portion without question, others balk, so I just pay it---figuring, in the past I have more than made up for it. I noticed a HUGE difference in the looks I got before losing much weight and now that I have lost a considerable amount. Back when I was still near my heaviest, and would only pick at the huge plate of food, they would always ask, but had this look about them that was like "who do you think you are fooling"----but now they tend to ignore my not eating as much. We have found ways to save a few bucks when we go out at some places. One place offers a side kick of ribs or a skewer of shrimp that can be added to an entree---there we just order me the sidekick! Other places like our Chili's, never balk at me ordering from the kids menu. I too have a card, that requests them to allow me to order from the childrens menu, because I have had WLS. One of our local buffet restaurants honors it, another only discounts me to a senior buffet cost---saving about a quarter!!! In fact we don't go there anymore, because the manager was such an a$$ over it, he tried his best to embarrass me---asking loudly if my surgery was not working!!! I told him to skip it, charge me full price, I could fill as many plates as anyone else, whether I ate it or not! Other places that refuse to allow me to order from the childrens menu, if they can't because of company policy, I figure that is fine. I am out for a good time, and not having to cook, it is worth it, and I take leftovers home. BUT---the funniest thing to happen to me eating out was about a month ago we were in Applebees for lunch, and I was slowly and sparingly eating---it was one of those days things were going down very slowly---and this woman, sitting accross from me was heavy, close to my starting size, not quite, says to me across the aisle "If I could eat like you, I wouldn't look like this!" I was so shocked by it at first I said nothing, but smiled. Then I finally stopped at her table and told her that I had a lap band and ate small amounts slowly and with it I had managed to lose over a hundred pounds. She took my email to get more info!! Kat

As I watched Matt Lauer report at the fire this morning, I worried about my sisters in CA---know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I worry about you. Where are you in proximity to the fires.....yeah yeah you know......today I hope to find an adapter!!! I actually have live real life family in California, and I believe in a bad area, as far as where the fires are---they are in Rancho Cordova I think it is, maybe Rancho Cordoba....Rick has his best friend who lives in San Bernadino---he has been evacuated, and is currently living with his ex wife, in a nearby suburb. They thought that would be safest, they are trying to keep one of them with the kids at all times in case they get evacuated there, the kids will be with at least one of them. Which is REALLY shocking, the divorce was not very civil, was nice to see them step up to the plate, and do right by the kids for this. Several years ago, we were in the midst of massive fires, burning huge areas around us, we would wake up to ash covering everything. At the same time they were flooding back East---they had a cartoon on the political page of the paper, that showed the US folded over on itself the floods putting out the fire---don't we wish it was that easy. I received and added Jenns info---you are complete. Also added email for Michelle and Pamela--thanks guys! Yep Pamela, he looks like a sweetie, better keep him away from my Kinsey girl, she already has a boyfriend!!!LOL I can remember the first days of school---reactions were so different. Plus I took several to their first day that were not my own. With my day care kids, many parents could not or did not take time to take them the first day, so we always tried to have a first day of school party, pictures, and a welcome back home party. My oldest granddaughter started school this year, and we were not part of it, it just shatters my heart. Mason (who I consider my oldest grandson) began the year before---we were left out of that too. I usually see them on Halloween, Masons Dad who is basically raising our granddaughter, brings them by, he tries to include us. Ever since my DS got involved in another relationship, she has been running and keeping him from his daughter. Now she has another child by another man (3 for 3) and we have no idea where she is. I was going to suggest since we are having our gathering as Violets only----that we each plan to bring some pictures or video or something---to pass around and share, of our families, our weight loss---where we live---whatever! I was so tired this morning---it took me forever to find a position to fall asleep in. So 5:30 found me exhausted! I convinced Kinsey to go back to bed with me, and we would turn on the TV and find some cartoons---did you know at 6AM the only cartoon I could find was SpongeBob on 2 different channels! Anyway we got her blankets all squared away, and I closed my eyes, and she decided to scoot over closer to me, and when she went to lay down she cracked her head HARD on the headboard....poor baby---needless to say it woke us up! We grabbed the "boo boo bear" ( a bear filled with some sort of beads we keep in the freezer, I have had for over 20 years!!!) and he sat on her head for a few minutes, and she was fine---but it sure was a rude awakening! Well, guess I should get some things done....will check with y'all later! Kat

Wow, somehow I missed an entire page of posts---duh! I was in a panic, I had not seen Terry---I got a PM, but not seeing any posts, so I went hunting, and found an entire page Well girls I am still without the infamous question mark. I got the keyboard, and need an adapter, it is supposed to be in the box, but is not. I hate---I mean HATE Best Buy!!! I have everything, the box, the packing, the install disc, the receipt, and the name of the geek I spoke with hours after buying it. But nope if there is a problem it has to be taken up with the manufacturer.....grrrrrrrrr!!!!! The keyboard has a USB connection, and I do not want it to be USB---the only USB ports I have available are on the front of my CPU---so I want an adapter to go from USB to PS/2. They used to sell them for both the printer, and the mouse. No more, now the only way to get one is to buy it with the unit. You can buy the reverse....PS/2 to USB but not the other way around. So....have all the e-techs at DH & DD's work looking for a spare old adapter! Then I will hook up my keyboard, and have my beloved question mark!!! I actually bought another different keyboard today, one with a hardwired PS/2 plug----but I hated it the second it come out of the box!!! The keys are wierd! Large on the base, small small on top---with little tiny lettering on them. Shaped say like a pyramid. I tried messing with it, I typed gibberish---so it is going back! At least Walmart is better about that than BB! ****List Info Needed**** Pamela, Terry, Jennifer,Laura, Jane, Tracy(KS),and Michelle ---do you want email included (aargghh--you know....question mark!!!) I also do not have birthdays for----Denise, Amanda, and Jennifer (Ms. Jen---I know you just mentioned it when we wrongly wished you a happy birthday---I forgot to note it though! I think you said like July 19th maybe I am probably soooooo wrong!!!) Also was wondering Jenn (and others if you want to let me know---some of you might like it if gifts were family oriented) if you want your kids included ---some have sent kids names as well as the spouse or partner. I also know I have heard it---and could likely find it---but will just ask!!! Laura---I need DH's name!!! Also don't show a spouse or partner if one is needed on you Jane. Panda, if you want in I need all the info from you---as well as anyone else wanting included, that I don't have info on already. I will give y'all a couple of days to get the extra info to me, and then I will send you all out the list. Laura when you get the list, you can use it to add my name to your Secret Santa List. Well, I best get to bed....my stomach is not settling though. I had some chili for dinner, it is not doing well! Not like a band related not well, like a usual, I ate chili, and have heartburn or indigestion not well!!! Will see y'all in the morning! Kat

I had no idea what weight I thought would be my goal---I knew how I would like to look again, but not what weight would get me there. So I ask my DD how much she weighed!!! She and I are the same height, and she is VERY fit (competitively so), I figured with the age difference, I may be pushing it. Like others, I would prefer to meet a goal then lower it than to set myself up---or go into it---expecting to struggle or fail. So I took her weight and added 5 or 10 pounds and consider it to be my goal. Now I could get very serious and likely meet the weight goal, and still be very unhappy with my body. I need a TT! I have an abdominal muscle that has been separated since the 1980's!!! I never was a candidate for repair, with my weight. I can now have it repaired, and plan to---then I might adjust the goal, but for now it seems feasable, and healthy. My DD at her weight is wearing a size 7 in Juniors. I will be happy in a 9 or an 11----it all beats the 22/24!!!! My best friend is large boned---also of normal weight. But when buying bracelets, rings, anklets, etc. you have to get a larger than average size. She is 5'6" and weighs under 150 pounds, but needs a size 9 ring, and has to special order bracelets etc. She has to have clothing specially tailored to fit her linebacker shoulders!!! But her weight is really not affected by the large build. She is of similar weight to another friend of smaller build. You would expect the bones to be heavy--make a big difference, but they don't seem to. I have normal bones, just have the upgraded heavy duty insulation!!! But it continues to dwindle!! Kat

Did you tell people you were having it done? All of my family and friends knew, and it was not kept a secret, if they told others, they told. I now receive calls from friends of freinds who have questions about banding---it has never been a secret. Did you eat like you were never going to eat again????? I had some fears of being unable to eat certain things, and I did find myself eating more of that. Like I read on here I would not be able to eat grilled cheese---so I had a few over the weeks leading in!!! But as for a huge food fest---no I was afraid they would cancel my surgery if I gained rather than lost weight. Did you establish an exercise program? I was walking then. I have a tumor in the fibula of my leg, which keeps me from doing anything extremely strenuous--without risking my leg just up and breaking---so I was doing a mile or sometimes 2 prior---on a school track. Now I walk in the hills, and ride an elliptical trainer, and go to Curves. Also do some light free weights---lots more than I had done before banding, and before losing the first say 50 pounds. What was your favorite Protein drink and where did you purchase. I used unjury unflavored protein powder (Welcome to the UNJURY Homepage) with several different flavorings, either sugar free syrups from DaVinci, or SF/FF pudding mix---but I only drank them during the healing phase, as soon as I was able to eat a full diet again, I have attempted to get all of my nutrients through my food, although I do take Multivitamins. Good plan to get your questions answered now!!! Good Luck, and welcome to LBT!!! Kat